Pack Beta (Were Chronicles Book 11)

by Crissy Smith

  Now that they had the connection to Marcus and Kayla’s attack, they could start planning a resolution.

  Of course, that sounded a lot simpler than it really was. But there had to be a way to end this quietly and without disturbing the Pack. “What does this all mean for the Pack?” he asked, looking at his Alpha. It was his job to make sure none of what was happening affected their families.

  “That’s the long-term problem,” Angel answered.

  From the corner of his eye, he saw Max stiffen.

  “What do you mean?” his brother asked with a growl.

  “The Hunters know where Marcus is. Even though you all haven’t made your status public, there is a good chance they know you’re shifters. Their entire purpose is to eliminate your kind.”

  “They’ll come after the Pack?” Chase pressed. He wanted her to say the words.

  “Yes, I believe so.”

  The loud rumble that came from Max was full of anger. His brother jumped to his feet and started to pace. Cassie looked scared, with her knees pulled up to her chest.

  Staying hidden was all the Pack had going for them. Their numbers weren’t large and they didn’t have enough guards for everyone. Running his hand roughly over his face, Chase knew he had to think of something, some way to defend the people he loved.

  “Does the Council know about you and the Hunters?” he questioned. If Kurt and Clint had prior knowledge, maybe he could call them back.

  “They are aware of our existence, although they do not work closely with us. They prefer to handle their own affairs,” Angela said.

  That was interesting, Chase mused. The Wolf Council was all about insuring the survival of the wolf shifters. They even collaborated with the Shifter Coalition.

  “Not all of our organization is made up of shifters.” She waved a hand at herself.

  Since Chase was certain there was something off about Angel and her brother, her statement opened the door for him. “You are not one hundred percent human,” he guessed. “Just what exactly are you?”

  Angel faced him. The change in her demeanor was immediate and obvious. The fierceness in her gaze might have worried him if Max and Alex hadn’t stepped closer to him. “I don’t believe that is any of your business.”

  “You are staying in my home. I think we have a right to know,” Alex argued.

  Possibilities ran through his head but he couldn’t settle on how Angel and her brother were different. Every shifter, wolf or other species had a unique scent to them. Chase might not always know from the aroma what animal they were but the shifter connection was always there.

  Angel and Justin had no scents. He had never come across that ability before in his entire life. Humans picked up traces of their environment giving each a unique odor. So he was just as eager for answers.

  “Why won’t you just tell us?” Alex argued with Angel.

  “Maybe I don’t think you need to know, big guy,” she taunted back.

  Justin jumped up from his seat as Alex advanced on Angel. “Hey! Come on guys. We have bigger problems than this. We’re on your side.”

  “How do we know we can trust them?” Alex asked Chase.

  “Marcus does,” Chase answered his friend. “That’s good enough for me.”

  Besides, there might be a reasonable explanation. If Angel and her family were deep into the Guardian organization, maybe blocking their scent helped. Since the group has already proven to be secretive, Angel wouldn’t be able to share that information.

  “Justin’s right,” he said to the group. “We need to find these Hunters and concentrate on the Pack’s safety.”

  Shawn had risen to stand close to Angel. “We need a plan.”

  As they settled down again, Chase noticed Angel eyeing Alex. Since Chase was surprised by Alex’s aggressiveness toward the woman, he wondered briefly, what Angel thought about Alex.

  “Here’s how we’ll start,” Shawn stated, leaning forward in his chair.

  Chapter Six

  Chase strolled across the guest bedroom to the balcony doors. Pushing them open, he gazed out onto the expansive property.

  The Wilson ranch was a second home to him. He’d ended up in this same bed many times over the years, too drunk or too tired to make the short drive to his own place.

  After Max returned to Canyon, Chase had enjoyed having a reason to go home at night. With Max and Cassie’s recent mating, though, he was once again alone.

  Cassie’s residence was the guesthouse only a few feet from where Chase now stood. From his bedroom, he could see the front door of Cassie and Max’s place.

  Knowing his brother was safe and close by made Chase feel a little better. Still, the danger the Pack was currently in made it difficult for him to sleep.

  First part of the plan was to find the Hunter responsible for shooting Marcus. After that, they would have to work with Angel’s people to see how much the group knew about the Pack.

  He’d dismissed the idea of calling Kurt or Clint. The two Council members would no doubt be willing to help but by adding additional shifters into the mix, they would be giving the Hunters new targets too.

  Information was power and Chase felt lacking in Intel. Angel had only been willing to say a little about the organization she worked for. As soon as Marcus was released from the hospital and rejoined them, Chase planned to get every detail from his old friend.

  The Pack deserved honesty. Angel might not be family, but Marcus was. Chase was going to get answers.

  But what was driving him crazy was that he couldn’t do anything right now.

  The Hunters could be setting traps in his town as he stood on the second-story balcony in the moonlight.

  Restless, he paced the small area when he heard his bedroom door open.

  Expecting Alex, it shocked him to see Kayla step into the room instead and close the door behind her.

  Curious, he stayed in the shadows and watched while she took in the open space. The sway of her hips had his cock hardening as she headed in his direction.

