It just didn’t seem possible, real, or even fair. How in the world could one woman be with five men, and wolves no less? She could kick herself for forgetting about the fact they were wolves. What if they went crazy or got rabies and tried to eat her? Then what? Could wolves get rabies? Dogs got rabies. They looked experienced, and that in itself added to her fear. Could they have some kind of sexually transmitted diseases? Oh shit.
She looked at them as they walked into the beautiful country-style home. They looked so human and normal aside from their very impressive heights and thick, muscular bodies. Anyone aware of their line of work probably wouldn’t question their rather perfect physiques. She felt her throat tighten as she swallowed and her nipples hardened beneath her bra. The fabric was suddenly too tight and felt too rough against her sensitive nipples. As she thought about their effect on her, she felt the liquid drip from her pussy and her belly tighten with need.
“You’re hurt,” Pat exclaimed, bringing her back to reality and the fact that now four out of the five men stood in front of her with concerned scowls on their faces.
Chapter 8
“They got away, Fenly,” Doolin stated as he listened to Fenly roar. The man was a nasty wolf, and only a fool would cross him.
“How could she have gotten away? She’s human and she is just a woman,” Fenly wondered as he stood up from his desk and began pacing in front of it.
“She had help.”
“Help? What kind of help?”
“Cops. Well, actually, from what my sources have gathered they are wolves. Declan pack, to be specific,” Doolin told him.
“Declan? What would a US stronghold pack like Declan want with Ava?” Fenly asked as he stopped and leaned against his desk.
“Perhaps they have heard about the Jewel of Ireland as well?” Duggy offered as a possibility.
Fenly’s eyes immediately began to glow.
“That Jewel, wherever it is, belongs to me! I have worked too hard and planned too long for some pack like Declan to come along and take it from me.”
“You aren’t even certain that this Jewel exists, Fenly. How could a bunch of cop wolves even know about it?” Duggy asked, and Fenly stared at him, the eyes of his wolf glowing yellow.
“It is not some fantasy story handed down from one generation to the next. The O’Brian family has it in their possession and Ava is the only one who is key to finding it.”
Duggy wasn’t a believer, but his family in Ireland believed in the Jewel of Ireland.
“I will have the Jewel, and if it is worth as much as the stories and rumors claim then I can rule far beyond the borders of Ireland. This is important for our pack, for the O’Leary name.”
“If you’re aware of this Jewel and its worth, what makes you think that others aren’t aware of it as well?” Duggy asked, still feeling skeptical about such a Jewel existing.
Fenly’s lips pressed together as he puffed out his chest, looking as if ready to roar.
“Ava is mine. She is the key to finding the Jewel of Ireland and no one will stand in my way of possessing both of them. Now find out everything you can on the Declan pack. I want to know where they’re hiding out. Then I want them to get comfortable before we strike. They’ll be sorry they messed with O’Leary.”
“What I can tell you is that they are related to Valdamar pack and to Lord Crespin.”
Fenly roared at the information. They were responsible for the death of his cousin Fidelis.
“Then they die. All of them if necessary. The Circle of Elders is a waste. There are too many rules and regulations. A wolf can’t even make a decent living without having one of the old-timers on their backs. We need to get rid of them and then any secret orders or groups they have around. The Jewel will help me achieve this. Now go, and get me intel on the Declan and my woman.”
Duggy bowed his head then left the room. He wondered if he should just disappear and separate himself from Fenly now. He had a pretty decent business running some drugs and guns on the streets and working the system here in the States. He missed his country. It had been months since he returned to Ireland. But as much as he wanted to return, he couldn’t. The authorities and some members of the IRA would have his ass hung over the nearest tree limb and beaten to death old-style if he returned.
He thought about what Fenly had offered months ago. Becoming part of his organization and making a shit load of money was exactly what Duggy wanted. Maybe it won’t be so bad being one of Fenly’s cronies.
Chapter 9
Ava stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. She had convinced the men to give her a few minutes to freshen up before they applied ice to her swollen cheek. There were smudges of dirt on her cheek, and her ribs felt sore to the touch. Realizing that she only had the clothes on her back to wear for an unknown period of time, she carefully removed her shirt. There was no need to get it wet as she cleaned up. The moment she lifted her arms and removed the top, she felt the achiness against her left side. Glancing down, she noticed the red blotches beginning to turn black and blue. The bastards that attacked her outside her apartment had roughed her up good. She was glad she had gotten a few good shots in by herself.
Whether she liked to admit it or not, she was lucky that the Declan pack were nearby and assisting her. Right now the situation could be a lot worse. She could be stuck with Simon and his sexist men trying to hit on her, or worse, she could be with Fenly. The thought that either would attempt to mate her, as they liked to call it, made her stomach queasy and her insides clench with fear.
Then there were thoughts of the Declan men. None of them tried to force themselves on her. They had each kissed her with passion and heat she never knew could feel so good, and something told her she was safe with them. However, now that she drugged their leader, Willy might have other plans for her. She was used to being alone and handling things on her own. These men couldn’t change her life for the better or help her. She closed her eyes and gripped the sides of the sink as the achiness continued in her side.
