by Aline Hunter
“Yes.” Bringing a hand to his face, she asked, “I know it’s too soon. I don’t understand it even now, but it’s how I feel. Do you think you’ll be able to love me?”
“I already do.” His chest heaved as he took a breath. “I think I always have.” Dipping his head, he brought his lips to hers. “Say it again.”
Her heart fluttered and the erogenous zones of her body flared to life. “I love you.”
“I love you too, sweet girl,” he growled and shifted her body, resting his weight between her thighs. “I’m going to show you just how much.”
She’d started to ask him what he meant when his face disappeared. His lips ventured over her throat, down her sternum and stopped at her stomach. He kissed her bellybutton and kept going. Parting her thighs, she waited for more. Her thighs trembled, her muscles quivering. She counted every second, holding her breath as his mouth hovered over her mound. His tongue barely flicked her clit and she felt her pussy gush.
“I love tasting you here.”
“Please.” Grasping his hair, she tried to urge him to continue. “Don’t stop.”
“Never, baby.”
Normally he practiced restraint, being cautious. Now he went at her like a dying man, lapping at her slit, teasing her clit with agonizing rasps of his tongue. On and on he went, sucking at her, licking her labia. She groaned and panted, tugging him closer. Ripples spread over her skin, the wolf resurfacing. This time she didn’t worry about changing. The animal simply wanted to enjoy the pleasure. He growled against her, sucking on her clit.
Ours, the wolf thought blissfully. He’s ours.
Yes.
She shattered, crying out his name.
Two fingers entered and parted her. Her back arched at the amazing fullness, the breath leaving her lungs. Fire swept through her, her sex clasping. He groaned and started pumping, moving his mouth. His thumb caressed her clit. The sensations kept going, driving her on. She pumped her hips, grinding into his hand.
It wasn’t until the feelings had passed that he moved.
The sky vanished and she gazed into his face. He wrapped his arms around her and drew her closer, his eyes finding hers. Unable to stop herself, she leaned forward. Their mouths met and their tongues touched. Back and forward they danced, veering from side to side.
He pulled away and fisted his fingers in her hair. “I want your mark.”
“My mark?” She hesitated, unsure of how to give him what he wanted.
“I want everyone to know I’m mated. I want them to see how lucky I am.” He twisted his fingers tighter, forcing her closer, until her mouth hovered above his shoulder. She noticed the skin was free of tattoos, waiting just for her. “You don’t have to tonight. I want to earn it. When the time is right, I want you to give it to me.”
She hated it when he let go, wanting his nearness.
Shifting his hips, he grasped his cock and brought her down. She felt the head part her, pushing past her folds. One thrust, then another. Finally he slid into her. The feeling centered her, bringing her full circle. The scent of the woods called to her, the nature that was new to her beckoning. She sank down, wanting him to fill her completely. The motion made him bottom out, the head of his cock pressing against her cervix.
Tossing her head back, she let the new smells and feelings take her over.
This was bliss.
This was heaven.
Declan.
Declan wanted to howl his content.
Rachel Gentry was more than his mate, she was his partner. She was also courageous, strong and had transformed with ease. She humbled him, astounded him and made him prouder than hell. Any male would be grateful to have her but they never would.
She belonged to him in all ways. Nothing would ever change that.
He bit his tongue, tempted to ask for her mark a second time.
She’d give it to him when she felt ready. He wouldn’t rush her. Nothing had been her choice so far. At the very least she could decide when she felt he was worthy of such a thing. The bright beams from the moon highlighted her hair, her skin, the curve of her neck.
He locked on to that, struck by the sight of her.
Sliding his fingers over her hips, he let her move over him. She rocked back and forth, her pussy fisting his cock, her nipples gliding over his chest. He brought his arms around her, fingers splayed over her back. Her skin felt softer, her body temperature matching his. Each of their exhalations turned into white frost, the chilly night air adding to the beauty of the moment.
Howls sounded from far away, stilling Rachel’s movements.
