by Aline Hunter
That was all it took. “I can’t hold back,” he grated, losing the battle.
“Then don’t. I want to see how you taste.”
His came with a roar, the sound so loud it echoed through the bedroom. It dawned on him that the others could hear but he didn’t give two shits what they thought. His female not only met his expectations, she kept exceeding them. Her clever fingers continued stroking his cock, her mouth going up and down the length. She swallowed blast after blast of his semen, drinking him down. It seemed to go on forever but forever would never be long enough.
Not when it came to Sadie.
“Mmm,” she hummed, sliding her lips from the head, slowly backing away.
She fed him the image of what she wanted to do next.
The vein on his thigh beckoned, the blood pulsing under his skin. She wanted to feed from him there, watch him come a second time. But if that happened there was a chance he wouldn’t be able to go another round. His mate might be content to give him release without achieving her own but he wasn’t keen on letting it happen.
Another time, baby.
“No you don’t.” He moved before she knew what hit her, yanking her up his body, flipping them over and changing positions. His fingers drifted over her slit, finding her folds soaking wet. “It’s your turn to scream.”
There was no precursor or warning. He fed his cock into her tight little sheath, working the head into her pussy. As soon as he was lodged inside her he thrust. She took all of him, arching her back, her fingernails piercing his skin. He didn’t stop, pulling out only to return with more force. Bringing his mouth to her breast, he sucked her nipple into his mouth, rubbing his tongue over the nub.
“Yes.” She moaned, grinding her cunt against his cock. “Oh yes.”
Reaching down, he cupped her ass. Again and again he rammed into her, upping the pace. She gripped him like a glove, her cunt wrapping around him. He released her hard nipple and turned his head, giving the other breast equal attention. Her pussy clamped down on him and her breaths changed from even to ragged.
“Come, Sadie,” he growled, nipping at her skin. “Show me how good I make you feel.”
With a muffled cry, she did.
He abandoned her breasts, getting in place. Sliding his hand behind her head, he lifted her and offered her his neck. He didn’t stop moving, plunging in and out. Sweat slicked his skin and beaded down his back. The air felt charged with electricity, thick and alive around them. Her tongue darted over his flesh, bathing the area covering his vein. Anticipation prickled up his spine, muscles tense as he waited for her bite.
She scored his skin cleanly, her fangs sinking deep.
He came again, groaning in pleasure, snapping his hips. The wolf snarled in his head, voicing its satisfaction. Their bodies crashed together, skin slapping against skin. She moaned as she drank, sucking, her lips soft and gentle. The sound broke something inside him. He slowed his motions, changing his thrusts from violent to tender.
“Love you,” he panted, clutching her to him. “So much.”
Before Sadie he’d existed only to kill. His sole purpose had been to make those who’d wronged him suffer before they died. The wound was still fresh but it no longer festered, eating away at his compassion, destroying what remained of his humanity. His mate had not only managed to ease his suffering, she’d found a way to piece the man he used to be back together again. Making him whole. Complete. He didn’t deserve a second chance but he was fucking grateful he’d been given one. His life would have gone on but he wouldn’t have known what it meant to exist.
She gave him that.
His cock softened, his body spent. He thrust his length into her one last time and remained there, buried deep inside her. Keeping his head turned, he closed his eyes, dazed as she drank her fill. Her fangs eased from his skin, her tongue darting out to skim over his neck. He shuddered, enjoying the way she caressed his throat, her long fingers drifting through the hair at his nape.
“Trey?”
She tugged at the strands trapped in her fist, bringing her other hand around to cup his face. He lifted onto his elbows, gazing down. Sadie’s irises were a dark shade of blue, her cheeks rosy pink. Her hair had tangled around her shoulders and neck. She looked like a woman who’d been ridden good and hard. He was a smug asshole because he loved knowing he was the one who made her look like that.
Her hesitation revealed her nervousness. “Say it again.”
His heart broke all over again. If she needed to hear the words, he’d say them over and over again. Until she knew just how profoundly she affected him and understood that he never had—and never would—feel this way for anyone else.
“I love you.” Bending down, he brushed his lips over hers. “I love you.”
“One more time,” she sighed, relaxing beneath him. “Tell me.”
He brought his mouth around, raining kisses over her cheek.
Winding down to her ear, he whispered, “I love you, Sadie Dumus.”
Chapter Nineteen
“They’re ready for you,” Zach said, motioning to the door.
Sadie squeezed Trey’s hand, trying to steady her nerves. It was time to run with the big dogs. She stole a look at the male beside her. He was equally alert, ready to throw down and kick ass if anyone gave her shit. A thrilling bolt of happiness cascaded over her like a warm wash of morning sunshine.
He loved her.
She’d felt the gravity of the declaration when he’d said it aloud. He meant it all the way down to his very soul. He’d do anything she asked of him, regardless of the cost. That level of dedication deserved equal respect and commitment. She’d prove she was worth the trouble. With time the pack would know she’d do anything for them. She’d offered them her fealty so long as they accepted her place at Trey’s side.
