Belonging to Hayden (Tales of Moonspell 1)

by Jessica Coulter Smith

  Her eyes flew open and her gaze met his.

  Hayden’s thrusts were long and deep. Her hands clutched his shoulders, feeling his muscles bunch and move with every stroke. His cock plunged into her faster and harder, pushing both of them closer to the brink. He tweaked her nipple and watched the bud harden. His heated gaze on her body made her even more aroused. Her pussy grew hotter and wetter, his cock gliding in and out of her with ease.

  Almost as soon as they’d started, it was over, both of them finding their release together.

  Daniela clung to him, not trusting her legs to hold her up. It might have been short and sweet, but their lovemaking had been no less powerful than the previous night. There was an undeniable connection between them.

  Hayden lifted her into his arms and carried her into the bathroom. He started the shower and adjusted the water. When he turned to face her, his eyes strayed to the mirror and he froze. Gently, he turned her. She felt his hands move softly across her upper back and shoulder blades.

  “What is it, Hayden? Is something wrong?”

  “We’re definitely free.”

  Her brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

  He turned her. “Look in the mirror.”

  She looked over her shoulder and gasped. The crescent moon was still in the middle of her upper back. But now, scrolling lines and vines dipped and twisted from the sides of the moon and across her shoulder blades.

  “You’ve been marked,” he said.

  She didn’t know what to say or how to feel. While freedom sounded so very sweet, this meant so much more than that. It meant they were going to be parents. She wasn’t sure she was ready for that step yet. Ready or not, it seemed she was facing motherhood. She placed a hand on her stomach and looked up at him uncertainly. How did he feel about this?

  Hayden was smiling, and his eyes were tender. He smoothed her hair back from her face and kissed her gently. She knew he was happy to be free, but how did he feel about the baby? They hadn’t really discussed it before. Sure, they’d talked about her being marked, but they’d never really had any deep conversations, much less one about what the mark meant and how they felt about it. It was just a foregone conclusion that she would be marked and they would leave the nest.

  “After our shower, I’ll ask to see Julian. Once he sees your mark, he’ll have no choice but to release us. We could be home as early as tonight!”

  She smiled up at him. “I know you’ve missed your pack.”

  “It’s more than that. I want you safe, and I can’t promise your safety as long as we’re here. The sooner I get you home, the better.”

  “Yes, but… I have my own home.”

  “Do you really wish to return to your apartment? We could stop and get your things and you could come home with me, see where you’ll be living from now on.”

  She was starting to feel a little overwhelmed by it all. She’d thought she’d have more time to prepare herself. Accepting she was his mate was one thing -- moving in with him was another. She’d hoped they’d have more time with one another before they reached that stage. Not that she really wanted to stay around the nest any longer than she had to.

  “Could we… could we get to know one another a little better before I move my things into your home?”

  He narrowed his eyes. “You’re my mate, Daniela. I thought we’d already gone over this, what that means, what’s expected. What would the pack think if their alpha female were to live somewhere other than with their alpha?”

  He had a point. She didn’t want to disrespect him, especially in front of the pack. She knew he had an image to uphold. Despite her feelings on the subject, she would have to begin her new life immediately. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust him, that she didn’t enjoy her time in his arms -- she just felt like they were still strangers in some ways.

  Hayden helped her into the shower and stepped in behind her. He closed the glass door and gathered her in his arms.

  “I know all of this is still new to you, and that you’ve had a lot thrown at you all at once, but know that you’re the most important thing in my life. I know we’re moving fast, that you’re not used to the ways of my kind, but I would never do anything to hurt you. I want you in my home, by my side, not just because of the pack but because I don’t want to think about facing another day without you in my life. I want to wake up in the morning holding you in my arms, and I want your face to be the last thing I see before I go to sleep at night. If you truly wish to return to your apartment, I won’t fight you on it, but I won’t rest easy until you’re in my home.”

