by Crissy Smith
Brian waved a hand toward Jace, Bobby and Mitch.
“First, let her get a chance to talk with each of you then we’ll transform together.” Brian turned toward her and bowed his head.
Walking forward, she went with instinct by laying her hand on Brian’s neck. The spark under her fingertips jolted her but she didn’t release him. “Thank you,” she said quietly.
Brian gasped but straightened as she drew her hand away. “Your power, I can feel it,” he murmured.
Not sure what he meant, she simply nodded. “As Brian said, I do want to get to know every one of you. To build a connection and our Pack,” she said.
She couldn’t resist one last glance over at her mate. Jace stood with his shoulders back, gazing straight at her.
Moving forward, she drew closer to the small group.
Holding out her hand to the tall muscular Spanish man, she kept direct eye contact with him.
“Alpha,” he stated shakily before dropping to his knees.
The others quickly followed.
Respect, need and just a little tint of fear flowed from the young man as Piper breathed deeply. She repeated the same gesture, placing her palm at his neck. She had planned just to meet each person and shake their hands, but this greeting just felt right.
Inside, her wolf was content and calm.
“Please call me Piper,” she told him. “What’s your name?”
“Adam Light.”
“I’m very pleased to meet you, Adam.”
“The pleasure is mine,” he stated firmly.
She patted his neck before she moved to the woman of the unit. She was younger, with pretty, long blonde hair.
Piper felt her shudder at the electric current between them when Piper cupped the back of her neck.
“Alpha Piper, my name is Katy.”
“Hi, Katy, I’m glad to meet you also. And just Piper is fine.”
“Thank you. Thank you, Piper.”
The last two shifters she met were Chris and Kevin. She could already tell that they’d get along.
Once she’d made the way to every member of her now expanded Pack, she rejoined Jace and Brian at the front. Facing the crowd, she swept one last look over the gathered troops then nodded to Brian.
“Let’s shift,” Brian said loudly.
In a flurry of movement everyone started to undress. Piper reached over to grip Jace’s wrist. She turned toward him as she dropped her head to lean against his chest. She just needed to take a moment. Emotions were battling to be released but she wanted to remain strong.
“You okay?”
“I feel good,” she told him honestly.
With Jace’s arms embracing her back to pull her even closer. Piper had to stomp down her excitement.
“I was so proud watching you,” Jace whispered. “Are you ready to run with them?”
“Yeah, I think I am.”
Jace stood in front of her while she undressed, not that it was that important since the others had already turned. Piper took her time handing her clothes to Jace before dropping down onto her knees.
She pictured the wolf taking over and let everything else go. Sharp pricks ran along her spine then she was shifting.
It wasn’t easy to draw a breath as the throbbing started to fade away. Once she thought she had her breath back, she rose onto her legs, stretching her neck out, she howled to those around her.
The answering sound echoed through the bare field, sending tingles of excitement throughout her entire body. Yipping in happiness, she darted to join the wolves prowling the area.
Mitch stood off to one side so she ran over to him first. Dragging her muzzle across his chin, she made sure he was okay. He head-butted her playfully so Piper left him to race over to Bobby.
She was surprised to see Bobby already making friends. Two large wolves that were close to him seemed to be cautious but willing to engage in silly antics. Bobby crouched and fake attacked.
They responded the same.
Just as she reached Bobby, the dark tawny wolf—Adam, she believed from his scent—pounced. Bobby managed to duck, but Piper wasn’t prepared and collided with the large male, sending both of them rolling.
The impact surprised her yet she easily rotated back onto her paws. Shaking her fur out, she glanced over at the one that had knocked into her.
He immediately dropped to his stomach and whined.
Oh, Oh! She rushed over and nudged Adam. He rolled onto his back, giving her access to his belly.
Piper didn’t want him to feel bad. They were just playing around. She positioned her snout under his back so he would flip right side.
The male followed her direction. As he regained his feet, she licked around his mouth.
His tail started to wag quickly, and she knew they were okay. Bobby bounded up to her, hitting her side with some force.
Piper darted after him when he took off at a full run.
He was still faster than she was, but she could keep up with him pretty well.
Hearing the others behind them, Piper let herself enjoy the wind through her fur and the unity of the Pack.
She could get used to this feeling of being complete for the first time since she’d been changed.
Chapter Seventeen
Jace gripped Brian’s hand in his as their gazes met. “We’ll be back on Monday and spend a few days with the Pack.”
“I look forward to it. Last night was so great. We couldn’t have had a better start,” Brian told him.
“Yeah, Piper was so worn out that she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.”
Brian released his hand but grasped Jace’s shoulder. “I know it hurt when you found out I was still alive. I just wanted you to know that there were a few people I wish I could have told and you were one of them. By the time I had any control over my life, six months had gone by since my funeral.”
Jace didn’t blame his old friend. “It’s forgotten. I don’t know what I would have done in your shoes. I’m just glad that you’re okay and we get to see each other once again.”
Laughing, Brian pulled him into a manly hug, pounding on his back. Hell, man, we’re family now.”
