Wilde About Her (Wilde Pack Series)

by Daniels, Angie

  Anxious to be near him, she climbed down from the horse. Jax moved before her. He was tall, overpowering even, and yet she lifted her head and stared into his beautiful eyes. He crouched in front of her, dipped his head and she reached out and stroked his golden fur. He was soft and warm. She giggled as he bumped his nose against her neck. Leaning forward she brought a hand to the side of his face and nuzzled him close. “You are beautiful Jax Wilde,” she whispered.

  You are too.

  He fixed his golden eyes on her while she sank her fingers into his thick blonde coat and stroked him lovingly.

  “I can hear you.”

  I know.

  Leaning toward her, the wolf slipped out his tongue and licked up and down the side of her face. His tongue was rough and hot. “Stop that!” she cried and then started giggling uncontrollably. Finally he pulled away and started running wild with the horses. Denim climbed back onto Titan and rode slowly, trying not to get her horse too excited, even though she wondered what it would be like to race and feel that free. Jax appeared to be happy, stampeding along with the horses, their heavy hooves pounding the ground sounding like faint thunder with their bodies in motion.

  Laughing, she waved.

  Jax looked over at her.

  Are you having a good time?

  “I’m having the best time!” she shouted.

  He looked pleased before he tilted his head toward the dark sky and howled into the night. And then two more wolves, the same size and color came rushing across the grounds. They had to be Aidan and Chayton. While watching them, emotions pulsed through her, longing ripped at her heart.

  The frolicking went on for what felt like hours and she sat there watching and wondering what life would be like as a wolf. Unfortunately, Weres were born that way, so Jax couldn’t bite and transform her. Too bad. She would have loved to have known what it was like to be a shape-shifter.

  But our children could.

  Denim gasped. Where had that thought come from, she wondered? Who was she fooling? A life with Jax was all she thought about these days. What was there not to like? He was amazing, strong, caring and super, super sexy. Just being in his presence warmed her body and soul.

  But he’s a wolf.

  She chuckled inwardly. That bit of information only heightened her attraction to him. The wolf in him was what made him that much more irresistible.

  Her heart lurched in her throat at the realization.

  She had fallen in love.

  It was crazy. Denim didn’t know how it happened and how it was even possible. Only a few weeks ago she thought she was still in love with Asher, but what she’d felt had never come close to what she was feeling now.

  With a sigh, she leaned down, hugging Titan’s neck. Maybe she’d always loved Jax, which was why she hung around him even when he was young and wild, but she had been too immature at the time to realize it. And the kiss they’d shared at thirteen, she’d never had a chance to process or explore because it had been overshadowed by Grandma Bea’s death. But now things were different. They were different and there was nowhere she’d rather be than in Justice with Jax.

  15

  After they finished exercising the horses, Jax and Denim entered the house and went up a set of wide carpeted stairs into a large open floor living space with modern furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased acres and acres of lush green lands.

  “Would you like something to eat?” he asked.

  The corners of her mouth twitched. “I guess you heard my stomach growling.”

  Her response put a smile on Jax’s face. “Yep, for a second, I thought maybe you had a little wolf inside.” He cupped a hand to his mouth and started howling toward the ceiling.

  “Ha-ha, very funny!” She playfully slugged Jax in the arm. Quickly, he swept Denim into the circle of his arms and spun her arm. “Put me down!” Denim was screaming and laughing at the same time.

  “My bad.” With that Jax chuckled and slowly brought her to her feet. “C’mon let’s see what we can find to eat.” He planted a kiss to her forehead, then led her down a long wide hallway, past a formal dining room, a large office, and a family room with a huge bar. At the rear was a media room with all kinds of high tech equipment. As Denim followed Jax, her eyes drifted from the beautiful décor to his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and nice tight ass. Was there anything about this man she didn’t find sexy?

  Around the corner they stepped into a kitchen that looked like something out of a magazine.

  “Wow! This is very nice.” Denim’s eyes scanned the massive space as she admired the white subway tile, floor to ceiling white shaker cabinets and gorgeous gray granite counters.