“Why the long face?” She teased him, wanting to lighten the mood. They weren’t facing their deaths. The pack wanted to see her. She needed to answer their questions. “Relax.”
His head turned, his amber gaze loving. “I’ll relax after this is done.”
“Come on, then,” she said, leading him to the door. “It’s time.”
Instead of gathering at the barn, the pack had taken up the area surrounding the swimming pool. They stopped chatting with each other, going quiet as she stepped outside. The sun hadn’t set but it wasn’t of any consequence. It had started to descend, making room for the night. The rays no longer beamed from above, draining her strength and scorching her skin. The fact that she appeared in the dwindling daylight seemed to surprise them. A few whispered to each other, their voices soft in an effort to keep her from hearing.
“She can’t be all bad,” she caught a man saying. “She’s in the daylight for fuck’s sake.”
“Thank you for coming,” she said, wanting to engage them. “I know you have a lot of questions. I’ll do my best to answer them.”
A large male stepped forward. The way the pack moved behind him indicated he spoke for the entire group. “Did you mean what you said that first night?”
“I said a lot of things,” she answered slowly, unclear of his meaning.
“Do you truly mean to accept the responsibilities of the mate to our Alpha?” the man asked. “Are you willing to lay down your life to protect us? No matter the threat? Even if it means giving up what you love most?”
Trey’s hand nearly crushed hers, his body trembling. He still worried for her, afraid of the idea she could be hurt or killed. She held back a wince, accepting the pain. He wasn’t even aware he was squeezing her so hard, locked in his own thoughts, imagining her dead and gone. She wanted to comfort him but couldn’t. If she did he’d seem weak. They had to project a strong image, united in front of the people before them.
“I do and I am,” she replied, staring at the faces studying her.
“And if other vampires attack, you’ll kill them?”
She didn’t hesitate. “In a heartbeat.”
“What abo
ut our other enemies?”
“The same applies.”
The male paused, gazing at her. “How can we know you mean it?”
“You can’t.” That was the bitch of it. She’d never be able to reassure them with words. She’d have to use action. “But if you’ll give me a chance, I’ll prove it to you.”
He didn’t stop staring, considering her words. The shifters behind him remained still, watching him closely. She expected more questions but none came. They had to want to know more than this. Why weren’t they bombarding her with their uncertainties? Why hadn’t they started an outcry to find a chink in her armor?
After a moment he said, “Bring them.”
Bring them? What the hell does that mean?
She thought to Trey. “What’s he talking about?”
“Not what,” he thought back, fingers loosening. “Who.”
A male standing at the side gate opened it wide, waving at people she couldn’t see on the other side. Women and children appeared, squeezing into the area one by one. Some of the females carried infants while a few others held the hands of toddlers. The older children gawked at her, eyes bright with curiosity.
She thought back to the first pack meeting.
Women had been there but no children. Come to think of it, she’d rarely ever seen the youngest members of the pack. And why should she? Children were the future. They had to be protected.
This was what she’d be fighting for.
Life with Trey took on new meaning. And it was a glorious thing. She’d protected a coven of scheming bitches, doing whatever she was told. But there had been no real pleasure in it. Here she’d have an actual family, just as she had in her childhood. It was inconceivable. Vampires usually joined covens and roamed the world. They didn’t settle down. For once, she’d plant roots. This would be home.
The idea more than appealed to her.
It suited her to a T.
Once everyone was inside and the gate closed, the male addressed her again. “Give us your word. Swear that you’ll put them before anything else.”
She’d never take a more important vow. “I swear.”
Her lips parted as they kneeled, heads angling to the side. The older children mirrored the actions of their elders while the babes cried out softly and clung to their mothers. All heads were bowed, so she couldn’t see their faces. Concerned, she reached out to their minds, finding that all of them were resolved and accepting.
Accepting of what?
“You,” Trey rasped. The male would never cry but she heard the emotion in his voice. “They’re taking you into the pack.”
It couldn’t be that easy. No way. She hadn’t done anything to deserve it yet.
“You saved the life of one of their children,” Trey thought to her. “There is no greater gift in the pack. When you protected Ava you showed them that you value the same thing. Apparently they’re willing to take you at your word.”
A child—no more than five or six years old—broke position and stood.
Sadie grinned when he scowled, shaking off his mother’s hand when she tried to make him kneel. He was an adorable little thing, still chubby in his youth, maintaining the roundness in his cheeks, his brown hair streaked by the sun. He cocked his head to the side, looking straight at her, resting his cheek on his shoulder.
“Do you really drink blood?” he yelled, like he couldn’t believe anyone would want to do something so repugnant. When she didn’t answer immediately he asked, “What about flying? Can you do that? I heard you could fly if you wanted to.”
His mother shot up, trying to shush him.
“Oh Mom,” he complained, squirming out of her hold. “You said questions are important.” His poor mother looked mortified, eyes darting to Sadie. “That’s why we’re here, isn’t it?” He kept going, embarrassing the hell out of the poor woman. “Why can’t I have a turn? Why does it always have to be grown-ups? It’s not fair.”