He grinned back at his buddy. “I guess we are.”
They were still embracing when Piper joined them at the vehicle. “Am I interrupting?” she teased.
Jace and Brian broke apart, a little embarrassed. Piper pushed under his arm so Jace could hold her. “It was good to meet you, Brian. We’ll see you in a few days.”
“Thanks for everything, Piper.”
They shared their own quick hug while Bobby and Mitch finally arrived. They exchanged goodbyes before climbing in the vehicle.
“Let’s head home,” Jace told the group.
“That sounds great,” Piper agreed.
Pulling out of the lot, he headed down the old paved road to the exit they would use.
This part of the base was perfect for what Brian was doing. His unit had full access to get in and out but still had privacy from the thousands of other soldiers housed close by.
He felt good being back on his old stomping grounds. Even though he had retired so he could settle down, he’d been missing the action. After the week he’d just had he was once again ready to get back to his old life. He missed his bar and friends more than he would have thought.
Glancing in the rear-view mirror, he caught Piper’s gaze. She smiled brightly at him.
Anything he’d been through was worth it to have Piper in his life.
* * * *
The drive went by quickly as Mitch and Bobby talked constantly, discussing the run the night before. As Jace pulled up in front of the house, Piper just couldn’t help feeling relieved. As much as she’d enjoyed being with Brian and the other wolves as well as the conversation on the return trip, nothing beat being home.
Still in borrowed sweats, she couldn’t wait to get dressed in her own clothes, although she preferred to wear one of Jace’s old shirts when s
he lounged around the house.
Following Jace up the walk, she checked out the small shrubs and dying flowers that lined the sidewalk. Now that Bobby was interested in Cody, she planned to either get him to help with the garden or see if she could give Bobby an excuse to spend time with him.
Either way, hopefully soon her front yard would be close to a masterpiece like Cody’s.
As Jace unlocked and pushed the door open, stale air flooded over her.
“I’ll start airing out the house,” Jace said, obviously picking up on the same scent.
“Dinner sound good?” Mitch offered.
“Yeah, thanks,” Jace replied as Piper grunted in response.
“How about coffee?” Bobby suggested.
“I’m going to shower first,” Piper told them. She should probably help but she craved standing under the full shower spray.
“Okay, baby.” Jace kissed her quickly before moving to the living room window.
Fresh salt air blew in, causing her to smile. She was home.
Piper took in the pictures that were hanging on the wall as she strolled down the hall. Photos of Jace’s friends and old teammates started from the living room going back toward the bedroom. Closer to their sleeping quarters, Piper paused at the one photo of her and Jace.
She’d resisted taking the picture and having it added to the others but Jace had insisted.
They’d been just coming out of the water, smiling and happy, Piper was glad to see it. Marcus, the cook from the bar, had captured the moment for them.
Now that she had Bobby and Mitch and the others at the base, maybe they would be able to add even more—family prints showing their connection.
She continued into the bedroom and didn’t stop until she reached the bathroom entry. She turned on the shower letting the water warm up as she undressed. Once naked, using her hand she tested the water before climbing into the stall.
The hot water beat down on her shoulders causing her to moan in pleasure. Picking up the bar of soap she preferred, she quickly started to rub down her body.
“Mmm, it smells like you in here,” Jace said, opening the glass door.
Startled, Piper jumped.
“Didn’t hear me?” he teased, joining her.
She laughed while shaking her head, she had to admit she’d been so far in bliss she hadn’t been aware of her surroundings.
“I don’t know whether to be worried or not that you weren’t thinking about me. I was picturing you naked and wet and had to join you.”
He must have been thinking about her for a while by his hard-on. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him close. “Are you sure we should be doing this with Bobby and Mitch in the house?”
“They know we have sex, Piper.”
Oh, she was aware. Jace was right, though. They were in their private bathroom inside the bedroom. Lots of distance between them.
Humming, Piper used her slick body to rub fully against him.
Jace gripped her hips before bending his head and covering her mouth with his. She opened her lips and let his tongue inside.
His spicy flavor exploded in her mouth. She moaned, letting him know how much she desired him. His cock brushed against her stomach so she reached down and took him in hand.
Jace broke the kiss to groan into her neck while she stroked him. “God, I never get tired of feeling you touch me.”
She knew just how he felt. “Just touch?”
Before Jace could respond, Piper dropped to her knees.
“Ahh.” Jace threw his hands against the tiled wall as Piper dipped her head and started to lick at the tip of his cock.
She opened wide and took his erection into her mouth, peeking up at him. She sucked deeply before she started a quick rhythm bobbing her head.
One of his hands fell onto her head as he gave himself over to her. His stiff cock felt good against her tongue. She paid close attention to the bottom of his mushroom head. She knew just how to get him to the edge.
“Stop, Piper!” Jace pleaded.
Instead she doubled her efforts.
“Baby!” Jace called before putting pressure on the hold he had on her hair.
She frowned up at him after she popped off.
“I want to be inside you,” he told her.
Piper sure as hell wasn’t going to argue with him. Grasping the hand he offered, she rose to her feet.
