Mack (Black Mountain Pack Book 1)

by Lynn, Miranda

  She peered up at me through her lashes and took my plate, joining it with hers on the stand. Hesitantly, she leaned up, tilting her head to kiss me.

  I accepted it, letting her set the pace.

  She pulled back. “What about everyone else? They can walk in anytime.”

  “That’s part of the excitement isn’t it?” I laughed at the look on her face. “Da will keep them outside. He knows what we need and has already assured me we are safe from prying eyes and ears.”

  “Casey, dear daughter. Don’t fret. Enjoy your time with your mate, the pack will be otherwise occupied,” Jerome spoke through the pack bond.

  “Your dad just said pretty much the same thing. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to hearing voices in my head like that.”

  “You mean like this. That’s one thing I look forward to, talking to you when no one else knows,” Mack responded. “Telling you what I want to do to you while you have to sit prim and proper in a meeting or at a dinner table. How I want to lick up the inside of your legs to delve into your sweet juices. How I want to hold your full breasts in my hands, rolling and pinching your nipples until they peak. Oh yes, this connection is going to be a great asset.” I smiled as her face turned red, and her eyes glazed with desire as she listened to me.

  “So I can talk to you anytime through our bond? Like when you are in an important pack meeting, I can pop in and tell you that I crave your body. That I want to taste you in my mouth. I want to lick you from base to tip, swirling my tongue around your head and swallowing you all?”

  “Touché, love, touché.” I claimed her mouth as I flipped her to her back. “Talk like that will get you into trouble.” I rained kisses down her neck, glad that she had replaced her t-shirt with a button up when we had returned earlier. I licked between her breasts as I released each button, licking and nipping as I each one sprang open. I ached to be inside her, but had promised myself that I would take my time, enjoying every inch of flesh she had. I loved the fact that she didn’t wear a bra beneath her shirt. That made me wonder if she was pantiles as well. I could smell her arousal and had to find out if she was as wet as she smelled. I swiftly removed the leggings she had on to find I was right on both accounts. No panties and dripping wet. “You smell so wonderful, I could lie here and lick you all day.”

  “I don’t think I could handle that.” She whimpered, reaching for me.

  I batted her hands away. “No, I want to enjoy myself. This time will be slower.” I pulled her leggings past her feet and tossed them to the floor. Her legs fell open, welcoming me. I settled between them and dived in. She tasted sweet and salty and oh, so perfect. I spread her lips with my fingers, gaining better access to her core and used my tongue. Lapping at her, twirling around her erect nub, making her writhe beneath me. It didn’t take long to bring her to her first climax. I removed the rest of my clothing and crept up her body as her shudders of pleasure eased. Taking the time to suckle her nipples to peaks. She reached down and grabbed my ass, trying to guide me in but I resisted. “Not yet, love.” All she could do in response was whimper her displeasure. I took her pretty, little pouty mouth in a searing kiss before sitting back on my knees.

  She looked flushed from pleasure while a sheen of sweat beaded her skin.

  Casey was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen and she was mine. I couldn’t wait any longer, my cock strained to enter her. I flipped her to her stomach, pulling her hips up until her ass was angled perfectly for my entry. I knew our joining would be hard and fast. I leaned down, trailing kisses up her back and whispered in her ear, “Are you ready for me? I can’t wait any longer. I need you hard and fast.” My breathing was harsh.

  She turned her head to meet my gaze. “Yes! Mack, do it now.”

  Yes, it was all the invitation I needed. I entered her in one swift motion, sinking fully into her. I didn’t pause. I pounded hard and fast, the sound of our joining driving me. One hand on the bed held me up as the other reached around to grasp her breast, pinching and pulling her nipple, inflicting just a touch of pain. She screamed out in pleasure. Her screams took me over the edge. My fangs elongated and I sank them into her shoulder, marking her again, as I came. Her womb milked me dry as her orgasm erupted with mine.

