by Bianca Cole
He tilts his head to the side. “Understand what?”
I swallow hard and look him in the eyes. “This connection between us. How can I feel so much emotion when I don’t even know you?”
He moves a stray hair out of my face, tucking it behind my ear. “Because we are soul mates. You are my destiny, and I’m yours.”
Butterflies beat around in my stomach at the word. Soul Mates.
Is this man all that I’ve been missing in my life?
Maybe he is the other half to my whole. I guess only time will tell.
11
Rhys
Anastasia is more complicated than most she-wolves I've been with. Her emotions are in turmoil, and I hate that I'm unable to bring her comfort. All the reassuring doesn't convince her that we are destined to love each other.
We're nearing my pack quarters, and I'm scared. As alpha and king, I don't often admit when I'm afraid, not even to myself. Losing Anastasia is the only thing in this world that I fear.
She hasn't said a word since we left the spot where we fucked.
I worry that I've been too rough with her. Most humans wouldn't be used to such rough lovemaking, but she lost her virginity to me tonight, making it even worse. Humans are far more fragile than wolves.
I heard her desire when we were mating—a desire to carry my child. I want that more than anything. It's natural once a wolf finds his fated mate that he wants pups quickly. It's our instinct to mate.
So much has happened in one evening. I'm not looking forward to facing my beta, Jackson. I can hear him scolding me for taking a human mate now.
The pack's quarters are hidden deep within the forest. An oasis some might call it, but I beg to differ. It's too confining. Wolves love to be one with nature, but at times, city life appeals to me. A lot of shifters forget we are half-human also—human urges and needs rule half of who we are.
For years, I've wanted to bring about an alliance with the wolf shifters and humans in the New York state. Humans are opposed to the idea. Maybe this will be my chance. My mate is human, which presents a way to unite our people.
“Where are we going?” Anastasia asks.
I glance back at her, smiling. “You'll see.”
She swallows hard, anxious about where I'm taking her. After all, we hardly know each other. It's hard to believe I only met her a few hours ago. It feels like I've known her my entire life.
I hold out a hand for her to take, and she does. A pulse of electricity shoots through me the moment we touch. The way she makes me feel is intoxicating. Under other circumstances, we would have been locked away fucking for days.
“Are you scared?” I ask, as we near the entrance to our pack quarters.
She shakes her head. “No, I just wish you would tell me where we are going.”
I smile. “My home.”
The tension that coils through her is visible. “Into pack territory?”
I nod. “Don't worry. You are safe with me. No one will hurt you, I promise.”
She doesn't look convinced, but then, she doesn't know who I am. She doesn't know that I'm the alpha of the pack we're about to enter.
“Come on,” I say, tugging her toward the gate between two leaning sycamore trees.
One of my guys, Luke, spots me instantly and opens the gate. “Welcome back.” He bows his head in respect.
The moment he scents Anastasia, his eyes widen, and canines lengthen. “Why is there a human with you?” he growls, baring his teeth at her.
Anastasia takes a step backward, eyes wide. I can practically smell her fear in the air, and her heartbeat accelerates.
My wolf strains to break free and fight him for such an aggressive move toward my mate. I leash him and take a deep breath. The last thing I need is to attack one of my pack over a human. I shake my head. “Long story. I'll explain it to everyone shortly. First, we need to freshen up.”
Luke will be able to smell the sex on us. He's not an idiot. He'll put two and two together without a doubt.
Wolves have the best scent of any beasts. It can be both a blessing and a curse at times. Within minutes, I expect the rumor that I've mated to a human to have spread through our entire pack.
I can't seem to find it in me to care, though. The truth has to come out one way or another. “Come on.” I grab Anastasia's hand and walk past Luke.
He looks stunned as he watches me lead her toward my treehouse.
I know why. Shifters have banned humans from our towns in retaliation to the ban on our kind in New York City. It was something I didn't want to put in place, but a lot of my men insisted upon it.
