Wondering if Jett had told Marlene about River’s preconceived notion of being claimed, she hesitated to respond. “It subsides during pregnancy though.”
“Eh? Oh, right. It does, a blessing in some respects, considering you’re at the beck and call of the baby, even before it’s born. Shifter pregnancies can be intense.”
“You’ve had three.”
“Four, actually. Frederick and I lost one between Lizbeth and Desiree. And Jett was an easy carry.”
Desperately wanting to ask, River nevertheless bit her tongue. “Did you want something? Tea? Coffee?”
“Later, thanks. For now, I’d like to hear about your family. And Jericho’s pack.”
River filled her in, and Marlene made the appropriate noises at the correct moments to support how intently she appeared to listen. “I’m sorry you lost your mother so young. I hope you and I can spend time together.”
“I’d like that.” She meant it, sensing nothing but kindness in the older woman, along with something a little strange, but not nasty.
“I have Fae blood. My relationship with Jericho triggered the gene, or so our doctors think. We simply don’t have enough information to figure it all out. Jett is the product of a chance mating, and he’ll carry it too. The gene. Are you okay with that?”
“I hadn’t considered it. I mean, I didn’t know much about you—and Jericho. You don’t think it will hurt our pups?” Her hand pressed involuntarily against her belly.
“Extremely doubtful,” Marlene said briskly, “but they could develop quicker or have some additional skills. You should know to expect it.”
“That would be all right.”
“We should probably go make some refreshments, honey. I can tell we have lots more to talk about. And I have lots to tell you about the man who claimed you. About forty years’ worth.”
They settled in the kitchen and conversed over cold drinks while Marlene regaled her with stories about Jett’s childhood. River knew she skipped over some of the more difficult times, seeing as she was beginning to read the other woman’s nonverbal cues pretty well. Nothing much was said about Jericho, although she gained the impression that the affair was intense, and if Marlene had been a shifter, things would have turned out different. But she spoke very fondly of her deceased husband as well.
“What do you do, Marlene? I know Desi said you had a business.”
“I own a women’s clothing boutique in town. I was on a buyer’s trip when Desiree called about the incident with the rogues. She said you had things under control, you and Jett, but how can I help?”
“There are four women I expect will require extra support because I doubt their packs will take them back. Or that they’ll want to return. Maybe we can go and see them once the therapists have some time to work.”
“Of course. And perhaps you’ll have time to come to the shop. Desi said you wanted to revamp your wardrobe.”
“I do. I have some suitable stuff but nothing nice for casual. And my underwear is pretty basic.” She flushed and Marlene laughed.
“Well, you’ll be coming to the right place. I have everything a woman might want.”
“I’ll come as soon as possible.”
Sipping at her drink, Marlene asked, “Do you know what’s up with my daughter?”
“Uh, I don’t know if… I mean, best she talk to you?”
“Tahl went to the Dawnfall clan, Mom.” Jett strode in and helped himself to a cookie. “He told Desi personally, and I thought she wasn’t bothered, but River thinks differently.”
River stared at her hands and wished she knew what to say.
“Oh, dear. She’ll be devastated, and denying it every inch of the way. I suppose it’s a female?” Marlene’s voice was pained.
“Ashton’s granddaughter. I don’t remember her very well.”
“She was an annoying, pretentious twit when they were here, but if Tahl can’t see that I suppose there’s nothing to be done.”
“Desiree can stand to grow up a little, too, Mom. I’m sorry she was hurt, but Tahl didn’t view things the same way.”
“Then he was blind. But that’s my mother side talking. Or the human one. Even with my ability to fit in with shifters I can’t always comprehend this claiming business. The females being slaves to their heat and requiring a male. I appreciate your tolerance in regard to women being allowed to exhibit their interest prior to coming into heat.”
“Mom.” River jumped at the terse tone. Jett was glaring at his parent.
