Heather would leave as though she were heading to Oregon to visit her family. In reality she would meet up with Alex and other members of NAR so they could take her somewhere safe.
A full team from NAR would follow Marcus and his grandfather to Minnesota and prepare to take over the facility.
It sounded foolproof enough.
Why did Heather feel like her life was ending?
Chapter Eight
Marcus leaned against the door to their cabin the second they entered, pushing it shut with his butt and hauling Heather into his arms. He pulled her head back to meet his gaze with a grip on her curls. “You’re shaving years off my life expectancy, you know that?”
She grinned up at him and lifted onto her tiptoes to kiss his lips. Then she shrugged. “Not any worse than what you’re doing to me.”
“I need you.”
“I’ve needed you again since before we left the cabin.” She slipped from his grip, ducking to get out from under his arms, and then she dodged him when he reached for her.
Meeting his gaze, she crossed her arms, gripped the bottom of her shirt, and lifted it slowly over her head. Her breasts were so full, they were barely contained in her bra.
Marcus prowled forward in slow motion, enjoying the show.
Heather jumped back, giggling.
“You tease.”
“You overbearing mutt.”
Marcus couldn’t stop from chuckling. “I deserve that.”
“Yes. You do.” She continued to back up until her ass hit the refrigerator in the small kitchenette.
“You’re out of space.” He encroached on her, set his hands on either side of her head, and pressed his denim-covered cock into her belly.
“You’re bigger than me. The field isn’t even.” Her voice had lowered to the point of almost a whisper.
“And don’t you forget it.” As he leaned forward, intent on capturing her mouth again, she ducked and squirmed out from his hold to dart across the room and disappear into the bedroom.
Marcus shook his head and groaned, but he couldn’t deny how hot she made him in her playful state. He adjusted his cock and went after her.
By the time he got to the bedroom, she’d removed her shorts and was lowering her panties over her hips. “Why am I always less dressed than you?” She backed up and lifted herself onto the bed, still facing him.
“Because I like it that way. Helps me control my need to consume you too fast. If I were naked right now, my cock would already be buried in your sweet pussy.” He approached her like a predator to his prey. And the way she insisted on teasing him made the thought all the more accurate.
“”You’re a tease.” He strode forward slowly, precisely. When he reached the bedside, she sucked in a breath. He could imagine what his expression might look like.
Marcus lifted his gaze gradually up her body, loving every curve.
She caught her lower lip between her teeth.
He climbed onto the bed, eased her onto her back, and kneeled between her legs. He set his hands on her thighs and pressed them open. She was already so wet, and her legs shook. “I think I could make you come with my breath.”
She whimpered.
“You’re so horny right now. It’s sexy.” He pulled her folds apart with both hands and inhaled deeply of her scent, memorizing it, as if he would ever forget. He couldn’t imagine one hour without her, let alone days while he helped The Head Council gather intel.
He shook the thought from his mind. He needed to ground himself in the here and now, enjoy his mate, and satisfy her to the point she wouldn’t be able to sleep properly while they were apart. Give her something to dream about.
Marcus leaned down and stroked the flat top of his tongue from her pussy to her clit.
Heather wiggled against him.
He lifted his face to see hers. “I love it when you squirm.”
Her chest rose and fell under his gaze, and he couldn’t resist reaching out to cup both breasts in his hands, kneading them and flicking his thumbs over the nipples until they were stiff peaks.
Heather’s head lolled to one side. Her eyes fluttered shut.
And then he settled back between her legs and stared at her pussy. He didn’t touch her for a long time, knowing the anticipation would make her crazy.
His first touch was to tap her clit, making her lurch her ass upward, her only purchase being her ankles digging into the mattress. She wadded up the sheets on both sides of her body and fisted the linen.
Without touching her anywhere else, he continued to tap her clit.
When she hummed out loud, he used his other hand to pull the hood back so he could tap the swollen nub directly.
A tiny yelped escaped Heather’s lips.
“Feel good, baby?”
She didn’t respond. Her head rolled to the other side.
So sexy… Finally, Marcus couldn’t stand it another minute. He needed her as much as he needed his next breath. He dipped two fingers into her pussy, drew out the moisture, and dragged her arousal across her clit, pressing hard. “Come.”
Heather arched her neck and stiffened. Her heels dug into the mattress, and she lifted her ass off the sheets against his pressure as she came. He felt the pulse deep in her clit, indicating her orgasm was forceful.
As she came down, he gradually released the hold on her clit until he simply stroked the little nub, circling it and pinching gently.
Heather moaned. She reached for his hands. “It’s too much. So sensitive.”
“I know, baby. Let it build again. You’re so gorgeous like this.” He pried her hands off his wrist with his free hand and lowered them back to the mattress one at a time.
He recognized the moment the sensitivity switched to renewed pleasure.
“Oh, God,” she murmured. “Please, Marcus. I need you inside me.”
He couldn’t stand the intense pressure in his cock another moment. He needed to be inside her at least as much. As her mouth opened farther, no more sound coming out, he realized she’d gotten close to a second orgasm.
