by Naomi Jones
Regine tried to find a rebuttal for his statement and came up with nothing. She was having too much fun. Wrapping her legs around Nathan’s waist she had his full attention.
“When we first met at the creek did you want to kill me?”
Nathan brought her closer and whispered. “I wanted to do this.” He kissed her.
Regine closed her eyes the moment Nathan’s lips touched hers. Deepening the kiss, Nathan’s tongue slid into her mouth and she moaned quietly. With a slight nudge she laid back against the counter. His hands moved to grab the edge of her pants.
“Regine… Oh!” she heard Bryce shout from the entrance of the kitchen.
Hearing her name, she rose to a sitting position. Nathan’s touch disappeared. She missed it immediately but didn’t miss the smirk on Bryce’s face.
“What’s up, Bryce?” she asked, covering her face in amused embarrassment. Regine’s eyes floated over to Nathan. He didn’t say a word but his frustration was apparent from his low growls.
“There’s a woman at the front gate looking for you. She said her name is Elyse.”
“I’ll be right there.” She took her eyes off Bryce’s retreating back and focused on Nathan. Regine wanted to say something. Anything…but nothing came to mind. She slid off the counter and started to walk off. A firm hand dropped onto her shoulder.
“This is far from over, Regine.” Nathan pulled her into a mind-blowing kiss.
She went to move away but he once again pulled her closer. “I hope you’re ready for the challenge I issue.”
He walked off, leaving Regine wanting more of him than she had before. She stood there attempting to process what just happened. Did they almost make love in the kitchen? Don’t act like you didn’t want to, her mind screamed. His lips left a burning trail of desire throughout her body, leaving no question as to who Nathan wanted.
Walking to the front she saw Elyse waiting patiently for her. Even from a distance the poor woman was a pile of nerves. Regine smiled and gave her a hug. “Is everything okay?”
“Well, I’m…” Elyse looked around and saw everyone watching. “Can we talk in private?”
Elyse’s hair was a little ruffled and her maternity dress was wrinkled. From her slightly disheveled appearance, and the anxiety on her face, Regine assumed she was in a hurry.
“Sure,” Regine said as she helped Elyse inside. Regine felt the curious stares on them and knew they were wondering who Elyse was to her and what she was doing on the compound. Regine would explain later. She brought Elyse to the kitchen and helped her sit on the stool.
“First, let me assure you that we’re alone. Secondly, this better an emergency since I was supposed to pick you up. Now what’s wrong?
“My plug came out this morning.”
“Did your water break?”
“Not yet. Which is why I came to the compound. But this little voice in my head kept saying not to wait for you to pick me up. From personal experience, I didn’t ignore it. I knew what I was getting into when Anik told me he was a lion shifter but I figured I was getting nervous since I’m so close to my due date.
I tried calling you and Anik but kept getting your voice mail. I’m sorry.”
Tears poured down Elyse’s face. Regine merely smiled and mentally chastised herself for bringing her phone into the kitchen to charge this morning. After everything that happened last night she completely she neglected to do last night.
“It’s perfectly natural to feel a little scared and I’m sorry for not having my phone close. If you want, I’ll examine you here. We have a doctor that can take a look as well. Let’s get you upstairs.”
This wasn’t the first time she had witnessed someone overreact as their pregnancy progressed. Regine helped Elyse off the stool and looked down just in time to see fluid land on the floor.
“Okay, my water just broke.”
“Well, don’t worry. We’ll get you to the hospital before you go into labor. Have you been feeling any contractions?” Regine asked going into nurse mode. She looked down at her watch and mentally recorded the time.
“No.”
“Good. That means we can wait for Anik to get here before we go to the hospital. Let me clean this up. Did you bring a change of clothes with you?” Regine asked making quick work of the mess.
“It’s in my car.”
“Let’s go get them and I’ll see if one of the men at the gate can run and get Anik for us.” Regine couldn’t leave Elyse alone.