  Jax smiled proudly and said, “Thanks. This was one of Grand’Mere’s designs. Now the kitchen belongs to Ms. Gayla.”

  “Who’s that?” There was a bowl of grapes on the counter. Denim eyed them hungrily before boldly reaching over, grabbing a few and popping them quickly into her mouth.

  “Ms. Gayla is our housekeeper,” Jax began and then frowned. “Although that’s probably not the best way to describe her, because she’s more than that. Ms. Gayla had been with us since my mom passed away,” Jax explained as he moved across a Spanish tiled floor over to a large side-by-side stainless steel refrigerator, and looked inside. “Hey how about a hot ham and cheese sandwich?”

  “Can you cook?”

  He peeped his head out from inside the refrigerator and smirked. His eyes, so beautiful and golden, bore into hers. “You haven’t heard the rumors.”

  Her curiosity peaked. “What rumors?”

  “That Jackson Wilde, Jr. is a renowned chef.” His devilish smile stretched wider.

  When Denim realized he was teasing, she smacked her forehead and giggled. “Oh is that so?” She moved around the island, admiring the intricate details of the cabinets and drawers. “If that’s the case, then hook me up with a sandwich, please.”

  “Coming right up.” Chuckling, Jax reached for a paper towel and a loaf of bread, then moved toward the island. “Have a seat.”

  With a grin, Denim plopped on one of the stools and rested her elbow on the beautiful granite countertop. “My mother would kill for a kitchen like this.”

  Jax blinked and met her gaze. “Tell me about your parents. What are they like, and what would they think about their daughter mating with a Were?”

  She laughed at the latter part. “I see you got jokes.”

  Chuckling, Jax removed four slices of bread and laid them on the paper towel, then went over to the refrigerator again and removed deli sliced ham, cheese, and mayo.

  “Let’s see… my mother is a program director. She runs a retirement community. Mostly independent and assisted living luxury apartments.”

  “Retirement? Hmmm, sounds…” Jax’s brow quirked as he purposely allowed his voice to trail off.

  “Boring?” she laughed. “I used to think the same thing, but once I got old enough and Mom started taking me to work with her, I discovered the people who live in her buildings are quite interesting.” Denim paused to chuckle at the memories. “I love old people! They are funny and have endless stories about their lives. For my mom it’s pure enjoyment, being around people who just want someone to talk to, because once she goes home, it’s nothing but crickets.”

  “What do you mean crickets?” Jax asked while preparing the sandwiches.

  “I mean it’s so quiet at home you can hear your own thoughts.” Denim fought hard not to roll her eyes. “My father is a scientist who works for this big agricultural firm in Tulsa. He’s so busy researching and testing corn he forgets he has a wife and daughter.” Pausing, Denim released a lackluster laugh. “I know he loves us, but you have to email him or grill a bushel of corn on the barbecue grill to get his attention.”

  The knife in Jax’s hand stalled while he chuckled heartily. “You’re kidding, right?”

  “Nope. I’m dead serious. Daddy can eat corn seven days a week and he’s okay with that. �
��Samantha dear, this corn taste great. What did you season it with?’ And then she’ll reply ‘Butter dear’.”

  Jax tossed his head back with laughter. While Denim continued to mimic her parent’s dinner conversations, he piled ham and cheese on top of two slices of bread.

  “So because Daddy ignores her, my mother focuses all her attention on me,” she concluded with a deep breath, as she swiveled on the bar stool.

  While he spread mayo on the other slices, Denim told him about her decision to come to Justice just to escape the interrogation that was sure to come in regards to her break-up with Asher.

  “Has your mother met this Asher before?”

  “Yes, and she adores him. Thinks I should appreciate having a man with so much potential.” Denim rolled her eyes again as she tried to rein in her mounting frustration. “I can’t wait for her to meet you. Tattoos, ear piecing? Yeah, this is going to be good.” They shared another chuckle as Jax reached under the counter and pulled out a small kitchen appliance. “What’s that thing?” she asked.

  Jax placed it onto the island, then looked up, eyes wide with amusement. “This is the next best thing since a microwave.”

