by Aline Hunter
“Yes, oh yes.”
“Give it to me,” he moaned. “Work my cock. Come for me.”
She knew he muffled her cry to ease her embarrassment, taking it into his mouth. She came like a firecracker, barely able to remain upright as her body thrashed. Her arms ached, her pussy sore. Yet she reveled in it, wanting more. Anything he wanted to give her she’d be eager to take. With him she felt centered, finally finding even ground. As the sensations swept through her, she let them.
This was bliss. A bit of heaven on earth.
“So tight.” He quickened his movement, spearing almost violently into her. “So hot.”
She gyrated against him, wanting him to come too. Lifting from the desk, she wrapped her arms around him, nuzzling his neck. “Come with me. I want to feel it.”
He groaned and his cock spasmed inside her. “Fuck yes.”
She held him as he came, basking in the wonderful fragrance that drifted to her nose. No, she hadn’t known he was as hungry for her as she’d been for him. But now she did. She could see it in his gaze, feel it in the way he caressed her. He kept pumping his hips, her crease becoming wet from their union. She welcomed the feeling, wanting it to go on and on.
When he stopped, she managed to pull away.
His hair had been mussed, the shadow lining his cheeks and jaw sexy as hell.
“You’re beautiful too.” Never one for sentiments, she couldn’t hold back. “I love looking at you.”
His gaze softened, no longer so intense. “I love everything about you,” he whispered, yanking her to him. His eyes devoured hers, the amber becoming yellow. “Everything, Rachel.”
“I hope so.” Bringing a hand from his shoulder, she breezed the pads of her fingers over his face. “Because you might be stuck with me.”
He stopped moving, gasping for breath. “What do you mean?”
Despite knowing better, she’d let this happen. She should have warned him. “I’m on birth control but I’ve missed doses.” She put her chin to her chest, avoiding his gaze. “I could get pregnant. I should have been honest about that. I’m sorry.”
“Silly girl,” he chastised her gently but he sounded somber, “it takes two, remember?”
“What if…” God, she couldn’t even say it. How weak was she?
“If you’re worried, don’t be.” He eased from her pussy, cock still hard. A part of her ached, aware of his emotional withdrawal. “I’d know if you could conceive. It’s part of our nature.”
“You’re upset.” He was, she could tell. Why, she didn’t know. “Are you mad at me?”
“Not at all,” he answered and she knew for certain a part of him was. He rested his lips against her forehead. “This is a lot to accept. You’ve got a lot on your mind. We can address children later.”
“You think I wouldn’t want them.” Of course he’d think that. He didn’t understand. And why should he? He barely knew her. Aside from the strange connection they shared they hadn’t had a chance to really understand each other. “You’re wrong.”
“Am I?” He stuffed his cock into his pants, keeping his tone mellow.
“I’ve always wanted children, I just—” She just what? Was too afraid to put too much stock in the father they could lose? She’d sworn she’d never put a baby in the position she’d been in, losing both parents after one had died. “I’m afraid.” Nothing had ever been harder to confess. “I’m so afraid, Declan. It’s so hard to be alone. I don’t want that for any child. I don’t want that for my children.”
“Rachel.” His hands swept into her hair, forcing her head back. He didn’t look nice now, the pure intensity in his gaze almost more than she could bear. “I’d never abandon our children. No matter what happened. It’s true mates follow their partners into the afterlife, but it’s easier to resist when babes are concerned.”
“It’s so much to take,” she whispered, feeling strangely hollow. Now that her lust had been spent, her emotions were all over the place. “I’m so confused.”
“Damn it.” He quickly adjusted his jeans, got dressed and started to work on her. “It’s okay. I’m not mad at you. Not at all. I’m so proud. You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. One day I’ll tell you that and you’ll believe me when I say it.”
She let him dress her, trying to not to cry.
The wolf roared in her head, trying to get her attention. Forcing the animal aside, she caved in on herself. All the thoughts she’d ever had—all the doubts—nagged at her. She couldn’t drown them out, even when she tried to. She wouldn’t survive Declan’s loss, meaning she was just as much a danger to any children she might have.