  Leaning against the rail, he crossed his arms over his chest when she strolled onto the terrace to him.

  “I saw the light on,” she explained, continuing toward him until she was almost touching him. “I figured you were too wound up to sleep too.”

  He had to swallow hard to keep himself under control. Having Kayla within arm’s reach had a major effect on his body and on his wolf.

  Inside, his wolf clawed to get out to the female. Rarely did Chase feel such an attraction so early after meeting someone. Oh, who was he kidding? He’d never experienced as strong of a pull as the one he did for Kayla right now.

  “What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue?” she teased.

  Realizing she’d spoken to him several times and he hadn’t responded, Chase shook his head. He needed to call on all his restraint to keep from backing away, since Kayla was now brushing up against him.

  “Can I help you with something?” Thank God my voice didn’t shake.

  She chuckled softly. “Now that’s a loaded question.”

  With more calmness than he felt, he raised an eyebrow in question, waiting for her to clarify her remark.

  “I know you feel this spark between us.”

  He could lie, deny her claim, but what was the point? “Yes.”

  “I also think that you won’t make the first move.”

  “And you will?” he taunted. Even knowing he was playing with fire, he couldn’t help himself.

  “I don’t believe in wasting time,” she answered.

  With his heart pounding furiously and palms sweating, Chase went over his options. He could demand she leave or he could embrace the attraction between them. Uncrossing his arms, he placed his hands on her elbows and pulled her close. “What if I don’t like a woman to make the first move?” he whispered, his lips just inches from hers.

  “Then you don’t know what you’re missing.”

  A woman who knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid
of going after it, actually did turn Chase on. With a low growl, he spun her around, backing her to the rail.

  While Kayla’s breathing grew more rapid, Chase slid his hands up her arms to her neck. With one palm behind her head, he used his fingers of the other to grip her chin.

  “What is it you want from me, Kayla?”

  “You already know.” She shivered.

  Yes, he did. Lowering his head slowly, he gave her the chance to change her mind. Once he laid claim to her mouth, he wasn’t stopping unless she told him no more.

  He didn’t think she would deny him, since she’s been the one to approach him.

  Instead, Kayla grinned as she closed the distance.

  The first brush of her tongue against his had Chase tightening his hold as a shudder ran down his spine.

  Kayla intoxicated him. The combination of her scent and taste plus the way her body rubbed against his, made his head spin. He couldn’t seem to pull his mouth away from Kayla’s, even though he wanted to move them along.

  Luckily, Kayla took pity on him by reaching down to rub his erection. Chase bucked into her touch, plundering her mouth with his.

  The sensations were enough to have him almost coming in his jeans.

  Instead, he tore his lips away from hers so he could gulp in long, ragged breaths.

  “I knew we would be hot together,” she said with a sexy rumble. As she spoke, she pushed down harder on his cock.

  He gasped, grabbing her wrist.

  So far, she had him hanging on the edge. Time to turn the tides. Grinning down at her, he released her arm to grip her hips and lifted her off her feet.

  She squeaked as she clutched at his shoulders. Laughing, he strolled back into the bedroom, not bothering to close the balcony doors, before tossing her on the bed.

  Bouncing, Kayla smiled as she settled on her back. Chase towered over the bed, peering down at her. He kept his gaze on hers as he lifted the hem of his T-shirt. He peeled the fabric slowly over his head then dropped the garment on the floor.

  Her eyes widened and started glowing as her arousal spiked. Her reaction pleased Chase.

  Keeping his movements unhurried, he started on his belt.

  Kayla scrambled to her knees, placing a hand over his. “Let me.”

  Chase had no argument to that.

  He allowed her to help him peel the rest of his clothes off then gently pushed her back down on the mattress. He took his time undressing her. Every new piece of soft skin that he placed a wet kiss on, every new piece of soft skin he revealed thrilled and excited him further.

  Kayla panted with need by the time he was done. Chase knew he had her right where he wanted.

  “You’re killing me,” she murmured, when he finally covered her body with his.

  “Just warming you up,” he whispered. Lavishing one pert nipple with only the tip of his tongue had her squirming.

  She arched, dragging her nails down his back. “I’m warm! I’m warm!”

  Chase was a firm believer that the best part of sex was the journey to penetration. He could spend hours worshiping a woman before he buried himself inside her.

  But he was too strung out and his need clawed at him. Later, he would take his time, make Kayla beg and plead. Right then he needed to feel her wrapped around him tightly.

  Bringing his lips back to her mouth, he kissed her deeply as he used his fingers to make sure she was ready to receive him. Sliding his digits between her wet folds, he found the opening of her sweet pussy and thrust inside.

  “Yes,” she hissed in pleasure.

  Finding her ready, Chase withdrew his fingers so he could grasp the base of his cock. Positioning at her opening, he pushed inside, loving the feel of her inner muscles clamping down on him.

  With her back bowed, breasts swaying with each of his leisurely thrusts, he wanted to watch her forever. Chase closed his eyes, losing himself in the intimate act of claiming Kayla.

  The electricity that he’d felt at the first touch magnified each time he rocked into her. A light sheen of sweat covered both their bodies as he pushed them further toward the edge.