  “Really?” She played along.

  “Yes, this is a sandwich maker. Check this out.”

  She watched in fascination as he sprayed cooking oil on the interior and plugged it in.

  “Once it gets hot, I’ll pop these sandwiches inside for five minutes and viola, hot ham and cheese.”

  “Ingenious.” Her lips quirked with amusement as she shifted again on the seat.

  “This gadget here is a life savior on Ms. Gayla’s days off. It’s either this, go to the diner, or starve,” Jax said, as he cut the sandwiches into halves, then placed them onto the trays and lowered the lid.

  “Do you still think about your mother?” Denim asked gently.

  His brows lifted slowly until they stretched to the center of his forehead. “Hell yeah. All the time. She was my rock.” There was a pause as he momentarily looked up at the ceiling before his troubled gaze returned to hers.

  “I still remember the day she died in that crash. I was seven and had just won a prize at the county fair for one of our horses. Mom had been in Austin at a day spa with a wife of one of the other pack leaders. Dad said she was rushing, trying to make it to the fair in time to see me ride. She was two exits away when this guy riding a tractor-trailer fell asleep at the wheel and weaved over the concrete barrier into southbound traffic, hitting her head-on.”

  Denim saw the pain in his eyes as she whispered, “Oh no!”

  Jax steeled his expression as he continued. “The highway patrolman told my dad she never saw him coming.” He shook his head. “Knowing my mother didn’t suffer is what helps me sleep at night.” His jaw clenched.

  “That’s such a relief,” Denim managed barely above a whisper, and then she didn’t know what else to say. Her eyes took in Jax’s stiff stance and the arms crossed tightly against his chest. She could only imagine what he and his brothers had gone through. Her own mother drove her bonkers, but she didn’t know what she would do if suddenly Samantha Barr was no longer a phone call away.

  “That green light means our sandwiches are ready.” Jax had changed the subject and the pain she had seen on his face was gone. Denim almost groaned out loud. Just like a man. Afraid of being seen weak or vulnerable. To her it showed the human side of Jax.

  He rushed over to get two plates from the cabinet near the sink and her eyes followed him again with admiration. He placed the dishes onto the island and then lifted the lid. Inside were four golden-brown sandwich halves with cheese oozing out the sides.

  “Those look delicious,” she commented.

  Jax’s smile returned. He reached for the spatula, put two on each plate and pushed one in front of her.

  “What would you like to drink? I’ve got tea, water and beer.”

  Denim flashed a smile. “A beer sounds good.”

  After he grabbed two beers, Jax popped the caps, then reached for a bag of potato chips and took the seat beside her.

  “Eat,” he ordered.

  She bit hungrily into her sandwich. “Mmmm, it’s really good!”

  * * *

  Jax felt heat rush to his groin. Denim had no idea the things her moans did to his body. As she chewed her sandwich, his gaze took in her small waist and her perfect breasts that were calling his name. While he was out in the field watching Denim sit on top of the horse, passion raged through his body so strong, he desperately needed to be buried inside her again. She had become his addiction and that scared the hell outta him. Her smile, her smell, beauty, that dry sense of humor…, Denim was truly an amazing woman. She had bought such joy to his life that before her was bleak and somewhat lonely. Now he had a reason. A purpose. A destiny and a life that included her. If she wanted that and he hoped like hell he hadn’t scared her. His life was scary at times, now more than ever with the tension between the packs and Troy’s vendetta against him, but he desperately wanted Denim to see, to understand, and most importantly he wanted her to accept the life he had to offer.

  “Now that I’ve introduced you to my world. What are your thoughts?” Jax watched as Denim wiped her mouth with a paper towel, taking the moment to photograph her flawless face, long lush lashes, high cheekbones, and perfect button nose. Jax could see the wheels in Denim’s head turning and he’d give anything to have her ability to read thoughts.

  “Your world is fascinating.”

  “In what way?” he asked and turned slightly on the seat needing to see her dark brown eyes as she spoke.

