“Make sure you reserve my wife, B, and I a table on opening night,” he said. “I’ve always been a sucker for apple pie.” The wolves gave a collective shudder as the tension broke and Will stepped forward to offer his hand to Drew. The Alpha’s smile was genuine accepting it as a gesture of respect rather than challenge.
A frown creased Drew’s brow and he turned abruptly and strode to the rear of the group where Caitlyn huddled in tight against her mother. Jessie sat in Hannah’s lap beside them, still clinging to Caitlyn’s hand, her little body vibrating with distress as she tried to comfort the terrified woman. Hannah rocked her daughter, whispering to her, her own face creased in fear and worry.
Agony clenched his gut, and he and his wolf were in complete accord as Caleb crossed the short distance to his family and gathered them close in his arms. A tingle against his skin indicated Hannah was using her ability as she whispered, “Let go, baby. Let go, Jessie,” over and over to her daughter. The little girl was pale and shaking, but she refused to release Caitlyn’s hand and he didn’t want to risk hurting her by forcing her to let go.
He stared up helplessly at his Alpha, seeking his help, his strength. Drew raised his hand to cup Caitlyn’s face and lifted it toward him. His grip was gentle but brooked no resistance. She stank of terror, her scent driving the wolf inside Caleb half-mad, but he didn’t interfere. Drew flinched, but didn’t hesitate as he drew her from her mother’s embrace to stand on her own. Caleb’s sister shook and shivered but she didn’t resist the call of their Alpha. She released Jessie’s little hand and stepped forward.
“Rest easy, little sister,” Drew spoke softly but clearly. “You are safe here, always under my protection. The Tao Pack is your home and, although it was not always so, we cherish our Omegas. There is nothing to fear here now. Relax.” The words were imbued with power and authority. The wolves responded to the command, Caitlyn included, and she quieted in his presence.
Caleb held his little family close as Drew held Caitlyn’s eyes for a few more seconds before he released her and stepped away. She stood alone, her body easy for the first time in too long. The tension and fear had given her a pinched expression, which melted away, and her sweet beauty shone for all to see.
The Alpha regarded the group with his usual impassive expression and nodded once. “There’s a reason I usually make Ryker deal with all this shit,” he said wryly as he rolled his shoulders and neck.
“Go and do whatever you need to complete your business and then come home to us.” His gaze roamed across humans and wolves alike, including them all in his statement. With a short nod, he turned away and strolled away, his body easy and fluid despite a faint limp, hands tucked in his front pockets.
“And don’t take too long. I’ve got a fierce hankering for apple pie.”
Caleb huffed out a laugh and turned his attention to Hannah. Jessie was curled in her lap, fast asleep. The little girl’s face was pale but calm and he reached out to stroke her curls away from her forehead. His mate leaned hard into him, and the tension in her body eased a little as she pressed into the heat of his chest.
“I couldn’t get her to stop, Caleb. She has a similar ability to me but hers is tied much more deeply to feelings and emotions. She is drawn to pain and suffering but too young to understand her limitations. She knows she can fix things and make people feel better, so that’s what she tries to do.” He wrapped himself tighter around his family meeting his mother’s expression of deep concern.
The bond Hannah formed with him the night before and the instinctive way Jessie behaved made him suspect his new family was more closely linked to his wolf side than they realized. The sooner they got everything settled and the family transferred to Los Lobos, the better.
Chapter Ten
It had been all hands to the pump since they’d returned from Los Lobos two weeks before. Stefan and Connor had finished up their projects and Connor had transferred to Hennessey to help with the refurbishment of the diner while their father smoothed the transition of his foremen into running the rest of the construction business. A family meeting had concluded the planned upgrades should go ahead at the diner to improve its prospects of selling quickly. Marjorie and Caitlyn had pitched in to help Bridie spruce up the house, which had gone straight on the market, and they’d already had a couple of promising viewings.
Hannah had been to see the principal and told him in no uncertain terms her daughter would not be returning following the completion of her suspension as the family had decided to move away and make a fresh start. The town was rife with speculation over the For Sale signs at the diner and the Saunders’ house but they had stuck to the same simple line. Fresh start, new opportunities, time for a change.