What if she turned out like her mother?
What if she bestowed the same fate on her child?
“Rachel.” There was an order in Declan’s voice, one she couldn’t push aside. She muddled through the fog, latching on to his voice. “I don’t want to rush you but Chloe is coming. She needs you right now. I know you’ve endured a lot but it’s time to pull yourself together.”
Chloe.
The wolf used the leverage, dragging her from the abyss. The animal clawed at her insides, sliding easily into her mind. Strength returned, filling her with energy. She could use Declan to guide her, relying on his presence. He cradled her when she rested against him, holding her close.
“I’m sorry,” she repeated, loathing her weaknesses. “I want to be what you need.”
“You are, sweetheart. You’re stronger than you think.” His arms cradled her, keeping her safe as he brought her to the chair. She didn’t want to let him go but managed to disentangle her arms. He bent at the waist and gave her a chaste kiss. “Hold on for a little while longer. That’s all I ask. Once everything is settled with the pack we can relax. I need you, Rachel. Now more than ever.”
“I’m here.”
She centered her mind, relying on the negative emotions from her youth. While toxic they were also powerful. In that moment she made a vital choice. Although she’d welcomed the wolf she hadn’t truly made her an equal. Doing so frightened her. But fear wouldn’t help anyone, not now. If she wanted to do this, she had to really do this. That meant accepting everything.
Including the animal who kept begging for a slice of her control.
She opened her mind, no longer restraining the wolf. It responded, rushing to the surface. She jerked when it met the barrier of her skin. Her mind opened, knowledge pouring through her. In a split second she recognized the scent of Declan’s seed, was able to scent the sex in the room. Her hearing changed, allowing her to hear Jackson and Chloe as they walked down the hall.
The wolf settled within her, showing her what she needed to see.
She wondered if Declan could sense it.
When he stood behind her, placing one hand around her neck, leaving the marked side bare, she had her answer. He understood. As much as he could, anyway. She steeled herself, waiting for Chloe and Jackson’s arrival. She’d never failed her best friend. Chloe was the only family she had left. She would show her pack the same courtesy, making sure she proved she was worthy of being Declan’s mate.
The door opened and Chloe stepped inside. Her friend’s nostrils flared, her eyes going from green to peridot. Rachel met her gaze and didn’t back down. It wasn’t the time for judgment or shyness. Each of them had wolves beneath their skin. Declan said it was normal, so she was going to believe him.
Chloe—to her credit—seemed to shake the scent aside.
Jackson appeared, then Shane. As the door closed behind them Rachel recalled the way Declan had looked at her. In his eyes she felt wanted—cherished. Funny that she’d fought it for so long yet now she wanted it more than anything. His fingers dug into her skin and she reacted, lifting her hand. She placed her palm over the backs of his knuckles.
“I’ve spoken to Chloe,” Jackson said, studying the two of them. He put his arm around Chloe’s waist, keeping her near. “She’s agreed to take on the responsibility of a larger pack but I�
��m going to need support.”
Declan’s fingers tightened, his grip nearly too much. Instead of shrugging him off she stroked the back of his hand. He needed to be calm. In order for that to happen she had to prove she was equal to the task, ready to meet everything he had to head-on. She’d do whatever he wanted. Once he made a choice she’d make sure to back him up.
“Ask my mate,” Declan said, shocking the hell out of her. “It’s her choice.”
“Rachel, I know you need Declan but the pack needs him too. All of us do. We’re weaker without him. What do you say?” Jackson asked, gauging her response. She had to give him credit for not using Chloe as leverage. “Will you stand with us? Are you in or are you out?”
No one spoke, the weight in the room increasing. She drew a steadying breath.
No more whining.
No more hiding.
She had nothing to be ashamed of. Not anymore.
“We’re family,” she answered, her attention landing on Chloe. She gave her friend a smile and warmth spread over her. Maybe it was fucked up but this was where she was meant to be. “I’m in.”
