Everywhere he went there was concrete, concrete and more concrete. He had begun to feel trapped, hemmed in by his suit and kept in his own personal hell by businessmen that seemed to be lacking in basic common sense. If he had not been the representative for the interests of his clan, he would simply have walked out and not spared a single glance back. But the fact remained that he was. It was his responsibility to ensure that the clans remained wealthy enough to maintain their privacy. The business tasks themselves weren’t all that hard, he had the instinct guiding him after all; it was simply the environment that was taking its toll. After two hours in this place he had immediately regretted his decision to leave early but Monday was drawing to a close, the meetings had concluded with the clan gaining significantly and he could finally return home.
He had left the building where the meetings were being held and was now making his way from this city, determined to get back to the peace and tranquillity of familiar surroundings. He walked along the darkening streets with confidence, there was nothing out there more dangerous than he. His journey took him past a small elementary school and he smiled at the bright colours that covered the school’s welcome sign. He had always loved children, often relieving stressed parents within his clan of their young and taking care of them for hours at a time. His own mother had had difficulties conceiving a second time around and so he had never had any other sibling than his brother Sebastian. Now however, he seemed to be inundated with new children in his family. His mother had given birth to twins and they were perfectly healthy, his brother was acting as a surrogate father figure to his mate’s siblings and his cousin’s mate would give birth to triplets any day. While the knowledge that his family was growing dramatically in size brought a smile to his face, it was a sad one. His mind continued to wander to the mate he had yet to find, imagining what their children would look like. He sighed dejectedly moving away from the school.
His steps halted abruptly as a delectable fragrance wrapped itself around his brain. His eyes closed to savour the scent and he found that his body had begun moving of its own accord to reach the source. The smell was clouding his mind, making it difficult to think, though his wolf had finally ceased its frantic demands. He walked on silent feet as he padded round the outside of the school building, finally coming to a halt in front of an open window. The window looked into a classroom that was on first glance empty but as he continued to scan his surroundings, he finally laid eyes on a woman. She was hunched over a desk, her hands moving quickly and efficiently over the sheets of paper that covered the table’s surface.
Mine, his wolf purred. Our mate.
Ryan’s heart sped up at the realisation of who this woman was and he took the time to look her over. She had hair the colour of the sun, cut short to frame her softly rounded face. Her skin was a healthy tan and seemed to be calling out to him, inviting him to touch. He couldn’t see her face properly or the colour of her eyes as she had her face close to the desk. She wore very loose clothing and he had to resist the urge to growl at the different obstructions to his observation.
I have to find out what she’s hiding beneath those clothes, he decided. There’s too much I can’t see. She’s my mate, I deserve to know everything about her.
Take her, she’s ours. His wolf suggested. Throw her over your shoulder, take her back to the clans and claim her.
Ryan smirked, That’s a very good idea. He had and his wolf had a very good relationship, one where they rarely disagreed. It led people to believe he was impulsive, his actions rash but he could tolerate their accusations so long as he had peace of mind and he did. As long as we have her, we can work on our relationship. Yes, taking her back to the clans is a very good idea.
Do it now.
No, not yet. Despite the fact that they were often in agreement, Ryan was still hampered by reason, he could understand the consequences of his actions. While they had minor disagreements about the methods used, the end results were the same. We’re far from the clans and she, he inhaled deeply, she’s human. We can’t go back the way we came. I doubt she would come willingly. I need to make provisions.
Will you take long?
I only need some form of transport, everything else I can get along the way.
I love the way you think.
The feeling is definitely mutual. “Wait for me love, I’ll be back before you know it,” he whispered to her before slinking away into the night to complete his tasks.
As Chloe marked the work of the children in her class, she couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her. Her head lifted suddenly, spinning to look at the only window the classroom had. There was no one there. I’m just being paranoid, she decided. It’s probably because I’m working here so late by myself, it’s creepy to be in the school with no one about. I’ll finish the marking at home. Gathering her students’ work, she placed them in her large bag and strode out of the building. She only realised how late it was when she was outside, the sky was dark now though she supposed as winter was approaching that was to be expected. She walked quickly to her car, her shoes clacking loudly against the concrete that covered the parking lot. Hers was the last car there; if her father or brothers found out about this she would never hear the end of it.
The drive home was quick but she had chosen her apartment because of its proximity to the school she had just started working at. She loved her job as a teacher, working with the children everyday brought her such joy though it had been a battle to make her family see things that way. They had seen so many things on the news where teachers had been attacked by their pupils, that they had decided it was too dangerous for her to be in that occupation. Chloe had laughed off their concerns, she was teaching elementary school for crying out loud.
She entered the small space that was now her home, the silence pressing in on her. After spending most of her life amidst loud, boisterous men, it was the quiet that was the most unnerving thing about living alone. It was deafening. The front door led directly into the living room and it was there she headed first, turning on her stereo system to combat the quietness of her living space. The living room opened on to the kitchen and she put her heavy bag on the kitchen counter, placing a ready meal into the microwave before heading into her bedroom to change into more comfortable clothes. The microwave told her that her food was ready with a loud ping and she took the meal and the work she had yet to look over and sat in the living room. Her head down, she began to examine the work in front of her, it wasn’t difficult to grade, the children were all about eight after all but there was a lot of it. The marking took longer than she had thought it would and by the time she was finished, she could feel her eyes dropping in fatigue. Staggering into her bedroom, she opened the drawer that contained her nightwear, running her fingers over the soft silks. Although she knew that it was very unlikely that anyone would see her in the expensive chemises, they were her one weakness when it came to retail. She couldn’t seem to stop herself from buying them. She stripped and redressed quickly, quietly slipping in between the sheets and letting sleep claim her.
