“You didn’t hurt the car, Little Red. That asshole Tate and his psycho bitch Myra are the ones who totaled the car. Besides, I’d planned to buy you something new. I just figured you’d argue about it with me.”
“Probably.” She smiled. “I’ll think about letting you buy me a car.”
“You’re more relaxed here, more open. I think being here has been good for you. For both of us.”
“Make the call,” Red said. “I’m ready to let the past go and make a future with you, Ace. When I’m completely healed, I want you to claim me. I think it’s something we both need. And maybe you’ll think about giving up some of that control to me.”
“You have more control over me than you realize.”
“I don’t want to control you, Ace. I want you to trust me. I want us to work together as a team, and I hope that one day you can love me.”
“I already do,” he murmured before claiming her lips in a sweet kiss.
She’d discovered that since her near-death experience, Ace had been gentler with her, not as demanding with his kisses or his touch. Maybe as she healed physically, he was healing emotionally. Sleeping in his arms every night had done wonders for Red. She no longer panicked if she was pinned down. Feeling a hard body surrounding her didn’t send her heart pounding out of her chest. If anything, she felt comforted when Ace wrapped himself around her. She’d learned to trust again.
He drew away from her and gave her a smile.
“I love you, too,” she admitted.
“Two more weeks. Then I claim you and you become mine forever. Maybe we can schedule our pack initiation for the same day.”
“Initiation?”
“It’s just a ceremony to show we’re loyal to Blaine and the Shadow Tip Pack. A little blood is shed, but it’s minimal. As my mate, you don’t have to go through the ritual. I can accept for the both of us.”
“Whatever you think is best,” she said. “I want to belong here, Ace. If that requires me to shed a little blood, I’ll do it.”
“I’ll talk to Blaine and get everything worked out. In the meantime, why don’t we take a little walk?”
Red smiled and stood, holding her hand out to him. With their fingers laced together, they walked down the beach, her head resting against his bicep. For the first time in seven years, Red felt like any other woman in love. She’d let go of the fear and uncertainty and traded it in for a bright future full of love and happiness. No more would she be the frightened woman who trusted no one and had no friends. No more would she spend her life hiding in the shadows, hoping to be ignored. She was going to tackle each day head-on, basking in the sunshine and making as many friends as she could.
For the first time in a long time, she was looking forward to what tomorrow would bring.
Chapter Eleven
Ace stared at his phone. The call to Rook had been harder than he’d thought it would be. He wasn’t second-guessing himself. He knew he’d made the right decision, but it was hard to let go of the past. It was time to take a page out of Red’s book though. If she could get over her past, then he could overcome his. When he’d asked Rook to pack his home, he’d asked him to leave out the toys and playroom equipment. He’d offered to donate it to Club Luna. That wasn’t to say that he would completely break away from BDSM, because he wouldn’t, but he didn’t need it in the same way he had before.
Blaine leaned against the deck railing and watched Ace over the rim of his coffee cup. When the alpha had first made his offer, Ace had wondered if he could go through with it, follow someone else’s orders. Red had made him realize that in order for Ace to be truly healed, he had to give up control. Maybe he should have done it in baby steps, but it was better to rip the Band-Aid off.
“So it’s done?” Blaine asked.
“It’s done. I know Red can’t officially become part of the pack until I’ve claimed her, but—”
Blaine lifted a hand, stopping him. “Our pack works a little differently. From the moment we know someone belongs with one of my wolves, they’re considered pack. I know it works that way elsewhere. The only difference is that we allow them to officially join the pack.”
“So she can go through the ceremony with me even though we aren’t officially mated?”
Blaine nodded. “If I didn’t need you to step in right away, I’d give you more time to claim her, but I’ve been without a beta for several weeks already. My pack is stable, but it would be nice to have my second as part of the pack.”
“I understand.”
“How’s Red doing? Emotionally, I mean?”
