“Then don’t. Don’t let me go. When you first told me I was your mate, I thought you were a lunatic and then…well, once I realized you were telling the truth and there really was this whole supernatural world I’d known nothing about, I wanted absolutely nothing to do with it. I fought against it until I realized fighting was hopeless. I don’t know what to call it…a bond? I feel it, too, and I can’t leave you. I won’t. I belong with you and Levi.”
He pulled into the driveway and cut the engine, then turned to stare at Hope, an unreadable expression on his face.
She reached out to stroke the stubble on his jaw. It gave him a rugged, sexy look. “I thought we were going to see Wes. Sarah might need me.”
He sighed and ran a hand roughly through his hair. “We should both get cleaned up. It would probably upset her more to see you with blood smears on your clothes.”
She nodded. He was right. His clothes were a mess and he bore the evidence of his battle. And she’d become a mess simply from being pressed up against him. “We’ll be quicker if we shower together.” They’d have to be quick about it, but she didn’t want to be separated from him at the moment. Hope needed to be close to him, even if all they did was get clean. She lowered her hand and unfastened her seatbelt, then turned to grab the door handle.
His heavy sigh stopped her, and she knew she wasn’t going to like whatever he had to say. “I was wrong to take you like that today, Hope. Nothing’s changed about our situation. River’s Bend is no place for you.”
* * * *
Levi couldn’t wait to see Hope. He knew she was okay. Adam had sent word, but he wanted to see her with his own eyes and assure himself that she wasn’t suffering from the night’s events, physically or mentally. It was hours before he got to see her, though. First, there was the run to catch the surviving wolf and drag him back to River’s Bend. Then he’d had to help deposit him in the stockade and get him to talk before reporting to the alphas. Between one thing and another, it was close to dawn before he got to see his mate.
She’d been asleep in a chair at Wes’s bedside when he arrived, but her face lit up when he woke her. They’d quietly left the room and she’d thrown herself into his arms, kissing him soundly. When he’d finally torn himself away from her, he’d looked her over carefully, needing to see for himself that what Adam had told him was the truth. She didn’t have so much as a scratch.
Levi led her down to the large family room, which was deserted at that time of the night, and sat heavily, sighing with a mixture of fatigue and relief. It was finally over and he was back with his mate, where he belonged.
“No one has told us much about what happened to Wes.” She slid over beside him on the couch and rested her head on his chest. “Can you give me any more details?”
“Well, we have the one who survived, Glenn, in our stockade for the moment, and we…uh…encouraged him to talk. It seems he and Jay came here after their pack broke up, with some of them joining Ulric and others going their own way. He and Jay didn’t want to end up fighting vampires, so they’ve been drifting from state to state. They stopped over in Kensington and figured they’d hang out a while. Anyway, they planned to track you down, finish what they started in the bar that night, and get revenge on Adam and me. We already knew they’d ransacked Sarah’s house and caused some trouble near our borders, but apparently they’d discovered where Wes and Jackson worked as well. For some reason, today must have seemed like a good day to start trouble, so they followed Wes from not far outside of River’s Bend as he headed toward Silver Spring. He said they’d intended to get both of Sarah’s mates, but they took different cars today. They’d missed Jackson but took the opportunity to run Wes off the road.”
“I just don’t understand. Why hurt Wes? And why over me?”
“Their plan was to cause a huge rush of men to leave River’s Bend to go to Wes’s rescue and then sneak across an unguarded area to find you. They didn’t account for the fact that we have more than enough men to guard our borders, even in these circumstances. So they doubled back when they realized they couldn’t get to you and picked up your scent out at the accident site. They pulled toward the end of the line of cars, and I guess we were all too distracted to notice them. When they saw you and Adam pull off to head back to River’s Bend, they followed you and attacked.”
“It seems stupid to attack so close to River’s Bend. I mean, I’m not sure how long it took the others to get there after Adam called, but it couldn’t have been that long.”
He smiled at her logic. “No one ever said criminals were smart.”
She nodded, then looked up at him. “I’m so sorry, Levi. I know you didn’t want us to leave, but Sarah was frantic over Wes, and I couldn’t let her go alone.”
“You could have told someone.”
“I know, but…I knew she had to go to him. I would have done the same thing for the man I loved.” Hope sighed. “Adam is so angry, and I guess I can understand why. Are you angry with me, too?”
Levi though about that. His first instinct had been disappointment and anger that she’d left the lodge and put herself in danger. Then, finding her like that by the side of the road, knowing those shifters had attacked with the intent of getting to her, he’d only felt relief that she was okay.
The anger had returned on his way back to River’s Bend, but by the time he’d held her in his arms again, it had faded. He felt nothing but relief, and sadness that Adam had been right. She would have to return to her own place in the world, until life in theirs was safer. “I’m not angry, but you have to understand that things here aren’t like they are in Philadelphia. Putting yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time could get you or someone else killed.”
“I understand now. It won’t happen again. I promise.” She snuggled into him, and he wished they could stay like that forever.
“I’m glad, but we’re not taking any chances. For the rest of your time in River’s Bend, if you’re not with me or Adam, you’ll have a guard with you for protection.”
