They were worn and loose, hanging low down on his hips, but they were better than nothing.
As he walked out of the walk-in closet, Tasha exited the bathroom. His breath caught in his throat, she looked adorable in his tee which hung to her mid-thigh, but she also looked scared and vulnerable. His inner-Alpha sprang forth forcing him to stride over and take her into his arms to comfort her.
He rubbed a hand up and down her back, his other grasping her head to his chest. Her hands splayed on his bare chest as he whispered, “It’ll get better, sweetheart. I promise it will. It’ll take time, but I’ll always be here for you. Anything you need, anytime, just ask.”
“I guess it’s just hitting me properly now,” she gasped, her breath whispering against his skin. “Before, all I thought about was keeping ahead of the rogues chasing me. Now all I can think about is that everyone I’ve ever loved and cared about are gone. Not one of them is left alive, Rafe, not one.”
“I know.” He used his power, sending calmness and serenity toward her. “Once we’ve had a funeral, you will be able to take the next step in the grieving process and I’ll be right there with you. You won’t take that journey alone, my love.”
Continuing to hold her, his power washing over her, he finally felt her body relax against his. His Wolf pranced about, pawing at the ground and howling. “I know you’re tired but before we go to sleep, I need to ask you something.”
Her head tilted back, her sorrow-filled eyes searching his. “What?”
“I respect your decision not to mate right now.” He leaned down so their eyes were level. “But my Wolf is going to drive me insane, so would you allow me to mark you? I promise I won’t take it further than that. I just need to know that everyone is aware that you are mine. Not just for my own damn sanity, but it also bestows my Alpha protection to you. That in itself will calm my Wolf down a little and certainly make me feel better. You will be Alpha marked and only a fool would try and hurt you.”
He waited, breathless, on her response.
Her eyes widened, little sparkles appearing as they crinkled at the sides as she gave him a smile. “You could do that? I mean . . . mark me without . . . you know?”
His body ached for hers. Physically craved his mate like nothing he’d ever felt before, so much so it hurt. His skin yearned for her touch, his fingers burned with desire to explore every damn inch of her body, his cock throbbed with the need to be inside her. But he would not push his own selfish desires onto his grieving mate.
He was Alpha and he would never do such a thing, so he hugged her a little tighter and nodded. “I’ll do whatever it takes, Tasha. I said I’d wait and I will. However, if I don’t mark you, I think my beast might just drive me insane enough to have me committed to a loony bin.”
“We can’t have that now, can we?” she said seriously. “I need you to know something too.”
She stopped, nibbling her bottom lip as a blush crept up her neck to cover her cheeks. Rafe almost groaned at the sight. He was desperate to plunder her lips but held himself in check. “What?” he asked instead.
“It’s not that I don’t want to . . . ya know.” Her face grew even redder. “Because I do. You make me feel . . . I guess the way I make you feel. But I just can’t. Not with my mom and dad just lying there. It seems so wrong. I need to put them to rest before I can carry on.”
“I totally understand that and I’m not pushing you to mate with me tonight,” he reiterated. “I just need to settle down my beast and my soul. Knowing you have my mark will do both.”
Tasha leaned away, her head tilted to the side, giving a clear view of her neck. Soft skin called to him, pulling him toward it but he stopped short, keeping a firm grip on himself as he asked, “Is that a yes?”
She licked her lips causing his heart to thunder in his chest before she replied, “Yes.”
Rafe’s beast howled with glee, leaping high into the air with joy as he took a deep breath to steady himself. “Thank you. It’s an honor, Tasha. One I take great responsibility for.”
Her eyes fluttered closed as he leaned down, his tongue licking along her skin, sending shudders through her. His arms tightened around her, holding her close so he could feel every single sensation as it affected her. Her breathing increased, little pants as his mouth latched onto the sensitive spot between neck and shoulder, kissing and suckling to ease the tension he now felt in her.
One hand reached up to hold the back of her head, keeping it angled so he had full access, while the other wraps all the way around her. His fingers barely skimming the side of her breast as he allowed his fangs to descend. This is the moment he’s been dreaming off: claiming his mate.