The only human allowed in this town is Alicia, the mate of an outcast wolf called Karl.
We may live in the woods, but our quarters are pretty luxurious. I know humans expect us to be living like animals with no luxuries, but they don't know how wrong they are.
“Wow, this place is amazing,” Anastasia says, as we walk past the spring-fed, heated swimming pool.
It's true. The place is a magical little haven, but it can feel cramped and confined after a while. Although, seeing Anastasia here makes it that much more magical. Maybe I will see life differently now that I have someone to share it with.
“My home is over here,” I lace my fingers with hers.
Her eyes widen as she stares up at the huge old oak tree in the center fashioned into a luxury home. We managed to use the trees to build homes in and around. “This is where you live?”
I nod. “Yeah, come on.” We walk up the steps to the entrance, and I open the door.
She gasps as I guide her inside, taking in my home. I'm desperate to get her away from prying eyes, as I slam the door. My home is the only safe place for Anastasia until I win over my pack.
I feel like I've dragged a lamb into the wolves’ den—literally.
She twirls around, looking like she belongs there. “How come you live in the biggest place?”
Does she think I'm not alpha material? I shake my head, trying to stop my wolf from taking everything she says to heart. “Have a seat, princess.” I nod toward the sofas in the open plan living area.
She sits down, turning her attention to me.
I run a hand through my hair. “I’m the alpha of the pack, Anastasia.”
Her eyes widen. “The alpha of the New York State pack?”
I nod.
The shock reverberating down the bond makes me sick to my stomach. “The alpha of the New York State pack is the king of all wolf packs in North America.”
Well, that was easier than I thought. She knows a bit about the shifters. “Yes, that's true. Although, I largely leave the rest of the packs to run themselves. I have claim over them, but I don't exercise my right to rule.”
“Won't there be outrage over the alpha taking a human as his mate?”
I sit down next to her, lacing my fingers with hers. “Yes, but I'll fight for us.” I kiss her cheek softly. “No matter what it takes.”
Anastasia jumps as a hard, loud knock comes at my door. I'm not shocked at all as I heard and scented him coming a mile off, Jackson, my beta, is outside. He will want to know what the fuck is going on.
“Rhys, open this fucking door,” he growls.
I smirk, knowing he is likely to find someone to challenge me for my position. It's the only reason he would speak to his alpha that way. I pull Anastasia to her feet. “Go upstairs and into the first room on your left. Wait for me there.”
Anastasia stares at me in defiance. “I’m not hiding away while you face them. You said it yourself. We're soul mates. We should face this together.”
If it's even possible, I feel myself falling deeper in love with the woman my life is tied to. My wolf roars in pride at her fight. She's got spirit, and I like it. “Okay, but don't speak. Let me do the talking.”
She sets her hands on her hips. “I can't promise anything.”
Damn.
Her defiance is sexy as hell. She doesn't realize the danger we're in
, but I know I can protect her. Any wolf who decides to fight me will die.
I squeeze her hand and walk toward the door, flinging it open. “Jackson, what seems to be the problem?”
His eyes widen the moment he sees Anastasia, standing by my side. “For one, Landon has sent word that he captured you in New York City.”
I shrug. “He did, but I escaped.”
He nods. “Yeah, I can see that.” He scents the air, eyes landing on Anastasia for the second time. “You've found your mate, and she's not a shifter.”
I shake my head. “No, she's not. Do you have a problem with that?” I square my shoulders, making sure I seem bigger than him. I always have been broader and taller than Jackson. My beta who hates being underneath me, even if he'd never admit it. All wolves want to be the most dominant in a conversation.
He narrows his eyes, staring at me. “Rhys, have you lost your mind?” he breathes, shaking his head. “A human mate? What do you think the rest of the North American packs will think of this?”
I shrug. “Most of the other packs are more open than ours. Not to mention, I'll tear apart anyone who tries to stand against me.”
His face pales slightly. “We need to have a pack meeting now.”
