Designated Alpha

by Crissy Smith

  She wanted to push him over the edge. To have him come in her mouth. The little taste of his seed she was getting wasn’t enough.

  With her left hand around the base of his cock she lowered her right to finger herself. Burying two fingers into her pussy, she tried to match her own pleasure with his.

  “Stop.”

  She whimpered when Jace tugged her hair to make her release him.

  “I want inside you,” he told her. He climbed in the water and grasped her around the waist. “Climb on my lap.”

  Hurrying to comply, she straddled Jace so his cock rubbed against her mound. He teased the tip between her folds, and Piper thought she might go insane. She needed him so badly.

  “Now.” With his hands gripping her hips tightly, he helped lower her down.

  As he began to fill her, Piper felt the bond between them sizzle.

  Piper dropped her head back and just let the bliss take over her. Jace’s fingers dug into her as he thrust up in powerful strokes. She didn’t have to do anything, only trust that Jace would bring her the most amazing sensations of ecstasy.

  “That’s it,” he whispered. “Give yourself over to me.”

  She knew she could, too. Jace would always take care of her. Give her exactly what she needed. “Love,” she gasped. “Love you.”

  “Love you back. You’re mine. All mine,” he said, plunging faster.

  Her breath caught and she finally flew past and over the edge. She cried out, clinging to him in climax.

  She couldn’t make out what Jace was saying but soon he joined her and reached completion.

  Panting, she collapsed against his chest. “Mmm, I needed that.”

  He kissed her temple. “Me too.”

  Knowing she wasn’t going to be moving anytime soon, she rested her head on his shoulder and peered up at him. “It’s going to be okay, right?”

  “I really do think so,” he answered, and she could hear the honesty in his voice. “The kid needs someone and I got a good vibe from him.”

  “Me, too,” she agreed. “I felt terrible when he told us his story.”

  “He’s been through a lot. I think we can help him accept the animal.”

  Since that was what she wanted, she settled more securely against him, pleased they were on the same page. She hoped they weren’t making a mistake accepting Bobby into their lives.

  Only time would tell, but she felt sure that they were doing the right thing.

  “Mitch is going to check him out in the morning, just to make sure.”

  She nodded. That would have to be enough for now.

  Chapter Five

  Jace wasn’t surprised to see Mitch already awake and sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and his laptop. Since his friend didn’t even glance up when Jace entered in, he walked around the table to peer over Mitch’s shoulder.

  Robert ‘Bobby’ Gibson’s picture and information was on the screen.

  “From what I’ve found, I’d say the kid is telling the truth. There is a police report on the attack at the rest stop. Although, the authorities blamed the violence on a group of wild animals,” Mitch said without looking up.

  “Well, I didn’t really expect them to say the incident was orchestrated by a werewolf.”

  “Bobby’s story sounds a lot like Piper’s. I wonder how many others are out there.”

  “I have no idea,” Jace replied. “Piper hasn’t even met a handful.”

  “The only thing I can’t figure out is why Bobby was taken. They’d kept him for five days, drank from him, fed him their blood, and then just disappeared?”

  “You think they are looking for him?” Jace asked. He had the same fear.

  “You said that after Piper got away from the man who changed her, he still came after her. I don’t see why these two would be any different.”

  “And if they do come for him, they’ll find Piper.”

  Mitch nodded. “Yeah, but I don’t feel right sending Bobby out on his own, even if he does bring trouble. He’s so…young. It makes me wonder if that was how I appeared before I joined the Marine Corps.”

  “I know.” Jace didn’t think he had ever been as innocent as Bobby seemed, though. “I want to help him but I have to put Piper first. I’m not even sure where to go from here.”

  “I want to talk to Cody. He mentioned his sighting for a reason. He believes he saw something, at least enough for it to bother him. I’ve gone through a lot of classified reports so far but haven’t found anything as directly connected as what Cody reported.”

  “You know, if you keep hacking into the government’s files, they are going to catch you one day.”