Marcus straightened to wiggle out of his jeans as fast as possible.
Heather bit her lower lip again. “Oh, God,” she repeated. Her voice was deeper. “I can’t…”
She didn’t need to. He wanted to be inside her when she let go for the second time, feel the way her pussy gripped his cock and let her orgasm wash through her body.
And he wasn’t disappointed.
The second he thrust inside her, she screamed his name. “Marcus.”
Music to his ears. Marcus pumped into her several times, holding himself over her with his elbows. Finally he lowered himself so his chest brushed against her nipples. She held on by a thread, her mouth open again, no sound coming out.
God he loved her. The feeling was deep and true. And his cock wouldn’t wait.
The second she sucked in a breath and held it, he spoke, “Come, Heather. Now.”
She tensed, her entire body rigid as she screamed around her orgasm, her pussy grabbing him and sucking his own orgasm from his cock. He held his breath also as he thrust one last time and let his come pulse against her cervix.
Sweat beaded on his back. He could feel it running down into the hollow above his ass. He couldn’t bring himself to pull out of her, though. He smiled as he lowered to take her lips.
Her mouth was still open, and it took her a moment to respond. He muttered against her mouth. “What’s the matter, baby? You can’t control your lips yet?” he teased.
Snapping back to reality, she closed her mouth with a soft sigh. “Mmm.”
Marcus nibbled around her lips until she responded. Soon he had her in a deep kiss she returned with so much energy that he almost lost himself in her again. When he pulled back, he stared into her eyes. “That was so beautiful.”
Heather wrapped her arms around his head. “You never cease to amaze me.”
“In a good way, I hope?” He chuckled. Being inside her was home.
He reluctantly let himself slip from her pussy and gathered her in his arms. “Food? You want to eat?” he teased. His stomach growled on cue, and he chuckled, the vibrations shaking both of them. “Okay, but how about naked, and the moment we finish eating I enjoy some dessert.”
She lifted on one elbow. “You’re insatiable.”
He smiled. “All right. If you’d rather play Monopoly later, I’m good with that.”
She swatted at his chest and lifted to a sitting position. “Feed me first, and then we’ll negotiate dessert.”
Chapter Nine
Heather squeezed her mate’s hand as they settled into first class seats on the plane the next morning. “I’ve never flown in first class,” she whispered for his ears only.
“Me neither.” He winked at her. “Nice of The Head Council to make us comfortable on the way to the slaughter.”
She slapped his leg playfully. “Stop it. Don’t remind me. I’m stressed enough. I don’t need you to make it worse.”
“Hey it was your idea to come with me. I was content to leave you safely on the ranch.”
“And say what to your parents about where you’ve been hiding for a month?”
“I’d have thought of something.” He threaded his fingers with hers and lifted her hand to kiss the back of it.
“Yeah, well, my story is far more plausible than anything you would have come up with.”
“Woman, you’re too feisty.” His eyes twinkled.
They spoke during the flight about what they would say when they reached his parents’ house. They’d been over it a dozen times the night before, but making sure their stories were straight gave Heather more peace of mind.
By the time they landed in Des Moines and had settled in a rental car, she’d memorized every detail about Marcus she would have acquired in a month of time. No one would believe they had known each other for a month if she didn’t pick his brain for info and vice versa.
“How far is it to your parents’?”
“About an hour north.” He pulled onto the highway and sped up. His grip on the steering wheel told her everything she needed to know. He was stressed. His brow was furrowed, and he lost interest in conversation as he got closer. Meeting with his parents after what he’d overheard the last time he’d been to the house wouldn’t have made the short list of things he ever wanted to do again in this lifetime.
And now, not only was he returning, but he was bringing her with him, and he was going to play fake nice in hopes neither parent realized he was full of shit.
Heather didn’t think the task would be as difficult as he imagined. After all, even if he acted somewhat strange in their eyes, newly mated men were known to act strange. It would be expected and easily attributed to his new standing.
The hour passed quickly.
“We’re almost there,” Marcus announced as he pulled off the highway. “Last chance to bail out.” He glanced at her. His smile only lifted on one side. She knew it was a perfect reflection of his meaning. He was only half kidding.
“If you insist on doing this, I’m not hanging behind. We go together or not at all.”
He nodded, his lips pursed. They’d argued about this so many times, it was sounding like a broken record. Neither of them was happy about the other’s involvement.
Minutes later he pulled into the driveway of a small, older home. His parents had a large property, as expected. Most shifters who lived in communities with humans lived as privately as possible to avoid detection.
As soon as they stepped out of the car, the front door opened and an older woman Heather assumed was Marcus’s mother stepped out. Her hand flew to her mouth as soon as she spotted them. She stood so still, Heather thought she might faint.
Marcus rounded the car and took Heather’s hand before walking toward his mother. “Mom.” He smiled. Heather thought it looked genuine.
In any case, there was no way he would have trouble fooling his mother because the woman already had tears in her eyes. More than likely, all she could see was the return of the prodigal son. “Marcus.” Her voice was soft and gentle, and her gaze shifted to Heather as soon as they reached the steps. “Oh.” Her hand flew to her heart. Her smile spread wider. “Oh my.”