I crack my neck and then my fists. “Since when did you call the meetings, Jackson?” I puff out my chest, asserting my dominance physically. If he's not careful, I'm going to shift and tear him apart. “I need to freshen up and have a good night's sleep. We've been through hell tonight, so I will call a meeting when I'm ready.” I wave a hand in the air. “That might be tomorrow, or in a week's fucking time. Do you hear me?”
He bows his head, submitting. “Of course, sir. I'll see you once you are ready.” He turns around, ever the coward. There's no chance in hell he could defeat me. Jackson maybe my second in command, but he's not the second strongest in the pack. That's Hugh. A wolf I've never got on with, especially after his family's involvement in my father's murder.
I slam the door shut, locking every bolt to ensure our safety. The moment I turn around, Anastasia launches herself at me. I take her weight, as her lips meld with mine.
She moans into my mouth as her tongue flicks around every inch. It's about time I made love to my mate in a real bed. Our first two times were desperate and needy. I need to show her how good I can make her feel. I intend to blow her mind all fucking night.
12
Anastasia
My need for Rhys is growing with every passing moment. He carries me up the stairs and takes the first door on the left, entering a lavish bedroom. The four-poster bed is crafted out of raw, twisting oak. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful, other than the man carrying me toward it.
He sets me in the center of it, staring down at me like he’s starving. “I’m going to make you feel so good that you won’t remember your name.”
A shiver races from the top of my head right down my spine. I watch as he rips off his shirt, tearing it apart. The wolf tattoo on his left arm is beautiful and detailed. It’s only now, in the well-lit bedroom, that I can take a moment to admire it.
I want to lick every single dip and curve of his muscles—worship his body.
He hooks his fingers into the waistband of his pants, pulling them down over his muscled hips.
I lick my lips, anticipating seeing him in all his naked glory again. My thighs quiver just thinking about it.
“Excited, baby?” he asks, smirking at me.
That smirk is so cocky, but I find it a turn on now. Rhys is so dominant and confident. It makes me long for him.
“Fuck me,” I moan, lacing my fingers with his.
He pulls down his boxer briefs, releasing his huge cock. It slaps back against his abs, smearing his leaking precum all over his skin. The sight makes my mouth water.
“I need to taste you again,” I say, licking my lips.
He shakes his head. “My turn, first.”
He pulls my pants over my hips and off without much effort, leaving me bare for him. My pussy is soaking wet but a little sore. After all, I’ve accommodated his huge size twice already tonight.
He holds my gaze as he moves his mouth toward my pussy, making every nerve in my body quiver with excitement. This man knows how to make me come like I never knew possible. I groan as he circles my clit with his tongue, sending sparks of hot pleasure through me.
“So fucking sweet, baby,” he breathes, dragging his tongue right through my dripping wet center.
How can a man I hardly know make me so needy for him?
I dig my fingers into the soft sheets, trying to find something to ground me. Rhys’s dark eyes hold mine as he licks and sucks at my clit, making me needier by the second.
“Fuck,” I moan, writhing in the sheets. I push my hips forward, trying to get more from him.
Rhys is quick to press them down with his rough hands, holding me in place effortlessly. “Don’t move,” he growls, thrusting a thick finger deep inside of me.
I buck my hips instinctively, unable to stop myself.
The warning in his gaze sets me on fire. I try to control myself, but the desire for him surmounts anything I’ve felt. All I care about is him fucking me. It’s all I want and all I need. “Please, Rhys.”
He smirks. “Begging already, princess? You’ve got a long wait until you get what you want.”
I groan, wishing he wouldn’t be so wicked. His teasing is more like torture.
He slides another finger inside of me, stretching me with two. It helps quench my thirst, but it’s not nearly enough. Only his huge cock would satisfy the urge building deep inside.
I buck my hips, eliciting the most delicious growl from him.
