by Crissy Smith
Gage stopped in front of him, noting the smug look Logan had. “What?”
“Have you talked to Marissa about staying longer?”
Gage went back to pacing. He’d tried to talk to her about Pack life. After all, committing to the Pack wasn’t committing to him. But she changed the subject every time he brought it up. She was due to leave the next day. Every time they were alone together, he broached the subject. And she successfully distracted him.
“So you’re just going to let her go?” Logan shook his head.
Gage knew he was only trying to help. There was a reason Logan was his second. The Pack respected him because he was fair, and Logan was like a dog with a bone. Never giving up on something he believed in.
“Maybe you don’t deserve her then if you’re just going to let her go.”
“Watch your step, Logan,” Gage warned.
“Excuse me, Alpha, but you are more than just my leader. You’re my friend. I haven’t seen you this relaxed…this happy in years,” Logan pleaded. “And we both know it’s because of her.”
Gage walked across the room to stare out the window. He knew it was true. Marissa gave enough of herself to be intriguing yet held back, making her a challenge. She would spend time with him every night—sharing her body with him—yet she insisted on returning to her sister’s house to sleep. She kept a distance between them and he wasn’t sure how to push the issue without sending her running.
“It would be a mistake to let her go. Not only does she need a Pack to protect her, but you’re in love with her.” The last was said quietly, but to Gage’s ears, it might have well been yelled.
Gage spun around, denial on the tip of his tongue. Then he felt the change in the house, in him. Elizabeth and Marissa had arrived. “They’re here.”
Logan nodded. “So let’s get started.”
They greeted the two women outside the door. Marissa smiled up at him and Gage felt his heart swell. He was in love with her. Even if it had only been a week, even if he hadn’t told her yet. The wolf inside him had chosen her and the man couldn’t have picked better. But Gage knew she would be harder to convince.
“Hi,” Marissa greeted, looking beautiful in her short summer dress.
“Hello.” Gage leaned down and kissed her mouth. The blush that stole her face would have been cute if it didn’t tell him what he already knew. She was okay with what they did in private, but publicly, she still shied away.
“I…um…” She nervously shifted from foot to foot. “Thanks for doing this.”
Gage nodded and hugged her to his side. “You can thank me later,” he whispered into her ear.
She gasped, and Elizabeth and Logan laughed out loud.
“Most of the guests have arrived and Greg is already outside,” Logan, ever the peacemaker, announced.
The look of relief that crossed Marissa’s face was comical. “She’s ready,” she responded, avoiding everyone’s eyes.
Gage laughed, letting go of Marissa. He knew he shouldn’t tease her in front of others, but now that he had admitted to himself that he was in love with her, he wanted to shout it from rooftops.
But first, he had a ceremony to perform.
“You look beautiful. Greg is very lucky,” he told Elizabeth, kissing the top of her head.
“No. No. I’m the lucky one. I know that. He has been so patient with me for all these years.” Elizabeth took a deep breath. “I love him.”
“I know you do, honey. And it’s time to do this.” Marissa hugged her sister.
Logan offered Marissa his arm. “Allow me to take you to your seat, my lady.”
Shyly Marissa put her arm through Logan’s. She liked him. He’d never treated her differently even after the embarrassing scene in the woods.
Logan led her out the back door to where the ceremony would take place. Gage would follow when it was time for the ceremony, escorting Elizabeth. As they headed to where the chairs had been set up, Marissa looked around, taking in the full picture. White lace and ribbons had been hung up. Her sister and Greg would stand under the arch while Gage performed the ceremony.
Light-hearted, Marissa smiled at the guests and Logan escorted her to the front.
She felt the unsettling sensation of eyes on her before understanding who stared at her. Turning her head, she met the pair of dark brown eyes, eyes she knew so well. Eyes that had haunted her dreams for more years than she wanted to remember.
Almost stumbling in surprise, she was glad Logan was there.
“What’s wrong?” he whispered.
