Bitten By Desire (Regent's Park Pack Book 3)

by Annabelle Jacobs

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Alec held tight to Wes’s shoulder and watched as Will handed his phone to Mark and said, “I recorded them in the car.” Mark’s eyes lit up, and a knowing look passed between them. Whatever they had on Newell, Alec would bet it was damning.

  “Thank you.” Mark took it quickly and scrolled through to whatever he was searching for. He tapped the screen, and suddenly Wes’s voice sounded loud and clear.

  “Do you think the council believed the shit Felix told them?”

  Newell’s laughter followed, then, “He was part of a rogue shifter pack that attacked us and then tried to kill members of Harley’s pack. Of course he’d tell them what they wanted to hear when faced with death. I doubt they’ll believe a fucking thing he has to say. Even if every word of it is true.”

  The conversation played out, each sentence more incriminating than the last. Alec glanced over at Newell—his expression was so full of rage, and all of it directed at one person. No.

  Fuck, he was too far away, him and Gareth having dragged Wes away from the centre. “Mark!” Alec yelled, but Newell was already on the move.

  With nothing left to lose, Newell let out a terrifying roar, half shifting as he leapt through the air towards Mark.

  Mark glanced up, reacting too late. Newell already had his arm raised, claws extended. He swung for Mark’s throat as Nathan barrelled into the side of him, sending them both flying across the ground towards the opposite side.

  Newell pinned him easily, Nathan no match for alpha strength.

  His low whine filled the air and Alec swayed between relief and worry because Mark was safe, but Nathan had thrown himself in the path of a fucking alpha. Cam and Karin raced over, grabbed Newell between them, and dragged him off a bleeding Nathan before throwing him to the floor. Jared rushed to Nathan’s side.

  “Curtis, John.” Karin beckoned them over. “Get him out of my sight and restrain him in the lower rooms.” She gestured to Wes. “And take him with you.” She waited for them to take Newell and Wes away, then knelt and gently tilted Nathan’s chin upward. Alec held his breath, his chest unpleasantly tight. “Are you okay?” Alec edged closer to get a better look.

  “Yeah.” Nathan coughed, blood spattering his chin. “Or I will be anyway.” Jared held his hand, worry etched in his features, and Alec had to look away.

  Nathan had risked his life to save Mark’s. The last of the anger and guilt he’d felt towards him all these years drained away, leaving him feeling strangely light. It wasn’t a feeling he was used to. He glanced over to where Mark still stood in the centre of the clearing, phone in his hand, frozen.

  He needed to touch him.

  Alec moved quickly; five long strides and he was in front of Mark.

  “I’m sorry.” Mark met his gaze, eyes so full of sadness, it hurt to look at them. “For everything.”

  Alec shook his head. “I understand.”

  “But I lied to you. I lied to the council. They could—”

  “Shh.” Alec kissed him, silencing the words he didn’t want to hear. After years of avoiding any sort of connection, he couldn’t lose the one person to break through his walls. His wolf hummed in satisfaction; Alec felt it like a warmth filling him up from the inside out. He wanted this. Mark wanted this, he knew it with every bone in his body. He wrapped his arms around Mark’s back and pulled him close. “I know why you did it. And you never lied to me. You just never answered.”

  “Same thing,” Mark muttered against his shoulder.

  “No. It’s not.”

  “Mr Appleton.” Karin Wallace’s soft voice felt like a bucket of ice water. Alec had almost forgotten where they were.

  “Oh fuck.” Mark trembled against him, but he turned to face the leader of the alpha council, head held high. “Alpha Wallace.”

  Alec wanted to grab him and leave before they had a chance to take him away.

  I can’t lose him now.

  She glanced behind her at the remaining council members who nodded in return. “I and the other members of the council accept that there were extenuating circumstances. But the fact remains, you and Mr Farley lied to the alpha council. An act punishable by death if we so choose.” Alec reached for Mark’s hand and gripped it tight. “However, considering the fact your alpha acted so heinously, and the untenable position he forced the pair of you into, we have decided against punishing you for this crime.” Alec fought the urge to grab Mark and kiss him again. “But, we believe it to be in your best interest to revoke your beta status. You are not ready for it, and the circumstance in which it was bestowed is not something to be celebrated.”

