“Let’s go get her.” Maple never relaxed as they made their way toward the spot on the map. Tension hovered in the truck as Raymand weaved through traffic.
“Turn off in a mile.” Ash pointed toward the right as they headed south. In mid-day light things looked different than late last night with only the crescent moon giving them light. He wondered if the day light would help or hurt them in their attack as he eased the truck off the highway. Maple turned and looked behind them.
“What?” Raymand checked his rear-view mirror even after she shook her head. His wolf paced at the edge, ready to save Cora and the other missing pups.
“Nothing. Just double checking to make sure no one is following us.”
“Left here,” Ash called out and Raymand jerked the truck onto a dirt road. Dust plumed behind them as they raced down the road.
“Is there a road leading right up to it?” Maple asked and turned toward Ash.
“There might be a dirt road in three turns.” Ash tapped on the map twice and Raymand resisted the urge to grab the map himself and look. Instead, he focused on the horizon.
“When are we leaving the truck?” Maple asked Raymand.
“Soon. You’ll ride on my back with Cora’s stuff.” He double scanned the area again to make sure nothing felt out of place.
“I-” Maple started when Raymand turned again from Ash’s last-minute warning.
“It’s the best way.” Raymand turned again. A building came into view seconds later.
“Shit, is that it?” Ash hissed. Raymand slammed on the brakes. He turned to glare at Ash. “You were driving faster than I thought.” Ash shrugged and checked the map.
“Is it the place or not?” Raymand growled. Ash scanned the area and then rolled down the window. Maple and Zac stiffened in their seats.
“What?” Raymand asked. He hated not having the best nose in the fucking pack. Brute strength had been on his side along with ease of tongue but not his fucking nose.
“I can smell the one who attacked me.” Maple rolled her shoulder.
“I think I caught Cora’s scent with the hunters,” Zac added.
“Looks like you can walk since we aren’t too far.” Raymand turned toward the guys. “Keep it fucking tight. Only keep the oldest hunter alive if you can.”
“Why?” Maple asked through her teeth. He liked her bloodlust but they needed answers.
“If the other kids aren’t there we will need them for information.” Raymand turned to his mate. “Then we will kill him.” He didn’t doubt his mate’s passion toward the pup and she had proved herself to be a strong alpha female. Thankfully they didn’t have to worry about the human justice system as long as the mayor didn’t question the alpha. Raymand had a good relationship with his mayor and knew exactly how to explain the fucking events.
Maple nodded once and jumped out. Her bag close to her hip. The rest climbed out and Raymand took the lead with Maple at his side. Cora better be in here.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Maple
Maple’s wolf itched to be let go, as Cora’s scent grew stronger with each step. The scent of silver also crept into her nose, her wolf grew more agitated. She wanted to tear into everyone who touched Cora.
“No please don’t!” Cora’s scream sent a jolt of panic down Maple’s spine. Raymand grabbed her arm but Maple managed to slip away and darted for the cabin.
“Shit.” Raymand hissed. They were hot on Maple’s heals. She kicked open the door and her stomach dropped to the floor. A man held a whip in his hand and Cora kneeling in front of him.
“You messed with the wrong pup,” Maple growled. She pulled a knife from the bag and threw it at the hand holding the whip. The hunter cried out in pain as it landed deep into his flesh.
“We have-”
Maple cut off the guys warning with another knife to the throat. He pulled the knife away and blood gushed from his wound. Maple rushed for Cora and pulled her away from the hunter bleeding out.
“Are you okay?” Maple asked. The back door banged open and more hunters scrambled inside. Maple kept Cora close and ducked outside while Raymand and the guys fought the hunters.
“Maple?” Cora chocked out.
“I’m here, honey. I have you.” Blood caked the back of Cora’s shirt which made Maple angry again. Part of her wanted to bring the hunter back from the dead only to kill him slowly.
“I can’t shift.” Cora whimpered in her arms. Maple set her down a few feet from the house and pulled out the lock cutters.