“Nothing,” she lied. He would know it was a lie. Not only could he smell it, but also she had started to tremble. She didn’t know what Brandon was doing there but it couldn’t be good. She watched Logan look over also and knew she wouldn’t have a choice in telling Gage.
“Who is he?”
Tearing her gaze from Brandon’s, Marissa held onto Logan. “My old Alpha’s son,” she whispered.
Logan got her to their seats in the front row. He would sit next to her for the ceremony—that had already been decided. She was now grateful for the arrangement as she could feel the other man’s eyes on them as they sat.
When the music started, announcing Gage and Elizabeth, Logan placed his arm around the back of Marissa’s chair. She tried to relax as she concentrated on her sister.
The ceremony was beautiful, and watching her sister commit to Greg brought tears to Marissa’s eyes. It also served to take her attention away from the other guests. She watched Gage as he stood with pride and presented Greg and Elizabeth to the Pack and guests.
When his eyes met hers, Marissa felt a shiver of excitement through her entire body. He was like no other man she’d ever met. While he was domineering and demanding, he still remained calm and kind. She would have never thought that all the traits he carried could be found in one man, a wolf, and a Pack Alpha.
She felt Logan’s arm nudge her, reminding her it was time to stand and walk to the reception. Marissa purposely kept her gaze straight ahead, avoiding any guests. She didn’t know why Brandon was here and she should have no fear from him now, but years of fear were hard to just replace. The promises and threats he’d made were still fresh in her mind.
Logan led Marissa to her sister, and as they hugged, he motioned for Gage to step aside. Marissa held her sister, then Greg took her in his arms and kissed the top of her head.
“I always wanted a sister. My mother had eight boys.”
Laughing through happy tears, Marissa tilted her head back. “Well, you got one now. You have no idea what you’re in for.”
Also laughing, Greg kissed her cheek. “I’ll hold you to that, Marissa.”
Marissa understood the warning. She wasn’t done with this Pack. Greg considered her family and wouldn’t let her disappear out of Elizabeth’s and his lives.
“What is it?” Gage asked, never taking his eyes off Marissa as he saw tears sparkle in her eyes. He knew she was thrilled for her sister, but he just wanted to hold her.
“I believe we have an unwanted guest,” Logan kept his voice low so only his Alpha would hear.
Gage watched Greg kiss Marissa’s cheek in a brotherly gesture. “Who?” he asked, distracted.
“Marissa’s ex. The Alpha’s son.”
Shock had him giving his full attention to Logan. “Where? What did she say?”
“She was upset, although she tried to hide it.”
“Find out what he’s doing here,” Gage ordered.
Logan nodded as they turned back towards the happy couple and Marissa in time to see a man place his hand on Marissa’s back.
Marissa turned and stepped out of his reach. “Brandon,” she greeted but her eyes remained cold.
“You look beautiful, Marissa.” He placed a kiss on her cheek before he turned and shook hands with Greg. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Greg looked between the new man and Marissa, knowing something wasn’t right but unsure what to do.
“Congratulations, little wolf.” Brandon also kissed Elizabeth’s cheek.
“Thank you.” Elizabeth’s voice was soft. She sent her sister a panicked look. “Wh…what are you doing here, Brandon?”
“I escorted my cousin.”
Gage had seen enough and moved in beside Marissa.
“Gage.” Her eyes pleaded with him as he stepped up to the small group.
She didn’t want a scene, Gage recognised that. He was also the Alpha, and if anything happened his Pack would step in and that would be a mess.
The man turned to him. “Alpha.” He nodded in respect. “That was a wonderful ceremony. One of the best I’ve ever witnessed.”
Gage smiled and nodded back to the man before running his hand over Marissa’s back and settled his arm around her waist.
He saw her flush, but she didn’t move away from him. The other male’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Uh…Gage, this is Brandon. He is the son of the Pack Alpha where we grew up.” Marissa shifted like she wanted to move away from him, but Gage tightened his grip.