Ace sighed. “Better than me. I think. She held a mirror up to my face and showed me what a coward I’ve been. I didn’t like it, but I had to admit, she was right. I’ve been hiding from my past, more so than her. Since our encounter in the woods several weeks ago, Red has come a long way. And being in your pack has been good for her. She’s made friends, something she hasn’t done in a long time.”
“You’re talking about that time you went missing for nearly a week, aren’t you?”
Ace nodded. “It’s not something I like to talk about.”
“I’d heard that you’d changed when you came back. I don’t know what you went through, but I’m guessing it must have been horrific.”
“Nothing compares to what my mate has gone through, and look at how well she’s doing. She’s thriving here, Blaine. She smiles easier and she seems to trust your people.”
“Our people.”
“Our people. It’s like she’s blossomed overnight. If my old pack saw her right now, they wouldn’t recognize her. She’s always been strong, but she’s more carefree as well. And now, she’s lending me some of her strength, trying to pull me out of the darkness.”
Blaine rubbed his chin. “Seems to me, the darkness was already receding when you got here.”
“I think it started fading after that first night I was with Red. Knowing that she gave herself to me, even after all she’d been through, was humbling. I didn’t want to dominate her like I’d felt the need to do with every other woman. I wanted to protect her, to wrap myself around her and keep her safe.”
“And how did you feel when you found out your pack betrayed not just you, but your mate?” Blaine asked.
Ace’s hands clenched into fists. “Infuriated. I couldn’t believe the lengths they’d gone to in order to protect me, while leaving an innocent young girl to fend for herself. I can’t stomach the idea of looking at any of them. I guess that’s what made it so easy to accept your offer. I can’t promise to be a model beta. I’m sure we’ll butt heads, but you have my loyalty.”
“Red is safe here,” Blaine promised. “No one would dream of hurting her. In fact, they’re all under strict orders to protect her with their lives. Not that I think it will be necessary. When I learned you were coming here, and why, I put out some feelers to the surrounding packs. Tate Upton was picked up last night outside of Philadelphia.”
Ace felt his chest tighten. “Red is safe?”
“Yes. I told the alpha what Tate had done to your mate and he’s being tried accordingly. By nightfall, he will no longer be a problem.”
Ace felt the tension in his body slowly ease. He’d been looking over his shoulder ever since the accident. But it was finally over. Red and he had a new start and he wasn’t going to waste it. First, he had to tell her the good news. Or should he wait? She seemed happy, content. The shadows in her eyes were long gone. She’d found a true friend in Eden, and several other women in the pack had welcomed her and invited her to do things.
Blaine seemed to read his mind. “Don’t tell Red unless it’s necessary. I think she’s put it out of her mind and dredging up the past may not be the best thing right now.”
“I think you’re right.”
“So…think the two of you will be up for an induction ceremony later this evening?”
Ace looked out across the beach, where Red was gathered with her friends. “I think tonight will be perfect
. And then first thing tomorrow, I’ll take Red house hunting. I think it’s time we had our own place.”
Blaine shrugged. “I’m all right with you hanging out here until your place in Maryland sells. I wouldn’t want you to tie up all of your cash in real estate.”
“Trust me, I have enough.” Ace smiled. “I’m thinking something the size of your house would be nice.”
“I don’t know if you’ve met Nora Rayburn yet, but she’s a realtor. She joined our pack a few years back. Her mate had passed and she couldn’t stomach living in her New York pack any longer.”
“I don’t believe we’ve met, but then I’m still learning everyone’s names and faces. Might take me a while. For such a small town, your pack is rather large.”
Blaine laughed. “That’s because there’s only a handful of humans. There’s a small pride, and the rest of the town belongs to my pack. Our numbers are in the thousands.”
Ace shook his head. It was hard to believe. Burlison Heights was larger than this town, and yet his former pack was nearly nonexistent in comparison to Blaine’s. It would be an adjustment, to work with so many wolves, but a welcome one.