“You didn’t say there were other injuries.”
Ava turned, startled at the sound of Kyle’s voice. She was tired and concerned that she stood there in only her jeans and bra. She began to reach for her shirt.
“Wait. Let me look those bruises over to be sure you’re okay.” His stern voice stopped her as she quickly pulled her hand away from the garment.
“I’m okay. I assure you that I’ll be fine,” she replied, but his touch to her wrist stopped her from continuing. Her body felt overheated and completely aware of the sexy man who now stood close behind her. She gripped the sides of the sink tighter, holding her breath as his warm, calloused hands explored her back and ribs. She turned her head slightly toward her left upper arm, inhaling the scent of male, an enticing aroma that was beginning to tempt her more and more.
* * * *
Kyle was shocked to find Ava half-naked in the bathroom when he returned to check on her. His brother Mick was getting the ice pack while the others began to explore their options for dinner.
Staring at her battle wounds, his wolf grew angry and concerned. His mate would never be harmed again. He would protect her with his life just as his pack brothers would.
The sight of her womanly figure, sexy and curvy from breasts to ass, told him that their mate was a sexual fantasy come true.
“Does it hurt badly?” he asked her as he trailed a finger gently down her spine then over toward the red markings, being careful not to apply too much pressure.
Ava shook her head then released a short, unsteady breath as she turned away from him.
“Don’t lie to me,” he whispered against her shoulder, his lips touching her skin in need of having a small taste of the beauty in front of him.
Ava gasped then shifted back against his body.
He looked her over, almost certain that she was merely bruised and no further damage was done to her ribs. He pressed his body against her back as he slid his hands over her u
pper arms, down the curve of her elbows, and to her wrists. He laid his chin gently on her shoulder then looked at her through the reflection in the mirror. Her abundant breasts poured from her black lace bra. She was exquisite, and he could tell her nipples pebbled from his touch. When she raised her eyes to meet his, they shared a moment and a realization that they were connected somehow.
“You’re so beautiful, Ava. It is hard to resist the urge to feel more of you,” he whispered against her neck then kissed her skin softly.
“Please. I don’t want this,” she barely whispered, but her body swayed back against his cock in contradiction.
He licked along her soft neck, letting his teeth gently follow the slightly raised vein. He sensed her fear combined with her arousal. He had to make her see that this was meant to be.
“Oh yes,” Ava moaned, and he took it as a sign to feel a little more of her perfect curves.
He softly caressed her arms from wrists to shoulders then moved his hands.
He was a demanding man and even more demanding wolf, yet he found himself taking his time with Ava.
“Would it be so bad to have five men take care of you, protect you, and provide for you?” he asked softly against her ear as he moved his hands under her arms to cup both breasts. Ava moaned as she pressed back against him.
“You have lovely breasts, Ava.” He pressed them together, the lace lifting slightly as he watched them in the mirror. “Look at them, Ava. Look at how perfect they fit in my hands,” he teased then released one breast to press his hand inside the material and against her skin.
Ava moaned then pressed back against him, adjusting both her hips and chest so he could gain better access. He held in the chuckle of celebration. She was enjoying this. She felt the attraction.
Pressing his other hand along the taut muscles of her flat belly, he reached her hip bone and squeezed her to him.
Before he could go any further and explore her with his lips, he heard his brothers beckon him to return to the kitchen with Ava.
“You feel so soft and smell very good to me, mate. I’m concerned about that cheek. We really need to get some ice on it.”
She opened her eyes, appearing dazed a moment, then recovered and pulled away from him. He stepped away from her and watched as she grabbed her shirt and covered herself up.
“Come,” he told her as he held his hand out to her. She locked gazes with him a moment, appearing flushed. She didn’t take his hand. Instead she brushed right by him and walked independently back to the kitchen.
It appeared that the interruption pissed off his mate.
* * * *
Ava watched the men as they helped one another prepare some food in the kitchen. She held the bag of ice to her sore cheek but didn’t dare look at her arm that throbbed. The way these men reacted to her bruised cheek was enough to scare the crap out of her. Besides, the way that Kyle checked over her injuries made her practically come in her jeans. Her nipples were still hard, and her belly quivered with sexual need. She had never thought about sex so much in such a short period of time. She wanted him to shove those thick, long fingers down her pants and press them against her pussy. The need was so overwhelming she nearly blurted out her desires. But in a snap he switched right off and seemed to be right back to business. It didn’t mean anything to him. She didn’t mean anything. She was acting like a lovesick puppy or worse…a sap. She looked up at each of them, realizing that she would have done the same thing if any of the Declan men tried to touch her as Kyle had. I need rest to clear my head.
They acted like their concern was so deep, and it made her feel like shit for running from them despite the fact that it could all be an act. She especially felt bad about Willy. God knew why. He was so obnoxious back at her apartment even though his kiss nearly knocked her on her ass. She caught Sean’s eye then quickly turned away as she held the ice pack to her cheek. Sean explained that Willy was their Commander, their leader, and head Alpha. She fucked up when she drugged him, but it wasn’t her fault. These men had her so confused and filled with emotions she didn’t know her ass from her elbow. She felt numb, exhausted, and that was when she looked at the clock on the stainless-steel microwave and saw it was nearly three o’clock in the morning.