  Leaning back on his knees, he cupped and lifted her hips to plunge deeper and harder.

  Kayla’s moans rose in cadence as he snapped his own body faster.

  “Chase, Chase,” she started panting his name.

  He growled. The low sound escaping even as he tried to control it. Thrusting quicker, he just barely waited until she screamed, climaxing, before he joined her in his own orgasm.

  Collapsing on top of her, he tried to clear his mind and regulate his breathing.

  It took a few minutes but finally he could lift his head.

  The soft, pleased look in Kayla’s eyes pulled at Chase’s heartstrings. He bent kissing her softly. “Stay?”

  Nodding, she cupped his face. “Yes.”

  * * * *

  Kayla wasn’t certain how long it had been since she’d woken up in someone’s arms but having Chase spooned from head to toe against her had her smiling.

  She’d taken a chance by going to Chase last night but the results pleased her. Although she hadn’t expected that they would end up in bed so quickly, she didn’t regret it.

  Already she’d learned a lot about the Pack Beta. Chase was smart and sexy, making Kayla want to spend all the time she could with him.

  After they’d learned what they could from Angel, the entire group had sat together and planned their action.

  He’d impressed her when he’d listened and accepted advise and help from her, Justin and Randy. At no time had he dismissed their opinions. She respected Chase a hell of a lot for that.

  The attraction she’d felt immediately upon seeing him again had only bloomed further during that meeting.

  Then she’d seen him out on the terrace with the moon at his back and had known she would have to nudge him. Secure in the knowledge that he felt the same strong pull toward her by the way he watched her approach, she couldn’t resist him—didn’t want to resist him.

  If she hadn’t made the first move, there was no telling when Chase would have. Kayla hadn’t lied when she’d said she didn’t like to waste time.

  But the truth of the matter was that she felt something new and exciting for him. She wanted to get to know him better and privately. And wow, she sure had.

  Having her share of lovers in the past, Kayla was far from a virgin. Nevertheless, she had never been with anyone who had dominated and demanded the reactions Chase had.

  Chase had laid claim to a part of her no one had ever been able to touch. Instead of just giving him her body, Kayla had found she wanted to surrender her mind and soul too.

  The new experience had her feeling a little off balance, though. So much was happening around her that she hadn’t known about. A group of guardians protecting her for years without her knowledge with her father in their core was difficult to wrap her mind around.

  She couldn’t help the small hurt that flared whenever she thought about her dad keeping the truth from her. Oh sure, he had never outright lied to her, but he’d been keeping some pretty big secrets.

  Not wanting to wake Chase, she slowly started to slide out from under him. Hating to leave the heat of his body, she needed to prepare for the day.

  He tightened his arm as she felt his lips brush over her neck. “Where are you going?”

  The sleepy, gravely sound of his voice washed over her, affecting her in a uniquely sexual way. “To shower,” she responded quietly.

  “Hmm,” he murmured, caressing her shoulder with his fingers. The stubble from his beard scratched gently, causing a shudder to wrack her body.

  Damn, how could one man make her need so much?

  “You…wet…in a shower,” he said slowly. “I like that idea.”

  Kayla gripped his thigh, pulling it more firmly against her. The change had Chase’s early morning erection grazing against her rear.

  “Yeah,” she said, although she had completely forgotten what th
ey were talking about. Pushing back into his body, she enjoyed his cock teasing her entrance.

  Chase chuckled low right at her ear. She jumped when he caught her flesh between his teeth. “Shower.”

  Kayla squeaked before realizing that Chase had easily rolled back with her still in her hold and stood. As he started to carry her to the other side of the room, she laughed.

  “I can walk,” she argued, even as she wrapped her arms and legs around him.

  “I’m not so sure about that,” he teased. “You were getting distracted.”

  “True, but that was your fault.”

  They’d reached the bathroom and he set her down.

  Grinning widely. “Uh huh,” Chase agreed.

  She went to smack him but he quickly avoided her hand. Instead, he twisted the knobs to adjust the shower. After testing the temperature, he motioned her closer.

  The pure wicked expression on his face gave her an idea of the fun they were going to have. She could work with that. Running her fingers over her stomach, Kayla made sure she brushed seductively against him as she entered the tiled enclosure.

  The sharp intake of breath from him delighted her.

  “Little minx,” he said then followed her inside.

  He closed the door, the steam and hot water surrounding them. Sighing deeply, she let her head fall back as the cascade of water flowed over her. She hadn’t felt the small aches until now.

  “Feel good?” Chase asked her softly.

  “Oh, yeah.”

  “How about this?” He gripped her shoulders and started rubbing.

  That…that feels wonderful. His hands were slick as he massaged. Kayla didn’t ever want to move again. Chase had very talented fingers.

  Kayla closed her eyes, letting Chase have his way as he caressed her back.

  Turning when he urged her to, Kayla blinked her eyes open, peering up at Chase. The edges of his lips lifted in a small smile as he concentrated on her front.

  Having never been pampered like this, she wasn’t sure how to show her appreciation. Going on instinct, she lifted to tiptoes to place her lips over his.