“No need in asking them anything,” Nathan’s voice boomed making them both jump in surprise. How long has he been standing there, Regine asked herself. He stood at the entrance with a scowl on his face as if waiting for one of them to respond. “Who’s your friend, Regine?”
“This,” she cleared her throat and continued, “is Elyse. Anik’s mate.” Regine waited for Nathan to process what she just said but the scowl he sported didn’t change. “We’ll explain later, but right now I need you to get Anik since Elyse’s water just broke.”
Nathan looked at Elyse for a moment before looking back at Regine. His face changed from the hard scowl to a softer more concerned expression and she smiled.
“I’ll be back with him soon,” he promised then walked to the backyard.
Twenty minutes later Anik, Elyse, and Regine made their way to the hospital.
Word about Anik’s mating and his new cubs spread quickly among the pack. As soon as they arrived back at the compound, it seemed that everyone wanted his attention. They’d have to wait.
“Thank you for bringing Anik to Elyse,” Regine said as she headed up to her room.
Nathan simply nodded and made his way to his office. Angry about her keeping secrets, he was afraid of what he might say. It was better for him to put space between them so he went to his office. Dagger’s completed storyboards were on his desk, but he didn’t even bother looking at them. He was frustrated. Why didn’t Anik bring his mate to the compound? They had a good medical staff and they also had Regine. Why would Regine purposely withhold this information when being at the compound was the safest place for Elyse? Did she honestly believe he’d ignore the well-being of any of the expectant mothers? The unanswered questions weighed heavily on him.
A hard knock on the door cut into his thoughts.
“Come in,” Nathan said even though he wasn’t really up to dealing with anyone.
Nathan couldn’t do anything but glare when Anik stepped inside. His first thought was to throw Anik out of the pack. However, Nathan knew that was a rash move that would do more harm than good. Anik was a valued member of his pack. Besides, neither the pack nor Regine would never respect him for that. He might not be able to throw Anik out of the pack but he could throw him out of his office. He might have done just that, but he needed answers.
“I know you have questions. So here goes. Regine was the first person to discover I had taken a mate, but I asked her not to tell anyone. She pushed me to bring Elyse here to monitor her pregnancy but I said no. Regine insisted on me bringing her to Elyse instead.”
Nathan was completely confused by Anik’s explanation.
“Why did both of you feel it necessary to keep your mate a secret?” Nathan asked trying to check his temper.
“I felt it would be better to keep Elyse away from here because of the animosity you have toward the friendship I have with Regine.”
“What?”
“Nathan, we both know how you feel about Regine. Every single pack member in this compound knows. Haven’t you ever wondered why no other male has pursued her? Or why I’m claimed and she isn’t?” Anik asked as if reading his thoughts.
“It might have crossed my mind on occasion.”
“Of course it did,” Anik replied with a soft smile. “Regine and I don’t see each other that way. We never have. What you think she feels for me she actually feels for you. But Regine always keeps in mind that you threatened her.”
Nathan kept his stare devoid of any emotion. The joy that s
uddenly came over him didn’t need to be seen by anyone except for the woman who was the cause of it. Nathan wasn’t sure when it happened. All he knew was that she completed him. He’d made a lot of mistakes when it came to her. Ones that he could only blame himself for.
Suddenly, he wanted Regine’s body next to his, but this talk with Anik was far overdue. Once it was over he’d clear things up with his own mate.
“I take it your daughter is healthy?”
“Six pounds and four ounces. Even though we have great doctors, having Regine there was a true blessing. She really calmed Elyse. If it’s okay with you, they’ll be moving into the compound shortly.”
Nathan acknowledged him with a simple nod. One major rule he had about shifters and their pups was they stayed within the safety of the compound. That is, until they were old enough to defend themselves. Anik had come close to breaking that rule but Nathan now understood why. Still, he was glad that Anik’s mate and pup were now at the compound.
“Congratulations. You’ve proven to be one of the most valuable members of this pack. I’ll make arrangements for someone to take patrols until you’re ready to come back.”