  Not wanting to hurt her, I collapsed beside her on the bed, rolling to my side and curling her into me. “I could spend the rest of my days in bed with you and be happy. Nothing else would matter,” I breathed the words out as I kissed her temple. She snuggled closer in response. We lay there for a while, just enjoying each other and I hated to end it, but I knew we had a pack to take down before we could be completely safe. “We need to join the others love. I hate to disturb our afterglow, but Jerome is getting a bit impatient with us.” I rolled off the bed and tossed her clothes to her.

  “My stomach is demanding food again anyway.” She smiled. Casey looked gloriously stunning in that moment, her lips red and swollen from my kisses, hair mussed from our coupling, and her ease with being naked beginning. She finished buttoning her shirt and reached out for my hand. I helped her stand and circled my arm around her waist. “Ready?” she asked.

  “With you by my side, I am ready for anything.” I grabbed our plates and walked outside to join the rest of the pack with her.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Casey

  If I thought things wouldn’t change after mating with Mack—I was wrong. We emerged from the cabin to knowing looks and smiles from the pack members that were collected outside.

  Jake was manning the grill and the smell elicited another large growl from my stomach.

  Marla came up and embraced me in a hug. “Something you’ll get used to is how much and how often we eat. When we shift, or exert ourselves we have to refuel. Intimacy with our mates also requires a large refueling. You’ll get used to it.” She smiled. “Come eat something and meet everyone else.” She walked me over to the grill and tables filled with food.

  “Hey Casey, you ok?” Jake asked as he piled a plate high for me.

  “Yeah, I’m good. How are you?” I asked with concern. I looked him over, searching for signs of injury.

  “All healed up Casey. Another perk to being a shifter, we heal much faster than humans. I’m ready to fight.” He placed a kiss on my forehead and hugged me. “It will all be over soon.”

  Marla led me to a table in the center of the clearing. As I ate, each of the pack members came and introduced themselves, welcoming me to the pack. They all seemed happy to have me. Marla stayed at my side as Mack had joined his father near the fire. I looked around seeing the witch Talia speaking with a couple of other women at the edge of the clearing. Then I realized Rook was missing. “Where’s Rook?”

  “He took a few men to man the northern border. We are pretty sure that’s where your father and his pack will attack.”

  I gazed up at the sky trying to figure out how close sunset would be. The light was fading through the tree tops and bouncing off the cabin windows. “It won’t be long now. My father prefers to sneak up at night. I had hoped to speak to Rook before everything blew up in battle.”

  “You are pack now, mated to the Alpha’s son. You can speak to anyone you want, anytime you want. You just have to reach out through the pack bond and find him.”

  “The bond—that’s something I’ll have to get used to.” I sighed.

  Marla laughed. “Yes it is. You will have to learn to shield yourself from it as well. You let a few thoughts escape to us during your escapades inside with Mack.”

  “Oh, God!” I whispered, a blush hitting me full force. I knew that if anyone looked at me at that moment I’d be as red as a tomato.

  Marla giggled again. “It’s ok, nothing too embarrassing. Honestly, it gave the pack hope. There hasn’t been a true mating in years. Many of us are adopted into the pack like myself, but to be a full part of it we have to be mated to a full pack member. The rules are different now. You can reach any of us through the bond we have. I on the other hand, can onl
y speak to those I have been allowed to. Such as Jake, Sterling, and Mack. Only during times of strife and war does Jerome open the pack bonds fully, so that we can communicate with everyone. It’s a way of protection and a way to keep the pack honest. There are still some who don’t have full access even in times of war. Those that have just recently applied are still monitored and have to go through a sentinel or through your mate. You will get used to it and I am sure Mack will help you.” She took a drink and scanned the members around us. “You see those men with your mate and Jerome?”

  I nodded with my mouth full.

  “They are the newest applicants. Normally, it would take months for them to reach the Alpha, but in times of strife, they are tested the most. If they make it through with loyalty and devotion to the pack, their applications will be approved. The one to Mack’s right I don’t trust. He applied a few months ago and has an attitude. He thinks he should be higher up in ranking than what Mack has placed him. I don’t trust him and you shouldn’t either. One downfall to being mated is you have a target on your back now, from those that are trying to enter the pack with the wrong intentions. Like Rocco, his bad intentions got him locked in the basement and most likely will be executed. Don’t let yourself be alone with anyone you don’t know.”