“A guard? Really, Levi, you don’t have to do that. I’ve learned my lesson.”
“I believe you, but like I said, Adam and I have to be sure you’re safe. And it won’t be for long. We’ll talk to Zion and Grey about moving the joining up so we can get you back home sooner.”
Hope jumped to her feet, glaring down at him. “You know what makes me angry?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “You two can’t see that this is where I belong and that I have no intention of going back to Philadelphia.” She stormed from the room, and Levi, exhausted as he was, had no choice but to follow her.
Chapter 8
“Do women ever fight?” Hope asked. She wasn’t keen on the idea of ripping anyone’s throat out like Adam had, but she was big on women being able to protect themselves.
Nikki nodded. “In some packs they do, out of necessity. But for the larger clans and most packs with any real numbers, women and children are protected.”
“So none of you know how to protect yourselves?” This surprised her. She’d seen the female wolves with their powerful bodies and sharp teeth.
“Well, we have the fighting instincts we use if necessary, but most of us don’t have the type of skill to defend against a much larger opponent, and definitely not against a vampire.” Nikki pulled her hair into a ponytail and then smiled. “Some of us grew up with big brothers, though, and you pick up things that way. Luke and Mason have taught me a few things, too, though they’ve warned me only to use them if no one else is around and I absolutely have to be responsible for myself.” She rolled her eyes and shrugged. “Probably worried I’ll take them down when they get on my nerves. I’ve never liked the view the clan takes of women and battle. Every female should know how to defend herself, especially since rumor has it Ulric is pressing women into battle.”
Sarah leaned forward. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
“If you’re thinking of private battle training for our women, we’re de
finitely on the same page. I could lead it, and I know a few others who might be interested in helping.”
“I’m in, at least until the second trimester.” Sarah patted her belly, glowing with joy. “Now that Wes is mostly healed, I have some room to think about other things. At least until joining day. Wes refused to have our joining date moved up, after some convincing from me, that is.” She winked, and Hope smiled back. By refusing an earlier joining date, Sarah and her men had bought her some time to get through to Adam and Levi.
“We’ll take it easy on you, Sarah, but the most important thing is making sure the men don’t find out,” Nikki said.
Sarah gave a mock shiver. “I don’t even want to think about what would happen if one of the alphas found out.”
“Well,” Nikki said with a decisive nod, “we’ll make sure they don’t.”
“I wish I could join in.” Hope turned to look out the window, where one of her new guards was stationed. “If I knew how to defend myself against wolves—and I can hardly even believe I’m saying this, vampires—my mates might not be so set on making me leave.”
Nikki followed her gaze. “I wouldn’t be so sure. That protective streak runs deep in our men. But if you were already one of us, they couldn’t just turn you loose—a brand-new shifter out there alone would be a disaster.”
Hope smiled at Sarah, then at Nikki. “Get ready for a new recruit, then, because I have a plan.”
* * * *
Adam nodded to the two wolves waiting outside their home, guarding Hope. “Quiet night?”
“Yup, no trouble here,” Liam answered. “Okay if we head out?”
“Yeah. Thanks, man. We appreciate this.” Levi gave both guards fist bumps.
Dean stretched and grinned. “No problem. She made steaks for us and brought us beer. Easiest assignment we’ve ever had.”
“See you tomorrow,” Adam said.
“Bright and early,” Liam called out right before he and Dean shifted and darted into the woods.
Adam took the steps two at a time and flung the door open, plastering his poker face on even as he hurried to get inside. He was just as excited as he always was to see Hope, but he couldn’t let her know that. As soon as he entered the kitchen, though, he realized something was off and stopped short, causing Levi to run into him from behind.
“What the hell?” Levi asked.
Adam shook his head slowly. “We’re in trouble, little brother. Serious trouble.” Neither of them had touched their mate since the night of Wes’s accident. They’d made a pact not to, and staying away from her had been the hardest thing he’d ever had to do. Looking at her then, standing in the kitchen dressed in a skimpy satin-and-lace number, he knew the night ahead would be even more difficult.
“Welcome home. I made dinner.” Hope waved a hand at the table, which was set for three. “Steaks, baked potatoes, and salad.”
Adam wasn’t a huge salad lover, but the rest of it smelled delicious. The problem was the only thing he really wanted on the menu was her. She walked over to the light switch and dimmed the lights, then lit the candles at the center of the table.
Levi was quick to take his seat, looking a lot like a puppy who’d been denied his favorite doggy treat for too long, and Adam guessed he probably looked the same. He took his own seat, half in a daze at the combination of her smell and exposed skin. She wasn’t wearing perfume, most likely because she remembered that it irritated his sensitive nose. Her arousal sharpened her natural scent. It was clear to him that her mind wasn’t really on dinner, either.
Adam couldn’t take his eyes off her as she served them. Every movement she made treated him to the sight of her creamy, smooth cleavage or her taut ass, covered only by a thin scrap of see-through material as she made a point of walking back and forth to the kitchen counter far more frequently than necessary.