  Mitch’s smile was blinding. “Let them try.”

  Shaking his head, Jace just slapped his buddy on the back then walked over to the coffee pot. “Call Cody. See if he’ll meet.”

  “You got it.” Mitch nodded before picking up his cell phone. “I have to admit I never thought I’d be involved in something so…”

  “Weird?” Jace offered. He pulled down a large mug and poured himself a full cup.

  “Cool!” Mitch corrected with a smile. “Can you imagine being able to turn into an animal? A powerful wolf or something else? Hey, what else is there?”

  Jace laughed. He wasn’t actually surprised that Mitch had reacted so positively. That was one of the reasons he’d chosen to share Piper’s secret with him. Every time that Piper shifted and he spent any time with her in her shifted form, he felt an instant pull toward her. The bond that had been so strong from the beginning just grew every day.

  Realizing Mitch was talking to him, he shook his thoughts away. “What?”

  “Are there other animals to shift into? Or is it a wolf thing?”

  Taking a small sip since the brew was still burning hot, he thought about Mitch’s question. “Piper and I have talked about it. We’re not sure. This mystical creature that I see isn’t the same as what she feels. I mean… How can it even be possible? I just don’t know. But if she can shift into a wolf, why couldn’t someone else transform into something different?”

  “Does she consider herself a werewolf or a shifter?”

  “A werewolf, I guess,” Piper said as she entered the kitchen. “Or that’s what I’ve always called it. I guess it’s something to think on.”

  She looked adorable in her torn jeans and faded gray shirt. Her long hair was pulled back with her face freshly washed and glowing. He’d been worried that all the stress of the day before would keep her in bed most of the morning. He was pleased to see her awake and seemingly happy.

  “Why?” Mitch asked.

  “From what I’ve read—which I’ll admit is mostly fiction books—a werewolf is part animal and part human. As a shifter, the wolf inside is separate from the human. I don’t feel like there is something inside me. It’s more”—she walked to Jace—“a part of me.”

  Mitch was nodding. “Okay, so I wonder if it is the same for Bobby.”

  “He should be here soon,” Piper offered. “He just called my cell and asked if he could come over. I don’t think he likes being alone.”

  “That’s good,” Jace said, and offered his mug to Piper.

  She kissed him lightly before accepting the coffee. That small gesture was enough to get Jace’s pulse quickening. Turning, he grabbed another cup to pour himself more while running his free hand down her back, since he couldn’t whisk her away right then.

  “Let me call Cody real quick before Bobby gets here. Hopefully Bobby will agree to come with us.”

  As his friend stood and headed out to the back deck, Jace turned to Piper. “You doing okay?”

  She smiled brightly. “I am. I actually feel great. I had a dream last night and it sort of settled everything inside me.”

  Curious, Jace leaned against the counter. “Yeah?”

  “If I didn’t think it was impossible, I would swear that my wolf side was talking to me. It was like that part of me was telling me that I need to protec
t Bobby. That he is ours. Same with Mitch. A kind of family.”

  Jace tried to hide his shock. Piper never talked like this. Not that there was anything wrong with her accepting the other two men, but Piper had always been a loner. It had taken him months to get through the walls she’d built.

  Thinking about what she’d said, Jace ran her words around in his head. “Maybe that’s what happened?” he offered.

  “Huh?” Piper lowered the cup she’d just brought to her lips.

  “Maybe your wolf part was actually talking to you.”

  “That’s crazy,” she said softly, although she didn’t sound convinced either.

  “Is it?” he asked. “You can turn into a wolf.”

  “Well, yeah…”

  “But you don’t think it’s possible to have your other half contact you in dreams?”

  Piper shook her head but started laughing quietly. Jace tugged her closer by her belt loops.

  “It doesn’t matter if it really was your wolf or not. If you’re feeling good about Bobby and Mitch then I think we’re on the right track. Maybe this is what we’ve been waiting for.”

  She bit her bottom lip while she ran her hands up and down his stomach. “Do you think…?”