“Nice to meet you.” Gage didn’t move.
“Actually I am now the Pack Alpha of the territory. My father has retired,” Brandon said, keeping his eyes on her.
Gage kept calm. That announcement changed things. If Brandon was a Pack Alpha, he couldn’t challenge him without permission from the council that policed the Packs.
“Congratulations then,” Gage told him with no feeling.
Marissa looked from one man to the other. Gage knew she was almost desperate to get away from Brandon. They would have to talk about what happened between the two later, but right now his main objective was to help her out of her distress.
“They’re starting the reception. We should take our seats.” Gage told her sliding his hand to hers. “If you’ll excuse us,” he said to Brandon but didn’t wait for a response.
He walked away taking Marissa with him while Greg and Elizabeth followed.
“I get the feeling I missed something,” Greg murmured to his mate, but Marissa and Gage heard him.
“That man is responsible for almost every problem we had in our old Pack.” Elizabeth’s voice held more bitterness than Gage had ever heard from her.
Marissa shrugged a shoulder and tried to pull away from Gage. He didn’t give. He could still feel the other man’s gaze on them.
Seated between Gage and Logan, Marissa pulled at her hand once more. “Let go, Gage,” she complained so low only he could hear.
He was hanging on by a thin shred of control. His heart raced and his blood boiled in anger towards Brandon for everything Marissa had gone through. Plus suspicion as to what he was even doing here.
He looked over at Logan and could see the same feelings were going through his second. Whether Marissa was part of the Pack or not, she belonged to Gage.
He had never been so close to turning because of loss of control in front of any members of his Pack. He looked around and nodded at the Pack Enforcers. It was their job to protect their Alpha. Each one was keeping a close eye of their leader, sensing something was not right.
Marissa scooted her chair closer to him. Under the table, she placed her free hand on his knee. “Look at me, Gage,” she whispered next into his ear.
He did and she smiled.
“I’m okay. I won’t let anything mess tonight up.”
Not caring who was looking, Gage framed her face with both hands. “Neither will I.”
Marissa dropped her gaze. “Please, Gage.”
She wasn’t comfortable with public displays. He understood that even if he didn’t like it. He dropped his hands from her face. “He’s not to get near you alone. Do you understand?”
Marissa nodded even if it galled her to have him give her orders.
“Marissa.” His voice was a low growl.
“I understand,” she told him quietly.
“Make sure, Marissa. You have no idea of the consequences,” he warned.
“I promise, Gage.”
With that, he relaxed next to her.
Chapter Six
Marissa intended on keeping her promise. She didn’t want trouble for anyone. She didn’t know why Brandon would even come to her sister’s mating ceremony, but he couldn’t touch her. She told herself that over and over again.
The seating placed her with Gage and Logan while members of her and Elizabeth’s old Pack took up two tables across the yard. The other tables were filled with Gage’s Pack. Everyone was behaving properly, but one wrong move from either Alpha could spell disaster. Wolves were territorial about almost everything, but particularly about their women. She didn’t want a Pack war at her sister’s ceremony.
Gage or Logan stayed with her the entire time. After pictures were taken, dinner served and cake cut, the dancing began. Marissa danced with Gage, then Logan, but her attention was never too far from the man in the back keeping his eyes on her.
Walking to get a refill of champagne, she stopped to talk to a few of the females who had openly befriended her from Gage’s Pack. If they knew she was a non-shifter, it didn’t seem to bother them. Logan was talking to two of the Enforcers, but kept an eye on her from a short distance.
Marissa received her refill and turned from the table, running into Brandon. She tried to step around him, but he moved also. She looked for Gage or Logan, but they were several feet away from her involved in conversations.
Sighing, Marissa pulled her shoulders back and met Brandon’s gaze. “What do you want?” she snapped.
Brandon stepped towards her. “Interesting seeing you interact with another Pack.”