* * * *
Later that night, Ace and Red stood before the alpha. The pack had gathered on the beach under the silvery light of the moon. Ace had prepared Red as best he could, but he felt the tremor in her hand and knew she was nervous. Truth be told, he was a little nervous as well. He stood barefoot and bare-chested. Red wore a strapless top and jeans and looked sexier than he’d ever seen her before.
They stood hand in hand before Blaine, the pack gathered around them. The alpha lifted a dagger to the sky.
“We are gathered here tonight to accept Ace Silver and Ruby Maybury into our pack. If there is anyone here who believes they are not worthy, please step forward now.” Blaine looked at the faces gathered around them. When no one stepped forward, Ace blew out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.
Blaine turned to Ace first. “Ace Silver, do you accept the responsibility of caring for the Shadow Tip Pack? Do you swear to guide them and protect them, to rule by my side with fairness and a firm hand? Do you accept the position of Beta?”
“I do.” Ace braced himself for the cut. It was a shallow slice across his heart.
Blaine turned to Red. “Ruby Maybury, do you agree to join the Shadow Tip Pack with an open mind and an open heart? Do you agree to stand by your mate’s side, to judge the pack fairly, to care for them in their hour of need? Do you pledge your fealty to me?”
Red licked her lips. “I do.”
Blaine made a shallow slice across her breast. Then he sliced both of his palms, tossed the dagger to the ground, and placed his palms over their wounds.
“You are now blood-bound and oath-bound to the Shadow Tip Pack. May you both live long, prosperous lives within our pack.” Blaine smiled. “Welcome to the family.”
Red melted into Ace’s arms, smiling up at him.
“Are you happy, Little Red?”
Red pushed up onto her toes and brushed her lips against his. “Very.”
“We’re going house shopping tomorrow. I think it’s time we had our own place.”
“I get to help pick it out?” She looked surprised.
“Of course you do! It’s going to be your home, too. As soon as you’re well, I’m going to claim you, then you’ll officially be mine and everything I own will also belong to you.”
Red frowned. “But we won’t be married. How is that legal?”
“It’s just how the packs work. The government recognizes our mate claim the same way they acknowledge two humans exchanging vows. The only difference is that werewolves never divorce.”
“I never knew that.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know about living in a pack. But you’ll learn. You can not only ask me, but you have an entire family to ask now. I think Blaine would probably feel honored if you went to him with your questions, but I know your friend Eden would be happy to help you as well. You have people here who care about you, Red.” He caressed her cheek. “Just like me.”
“I’m ready, Ace.”
“For what?”
“For you to claim me.”
He shook his head. “The doctor said six weeks.”
“Fuck the doctor! It’s my body and I think I know when I’m ready. Besides, it isn’t like you’re going to be rough with me.”
“You have no idea how much I want you, Red, but not if there’s a chance I could hurt you. Even if I’m gentle, I could still damage your ribs by accident.”
“I’m not backing down, Ace. In fact, I’ve already made plans for this evening. With a little help.”
Ace glared at the alpha. “You’re behind this?”
Blaine smiled. “It wasn’t just me. Eden helped, and several others. I think you’ll like your surprise.”
“I guess I’d better pack a bag,” Ace said.
Blaine shook his head. “We’ve taken care of everything. Eden is going to blindfold the both of you and some of my most trusted pack members will escort you to your little love nest.”
Ace snorted. Love nest.
Before he could protest, he was blindfolded. He gripped Red’s hand, making sure she stayed with him. Hands gently guided them along and helped them into what he thought was an SUV. They travelled for about five minutes before the vehicle stopped and Ace and Red were helped out of the car.
“Watch your step,” a gruff voice said. Ace stepped up and helped Red along.
He heard a door open and stepped across a threshold. The scent of lilacs and jasmine filled the room, and he could feel the warmth of a fire. The door behind them clicked shut and he assumed they were alone. Removing his blindfold, he looked around.
“Where are we?” Red asked.
Ace pulled her blindfold off and tossed both scraps of material on a nearby counter.
