by Dana Archer
Embarrassment seized her. She untangled her fingers from Xander’s hair. She hadn’t realized she’d been fisting it. No doubt she’d hurt him. Great. She probably reeked of fear too. Maybe sorrow. Not the impression she wanted to make if she expected his help. Once she shared her plan, he’d laugh at her, claiming she wasn’t tough enough to go back to the bear shifters or break a feral male out of his bonds. True or not, it wouldn’t stop her.
She was leaving with Reno in the morning and freeing Killer. All she had to do was sneak in the small knife Reno had given her. She could stick it inside her boot. It’d hurt to walk on, but she’d manage. Then, if she worked on jimmying the locks on Killer’s collar and chains, she’d eventually break them. She hoped. If not, she’d figure out something else. Giving up wasn’t acceptable. Friends didn’t abandon friends.
“I’ll get a fire started in the master bedroom, then bring some food up, but it might take me a little bit since it’s just me.”
Reno’s statement forced her to lift her head from Xander’s chest and look at Reno. “Where’s David?”
“He stayed behind to play target practice with Vader.” Reno chuckled, obviously amused by David’s plans.
“Aren’t you afraid Xander will kill you and steal me?”
Reno’s laugh deepened. “You’re a sweet piece of ass, Gwen, but don’t think you’re more than that, especially for Xander.”
Xander’s chest expanded as if he was going to speak. Not until she did. She couldn’t let Reno’s comment go. She was not worthless. “You know him well, then?”
“Never met him before today, but I’ve met other alphas, other dominants. They all come for the same thing.”
“And that is?” Irritation laced the question. The caution she’d normally embraced around Reno was gone. Xander’s doing, probably. Her heartrate had slowed to normal too. She felt safe in his arms.
“To embrace his primal nature.” Reno’s voice softened as if he were talking to a child. “To glory in his strength. To screw the rules of human society and take whatever he wants. That’s what all shifters crave, little Gwen. The chance to be the animals we are without suffering for it.”
Xander cradled her closer and climbed out of the helicopter, hopping to the ground with ease, despite the burden of her weight and the awkwardness of moving with her in his arms. “Leave the food in the hall if we’re occupied. You come into our room while we’re busy, or if I find cameras anywhere, you’ll suffer. Understand?”
“Perfectly.”
Xander didn’t react to the amusement in Reno’s voice. He headed toward the house, a simple two-story that looked as if it had seen better days. Paint flaked off the wooden structure. Plywood covered a few windows. And several tiles were missing from the roof.
The sight of its state of disrepair didn’t faze her. It could’ve been a hut for all she cared. The only thing that mattered was the remoteness of the place. Woods surrounded them, and the narrow lane leading down the mountain didn’t look as if it had been used in a long time.
Vader would have a hard time finding them. He couldn’t. He’d never agree to her plan. He thought her weak. That was why he’d always watched over her, why he’d made her his beloved human, why he’d come after her. To protect her so Lena wouldn’t be hurt if Gwen died. Vader loved Lena. With that thought, came another. Vader had sworn he’d mate Lena. Had he?
Ugh. Gwen squeezed her eyes shut. She couldn’t think about her sister in bed with the man she’d lusted over since the day she met him. Those thoughts would upset her. Or anger her. Neither were acceptable at the moment.
She glanced at Xander’s strong profile. He didn’t give off the same protective vibe Vader did. She’d triggered his instincts back in those woods. His promise to fill her up until his seed was dripping down her thighs spoke of another motive. He wanted to claim the prize he’d won, exactly as Reno suggested.
With Xander’s sharp kick, the porch door splintered. He knocked the pieces away and carried her over the threshold. Reno rushed ahead of them and opened the front door before Xander could destroy that one too, then Reno stepped back and gave Xander plenty of space, exactly as she’d seen others do for Vader.
Reno closed the door behind them, cutting off the cool breeze.