Mr. Crawford and his little dominoes gang had met with Will and reviewed the books. They were mulling over a plan to take over the diner in a partnership. Life in a small town could be tough when it came to employment, and they hoped the diner would give a purpose and income for their own families. A daughter of one had recently married, and the upstairs apartment would offer the young couple affordable housing. Hannah hoped they would come through with a firm offer any day now.
She checked the time and saw she had enough time before the lunch rush and caught Bridie’s eye, nodding toward the door to the apartment to indicate she was taking a break. Caitlyn had taken Jessie for a walk to the park. The little girl was smitten with her and the shy Omega was easing out of her shell under such adoring attention. Alone time with Caleb had proved a challenge with everyone under each other’s feet, leaving her determined to make the most of any opportunity that arose.
The sounds of ripe cursing and the sharp crack of hammer and chisel against tile told her where he was. The bathroom refurbishment was proving stubborn, the old tiles had been fixed with “crazy fucking glue” according to the latest outburst and she smothered a giggle with her hand. He would know she was in the apartment, would have scented and heard her so she had to be quick with what she had planned.
She ran for the bedroom and stripped off her usual uniform of T-shirt and skirt. The only thing she’d chosen differently that morning had been her underwear. Standing before the full-length mirror, she dragged the tie from her ponytail, pulled her brush through her thick, long curls, and checked her appearance.
She had been turned on from the moment she had slipped into the cream lace bra and thong set that morning. It was so different from her usual sensible cotton sets, and she’d been anticipating his reaction to seeing it. A quick dash of pink gloss made her lips shine, and she was done.
Continuing to draw the brush through her hair, she posed in front of the mirror and waited, her eyes trained on the bedroom door she could see in the reflection. He would have expected her to pop her head into the bathroom to greet him and would surely seek her out any moment.
Broad shoulders suddenly filled the door frame as he paused at the sight of her. A growl rumbled long and low from his throat, and her pussy contracted in anticipation. Her nipples beaded beneath the cream lace as she watched him through the mirror. He stripped his T-shirt in one swift motion as he stalked across the room toward her and she followed him with her eyes until he loomed at her back and their gazes met in the mirror.
There were no words as he reached around from behind to cup her breasts, thumbs teasing her nipples into stiffer peaks, and she arched into his chest, pushing into his hands. She could feel his cock, thick and hard beneath the fly of his jeans as it pressed against her ass and she undulated against him. He growled again and dropped his hot mouth to her shoulder, gripping her with his teeth, the golden eyes of the wolf blazing as they held hers in the reflection.
Something wanton rose inside her, the visuals enhancing her desire as he tugged and teased her nipples. One hand disappeared and the rear clasp of her bra flicked open. She raised her arms to draw the straps down, baring herself to him. He moved, turning her to the side as he faced her and dropped to his knees. His heig
ht placed his face level with her breasts and she kept her eyes on the mirror, watching as him draw her breast into his mouth sucking hard, tonguing her nipples in the way he knew drove her crazy. He watched her reflection, watching him as he pleasured her body, the blatant need she read there ramped her higher.
With his fingers, he reached for her panties, stripping them free, his mouth teasing and biting at her nipples until they were aching, the tips red and shiny. He crawled behind her, drawing her down until she straddled his lap, legs draped over his denim-clad thighs, exposing her pussy. Heat bloomed in her face, and he was right there, whispering in her ear.
“Don’t be embarrassed, sweet thing. Look at yourself, so beautiful and wet. It drives me crazy seeing how much you want me. The fragrance of your cream hits me like a bomb exploding in my brain.” He curled his hands around her thighs and spread the lips of her pussy wide. Her clit throbbed so hard at his words, she expected to see it pulsing in the mirror. Her arousal glistened across her pussy and the tops of her thighs. She watched fascinated as he dragged his finger slowly down her slit and pressed it deep inside her channel. He drew it out and raised the coated digit to his lips, eyes locked on hers as he licked and sucked every drop of her essence clean.