“I told you not to move.” He pushes up from the bed and rifles in the side table, before pulling out a pair of handcuffs. “If you won’t do as you’re told, I’ll have to use a firmer approach.”
My nipples harden at the thought of being tied down to the bed.
He links the cuffs onto the bed rails, before forcing my wrists into each one. “Don’t fight against them, princess.” He kisses my lips, trailing kisses down my neck and chest.
I gasp as he rips apart my vest, literally tearing the fabric in two.
He slowly plants soft kisses down the center of my body. Once he gets to my pussy, I’m gasping for air. I’m a damn mess, as I writhe under his attention, feeling hot and flushed. His breath teases against my soaking wet center.
“Oh God, please, Rhys,” I moan, feeling myself on the edge of crying.
He’s got me so worked up, I can hardly remember my name. As if he knows how close to going insane I am, he sucks on my clit suddenly, shoving three thick fingers deep inside of me.
A satisfied moan passes my lips.
“Is that what you wanted, princess?” he purrs.
Fuck.
“I just want you. All of you, right now.”
He laughs a deep, sexy sound that travels right to my core. “I’m going to make you come over and over again before I give you my cock.” He lavishes all his attention on my clit, licking and sucking with varied intensity, building that hot, all-consuming sensation inside of me. My thighs quiver, every nerve in my body lights up. All it takes is the brush of his sharp canine against the most sensitive part of me, and I come undone. Stars burst behind my eyes as I convulse beneath him, but he doesn’t let up.
His fingers continue to plunge in and out of me as he licks and sucks my clit, building my orgasm. I don’t think it ever ended, and yet I can feel the pressure building. My muscles coiling with a tension that needs to be released.
How can this man make me feel so good?
The next explosion comes so fast and so powerful, I feel like I’m dying of pleasure. Is it possible to have too much of a good thing?
I gasp, trying to catch my breath, but again, he doesn’t give me a chance to recover. He moves fast, unclipping the restraints and grabbing me roughly. He flips me onto my knees and clips the restraints back in place. He span
ks my ass cheeks three times on each, before devouring me again. “You taste sweeter than fucking sugar, baby,” he purrs, before plundering me.
I’ve never felt so desired before. Rhys makes me feel special. I’ve always felt like a piece of meat when men look at me, but the way he looks at me is different—a mix of adoration and desire.
I tense as his tongue probes at my asshole, making me unbelievably horny. It’s dirty, primal, and so fucking hot.
“What’s wrong, baby, never had a man lick your perfect little hole?” he groans.
I shake my head. “No.”
He makes a deep, rumbling sound, before sinking his tongue into the tight ring of muscles.
He kneads my ass cheeks apart, continuing to force his tongue into my forbidden, untouched hole. The thought of him fucking my ass scares me. He’s huge. I’d be scared to allow any man anywhere near my ass, but his size is unimaginable. I can’t believe I’m even considering it. I was a virgin earlier.
I push the thought to the back of my mind, enjoying the new, unique sensation his tongue is sending through me. Slowly, that pressure is building inside of me as he continues to finger my dripping wet pussy.
I arch my back, wanting more. I need my mate’s cock inside me now. Instead, he’s teasing out a third fucking orgasm. I’m spent, but desperate. “Please, Rhys.”
He spanks my ass cheeks, pushing me even closer to the cliff edge. “I want you to come while I lick your asshole, baby. Then, I’ll slide every inch inside of you, I promise,” he groans.
The promise is enough to send me over the edge. My body spasms beneath Rhys as he spanks my ass and keeps licking the tight ring of muscles. I feel the liquid squirting all over his fingers as I come.
He doesn’t wait. Within seconds, his cock slides deep inside of me.
I groan, the satisfaction seems so much better after all his teasing. How is it that he knows how to play my body so well?
He digs his fingertips into my hips, clawing me back onto his cock with each thrust. Our bodies are meeting in a primal, desperate mating. I try to roll my hips, moving them back onto him. He’s too strong, as he holds me still.