ROMANCE: NAVY SEAL ROMANCE: Morning After (Military Bad Boy Pregnancy Romance Collection) (New Adult Alpha Male Paranormal Short Stories Collection)

by Silver Ocean Publishing

  He did. He opened the door as she was going in for a fourth peck. She stepped inside and then shifted. Immediately, Gage pulled his shirt back over her head.

  He was dressed in a black tee that hugged his muscles and jeans that accentuated his butt. He looked like a model. Tara felt herself getting lusty again. She clenched her thighs, thinking about what he’d done to her earlier.

  “Gage, I’ve counted the pack. They have forty-seven members. They’re also planning on grouping together on all sides of the border to flank you. Then whoever escapes to the north will be caught by another faction. They attack tomorrow night.”

  Seeing the concern in her eyes, Gage reached for her and drew her to him. “I’ll beat this, Tara. I promise.”

  “But they outnumber you two to one.”

  “I’m making a phone call now. For help. Reinforcements. Do you know where the pack is from?”

  “Florida. They talk about Florida and expanding their empire. They want your troops. They want to kill you.” She looked up at him, her eyes tearing.

  He planted a soft kiss on her lips, lingering for a long moment. “Let me make that phone call. If I can enlist Blackstone, we’ll just outnumber the Southpaws. The Blackstones have over thirty members.”

  “Good.”

  Reluctantly, Gage let Tara go. “Do you live nearby? Do you have any clothing stashed, anything?”

  “Yes. I have clothes and things stashed at our spot. I’ll get them now while you make your call.”

  “Hurry back,” he said.

  Tara nodded and the left the cabin.

  Gage hurriedly went to his dresser and picked up his cell. He scrolled through the numbers, finding Shaw, the alpha of the Blackstones. After a pause, he held his breath and hit the dial button.

  “Hello,” a gruff voice said on the other end of the line.

  “Shaw, it’s Gage. Do you have a minute to talk? It’s of dire importance.”

  “Is this about that band of rouges to the south of you?”

  “Yes. They outnumber us greatly. We need help.”

  There was a silence that almost made Gage crack.

  Then, Shaw continued, “Where are they from? Do you know anything about their plans?”

  “I have some intel. They come from Florida with the intention of taking over Louisiana packs. Apparently their alpha wants to be almighty,” Gage growled.

  “That’s not what being a wolf means. We stay small. We defend our own. We survive the outside world. We don’t try to take it over.” Shaw was angry. It was apparent.

  “So will you help us? They attack tomorrow. They’ve already tried to breach our borders. We killed two of them tonight.”

  “Damn, I wish there was more time,” Shaw sighed.

  “I know. And I know I’m asking you to possibly send your men and women to their deaths. But this is larger than us. If we don’t align now, he’ll come for you next.”

  “Yes. We have a chance if we form an alliance. This alliance shall always stand if we come out victorious. My pack and I will head over now. Can you put us up for the night?”

  “Absolutely.”

  Chapter 5

  Tara made it to the clearing and retrieved her bag then looked at her surroundings. Tonight may very well be the last time she visited this spot. Tomorrow may very well be the last time she ever saw Gage. If she lost him, she’d never come to this place again. With a heavy heart, she flew off toward the encampment.

  Once she arrived, she pecked on Gage’s door again. She was tired, as it was nearing three o’ clock. She humanized, once inside and immediately went to Gage’s bedroom and set down her bag. She retrieved a pair of jeans and a low cut tank, then pulled her hair back into a ponytail. When she turned around, Gage startled her, standing right behind her.

  “Gage.” She placed her hand to his chest and sighed. “What did the other alpha say?”

  “He’s on his way now. He’ll be here within the hour. I’ll have to gather everyone and then lay out the plans. We’ll mobilize in the morning.”

  “When will you sleep? You have to rest at some point.”

  “In shifts. We’re sleeping now and after the Blackstones get here, once everything is in order.”

  “I hope you don’t mind if I rest now,” Tara said.