“It looks like a small beach cottage.”
“We’re still at the beach?”
“I smell the saltwater, and if you listen closely, you can hear the water lapping at the shore.”
Ace watched as Red studied the room. There were two oversized sofas, an armchair with an ottoman, and there was a cozy-looking rug in front of the fireplace. The blinds were drawn on a bank of windows, but Ace assumed they overlooked the beach. Set out on a low table near the fireplace was a chilled bottle of wine and a bowl of strawberries. He took her by the hand and led her across the room.
“Why don’t you sit here in front of the fire and warm up?” he suggested. “You have to be chilled after being outside in so little.”
She eased herself down onto the rug and tugged on his hand. With a smile, he sat beside her, their legs brushing. Red toed a wicker hamper with her foot.
“What’s in there?” she asked.
Ace hadn’t a clue, but thought it might be more food. He pulled the basket closer and lifted the lid. He pulled out a set of padded leather cuffs, a ball gag, two vibrators, a butt plug, and a bottle of lube. He stared at the items, dumbfounded.
“There’s a note,” Red said, tearing something off the side.
I hope your claiming is a memorable occasion. Please use these gifts to create happy memories together. Your friend, Blaine.
Red fingered the cuffs. “He seems to know you pretty well.”
Ace shook his head. “I decided I was done with all of that.”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t need it anymore. I have you.”
Red smiled. “Just because you don’t need to use it as a crutch doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun, Ace. I wouldn’t dream of changing who you are, and this is a part of your life. Just don’t expect me to say ‘yes, Master’ and ‘no, Master’. Because that will never happen.”
Ace returned her smile. “You’re really okay with all of this?”
“I trust you,” she said softly.
“I’m not going to use the gag. I want you to be able to tell me if something hurts.”
Red began easing out of her clothes, tossing them aside. When the last piece was removed, she stretched out on the rug, watching him. Ace felt his heart pounding in his chest as he stripped out of his jeans. He hadn’t worn anything else and now stood before her bare. His cock was hard and aching, ready for him to claim his mate, but he held himself back. No matter how much restraint it took, he was going to make this good for her.
He had started to cover her body with his when he froze. Digging through the basket again, he thought his heart was going to drop out of his chest.
“There seems to be something missing from our care package.”
“What?”
“Condoms.”
Red bit her lip. “Can you try the bedrooms? Maybe some were left in there.”
Ace nearly ran to the bedrooms, going through one after another before finally hitting the jackpot. He snatched the three condoms out of the bedside table and jogged back to the living room. Red had flopped onto her back and was staring at the fire.
“Found some!”
Red turned his way and smiled. “Good, because I would have hated to make you walk to the nearest drug store to buy some.”
Ace dropped them beside the carpet and stretched out next to Red. The firelight played over her skin. His fingers ached to feel her silky skin, but he enjoyed just looking at her. She was beautiful to behold. Ace reached out to tweak a nipple before dipping his head to kiss her. His tongue stroked hers, gliding, twirling, tasting. He devoured her mouth like a starving man, one who had been denied the pleasure of her body for the past several weeks. He fought for control as his wolf rode him hard, needing to claim their mate.
Ace trailed kisses along her jaw, gently sucking the delicate skin along the side of her neck before brushing his lips across her collarbone and down the slope of her breast. The dusky-tipped mounds were begging for attention, and he closed his lips over a hardened tip, drawing on it long and hard.
Red murmured beneath him, running her hand up his arm and into his hair. Ace slid further down her body, settling between her splayed legs. The scent of her arousal perfumed the air and he couldn’t wait to taste her. He traced her slit with the tip of his tongue before delving inside, drawing a moan from her sweet lips. His tongue skirted her clit before delving inside of her once more. He lapped up her cream before returning to the sensitive bud. Ace drew her clit into his mouth, lashing it with his tongue. Red’s hand tightened in his hair and she cried out, her body trembling beneath his.
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