When a Pack Dies

by Gwen Campbell

  He leaned back and waited like he had all the time in the world.

  Fina didn’t feel a need to fill the silence stretching between them with blathering. Instead she thought her situation through. She and Ryan were strays. They needed the security of a pack. Cutler had offered his. Cutler and Nath had offered more. It was immodest but Fina realized her value. The daughter of Alphas, she would birth strong, singular sons capable of leading a pack. Strong, beautiful daughters who would attract the finest, strongest males from other packs. In short she was a helluva addition to any gene pool.

  Even though he was an outsider male, this pack accepted Ryan as one of theirs. He hadn’t been turned away and he wouldn’t be. By mating with this Alpha and trumping the deal by mating with his Beta as well, Fina would ensure her security and through her, Ryan’s. Not to mention the fact that the Powell brothers were hotter than hell and just being in the same room with one of them made her panties smoke.

  Fina hid her grin as she gave in to the truth of that.

  Her pack was dead. She’d fostered the only other survivor as if he were her own cub. Running had served a need in both of them but maybe it was time to stop.

  Nodding quietly, Fina dipped her head and kissed the corners of Cutler’s mouth. A low rumble, more of a feeling than a sound moved from Cutler’s chest into hers and he tightened his hold on her. He lifted his chin, grinned and exposed his throat to her.

  Blinking, aware of the vulnerability and honor he was granting her, Fina kissed the hard column of Cutler’s neck, carefully ran her tongue over the roughness of his beard stubble. She breathed in his scent. Both Fina and her wolf trembled. It was a fine, sensual shimmering that raised her hair, thrummed through her spine, womb and pussy. Fina’s toes actually curled inside her cotton socks. This prime, powerful male was hers to claim. He was offering his status, strength and protection. Only a fool would reject him and Fina was no fool.

  With a deep rumble of pleasure, Cutler ran his hands over her ass then squeezed gently. Fina trembled and gasped when Cutler’s long fingers found the seam of her jeans and traveled back and forth between her legs languidly, pressing only hard enough to tease. “Cutler,” Fina breathed against his skin.

  When she started to shake, Cutler shifted her weight, slid her body off his, stood and picked Fina up. He carried her to her bedroom. He could smell her burgeoning arousal but mostly he smelled resignation. It wasn’t what he’d hoped for but maybe it was all she was capable of giving right now.

  “I won’t hurt you and I’ll never betray you, Fina,” he whispered into her hair before he set her on her feet. Cutler closed the door behind them. “Your wolf wants me.”

  She blinked then nodded.

  “You don’t trust me fully yet. Hell you probably don’t really trust anybody anymore.” He put his hands on her shoulders then slid them onto her chest. His fingers rested on the top button of her blouse. “I know what kind of man I am—how I’m going to treat you. You will trust me in time.” Although he spoke quietly, Cutler’s voice had that firm, confident undertone only Alphas really mastered. “Me and Nath,” he added and his thinning mouth begrudged the mention of his brother only a little. “What you feel for me now is lust and maybe gratitude. It’s nowhere near what I want but it’ll do for now.” His eyes shimmered palely in the moonlight and Cutler eased the first button on her blouse open then the one below that.

  “Damn you’re beautiful,” he whispered as he eased her blouse off her shoulders. He tossed it onto the chair in the corner of her room then cupped the bottoms of her lace-covered breasts in his palms. Cutler stepped closer, growled quietly and brought his mouth down on her throat.

  Fina shivered and it wasn’t entirely with pleasure. Cutler’s lips were warm, firm and smooth and they fastened on her in an open-mouthed kiss that made her breath catch. He was also twice her size, monstrously strong and could tear her throat out effortlessly. Harnessing her unease, Fina lay her palms on Cutler’s shoulders. She focused on the heat coming off his body, his patient, confident vibe. It felt good to be held—to be this close to another living being. Sensing Cutler’s need for her and his control of it, Fina relaxed and allowed herself to accept the pleasure he offered.