  Mark squeezed Alec’s hand, then bowed his head. “Thank you. I never wanted to be a beta anyway. At least not yet.”

  Karin smiled. “As I thought. You and Mr Farley will be on two years’ probation, overseen by your new alpha, when one is appointed. If you are brought to our attention once more within those two years, the consequences will be severe. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Alpha.”

  Will appeared on the other side of Mark. “Yes, Alpha. Thank you.”

  She smiled, warmth reaching all the way to her eyes. “I believe that concludes our business. Please, let us not meet again anytime soon.” She inclined her head, then turned and headed towards the path that led back to the house, the remaining council members filing after her.

  Alec pulled Mark into his arms, nose buried in the crook of his neck. He breathed in until Mark’s scent filled every part of him. This was where he belonged, and he never wanted to leave.

  Cam’s hand on his arm made him reluctantly draw back and face his alpha. “We should go. Nathan needs Tim to have a look at his wounds.”

  Immediately contrite, Alec nodded. “Of course.” He glanced from Mark to Cam and back again.

  Cam smiled softly. “Whatever the two of you decide to do, you have my blessing as alpha.”

  Alec’s chest constricted, words failing him.

  Squeezing his shoulder, Cam added, “I’ll see you back home.”

  “Thank you.” Alec finally managed to get out, his throat thick with emotion.

  “Always.”

  Mark cleared his throat, and Cam’s attention turned to him. “What’s happened with my cousin and Will’s sister?”

  “At their request, they’ve been taken back to their parents’ homes. Both were understandably shaken, but otherwise in good spirits, I understand.” Cam spared a quick glance at Alec. “I’m sure your cousin would appreciate a day to recover before seeing anyone.” With a pointed look at Alec, Cam then headed off towards the house and their cars.

  Jared and Gareth walked behind him, helping a limping Nathan.

  Alec let go of Mark. “There’s something I need to do.”

  “Of course.”

  Alec stepped in front of Jared. “Can I have a moment, Nathan?”

  Nathan nodded, and both Gareth and Jared stepped to one side, giving them the illusion of privacy.

  He met Nathan’s gaze, trying to convey everything he was feeling—gratitude, forgiveness, a tentative offer of friendship. The animosity between them had gone on far too long. Alec was more than ready to finally let it go. “Thank you.”

  Nathan smiled at him, small, but the first real smile that had passed between them in over a decade. “You’re welcome.” Their gaze lingered for a second, then Jared was back at Nathan’s side, steering him away.

  With the rest of his pack gone, Alec turned back to find Mark talking to the two remaining members of Wes’s unit with Will.

  Alec made no attempt not to listen. If either of them so much as said anything remotely threatening, Alec would be in there like a shot. His nerves were frayed to the point of breaking; he’d welcome an excuse to shift and let his wolf have at them.

  “We didn’t know,” one of them said. “Wes told us Harry and the others were working at one of the clubs for a few days, said they were staying in a pack flat there to save on commute time.”

/>   Alec wasn’t easily convinced, but Mark and Will knew them far better than he did. They spoke a few minutes more and seemed satisfied the pack members hadn’t been involved.

  Will gave Mark a look, then escorted the other two back to the house.

  He and Mark were alone at last.

  Alec cast a glance over him, checking the injuries he’d inflicted during their fight. A few scrapes remained, along with faded bruises, but Mark appeared to be healing fine.

  “I’m okay.” Mark deliberately stepped forward, forcing Alec to meet his gaze. “Are you?”

  “I’m good.”

  “Alec, I—”

  “Shh.” Alec put his fingers on Mark’s lips. “I know we have a lot to talk about. But I really don’t want to do it here. Or now.”

  Mark reached up, peeled his hand away, and twined their fingers. “What do you suggest?”

  “Come home with me?” Alec wanted nothing more than to curl up in his bed with Mark wrapped around him.

  “To your shared flat or—”

  “My home.” Pulling Mark close, Alec dipped his head and ran his nose up along his throat.

