by Aline Hunter
What is he running from?
“I know enough.” Shane rested his elbows on the counter, leaning forward. “This isn’t about you. Keep that in mind. You have to make decisions based on the needs of something more important.” There was gravity to the statement, as though he was trying to send Declan a silent message.
Growling, Declan forked the bacon onto a plate. “My patience isn’t going to last forever,” he warned Jackson and slipped the pan into the sink. “I’m going into my bedroom in the next five minutes. Like it or not.”
“Rachel, wait!” Chloe’s quietly hissed order would have gone unnoticed among humans but Declan heard her loud and clear. He’d tried not to eavesdrop, wanting to give Rachel some measure of privacy, but in this circumstance he wasn’t leaving anything to chance. He listened in, attuned to their conversation. “You can’t leave,” Chloe whispered. “Where do you think you’ll go? What do you think you’ll do?”
Lifting his head, Declan met Jackson’s gaze. The Alpha had obviously heard the exchange as well.
“I’m going,” he growled, tired of being tethered in his own home. “Don’t try to stop me.”
After a moment, Jackson gave Declan a nod.
About fucking time.
He walked from the kitchen, taking a deep breath. His heart pounded, his wolf itching to get closer to its mate. He tried to collect himself as he neared his bedroom, shaking off his doubts and anger. Shane was right. This wasn’t about him. Rachel needed him to be confident yet understanding. Anything else would confuse her. Entering the hallway, he detected the acrid stench of Rachel’s fear. No wonder she wanted to get the fuck away. Whatever Chloe had said had petrified his female.
“Time’s up.” He addressed Chloe as he entered the room but had eyes only for Rachel. His mate had moved from the bed and stood across from him. “Jackson’s waiting for you in the kitchen.”
Chloe’s gaze darted from Rachel to Declan. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“Go,” he commanded softly, watching his mate.
Rachel had torn through his drawers looking for clothing. She looked sexy as hell in the button-down shirt Chloe’d dressed her in, the edges of the garment skimming over the tops of her thighs. Rachel met his gaze and her eyes clouded, the cock-rocking fragrance of her arousal merging with the scent of her fear. She took a step back, staring at him.
“Declan…” Chloe hesitated, wringing her hands.
“Don’t make me call Jackson,” he growled. Chloe wasn’t human, so he knew she was also capable of judging the shift in Rachel’s demeanor by the change in scent. “You’ve done all you can. It’s my turn.”
“Your turn? Hell no,” Rachel snapped, turning around, giving Declan a glimpse of her ass as she rummaged through his dresser, “I’m not sticking around. As soon as I find some clothes I’m calling a cab and going home.”
Chloe shot Declan a sympathetic look. He could tell the Halfling was torn, hating to leave her friend. “Go,” he mouthed, making sure not to speak. Chloe needed to leave, the sooner the better. Rachel would remain conflicted so long as she didn’t understand and accept her nature. It was time to introduce her to what she’d become, offer her a taste of what she could expect.
With a parting glance to Rachel, Chloe slipped from the room. He closed the door, placing his body between Rachel and her only means of escape. His wolf tried to fight for dominance, wanting to mark Rachel in its scent. With another deep breath he soothed the beast, ordering it to take a step back. Damn he hadn’t thought it would be this hard. He’d never wanted a woman this much, aching for the relief only she could give him.
“Think about what Chloe said.” He took a step to the side when Rachel tossed a shirt over her shoulder and it flew at him. “Say we let you leave, what will you do when the change comes? Where do you think you’ll go? You don’t know what to expect. You need to understand what’s happening to you.”
“You’re only saying that because you think you own me.” She ripped the bottom drawer open, dug through the clothing and she snagged a pair of sweatpants. “Chloe might’ve been fine with all this craziness but I’m not. I’ve seen how she’s become since she met Jackson. You’re not taking control of my life.”
“You think Jackson controls her?” How little Rachel knew. Chloe could ask Jackson for anything and he’d do whatever it took to give it to her. That’s the way it was between mates, a constant give and take. “Have you actually watched the two of them together?”