  It might not be a declaration of love, but it was even better. He needed her. Wanted her. And he wasn’t afraid to admit it. If she were honest with herself, she’d acknowledge that she felt the same way, that she wanted to fall asleep wrapped in his arms and wanted to wake by his side. Hayden made her feel things she’d never felt before, and while that scared her on some level, it was also pretty great.

  “I’ll stay with you,” she said. “But I can’t just abandon my things.”

  “I’d never ask you to. We’ll go through everything together. I promise you won’t regret your decision.”

  He poured a generous amount of shower gel in his hand and began washing her, taking his time exploring her body. She found herself leaning into his touch, wanting more. His hands brushed over her sensitive nipples and she moaned. He twisted the tips, tugging on them until her pussy was soaked. Hayden leaned down and took one in his mouth, licking and sucking, gently scraping the hardened peak with his teeth.

  Daniela tunneled her hands into his hair and held him close. The ache growing between her legs made her want to beg for more. He switched sides, teasing the other nipple in the same fashion. Releasing it with a pop, he claimed her lips, drinking from her hungrily. His hand cupped her face as he ravaged her mouth. She tried not to rub against him like a cat in heat, but she wanted to feel his hands on her body.

  Hayden ran kisses down her neck and between her breasts. When he sank to his knees, her breath caught in her throat. He spread her thighs, and with his gaze on hers, he leaned forward and licked her slit. She whimpered with need and fisted her hands to keep from reaching for him. He parted the lips of her pussy and dipped his tongue inside her. He licked her again, circling her clit. Every nerve in her body felt like it was supercharged. His tongue caressed her again, skirting around the sensitive nub. She wanted to beg him to let her come, but he seemed content to taste her, to drive her crazy with need. When she thought she couldn’t take any more, he sucked the hardened bud into his mouth, making her come. He sucked and licked and nipped, making her come a second time almost immediately. His tongue delved inside her again as he lapped up her juices.

  Rising to his feet, he gently turned her. Lifting her hips, he speared her with his cock, sinking all the way into her. She gasped in pleasure and pushed back against him. Hayden gripped her hips and began pistoning in and out of her with long, hard strokes, each one deep enough to bump her cervix and make her beg for more. He plunged into her again and again, making a fire build within her until the flames engulfed her, leaving her breathless. He entered her one last time, fast and hard, and she came, crying out his name as he pumped his seed into her.

  When they were finished rinsing and had gotten out and dried off, Hayden helped her dress in the blue nightgown once more. He promised to ask Julian for a dress for her. Once they were dressed, Hayden rang for Julian. It seemed like it took forever, but finally the vampire arrived.

  * * *

  Julian looked surprised by the summons. “I would’ve thought you’d be busy about now, making little alphas.”

  “You promised we could leave once we both bore the marks proving I was alpha and she was not only my mate, but expecting,” Hayden said.

  Julian nodded.

  Hayden turned Daniela around, showing Julian the intricate tattoo spread across her back. “It’s time for you to keep your word.”

  Julian’s eyebrows
lifted. He reached out and traced the mark with a cool finger. Looking back at Hayden, he grinned.

  “Very well. I’ll set up the meeting with Aiden so you may leave.”

  “What meeting? You never said anything about a meeting.”

  “Your mate is the property of Aiden Grant. She isn’t going anywhere without showing him the alpha marks. If you want to leave, it’s the only way.”

  “But… he’ll keep her!”

  “Surely even Aiden won’t want an alpha female. I’m sure he has his pride. Why would he want your leavings?”

  Hayden growled. “Watch how you speak of her.”

  “Easy, werewolf. No insult was intended.”

  “Fine. We’ll meet with Aiden. There’s one other thing. She’ll need a dress of some sort. She can’t go before him in a nightgown, and she can’t very well leave this place wearing one.”

  Julian nodded. “I’ll have something delivered within the next hour or two. During that time, I’ll meet with Aiden and see if he can spare any time for you this evening. If not, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”

  “We’re not waiting until tomorrow,” Hayden said. “We’re leaving tonight, whether Aiden agrees or not.”

