“Are you saying Lorcan’s group isn’t a threat? They killed a group of shifters tonight. Everyone is dead.” Willow shook her head. “How is that not a threat?”
“Perhaps I should have said immediate danger.” Korbin paused, as if giving her a moment to digest what he was saying. “Lorcan’s group is a threat to all shifters as well as humans, and I do believe tonight was just the start. However, we’re not close enough for them to be considered a threat at this time. If they’re going to attack another group of shifters, it will be someone closer, not over five hours away.”
“Some didn’t realize it under Keith because he rarely allowed us to leave the compound, but there’s danger everywhere. Keith is a problem, and I have no doubt he’ll be eliminated in the future. Until then we must keep our guard up. What we can’t do is let our fear control us. I’ve been there, and I personally don’t want to go back. I want to enjoy life. If I’m going to die tomorrow, I want to enjoy every minute of today.” She glanced back at Sparks. “I want to enjoy my mate and my family. I don’t want anxiety to control me.”
“You make it sound so easy.” Willow tossed the pillow aside and rose from the bed, going to the window.
“It’s not,” Merrie reassured her. “Every time my anxiety rises, I take a deep breath and ask myself if whatever I’m worried about is something I can change right then. With anxiety you must stay in the moment. If you’re worried about future problems you can’t fix yet or ones that haven’t even presented themselves, you’re worrying for no reason. I know you’ve heard the saying you can’t fix something that’s not broken. Well you can’t fix something that hasn’t happened yet. When all else fails, you find someone to talk to. I’m always here for you, as I know Layla and Korbin are, but if you don’t feel comfortable with any of us, I’m sure any member of the clan would be willing to chat with you. You can’t overcome it alone, but you can with your family by your side.”
“I’m here, too.” Sparks shot Willow a smile when she turned back toward them. “You’re not in this alone, we’re all here for you.”
“It’s getting late, and your anxiety has passed, leaving behind exhaustion. You need to get some rest,” Korbin reasoned, no doubt knowing everyone was tired.
“How about I make lunch, and you can come down to Sparks…I mean our place, and we can talk more?” Merrie cocked her head to look over at Layla. “Maybe you could join us, too?”
“Sounds like fun. I’ll bring something sweet.” Layla glanced toward Willow. “Maybe those cinnamon muffins you like so much.”
“That’s it, I’m in.” Willow’s face brightened with a smile, the first real one since they’d arrived.
“It’s settled then. Let’s say noon. We’ll see you there, but you know where we are if you need anything.” Merrie turned heading for the door with Layla as the men followed in their wake. Zaz, who had stood near the door, opened it and checked the hall before allowing them to exit.
The conversation had gone better than Merrie had expected. Unlike how Merrie had been before her trip to Alaska, Willow still had spirit. She was scared, but she wasn’t about to let it stop her from living. Even her decorated room was a statement there was a brighter future ahead of her. She might not realize it yet, but she’d already made the decision to keep fighting.
It took me awhile, but I’m there too. Nothing’s going to stop me from having a life with Sparks. Here’s to the future. Our future together.
Chapter Twelve
More than an hour later, Sparks laid with Merrie cuddled against him in bed. It’d been an eventful day and while Merrie seemed to be adjusting to being back in Ohio, he was still on edge. Willow’s fear earlier still weighed on his mate, he could feel it not only through the connection but also in her silence. Except when he made love to her and had her screaming his name, she’d been quiet since returning from Willow’s room.
“What’s on your mind, sugar?” Looking down at her, he dragged his fingers along her arm.
“Why do you ask?”
“Avoiding my question…that’s never a good thing.” Lifting his other arm, he brought his forefinger under her chin and gently guided her up to look at him. “I’ve never felt you shield like this before. Talk to me.”
“I was thinking back to one of the memories I saw when we mated…”
“Mer…” He wasn’t sure where this was going, but he knew it wasn’t going to be a lighthearted conversation.
“When Keith basically told you if we mated, he’d torture and kill us.” She spit it out before taking a deep breath. “He knew, didn’t he? He knew we were supposed to be mated, just like Korbin and Layla knew. How could he…”
“Sugar.” He pulled her tighter against him. “Does it even matter now?”
“Yes. How many other couples did he deny mating to? I don’t even understand the logic behind it. Don’t Alphas want their clan members mated? It makes the whole community stronger. Without our mates, we can’t bring new life into our clan. We’d end up dying out. Or was that his plan all along?”
“I don’t know Mer. Maybe he wanted to see the clan fizzle out. It doesn’t make sense, but a lot of Keith’s actions had little logic to them.” He cupped the side of her face with his hand. “We gave him the power to rule over us, and he took advantage of it. If there are others, he denied mating to we have to believe they’ll find their mate in time. Just as we did.”
“If they don’t?” She ran her hand along his chest. “I don’t think I could have survived any of it without you. You’re my rock.”
“You could have.” He pressed his lips to her forehead and squeezed her tight against him. “You’re stronger than you believe.”
Even as he said it, he didn’t want to think of how bad things would have been without him there. To think of her going through the torture Wolf had inflicted on him for her going to Henry. He wasn’t sure Merrie could have survived it. Especially with her beast being so close to the surface. If the torture didn’t kill her it would have broken her mind and turned her rogue.