“Let’s get out of here and to the bed first,” he suggested.
“Okay,” she agreed readily.
She turned the knobs off as Jace pushed the stall door open. He already had a towel in his hand when she exited.
“Thanks,” she said, reaching for it.
“Nope, come here.”
She stepped up to him as he wiped her down. His movements were quick and didn’t really get most of the water off.
“Dry?” he asked tossing the towel onto the floor.
“Who cares,” she replied, slipping her arms around his waist.
He kissed her again—deeply and with lots of tongue. The sloppy touch showed her how impatient he was. She thought about teasing him when he started to tug her toward the bedroom but she needed him just as badly.
They hit the doorframe since neither of them could take their hands off one another.
“Ow,” Piper said, laughing.
“Sorry. Can’t wait.”
“What?” Piper floundered as Jace picked her up, before placing her on top of the dresser to his side.
He settled his hips between her thighs before gripping her hair to pull her head back.
“Fuck,” he murmured then latched his lips on the sensitive skin of her neck.
She shivered as he nipped and sucked. “Yes,” she hissed in approval. Reaching down, she caught his cock in her hand. “Take me, right here.”
“Yeah.”
Positioning himself at her entrance, Jace paused briefly. “Look at me.”
Piper raised her gaze.
“I love you.”
“I love you too,” she told him, just as he slid inside her wet pussy.
They moaned together.
God, he filled her so well. Jace pulled out before slamming back inside. Her back hit the wall and she loved it.
“More,” she demanded.
He yanked her down, closer to the edge, as he withdrew again.
As he plunged back inside, Piper saw stars with the need so intense. Jace thrust over and over until they were both panting and lost in each other and their passion.
Piper buried her face in Jace’s chest as she climaxed, trying to stifle the sound. As soon as Jace started to fill her with his seed, she couldn’t care anymore.
Dropping her head back, she cried out for her mate.
* * * *
Jace felt loose and relaxed as he followed Piper into the kitchen. She was wearing an old pair of jeans that hugged her ass perfectly. It was all he could do not to cup her bottom before dragging her back to the bedroom.
She was also wearing one of the first Anderson’s Loft T-shirts that had softened and grown worn out. She was sexy as hell in his top.
“I think that’s a great idea!” Bobby stated as they entered.
“What idea?” Jace asked, strolling to the fridge. “Damn, that smells remarkable.”
The aroma of spicy Italian sauce filled the large area, making his stomach growl.
“Thanks. It’ll be done in a few minutes. And I offered to go with Bobby to Arizona and pick up his stuff. That way neither of you has to miss work,” Mitch said.
Jace glanced over at Piper. Since she was grinning and nodding, he turned back to his best friend. “That does sound like a good plan.”
“We can leave late tomorrow and get a hotel down the coast. Bobby has never been down there and I thought it would be nice to hang out.”
“Will you be back in time to go to the base with us?” Piper questioned.
“Of course,” Bobby spoke up. He was practically bouncing in his seat. “We would
n’t miss that.”
“I think it’s a good idea,” Jace told them as he passed out beers. “Bobby hasn’t been able to enjoy a road trip and Mitch needs time to unwind.” He wouldn’t mind some alone time with Piper either.
He understood how Piper was feeling, though. She felt responsible for both men as their Alpha and wanted them close to keep an eye on them. He did too, although seeing Piper in full Alpha mode was turning him on and he didn’t want an audience for that.
“It’s a plan then,” Mitch announced. “Now, let’s eat!”
They set their drinks down before making a line to fix their plates. There was fresh garlic bread to go with the spaghetti and meatballs.
Once everyone was ready, they all sat together at the table. It was nice—the aroma hanging in the air while they dined on an awesome feast.
“I still think you should come to work at the bar,” Jace told Mitch after finishing half his plate.
“I just might take you up on that offer one of these days,” Mitch responded, pointing his fork in Jace’s direction.
“I’d weigh like…six hundred pounds,” Piper said with a laugh.
“It’d be worth it, though,” Bobby added.
Mitch dropped his head back over his plate, but Jace could see the pleased smile on his face.
He wasn’t joking, though. Now that Mitch’s life had changed, it might be time for him to consider doing something else. Although Brian was still making his career work, even turned, it was possible for Mitch to do the same, but Jace kind of hoped that Mitch would be around more, especially with the whole turning furry thing.
Before his current visit, it had probably been nine months since he’d seen his friend. Of course, Mitch had been overseas for most of that but still, Jace had missed him. Maybe having Bobby there would help.
The younger man would need a lot of support coming up. He needed to figure out if he wanted to go back to school like he’d said, or Jace could even get him working at the bar if Bobby needed time off. Hell, Bobby could stay with them for free. He just wanted to watch over the kid.
Seeing him joke around with Mitch about their upcoming trip made his heart feel fuller.
Piper’s hand landed on his knee and he realized he was staring at Bobby while lost in thought. He sent her a quick wink before returning to his meal. He needed to let Mitch and Bobby make their own decisions. He wasn’t their dad, for fuck’s sake.