  Gage ran a hand through her ponytail and cupped her cheek. “No. You’ve already helped so much. Please take a while to sleep. I will want to introduce you to our pack if we make it through this though. You can’t be here for the war.”

  Tara put her head down. “I know. I fear I’ll never see you again, Gage.”

  He tipped her chin up with his finger. “You’ll see me again and then we’ll be together. If that’s what you want. I’ve decided it’s what I want.”

  Tara smiled. “Yes. I’d like that.” She kissed him then said, “I’ll take the couch.”

  “I’ll change my sheets. I’m sorry you had to see me with my sexual partners. But honestly, since you’ve been coming to me in my dreams, you’re who I think about. I can’t wait to be with you.”

  He kissed her back, then as they parted and she turned away, Gage patted her bottom. She giggled and sauntered over to the couch. Then she laid down and after looking at Gage one more time, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.

  Chapter 6

  Gage had slept an hour before he heard rapping on his door. He hurried to it, hoping the noise wouldn’t wake Tara.

  Once the door was open, Gage stepped out onto the porch where three large men stood. The alpha, Shaw, sported a bald head and a long gray beard. His eyes were surrounded by deep wrinkles and he looked naturally mean. The two guys next to him were younger, but built like dams. Gage hadn’t seen any of the pack in a few years. These men reminded him of the brutality they could inflict. He’d seen them in bar fights and even saw them scrap with each other in their own yard. Gage found some relief with their presence.

  “Gage,” Shaw said, extending a hand. “It’s been some time. We’re here to be of assistance. Anything you need.”

  “All I need right now is relief for my troops. They need some sleep before we move, but we need to have a meeting first. Gather your pack and I’ll gather mine.”

  Gage howled his signal and then Shaw howled a similar one. Soon, the whole tribe was standing outside of Gage’s cabin. The two men who stood with Shaw went into the crowd, leaving Gage and Shaw on the porch to speak freely.

  Shaw turned to Gage, “If I die tomorrow night, you take my men. You kill this Floridian asshole and guide my people.”

  “You won’t die, Shaw. I’ll be sure of it. You’ll be well protected. We both will be. Our men will die for us.”

  “I know, but I’m not as young as I used to be.”

  Gage thought back to killing his elder alpha. The memory wasn’t pleasant. “It’s not your time yet, brother.”

  He patted Shaw on the back and looked at the united packs.

  Shaw spoke first. “Wolves. As you all know, we’re at war. The Florida pack means to dethrone each faction in Louisiana, and from there, move even further to advance their army. Wolves don’t act this way. We don’t strive for world domination. We don’t think ourselves gods. We cherish our people. We don’t use them for selfish means. This alpha must be killed and each of his brethren, enslaved.”

  Gage moved forward then. “A friend of mine gathered intelligence that we can use to counter the pack. She tells me that the Southpaws are forty-seven strong. They are mobilizing soon in groups to attack our defense at the territory lines. They will try to force any left undead toward the north, where they will capture and murder. With this knowledge, we can defend our fortress. With the help of Shaw and the Blackstones, we can bring this alpha to his knees, and tear out his throat. Let us spill much blood! Let us howl at the moon in victory!”

  The people all threw their fists up and hollered. The packs were joyous and rowdy. Gage smiled. Shaw wore a smirk. They both nodded their heads in approval.

  Gage and Shaw
directed their troops to their posts. There was a small army to the east, south and west. Then a fraction of troops went north to wait for the Southpaws who would arrive there. Surprise was on their side. Once the Southpaws moved in and saw the Darkriders and Blackstones in position, war would be immediate.

  Everything was ready by five in the morning. Gage hoped they wouldn’t get hit until late afternoon so his men could get some shut eye. He went back to his cabin after everything was in order and fell fast asleep.

  Chapter 7

  Gage woke at around nine, to the smell of bacon cooking. Tara. He’d slept so hard he’d temporarily forgotten about the war and his lovely raven. He just thought, bacon. He shook his head and got into gear.