  “Hmm,” he breathed against her skin and Fina felt his smile. Without asking, Fina unbuttoned Cutler’s shirt, pulled it free of his jeans and tossed it onto the chair with hers. She traced the thick muscles on his arms, enthralled by the warmth and smoothness of his skin. The dark curls on his chest teased the skin between her fingers. Cutler inhaled sharply when she ran the fleshy part of her thumbs across his nipples. He growled and scored her throat with the tips of his canines but his touch was so delicate that Fina only gasped before she leaned in closer.

  When Fina’s breasts pressed into his palms, Cutler sighed with contentment. Fina was his. Maybe he hadn’t been able to claim her spirit fully—yet—but he’d be satisfied with her body in the meantime. He squeezed gently then stepped back to trail his fingers down her abdomen and unfasten the button of her jeans. In silence, they removed each other’s clothing until, naked, Cutler eased back the sheets on Fina’s bed, lay down and held out his hand.

  Fina’s eyes flared and her wolf prowled the confines of her mind restlessly, licking its lips. Cutler naked was the most erotic thing she’d ever seen. His endlessly broad shoulders and thick chest shimmered in the moonlight. Long legs, powerful thighs and a thick, daunting cock standing straight up almost pulled Fina’s eyes out of their sockets. Suddenly her wolf wasn’t the only one licking its lips and Fina blushed when Cutler chuckled.

  “I feel the same way about you,” he grinned and, propped up on one elbow, beckoned her forward with a subtle movement of his hand. She placed her palm in his and lay down beside him.

  The smile he gave her was gentle yet very male when he cupped her mound. Inhaling sharply, Fina’s neck arched and her knee rose like it had a mind of its own. Cutler’s long, thick fingers slipped between her legs. He squeezed firmly, his fingertips pressing against the mouth of her core then he slid his hand away. Fina sharp rebuke died when he lifted his palm to his mouth and, his eyes never leaving hers, slowly and deliberately licked the taste of her from his hand.

  Sexual need ratcheted her insides, twisting her as she watched. He made a quiet sound of disappointment when his hand was clean then wrapped it around her breast, the one farthest from him. The other he bent to, drew her nipple into his mouth and tongued it languidly.

  “Sweet Jesus,” Fina sighed and gripped his head.

  “No,” Cutler chuckled against her skin, slowly passed his beard-roughed cheek over her breast then looked up at her with those melting eyes of his. “It’s just me, honey.” Grinning, he re-captured the tip between his lips and suckled her slow and deep. He caressed and pinched its mate until Fina squirmed and arched her back, pressing her breasts closer to him. Cutler lifted her easily, settled her over him so that her lush nipples dangled above his mouth, crushed her breasts together with his hands and tongued and mouthed them at the same time.

  The tip of Cutler’s cock pressed into Fina’s crease and she began rocking against it...light, teasing pressure that made his heat and hardness trail between her legs. His cock jumped, caught the mouth of her sheath then slid over her pussy lips. It nudged her clit and Fina pressed against him lightly before tipping her hips to start the slow, hot tease all over again.

  He growled against her breasts and bit her nipples with sensual restraint.

  Long, drugging minutes of the dual onslaught had Fina tossing her head, chewing her lower lip and grinding her pussy over Cutler’s cock. With a fierce snarl, he rolled her onto her back, kneed her legs apart and lay between them. His shaft dug into her thigh and he sank his fingers into her hair, holding her still with the weight of his body. He passed his nose over her cheek, her jaw, inhaling deliberately.

  Cutler smiled his approval when he caught the smell of his mate’s arousal. He kissed her. It was soft but possessive...a slow, learn
ing pass of his lips over hers. She was his and he had hours to touch her, pleasure her. Rolling his big body gently, Cutler gloried in the feel of her small, warm body beneath his, the scent of her in his nostrils and the taste of her on his lips. Fina squirmed, her body wanting more direct stimulation but Cutler held it back from her. He knew how provocative it was to give a woman a taste of arousal then backpedal, leaving her hungry and anxious for more. He also loved the feel of all that softness rubbing against him like his horny little mate couldn’t get enough of him. Leaning more of his weight into her, stilling her movements, Cutler settled his mouth over Fina’s and licked the inner rim of her lips.