“Hold still, I’m getting this thing off you.” Maple aligned the cutter and squeezed the sides together. She made a dent in the lock and had to try again. “Almost…” The lock snapped. “Done.” She grabbed the lock and gasped.
“Sorry, I should’ve warned you.” Cora’s gaze didn’t meet Maple’s.
“It’s okay.” Maple rubbed her arm. She took a deep breath and worked on taking the lock away with quick jerking movements. Cora winced as one of the spikes dug into her. “I’m so sorry.” Maple threw the lock to the side and looked over the collar. Most of it had been plated in freaking silver. Her fingers hurt like hell, but she wouldn’t stop until she freed Cora.
“Look what we have here. A momma wannabe, trying to help a pup out.” The man who attacked the night before stormed toward Maple and Cora. Maple glanced toward the house where the guys were still working on the other hunters.
Maple gritted her teeth and pulled at the straps on the collar. A second after she pulled it off, freeing Cora, the hunter stood over them.
“Well next time I’ll have to put more silver on them.” He kicked Cora making her whimper. Maple pulled out her second to last knife and plunged it into his leg. He stumbled back.
“Bitch,” he snapped. Maple carefully moved Cora away from the hunter. Her little girl shifted into her wolf and sat on the grass.
“You have no fucking idea.” Maple jumped to her feet with her other knife and ran right for him. With a swift flick of her wrist, she cut both arms as he blocked his face.
Maple landed a kick to his chests and he fell back. A short howl vibrated through the air.
“Hear the howl?” Maple asked, and the hunter nodded his head. “That means the rest of your hunters here are dead.”
“There are more where they came from,” he sneered.
“Where are the other kids you took?” Maple asked.
“Go to hell.” He tried to move to stand but Maple plunged the other knife into his uninjured leg. It sank deep making the guy yell in pain. The sound gave her hints of satisfaction. Cora growled on Maple’s right.
“You need to tell me where you took the other kids.” Maple landed a kick to the hunter’s side.
“I’m not saying a word.”
“Maybe not now but you will talk eventually.” Maple kicked him again. The man rolled away from Maple, the knives digging deeper into his flesh. She felt a wave of joy to see the man in such pain. He pulled out one blade and pointed it toward Maple.
Cora dove for him and bit down on his arm making him drop the knife. Maple waited for the change to start happening but for some reason, he only winced.
“Why are you taking them?” Maple yelled as Cora let go. He shook his head and grinned. His hand wrapped around the handle of the other knife, he yanked it out and lunged for Cora. Before Maple second-guessed herself, she grabbed the man by the neck and snapped it.
“That hurt.” Cora rubbed her arm where a bead of blood ran down to her hand.
“Are you okay?” Maple dropped the hunter and pulled Cora into a quick hug before getting her dressed. Then she yanked Cora back into her lap. The marks on her back were healing up after she had shifted. The little girl wiggled in her arms then settled.
“What the hell happened?” Raymand rushed toward them. Maple glanced at the dead hunter and clicked her tongue.
“I tried to get answers out of him, but he lurched for Cora.” Maple pulled out Cora’s arms showing him the cut. Raymand hu
ffed and kicked the hunter away from them.
“Are you okay?” Raymand kneeled down and pushed back Cora’s hair.
“I’m fine,” Maple said as she looked over Cora again.
“Thank you, Maple. And thank you alpha.” Cora wiggled in her arms, a yawn slipped from her lips. Maple kissed her head and her wolf settled down. Both her mate and girl were safe.
“Let’s get you home.” Maple held her tight while Raymand helped her to stand.
“There’s nothing left for us here.” Raymand sighed heavily. “Cora, did you see any other kids?”
“No. Someone said I would go see the other kids once they broke me.” Cora shivered in Maple’s arms.