Stale, dusty air filled her lungs. She took in the sight of the main room. A sheet covered a couch. Boxes were stacked along the wall. Cobwebs decorated the corners. Xander didn’t pause to look at any of it. He zeroed in on the stairs. His fingers flexed on her bottom. His breathing deepened. She could almost taste his excitement on her tongue, an odd thought but a real one. He hungered. For her.
A hard knot formed in her belly. She’d done this to him by triggering his instincts, and she was going to capitalize on his primal drives. Again. She only hoped he didn’t hate her too much for manipulating him.
Chapter 6
The woman in his arms was a stranger, yet hints of both Elizabeth’s and Tabitha’s personality showed through Gwen’s. All three incarnations of his true mate wore an aura of innocence and vulnerability. Gwen, though, struck him as different. Stronger, somehow. Not physically. Emotionally or maybe psychologically. Either way, her sharp attitude toward Reno hinted at a side of his true mate he’d never seen. It was also one that excited Xander on a level he couldn’t quite explain. All he knew was that he wanted to learn more about her.
At the top of the stairs, Gwen cleared her throat. “If this place has running water, I’m going to get a shower. I have your blood all over me.”
A demand. Not a request.
Xander stopped walking and glanced into her face. She stared at him. An intensity to match her words burned in her eyes. Seeing it intrigued him. Captivated him. Depressed him. No matter if Gwen’s inner strength had grown or not, she was still human. A soft, sweet, and innocent human he refused to taint with the ugliness that came with leading the pack.
Or belonging to a wicked male like him.
Her eyebrow rose, ever so slightly. She didn’t speak, but her expression said it all. She expected his agreement, and his silence annoyed her.
Excitement he couldn’t give into yet quickened his pulse. This incarnation of his true mate fascinated him. Maybe it was too early to judge whether or not being with him would ruin her goodness. Maybe his true mate was finally ready to match him…in all things.
He dragged his attention from the lips he wanted on every inch of his body to her eyes. By the goddess, they were beautiful. He could stare into them for eternity.
He took a slow, deep breath in an effort to calm himself. Time would tell if fate would bind them in this lifetime. “After I shower, you may take one. While you get clean, I will sweep the room and look for hidden devices. I want to ensure our privacy.”
She nodded and dragged her gaze to his chest. “I’m sorry you were hurt because of me.”
“Don’t be. Those other shifters gambled on their teamwork overcoming my strength. They were wrong.”
“Just as Reno was about Vader, right? Reno thought he’d be out longer. Actually, I thought the same. I’ve been around other Royals. Seen how much damage they can take. There’s only one I’ve met who could pull off what Vader did.”
He wanted to correct her. Vader didn’t exist. The male who’d worked with her late stepfather in Shifter Affairs had been born Horace Vladimir Winchester, Vlad to his pack mates. Xander didn’t bother correcting her, however. He didn’t want to argue with Gwen while Reno was close. Xander had a feeling she would challenge him.
“My pack is strong, Gwen. Very strong. Maybe the strongest out of all the Royal wolf packs. We’ve carefully selected breeding partners to ensure that. Our results have paid off.”
“Selected breeding partners? Not mates?” A considering look passed over her features. “What exactly does that mean?”
The sound of Reno coming up the stairs behind them stopped him from responding. He scanned the rooms, opening each until he found the one with a fireplace. Compared to the rest o
f the rundown house, the master bedroom was clean and neat. The large bed was covered in thick quilts. A dresser, two nightstands, a small table with two chairs, and a full-length mirror filled the room, giving it an almost cozy atmosphere.
He took in the details, noting all the spots he wanted to check for cameras, closed the door behind them, and turned into the bathroom. This room didn’t offer much space to maneuver, but a basket with travel-sized bath products, all from different hotel chains, along with cellophane-wrapped toothbrushes, sat on the sink. The space fit their needs. Good enough.
He set Gwen on the sink, her legs dangling over the side, and pulled the zipper on her jacket. Without meeting her gaze, he slipped the heavy parka off her shoulders, then crouched and untied her boots before pulling them off. He reached for her waistband. His knuckles brushed against her smooth skin. The slight contact threatened his control. Memories of the years spent in Elizabeth’s arms and the single night in Tabitha’s assaulted him.