  Trembling, Fina wasn’t sure if she wanted to squeeze him or cuff him. She opened her lips instead and sank her tongue into his mouth. Cutler growled and it made Fina so hot she squirmed harder, wanting to rub every inch of herself against him. Cutler tasted like warm sex with a hint of spice. He gave up on teasing her and drove his tongue deep. It was a thorough, patient exploration...like he was learning her. Fina learned him as well. She liked the way his breath suspended when she ran her tongue over his smooth teeth, the way his back trembled when she licked the roof of his mouth, the way his hips punched hers when she groaned and shoved her tongue into his mouth like she owned him.

  “Hmm yeah, baby,” Cutler moaned. He broke the kiss and dragged his teeth over her jaw. “You’re mine. Every inch of you. I’m gonna love you just like that.” He wrapped his big hands around her breasts, plumped them then nuzzled the valley between them. He licked her skin, drenching it with his saliva then levered his big body up with such controlled violence that Fina gasped. Still holding her breasts, Cutler straddled her ribs, leaned his weight back on his heels and pressed his cock into her cleavage. His eyes glowed savagely as he began to slowly fuck her breasts, nudging her chin with the head. “Taste me, Fina,” he commanded in a tone that allowed no refusal. “Lick me. Make it wet.”

  With each slow, teasing rock, Cutler squeezed her breasts around his length. His thumbs pressed her nipples sensually and he dragged his rod over the firm rise of her chest. Pausing at the apex, he growled his approval when she opened her mouth for him. His wolf’s eyes missed nothing as she swirled her tongue around the head, sucked him awkwardly then followed after him when he retreated. Pleasure traced through his balls as they dragged up and down her chest.

  “Good, honey,” he groaned. “So damned good.” Cutler let go of his lover’s breasts and slid his ass further up her body. Setting his knees wider apart for balance, he supported her head and slowly dragged the bottom of his cock over Fina’s lips. He smiled ferally when her eager, pink tongue traced the thick vein there. He drew back and Fina’s eyes held his as she swished her tongue over him from head to root. His balls tapped her chin and without asking, he drew himself up, let them hover over her open mouth and held back a roar of pleasure when she tongued first one then the other. “Suck them, honey. Gentle,” he whispered coarsely and moaned his approval when she drew first one then the other heavy orb into her mouth to slowly work her tongue around him. “Damn. You’re killing me, Fina. Don’t stop,” Cutler breathed and let his head fall back. He moved his pelvis so she could reach his cock again. She licked him and his head shot forward so he could watch.

  After three, slow passes, Fina touched Cutler’s arms, caressed his waist. She was old enough to attend mating runs and had seen women take men into their mouths in human form. It had always looked like hard work for the woman, uncomfortable too but Cutler used her mouth gently and pressed into her only a little. He held her head so there was no strain on her neck and he moved slow. Rather than being overwhelmed, Fina felt sensual, maybe even competent as he guided her. After one more pass, Cutler stopped. He levered his big body off hers, kissed her breasts then stretched out beside her. He lay his hand on her belly.

  “Were you okay with that?” His voice was deeper than usual. Rough.

  “Yes,” Fina answered. She ran her tongue over her lower lip speculatively. “Did I do okay?”

  Cutler’s eyes crinkled and he grinned. “Okay? Honey, I had to stop or I would have come. Just a few licks of that hot little tongue of yours got me hotter than any woman ever has. Even if they...” His voice trailed off and he cleared his throat self-consciously.

  She shot him a hard look.

  “Okay. I get it,” Cutler mumbled, abashed. “From now on I don’t talk about...I don’t think about sex with other women. Especially when I’m in bed with you.” The corner of his mouth quirked up. “You’re my first steady girlfriend. Some of this is new to me.”

  “And you’re used to being an Alpha.”

  “Yeah. There’s that too,” Cutler agreed wryly then made an X over his chest with his fingertip. “Promise,” he vowed.

  “Promise what?” Fina demanded suspiciously.

  “I promise never to love another woman like I love you, Fina Whitesage.” He kissed her lips, her collarbone. “I promise that when I look at a beautiful woman, that’s all I see nowadays—beauty. I don’t feel like doing anything about it. Nobody moves me but you anymore, honey. It’s kinda weird actually.”

  She slapped his shoulder.

