The Mechanic's Mate

by Mikea Howard

  He heard a faint, familiar voice call out, “Sadie! You’re not fast enough and I’m getting angry.”

  Hackles rising, he burst off with extra speed. He ran even faster than he ever knew possible. Trees in his peripheral became nothing more than a blur of brown and green. Domek’s black wolf zeroed in on one scent, charging full speed toward it. Crashing through thick brush, the panic-stricken woman came running right at him. He sprung off a fallen tree jumping over her. Growling and snapping while flying above, he gave a blatant command to keep running. He continued on at full speed, his target mere feet behind her and gaining fast.

  Eridon tried dodging right, but wasn’t fast enough in human form. Domek’s full tilt force slammed into the rogue, throwing him back against a tree, then onto piles of dead leaves. Proving once again that his alpha speed and tactics would always win over the former beta’s. The hit landed so hard it knocked every ounce of air out of the piece of shit, leaving him gasping. Eridon’s struggle gave Domek just enough time to shift back, his fury driven adrenaline making the change lightning quick. Diving on top he planned to beat him unconscious. Fist drawn back, he swung toward Eridon’s emotionless face. Solid metal blocked it.

  Eridon drew the mecha arm back, and thrust it forward. He knocked Domek off, rolled away, and jumped up. Without a word, the fucker charged him as Domek rose to his feet, forcing him to dive to the side. As he tried to get up again Dom was slammed forward, tackled from behind, skidding on his chest. Cold steel locked across his throat, squeezing as hard as possible, digging into his trachea, cutting off all oxygen.

  Pushing himself up onto all fours he brought his legs up into a squat, trying to shake him off, unsuccessfully. He swung his elbow behind him making contact with the side of the rogue’s head. Eridon continued holding tight, forcing him to swing back with repeated strikes until pressure loosened enough to ease his burning lungs. Forcing his legs straight into the ground in an abrupt movement, Domek kicked up, throwing Eridon off and over. Freeing his windpipe as the bastard went ass over teakettle, landing hard on his back.

  Domek used dominant inflection commanding, “Stay Down!” while righting himself. It came out hoarse due to Eridon’s stranglehold, but the power deep within him still coated his command. Of course the old Blue Wolf beta let out a maniacal laugh, rolled over and pushed up into an Olympic runner's starting stance.

  With a cold calm, Eridon stated, “I almost had her. Soooooo close. You know how to piss me off, Domek.” He charged back at him.

  A cacophony of multiple feet crashing through the forest reached them. The unexpected noise startled them for just a moment, allowing Eridon a quick mechanically assisted punch right into Dom’s solar plexus. The blow caused his knees to buckle; he fell, void of breath once again. The rogue didn’t stop, continuing his momentum, running past. Domek heard the now familiar mechanical whir of that blasted arm, letting him know Eridon initiated his shift.

  Struggling to stand while pulling in air, Domek almost missed Marek, along with three enforcers coming into view. Edo, the smallest knelt in front of him, eyes averted. Two others continued after Eridon.

  “Alpha! Are you all right?” Edo asked.

  “I’m fine. He got a cheap shot in when we heard you coming.” Domek glanced up at Marek saying, “Up until then, I was winning.”

  “Of course you were, Alpha.” Marek gave him a light smirk.

  Edo leaned forward offering a shoulder for his alpha. Once up, Domek signaled for him to rise. He proceeded to dust dirt and leaves from his still naked body.

  Opening a satchel the enforcer offered familiar clothing. “We found these as we tracked you.”

  Domek took them and began dressing.

  He didn’t have time to ask before Marek answered, “We went looking for you with additional questions from our meeting. When the Scrub you had sent found us, we headed out immediately to meet up with you. Then your lost lamb ran into us at full speed. She panted out enough that we got the gist of how urgent your situation had become. I sent Sadie back to Kara. We got here as quickly as we could.”

  The other two enforcers returned. They explained how Eridon had lost them, heading further into the trees rather than toward Eureka. They said it appeared as though his mecha arm helped him to run even faster.