He’d planned to talk and give her space but when she started to pull on the oversized pants he knew it was time for action. One touch was all it would take. Born werewolf females dreamshared with their mates prior to their first moon heat. However the first actual touch sealed the deal. Rachel had bypassed puberty, going straight to adulthood. As soon as their skin connected she’d feel the difference. The wolf inside her would reveal itself little by little. She’d need him even if she didn’t fully understand the reason.
She ditched the pants and tried to run, racing toward the bed. He caught her before she made it, snaking an arm around her waist. Before she could kick or release a scream, he tugged her close and placed his free hand on her throat. The air inside the room sizzled, his wolf reaching out for hers. The beast inside his mate was new and weak but he felt it respond. She gasped, resting one arm on top of his as the other rose to clasp his wrist. Her back rested against his chest, the softness of her ass flush against his hardening cock.
Fuck.
“Don’t be afraid,” he murmured into the shell of her ear, trying to force aside the lust pumping through his veins, “I want to control you but not in the way you’re thinking. It’s more complicated than that.” He released her neck, bringing his hand down her torso until he cupped one of her breasts. Brushing his thumb over her nipple, he felt the nub harden beneath his touch. “A part of this is physical, Rachel. I won’t deny that. But it’s also much deeper and more profound. The moment we met I knew there was something special about you. It wasn’t until you appeared in my dreams that I understood what the feeling meant.”
“Your dreams?” She trembled at his touch, her inhalations stinted.
“Our dreams,” he clarified.
“Chloe had dreams… She told me about them…I thought…”
For a second she seemed ready to dart away. He plucked her nipple between his fingers, keeping her focused on her body and their growing bond. “She had dreams of Jackson. It’s normal. Her wolf knew it was time to find him.”
“Chloe was born to be like you. I was bitten.” She tried to swipe at his hand and squirm out of his arms. Even while doing so, he could scent how aroused she was. “You’re lying. I couldn’t have shared dreams with you.”
“The last dream was the best.” Instead of letting go, he held her tighter. “I had you, Just Rachel. After all that running I managed to catch you. You were all nice, soft and warm. I thought I was finally going to kiss you. So when you vanished and I woke up I decided it was time to step things up. Do you have any idea how hard it’s been for me? I’ve gone to bed every single night as hard as a baseball bat, wishing for a hint of your scent. You’ve tormented me for weeks.”
“I didn’t know.” Her voice lowered an octave, becoming husky. She rubbed her back against his chest. “You smell really good. What cologne do you wear?” Shaking her head, she mumbled, “I feel so strange.”
She wouldn’t shift until the full moon but she was transitioning, her body preparing for the changes to come. Right now, he imagined, she wouldn’t be able to find peace in her own skin. She needed to relax, letting her mind and chaotic thoughts take it easy for a while.
Thankfully he knew what would put her at ease.
“Easy, sweet girl.”
A couple of steps and he had her beside the bed. He turned her body, bringing them chest to chest. Then he bent his head, breezing his lips over hers as he lowered her to the bed. He wouldn’t take this further than she’d allow. As a mate, he could
n’t. She had to accept him, telling him she wanted the same thing he did. If he didn’t start things off on the right foot their mating would be damned from the beginning.
“I’ll tell you everything you want to know,” he whispered, nipping at her lower lip. “I’ll share all I know with you and find answers to things I can’t explain. I willingly offer you everything I am. All you have to do is ask.”
He fought his own desires, holding back his beast. Fuck she smelled good, sweet and radiant. Cupping the back of her head, he deepened the kiss. Her lips opened, the tip of her tongue daring out to touch his. A groan ventured from his throat, the air swept from his lungs. She had no idea what she did to him. Such a tiny little thing turned him on and got him hot. Like this he’d be whatever she wanted, no matter what it cost him.
“I ache,” she exhaled into his lips.
“You won’t for long,” he vowed, releasing her neck.