“You’re safe now.” Maple kissed her head again. She wanted to find the other kids taken but right now they had no leads to follow. Cora yawned again when Maple climbed into the front seat. “Get some sleep,” she whispered. Cora smiled, and her eyelids closed. Maple glanced at her mate. I hope he didn’t change his mind back to giving away Cora. Her wolf growled low at the idea of giving up their girl.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Maple
Desire pulsed through Maple’s body as Raymand turned into the driveway. She met Raymand’s heated gaze which only sent more warmth down her spine. Cora’s eyes fluttered open and she stretched.
“Maple, why does your scent smell different?” She scrunched up her nose and pulled away slightly.
“Well…” Maple didn’t know how to explain it to her, her mother would have gone through heat, but Maple still couldn’t find the right words.
“Maple’s in heat,” Ash chimed in.
“Oh.” Sadness darkened Cora’s eyes.
“Food is ready!” Anne called out. Drake and the rest of the guys entered the house.
“Do you need me to clean up any cuts?” Maple asked Cora. Her own hands were still sensitive from all the silver.
“No, I’m all healed.” Cora rubbed her arms.
“Let’s go eat and we can talk after some sleep,” Raymand suggested.
“Okay,” Cora whispered. Maple helped her out of the truck and they walked into the active home. Instead of letting the heat take over all her thoughts, she focused on getting Cora fed and food in her belly. Raymand stayed close to her at all times and only Anne moved closer. All the males avoided Maple with her heated scent filling the air.
Oh, goddess above this is torture. The smallest thoughts of Raymand turned dirty instantly which made her thighs ache. Maple didn’t talk as everyone ate, she couldn’t think clearly with the heat clouding her brain. The dishes piled into the sink and full bellies brought more light conversations of happiness. Everyone happy to have Cora safe at home.
“I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Raymand waved at Drake as his family moseyed out of the house.
“Have a good night.” Ash bounced his eyebrows and Zac chuckled while he shook his head. After a few minutes Raymand, Maple, and Cora were alone again.
“Tomorrow you won’t be going to school, but you need to go to sleep at a decent time,” Raymand said.
“Can I watch a movie?” Cora pipped up, hope filled her sweet little eyes.
“How about a show?” Maple suggested when Raymand’s body tensed up. She placed her hand on his thigh. His cock bounced against her hand making heat pulse again. “But you have to promise to stay in your room.”
“Yes.” She smiled and then looked over at Raymand.
“Come on. Let’s get you ready for bed.” Maple pulled Cora up from the couch and veered toward the bathroom to brush her hair while Cora brushed her teeth.
“Thank you again.” Cora put her toothbrush up.
“Honey, you don’t need to thank me. I’ll keep you safer next time.” Maple kneeled down and pushed Cora’s soft hair back. She hated herself for not being able to fight off the hunters in the first place.
“You did your best when they attacked.” Cora kissed Maple’s cheek and gave her a hug.
“I could’ve done better but thank you for not being mad at me.” Maple lifted Cora up and walked into the room where Raymand set pajamas on the bed. Maple wondered if this would be their life now. Raymand would need to make it official though. Her wolf reminded Maple as Cora bounced on into bed.
“Thank you. This is my favorite blanket.” Cora looked up at Raymand as she pulled up her Sofia blanket up to her chin
“Now go to sleep.” Raymand strolled out and Maple followed close behind. As soon as the door clicked closed, Raymand lifted Maple into the air and rushed for the bedroom.
“Damn it, I’ve been hard for hours.” Raymand tossed her ass onto the bed then shoved off his clothes with such haste, Maple swore she heard a few tears being created. Maple moved her hands down to grab her shirt when she heard little footsteps.
“Why are you out of bed?” Raymand growled low. Frustration contorted his features.
“I need some milk and it’s on the top shelf,” Cora called out. Maple sighed, she made a mental note to leave it lower, so she could get to it next time.
“I’m coming.” Maple crawled off the bed and Raymand stopped her with a rough kiss.
“You better hurry your ass up. I need to see you cum on my cock,” he whispered right into her ear. Heat zipped down to her core. Maple slipped out of the room to find Cora with her eyes shut.