Finding release inside their bodies had been nothing short of heaven. No other female—human or shifter—had ever tempted him to do the same. He needed more than a mind-blowing orgasm, however. So did Gwen. She needed a true mate who wouldn’t fail her as he’d done twice before. He wanted to be that male.
To be worthy of her.
He released Gwen and stood. “Don’t move.”
Without waiting for a response, he entered the bedroom and dug through the dresser. Simple track-style clothes, the kind used to replace items destroyed during shifting, filled the drawers. He selected a pair of sweats and a long-sleeved T-shirt big enough to cover Gwen’s large breasts, then returned to the bathroom.
Gwen sat on the counter where he’d left her. She glanced from the shower to him. Nervousness radiated from her. Not surprising. He’d started undressing her. As a human, she’d associate his actions with sexual interest. Granted, he wanted to enjoy the sight of her naked body. It wasn’t the true motive behind his desire to get her undressed, however.
Reno’s stench clung to her shirt and pants. Xander’s predatory and possessive nature wouldn’t stand for it. Only his scent could. And Vlad’s. His pack mate’s scent would forever remain a part of her. She was his beloved human. The anger over Vlad’s tie to her no longer bothered Xander. He couldn’t do anything about it. Vlad had found her first.
But he hadn’t loved her first.
“When you’re done showering, put these on.” Xander placed the items he’d selected for her next to her hip.
She looked from the pile of clothes to his face. “You want me to get dressed?”
No. He wanted her naked and in his arms. Images of Gwen’s wet body pressed against the tiles of the shower while he pounded into her flashed across his mind. The lust she’d stirred in those few moments when she’d been under his body returned, stronger than before.
He’d won the right to be the first male to have sex with Gwen. Before Vlad did. Part of Xander wanted to claim his prize, consequences be damned. The truth shamed him, but he couldn’t deny the urge to give in to his primal side, exactly as Reno had suggested.
Xander inclined his head slightly, holding her gaze and letting her see what he truly desired, even if he couldn’t voice it. She should know the effect she had on him, and that he wouldn’t act on it. In both lifetimes before, he had, immediately. He wanted to do things differently this time. Act with honor.
Win her love.
“Your clothes have my blood on them. You said so yourself.”
“But…” She cleared her throat. “You won me, fair and square.”
The vulnerability in her tone gave him pause. Did she think he didn’t desire her?
He tipped up her chin. “I want you, Gwendolyn Annabelle Burnett. Do not doubt that.”
Her eyes widened with surprise. She leaned closer and lowered her voice to a mere breath of sound. “You know my full name?”
Her actions suggested she too suspected there were listening devices in place. Respect for her grew. He planted his palms on the counter on either side of her hips and bent closer. Her scent filled his lungs on a deep inhale. The drug Reno had given her was wearing off. Vlad’s familiar scent twined with the rich, seductive one belonging to Gwen.
The ache in Xander’s shaft grew, along with a craving for Gwen’s arousal on his tongue. He understood why. Vlad was pack, and Gwen was Xander’s true mate. His tie to both was strong, powerful. They strengthened him in different ways.
Letting his warm breath arouse her, he brushed his open mouth over the spot where shoulder met neck, the spot he’d bite if he succeeded in being the male she needed. Her shiver and shaky exhale in response to his touch brought a smile to his lips. “I know many things about you.”
“From Lena?”
“Yes.” Among others. He’d spoken with every member of her stepfather’s unit about Gwen and her relationship with Vlad.
“So you’re here to sa—”
He caught her earlobe between his teeth and tugged, stopping her words and tearing another shaky exhale from her. He couldn’t risk Reno hearing something he shouldn’t. They’d already said too much. “I’m here for the same reason every male who enters these hunts does.”