Even if they would not consummate their joining tonight.
He felt her hand in his hair, her fingers tangling and holding on tightly. Her other trapped between their bodies, resting on his bare skin right above his low-slung sweats. Damn! What he would do for her hand to dip down lower. His cock now straining between them, she must feel it. The steel length rubbed against her belly as he opened his mouth and bit down, hard.
As his fangs broke her skin, she shuddered in his arms, her fingers digging into his scalp as he hungrily gulped her blood down. The sweet taste like nectar as it coated his tongue and throat. Rafe knew nothing would ever be the same in his life again. No. Not when he felt the first strings of their mating taking hold and binding them together.
Holy freaking hell. It was like nothing he’d ever thought possible. His entire being focused on Tasha, her body, her scent, her everything. Their bond swept through him, taking hold deep in his soul, the sensation overwhelming and in a strange way, peaceful. His cock throbbed with need but he forced all thought of consummation from his mind. He’d respect her wishes and would bide his time. When he and Tasha first joined together fully, he wanted it to be a mind-shattering joyous occasion, not overshadowed with her parents’ death.
Releasing her neck he quickly slashed his wrist, offering it to her. “This will help seal us together, my mate.”
Her eyes were glassy, hooded, and a little confused as she stuck her tongue out, lapping at his blood. It took mere moments for their bond to increase. He felt it, and he could tell she did too. Her eyes spun to lock with his in wonder. Her mouth popped open in a silent “oh” before he covered it with his.
Rafe kept their kiss short, knowing if he didn’t that he would be loathe to stop. Tasha’s little moan of annoyance when he pulled away had him smiling cockily down at her. “Powerful stuff this mating thing, isn’t it?”
She looked dazed as she nodded, murmuring. “Yes. If I knew how powerful it was I think I would’ve asked to sit down. My legs are like jello.”
“No problem.” He smirked, picking her up swiftly and carrying her to the bed. “Now you need to get some rest. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow, sweetheart.”
When she didn’t respond, he looked down, she was already asleep. Rafe covered her with the comforter before sliding in next to her, pulling his mate next to him and holding her close. Now she was his and he’d never let her go.
Never, and god help anyone who tried to take her from him. He’d tear them limb from limb for even thinking about it.
Tasha’s soft moan caused Rafe to glance over, her face white and drawn as they drew nearer to her Pack. Her fist at her mouth as if she were trying not to scream.
He guessed that to be the case and he couldn’t blame her. They were about to enter a graveyard. One where they’d find her parents slaughtered in their home. Fuck. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to hold his shit together if he were in her shoes.
“I’m right here with you.” Reaching over, he snatched her hand, grabbing it tightly. “If you want to leave, just give me the word and I’ll have Levi and some guards escort you home.”
Her eyes spun to his, her voice strangled as she ground out, “This was my home.”
“Sorry,” he said, mentally kicking himself. “You know what I meant and . . .”
<
br /> “Watch out!”
Tasha’s squeal had his eyes back on the dirt road, swerving to barely miss hitting a large man standing, arms crossed. “Fucking idiot.”
Slamming on the brakes Rafe jumped out, shouting. “What the fuck? You got a death wish?”
The man came over, inscrutable eyes meeting the Alpha’s. “I’ve been waiting on you. We’ve been here for hours.”
Tasha grabbed Rafe’s arm. “Who is he and what’s going on?”
The rest of their convoy had skidded to a halt, Jacy, Levi and several guards joining them. Rafe patted Tasha’s hand. “It’s all right, Tasha. This is Zohar, he’s from the Council.”
The Council Enforcer looked around then nodded toward the Camp that was now visible. “My men have already started work. There are teams digging a large grave in the field behind the camp. Also, there are others dealing with the dead. They are preparing them for burial and taking note of names and other pertinent data to be logged with the Council. Anything which could help us is being passed to me directly.”
Tasha stepped forward, her voice wobbling as she tried to make eye contact with the intimidating Enforcer. “Excuse me.”
Zohar ignored her, talking over her directly to Rafe. “I’d like your men to . . .”