Chapter Ten
Rachel’s head hurt. For the last hour she’d devised a plan with the Jackson, Chloe, Declan and Shane. Afterward she’d had to face the pack, who’d voiced their doubts. It seemed to go on forever—a constant back and forth. Eventually everyone had calmed down and agreed. When the hunt came, they’d reveal their hand. For once Rachel hadn’t shivered at the reminder of her change, grateful everyone had managed to finally come together.
The pack had left shortly thereafter. Then Chloe had retreated with Gavin to the kitchen.
Rachel tried to keep her eyes open, damning the call of sleep. Again she’d nodded off, lulled to the land of dreams. She rocked her torso, bumping her back against the cushions. Her muscles felt different, like she’d worked out hard. She felt sore all over. A bit achy too, like she’d come down with a cold or flu bug.
Her head dipped. She felt so foggy.
No. Not yet. Stay awake.
“Come here, sweet girl.” She gasped when Declan’s arms swept her from the couch. “Time to put you to bed.”
“Not time,” she mumbled, opening her eyes. The room came into a blurry focus. Chloe stood across from her with Jackson, Gavin waited just behind them. Blinking, Rachel asked, “All done?”
“Yes,” Chloe answered and Rachel could have sworn she was smiling. “We’re done.”
Crap. She’d wanted to talk to Chloe too but it’d have to wait. She was too exhausted to maintain a conversation. She wasn’t even sure she could give Declan a mildly exciting sexual adventure if he wanted one. Accepting she’d done more than she could, she rested against Declan. She heard the door close and he moved, hurrying from the bedroom.
“I’m going to bust that pretty little ass of yours, Just Rachel.” She squirmed and he hushed her, easily stilling her struggles. “Not tonight, but soon. Your pride is going to kill you one day. I won’t allow that.”
She wanted to cry when he walked into his dark bedroom and placed her on the bed. Her tired eyes refused to open. The pillows cradled her head as Declan pulled the clothing from her body. She could have sworn she smelled that same fragrant aroma she had in the office—his arousal and a trickle of his seed. Even then she couldn’t rise to the occasion.
“I’m sorry.” She was really tired of saying that. “I’m so tired.”
“I know,” Declan soothed, stripping her bare. “You’ve accepted a mating, a pack and a huge responsibility in one night. You’ve had a busy day. But your body is going through hell right now and needs to recharge. You have to listen to it and give it what it needs before you shift.”
“Don’t want to shift.” Even if she was tired she felt she needed to argue. Declan couldn’t see her weak and think her mind had faltered as well. “I want to be me.”
“You’ll always be you.” Raking her panties down her legs, he lifted her again. His body shifted and she felt the air breeze against her. The next second he placed her in his bed. The sheets felt so soft, his scent calling to her.
Sleep. Her wolf reassured her, sending the impression through her head. Rest.
She’d be safe here. Secure and warm.
“That’s it.” Declan shifted her body and started tucking her in. “I’ll be watching over you. When you open those pretty eyes of yours I’ll be here.”
The abyss beckoned, drawing her under.
“Declan.” She reached out, not wanting him to leave. His hand met hers, his palm warm and solid. “Don’t go.”
“I’m right here, sweet girl.”
She shivered, nestling into the covers. While she hated him calling her Just Rachel, sweet girl made her warm and fuzzy. She got hot and bothered when he called her that.
“Shh,” he quieted her, stroking her hair. “Get some sleep. You’ll feel better.”
With each brush of his hand she settled. His pillows were so soft, his linens so sleek. This was nothing like her bed—a place to crash but not a haven to rest in. As the seconds passed, she relaxed. She drew his scent deep, wishing she could keep a part of it inside her.
Home, the wolf told her. Home.
For once she couldn’t find a reason to argue.
Wave after wave of fatigue took her under, pulling her to sleep. She slid into dreams, the darkness sweeping her below. It felt glorious, no longer frightening. Each breath drew her deeper, stealing her thoughts.
Until there was nothing but peace.