  “Fine, I’ll push him for a meeting. Just keep in mind that he may not have had time to visit the harem yet, which means your mate might seem even more attractive to him.”

  Hayden grumbled under his breath, but he didn’t back down. “Just do it.”

  Julian nodded and left.

  True to his word, he had a dress delivered an hour later. It was a simple cotton sundress in a pretty turquoise. He’d even thought of matching panties and sandals. How he’d known her sizes without being told, she’d never know. And she wasn’t sure she wanted to know.

  The dress showed off her mark rather well. Hayden decided to forgo a shirt, making sure his was visible, too. He had little doubt Aiden would demand proof they were mated. He had to admit he was a little worried about the meeting. Perhaps Aiden had taken a woman to his rooms right off, would be well satisfied, and would hardly notice Daniela. Hayden snorted. Not likely. Anyone would notice his mate, even before she was marked.

  “Are you really worried?” Daniela asked.

  He wanted to soothe her fears. “I’m sure everything will be fine. The meeting is just a formality.”

  “Because I was meant for the harem?”

  “Yes. It’s different for me because I signed an agreement to be here. You were picked up off the street, held in what they call their dungeon, and slated to be part of the harem. Why they kept you waiting down there so long I’ll never know.”

  “If you were getting a woman for good behavior, perhaps they saved me for you.”

  He grinned. “I like that idea. The thought that we could’ve never met chills me to the bone. But fate stepped in and saw to it that we did, and I’ll be forever grateful.”

  There was a knock at the door a moment before a large man stepped into the room. Hayden had seen him around the grounds before and knew he was part of the security team. If he was here, that could only mean one thing. Julian had pulled through, and they had a meeting with Aiden. His muscles tensed as various scenarios played out in his mind. This was the moment of truth. Would they gain their freedom or remain slaves to the vampires?

  “Mr. Grant will see you now,” the man said, his voice deep and gruff.

  Hayden pulled Daniela close to his side and they followed the man from the suite. They were led to the throne room, a place where Aiden and the other vampires held court. Coming from times long past, the vampires still ruled as if they were royalty. And for all intents and purposes, that was what they were. Aiden Grant was the head vampire in Moonspell, and the oldest vampire in the state of Alabama. While they didn’t have titles, he was the king of the region, such as it was, and the other vampire leaders the princes.

  From one alpha to another, Hayden had to acknowledge that Aiden Grant ran a tight ship. He ruled with an iron fist, but made sure all his people were taken care of, in all ways. If they needed women, he provided them. If they needed nourishment, he saw that they got it. Hayden had watched from the sidelines since arriving at the mansion and knew how the nest worked. He’d also heard the vampires say Aiden was a fair man. He only hoped that was true.

  They entered the room, and everyone fell silent. Aiden was sitting in a large, ornate chair in the middle of the area, the other head vampires on either side of him in smaller chairs. Hayden took Daniela’s hand and led her further into the space until they stood before the vampire’s equivalent of a council.

  “I hear you’ve met the terms of our agreement,” Aiden said.

  Hayden nodded. “As you can see by the mark on my arm, I’ve found my mate.”

  Aiden’s gaze slid to Daniela. It could’ve been a trick of the light, but Hayden would’ve sworn there was a softening in his eyes when the vampire looked at his mate. He hoped he was wrong.

  “And do you bear the mark?” Aiden asked Daniela.

  She slowly turned, presenting her back to the council. She pulled her hair over her shoulder so they could get the full effect of her mark. After a moment, she turned around and faced them again. She lifted her chin and stared at Aiden. Hayden wasn’t sure if he should be proud of her for her bravery, or if he should tell her to lower her eyes and hide. He didn’t want her to draw any more attention to herself than necessary.

  “I see,” said Aiden, not looking very happy. “Well… according to the agreement, you and your mate should be free to go.”

  “Should be?” Hayden asked.

  “There’s one small problem. She was never meant to be yours. Julian brought her to you by mistake. It was my bed she was supposed to grace that night. I’d sent my men out with specific instructions. They were to find me a bride. Julian realized the mistake too late and tried to hide it from me -- otherwise she would have been ripped from your side that first night.”