“I know. Pack history. Destiny. All of that. You’re fortunate River was both willing and suitable.”
River opened her mouth, but Jett cut her off. “We’re fated mates, Mom. At least to judge by the connection we’re developing. River will be finishing my sentences in no time.”
“And you’ll be reading my mind,” she said sweetly.
Marlene burst into laughter. “Maybe not such a slave, then. Even better. You’ve had things your way for too long, son.”
“I can’t wait until Desi and Lizbeth join forces with you against me,” he grumbled.
Changing the subject, River said, “When’s a good time for me to see your mom’s boutique?”
“Tomorrow, if you can finalize the paperwork for the families of the wolves we lost. I’d like to get that done as soon as possible. Before we work out what transpires for the females the rogues took.”
“I’m going to visit those families today, after I leave here,” Marlene said. “You come by before lunch tomorrow and we’ll have a bite to eat, and then I’ll turn you loose in the boutique. Desi will probably come too. It’ll be good for her—in case she wants to talk.”
“I’ll drop you off, sweetheart, and if I can’t come for you when you’re finished, Austin will pick you up. I don’t anticipate any trouble, but until I’m certain, I don’t want you wandering around by yourself.”
It was stupid to argue, although Jett was being all alpha male, so she nodded. “I get it.”
Marlene tucked a few strands of wayward hair back into its twist and headed out. “I loved meeting you and look forward to lunch tomorrow. Get some rest, honey. Although the way my son is watching you, I don’t think that’s on his agenda.”
It was on hers, because she was drained of energy. It had been a momentous couple or three days. She was too tired to even blush at her mother-in-law’s suggestive comment. “I’ll be there before noon.”
Enveloped in a warm hug, River sniffed the floral bouquet Marlene exuded and soaked in the kindness. Lizbeth lived in a different pack, but hopefully she’d get along with her as well, when they came to meet. Having Cass come to visit would make everything perfect, and she resolved to call her sister as soon as they were alone.
Jett set his arm around her shoulders as they walked his mother to the door. She leaned into him. “I’d like to call Cass.”
“Absolutely. Come find me when you’re finished and we’ll put dinner together.”
Free to talk and share anything and everything, she headed to their room and placed the call. She reached her sister and was predictably overwhelmed by the girl’s emotional response. But Cass accepted the news that River had been claimed—not that there was a time reference made—and confided that their father already knew. Apparently Jett had notified Jericho who in turn advised Reginald. Despite her increasing connection to her mate, the paternalism grated.
“When can I visit?” Cass was bubbling with excitement. “Is your place nice? Are there lots of shifters my age?”
Her sister didn’t know about the action taken against the rogues, and didn’t need to hear about the women rescued from them. River didn’t want her here until she was certain it was safe, or as safe as it could be. “I need a little time with Jett, Cass. This is all new for us.” Well, for her, mostly.
“Of course. Oh, River, I’m happy for you. You sound good. You are, aren’t you? Even if you wanted a different life?”
“I’m happy. Even content.” It was astoni
shing how much she’d changed and how well she’d adapted, considering she’d longed to escape this life. It was reflected in her sincere response.
They exchanged promises to call more often, and Cass was satisfied, knowing a visit to her sister was in the near future.
River ran down the stairs to find Jett, vaguely aware of hearing people coming and going while she was on the phone. She walked into his office and stumbled to a halt, her upper body leaning against the sudden stop until she gained her balance. Jett was lounging back in his chair. She hear him chuckling, although the voluptuous figure of the she-wolf sitting on the edge of his desk blocked her view.
The female turned, her movement thrusting out an extremely well-endowed chest. Two finely plucked brows on a heavily made up face rose in response to seeing her.
Jett stood, looming over the other woman. “River. Come and meet Tawny.”
Tawny. Of course. If not Tawny, it could have been Bambi. Shocked at her malicious reaction, River faked a wide smile and forced her feet to move. “Hey. Nice to meet you.”