Anik, who was making his way to the door, stopped in his tracks.
“Thank you,” he said but saw all the emotions in Anik’s eyes.
Soon after Anik left, Nathan did as well. He went straight to Regine’s room. Nathan smiled remembering how it was Dagger’s idea to put her in the only guest room on the same floor as his master bedroom. Who knew his brother could be a romantic? He knocked softly before opening it. He smiled listening to Regine’s soft snores.
Nathan stripped all the way down and climbed in next to her. Regine flinched but quickly relaxed when she saw him. Laying her head back on the pillow Nathan wrapped his body around hers. He’d give anything to make love to Regine, but he doubted she’d let that happen. Nathan was more than content with having her in his arms. “I’m sorry for threatening you.”
Regine turned around onto her back and smiled up at him causing his heart to race. Nathan stared into her eyes for what seemed like an eternity. There was desire in her eyes that equaled his own. He was glad she wanted him, but he needed Regine to forgive him for being so intolerable from the moment they met.
“Apology accepted,” she whispered before kissing him.
Regine’s soft fingers moved up and down his back. A sigh involuntarily escaped as he caressed her soft skin. Nathan tried to hold onto the little bit of control he had. His mind was screaming wait but his wolf smelled the pheromones her body was releasing. Regine wanted him badly. She already had all of him.
She must’ve sensed his warring emotions because Regine put her hand over his. Before Nathan could say a word she thrust his fingers into her warm inviting entrance. He moved his digits in a slow, pleasure-filled wave. She opened her legs wider to give him better access. Hearing Regine’s moans, Nathan slid a little deeper.
Nathan reclaimed her lips. He was a little rougher this time. Regine’s scent had him harder than a rock and her honey coated his fingers. Nathan would’ve continued but she brought his dripping wet digits toward her mouth. Regine’s tongue gave each finger equal attention. He stared, a little envious at how her tongue slid over his skin.
Nathan’s control had all but left at that moment. He snatched his hand away and licked a trail all the way down to her pussy. The way she tasted herself made him want to take a sample. His tongue flicked up and down on Regine’s already swollen clit.
Her breathing, though quiet, was beginning to quicken.
“Nathan.”
He grabbed the inside of her firm thighs and tasted every bit of her sweet cum.
His cock was now throbbing intensely at the sound of Regine softly whispering his name. Nathan could only grunt before moving in between her firm thighs. Looking down at Regine, he noticed that her brown eyes were now as black as night, indicating her extreme state of extreme arousal.
She called his name again before lifting her head off the pillows and kissing him. Nathan wrapped her legs around his waist and slowly filled Regine. Her quiet moans filled his ears as he slid out and back in. This was how it was supposed to be: them making love with each other rather than the cruel silent treatment they’d been sharing over the last few months.
Nathan couldn’t remember how many nights he had been dreaming of this very moment. Now that he finally had her body he was no longer able to control the inner desire she awakened. He grunted with every thrust and gasp Regine uttered, leaving no doubt in her mind, claimed or not, that she was his. No man, human or shifter would dare harm her.
The sweet sounds of his cock moving in and out of Regine sent him into overdrive. His thrust became harder when Regine tightened her thighs around him. He could sense that she was about to explode and moved even harder. Regine quietly cried out against his shoulder when her fiery release came.
Nathan growled ferociously as his hips thrust wildly. Her walls constricted around him and Nathan moved even harder. “Regine.” He groaned her name over and over until the last of his seed was inside of her. Laying his head against the pillow Nathan tried desperately to catch his breath. Regine wasn’t doing any better. But he let it be. He had her in his arms like he always wanted.
A sharp nail found its way to his shoulder and made a small incision. He hissed in slight pain only to have shock take over when Regine placed her lips over the wound. Nathan closed his eyes letting her take as much as she needed. He’d gladly give all of his blood if it meant having Regine like this. Nathan saw that her eyes were still black when she finished.
