by Rowan Thalia
"I bet he always was," Lewis whispers in my ear, twisting my nipple so hard I reach another orgasm.
Brandon shoots the bird at Lewis. His body bucks beneath mine, and I can feel his cum explode inside of me. He throws his head back, covering his face with his arm, chuckling. He's so cute I could eat him up like the bad wolf I am.
"Time to ride the Lewis train gorgeous."
Two strong arms lift me and turn me around until I'm on my hands and knees. His pelvis bushes against my ass, and he tickles my spine before centering himself and gliding into my wetness. It takes me a hot minute to adjust to his girth, thankfully he doesn't begin pumping until I wiggle my hips.
"Come over here, Ty," I demand.
Ty scrambles to move around Brandon's dazed form. Once he reaches me, I don't waste a minute before I envelop his cock with my lips. He sighs and palms the back of my head eagerly. Skin begins to slap as Lewis picks up his thrusts. I relax, allowing his motions to move my mouth up and down Ty's shaft. Lips brush against my arm, and Brandon joins the fray, his fingers on my clit. I'm one second from going nuclear, so I hope these boys are ready to come.
With a naughty idea, I push my Alpha powers out and lash the guys, hoping I set the right frequency. I've never used them for sex, but I think I hit the mark. Ty's muscles tighten. His hands clench the roots of my hair. The sensation throws me over the edge. I can barely keep myself upright as Ty and I both climax. His seed fills my mouth, and I drink it down.
"Goddess, this is hawt," Brandon growls.
Lewis's arms punch into the bed, and his body molds against my back. With a mate hold, he locks his teeth on my shoulder and roars as he comes to his own release. I collapse under him, spent. There's another moment of rearranging limbs until I'm spooned by Lewis with Brandon in front of me. Ty manages to wriggle in behind Brandon, draping an arm over him to reach me.
I barely whisper, "Oh fuck, that was good." My mouth feels numb from all the kissing and oral that I gave. The fucking high from being with my men is the best feeling. The only thing that would be better would be Ranger with us. A tinge of sadness sweeps over me.
'I'm here, Petite Louve. Always. It's best if I keep my wolf solitary at first. I promise I'm still here.'
'I love you.'
'I love you too.'
"Want to go to town with me and pick out stuff for the new house?" Lewis watches his fork impale a gooey shell of macaroni. He won't meet my eyes when he talks most of the time unless it's sexual. His deference to my rank makes me feel all sorts of twisted inside. I love it and feel bad about it at the same time.
"I'd love that! When?"
"After we finish eating and I clean the kitchen, it's my turn."
"Okay, I'll help you," I take a bite and nudge his leg with my foot. His bright blue eyes peek at me through his lashes, melting me like a glob of putty. I love these men with all their quirks and weirdness. I don't know exactly when it happened, but I love them all.
The sound of forks scraping the ceramic bowls fills the empty space between us. I wonder what he's chewing over, I know it's more than lunch, but I decided to give him space. His ankle touching mine is all I need right now. It's like he knows I crave connection. My heart is happy. I scrape the last of the cheesy goodness into my mouth and rise from the table. Lewis's chair scrapes across the floor, I feel more than hear him walking behind me to the sink. We quietly wash and dry the dishes side by side, bumping elbows as we work. An electric static rises in the air between us.
"I still wake up every day in awe that you're really here … and ours," Lewis pulls me into an embrace.
"Me too," I sigh. "I know you said you came here because your pack changed leadership, do you keep in touch with your parents? Or anyone? Where are you from?"
"Brandon and I came from the Nashville Pack in Tennessee," he wipes his brow.
"My mom is Luna. I'm not allowed to speak to her. My father, the former Alpha, was killed in the competition for his position. Part of a pack from North of us came in and invaded to take our females. They were all larger and trained with the armed forces, so it was a slaughter."
"I'm so sorry," I wrap my arms tighter around his waist.
"Me too."
We stand there for a moment, Lewis' body trembling in my arms. He's gulping air like a drowning-man, I can only imagine how much it cost him to tell me his story. My heart swells and I bury my face in his neck, breathing in his scent. If I could erase his hurt, I would. I would take all of his pain.