  Walking into the kitchen, he took in the sight of Tara in just her tank and a thong. She turned and looked at him from the stove, explaining her lack of jeans.

  “I spilled the coffee all over my pants. They’re in the wash. The coffee’s fresh though. Thought you might need it. I sure did.”

  He blinked the sleep from his eyes and looked at her again. What if he didn’t make it through the night? He wanted to know how she felt. He wanted her to remember him intimately. It was all important. He had to take her now, before the war broke out.

  He needed the coffee, but it could wait. Tara couldn’t. He walked behind her and squeezed her butt with both hands. She looked over her shoulder at him and he nuzzled his head in her neck.

  “What’s gotten into you?” she asked.

  “I may not be here tomorrow,” he said, finally.

  She turned off the stove and turned into him with the saddest face.

  “I don’t want this to happen. Flee. Leave and hide. Come with me and stay with me. We can be together forever.”

  “I can’t leave my dogs. They are my people. My children even. I need to fight alongside my pack. Without them, I’m nothing.”

  “They’re your family. I understand that. I’m sorry for asking you to run. That was cowardly. I wouldn’t leave my family in a war. It’s just…I want time with you. Time to be with you.”

  Gage brought her to his chest. Then he kissed her hard.

  The kiss almost took her to her knees. She struggled to stand there with such feverish passion running through her bones.

  “We will be together, Tara. But for this moment, I need you to be with me.”

  “Okay,” she agreed.

  Gage took Tara’s hand and led her to his bedroom.

  Tara hesitated once inside the walls. She stood at the base of the bed as Gage slid into the sheets.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  “It’s just I know how many women you’ve had in here. It’s hard for me. I’ve never done this. What if I’m awful?”

  Gage sat up and pulled her hands toward him. She knelt on the bed and then settled against his chest.

  He kissed her lips. “Listen. I have had many women. I’ve also had some of them while thinking of you. Not one of them have stimulated me mentally and physically though. Not one of them was my best friend. Not one of them was you.”

  His words made her melt. She kissed him like she’d never kissed anyone before. Their tongues melded and swept and tangled. Finally, Gage moved his mouth to her shoulders, then to her neck and back to her lips.

  “Take me,” Tara said in between kisses.

  “Yes,” Gage growled lowly and positioned her next to him. He was completely enthralled by the fact that the woman he loved, had always loved, was chaste. He wanted to treat her gentlemanly, but make love to her like the beast he was.

  Looking into her eyes, he asked, “How do you want me to take you?”

  She said, “Take me how you take the others. Don’t treat me differently.”

  “I fuck the others. I don’t take them anyway but with disinterest. You, I’ve always loved. You, I cherish. I want to take you differently. But I also want to make you mine.”

  Tara wanted to cry. His words were so special to her. They were exactly what she needed to hear to be his. “Claim me, then. Take me how you will and I will be yours.”

  “In my clean sheets, I will,” he smiled. Then he dipped down and kissed her all over.

  She was tortured by kisses, by his suckling. He went from her neck to her breasts, to her nipples, where he took his time and drove her mad. Then he kissed a trail down her tummy to her center, where he lapped at her with precision.

  She squeezed her thighs together, gripping his head, but he was relentless and sucked her clit into his mouth. That, plus the fact that he rolled her nipples in between his thumb and forefingers, sent her over the edge. Her orgasm built and boiled and she tried staving it off, but that only made it stronger. She exploded in his mouth, thrusting her heat into his face. He held her down with a hand against her stomach. She gyrated, pulsating and throbbing.

  “Now it’s my turn,” Gage said, rising from her depths. “But I promise, it’s not over. I’ll make you come again.”

  He palmed his erection and Tara backed up into his headboard in anticipation and thrill. He was so large, and for a virgin, very intimidating. Everything about him made her shudder with need.

  He hovered over her and then settled against her pelvis. “Are you ready?” he asked with concern.

  “Yes,” she breathed.