The erotic sight had her moaning aloud, and he lowered his hand, pressing two fingers inside her this time. He thrust hard and her hips jerked against him in response. “Touch yourself, Hannah. Play with those lovely tits of yours while I fuck your pussy.” His command was a deep growl and she grabbed her nipples, twisting and tugging as she rode his fingers.
He smiled at the sight of them together in the mirror. His feral expression made her whimper and buck harder against his hand. She needed to come so badly it made her want to scream and she increased the pressure of her fingers on her breasts. He responded by adding a third finger to his invasion and the fingers of his other hand shifted to pinch her clit hard. The shock had her shouting as she bowed back, her head dropping onto his shoulder, shudders wracking her body.
“Watch, sweet thing. Open your eyes and watch your beautiful body fly apart in my arms. Watch us, P.R. Watch.” Deep thrusts of his fingers punctuated his words and she opened her eyes to meet her own reflection in the mirror. Her mouth hung wide open gasping in air as she chased her release and her eyes shone like dark, liquid pools. She looked wild and almost a stranger to herself. Teeth gripped her neck, and he bit down as he rubbed her clit relentlessly. The pain and pleasure combined to drive her screaming over the edge.
She fell forward, catching her weight on her palms as she writhed and squirmed on his hands. His strokes slowed as he brought her down from the high and he slipped his hand free of her body, although he kept his fingers on her clit, fluttering. He rose behind her, one hand ripping his fly free, his cock huge and hard spilling forth. He coated his cock with the liquid of her release covering his hand and she groaned at the sight of him fisting his thick flesh.
Strong hands raised her hips and he powered home. She was so wet, he slid to the hilt without resistance. He draped himself over her back, arms caging her body as he held her attention in the mirror. His focus moved to her shoulder and she followed his glance, gasping at the sight of the bite mark embedded there. So full of endorphins, she hadn’t realized the skin was broken and a smear of blood painted across her skin. He lowered his mouth and laved the spot with his tongue, satisfaction painting his features as he soothed the claiming brand. He flicked his eyes to hers and grinned fiercely.
“Hold tight, sweet thing,” he growled and thrust hard, bucking forward until she took her weight on her forearms. She braced, pushing her hips higher in invitation, and he rolled his hips and thrust again. Each shove of his hips lifted her knees and she was powerless to do anything other than press her weight into the floor and let him take absolute possession of her body.
A deep growl rose in his throat and rolled on and on as Caleb jerked harder and faster against her. The slap of their flesh combined with his growl and her own breathy pants as they created their own music.
“Love you, Caleb. Love you so much. Fuck me. Oh God, fuck me just like that,” Hannah cried out and his rhythm faltered in response to her words. A hot rush bathed her pussy as he shuddered over her back and then his fingers were there, rubbing her clit giving her exactly what she needed to tip over the edge once again.
“Come for me, sweet thing. Squeeze my cock hard. That’s it. That’s it, P.R. I love what you do to me, Hannah. I love you.” He grunted hard and gave one final thrust as they quivered and then collapsed boneless to the floor.
The heavy weight of his body disappeared and she raised her head in confusion as he rushed from the room. Returning with a damp cloth, which he thrust at her, he spun to the dresser and rummaged for underwear, jeans, and a T-shirt, which he dropped at her feet.
“Get dressed,” he barked as he pulled his own T-shirt on and dragged a pair of loose sweatpants over his hips.
He crouched and grabbed her face. “Something is wrong. I hear Caitlyn screaming downstairs. Get dressed, Hannah!”
He was gone in an instant, his huge body flying out of the room and pounding down the stairs to the diner below. She dragged the cloth between her legs, grabbed her clothes, and struggled into them as quickly as possible. Jessie. Oh God Jessie! She had been selfish and wanted time alone with the man she loved so deeply. Whatever was wrong would be her fault as she had persuaded Caitlyn to take her out to play. Fear and guilt gave her feet wings as she flung herself after Caleb, shoes in hand.