  The shuddery breath Mark took made Alec hold him tighter for just a second. “Let’s go.”

  * * * * * *

  Mark got out of the SUV, now dressed in some of R-pack’s spare clothes. He looked up at Alec’s building. The last time he’d been there, things hadn’t gone all that well.

  As though reading his mind, Alec reached for his hand. “Nothing will happen to you now.”

  “Nothing?” Mark grinned up at him, some of his nerves falling away.

  Alec laughed, the sound still so unexpected it took Mark by surprise. “Nothing bad, anyway.”

  They went inside and took the stairs up to Alec’s floor. Neither of them spoke. Mark didn’t know who was around, and to be honest, he was wary of anyone knowing he was there. They’d smell him, but—

  “Stop,” Alec chided softly. “I can hear you thinking.”

  “After everything that happened, what I did, are you absolutely sure I’m welcome here?”

  Alec stopped on the stairway and pushed Mark against the wall. “Yes. I’m sure. No one blames you. And besides….” Alec leaned close and traced his teeth over the side of his neck. “Cam gave his blessing for anything that we choose to do.”

  “Oh. Ohh.”

  One more nip of his teeth and Alec drew back. He met Mark’s gaze, eyes dark and hungry, and all the blood in Mark’s body rushed south. “Come on.”

  The hall outside Alec’s flat seemed empty, but Alec groaned, and when they turned the corner, Mark saw why. Tim Walters, R-pack’s hot doctor, propped up against the wall next to Alec’s front door.

  He glanced up as they approached and raised his hand. “Before you start, Cam sent me to check on the two of you. I understand you had to fight.” He glanced between the two of them. “Each other.”

  Alec sighed. “That’s right.” His eyes narrowed and he caught Tim’s arm. “What about Nathan? Weren’t you supposed to be checking on him?”

  Mark cursed silently for not asking himself. Nathan had saved his life.

  “I’ve already seen him.” Tim pinched the bridge of his nose. “He’s fine. Though I’d be happy not to see him covered in blood again. Even if he had almost healed by the time he got here.”

  “I’m sure.” Alec’s expression softened, and Mark remembered what he’d told him, that night now seemed a lifetime ago. Had something happened between them? Had they sorted out their differences? He’d ask him later. Much later.

  Alec opened the door to his flat and ushered Tim in. “Let’s not do this in the hallway.”

  Following them, Mark marvelled at the inside of Alec’s flat. For some reason he’d expected it to be white and barely furnished. That was so far from the truth it was funny. He smiled as he looked around. Warm tones covered the walls in the hall and living room. The large corner sofa appeared soft and inviting, its huge mink-coloured cushions begging Mark to sprawl out on them. He looked up to find Tim and Alec staring at him. “What?”

  Tim grinned. “Nothing.” His gaze flicked back to Alec. “I just never thought I’d see Alec so—”

  “Shall we get this over with so you can leave?” In one smooth move, Alec pulled off his shirt. The tattered remains of his other one sat on the back seat of the SUV, along with Mark’s.

  Alec turned this way and that. “See. I’m all healed.”

  Mark licked his lips, his gaze wandering over Alec’s bare torso. He never thought he’d get to see him like that again and his cock hardened in his borrowed jeans. Alec arched a brow as their eyes met, and Mark flushed.

  Tim cleared his throat, lips twitching in amusement. “I’ll be as quick as I can.”

  “That would be appreciated.” Alec undid the button of his jeans and let them fall to the floor, unashamed of the obvious bulge in his underwear. He turned in a slow circle, arms out wide, and Mark’s mouth went dry.

  Rolling his eyes, Tim turned to Mark. “Sorry, I need to check you out too. Alpha’s orders. Although I’m beginning to think he’s upstairs laughing right now.”

  Mark was inclined to agree with him. He pulled his T-shirt over his head and had a quick scan over his body. Alec had inflicted the least amount of damage possible, unlike him, and Mark had fully healed on the journey home. “Jeans too?” Everyone in the room knew he was sporting a hard-on, but he’d rather avoid putting it on display if he could. Alec had had spare jeans and a T-shirt in the car, but only one pair of underwear.

  Tim nodded, so Mark started to undo his jeans.