"Leaving home is never easy. I miss my Mama so much," I croak. "I didn't even have the sense to leave her a note. I bet she's worried sick," a tear falls from my eye.
"I could try and send her a message on the wire?" He whispers.
"Really? Would they be able to track me from that, though?"
"Naw, I'm pretty good at tech stuff. Plus, I got a guy that can help. I check in on my Ma through my sis when I can that way. We can both send a message while we're out in town."
I nod and plant a kiss on his chin. Lewis takes in a breath and hugs me tight, we're all outcasts, every single one of us. The Not-a-Pack was meant to be, I must believe that.
'I know we were,' his lips find mine. Everything else disappears.
"If you two are quite done?" Ranger growls as he enters the room. Lewis's mouth leaves mine, his head snaps toward the Alpha. I refuse to move. I get it, but we've all made a choice together, so he needs to get over his jealousy. Lewis doesn't quite share my stubborn streak, so he takes a step back, pleading with his eyes. Twisting my lips into a frown, I cock my head and turn to Ranger.
"When are you going to stop being such an asshole?"
"I don't know. Maybe when you start sleeping in my bed every night and pump out my pups," he glares.
My breath stops, and my eyes widen. Oh, hell, no. Even my Bitch twitches her nose with anger. I almost lose my fucking mind, but he immediately starts laughing. I realize Ranger has made his first fucking joke. All I can do is stand there, slack-jawed. Lewis and I share a look, then join him laughing.
"You have no fucking chill, man. I'm going to change, then we can go, doll," Lewis squeezes my shoulder.
"He's right, you don't," I step up to Ranger and lean my head back.
"I never pretended otherwise," his voice sends shivers down my spine. How does this man get to me so quickly?
'True-mate,' he and my wolf both echo.
I'm sure I could've come up with something sassy to say back, but his lips against mine wipe my mind clean. Ranger's hands close on my arms, and his tongue dips into my mouth as if he were lapping my pussy. I can feel his arousal pressed against my abdomen and my skin heats. I'd take him to the back, but I hear the jangle of Lewis' keys. I know I need time alone with my Beta.
"I gotta go, hot stuff. See you later," I pinch his nipple and turn to leave.
Ranger hisses, slaps my ass, and lets me go. I shoot him what I hope is a sultry stare and prance out of the kitchen. Lewis is waiting by the front door, blond hair a mess. A sideways smile is glued to his face. I'm really looking forward to having him all alone for the day. It's not often I get one-on-one with any of the guys.
"Ready?" I can't help but stare at his plump lips. Between kissing him and Ranger, the two have got my hormones on tap right now. Yeah, I'm fucking ready, but that will have to wait.
"Yep," I grab my purse from the hook beside the door.
He bobs his head, opens the door, and gestures for me to take the lead to the truck. It's incredible to me how long the fog lasts here on the coast. Stepping out onto the porch, I take in the hazy view and scoff. It smells magnificent, but I wish it would clear up more so that I could enjoy the kickass view we have from here. Ooh! Maybe Lewis will take me inland for the night!
"Which town are we going to visit?"
"We're going inland a bit. It's a couple of hours but worth the drive for big shopping. You'll love the outlet mall if you like shopping."
I perk up. As much as I hate the car, I'm excited
to shop and see Lewis away from the others. This house could really use a female touch. I can't wait to put some of me into the decor! I hadn't really realized how out of place I felt in the manly home until now. Lewis opens the truck door before I can and helps me inside before getting in the cab and starting the engine.
"I'm glad you said yes," he states as he starts down the driveway.
"Me too."
The low hanging fog starts to clear but then gets thicker as we drive through the Redwoods. I lean forward to glimpse the tops of the giants. There's something about the way the light filters in with small beams that creates an otherworldly space. I'll not be awed by these trees. Some of them are wider than the truck, with dark red bark and ferns springing up around their roots. The Goddess must have really been in a good mood when she created spaces like these.
"Even driving through here really puts life into perspective, doesn't it?" Lewis exhales.
"That it does. Tell me something else about you."
"Me? I'm an open book, Faith. Beta wolf who prefers long walks on the beach, country music, green, and kissing you."