He gentled his touch, fingers gliding from her sternum to her stomach. Her breath caught and he could feel her shaking. He moved slowly, giving her a chance to stop him if she changed her mind. Inch by inch he moved his hand, taking his time, until his fingers skimmed over the top of her cotton panties.
She parted her thighs, thrusting her hips upward. “More.”
It was an order. Not a request. Good. “Whatever you want.”
With a simple motion, he slid his fingers beneath her underwear. He expected curls or to find her trimmed. He hadn’t thought he’d find her pussy bare and smooth. Just Rachel obviously had secrets she’d have to share with him in the future. He’d enjoy fulfilling each and every fantasy she’d ever had.
Son of a bitch.
Her seam was good and wet, her vaginal lips hot and swollen. Turning his wrist, he carefully eased his middle finger inside her, hissing at how hot and tight she was. Perhaps if he’d had more time he’d have known more about her sexual history. He didn’t like thinking of her with lovers but he didn’t want to hurt her either. Slow was the way to go. He had to make sure she was ready for him.
“More,” she gasped, writhing beneath him. “Please.”
Time to take the edge off. “Hold on to me, baby.”
Her hands rose, fingers curving around his biceps. She’d relaxed, her head arched back against the mattress. Through the shirt he caught a glimpse of her breasts—small yet firm, capped by luscious pink nipples. Without preamble, he bowed his head and sucked at one through the thin material, growling at her soft cry. She strained up, welcoming his attention. Ready to give her relief, he searched for her clit with his thumb. He found the nub and applied pressure, rubbing the bead as he thrust his finger inside her depths.
“Yes,” she encouraged him, moving in harmony with each plunge. “Oh yes.”
Eager to be inside her, the rolled his hips and thrust his cock into the softness of the bed. Soon he wouldn’t have to imagine how perfectly her pussy would glove him, wrapping around his length like a second skin. Each passing second brought her wolf closer. He could smell it now. There was no denying her change. Any werewolf would identify the marked shift in the once-human woman, her transformation occurring faster than usual.
His own wolf surged beneath his skin, nearly getting loose. He could have taken her then and there. She’d have let him. Yet he couldn’t do it. Something held him back. Just Rachel wasn’t a werewolf, not yet. Likely she’d resent him for taking things too far. She’d run from him in her dreams, needing space. If he destroyed the small level of trust he’d gained from her in the last couple of weeks he’d never get it back.
Damn it.
Shit.
His cock pulsed, the slickness in his jeans a reminder of how close he was to losing command of his beast. Sex wasn’t supposed to be this hard. Normally he wouldn’t have been so concerned. His kind weren’t known to love. It wasn’t that simple. Until a mate came along monogamy was laughable. They went from partner to partner, no strings attached. Mating was the ultimate commitment, making the mortal notion of love pale in comparison.
But he’d never wanted a woman like he wanted Rachel. He was determined to mark and claim her as his. Until that happened he wouldn’t be in a rational state of mind. He considered popping open his jeans and taking his dick in hand, stroking himself off as she came. At least then he could try to think clearly, without raw lust clouding his vision.
This isn’t about you. Shane’s warning returned to taunt him. Keep that in mind.
Like he could fucking forget. “I want to watch you come,” he snarled, lifting his head to see her face. “Right now, baby. Come for me.”
She did and he knew that he’d never seen anything more perfect. Her back arched, breasts straining against the shirt, parting the buttons wider. Her pussy clasped his finger, her body quaking as her high-pitched wail of release carried through the room. To make it last, he kept manipulating her clit, thrumming it softly. He didn’t look away, studying her face, groaning at the ecstasy etched in her delicate features.
Within seconds she sighed and went soft. He lifted his thumb, keeping his finger buried inside her. It was hell to not pull away and lick away her sweetness, knowing he’d finally know how good she tasted if he did. Instead he played at being a gentleman for the first time in his existence, hoping that his efforts would be worth it.
“That was nice,” she sighed, her tone one of bliss and satiation. “Hmm.”
Then—before he could blink—her emotions shifted.