“Come on, let’s get you some milk. Then bed.” Maple raised an eyebrow waiting for a challenge, but none came. Once Cora settled down again with her milk and the show playing, the little girl’s eyes were fluttering closed as Maple closed the door.
Please stay asleep! She hoped with everything she had as she dashed back to her mate. Maple slipped back into the room and Raymand grabbed her in seconds. He yanked off her clothes and tore off her panties creating no barriers between them.
“You’re mine.” Raymand lifted her into the air and shoved his cock into her slick entrance. Pleasure zipped up her spine and the ache finally stopped in her thighs.
“Yes,” Maple gasped. She wanted to be quiet to not wake up Cora but the pleasure rolling through her made it difficult. He pinned her against the wall next to the door and pumped into her body. Each sweet thrust bringing her closer to the bliss. His teeth grazed over her neck, her head fell to the side giving him better access. Heat had always been torture before but this time, she would be able to find the sweetness of satisfaction.
He bit down the juncture where her neck met her shoulder, pleasure zipped down her body. When he picked up his pace a little she couldn’t hold in the moans anymore.
“Cum for me.” Raymand nipped at her ear seconds before he bit her shoulder harder this time. The pleasure was too much. Her core clamped down on his cock as she rode out her orgasm. The bliss lasted a few seconds before the tightness in her thighs returned.
“More,” Maple gasped. He slipped from her body and she whimpered her displeasure.
“Don’t worry my, little mate. You’ll get more on the bed.” He winked and pulled her to the soft sheets. She crawled up and wiggled her ass toward him. A growl vibrated out of his chest which sent heat straight to her core.
“Come get me.” Maple grinned and wiggled again. The torture of not having him inside her grew stronger by the second. She needed him. He jumped onto the bed and settled behind her before slamming into her core again. Her head fell back as the sweet pleasure of his inside pulsed through her. His hands held her up while he pumped his rock-hard cock into her heat.
She wanted more of this strong alpha behind her. His low groans sent pleasure under her skin. He picked up his pace. She could feel her peak coming.
His hands gripped her hips tighter while his balls slapped her clit. So much pleasure coursing through her body, almost too much to contain. With another pump his cock swelled, sending her over the edge. He spilled himself into her body as she herself rode out her second orgasm. Thankfully the heat dimmed slightly.
They collapsed in a pile of tangled limbs, hints of satisfaction wared with the sleep deprivati
on.
“More or sleep?” Raymand asked as he moved back her hair.
“Sleep then more.” Maple winked. Raymand slowly pulled on a pair of boxer briefs before climbing back into bed. “Those will be destroyed tomorrow.” Her finger skimmed over his skin.
“Good.” He rumbled in her hear. Tomorrow they would need to talk with Cora to make everything official. Maple wondered if they should legally adopt Cora then there would be no turning back. She didn’t want to give Raymand the chance to get rid of Cora ever again.
Exhaustion won over her body and she fell asleep with her mate.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Raymand
Raymand’s hard-on throbbed under the light sheet covering his body. Maple’s heated scent filled his lungs making his cock bounce. His hand found his mate and he wrapped his fingers around her soft breast. Her little moan sent his libido into overdrive. He needed her badly.
She rolled onto him with her wet heat covering his cock. He opened his eyes taking in her curvy body. Before he uttered a word, she slipped him into her tight and warm pussy. Her little bounces sent pleasure up his spine. Part of him was still in shock he found his mate, a sexy little woman hell-bent on throwing him off his game.
“Yes,” Maple whispered and tipped her head back.
“Better be quiet.” He wrapped his hands around her hips and took over. A small gasp left her before she bit down on her lip. Deep in his chest, his heart swelled with excitement. This little woman above him had his fucking heart. He trusted her without a wolf hair of doubt. His beast nodded in his head.
Raymand picked up the pace which made her soft tits bounce harder. He needed to see her cum more than he needed to breathe. Her moans sent more pleasure through his body.
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