Pulling from him, she gazed past his shoulder. “What’s going on?”
“Jackson and Gavin announced they’re merging the packs.”
It was only a guess. No doubt those howls of solidarity would change to snarls once Shane brought the rogue forward and accused Simone of planning the attack against Chloe. He decided not to mention that part, running his fingers up and down her back.
“You’re supposed to be there.”
“They can handle it,” he whispered, bucking his pelvis.
“You’re trying to distract me, aren’t you?” She moved again, plunging her cunt up and down his length.
He groaned, clutching at her shoulders. “Of course I am. Do you mind?”
“Not at all.”
Grasping his biceps, she moved faster, bucking her hips as she came down. Her legs snaked around him, bringing them closer. He felt her locked ankles against his lower back, her nails pressing into his arms. Her mouth met his, her tongue sliding out to tease his lips. A small shift of his hand and he cupped her head. Angling her chin to the side, he advanced. She met him halfway, their tongues gliding together. Her soft growl vibrated against his mouth.
Fuck yes.
Their lips parted. He felt her tremble, her arms shaking.
“Oh God,” she panted, using the hands she’d placed on his biceps for leverage.
One day he wanted her like this, only he’d have his cock buried in her ass. He’d dominate her. Love her. Take her as none other ever had. He’d watch her face and see how he made her feel. He’d make the experience something she’d want again and again. For them the future was limitless. No more anger or resentment.
They’d grow together, learn together.
Love together.
He swayed beneath her as best he could, making sure he sank deep. Wind parted the trees and whistled between them. His wolf sought Rachel’s and their senses slowly came together. He smelled her rising need, knew that soon she’d fall apart.
Reaching between their bodies, he found and stroked her clit.
Nothing in his life had ever compared to this moment.
Even if she didn’t take him up on the request, he turned his head when her pussy clamped down on his dick, waiting for pleasure to consume her. A jolt of happiness slivered through him when she moved closer, her tongue bathing the skin between his shoulder and neck. It as hard as hell not to taunt her when he’d wanted it so fucking much.
Mark me, Rachel. Show the world I’m a mated man.
She whimpered, her body went taut and he felt her teeth score his skin.
The heavy ache in his balls vanished, his cock jerking. Seed spurted into his mate’s body, a hot flood of warmth blooming where they were connected. He came howling, thrusting up against her. Her soft cries told him she’d found her release as well. Her pussy milked him, rippling over his length. Their wolves rejoiced, their connection growing as they beasts embraced their mating, elated and possessive at their newly formed bond.
Rachel was rough at his shoulder, biting down hard and ensuring the scarring would be visible to everyone. He welcomed the burn. He’d left that area unmarred with any tattoos. Since other designs surrounded the smooth expanse of skin it would bring attention to the area, so everyone would see. He fought the tingling in his gums, unwilling to bite her this time around, nipping at her arm.
Her mouth moved away, sharp fangs
and incisors sliding from his flesh.
“Can you feel that?” she breathed, moving her pelvis in a circle. “Is it just me?”
“My wolf is claiming yours,” Declan answered and slid his fingers into the hair at her neck. “It’s deepening our mating. The connection is unlike any other.”
Her gaze drifted to his shoulder and a satisfied smile appeared. “You wanted a mark. I’d say you have one.”
“Not any mark, yours.” He flexed his muscles in his torso. His torn flesh burned. The area would be slower to heal and mend. A permanent brand to the world of her claiming. From the way she stared at it, she’d made sure no one could mistake what she’d done. “Got me good, did you?
She nodded, biting her lower lip. “Can’t miss it.”
As he’d expected, snarls carried through the trees. He wanted to curse Simone but found himself grateful that he’d had this time with Rachel. They’d been alone. She’d changed for the first time without assistance. They loved each other and those emotions would only grow stronger due to their beasts. From here on in—as far their relationship was concerned—he hoped it would be smooth sailing.
“What should we do?” His female didn’t sound mousey or afraid, she sounded pissed. “I don’t want to leave Chloe with that woman.”