Rafe snarled, loudly, stepping forward to stand toe to toe with a startled Zohar. “Do not ignore my mate. If you do then we are going to have a huge fucking problem.”
“What?” Zohar looked down, he was taller than Rafe and Tasha barely came to his chest. “Who is this?”
“This is Tasha and she is not only my mate but she also escaped from this slaughter.” Rafe prodded Zohar’s chest. “So she is the only fucking witness you have. Listen up, asshole, because she’s the only person you can ask about what went down here.”
Tasha gasped as Rafe stepped back, his arm going around her waist and drawing her close to his side. Her eyes rose to meet his, her thanks in the look that passed between them.
Zohar huffed. “Whatever. So, what were you going to say?”
“I was about to say that my parents are in there,”—she pointed to the camp—“and I want to see where they are taken for burial. I want to lay them to rest, please. After that, I’ll answer any of your questions but first I need to say goodbye to my mom and dad.”
Rafe watched her intently as she spoke, heard the slight waver in her voice as she finished. Her chin jutting out as if daring Zohar to disagree only making him love her all the more. His chest puffing out as his arm tightened around her, letting her know he was right there with her.
His eyes switched to the Enforcer. Zohar’s jaw clenched and his left eye twitched. A sure sign he was annoyed. Rafe waited, ready to pounce if the man upset Tasha in any way.
Zohar looked off to the side for a moment then back down at Tasha, giving a slight nod. “Fine, go ahead but you’ll have to be quick. My men are moving fast to get the job done and I’ve no idea if they’ve already dealt with your home or not.”
Tasha looked up at Rafe who motioned to Levi. “Levi, get a couple of men and go with her. Don’t let her out of your sight.”
“On it, boss.” Levi pointed to two of his guards who jogged over.
“Thank you,” Tasha said to both Zohar and Rafe.
“I’ll catch up with you later,” Rafe said quietly, leaning down to kiss her quickly before she left.
“So you’ve found a mate?” Zohar said with a sneer. “Next you’ll have a dozen pups running around your heels.”
Zohar’s tone more than his words set Rafe’s nerves on edge, his anger rising, and his blood on a slow boil. As always. He cracked his neck, side to side, exhaling before he met the Enforcer’s eyes. “Shut the fuck up unless it’s to do with what’s happened here. My life, my mate, it’s off limits to you. Understand?”
The Enforcer smirked, knowing he’d annoyed Rafe was all he’d wanted. Damn it. Rafe knew it. It was how Zohar worked but every damn time he allowed the man to get under his skin. They’d come to blows more than once and if he continued to make remarks about Tasha then they’d do so again, and they did not have time for that shit right now.
“We have to find who is behind this so cut the crap.” Rafe snarled viciously, allowing his full Alpha power free rein.
He heard several of his men step forward, ready to fight for him, but he held up a hand halting them. This only seemed to amuse Zohar all the more.
“There is magic in the air,” Zohar announced in a matter of fact voice, as if the last minute or two hadn’t happened.
What the fuck was wrong with this guy? Rafe had no clue. He only knew the Enforcer liked to rub people up the wrong way then sit back and watch the fall out. Asshole.
“Myrtle,” Rafe called out, looking for the Healer. She appeared from behind his men, obviously nervous and unwilling to come forward. “It’s all right. This asswipe won’t harm you.”
Myrtle walked slowly toward them, her eyes firmly on Rafe. When she stopped, she refused to look at Zohar, Rafe reached out and patted her shoulder. He could feel her apprehension and hated feeling one of his Pack suffer. “It’s all right.”
Her eyes sought his, her hands wringing as she nodded. “Magic is here all right. It’s stifling and just wrong. It’s evil and malevolent. Whoever is using it has bastardized theirs to use it for their own ends. They are powerful and it’s possible to track it but I wouldn’t, not on our own.”
“We can handle whoever is behind this,” Zohar scoffed. “Follow me.”
Zohar stomped away toward the camp, Rafe shrugged. “Jacy, Myrtle, come with me. The rest of you bring the vehicles.”