She turned her head and studied him as if looking for the truth in his words. He didn’t know if his expression gave her the answer she sought. The predator in him wanted to take her body, claiming her as was his right. The man wanted so much more.
Her brows creased, her confusion easy to see. “Then you’re going to claim what belongs to you.”
“I will, but it’s too soon.” He refused to take her virginity while she was unsure of his motives. An honorable male would wait. So he would. Losing his true mate twice before had taught him there was no room for selfishness in his life.
She skimmed her gaze over his body, focusing on his groin, then met his eyes. The lust displayed in her expression fed his. “You want to wait until after I shower, then?”
His virgin true mate wanted to sleep with him. He should be pleased, even if he had no intentions of acting on her interest. Unease slithered into his conscience instead. His earlier thought came back to him. There was something not quite right about her seduction. It didn’t fit their situation.
He glanced over his shoulder at the darkened room. There were likely cameras and microphones scattered throughout. The bear shifters would want something to hold over his head in case he ever decided to report them to Shifter Affairs or the Shifter Council.
“Dress in the clothes I selected for you after your shower. Then, we’ll discuss what I want to do with you.” Xander stripped. His stiff erection stretched to his belly button. He ignored his hard shaft and turned on the shower.
It’d take Vlad and Dante only a few hours until they located this house. Both had studied the maps of this territory and knew all possible buildings within a fifteen-mile radius, and Reno hadn’t taken them farther than that. Xander could keep his primal nature in check that long.
Once they got home, though, all bets were off.
Chapter 7
The water sluicing off Xander’s body captivated Gwen. She turned slightly on the counter to get a better view. Watching him—a stranger—shower was wrong. Fighting the urge to slip into the tiny stall with him was worse. She wanted to explore his body, then take him inside hers. The desire to submit to him, letting him have his way with her, left her half-crazed with need and utterly confused. She didn’t understand why he captivated her so or why his mere presence turned her into a lustful woman.
Yes, he was gorgeous. Most shifters were attractive, however. The draw to him went beyond looks. She felt safe in his presence. He would respect and treasure her body even as he took his pleasure from her. The knowledge felt instinctual. Maybe it was. Xander exhibited a primal allure that no doubt came from his role as alpha. Considering their situation, however, her reaction to him was not normal. Nowhere close to normal.
The man had won the right to take her virginity. He planned on
claiming her too. He’d told her that. Even if he hadn’t, the way he looked at her told her everything she needed to know. He would ravish her until he was sated and spent.
Yet, he hadn’t acted on it.
Likely because he was trying to save her, but the part of her that still believed in fairy tales, true love, and happily ever afters wanted to romanticize his actions. She didn’t have the luxury to do so. Her obligation to Killer prevented her from looking for some hidden meaning behind Xander’s actions. Killer was depending on her, and she’d do everything in her power to keep her promise to him. Even trick the alpha of the Winchester pack into giving his word. She had a feeling he wouldn’t break it, no matter the circumstances under which he made his promise.
She was okay with deceiving him too. In the end, it didn’t matter what Xander or Vader thought of her. Nobody would ever again look at her and assume she wasn’t strong enough to make a difference. Of course, it was entirely possible they were right. She’d already failed once.
What she needed was a plan.
She turned her attention to Xander. His thick erection stretched to his belly button. He didn’t touch it, though. He hung his head so the wet strands of his black hair hid his face while the spray of water pummeled his back.
Her lower belly quivered, and an ache built, deep in her womb. The intense surge of lust left her unsteady, exactly as she’d often been in Vader’s presence.
Xander tossed his hair, the wet locks smacking against his back, and reached for the soap. He rubbed the bar between his hands, creating a thick lather, then dragged his open palm down his chest to the root of his erection. It jerked with the slight contact. He curled his long fingers around the base, and she looked away.
She couldn’t watch him any longer. Being a virgin didn’t mean she was sexually ignorant. She’d watched enough movies, read enough books, and witnessed enough encounters while in the camp with the cage fighters to know about sex. Not everything, of course, but she felt confident in her ability to bring a man to release.