  “That damn arm has become a real pain in my ass.” Rubbing the center of his chest he added, “Next time we meet, I’ll rip it off and beat him with it.”

  Sadie had said that she built the enhancement for him. Domek needed to sit down with her, find out more about the arm, and how it worked. Just like all machines, it must have inherent weaknesses. But before he had that discussion with her, punishment for this hullabaloo would be first. She almost got herself caught. He needed to let her know that under no circumstances would that be acceptable. With the decision firm in his mind, he gathered the others and headed home.

  Chapter 20

  Sadie had sprinted full speed without stopping after running into Marek and the enforcers. Still out of breath, she exploded into Blue Wolf enclave from the forest edge. She must have startled some pack members moving about the housing area. Ignoring their gasps and questioning looks, she dove between bodies making her way, as though running for an imaginary finish line. She didn’t slow down until she approached the house, only stopping on the front steps to catch her breath.

  Easing the door open and stepping into the foyer, she glanced around spying her friend carrying a large bag down the hall. Seeing Sadie, Kara gasped and dropped the bag, hugging her into a tight hold. Her large amber eyes, red and puffy, with moisture still clinging to her lashes signaled she had been crying.

  “I was so worried. I have no idea why wouldn’t have come to me. If something had happened to you . . .” Sniffling, she almost couldn’t continue. “I can’t lose another person close to me, Sadie. I just can’t . . .”

  Sadie’s chest ached for making her friend cry, she couldn’t have imagined her secretive actions hurting someone else. The effort to protect Kara had inadvertently hurt her instead. “I am so sorry. I never meant to scare you. I’d only thought of protecting my father. I didn’t tell you because it wasn’t fair to put you in an impossible situation like that. You’ve come to mean too much to me.”

  Taking off the backpack filled with items from her workshop, Sadie rolled her shoulders then set it in the corner. She’d pushed the pain of its weight from her mind while running from Eridon, but now, relieved of that burden, her shoulders resumed the ache of their previous protest.

  “I was just so worried when the scrub came by and told me . . .” Reaching over, taking a hand, Kara said, “I know you thought you had to go alone, but . . .” Letting go, Kara moved her gaze up toward the door, eyes filled with worry.

  Sadie felt him coming too. It wasn’t a werewolf thing; the vibration of his anger approaching the house disturbed the air surrounding them. She straightened her back, ready for his worst, but the moment he entered she fought the urge to drop to her knees and beg his forgiveness. The door swung shut behind him as he fixed Sadie with a stare. Her gaze dropped to his feet, even still the heat of his focus burned over her, causing her stomach to plummet.

  Much quieter than she expected, his voice more frustrated than angry, Domek said, “Full moon and the night sky. What were you thinking, Sadie? Why didn’t you come to me?” She heard the thump of a fist against his chest as he said ‘me’, stressing his point.

  Unsure if he meant it as a rhetorical question, she stood there, waiting for him to continue with his lecture.

  “That was a direct question, Sadie. You will look me in the eye as you give me an honest answer.”

  Raising her eyes to his, ready to answer, the front door opened again, and Marek entered. He moved into the room to stand behind their alpha. She saw his eyes settle on the woman standing beside her, his expression exhibiting
concern.

  Filling her lungs with courage, she answered, “If I had asked, you would have said no, and then I wouldn’t have been able to check on my father. I can’t go against direct orders from you, so—”

  Cutting her off, with more heat in his voice, he stated, “That reminds me, Sadie, and listen well, because this is a direct order. You will now ask my permission to do anything outside of normal pack jobs . . . and your normal body functions.”

  Scanning her with a harsh squint, he added, “However, if you even consider doing something without my permission again, even simple thoughts crossing your mind, I just may add body functions to the permission required list. Do you understand?”

  “Yes,” she answered in a quiet tone.

  “Yes, what?” he replied with a stern snap.

  “Yes, Alpha. I’m sorry.”