Tawny didn’t offer an extravagantly manicured hand, the nails curved like talons, and neither did she smile. Instead, she gave River the once over and sniffed. “I heard Jett claimed a mate.” Her tone said she didn’t think much of his choice, as she swung a long, bare leg. Her skirt barely covered her crotch, so there was lots of leg to expose.
River locked her stare on Jett and willed him to come to her. Maybe there was something to his belief in fated mates, because he stepped around the siren displayed on his desk and moved to River.
Tucking against his side, she felt the familiar weight of his arm wrapping around her, and nodded at Tawny. “You heard correctly. Were you one of the females who kept his fridge stocked?”
Jett tensed but said nothing, while the other woman paled, her blush standing out in two ragged patches high on her cheeks.
“I … I suppose so.”
“He ate well by the look of things, and I appreciate he was taken care of.”
Tawny slithered to the floor, her stilettos clacking on the hardwood. She was sex on a stick. River willingly admitted it, and her mate obviously thought the same way—before. There had been no hint of sexual interest until his body came into contact with River’s. Her wolf remained alert, attention focused on the interloper, but becoming distracted by Jett’s proximity.
“We’re about to make dinner, if you’d like to stay?” She gave Tawny her most innocent, sweet look and the other woman flinched.
“I can’t. I stopped by with my sister and brother to see Jett and give him my regards. And to meet you, of course.”
“Of course. I imagine we’ll be seeing a lot of one another, as I’m, you know, the Alpha’s mate.”
“Of course.” Tawny wasn’t pleased but granted the match to River. “I’ll just head out. My ride will be waiting anyhow.”
She sashayed past them, casting a look at Jett, but he was staring at River. She slipped from under his arm and ensured the other woman had left, and then dead bolted the door behind her.
“Tawny is—”
“I know what she is, Jett. I think you mentioned dinner?”
A panty-melting smile was bestowed on her. “I made a good choice, sweetheart. You exceed all expectations.”
“Then you’d better give some thought to exceeding mine.”
Jett sputtered, or whatever an alpha male did when challenged, and she hustled to the kitchen. Hard on her heels, he caught her up and lifted her to sit on the island. Setting a big hand on either side of her hips, he regarded her seriously, one corner of his chiseled mouth quirking upward. “Point taken. Tawny doesn’t have boundaries. But as Alpha—and your mate—that’ll be up to me to enforce some.”
“That’s a good thing, because it looks as though I’ll have enough to do in my new role without dealing with your many exes.”
Stepping between her knees, he spread her thighs wide, the counter a perfect height to allow him to press his engorged cock against her core. “We could postpone dinner.”
“Uh uh.” She was hungry and believed she could exert some will power over her heat. “Feed me. First.”
“Your heat is on the wane. Do you think you’re pregnant?”
“Part of me hopes not, because I’d like some time to settle in. Get to know you and your family and the pack better, without dealing with being pregnant,” she admitted. “On the other hand, I’d rather not go into heat again in a month.”
Nuzzling along her neck, he murmured, “It hasn’t been so bad.”
“Not, too bad.” She managed to keep any hint of humor from her voice, and succeeded, because Jett lifted his head, eyes full of challenge.
“Wench.”
She touched his cheek, marking the stubble that already made itself known. Teasing could be fun—and intimate. “Feed me.”
Chapter Ten
River settled in over the next several days, busy with reviewing the pack’s financial affairs and ensuring she carried out all the necessary settlements for the families of the lost males. Her trip to Marlene’s boutique was an enjoyable experience, with Desi making excellent suggestions as to the items that suited her best and made the most of her shape and size.
Her sister-in-law presented as the same happy, enthusiastic young woman she had met her first day arriving in Jett’s home. River watched the other female when she thought Desi wasn’t looking, and couldn’t see any lingering effects from what had to be a betrayal by Tahl—at least in Desiree’s eyes. She flirted with Austin and the human waiter at lunch and gave other males speculative and appreciative glances.