“We both know I couldn’t have survived what he did to you.” She voiced the thoughts running through his head.
“Sugar—”
“Don’t deny it, Sparks. We know the truth. My tigress was too close to the surface. Even if my body survived, my mind wouldn’t have. My tigress would have taken over.” She snuggled against his body and draped her leg over his thigh. “I’m a weaker shifter, and I’m fine with that—at least now I am since Keith is gone. Maybe that’s why fate decided I need you as my mate. I needed a protector, but I also needed someone kind, understanding, and patient.”
“You’ve grown in power and self-confidence since going to Alaska and even more since we’ve mated. Your tigress is stronger than she was. Can’t you feel it?”
“I…” She leaned up on her elbow and looked down at him. “Really?”
“Yeah. Even Korbin mentioned it.” He ran his hand down the length of her back. “Between your new position working alongside the Elders and reestablishing the connection with your tigress, I believe you’ll continue to grow in power. Your tigress was stifled before, and now you’re both free. That’s going to change things.”
“That should make me happy to know I’m not the weakest shifter here, but it also makes me nervous. I know what it’s like to have stronger shifters around you and take advantage of the power.”
“You’re not going to let the power go to your head.” Trailing his finger along her jawline he wanted nothing more than to lean up and claim her mouth. A kiss would lead to more since they were already naked and in bed. “You were never the weakest. While in the past you might not have gone looking for fights, you risked yourself to help those around you. That takes courage and strength. Now if you’re not tired, I think there’s something else we could spend our time doing.”
“Is my tiger ready for another round?” she teased, sliding her hand down his chest toward his manhood.
“Sugar, I’m always ready for y
ou.” He grabbed hold of her waist and lifted her until she was straddling him. “Tonight, I’m even going to let you ride me. You can finally take the ride we didn’t have time for in Alaska.”
Straddling him, Merrie stared down at Sparks. His green eyes sparkled as he waited for her to make her move. “Oh, the power you give me.”
“I just said you wouldn’t let the power go to your head and now you’re trying to prove me wrong. Aren’t you?” Grinning at her, he put his arms behind his head and waited.
“I just didn’t expect you to give up control so easily.” With her gaze focused on him, she ran her hands down his chest. “You said I’ve grown, but do you realize how much you’ve changed since we’ve stepped out from Keith’s control? You’re strong enough to lead, but it’s never been your desire. This new position as Captain of Layla’s Guards is perfect for you. You’re leading the other Elder Guards which gives you control, but without having to handle everything that comes with being an Elder.”
“Are we going to talk or are you going to take advantage of this opportunity in front of you?” He cocked an eyebrow at her in question. “Otherwise I might roll you over and make you scream my name. Either way my dick is going to end up buried deep inside you before either of us gets any sleep.”
“Then I’m right.” Not wasting another moment, she wrapped her hand around his shaft. Gliding caresses up and down the hard length, she teased his erection harder. He groaned and reached up to caress her breasts. Heat coiled between her thighs, and her sex clenched. She loved the feel of him in her hand and knowing she caused him to be rock hard.
“Sugar…” His tone held a bit of a growl to it, and she looked up to find his eyes shifting to the dark honey color of his tiger.
Desperate, she adjusted her position. Angling the head of his shaft just below her opening, she sank down onto it, slowly allowing his hardness to fill her inch by inch, until his low moan echoed hers. Moving his arms from behind his head, he reached out and pinched her nipple, the pain mingling with pleasure. She rocked upward and then down again, finding her rhythm. Impatience coiled through her as she tried to find the right motion for the desire rushing within her. As if realizing her frustration, he grasped her hips, increasing his pace and driving into her with force.
With every thrust, he sped his pace, hands on her hips, pulling her down onto him harder and faster. Stroke after stroke, the tempo between them intensified until his hips were slamming off hers. The thrusts became deeper, more urgent, falling into a perfect rhythm. Their bodies rocked back and forth and her back arched, pushing her breasts out toward him as her orgasm neared. The tension strained through her muscles, tightening around his cock.
“Fuck, Mer.” He dug his fingers into her hips. “I love it when you tighten your muscles around my dick.”
As she pushed down onto him, he arched up to meet her. Ever faster and deeper, they met each other’s thrusts. They climbed the mountain, both seeking the apex. “Sparks!” Screaming his name, she slammed down onto his body as her orgasm found her. She dragged her nails along his chest, leaving angry red scratches.
His grasp on her hips tightened, keeping his cock buried deep within her as his own orgasm hit him. As he found his own release, he tipped his head back, roaring for all to hear, and vibrated the items on the nightstand.
Exhausted, she collapsed on top of him, her hands on either side of him, holding him tight to her. She wanted to be cuddled against him, but the idea of moving took more energy than she had at the moment.
“Fuck, sugar. I’ll give up control to you anytime, at least in the bedroom.”
“If there’s no soundproofing in here, you just scared the whole building.” Forcing herself to rise off him enough to look at him. “Should I expect someone to come knocking on the door to make sure we’re okay?”