  He turned his gaze to Kara. “I pray you played no part in this. Have you done as I asked?”

  “Yes, Alpha, I have all of Sadie’s things packed up, here,” Kara said, retrieving the large bag she dropped upon Sadie’s return.

  Sadie gasped, Oh goddess, no! He’s sending me away! She dropped her eyes to the floor.

  From under her lashes, she saw Domek take a step toward her. “Did you, Sadie, even for a moment, have any concern for your pack in this decision? How those that care about you would be wracked with fear, or concern about your wellbeing. Pick up your belongings now and follow me.” He waited for her to retrieve them. “I find that I cannot tolerate you out of my sight or care, so you will relocate to my house. Tonight just proved why I should have made this decision sooner.”

  Sadie risked a glance up to view his back turning around and walking out the door. She followed as always, behind her alpha. She hated that she disappointed and scared him, but couldn’t regret warning her father since she wasn’t sure when, or if, she would see him again. Her heart raced at the prospect of living within the walls of Domek’s home. Would he require she sleep on the couch, or would she get to share his bed? Above all, she couldn’t stop her relief that he wanted to keep her instead of sending her away.

  Goddess what sickness do I have? I am just as excited as terrified about my punishment.

  On the porch of Domek’s home, he stopped, turning toward her. “I realized your concern about your father’s wellbeing, so I sent a scout to check on him. I would have done that earlier if you had come to me before taking that unacceptable risk.”

  He leaned forward, tipped her chin up with his extended right index finger, forcing Sadie to move her gaze from the wood slats to his lips. “Now, when I open this door you will proceed forward three steps, stop, remove that cape, and hang it on the hook in the entryway. Then place your belongings down against the wall and remove all of your clothes, folding them with clean lines. Stack each item as you go, and set them on top of your bag. Once you’re done, go to the center of my living room, drop to your knees, with them hip width apart and place your hands behind your head, fingers laced, like I showed you in the forest. Whereupon you will wait without making a sound until I am ready to deal with you.”

  Chapter 21

  Domek opened his front door, walked in ahead of her, stood with indifference as Sadie eased through the entrance, and closed it behind her in a solid motion. His mind a torrent of thoughts and emotions, he crossed the living room toward his old desk without acknowledging her presence. Grabbing some papers, he sat down in the low library style leather chair alongside it. Pretending to be engrossed as he flipped through the pages, every tendril of his attention focused on just her.

  Her red cloak hung, she smoothed its material out with shaking fingers, obviously trying to stall. When he cleared his throat in warning, his skittish little rabbit jumped, hands dropping. Composure regained, although he could practically hear her racing heart, she undressed in slow movements, fumbling at the black shirt’s high collar. He liked how it accentuated her long neck; much like the red rope did earlier today. It made him picture always having something there, marking Sadie as his. He decided in that moment to give up the pretense—at least with himself—it no longer mattered she had mated another, this dieselhead belonged to him. His heart chose her and would accept no other.

  After pulling the shirttails from the waist, she strained behind herself to reach any buttons, forcing her chest against the material. Domek gave a wordless compliment to Helena, or whoever made the blouse, for placing the buttons back there. Sadie extended her arms down in front of her, allowing fabric to flow down them. She folded her top like he told her, setting it down. Sadie swallowed, straightened, and unfastened the side of her black slacks with tremulous hands. Continuing down her hip, they forced her to cock it to open the buttons.

  He never liked when women wore pants, preferring skirts instead. Not only did they leave fetching feminine silhouettes to any woman’s shape, but the loose material allowed him quick access, if he needed it at that moment. Slacks eased down and piled at her ankles as she bent over, bracing against the wall. Lifting a leg, she worked the wide pant down her still boot-covered foot. Domek started to appreciate the men’s fashion on Sadie, watching her shimmy and struggle.

  Wait! Men’s boots?

  Tall black military style shoes that had been sported by soldiers in the Diesel War. They encased her calves, but left the rest of the leg exposed.