She lowered the ice, feeling the fatigue outweigh her hunger for food.
“Keep that ice on there.” Mick’s deep voice startled her as she immediately replaced the ice against her cheek a little too quickly. She felt the pain, cringed, then closed her eyes. Mick seemed so critical and had such an ego with his sexy dimples and jet-black hair. Her pussy clenched, and her nipples felt swollen. Just thinking about their good looks made her horny.
I’m so damn tired. Don’t pass out. Don’t pass out. She repeated the words, hoping her body would listen. These men couldn’t be trusted. Hell! She couldn’t trust herself around them. They were too appealing.
In an instant she felt the hand against her cheek and another on her waist. The hand was warm yet firm against her hip bone. A tingling sensation went down her thigh, and she swayed a little toward the person, realizing she never even looked to see who it was. Her eyes popped open as she faced Sean. She could get lost in the depths of his blue eyes. They held her gaze, and she stared at his shoulder-length brown hair, imagining running her fingers through it or holding fistfuls as he thrust his cock deep into her pussy. Right now it seemed everything led to her pussy. She had never thought about the damn body part so much. It seemed she was obsessing over it. She nearly chuckled out loud until he gently squeezed her hip bone, clearing her fuzzy head a moment. His warm hand held her good cheek, and she closed her eyes, craving his touch. Despite her need to be strong and not give in to their seductive ways, she needed the connection.
“You’re exhausted,” he whispered as he brushed his thumb over her bottom lip. She pulled the ice pack away, feeling the heat of his stare and caress warming her and breaking down the fight she so desperately needed to hold on to.
He leaned a little closer, and she felt the rush of fire go over her skin. Then she remembered Kyle in the bathroom and how he instantly stopped all emotion as if their moment meant nothing. She couldn’t live with being nothing to him. Only something real and concrete would make her take a chance. Quickly she placed the ice pack back against her cheek, thankful for the coldness. She just wished the frigid temperature would freeze her libido so she wouldn’t make a mess of things.
“How’s the food coming along, Mick?” Sean asked with his eyes still holding Ava’s gaze. She prayed he couldn’t read minds then racked her brain, trying to remember every detail she knew about wolves. Did Brennan and Walt really explain everything to her? Obviously not. They left out the key important factor about mates and control. It seemed that she was at their mercy. Or perhaps there were certain standards or type of behavior a female needed to succumb to in the presence of Alpha males.
“All set,” Mick replied, standing on Sean’s other side.
Mick smiled softly. “Let me see how it looks.”
Ava removed the ice as Mick touched her chin and tilted it up with his thick, rough fingertips. She hardly understood his words as she absorbed his fine features. He appeared disgusted with the bruise. Not in a way that made him less manly, more in a manner of wanting perfection and expecting no less. It was just an assumption, a gut feeling she had that made her feel a little less perfect even if she didn’t have the bruised cheekbone. Thank goodness he hadn’t seen the slight redness on her waist as Kyle had. He might not want to touch her. She felt the disappointment as quickly as the thought reached her brain. He appeared more critical and clean-cut. But what did she know? Obviously, appearances could be deceiving. They were wolves hiding in human form. Was she overthinking their every move and word or was she suddenly feeling inferior and lacking in self-confidence? Was she contemplating an emotional attachment to these men?
“We should ice it some more after you eat something. I don’t like the way that deep bruising is spreading towa
rd your eye. You might wind up with a black eye by morning. Unacceptable,” he stated before he nodded for her to place the ice back onto her cheek. His stern expression added to the intensity of his final word.
“It is morning,” Pat added to the conversation. She glanced at him and his intense gaze. Standing at over six feet three inches, with an expression of dominance and concern that made her swallow hard, he was just as good looking as the others. But he seemed intense and perhaps arrogant in a debonair type of manner. At least that was the impression she had thus far.
Ava remained silent. She was definitely losing her mind. She, with her lack of experience with men, couldn’t be so bold as to believe she pegged each of them so accurately. What did she really know about any of them except the obvious that kept slipping her mind? How in the world could she be a mate to five men? The thought alone set her internal thermometer higher, making her feel out of control with Mick and Sean touching her and standing so close to her. She might combust if the others surrounded her, too.
She felt panicky. I need to get out of here.
* * * *
Mick watched Ava and knew she was exhausted and scared. Every time he looked her way, she appeared either ready to bolt or about to cry. He felt bad for her, and he wondered what she had gone through and about her life back in Ireland. As he watched her and the way her long brown locks cascaded over her shoulders and down her back, he imagined holding her close to him, perhaps grabbing a handful of the brown silk or running his fingers through it as he made love to her. He was shocked at all the wild, erotic thoughts running through his head. She was their mate, and it was all natural, but not to Ava. She was human, and she had been on the run for a while. He and his brothers would have to tread carefully.
Dwyer, Dixie Lynn - Task Force Three and the Irish Jewel [The Men of Five-O #3] (Siren Publishing LoveXtreme Forever) Page 9