  “What?” he asked when she didn’t continue.

  “Was it Bobby here that was making me feel so weird lately? Is it possible my wolf side knew?”

  “I don’t know.” Jace hugged her tight. “I wish I had all the answers for you.”

  “I know,” she said as she rubbed her cheek against his chest. “I know.”

  * * * *

  Piper wasn’t certain if it was the best idea to show Bobby her private spot close to the beach that she shifted in. He’d already seen her in the yard but Piper just felt like she should change forms away from Jace and Mitch.

  The strange over-protective feeling she’d started to have about Bobby still beat inside her and she wanted Bobby comfortable. So, even though she wasn’t sure about revealing another secret to anyone, she would take Bobby to shift where she did.

  When Bobby had confessed that he hated to shift and avoided it at all costs, she had known what she needed to do. After all, she had felt the very same way and it had only been with Jace’s support that she’d started to accept what she was. She wanted to be able to offer that same encouragement to Bobby. And she knew he wouldn’t be comfortable at the house with the two other men close by. Jace and Mitch would join them later somewhere on the beach.

  When they reached the secluded clearing, Piper stopped. Bobby was practically bouncing on his toes in either nervousness or anxiety. She wasn’t sure.

  She turned to him. “Are you ready?”

  “You’re sure about this? What if I attack someone?”

  “There is no one around but us. Jace and Mitch are still at the house and this is a private beach. It’ll be okay.”

  Since Bobby didn’t look convinced, Piper took his hand. The jolt wasn’t the same as the reaction she got from touching Jace. Instead of the shot of love and arousal she felt for Jace, her sensation from Bobby was one of warmth and affection.

  Bobby’s eyes widened before he smiled brightly. “Wow.”

  Agreeing, she squeezed his hand. It was nice to have a connection with someone again. She loved Jace but she could feel herself growing more fond of Bobby as well, like a little brother. “It took me a long time to actually want to shift. But the more I do, the better each time feels. It’s like the old saying, practice makes perfect. It even hurts less.” She paused. “I think… Maybe I just don’t notice as much.”

  Nodding, he took a deep breath. “I’ve never…changed on purpose.”

  “That’s okay. I’ll walk you through it. I’ll be here every step of the way,” she assured him.

  “Okay.” He stepped back. “Okay, I’ll try.”

  Pride had her grinning at the young man. Bobby would have to fight his demons his own way. She knew that better than anyone. Hopefully, understanding his new self would help his healing process.

  If anyone had told her a week ago she would be volunteering to help someone with a transformation, she would have laughed at them, especially since she was in no way an expert. She was still trying to figure things out for herself, but it just felt so natural to lead Bobby into his new life.

  “Take deep breaths, calm your mind and don’t be afraid,” she told him softly.

  He closed his eyes. That was good. Smart. His chest rose and fell with each breath.

  “Find that part of yourself. Just under the surface,” she said. “That part of you that wants to let you.” She closed her own eyes and followed her words.

  Easily she could feel the animal that was a part of her, ready and excited.

  “Can you feel him?” she asked Bobby.

  “Yes.” His voice was low, scared.

  “Remember, he won’t hurt you. He is you.”

  “Should I…? What do I do?” Bobby sounded panicked.

  “Breathe, just breathe. It’s okay. I’m right here.” To prove her words, she glided closer to him. “Don’t push him away. Let him come to you. It’ll feel like two pieces of a puzzle clicking together.”

  Her wolf was getting agitated and wanted to start the transformation. She kept a barrier between the two of them. Bobby had to shift first.

  “Pull your shirt off. Accept yourself.”

  He didn’t have to undress but it was easier and Bobby needed to prove to himself that he wanted to shift. Piper didn’t open her eyes but could pick up his movements. “Good. When you’re ready, take off the rest of your clothes. Just keep breathing.”

  It was several minutes until she could hear Bobby finally stripping off the rest of his clothes.