“No.” His arms wrapped around her waist, keeping her pressed against him. “There’s plenty of soundproofing. Korbin made sure every bedroom had enough that the neighbors didn’t have to listen to anyone having sex. The quarters down here are soundproofed throughout. So even if you’re standing outside our door, you couldn’t hear what was going on. It ensures Elder business stays only with those who should have the information.”
“So, we can do this in every room, and no one will be the wiser.” With a grin, she squeezed her core muscles around his shaft still buried in her. “Next up, the kitchen counter. There’s something arousing about the idea of feeling the cool granite countertop under my butt and to be able to look down as you’re working your way in and out of me.”
“Damn, woman.” He brushed her hair away from her face. “Give me ten minutes, and I’ll make it happen.”
“Ten minutes but I thought shifters had stamina.” She wrapped her lips over his nipple, gently biting it.
“Mer…” Even as his voice held a warning his cock twitched inside her, sending a jolt of desire rushing back through her, forcing her inner core muscles to tighten around him again. “If you do that again, I won’t be responsible for my actions.”
“Really now? What will you do?”
“We’ll never make it to the kitchen. I’ll roll you over right here and fuck you until you’re so sore you can’t walk straight tomorrow, let alone sit.” He swatted her ass, making her jerk in surprise.
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Sparks.” The idea sent desire through her, but she slipped off to cuddle beside him. “You’re not a cub anymore, it might be beyond your capabilit—”
Her words died in her throat as he rolled on top of her, pinning her to the mattress. “Sugar, are you calling me old?” Wrapping his hand around her wrist, he pulled her arms above her head, holding them there as he nipped her neck.
“You’re more than welcome to prove me wrong,” she teased, knowing he’d take her up on the challenge.
It didn’t matter that they’d just had sex twice since coming back from Willow’s. She couldn’t get enough of him. She wanted his hands on her body and his shaft buried deep within her until they were both roaring. No wonder mates spend days locked in their rooms once the bond has been established. I’d love to spend days in bed with Sparks, not caring about anything, but our duties won’t allow it. So, we’ve got to make time as we can.
Chapter Thirteen
Morning came long before Sparks wanted it to, and as much as he longed to snuggle against Merrie’s beautiful, naked body, there was something he needed to attend to. He could have put it off, but it wasn’t him. Doing his best not to disturb her, he slipped out of bed.
“Where are you going?” Her voice was thick with sleep as she rolled toward him, her eyes still closed.
“Go back to sleep.” He tucked the blanket up around her, but before he could pull away, her fingers wrapped around his wrists.
“You didn’t answer me.” Opening her eyes, she stared up at him before her gaze drifted down his naked body.
“Don’t get any ideas, sugar. You’re sore and exhausted. I’m just going to check on the guards.”
“Work.” She dropped her hand away from his and turned to look at the bedside clock. “Four twenty. Tell me you’re not always up at this hour.”
“No.” He came around to the other side of the bed, so he was closer and sat down on the edge. “Sometimes we go crazy and do it at three-thirty instead.” His lips curled into a smile as her eyes widen with horror.
“Did I forget to mention I’m not a morning person?” Her fingers teased along his forearm. “Unless…”
“You’re sore,” he reminded.
“Something about seeing you naked makes me forget the tenderness and the fire within begins to boil over again.” Sliding her fingers into his, she nodded. “I know you’re right, but it doesn’t stop me from wanting you.”
“Rest and I’ll make it up to you.” He leaned down for a kiss, but before he could claim her lips, she spoke, cutting off his intention.
“I thought Zaz was doing the training today. So why are you up?”
<
br /> “Mer—”
“Don’t look at me like that, I’m not upset.” She cut him off before he could finish. “I understand your dedication and admire it. I just wouldn’t have kept you up so late if I knew you were going to this morning’s training session.”
“You said it yourself I need to name a second-in-command. Zaz is leading the session which gives me the perfect chance to observe without them knowing I’m watching.”
“How won’t they know? I mean won’t they see you just sitting on the sidelines watching. I might not be a guard, but to me that’s pretty much a dead giveaway you’re observing.”
“Korbin considered the need for observation and there’s an office on the second floor. It appears to be a standard office, but the picture on the far wall can be moved to allow anyone in there to watch those in the gym unnoticed.” He took her hand into his and added. “That information is only known by Korbin, Layla, Zaz, myself, and now you.”
“Are you supposed to be sharing this with me?” She scooted up in bed and the sheet slipped lower before she brought it back up to cover her chest.
“I’m sitting here naked and you’re covering yourself.” He wanted to pull the sheet away to reveal his beautiful mate. “You’re gorgeous, Merrie, and I’m going to prove that to you every day. One day you’re going to feel comfortable as naked as I am.”
“I doubt that.” She tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and watched him. “You didn’t answer me.”
“Korbin understands keeping secrets from ones’ mate can put a strain on the mating bond. So, as my mate I’m allowed to share these details with you. If you’d like, later I can show you the room.”
“Can I go with you now?”
“You should get some more sleep.” He ran his hand along her sheet covered leg. “I’m planning on making your kitchen sex fantasy come true later.”
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