  “I agree Casey.” Talia had silently approached us.

  I jumped at her words.

  “I am sorry to have startled you. I forget that even shifters can’t tell when I approach.” She bowed her head to me. “I have a gift for you.” She extended her hand and in her palm was pendant on a long chain. “It’s rose quarts, but my coven and I have spelled it. The chain is long enough you can hide it under your shirt and it will be snug under your coat when you shift. Hidden by your fur but not so tight as to constrict.”

  I took the pendant and looked at Marla for her reaction. She smiled and nodded her head so I put it on. It snuggled perfectly under my shirt between my breasts. “Thank you, Talia.” I smiled.

  “You are most welcome. You and your mate will usher in a new time for this pack and my coven is excited to be a part of that. Pay attention to the stone, if it warms or glows around any pack member, be warned. They are not looking out for your best intentions or that of the pack. Report that to your mate, he will listen to you. The other advantage to the pendant is it will help you focus when reaching out to other pack members. The Pack bond is like a large spider web, with multiple layers. It takes time and practice to reach those you seek. With the impending fight, this will help you filter through that. Simply hold the stone and focus your mind on the member you seek. It will open a direct link to them. I wish you safety and hope to be able to speak more in depth with you after the fight.” Talia bowed again and faded into the shadows with her coven sisters.

  “If you had doubts before, they should be gone. Talia doesn’t help just anyone. Keep that close to you. Now finish your food. Mack keeps looking over here. I don’t want to be accused of keeping his mate from replenishing her strength,” Marla teased.

  I finished what was on my plate, my stomach full again. “Marla, do you think I could talk to Rook with this?” I held the pendant in my hand.

  “Sure, like I said, being Mack’s mate you can speak to anyone through the bonds. Try it and see.”

  I grasped the pendant and closed my eyes. “Rook are you out there?”

  “Gah, you don’t have to yell at me. Yes, I’m here. Casey?”

  “Yeah, it’s me. Sorry, I didn’t mean to yell.”

  “It’s ok, don’t try so hard. Think of it as whispering in your head. What can I do for you?”

  “I have so many questions I don’t know where to start.” I sighed. “You are the only one who really knows me here, most of my memories have come back but I want to know what you do. I know we are preparing to fight my father, but I don’t remember him well. I am a little afraid of losing the last of my family. Tell me about him.”

  I thought I had lost the connection it took so long for Rook to reply. “He is not a nice man, Casey. He rules with an iron fist and fear. There is no love in his pack, they are a bunch of ruthless assassins and I grabbed at the opportunity to leave when your mother escaped with you. I took the job of hunting you down, knowing I wouldn’t follow his orders. I helped your mother hide and then sent back many reports of false sightings hoping to give you both time to fade away. He caught on to my deceit and sent others to search for you. My only option then was to disappear and hope that I could find you again.”

  “What happened to my mother?” I asked him.

  “From what I have been able to gather over the years, your father had her killed, you hid until Jerome found you as you remember. I wasn’t there though, so I can’t say for certain how she died. I am sorry Casey.”

  “You called me Sibby when you first saw me. Why?”

  “Because that’s what she called you. Your name given at birth was Sybhain, Sibby for short. But that’s not you anymore as you and your cat have decided. It was a name that had been in your mother’s family for generations. I think she would approve of Casey though. It fits who you are now. I wish I could talk more, but I must prepare the rest of the guard. Sunset is soon and your father likes to attack in the dark of night. When this is all over, I will tell you everything I can.”

  “Thank you Rook. One more question. What was my mother’s name?”

  “Cerwyn.”

  I let go of the pendant and the connection was gone. So many memories had come back when I had mated. Then there were still so many questions unanswered and many I knew I would never have answers for. I decided to not dwell in the past. I had a mate, a pack, a new family and I would do all I could to protect them. I glanced up to see Mack standing in front of me.