Levi groaned from across the table, where Adam knew he had a better view of her crossed legs than he did. Hold it together, brother, he thought. If Levi gave up the fight, he wouldn’t be able to stop himself from joining in.
The steak was rare and well-seasoned, just the way he liked it, but he might as well have been chewing leather for the attention he gave it. He reached for his beer and took a swig, practically choking on it as he felt her foot slide up his leg and back down again. “Hope, what is this?”
She didn’t answer, instead giving him a wicked smile and repeating the same path, this time making sure her toes grazed his cock.
He pushed back from the table. “Thanks for dinner, Hope. Everything was delicious.” He needed to get out of there, maybe go for a run. He glanced over at Levi and saw that his brother had a death grip on his beer bottle. “Come on, Levi, let’s go for a quick run.”
Levi didn’t move a muscle, and Adam rounded the table to see Hope’s left hand making slow circles less than an inch away from his cock. She didn’t even make an attempt to play innocent. She just stood up and leaned over to collect Levi’s plate, putting her hand on his shoulder and making sure her cleavage was close enough for Levi to bite. After she’d grabbed Levi’s plate, she made her way around the table, slowly sliding herself against Adam as she went.
He was a strong man, but his need for his mate was intense. He was on her in an instant. Threading his hands in her hair, he kissed her as if he’d been stranded on an island for a lifetime and she was the first woman he’d ever seen. Levi shoved the table out of the way to press himself against her from behind, kissing her neck as Adam got lost in her mouth.
When he finally released her mouth, Adam stared down into the beautiful eyes that haunted him in his sleep. “I can’t take it anymore. I need you, Hope. I know I should fight it, but I can’t.”
“You don’t have to.” Her voice was breathless with need. “I don’t want you to.”
Levi sent the dishes crashing to the floor with a single sweep of his arm. Perfect. Adam had her on the table so fast he wasn’t quite sure how it happened. He began unwrapping her lingerie package from the top as Levi took the bottom.
“Oh, shit,” Levi said. “The panties…they’re crotch-less.”
Adam had to check for himself and groaned as his cock pressed painfully against his zipper. His hand came away covered in her cream and he put his fingers to his nose to take in her scent. Damn, she smelled sweet. He had to take her, hard and fast—just once more. Then he’d give her the slow loving she deserved after he’d gained better control of himself.
She spread her legs as he lowered his zipper and pushed his jeans down just far enough to maneuver. As he quickly entered her, she arched up off the table, taking all of him eagerly. He kissed her, tasting her tongue, and then pressed his mouth to her neck. Blood pounded in his ears as his inner wolf ordered him to claim her. He thrust into her and pulled back, then thrust in again, hearing her moans of pleasure and wondering how he’d ever held back for so long.
Hope met his thrusts, swiveling her hips and tightening her pussy around him, pushing him as inexorably toward the edge as he knew he pushed her, holding his head tightly against her neck. He came so close to doing it, his jaws aching in anticipation as his teeth raked her skin. It was only when he heard her whispered “yes” and realized what she was encouraging him to do that he caught himself, just in the nick of time. Calling on every ounce of strength he had, Adam withdrew from her and yanked his jeans back up. “I can’t, Hope. I can’t. You know I can’t.”
Levi looked as if he would fall on her like a starving animal, and Adam just managed to grab him by the back of the collar before he did so.
She stared up at him, the heat from their interrupted coupling still in her eyes. “Please, Adam. I want to be with you, both of you, always. This is exactly where I belong. There’s nothing for me out there. I could never go back to that life and be happy without you.”
Adam heaved a sigh, backing away from her.
“Levi. Please?” She turned her pleas to his brother, and Adam could feel the tension pouring off him. Levi woul
dn’t refuse her for long.
“No, Hope. I’m sorry. This is for your own protection.”
“Or maybe it’s because of what I told you—that I can’t have children. Maybe you can’t stand the idea of being stuck with a mate who can never give you pups.”
“No! It’s not that,” Adam said. “We want you, not pups.” It had hurt to hear that she couldn’t bear children, but Adam had no problem with adoption. Neither did Levi. Why couldn’t she just understand that her safety meant everything to them?
Levi shook his head. “Baby, we don’t care about that. There’s nothing that could ever make us stop wanting you, but you’re safer away from here.”
“Believe me, it gives us no pleasure to say no to you.” Adam’s jaw clenched in frustration. “I can’t be two feet away from you without wanting you.”
“Then take me.”
Adam shook his head, even as he silently prayed she’d give up and stop asking.
“Levi?” she asked.
Levi looked at Adam, looked back at her, then growled and shook his head. As for him, Adam almost wished she’d go back to begging. The look on her face took his breath away, and he hoped she wouldn’t cry. He couldn’t stand to see his mate cry.
“Then I can’t stay here any longer. I’ll find a hotel, or go home and just drive back for the joining. I don’t know, but I can’t…I cannot be here.” Hope’s bottom lip trembled, but she raised her chin and climbed off the table. “Don’t try to stop me from leaving. Whatever we had, whatever we were supposed to be, it’s over. We’re over.”
Claiming Hope [Wolves of River's Bend 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 21