  Once the pants were off, she folded and placed them atop the blouse that lay next to her. Jaw locked, he sucked air through clenched teeth as Sadie reached back for the bra clasps, forcing her chest forward. Springing up, he moved with the speed of a hunting werewolf. Sadie froze when he pressed his body into her from behind.

  He ordered her hands down, so she stood there, arms loose beside her. When he slid his fingers beneath the bra, Sadie’s skin rippled with goose pimples. Running the sensitive pads back and forth, he savored soft satin on one side and excited flesh on the other then released the hooks. Had he ever touched skin so soft? He couldn’t remember anyone else drawing his touch this much. Domek placed his hands on each side of her neck, letting them glide down, taking both bra straps with him. He pressed himself closer. From over her shoulder, he took in the view of ripe breasts, still covered by pointed cups.

  Moving his hands to her ribcage, he slid them over the elastic, stopping once they cupped satin covered breasts. Reveling in their weight he squeezed then pulled the material down and off, admiring how it gave up its claim to her chest as its straps slid down the rest of her arms, onto his floor.

  He moved around front to kneel. Her gaze dropped even further, making sure they stayed locked on her own booted feet. Curling his lips at the corners, he reached up, exploring along the waist of Sadie’s panties. Just like last time, she gasped when he tore them away. Domek braced her hips with his hands, keeping her from tumbling forward onto him.

  He commanded, “Look me in the eyes, Sadie.” Her gaze snapped to his. Displaying the undergarment remnants, he demanded, “You will not wear these again.” He reached down. “Nor this.” Picking up the bra, he tore it in half. “While training with me you must be ready for a lesson at any time. That means you will undress each time you cross my threshold. Do you understand?”

  Sadie nodded, replying, “Yes, Alpha.”

  Returning to his chair, he said, “As you were.” After which he sat down, dropped the torn satin to the floor, and began his reading once again.

  Without lifting his head he ordered, “Eyes on the floor.”

  The lack of movement in his periphery let him know that it took her a second to continue undressing. She stood naked, except for her footwear. The view from under his lashes showed her lift one booted foot and set it on the edge of his firewood box.

  He raised his head from his papers, interrupting her descent. “No. Place your folded clothes where I instructed. Then face the wall. Feet shoulder width apart, you will keep your l
egs straight, with the exception of a slight bend in your knees, bow forward and untie your boots. Do not remove them, just loosen the laces.”

  Easing her leg back down, Sadie retrieved the clothes setting them atop her bag leaning in the corner opposite Domek. She followed his directive by making a slight turn, with feet shoulder width apart. He appreciated the curve of her cheeks as she bent over. Shaking knees and fumbling fingers made it apparent she wanted this part over. Not about to let her set the pace, he commanded that the boots be removed one at a time . . . without haste.

  Her anticipation and fear overwhelmed him and his living room with honeysuckle. Letting his gaze travel up the back of the boot, he mentally caressed the leather as it loosened its hold on her calves. He continued up Sadie’s leg lingering on two perfect curves where her ass started and thighs ended. Cravings had always surfaced at the sight of a woman bent over. He loved seeing one folded over a desk, chair, bed, a spanking bench, or like this with fleshy feminine folds showing just beneath her buttocks. Sadie’s labia were spectacular, practically pouting at him and already shining wet in the dim light. He licked his lips, fighting the urge to taste.

  While unlacing the other boot her body gave a slight sway. “May I please stand, Alpha?”

  A racing heart combined with being bent over, she would be getting dizzy. He’d already stood, heading over to assist. Domek pressed his legs against her bottom, leaned over, reaching around. Placing a hand just below her belly, resting it on the pubic bone, he brought his other arm up, enclosing his fingers over her throat. Straightening Sadie, he kept her against him until confident she balanced steady on her feet again. He moved his grip to her hips, and slid his hands around, brushing up to take a firm hold on her breasts. Cupping the soft orbs, pinching the nipples between his thumb and index fingers, he elicited a gasp.