Chapter Eleven
Caleb barreled into the diner, the wolf pressing hard against his skin. He homed in on Connor standing near the door, his hands clamped on his twin sister’s shoulders as he tried to get Caitlyn calm enough to talk to them. He studied the room closely, drawing deep breaths into his nose.
The sour scent of his sister’s terror was thick and worry from Connor interlaced it. Caleb sniffed again as he tracked the room but he couldn’t catch sight or fresh scent of Jessie and his heart stuttered. His cub was nowhere to be seen. He’d sworn to protect her and yet she was gone.
Will and Bridie were trying to calm their few customers as they hustled them from the diner, their fear giving way to anger as a few tried to linger, desperate for some gossip.
Connor shook his head and his throat burned with bile. He swallowed convulsively against the urge to throw up.
The door behind him banged open, and Hannah tumbled into the room, hair flying as she called for her daughter. He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close against him, tightening his grip as she struggled to get across the room to Caitlyn.
His sister turned, her face full of guilt and pain. “I’m sorry, Hannah, so sorry. This man approached us in the park, told me he was her father, and he seemed gentle and kind. I didn’t scent any kind of threat from him and Jessie told me not to worry.” Caitlyn gave a sob before drawing a shuddering breath trying to calm herself.
“Robert was there?” She sounded utterly baffled and Caitlyn shrugged and shook her head.
“He talked about her little brother, said he was sick and wanted to see his big sister. I didn’t realize she didn’t have contact with them until it was too late. Then this other man appeared, older but clearly related, and he smelled wrong. So I tried to get Jessie away. Said they should speak to you and arrange a visit. And that’s when he punched me and grabbed her.”
It was only then he noticed the huge bruise forming on his sister’s face and growled in fury.
“I know I’m submissive, but I’m still a wolf and I tried to fight for her but he had a gun and he swore he’d shoot her if I tried anything. Oh God, Hannah. I’m sorry! If he’d pointed the gun at me, I would have taken him down, but he held it to her head and there was nothing I could do.” Caitlyn started crying in earnest and Connor gathered her tight against him, his face a mask of fury.
Helplessness washed through him as Hannah turned to Bridie and Will, seeking their comf
ort. Bridie crossed the room and grabbed her hand tightly as she spoke.
“What would Robert want with her now? Preacher Thomas was there, too, by the sound of it. Robert married the eldest Darragh girl and they had a boy, must be four years ago now. I haven’t heard anything about an illness, but then we don’t mix with the congregation much, as you know.” Bridie turned to her husband. His normally placid expression was twisted in fury.
“Oh God! Principal Smith said something about the preacher believing it was time for them to get Jessie away from my bad influence. I dismissed it at the time as him being cruel, I should have known better.” The scent of his mate’s fear bloomed sharp and the wolf pressed hard against his skin, desperate to get out and fight for their family.
“I warned that bastard what would happen if he ever came near my girls,” Will snapped as he disappeared into the kitchen area, reappearing with a shotgun in his hands.
“If Thomas is involved, then they’ll be at the church. I’ll show you the way, Caleb. Bridie, you stay here with Caitlyn and get hold of Stefan and Marjorie. Tell Stefan the address and to come as quickly as he can. Come on, boys.” Will strode toward the door, Connor hard on his heels, and Hannah a step behind.
“Hannah, no.” Caleb grabbed her arm and she shook him off as she turned on him.
“I’m coming. Don’t you think for one second I’m not coming with you to fetch my baby.” Her pupils were huge, painted black in the chocolate brown of her irises.
“Okay, darling. Okay, but you have to hold it together. Jessie needs you to be calm and in control.” She nodded tightly and he wasn’t sure if his last words were aimed at her or himself as he grabbed her hand and they ran from the diner and out to the waiting truck that Connor had pulled to the front door. Will sat in the bed of the truck, braced against the cab as he held the shotgun across his lap and shoved the first two cartridges home. The rear window was open, and he barked terse directions to Connor who ground the gears into motion. Caleb met his hard expression as he shoved Hannah into the cab of the truck and he saw Will was prepared to do anything to protect his family. The wolf inside him growled in satisfaction; he heartily agreed. Whoever had put hands on their cub would rue this day.
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