  “Everything ok?” he asked concern on his face.

  “Yes, or it will be.” I smiled.

  “I wish we had more time to prepare and for you to get to know us all.” He reached out and grasped my hand. “I promise when this is all over, we will take all the time you need to learn our pack and how it all works.”

  I squeezed his hand. “I know.” I smiled up at him. “For now, let’s win this and be rid of the black cloud following me. I don’t want to worry about my past hurting me anymore.”

  Mack pulled me up into a tight hug. He leaned back and kissed me briefly. “Ok, Da wants to talk to you. It’s almost time. You will not leave my side during this fight. After tonight, it will be all over. One way or another.”

  Mack and I joined his dad at the picnic table and they went over their plans with me. It seemed solid, but something still churned in my stomach. I feared that even with all the plans, things wouldn’t go as we hoped.

  “They’re here!” The first call reverberated over the pack bonds. This one sentence set everyone in the clearing in motion.

  Mack grabbed my hand and we ran into the cabin. It had been decided that we would shift, my father hadn’t seen my cat form since I was a child and we hoped it would help us. Help me hide among the pack. My cat was excited at the prospect of a hunt. She showed me that it would be up to us, her and me, to take my father down. We were the only ones with the power and strength to do so. I let her take control, trusted her instincts and prepared for the fight ahead. Mack and I exploded through the back door in our shifted forms. Both of us as dark as night, blending in with our surroundings, only the glow of our eyes could be seen. We reached the woods behind the cabin and took to the trees. I could see why Jerome had kept this land in the pack. The trees were perfect for cats like us, growing close enough together for us to leap from one to another. I trusted Mack and followed closely as we ran the treetops to our appointed look out.

  He found the old oak tree with branches wide enough to support the both of us and we settled in and waited. I expected my cat to be impatient and itching to join the fray, but she quieted and let the excitement and anticipation build. We were on the hunt, lying in wait for our prey. She felt happy and waited for the first taste of blood. Trusting
our mate, we waited. Listening to the chatter along the web of the pack bond.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Mack and I lay there as the darkness took over. It came in as such a deep black…the only thing I could see was the green glow of Mack’s eyes. I hadn’t noticed before how amazing his eyes were. They seemed to absorb what little light was around us and they literally glowed. Every animal in the woods had quieted. Animal behavior during times of crisis amazed me. They seemed to know what was going on before we did as humans. I felt the charge of the atmosphere along the tips of my fur. I felt the first pack injury through the bond. My protective instincts kicked in and I wanted to jump to the rescue.

  “Shhh, we must stay where we are, no matter what you hear or feel through the bonds,” Mack spoke through the bond when he felt my need to move. “Our sentinels are trained and we must trust them. If we give away our position now, we put many more in danger.”

  Not having been in any type of fight before I had to trust him. As my mate, he would never intentionally put me in harm’s way, so I tried to relax back into position. We had discussed this and I knew I would feel each injury, but we had to stick to the plan if we wanted this fight to be the last. Jerome had devised a good plan, with waves of pack members strategically placed to take out each level of my father’s forces. This would flush him out and make him join the attack. That was our signal, Mack, Jerome, Sterling, and I were placed closest to the cabin and we would face the Alpha of the South American pack ourselves. Rook was placed to instruct the rest and the coven members would let us know if any of the magical traps were tripped, so the pack could take out the threat before they reached the fray.

  I felt the witch before I saw her. She was slithering through the underbrush, searching for traps and placing her own. I could smell the malice in the magic surrounding her. It tasted like copper, metallic and harsh. My tail twitched in anticipation of the hunt, Mack looked back at me and without speaking we moved silently through the branches down the tree to await her approach. Mack moved out the end of the branch just above the forest floor and I stayed against the tree. We would wait until she was between us before pouncing. My muscles reverberated with excitement. It was the hunt my cat wanted and she felt excited about the impending kill.