“There’s a good chance you won’t have to. If the pack Alphas think the evidence is compelling, Wade will have to put his daughter on lockdown. There’s not enough to ask for her death but containment is understandable, unless he can prove she’s innocent.”
“I don’t want to leave,” she confessed, leaning forward to run her lips over his cheek. “But we should go to them, shouldn’t we?”
Shane had things under control but Declan was the Beta. Still, he wanted to take care of Rachel, consumed by the desire to see to her needs. “Tonight’s about you. Everything else can wait.”
With a soft sweep of her hand, she combed his hair from his temple. “Can you find your way back?”
“Yes, I can. And so can you.” He didn’t want her to stop touching and talking to him. He dreaded going back, worried it would end their night too soon. Trying to be honorable, he told her the truth. “If you pay attention you can follow the path we took. Our scents are all over it.”
She kissed him quickly, giving her hips one last twist. “Show me.”
“I’ll show you everything.” He pulled her back down, wanting one more kiss. His fingers were hard against her neck, making her bend toward him. “Tell me you love me.”
The lines in her face smoothed, her lips curving at the corners. “I love you.”
One more time. “Again.”
“I love you.”
A tug had their mouths touching. He didn’t take it further, letting the seconds pass. Their connection increased, growing ever stronger. Finally he let her go, making sure she was gazing into his eyes when he professed his own feelings.
“I love you too, Just Rachel.”
She scowled, shooting him a glare. “Stop calling me that.”
“Okay.” Although he’d never stop, he’d give her what she asked for tonight. “How’s this? I love you, sweet girl.”
Her eyes flickered, tears filling them. “That’s better.”
“You like that?” He knew she did.
With a small nod, she murmured, “I do.”
“Then come with me, sweet girl.” He rose, easily bearing her weight. Once he was on his feet he let her find her footing. “I’m going to show you everything I know. After I introduce you to the packs, we can go for another run if you like.”
“That sounds nice.” The tips of her nails tickled his skin. “Then what will you do?”
“I’m going to take you home, spoil you rotten and love you so hard you can’t breathe.”
She inched closer, fingers drifting into the hair along his nape. “Promise?”
“I give you my fucking word.”
It was the easiest vow he’d ever made.
Epilogue
Shane moved to place himself between Jackson and Wade, knowing a fight was about to go down. Right after Gavin and Jackson announced the joining of their packs, Shane had brought forth the snitch. Simone had seemed totally confused, her father had seemed totally pissed off and the other pack Alphas had scrambled to get a grip on things. To make things worse Chloe wanted to go after Rachel and make sure all was well as soon as she’d spotted Declan’s vehicle.
With all the snarling and combined adrenaline, someone was going to bleed.
“It wasn’t me!” Simone shrieked, rushing behind her father. “I would never sleep with a rogue. That’s disgusting! Are you kidding me?”
He shouldn’t have been surprised that Simone would find more offense in someone saying she slept with a mutt than being accused of plotting a murder. The rogue, for his part, had gone quiet. Shane had warned him it was best if he kept his mouth shut. Jackson—though tough—might find some room in his heart to the let the stupid motherfucker go.
“Is it her?” Shane whispered in the male’s ear, keeping position between Jackson and Wade. “Do you recognize her scent?”
“Something’s off,” the man whimpered, body shaking.
“Off how?”
“It’s not her.” He stared at Simone, nostrils flaring as he inhaled. “Even with the perfume the smell is off.”
“See,” Simone said, sounding triumphant. “Told you.”
Shane’s grip on the rogue’s neck tightened and the man blurted, “The scent was here earlier. I caught it after we arrived. The person you’re looking for is one of your people.”
Gavin’s gaze darted up, his eyes finding Jackson’s. “Desiree,” Gavin snarled, spinning around. His nostrils flared. “Where is she?”
“She’s here.” Wade whipped around, trying to locate her as well. When he didn’t, his eyes drifted to the lone wolf in Shane’s hold. “Damn it. All you need is a scent?”