  Denim took a swallow from the bottleneck beer before continuing. “Your life is wild, and feels so unreal that I feel like I’ve gone through the wardrobe…” She must have noticed the puzzlement on his face because Denim paused and said, “You know, The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe.”

  Jax stroked his chin and struggled to keep a straight face. “So, let me make sure I got this right. Being back in Justice is like stepping inside the wardrobe.”

  She nodded and reached for a chip.

  His lips tipped upward. “And I guess the lion is me, and Troy’s the witch?”

  “Exactly.” She laughed and he barked with laughter before reaching down for one of his sandwiches and took a bite.

  “What I’m saying is…this is like a dream. I never believed werewolves existed, and yet I’ve known one practically all my life.” Denim was waving a hand as she spoke. “I’m not going to lie, what happened with Troy in the forest was scary as shit. But instead of being afraid, I feel drawn toward you and your world. My mind is spinning, because not only do you exist, but you have freaking speed out of this world and can sense when I’m in danger.”

  “I can only hear the people I care about.”

  Her eyes studied his. “See and that’s enough, to have my stomach in a ball of knots knowing you care about me.”

  “I would do anything to protect you. I hope you know that.” He wanted to reassure her that as long as he was breathing she never had anything to worry about. If anyone ever thought about putting a hand on Denim they would have hell to pay.

  “I know you’d protect me. I heard everything you and your brothers said about keeping me safe.”

  Jax’s smile melted off his face. Denim’s sandwich was inches from her mouth when he swiveled her around until her startled expression was facing him.

  “Don’t make any mistake about it. Regardless of what my brothers said about the family protecting our own, as your mate it’s my job to protect you.”

  “I—”

  “My job,” he repeated firmly. “I’m a Were and when I commit there will be never be anyone else but me. I don’t share, Denim. I hope you understand that.”

  Their eyes locked as she whispered, “Of course I do.”

  “You are my responsibility.” He caught her chin with his hand. “Keeping you safe is my duty. If I can’t protect my woman, what do you need me for?”

&nb
sp; Denim sucked in a deep breath and simply nodded her head as he continued.

  “I’m not a jealous man, but I don’t share. I can be possessive and overly protective, but I will love you like no other. Can you handle that?” he challenged.

  “Can you handle knowing you’re the only man I want in my life?’’ Denim pointed a finger to his chest. “Jax, you can act like the big bad wolf all you want, but I know that gentle person who exists inside.”

  He toyed with the center of her chin, kissing it. “Only for you.”

  “I love being back in Justice,” she said matter-of-factly.

  He had to know that she wanted only him. “Do you like being here at the ranch?”

  She met his eyes and blushed. “If you’re asking if I love being here with you, the answer is yes.”

  Jax lovingly caressed the side of her cheek. “My brother was right. I chose you to be my mate.”

  Searching his eyes, Denim rested her hand on his arm and asked, “Why me?”

  He looked down at the slim fingers clutching his biceps before replying, “I think fate decided long before I did. I fought it, thought after eight years I had forgotten, but I hadn’t. And once I saw you, tasted you, had my cock buried inside you, I knew there was no turning back. You are mine Denim Barr. You’re my soulmate.”

  Denim drew a deep breath. “And you’re mine.”

  Their eyes locked again and Jax waited to make sure she clearly understood what was happening between them. “Weres mate for life. Are you sure this life is for you?”

  “Jax… I want you. Only you.”

  He took in her glowing smile. The way her eyes cherished him.

  “The only cock you will ever feel will be mine. The only arms that will hold you will be these and those lips will never feel the warmth of another man,” he said pointing to her mouth.

  Jax was met by the full force of her beautiful brown eyes as Denim replied, “I want that. I know it probably sounds crazy for someone on the outside looking in, but I want you. I really want you. I never felt so complete with a man before. Not Asher or any other.” It was her turn to reach out and press a delicate hand to his face. “I choose you Jackson Wilde.” She paused and gave a happy giggle. “Something about us has given me the ability to read minds and to see you moving so fast, as if time stood still,” Denim said before adding under her breath. “I still don’t understand how that was possible, but I know all of that is because of you.”