by Rain Itika
"You drive me crazy." Roland grabbed her head, pulling it down to him. Their lips met in a fiery battle while spark erupted between them. The hunger she had felt over the last week intensified, making her need more. What felt like hours passed as they sucked and nibbled, their tongs rubbing against each other. It all became too much and she gently pushed up against his chest, lifting herself to take a deep breath, her lungs eager for air. They stared at each other, both out of breath.
"I missed this." he confessed as he ran his hand up and down her back.
Lara leaned her weight on her elbows on each side, allowing her to watch him more intensely, that is when she noticed his eyes kept shooting between hers and her neck, guilt splayed on him.
"Can I do something."
"Depends on what." She jokes with him.
He reached out and touched her neck, light caressing the soft skin, and all she did was close her eyes, reveling in his touch.
"Can I mark you?"
Her eyes shot open in surprise, "Why would you want to mark me?"
"It is not what you think it is. This is the final move to claim a mate, a way to show the world who you belong to, and vice versa. It will also allow you a connection to the pack, be able to mind link with them."
His fingers caressed her neck while she absorbed this new information.
"Is it going to hurt?" concern edging in her voice.
"No, not at all. In fact, I heard it is pleasurable."
"Okay."
Excitement shone in his face as he pushed her up, bringing himself with her. They both sat on the bed, facing each other while brushing my hair to the side, exposing my neck to him. He wrapped his hand lightly around her neck, the other going around her waist, pulling her closer. She rested her hands on his chest, feeling his skin beneath her palms.
He slowly lowered his head to the exposed skin and her head tilted more as his teeth grazed her skin. The excitement boiled in her, butterflies swirling in her stomach.
"Relax," he spoke, right before he pierced the skin. For only a second, the pain hit her but was replaced by pleasure. It soaked into her body, flooding everywhere and a moan escaped from her chest. His grip tightened on her waist, holding her in place.
Lara felt her teeth elongated as instinct took over her. His neck hovered under her mouth, and without a second thought, she bit into him. Blood began to fill in her mouth, edging her on to bite harder. She heard his moan vibrating against her skin, prompting one to be released by her.
Roland pushed her away roughly, separating them. He watched her with his black eyes, hers the same. His neck had blood smeared where she had bitten and upon closer inspection, she watched as a purple patch appeared.
You are something else. A voice spoke in her head.
"What was that?" she exclaimed, her hand reaching up to her head.
Roland chuckled, "That was the mind link. You can communicate with me, or the pack, through it." he reached out to her again, pulling her in for a hug.
Lara wrapped herself around him, pressing her head to his chest and listening to his heartbeat. They lay in silence as they relaxed. As sleep took ahold of her, she finally felt safe. After years on her own, she had a family of her own and a place to call home. Before, she never fit in, but now she was part of a pack. As she drifted off, the only thing on her mind was him. He was hers as she was his.
EPILOGUE
"I have a surprise for you."
Lara glanced up at the mirror, Roland's image reflecting back at her. He stood tall, a black tuxedo hugging his tall figure. He was truly gorgeous, and she was a lucky girl to have him.
"For me? You shouldn't have." she said, turning around in the chair to gaze upon them. They had been back now for two days, the best days of her life but being here again had been weird at first since she did not feel like she belonged here, but the pack had accepted her quickly. They did not blame her for the deaths of their fellow pack members. They had thanked her for bringing their Alpha back alive.
He strode over to her, picking her up bridal style and sitting on the bed. She placed a fast peck on his mouth and when she tried to pull away, she saw his eyes were pure black. He tightened his grip on her, pressing his face in her neck and breathing in her scent.
"You drive me crazy," he whispered as his hand sneaked in under her dress. She playfully slapped him away before he could reach his destination.
"Not now." she giggled. "You mentioned something about a surprise."
He reluctantly removed his hand, eyes turning back to the pure green color she loved to gaze at. He reached into his pocket and retrieved a piece of paper.
"We found something I think you would like to see." he gave the paper to her. She took it, slowly opening it, spending a few seconds inspecting it. A sense of recognition flashed in her mind.
Three people were posing happily, all of them smiling at the person taking the photo. A petite lady with dark blond hair stood on the left, next to her a burly man with dark brown hair. Sandwiched between them was a little girl. She looked happy and loved.
"Is...is this what I think it is?" Lara mumbled. She looked at Roland with amazement as a tear escaped her eyes.
Knock knock knock
They both glanced up at the door, a happy moment ruined. "I will see who it is." he patted her on the leg as he got up. She watched him walk to the door and as he opened it, there was a flash of black hair. He talked to Mark for a couple of minutes, giving him a hug and a handshake, before closing the door and coming back to her.
"Everything okay?" she questioned while he sat down next to her. Since she was the new Luna, she had gained responsibilities, something she was not used to.
"Funny news, " Roland started, picking her up again and plopping her down on his lap. "Mark found his mate."
Lara looked shocked. "Who is she?"
Roland rubbed his chin, looking confused.
"Well, she is a witch. He saved her from Lucius."
"A witch. How is that possible?" Lara had to pick her jaw up from the ground, it was hanging so low.
"No idea. Mark asked to take some time off to go and find her. She ran away from him before he could talk to her. He is not very happy about the situation."
"I can imagine, especially with his upbringing." she felt sorry for Mark. He deserved to find his mate, and now he was stuck with someone who was not a wolf. She had nothing against witches, but a wolf needed someone to be able to run and play with them. It was in their nature.
"I know, but what to do. He thinks she put a spell on him, but to be honest, I think it is real. The moon goddess works with a purpose, maybe trying to teach him a lesson in respecting and loving all creatures."
"Well good for him. About time he grew up and left his playboy style behind." she had heard stories about Mark's previous adventures, most involving females.
"Enough talk about my beta." he took the picture and glanced at it. "Let's talk about this."
"It is my parents, right?"
"How did you know?"
"They look vaguely familiar."
"You are right. They were Michelle and Peter Brooke, Alpha and Luna of the silver river pack. They lived in Canada when the accident occurred."
Tears began to stream down her cheek. She was finally able to put names to the faces in her dreams.
Roland wiped them away and gave a big smile as he pointed to her as a child. "And this adorable little girl's name is Ruby."
"Ruby." she loved the way it fell off of her lips. "My real name is Ruby. I like it."
"Then we will officially call you Ruby Catch," he exclaimed proudly.
; She turned to him with a raised eyebrow. "Who said I am taking your last name after the wedding?" she teased him.
He tightened his grip on her waist. "Do not joke with me. You are not going to like the punishment."
He pushed her onto the bed, covering her body with his. Hands began roaming over her, making her excited.
"O, I think I am going to love this punishment."