She released Trey and phased, appearing in front of the youth. His mother startled, taking a step back. Whispers surrounded Sadie, the accepting pack wondering if they’d made the wrong decision. The child reacted differently, apparently pleased. An enormous smile lit his face, his chocolate-brown eyes excited.
“Wow,” he exhaled. “You can fly. You moved so fast I didn’t see you!”
“I can do all kinds of things.”
“Tell me!” he exclaimed, rushing at her. “This is better than a bedtime story.”
Normally she didn’t touch other people’s children unless she was given permission. Such a thing was considered rude. But since the little boy was coming at her like a steaming locomotive she didn’t have a choice. She couldn’t let him fall. That would probably tick the pack off more than her holding him.
Catching him midway, she hoisted him up. Everyone around her was anxious. Their worry ate at her, robbing her of breath. She needed to give them a reprieve, allowing them to become comfortable in her presence. Trey gave her a disapproving look when she turned around and faced him. He didn’t like her doing things unexpectedly.
Barbarian.
“I’m sure you have a lot of questions.” She eased down, taking a seat at Trey’s feet. She faced the pack but talked to the boy, speaking loud enough for everyone to hear. “I’ll do my best to answer them.”
“I’m Arkin,” he told her proudly. “Momma named me after my grandpa.”
“I’m Sadie,” she murmured. She didn’t tell him her parents took the name from Hebrew, or that it meant princess. “It’s nice to meet you, Arkin.”
“So how do you fly?”
How did she answer that? Would it freak everyone out?
She’d promised to be honest but could she really share all of her secrets?
The coven has already shunned you. You can’t sink any deeper.
Trey kneeled at her back, resting his hand on her shoulder. Electricity zipped down her back, winding down her spine. His touch exorcized her demons, forcing her fears to retreat. She’d made this decision. This is what she wanted. In order to be a part of the pack she didn’t have to merely earn their trust, she had to give them hers as well.
She gazed at the men and women in front of her.
They were listening, just as keen as the child to know an answer.
“I don’t fly. Not really. It’s called phasing.”
“How do you do that?”
Settling in, she answered his question. He’d chosen a good one. “Well you see,” she said, looking at Arkin, “it starts with a bit of magic.”
His face bunched together, lips pursed. “Magic is for sissies.”
She brought her hand to Trey’s, resting her fingers on top of his. She felt their connection, growing stronger by the minute. “Why do you say that?”
“It’s mostly fake,” he informed her briskly, bored now. “I’ve seen it on TV.”
Her eyes settled on a scrape on his leg. It was nearly healed but not quite.
“It’s fake, huh?” She peered up, meeting the stares of the pack.
They didn’t trust her but they wanted to. She remembered what her father had used to say, chiding her when she’d complained about her studies in her youth, saying that Rome wasn’t built in a day. He loved to quote Roman Emperor Hadrian.
Brick by brick, my citizens, he’d say, brick by brick.
This was the start, the first block in her foundation.
Releasing the child’s waist, she called on her magic, gazing at his knee. Energy buzzed through her, warming her blood, heating her from the inside. Trey knew what she was up to, gave her shoulder a squeeze. She intended to start things off on the right foot. There was no better way than revealing her gift for healing.
A simple touch and the wound disappeared.
The child was amazed. The pack, stunned.
She turned to Trey, giving him a smile. He lowered his head, skimming lips over hers.
Brick by brick, she’d become the woman they needed.
This was
only the beginning.
Epilogue
What a quandary.
Aldon Frost studied the fireplace, watching the wispy red flames dance and sway. He didn’t like to brood. It wasn’t his style. Normally he didn’t have to. Smart people avoided him. They certainly never fucked with him.
Not if they wanted to keep their heads attached to their shoulders.
Sadie Dumus, how you’ve thrown a wrench into things.
He’d put her down more than once but she kept coming back, determined as ever. He’d actually found her stalking rather amusing at times. She’d truly believed he hadn’t been aware of her. A shame, since a true member of The Fallen would have killed her. For all her slyness she wasn’t intelligent. Likely she’d never even encountered a member of The Fallen in her life. The silly vampire had no idea what she was dealing with.
The fire spurted, wood splintering. The sound matched his dour mood.
Thrumming his fingers on the edge of his chair, he contemplated his next move.
Although he wanted the vampire who could locate objects using touch, he didn’t have to have her. So far he’d gained much information about the whereabouts of the zephyr. The ignorant human dog that had the mystical creation managed to maintain a low profile but he left a paper trail. After Aldon had gotten a name it was as easy as phoning in a few favors. Thomas Brisbane was tightening the noose. Soon he’d jump the gun and strangle himself.
Irritation was a waste of time but he let the sensation flow through him.
Foolish mortal.
His brothers wouldn’t like it if Aldon didn’t obtain the relic. As the self-proclaimed hunters of The Fallen, they wanted the tainted thing wiped from existence. Certainly they could use it to their benefit but his family would never allow that. They operated under a strict code of ethics. True, they did use black mage magic to accomplish their tasks but only when absolutely necessary. Otherwise they’d be lost to the allure of the dark. Besides, if they didn’t use their gifts they couldn’t blend in, spying on those they picked off one by one.