  “Drop down. I’m right with you. Just stay calm.” She removed her own outfit and fell to her hands and knees. “Connect, don’t be afraid.”

  Bobby groaned in pain as his bones cracked and his body reshaped. She let her own wolf close to the surface and started her own change.

  God, it was painful but she panted through the hurt. Shuddering before dropping down onto her stomach, she just had to catch her breath. She hadn’t been lying to Bobby when she’d said that it was better for her now. She couldn’t imagine how he was feeling.

  When she blinked her eyes open, she could see the end of Bobby’s transformation.

  He was on his side, wheezing and shaking.

  Climbing to her feet, she stretched just as Bobby opened his eyes, staring at her. She wished she could tell him it was okay. He was okay. Instead she slowly made her way over to him.

  He tensed but she didn’t stop. As soon as she was close enough, she nuzzled his neck. It was like a switch flipped in him. Suddenly he relaxed, falling back to the damp grass. Pleased with his acceptance, she continued to rub her nose against him. Bobby rolled to his back with his feet up as she continued down his stomach. He was submitting to her and she wanted to howl in approval. What an experience. Not able to stop herself from checking him over, she made certain he was fully recovered from the transformation before letting up on her touch.

  Once she was sure he was okay, she butted his side, wanting him on his feet. He huffed but rolled over. Backing away, she gave him time to get comfortable on all four feet.

  His first steps were hesitant but eventually he gained in confidence. She backed up a few steps before running forward and bumping against him. Bobby scrambled away. She did it again. Then one more time. On the fourth pass, Bobby dropped to a crouch and took the hit, rolling with her.

  Piper licked him before launching up and withdrawing again. Bobby took the opportunity of her retreat to come at her. It was so much fun! Never before had she been able to share the playfulness she felt while in her other form. They wrestled and rolled for so long that she had to stop and catch her breath. Bobby collapsed down beside her with his tongue hanging out.

  Instinct had just taken over on having another wolf with her and she had to admit, she’d never enjoyed shifting
so much. Wanting to extend the joy, she nipped at Bobby’s side before jumping up and running. She ran out of the clearing and down toward the beach, his heavy paws close behind.

  The air was cool as they raced to the sand. She leaped cleanly over a small stump and chanced a glance back. Bobby was almost on her. Surprising, since he was smaller than she. In their human bodies he was a good several inches taller but as wolves, she towered over him. She hadn’t expected that. Maybe it was because she was older? There was no telling how or why. And she didn’t want to think too much on it right then. It was time to just enjoy the freedom.

  Since she knew the area so well, she had a pretty good idea where Jace and Mitch would end up. Jace had told her where he and Mitch would meet them, so she quickly darted right, changing direction and glancing back to make sure Bobby remained close. It took a few feet for him to follow but when he did, he also picked up his speed. She knew an instant before he jumped her that he would.

  They rolled over the loose sand. Using his momentum, Piper ended up on top of Bobby. There was no doubt that he was having as much fun as she was. His tail thumped happily as she crouched over him.

  When he lifted his nose and ran it under her chin, contentment filled her. She crawled over his body before lying down next to him. He snuggled into her and she closed her eyes. They would just rest for a little bit.

  Never really falling asleep, she lightly rested but remained tuned into her surroundings. She would have liked to nap like Bobby was beside her but her wolf stayed alert and ready to protect Bobby if need be. It was so quiet in their little sand bank that she couldn’t find any sign of danger. Still she remained prepared.

  By the time Bobby started to rouse, Piper was more than ready to run again. She let him stretch and shake before climbing back onto her paws. This time it was Bobby who took the chance and raced ahead. She had to work to keep up with his speed.

  They crisscrossed across the open sand and close to the water.

  When she caught the scent of Jace close by, she guided Bobby in that direction. He easily fell behind her, letting her take over their journey. Piper followed the familiar and amazing scent of Jace. She also picked up Mitch’s scent mixed with her lover’s. It was simple enough to track down the two men. Their location was closer to the woods than the beach.