Declan waited until Rachel’s breathing had settled before he pulled way. His chest ached, her desperation beating at him. She’d been through so much yet she refused to be weak. He considered giving her a parting kiss but didn’t, unwilling to disturb her. Reaching down, he righted his hard cock. He still wanted her like hell on fire but she didn’t need his physicality right now.
Slowly, he moved away. The mattress lifted, no longer bearing his weight.
He held his breath and paused.
His mate slept, pulling in deep breaths. He gazed at her relaxed face. Her plush lips parted, a sigh sliding free. She was finally lifted away from it all, coasting in the valley of sleep.
Thank fucking God.
He’d loathed her tension, hated how hard she’d fought to stay awake. She hadn’t understood why she felt so tired either. He could have told her but he didn’t. She didn’t need to worry about the changes that were taking place in her body, preparing her for her first shift. As much as he wanted to touch her he didn’t, taking a small level of solace as he brushed his fingers through the dark fall of silky hair cascading over his pillow.
“Sweet dreams.”
His acute sense of hearing caught Shane’s voice, a rush of words as he whispered into a phone. The temporary Beta had already gotten to work, making sure everything was in place for the big reveal during the hunt. Preferably Declan wanted Rachel away from it all, thinking she’d prefer privacy for her first shift.
I’ll still give her that. No matter what it takes.
The hunting grounds were large. He could move her before the powerful beams from the moon hit her skin. Even at a distance the pack would assist her, their nearness bringing her wolf forth. Hopefully—if things went well—her first shift wouldn’t be too slow or painful. With changed werewolves it usually hit fast, the animal within ready to literally burst free of its human skin.
He exited the room and carefully closed the bedroom door. Again he paused, listening for any sound. When he didn’t hear anything he walked down the hall, ready to get down to business. It was time to get up to speed on pack dealings. Since he’d agreed to resume the beta role he needed to know about everything he’d missed in the last few weeks. Cracking the front door open, he saw Shane standing near the stairs.
“Come inside. We can talk in the kitchen.”
Shane turned his head, uttered something into the phone and ended his call. Declan kept his eyes on the male, studying him. He’d chosen Shane because he’
d sensed the man was more than strong enough to handle the pack but he wasn’t absolutely certain about him. There was too much he didn’t know about Shane’s past.
“Take a seat.” Declan waited until Shane got comfortable before he sat in the chair across from him, resting his arms on the table. “Before we talk about the pack, I’m going to have to ask you a few questions.” Shane’s eyes narrowed and Declan said, “I should have questioned you a long time ago. I didn’t because I trust Jackson. But circumstances are changing. I have to know a lot of things. Once we join the packs and our numbers increase I can’t have any surprises. Not from our people.”
Shane absorbed what Declan said before he asked, “What do you want to know?”
“Two things. Why did you leave your pack and why did you decide to come here?”
“Going right for the throat, aren’t you?” Shane’s eyes—a shade of blue so dark they appeared nearly black—started glowing gray. “I left my pack because I had to. My female initiated dreamsharing.”
That made no sense whatsoever. In leaving Shane had made it more difficult for his female to track him down. “Why didn’t you wait for her?”
“I did wait,” Shane corrected, sounding annoyed. “When she didn’t come to me I decided to find her.”
“She’s here?” He didn’t accept Shane’s dismissive shrug, growling, “Either she is or she isn’t.”
“I don’t know where she is.”
“Tell me why you’re here.” Declan knew the male was nearing the end of his patience but he had to understand Shane as well as he did the other members of the pack. “Then I’ll know I can trust you.”
“Then you’ll know?” Shane snorted and glared at Declan. “A little late to be worrying about that now, isn’t it?”
“Jackson accepted your reasons. That was enough for me. But as I said, things have changed.” Taking a gamble, he decided to level with the obstinate male. “You were an Alpha, weren’t you? If you hadn’t left your people behind you’d still be one. I sensed it the first time I met you. You’re hiding your nature.” Shane’s body language—shoulders tense, face drawn tight—gave Declan his answer. “As an Alpha you have to understand what’s happening here. You know why I’m asking questions.”