  Gage grabbed ahold of himself and then guided his cock inside of his angel raven. She clenched and squirmed at first. He couldn’t fully sheathe himself all at once. He took his time, inching inside her.

  She bit his bicep and closed her eyes from the stinging pain, but then she felt herself welcoming him and loosening. She relaxed and allowed him in.

  Finally, once he was encompassed by her warmth he began to move against her, inside and out. He thrust against her, gently, but firmly. She moaned at his movements.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  “More than okay. I have you now,” she said.

  “Yes, baby, you do.”

  He bucked his hips against her, kissing her all at once. He made her feel like she was the only woman on the face of the planet.

  His pelvic bone pounded her clit over and over, forcing another orgasm from her. She wrapped her legs around his waist, sending him deeper into her.

  Gage relished her sweetness, her wetness and slid into her as far as he could without hurting her. Her noises made him even hungrier for her. She sent him to a place he’d never been before. He felt his own orgasm building as he filled her so perfectly.

  His mind went wild, thinking of how many different ways he wanted to have her. How he wanted to spank her sweet ass and then he wondered how her mouth would feel around him. There wasn’t enough time. There was so much he wanted to do with her. He needed a week alone with her. Then he heard her talking to him.

  “Come for me baby,” Tara begged.

  She’d given him permission and so he pumped his hips against her hard and fast and then came, filling her with his seed.

  He settled against her when the door flew open.

  Gage flung a sheet over himself and his lover as he withdrew from her, regretfully, rolling to his side.

  “Hayden?”

  “They’re making their move,” Hayden reported.

  “Mobilize. Now!” Gage barked.

  Hayden was back out the door.

  Gage got out of the bed and pulled Tara up. “We made love just in time. I’ll cherish it forever.”

  “Don’t speak like you won’t be here tomorrow,” she said. “I love you and need you. Come back to me.”

  “I love you too. I will come back, che’re. For now, fly away and leave me. You can’t be here for this.”

  Tara nodded, knowing she would be watching the whole time from the skies. She had no intention of leaving him alone. Despite any of that, she shifted and flew out of Gage’s door after a long kiss goodbye.

  Chapter 7

  Gage loped to the east and settled amongst some of his pack. There were almost twenty of them there. It would be head to head thou
gh with the Southpaws numbers.

  Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Gage heard them coming through the swamp. He stood, directing his wolves to brace themselves. They all grounded their paws in the dirt. Then, the reddish furred hounds came bounding toward them.

  Tara was watching the southern quadrant, when she saw the wolves attack. They hit each other hard, then fur went flying into the air, some even reaching her, up in the tree. But she didn’t see Gage, so she flew to the west. Another pack of dogs closed in on the Darkriders. She scanned for Gage, but didn’t see his dark striped fur there either. Scared of what she may find on the other side, she lifted into the air and watched the mayhem. It was horrifying. Beasts lay bleeding on the ground, littering the swamp floor. Most of them were red wolves, which was a good sign. The noises they made when they fought or became injured echoed through the air. It was chaos.

  Tara at last made it to Gage’s side of the territory. She scanned through the throng of dogs and spotted him almost immediately. He was bigger than the rest and his dark stripe made him stand out. He was fighting like a champion. In just seconds, he took down two wolves, tearing one’s throat out, and swiping the other across the nose with a paw.

  Tara wanted to chirp him on, but knew it would distract him and get him killed. She stayed a silent little bird and forced herself to watch the terror unfold.

  Gage looked to Lane, another one of his lead dogs, when he saw a big animal come through the trees. He stayed there though, in the tree line, waiting.

  Another wave of Southpaws came rolling in. Gage did a quick inventory of his brothers and sisters. They were now fifteen. Jess was dead. He closed his eyes quickly, just to open them to see the stomach of a wolf in his face. The dog took Gage to the ground and started biting. Gage rolled with the beast and got it on its back. Then he swiped twice, making the wolf’s face a bloody mess and taking one of his eyes. Gage howled and then bit down on the animal’s corroded.