“I can feel you… You’re happy.” Regine turned her head up to look at him.
“I am. You are mine as I am yours, Regine.” She smiled brightly and felt her walls tighten around him again.
“Let’s celebrate this the right way,” Nathan said before making love to her again.
Chapter Six
Now that they were mates, everything was complete. The mating scar on Regine’s shoulder had let the other males know that she was off-limits. Not that they didn’t know before. However, now it was official. His fellow pack mates were happy for him, none more than his brother, Dagger.
Now that he’d apologized to Regine, he received affectionate hugs and kisses rather than her cold stares. Their mating didn’t get him out of fulfilling his end of the bargain since he lost the challenge. Of course, he made sure no one was around when he performed Regine’s requests. Regine caught on pretty quick and being a good sport, only asked for things when they were alone.
“Nathan, can I have a glass of water?” she asked him once he got into bed.
Nathan went all the way down to the kitchen and did as she asked. Instead of drinking it, she placed it on the nightstand. What intrigued him was the little side way smile she sported.
“Are you going to drink that?” he asked, watching her look away in amusement.
“I’ll drink it when I’m ready.” Regine quietly laughed.
Had it not been for their claim, Nathan would’ve thought Regine was purposely testing her limits with him. Saying no to her requests would’ve been just as easy but he found it amusing. Regine’s presence was true breath of fresh air.
He enjoyed her challenges. Tomorrow, however, he had a challenge for her. They would run to his cabin deep in the woods and not come out until the sun rose. They needed time alone. The expectant mothers and cubs were taking up too much of her time. Too much, in Nathan’s opinion.
Nathan and the male members of the pack were in deep discussion about a possible threat. He sat at the head of the table listening intently to the encounter each of them had with this mysterious shifter. While they didn’t sit at a round table, Nathan felt that their pack was like knights at a round table. Nathan could do nothing but be proud of them. Everyone who wasn’t patrolling was in that room was waiting to be told what to do the mystery shifter that had been sniffed out.
“This woman has been hiding in plain sight for
some time. It was sheer luck that I caught her scent before she flew off,” Bryce explained.
Something in Bryce’s tone caused Nathan to wonder if Bryce was intrigued or angry by this new development.
“If she can shift into different animals just like Regine, it could be her sister.” Xack suggested. “I’ve caught this woman’s scent as well, and it’s very similar to Regine’s.”
Nathan found himself speaking up in defense of his sister-in-law. “I would see that as a possibility if her sister wasn’t taking summer courses all the way in Boulder. Plus, Regine would’ve brought Naya into the pack first before allowing her to roam around unsupervised.”
“Then Regine needs to have her join the pack. Because we need to know her sibling isn’t a threat to us,” Dagger interjected in a stern voice.
Nathan felt pride at Dagger’s stance, not only because his brother was right but also because Dagger was beginning to become his own man. Dagger was an asset to any pack.
Ever since the attack on one of the members a twenty-four-hour patrol was set up. Nathan refused to take any chances with humans wandering around with itchy trigger fingers. Not only were they trespassing, they were hunting during the off-season. The compound sat in an area where wild animals flourished, making it easy for shifters to blend in. But it apparently made shifters easy targets as well.
“Do you think this female shifter’s dangerous?” one of the women asked.
“Far from it. We have more to fear from those humans than her,” Bryce interjected making Nathan even more suspicious.
He looked at his enforcer and saw nothing but intrigue mixed with what seemed to be longing.
“But Regine should definitely bring her sister in. Just in case.”
Before they jumped to conclusions, Nathan had to speak with Regine about her sister, Naya. “I will discuss this with Regine. If any of you find this woman, invite her into the compound. We have to let this shifter know she’s welcome here. That aside, watch each other’s backs because more humans will return.” Nathan gave specific orders to everyone before ending the meeting. Whoever this woman was, she wanted something. Otherwise it would be a waste of time to stick around.