  “So...now that you’ve collared and neutered me, Fina, what are you going to do with me?” Cutler’s brows wriggled suggestively. He nudged her thigh with the tip of his hard cock.

  “You’re the Alpha. You tell me,” Fina taunted then giggled when Cutler rolled on top of her to nuzzle her throat. He licked a slow, teasing path up and over her jaw then sank his tongue into her mouth with hot, thorough confidence. He kissed her gently, at first. Explored and retreated, teaching her and giving her time to experiment on her own. Cutler’s powerful, virile body covered her, warmed her, protected her and kept her fears at bay. Fina slid her arms around him and let him take what he needed.

  She moaned in protest when he slid out of her arms and moved down her body. Cutler kissed her breasts, mouthed her nipples and suckled them languidly while his hands squeezed and stroked. His fingers trailed down her body and his mouth followed, caressing her ribs, her waist, the jut of her hip and her knees. Fina gasped when he painted tiny figure eights on her inner thigh with the tip of his tongue. Without preamble and like her body belonged to him, Cutler swung her legs to the side, letting them fall over the edge of the bed.

  Fina bit down hard on her lower lip in anticipation and watched Cutler slip off the bed to kneel beside it, take hold of the backs of her knees and raise them high.

  He was so beautiful. Inhaling sharply, Fina wrestled with the feelings Cutler raised in her. His primal, fundamental power overwhelmed her...almost. The perfect symmetry of his deep, furred chest rose and fell faster when he looked at her exposed sex. His nose twitched and his eyes widened as he deliberately breathed in her scent. Shoulders and arms that looked powerful enough to tear her in two shimmered in the moonlight and made Fina feel small, insignificant...adored. Cutler breathed in again. This time he smiled and his eyes drifted shut. His grip on her knees tightened and he levered them so far apart and so high that her tendons strained beneath her skin.

  Wordlessly, looking down at her with a heady combination of lust and anticipation, Cutler ran his tongue over her exposed sex, across her anus, pussy, clit and mound. He swirled his tongue through her tight, reddish brown curls then up her belly to drive into her navel. He punched his tongue in and out of her like he was fucking her then sucked the surrounding skin into his mouth and gnawed on her gently.

  “Cutler,” Fina gasped and she swore she felt him grin. Finally he eased off on the pressure and retraced his path. This time she sighed when he kissed her plump mound, and jumped when he circled her clit with his tongue. Squirming edgily, Fina tried to let her body tell Cutler she wanted him to touch her there. He ignored her unsubtle invitation. Instead he slid his hands down the back of her legs, stopping when they covered the crease where ass met leg. He spread her fleshy nether lips with his thumbs and lapped at the wetness around the mouth of her sheath. Fi
na squirmed even harder. Cutler seemed to be actually purring with pleasure and waves of contentment poured off him. He flattened his tongue, dragged the rough length of it over and around her then narrowed it to lap at her tender, inner walls, drawing out her taste, her wetness, her need.

  He licked his lips, growled his approval and lifted his eyes to hers as he crouched over her.

  “Mine, Fina.” Cutler’s voice was rough, animalistic and the muscles in his shoulders jerked. His wolf was very close to the surface and instinct told Fina she was listening to Cutler’s voice and his wolf’s, simultaneously. He grabbed her knees hard and yanked her into him, rubbing the thick length of his cock against her slit. “Mine,” he bellowed and his eyes flashed then narrowed on her.

  Fina read the demand in them. “Yes,” Fina replied, tilting her head and listening for sounds that he’d woken Ryan. The house was quiet. “Yes, Cutler,” she said, gentling her voice, hoping to soothe this frightening possessiveness in him. “I’m yours. Love me, Cutler. Take me. Make me yours.”

  Was she babbling? Fina wondered. Did she sound pathetic? Stupid? Apparently not because the jerking in Cutler’s shoulders stopped and the flashing in his eyes was replaced by the determined lust she’d seen earlier. She exhaled shakily and forced a smile.

  “With the greatest pleasure,” Cutler whispered fervently and bent to her again. He dipped his tongue into her pussy, lapped at her contentedly then pushed back on her knees until they crushed her breasts, raising her backside and exposing her fully. He dragged his tongue over the tight pucker of her anus then drew lazy circles around it.