My face heats, and I bite my lip. I can't help but think back to our first kiss in the bathroom. The same time when I walked in on him midstream and stared at his cash-n-prizes like a heroin addict looking for a fix. Man, my life sure has changed since I left home. I'd barely seen two dicks in all my years, and now I have four to myself! My Mamma would faint!
"Trust me, my Mamma would faint too. Although my Papa probably wouldn't have been surprised, Beta wolf and all. Just so you know, you being an Alpha isn't what I'm attracted to at all."
My heart dances in my chest at the sparkle in his eye. I unbuckle and slide across the seat to sit beside him. There's an easiness to Lewis now that wasn't there before we mated. I quite like it. I'm still not used to the men tapping into my thoughts, but I don't have anything to hide.
'You could hear us too if you tried,' he nudges me with his elbow.
'So, you're saying you spy on me? You jerks have been lying and saying I project!'
"I didn't mean it like that, Faith. Of course, I don't try and listen. I just think you're better at blocking us than blocking yourself. Maybe you've always been this way? Think of your thoughts like water and build a tank around them. You'll have to find the image that works for you and hold it until it becomes natural."
"Yes, I know. I was raised a wolf in a pack where mind-speak was reserved for mates," I huff. "There's no way I've been this way my whole life, I would have gotten into trouble at home for projecting. I blame ya'll," I cross my arms.
Lewis squeezes my thigh, and his lips tighten as he fails to keep in a laugh. I don't blame him, I'm a ninny. My brow relaxes. Leaning my head on his shoulder, I slap him on the arm playfully and return to watching the landscape pass. My eyes feel heavy, and I let go, we're going to be driving a while so I might as well rest.
"Hey, Sleeping Beauty, we're here," Lewis whispers.
My mouth is dry, and I peek through my lashes to see his hazel eyes crinkled up on the sides. Before I can ask, he hands me a bottle of water. Thankful, I moan and guzzle half of it down while scoping out the parking lot. Nothing to see really, just a mall parking lot like any other. After one last sip, hooking my arm through my purse I give him the 'I'm ready' look. Lewis shakes his head before opening the door and sliding down from his jacked-up rig. I take his hand and follow.
"Which store do you want to hit first? Or do you want to eat before shopping?"
"Food. Always food first, lover," I smirk.
"And here I thought you preferred dick first," he tickles my side and leads me toward the entrance. My mouth opens in mock dismay, but it is damn funny, so I let it go. Once inside, we settle on tacos. My mouth is watering. My stomach is kicking up a ruckus by the time our food is ready, and our number is called. I inhale my food in true Faith fashion then run to the little girls' room to freshen up.
When I walk back into the food court, Lewis is sprawled in the chair like a fucking model, and I whistle. His head tilts a smidge and a wave of blonde hair cascades over one eye. He winks and blows a kiss my way. Why does this man have to be so sexy?
"Get over here and take me shopping, you sexy beast!" I chuckle.
"My pleasure," he growls, taking my hand. "Let's go to Bed Bath & Beyond first!"
I laugh and let him drag me through the front doors. My room could use new everything. The drab comforter set that Ranger had delivered is sorely lacking. Lewis winks at me and leads me to the back of the store where there is a wall of bedding sets.
"Let's play a game. You pick three you like. We'll see if I can guess them! It will test my Faith knowledge, and you can practice blocking me out!" He rubs his hands together like a little boy on a mission.
Nodding, I take a second to build a wall around my thoughts. Satisfied with my work, I scan the wall and choose three sets. "Okay, go!"
"Hmm. Okay. The one with the deep purple flowers for sure. That grey and white set with the lattice design. And … the plain white set," He turns his palms up.
"Two out of three. Not bad. I don't like the grey and white one," I clap. "What about my wall?"
"Locked down tight, love," he rewards me with a kiss. "Now grab that purple set. After that, let's get you a fuck-ton of pillows!"
Hours later and loaded down with bags, we head back to the truck. I've never seen Lewis smile so much. It looks fantastic on him. Add that to the sunlight bouncing off his blonde locks, and the man is one giant hunk of eye candy, that's for sure. Picking out decor with him was far more fun than I expected. Lewis has excellent taste, and he's so much more relaxed than our Alpha.