  When the second button revealed his lack of boxers, Tim coughed. “Okay, I think that’ll do.” Mark stopped and gave him a grateful smile. “Obviously neither of you were badly injured, and Cam is being… overly cautious.” His expression said those were not the words he wanted to use.

  “Right, then.” Tim glanced between the two of them, and Mark was convinced he was fighting a smirk. “I’ll leave you to it.”

  “Please do.” Alec had no manners, but Mark found that incredibly appealing right now. “And when you report back to Cam, tell him we might not be around much tomorrow.”

  Tim’s eyebrows shot up. “Are you two—?”

  “No.” Alec herded Tim towards the door. “Whatever you’re about to say can wait till later. Goodnight, Tim.”

  Alec strode back into the room in just his boxers, and Mark couldn’t help but smile. Alec eyed him curiously, his gaze drifting down to the waistband of Mark’s jeans. “I was so fucking worried about you.”

  Mark’s breath caught. “I know. I’m sorry.” Guilt washed through him. “I don’t know what I can say to make it better.”

  “I don’t want you to say anything. Except yes.” Alec closed the distance between them and cupped Mark’s jaw in his hands. “I never thought I’d want this.” He kissed him softly, and Mark’s heart set off at a gallop. “But I do, so much.”

  “Are you sure?” Mark had to ask, had to be certain because, despite everything he felt, every instinct screaming at him that Alec was his, he remembered Alec’s words from that night. I’m not exactly mate material.

  Alec kissed him again. “So very sure.” He stroked his thumbs across Mark’s cheekbones, his touch gentle. “Bond with me?”

  Everything Mark wanted stood in front of him, and it was the easiest decision he’d ever made. “Yes.”

  Alec took him by the hand and led him towards his bedroom. The whole flat smelled of Alec, but nowhere more so than his bedroom. Mark paused just inside the doorway, took a deep breath in, and closed his eyes for a second.

  Now that he was here, with Alec, the last two days seemed to have happened to someone else. Maybe if he tried hard enough, he could pretend they’d never happened at all.

  “Hey.” Alec came up behind him, slipped his arms around Mark’s waist, and rested his head on his shoulder. “We don’t have to do this if you’re not ready. I’ll understand.” He tried hard to m
ask it, but Mark caught the hurt in his tone, and it pulled at his heart.

  Turning in his arms, Mark reached up to cup Alec’s face. “I am ready. I just can’t believe I’m here, doing this, after everything that’s happened.” He tugged Alec down for a kiss and lost himself in the feel of Alec’s mouth on his. With each stroke of Alec’s tongue and press of his lips, the tension drained away, replaced by a low burning fire deep in Mark’s belly.

  Alec was virtually naked under his hands. Mark needed to touch him. Trailing his fingers along Alec’s bare shoulders, the power in them took his breath away, and he realised how easy Alec had gone on him in their fight. Newell had been right—Alec would never have fought him to the death, and Cam wouldn’t have asked him to. That was the difference between a good alpha and one like Newell.

  But Newell had also underestimated Mark’s connection with Alec. They might not be bonded, but on some level, it had already started. Enough for Alec to break through Newell’s hold on him. He met Alec’s gaze, and the heat behind those deep brown eyes sent a shiver down his spine. In a slow, teasing move, he slid his hands down over Alec’s chest and round to rest on his underwear-clad arse. Then gave it a squeeze.

  Alec laughed. “I’m trying to steer you towards my bed, but you keep stopping me.”

  Grinning, Mark squeezed again and let his fingers slide in between Alec’s arsecheeks. “That’s what you get for wandering around almost naked.”

  “Is that right?” Alec took a small step back, hooked his thumbs in the waistband of his boxers, and shoved them all the way off. “What do I get now?” His hard cock was too much for Mark to resist, and he had his hand around it before Alec finished speaking.

  “Anything you want.”

  Alec hissed as Mark started to stroke him, slow and lazy. “I want you out of those jeans.”

  With his free hand, Mark undid the last two buttons and let the jeans fall to the floor. He stepped out of them and kicked them to the side, still working Alec with his hand. “Done. Now get on the bed.”