“Alpha,” Myrtle quick-stepped to keep up. “I don’t like him. His aura is all . . . wrong. Just wrong.”
“It’s not his aura I care about. It’s whether he can get the job done,” Rafe replied grimly.
“He’s an ass, don’t let him get to you.” Jacy tried to help Myrtle who was obviously struggling. “Zohar is the Council’s best Enforcer but to hold that position means he has to be a specific type of person. He’s not Pack but he usually gets the mission accomplished.”
“I still don’t like him,” Myrtle whined.
“Neither do I,” Jacy chimed in as they entered the camp.
Rafe pulled up short, the stench overpowering, cloying in the air, enough to make him gag. Refusing to show any weakness, he opened his mouth, taking shallow breaths through gritted teeth. Jacy cursed as Myrtle let out a sob.
“Oh hell, this is, shoot, I’m gonna throw up.”
She ran off, disappearing behind a nearby tree, the sound of her retching almost Rafe’s undoing. His jaw aching as he clenched his teeth further, determined not to disgrace himself. “Jacy, check on her then come find me.”
“Check on her? Shit, I’ll be joining her.”
Rafe strode away in search of Tasha, following her scent as clearly as if she’d left him a trail of cookies to follow. Her aroma was sweet and spicy, with a touch flowery undertones. It drew him forward like a torpedo as he zeroed in on her location. Ignoring everyone around him, brushing aside Zohar as he attempted to talk.
His only thought once he’d entered the camp, the reek of the dead invading his body and soul, was to reach his mate and offer her solace. Her soft cries triggering something deep inside him as he rushed toward her. She stood at the door to a cabin, her home, as Zohar’s men carried out two bodies wrapped in white sheets: her parents.
Tears ran down her cheeks, dripping to soak the ground at her feet as she tried to stifle her sobs, a linen hankie stuffed into her mouth. Rafe encompassed her in a warm embrace, full of love and comfort, whispering into her soft tresses. “I’m here, sweetheart. I’ll always be here. Lean on me and I’ll carry you. I’ll take the weight of your grief, you just need to let me.”
She leaned back into his body, trembling and shaking. “How?”
Releasing his Alpha power through their virgin mating bond he showed her the way. She gasped as the might of his force
touched her, then her body settled, her grief passing to Rafe for him to bear for his mate. It was a heavy load to carry but one he did willingly, Tasha turning into his chest, grabbing him tightly before relaxing.
“I . . . I thought I was going to faint or something. It was so bad, Rafe.” She tilted her head, looking up with red-rimmed eyes. “I knew they were dead, I’ve known since I left. But, seeing them like that, after lying for days it was so much worse than anything I could’ve imagined.”
“I know, sweetheart, I know.” Rafe held her close, rubbing a hand in circles on her back. “Let me help you through this.”
“I have no words to thank you,” she stuttered before laying her head on his chest.
“You never need to thank me for helping you. You are my mate. I’d die for you, Tasha.”
“I’m just realizing that,” she gasped.
He wanted to say more, much more, but they were interrupted. “Miss, if you follow us now, please.”
“What?” She pulled away, dazed. “Oh yes, of course.”
Rafe kept an arm around her waist as they walked behind the impromptu pall bearers, following them out of the camp to the mass grave. The stench here was far worse, the sight nothing like Rafe had ever seen and one he prayed he’d never see again.
A massive trench had been dug in the field and it was packed with white wrapped bodies. Line after line, two and three deep, the bodies of the Pack were placed inside their final resting place. Tasha sobbed as her parents joined the rest of the Pack. The men who’d carried them apologizing as they climbed out of the deep hole in the earth.
“Sorry, miss, it was the only way to deal with this amount of bodies.”
“I understand,” she replied with a voice devoid of emotion.
“If you want, we can take them back to Darkmoon and bury them there?” Rafe told her quietly, her raw despair cloying in his throat.
She took a moment to answer, a brief shake of her head before she said firmly, “No. They should be here, with the rest of the Pack. It’s where they belong.”
A Ravenous Pack: Wolf's Hunger 5 Books Page 8