A familiar scent wafts through my nose. My old pack. I should have known better than to think my life could go on without interference from Thane. Everything I have with the Not-a-Pack is about to be obliterated, I just know it. It was only a matter of time, really. I freeze, dropping the bags in my hands and looking frantically from side to side, trying to locate the threat.
"Faith?"
My body trembles. I can't get my voice to work. 'I can smell someone from my old pack nearby,' I fumble with mind-speak.
"Shit," Lewis looks around, scoops my bags up, and turns to unlock the truck. I try to walk to the passenger side, but my joints are locked in place.
There's a loud screech of metal being torn. The high-pitched noise sends a bolt of pain in my ears and I drop to the ground with my hands over my head. Something else I can't quite place is hurting my ears, a ringing that has me close to blacking out. It's as if I were in a barrel being shaken, none of my senses are working. I can't reach my wolf. Sweat beads along my forehead and I whine.
"Get the bitch, leave him here," I barely make out the gruff voice before claws clamp down on my wrists. I open my mouth to scream. I'm jarred around and dragged over the pavement before the sound is vocalized. The crunch of bone behind me sends my gut into my mouth. Please, Goddess, don't let them hurt Lewis.
I turn and look down to see Lewis crumpled on the pavement, his face bloody, and my heart shatters. With the last breath I have, I gather my Alpha powers and break free. I take two faltering steps toward Lewis, opening my mouth to scream. Every ounce of my body is on its last frayed edge, but I push forward, no sound filtering out of my lips.
Lewis peeks up with one swollen eye and shakes his head no. His face is smeared with blood, and a long scratch marks his brow. I know he's trying to tell me to run away, but I can't leave him like that! How did this even happen? Why weren't we more vigilant!? This is all my fault. Frantically, I force my limbs to work. It's like swimming in molasses. I don't understand what is happening to me.
"Look at her, Earl," the gruff voice chuffs. "She doesn't even know she's not moving. Guess Thane was too easy on her, never letting her experience a witch hold."
At those words, my heart turns to stone. Tears run down my face. I try to reach my hands out to Lewis, to touch him once more before I'm taken, but he's just out of reach.
Our eyes meet and my world collapses at the brokenness I see reflected there. He's going to blame himself. I knew it was only a matter of time before Thane found me. Why did I think I could escape? Two hands grab me by the shoulders. I'm thrown over the wolf's shoulder like a ragdoll.
"Whatever you do, don't mark her pretty face. Thane needs her in marrying shape when we get her back," a female voice chides.
Blood rushes to my head. I watch Lewis as we move away. His lips are moving, but the blood around them is making it hard to figure out what he's saying. I plead with my eyes. He wipes his mouth and mimes Ranger - mate bond, one last time. Of course.
'RANGER! I'm being taken! We're in town, I don't know what town! Lewis is hurt … and it's all my fault. I'm so sorry.'
'Baby, I need you to breathe. Look around and let me see through your eyes.'
'You can do that?'
'There's a lot about the bond you haven't learned because you'd rather fight me. Just do it,' I can feel his fear in my bones.
My spine is bristling with a comeback, but I do as I'm told for once. It takes me a hot minute to get my arms to work, everything is stiff and it feels like I have ice in my veins. Leveraging my stiff limbs on my abductor's back, I lift my head and scan the parking lot. My head is pounding, but I keep my eyes open, trying to absorb any details that I can for Ranger.
'Good girl. I want you to stay with me until you catch a glimpse of what they're driving. We are on our way to you now.'
'It hurts. They have a witch, and she's doing something to me. I can't move my body.'
'Fuck. Okay. I'll call Millie. Hold on Petite Louve. We won't let them have you.'
"I'm going to have to knock her out, she's using a mate bond. I can't block it," the witch growls.
I only have time to take in a deep breath before my world goes black.
Lewis
Fury boils in my blood and my heart aches as the two wolves and witch, take Faith away. Try as I might to get up, I can't. I'm pinned to the pavement by the witch's magic. How the fuck did I let myself get broadsided? Not for the first time in my life, I'm ashamed that I'm not an Alpha. Ranger would never have let this happen.