The male nodded and Shane wondered if the sissy was going to piss his pants.
“She rode with me,” Wade motioned to his Beta. “Her coat’s in the car. Get it.”
“If the rogue confirms the scent, I want her dead,” Jackson growled, his arm behind his back, keeping Chloe safely behind him. Another Alpha started to speak up and Jackson cut him off. “She’s not a true member of any of our packs anymore. We owe her nothing. And the bitch has already been warned once. This isn’t the first time she’s threatened my mate.”
The Alpha let it go. No one spoke, waiting as the Beta dispatched by Wade vanished for several seconds and finally returned. He walked to Shane, a golden garment in his hand. He held the coat high.
“That’s the scent.” The rogue’s voice broke, his shoulders quaking. “With the perfume on the other female it’s the exactly the same.”
“Barry,” Wade said the word in a low snarl, “I want you to take Simone home. Put her in the room we keep for special guests. Don’t let her go anywhere.”
Simone snarled when Barry dropped the coat and advanced on her. “I didn’t do anything!”
“Then you won’t mind answering any of my questions,” Wade replied briskly. “Simone, shut up and go. Do as I say. Do not say another word.”
To her credit, Simone shut her gob and did as she was told.
An extremely nice change.
“I want Desiree here, right now.” Gavin pinned Wade in place with a glare. “I told you not to trust her. Knowing that bitch, she’s already long gone.”
Rustling drew everyone’s attention.
Shane glanced over his shoulder and saw Declan and Rachel walking from the woods. Judging by their tightly clasped hands and the smile on Declan’s face, things had gone well. That much was a relief. Shane didn’t like being the fill-in Beta. It was time for Declan to slide back into the job. Taking his focus from the couple, Shane directed his attention to Jackson. Chloe relaxed, shifting closer to her male. The Alpha had a decision to make. Hell, all of them did.
“If she’s not here, she ran.”
Wade seemed tranquil on the inside but Shane could feel his anger. “Considering the accusations against her, she’s no longer under my protection. I apologize for any trouble she’s caused. I’ll defer to Jackson’s wishes in this matter.”
“To kill her you have to catch her,” Gavin snapped. “Your apology is a little late.”
“She’ll be our hunt then,” another Alpha—Merrick—chimed in. “We need a solid nose.”
Wade’s gaze flew over the pack and stopped on a couple. Shane followed the Alpha’s gaze. Their scents were oddly familiar. He’d seen them before. Gertrude and Ben Lowe. A nice pair who’d been together over a century.
“We need Luna,” Wade told them. “How long will it take to get her here?”
“Get her? But it’s so late. She took her medicine before we left and she’s with her aide.” Gertrude didn’t seem happy, neither did her mate. She lifted her head, gazing at the sky. “The conditions aren’t right. It’s too cold and dry. She’s not expecting to hunt. She’ll be sleepy. I can call and talk to her but I don’t think she’ll make it in time.”
“Call her, now,” Wade snapped. “Tell her that her Alpha wants her here.”
“Luna?” Jackson asked, studying Wade. “I’ve never heard of her.”
“She’s new to my pack, Gertrude and Ben’s granddaughter. She arrived a few months ago. Her circumstances are…” Wade struggled for words. “Unique.”
“Unique or not, she should be here,” Jackson reminded the Alpha. “Hunts are mandatory.”
“As her Alpha, hunts are decided on my discretion. Not yours.” Wade gazed in the distance, watching as Simone slid into his posh Cadillac. Returning his gaze to Jackson, he said, “I’ve given her leave to be medicated and caged during the hunt in certain conditions.”
“Conditions?”
“She’s not like us,” Ben answered, narrowing his eyes at Jackson. “She’s special.”
“But she can find anything with that nose of hers,” Gertrude interrupted, giving Ben a slap. “She’s only recently shifted but her sense of smell is incredible. If she can pick up the scent she can find anyone. Mark my words.”