Marissa dropped her eyes out of habit, her confidence leaving her as he spoke with authority.
Satisfied, he moved even closer. “We have a lot to talk about.”
“We have nothing to talk about,” she said to her feet.
“Oh, you are very wrong. As Alpha of the Pack, I now have access to all the data on you and your family.”
“So?”
“So as your Pack Alpha—”
“You are not my Pack Alpha,” she interrupted.
Lifting his hand, he brushed her hair off her face. “Actually I am.”
“I was kicked out of the Pack. You have no power over me.”
“Well, funny thing about that. My father never turned in your papers to the council to let them know you were leaving the Pack. As law states, a member cannot leave the Pack and go rogue without a trial or the proper paperwork. You still belong to the Pack. To me.”
“No.” Marissa stepped back, shaking her head. She wouldn’t go back to his Pack. She’d die before ever returning to him and giving him power of her once again.
Brandon laughed. “Yes, it’s true. And by Wolf law, I have full control over you for your safety and wellbeing.”
“You don’t know anything about laws. You are a liar just like your father.”
Anger flashed in his eyes and Marissa felt true fear. Her throat went dry while her heart pounded. Reaching out, he grabbed her arm. Marissa frantically looked around for Gage or Logan, not seeing either.
“No one’s going to come to your rescue this time.” He yanked her to him.
Marissa could feel his breath against her cheek.
“And be careful of your words. I will not let you disrespect my father.”
“Let me go!” Marissa desperately tried to pull away from him, the need to run and hide almost overbearing.
“Or what?” Brandon ran his cheek over her hair. “You are mine. And you will be coming back to the territory with me.”
Tears filled Marissa’s eyes. This wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be. “No.”
“What? Don’t want to leave your lovers?” He spat at her. “Just how many of the wolves here have you spread your legs for?”
Marissa shook her head and again tried to pull away.
“I already know you are fucking the Alpha and his Beta. Is it just those two or did you take them all?”
As he shook her, Marissa’s head snapped back painfully. They heard a growl before she was knocked away from him. Looking up from where she’d fallen on the ground, she saw a blur of movement as two males went down on the ground.
It took a moment for Marissa to recognise the man fighting with Brandon as one of Gage’s guards.
“Stop!” she yelled to the two men. They didn’t hear her…or choose to ignore her.
It wasn’t until there was a second growl and Gage ordered, “Stop” that all movement ceased around her.
Marissa looked up to see his furious eyes boring into her. The muscle in his cheek jumped as he clenched his teeth. Marissa immediately dropped her eyes.
“Sam, go to my office,” he told his guard, keeping his voice even, not giving away what he was thinking.
Sam picked himself off the ground, looking one last time at the man he’d taken down. “Yes, Alpha.”
“Marissa, come here,” he ordered next.
Marissa moved quickly to obey. Wrapping his hand around her wrist, Gage held her next to him. Logan stepped into the middle of the group and nodded at his Alpha.
“I believe our guests have overstayed their welcome. Now that the couple has left, they shall be escorted out.” Gage’s voice was low and deadly. Daring anyone to challenge him.
“I’ll see to it, Alpha.” Logan nodded and reached for Brandon, who pushed his hands away.
Standing on his own, Brandon faced off with Gage. “I agree we should be leaving. We’ll just be taking Marissa with us,” he said smugly.
Marissa stepped behind Gage, using him as a shield. She wasn’t going with Brandon. She didn’t think Gage would make her, but if what Brandon said were true, he might not have a choice.
“I don’t think so.” Gage didn’t sound amused as Brandon stood in front of him.
Brandon smiled. “As her Pack Alpha, I will be returning her home.”
“Pack Alpha?” Gage looked over his shoulder at her. Marissa shook her head. “I think not.”
“She was born into my Pack.”
“And left your Pack at the request of your Alpha.”
“Really?” Brandon challenged, crossing his arms over his chest. “I have no paperwork supporting that.”