River might have concluded that the other woman had bounced back from her obsession with Tahl, except his name never once passed her lips, not even in conversations with others who inquired about his whereabouts. Desi deferred to others, who shared the news. At a loss, River left it alone.
Desi had an online business that included selling merchandise from her mother’s boutique as well as several other shifters in the pack. She saw it as cornering the market, and with her skills, she did well, and again requested River’s help in learning to budget her income.
“I like working from home and making my own hours. It gives me time to do other things when I’m interested,” she confided. “And I like being my own boss. I just need to learn to live within a budget.”
River was happy to help and agreed to give Marlene’s books a look too. It felt as though she was part of a family—a normal, happy family—and she couldn’t wait for Cass to visit.
Jett was busy leading the pack, involved in meetings and spending a great deal of time on the phone. Of grave importance was the resettlement of the rescued females and progress was being made, both on his side and the part of the therapists. He always made time for her and despite the fact her heat had abated—with no pregnancy—she discovered what he’d referenced as all the other times in between heat cycles.
The sex they partook in wasn’t the driven, mindless assuaging of her biological need, but rather of a fun and enjoyable nature. She was an equal participant and even instigated the loving.
“Hey. Where’d you go?” Her mate waved a hand in front of her face as she became adrift in her thoughts and lost the thread of their conversation. He leaned against the island, watching her with a small smile softening his lips.
“Just thinking about sex.” She didn’t even blush, and thoroughly appreciated the slight shock her frank words elicited, as Jett’s eyes widened before a brow quirked.
“Where did my resistant little shifter go? The one who was horrified to even hear the word mentioned, let alone think about participating.”
“Who said I was thinking about sex with you?”
Cats pounced, foxes too, but wolves? For sure, wolves. Jett’s blue eyes glinted gold as he crossed the room in two effortless strides to throw her over his shoulder. He smacked her buttocks the entire way up the stairs as she laughed and flailed ineffectually at his fine ass.
The slight sting on her skin beneath the barrier of denim heated her core, not that she was going to let on. River Fortuna drew the line at spanking—any kind of spanking, though the spirit of this particular paddling was acceptable… Especially when he rubbed his target and the warmth spread further in an indescribable but pleasurable fashion.
Their clothing fell away with the dint of long practice, and she indulged herself with a long look at her mate’s splendid physique. Wide shoulders with smoothly muscled biceps and forearms, a broad chest sprinkled with just enough dark hair, an etched six pack… She knew how firm and round his ass was, having had her hands on it often enough, and how long and strong his legs were. As for his cock… Thick and as a perfect of the rest of him, with a wide, soft cap crowning the silky hardness, now dark and beaded with moisture.
“I want to look at your sweet ass as I take you, River.” The low timbre in his tone vibrated in her core, and she willingly turned onto her belly, coming up onto her knees. She’d thrown modesty—and any inkling of unworthiness—to the wind, likely by the fourth or fifth time Jett had taken her. He obviously liked what he saw, so why hide from him?
Nipping her shoulders and down the length of her spine, his warm breath washed over her and made her impatient. She wiggled her buttocks against the thrust of his erection and he palmed one flank. “After that remark downstairs, sweetheart, I think I’ll make you wait. Just so you’re certain who you’re having sex with.”
“I do! I swear.” She wanted the pleasure he always brought her, able to savor and prolong the experience. “Please, Jett.”
“Ah, begging.” He licked a particularly sensitive spot and inserted a knee between her thighs to widen her stance. “That’s a sweet sound.”
“C’mon. Please?” Unable to do more than squirm and shift her weight a little, she whined.
A long finger teased down the crevice of her ass and between her folds to circle around her entrance. As hard as she tried to impale herself on it, she failed as he trailed upward to smear the wetness on her clit. “Argh.”
Bound by Destiny (Blue Star Shifters Book 1) Page 13