  A chill raced down Hayden’s spine. He’d thought Daniela was meant for the harem, but if she’d been picked up for something more…

  “You’ve met the terms of the agreement, Mr. Collins,” Aiden said. “Your mate, however…”

  “I’m not leaving here without Daniela.” He felt his mate lean against him, and he wrapped an arm around her waist.

  “I don’t believe that’s up to you.”

  “You can’t possibly want her now that she’s mated to me and carrying my child,” Hayden argued.

  “The child can be sent to you when it’s born. I can be patient enough until then. It’s only nine months.”

  “You mean you won’t bed her during that time?”

  The vampire grinned. “No, silly wolf. I meant I wouldn’t turn her during that time.”

  The blood drained from Hayden’s face. It had never occurred to him that Aiden might want a permanent woman in his life badly enough to turn one. There were plenty of female vampires for him to choose from, so why turn Daniela?

  “Surely there’s a woman already made vampire who would --”

  “Silence! You think I haven’t looked, that I haven’t been with countless female vampires over the centuries? No, none of them will suffice.”

  “But why Daniela?”

  “If she’s destined to be a werewolf’s mate, she’s strong.” His gaze took her in from the top of her head to the tips of her toes before returning to Hayden. “And she’s exquisite.”

  “Please, Mr. Grant,” Daniela said. “Please let me go home with Hayden. I belong by his side.”

  Aiden rose from his seat and moved gracefully to stand before her. Despite Hayden’s warning growls, the vampire ran his fingers through Daniela’s hair and tipped her chin up. Hayden wanted to jerk his mate away from the bloodsucking leech, but he didn’t dare. They were still in Aiden’s domain, still nothing more than pawns in his game.

  “You’ll want for nothing,” Aiden told her. “As my wife, you’ll have whatever your heart desires.”

  “I can’t marr
y you,” she said softly. “I’m Hayden’s.”

  Aiden narrowed his eyes. “We’ll see about that.”

  Daniela pressed herself close to Hayden, and he held her tight.

  “Guards,” Aiden barked. “Please escort Mr. Collins from the premises. He’s free to go.”

  “No!” Hayden fought against the grasping hands. “I won’t leave her!”

  Daniela was ripped from his arms and two of the burliest security guards he’d ever seen hauled him away. He fought against them, but it was no use. He watched as Julian grasped Daniela’s arm and began to lead her in the opposite direction. His worst fears had come to pass.

  Chapter Five

  Daniela watched as they dragged Hayden from the room. He fought against them, but they were bigger and stronger. Even his werewolf strength was no match for two such guards. She felt Julian’s cool grip on her arm, and then he was leading her from the room. She dug her feet in and pulled against him, but she was no match for a vampire’s strength.

  “Hayden!” She pulled harder.

  The guards practically lifted Hayden and carried him the remaining steps out of the room. Two sentries closed the doors behind them. She heard his anguished cry and struggled harder.

  “You’re going to hurt yourself,” Julian said as he continued to lead her. They went through a side door and down a long corridor.

  “Please, Julian. Please don’t do this! You know it’s wrong.”

  “I have to do what Aiden says. Think of him as the alpha wolf of the vampires. When he tells us to do something, we listen.”

  She looked up at him helplessly. “Is there nothing I can do?”

  “Yes, you can stop struggling and accept your fate. It’s an honor Aiden has chosen you as his bride.”

  Silent tears trickled down her cheeks. She didn’t want to be the vampire’s bride. She was still adjusting to being an alpha werewolf’s mate. While she might not have chosen Hayden, he was kind to her and she knew he would do anything for her, just as she would do anything for him. She cared for him a great deal and wanted to remain by his side. She only hoped Hayden didn’t do something that would cost him his life. He’d sworn he wasn’t leaving without her, and he’d fought them. But why hadn’t he just shifted? Wouldn’t he have had better luck escaping his captors as a wolf?