Since he was staring at her face he saw her tension before he smelled it. Her vaginal walls flexed around his finger, her lips parting in horror as her eyes flew open. Most of the time terror fed the wolf, making it stronger. In this case Rachel managed to overpower her newly created beast, thrusting it into the corner.
“Oh no.” Embarrassment laced the words that echoed in his ears. “Oh God!”
She’s confused and afraid. Do this right. Don’t fuck up.
With regret he pulled his finger from the satiny walls that gripped him, reminding himself that his female needed to be seduced and not forced. He slid his hand from her panties, already sensing her physical and emotional withdrawal. Good thing he’d listened to his instincts. If he’d claimed her she would have hated him for it. He had to prove himself and show her why he was a worthy male and mate.
“We’ll drive to your place and get your things,” he said, quickly moving from the bed. If he didn’t, he didn’t think he’d be able to put a lid on his urges. “I want you to be comfortable here.”
“What?” It hurt, watching her scramble away after what they’d shared. “I’m not staying here. I told you that.”
Patience was a virtue he sorely lacked. Damn it.
“Just Rachel,” he taunted, drawing out the endearment. If he’d learned anything during their time together it was that she hated being goaded. “You are staying here. You might despise the sight of me but you’ll get used to it. I’m not leaving you alone to face what’s coming. Like it or not this is your home.” Taking a step closer, he attempted to provoke her further. “Get used to it, sunshine. You’re stuck with me.”
She opened her mouth to argue, fire flashing in her morning blue eyes. After a moment’s hesitation he brought his finger to his mouth, slipping it between his lips. Her flavor burst on his tongue, sweet and spicy. Closing his eyes, he savored the first taste of his mate. He’d shocked her but it was worth it. She needed to understand he wasn’t going anywhere. He opened his eyes and their gazes locked. He smelled her newfound arousal, could see it in the way her irises lightened near her pupils. In a few days—when the full moon arrived—she’d be unable to deny him.
A small comfort but a comfort nonetheless.
“I…uh…” She quickly averted her gaze, staring at the floor.
He removed his finger, running his tongue over his lip. Already her taste was fading but he’d never forget it, able to recall it from memory. A part of her belonged to him even if she wasn’t fully aware of it. They’d crossed an enormous obstacle
, obliterating a wall that had stood too long between them. She’d given herself over, asking for his touch. Living with him she’d eventually want more. One by one he was determined to eradicate each barrier, to get beneath her skin in the same way she’d gotten beneath his.
Starting now.
“One door leads to the bathroom, the other is the closet. You saw where I came in, so I’m guessing you know which way is out.” Regretful and aching himself, he drew back, watching her with each step he took away. “Most of my things won’t fit but you’re welcome to anything I have. I’ll give you some time to get dressed. When you’re ready come find me.”
Then—before she could entice him to say to fuck with it and ravish her silly—he opened the door, stepped outside and closed it behind him.
Chapter Four
You’re a nothing but a jezebel, might as well put on a red light.
Rachel’s gaze darted to Declan, just as it had many times since they’d climbed into his large SUV. The image of him licking his finger shot through her head. As always, warmth accompanied the visual, spreading over her like melted butter. If he’d ditched his shirt and joined her in bed, she could have felt those lips against her skin. His touch had been confident and expert, giving her pleasure in seconds. She’d never climaxed so quickly, riding on adrenaline and need.
“Just Rachel?” Declan purred, looking at her. His irises were amber-hued, his lips curved in a sensual grin. “What are you thinking about?”
“Politics and world hunger,” she snapped, ripping her eyes from him.
What was it about him? How in the hell did he always manage to know what she was thinking? Even worse, how had he managed to worm beneath her skin? Was Chloe right? Was this meant to be from the start? Were there more than hormones involved? It wasn’t all due to the fact she was changing, was it?
Changing. Oh God.
She wanted to reach for her shoulder but didn’t. She didn’t need another reminder of what was taking place inside her. When she’d inspected where she’d been bitten and seen the skin had mended, leaving behind scabby scratches, she’d nearly had a panic attack. Humans didn’t heal that quickly. Not after such a serious injury. But she wasn’t human. Not anymore.