Heather actually felt a pang of sorrow for the woman. It would have been a touching moment. It should have been. It was…for Lora Cunningham.
They faced off for several seconds just feet away.
Marcus cleared this throat. “Mom, this is Heather. My mate.”
She trembled as she lowered her hand from her chest as she looked toward Heather again. “So nice to meet you. I had no idea.”
Marcus dipped his face sheepishly, brilliantly. “Yeah.” He shuffled a toe against the porch. “I’m sorry. I haven’t been able to bring myself to share her yet.” His face was pink with embarrassment when he lifted his gaze.
Heather was amazed at his ability to act.
His mother smiled. “Well, you’re here now.” She motioned with a wave of her hand. “Come. Goodness. Come inside.” She opened the door and held it for them to pass. When they were in the front room, she scurried past them. “Sit. I’ll get you drinks.”
“Mom, you don’t have to do that. We’re fine. We’ve eaten.”
“Oh. Okay.” The woman was flustered. She lowered herself into a chair. She set her palm on her chest. “I was afraid something had happened to you.” Tears still trickled, and she wiped them away with the back of her hand.
Marcus led Heather to the couch and pulled her down next to him. Heather found it impossible to believe this sweet woman was involved in anything as sinister as allowing her own father to drug her only child.
“I can’t believe you’re here. We’ve been so worried. Your father will be so relieved.”
I’ll bet he will. Heather smiled. She could only hope it was genuine enough to not raise suspicion.
“I’m sorry, Mom,” Marcus repeated. “As soon as I met Heather, I fell into a trance and couldn’t seem to come out of it.” He squeezed her hand.
“When did you meet? Where? We went by your house so many times. You were never there.”
“Yeah. We met about a month ago, right honey?” He cocked his head toward hers in fake confirmation.
Heather rolled her eyes at him. “Twenty-seven days.” She play-slapped his arm as though he were a dolt not to have their exact date of mating memorized.
He smile and leaned forward to touch her nose with his.
It was the most awkward ridiculous act Heather could imagine. It wasn’t as though they were faking they were mates, but it felt that way. Heather shivered.
“I suck at details, honey. You know I do.”
“True.” She rolled her eyes again. “He can’t keep day and night separated lately. I think he’s in deeper than I am.” She turned to make sure Lora was buying the interaction.
The woman had a huge grin as though she were reading a romance novel and the hero and heroine were about to fade to black behind closed doors. “That’s so sweet.”
“I know that’s not true, my love. If I remember correctly, someone asked for pancakes at about one in the morning a few weeks ago.”
Heather batted her eyes. “I was hungry.” She shrugged.
“Anyway, it was a Sunday, right honey?” He continued without waiting for Heather’s response. “I had gone for a run in the huge forest area I like to go to west of here. You know the one, right?” He glanced from Heather to his mom.
His mother nodded, her grin pasted.
“Heather was there with friends. She was visiting from Oregon. We were both shifted, of course.”
Lora gasped. “You were shifted when you met?”
“Yep. It was weird. And perfect. And don’t feel too bad, because I haven’t met her parents yet, either. They live in Oregon. We haven’t seen more than a few people since we me
t.”
“You came here first.” It wasn’t really a question, more of an acknowledgement of her priority in his life.
Marcus gave a sheepish grin again and tilted his head. “Well, you were closer. And I felt guilty…eventually. I’ve been selfish.” He wrapped his arm around Heather and squeezed her to his side. “It wasn’t hard.”
She lifted her face to briefly kiss his lips. “I finally called my parents at least, but they weren’t expecting me. I intended to spend the fall with my friends at their place a few hours west of here before I started searching for a job.”
“Anyway,” Marcus continued, “we went back to the apartment she was staying at and…well, never came out again except to eat and run occasionally.”
“God. That’s so romantic.”
“Is it?” Marcus laughed when Heather jabbed his side.
“Of course it is, silly.” She turned back to Lora. “He likes to pretend he’s all manly, but he’s the most romantic guy I’ve ever met.”
Marcus changed the subject. “Is Dad angry?”
Lora’s face fell. That was an understatement. “He was very concerned.”
“I didn’t mean to worry you both. I just got carried away. I’m sure you remember what it was like.”
Lora smiled again. “I do.” She sighed. “It was so long ago… I miss those days. Enjoy them while you can.”
“I hope the feeling never ends.”
“It won’t last in the same intensity forever, but if you work hard, you can keep your relationship strong for many years.” Lora glanced down at her lap, wringing her hands. The woman hadn’t worked hard. Or her mate hadn’t.
Heather suspected in the early days her mate had been as smitten as Marcus. And then Lora’s father lured him down a horrific path.
“Have you been by your house?”
“No.” Marcus shook his head. “I hope it’s still standing. We came straight here. We’ll go there next. I was such an ass, I didn’t even call my employer. I bet they were livid when I stopped showing up for work.”
Betrayed (Wolf Gatherings Book 6) Page 11