It had taken Ryan longer than he had thought it would to acquire suitable transport for his mate. There were apparently very few car dealerships open late at night. However, he had made a few phone calls and a very accommodating manager had opened his doors just for him. Money spoke volumes with humans, though for the amount he had parted with it should have sung, danced and opened a Broadway musical. He had never really seen the joy in having lots of money. It didn’t buy happiness, only when you found your mate could you truly be happy, but as he had discovered money could go a long way to acquiring your mate when she was human.
His means of transport acquired, he had driven to where her luscious strawberry scent had led and parked outside. He gazed up at the apartment block, frowning immediately. This place isn’t safe, who knows what sort of lunatics she has as neighbours. Does the woman have no regard for her personal safety? His eyes scanned the neighbourhood around him
and his frown deepened. It wasn’t the seediest place he had ever seen on his travels but its security was laughable. There were no security cameras anywhere near her building, no vigilant guards or dogs. Obviously she doesn’t think about the danger her surroundings present. It works in my favour now but what if something had happened to her before I found her? I would have lived my life without ever finding her. It’s not acceptable.
He walked up the short flight of stone steps that led into the building, the lock turned easily within his grip and he scowled. It’s a good thing I found her when I did. His mate’s scent stopped on one of the lower floors and his scowl turned into a growl. It’s not safe for her to live this low to the ground, anyone could break in through a window. The list of faults with his mate’s place of residence continued to grow. He stopped outside of her door and turned the handle that led into her apartment. The door didn’t immediately open and he smiled. Thank the lord, there’s at least one thing semi-secure about this place. He exerted a little more force on the handle, it conceded to his superior strength and the scowl returned. He entered her home, noting the bright colours that decorated the walls as he tossed the handle to a far flung corner of the room. There wasn’t much in the way of furniture, a small television, a small sofa and a small table. His scowl concerning the lack of security turned into a sad frown at the almost barren place she was living in. It shouldn’t be like this, not for her. She should have whatever she wants; live in the safest most impenetrable place imaginable.
And she will do. His wolf reminded him. As soon as you convince her to come home with us.
Yes, Ryan conceded. I’m doing this just as much for her as for me.
His body instantly led him to his mate’s side and his heart twisted as he observed her resting peacefully against teal sheets. She really is beautiful. He stepped forward and stood at the side of the bed. His heart beginning to speed up as anticipation filled him. I have to see what she was hiding beneath her clothes.
Do it, his wolf urged. She’s our mate, it’s our right.
He pulled back the sheet, she shivered slightly in response as cold air wisped over her skin but she didn’t wake. The sight of her exposed body caused Ryan’s mouth to dry. The peach chemise bared her legs and arms and made her skin seem edible. Her body was perfect, all welcoming curves that he could easily get lost in instead of the harsh angles that he had seen on so many women today. Soon seeing wasn’t enough. He had to touch her, learn her body through contact. His hands fell to her legs, gently skimming the flesh. He could feel his body stirring with interest at the smoothness of her skin but pushed the urges from the front of his thoughts as he continued his exploration. He travelled up the length of her legs, noting with excitement that they could easily wrap around his waist when he inevitable settled beneath her thighs. His hands rested for a moment on her flared hips, his thumbs gently caressing the silky skin. His fingers crept to the curve of her stomach but stopped as indecision rose within him.
Do it, his wolf urged.
There are limits to how far a person should go. She’s unconscious, vulnerable, I shouldn’t even have done this much.
But you know you enjoyed it. Finish exploring her.
His hands were desperate to caress the soft globes of her firm breasts but he pulled away. I can’t. When she wakes, when she wakes things will be different. He stated resolutely trying to pacify his wolf’s request. He pulled the chemise back down but couldn’t resist running the backs of his fingers against the swell of her breasts. Perfect, he groaned. Just like I knew they would be. She’ll forgive me this small sin in time. I’m sure of it. I didn’t do anything too inappropriate, a passing touch that’s all.
His gaze rose from her body to rest on her face and he smiled softly, immensely pleased with what he saw. Now that she wasn’t hunched over a desk, he could take in her small nose, high cheeks and full lips. His ran his thumb lingeringly over her bottom lip and because he couldn’t resist the temptation, he lowered his head and pressed a kiss against her mouth. While his investigations had failed to rouse her, his kiss dragged her into full wakefulness. Her eyes opened, long golden lashes rising as her gaze locked with his finally revealing the colour that had continued to elude him. He immediately felt himself falling into the swirling violet depths. I’ve never seen eyes like this. He smiled. But it only makes sense, she’s my mate after all, she should be unique.
Chapter Three
There was a strange man in her house, practically in her bed and he was kissing her. The thoughts came thick and fast to Chloe as she woke, her mind processing the information quickly. His lips against her own were soft and the feeling he was eliciting within her body was amazing. She felt as though her body was on fire and he was the spark that had caused the inferno running through her veins. Perhaps that was why it took her a moment to remember that she didn’t know this man and she didn’t know what his intentions were. He could be planning to rape you and you’re just lying here accepting his advances? Her voice was sharp as she scolded herself. Get a grip! Her hands rose to his chest and resisting the inexplicably strong urge to run her fingers over him, she pushed him away with all her strength. He was unmoved by her protest, his lips still pressed firmly against hers. Of his own volition he stood up and took a step back. It was only then that she realised that she was uncovered and her body was laid bare for his scrutiny. She squealed, shocked, reaching for the disregarded sheet and pulling it towards herself.
Now that she was sufficiently shielded from the stranger’s gaze, Chloe took the time to peruse the body of the man who had broken into her house. Her eyes assessing him for any weaknesses that might allow her to overpower him should the situation arise. He was very tall, taller than her brothers and her father. It was slightly intimidating but she refused to let him see that. His hair was a deep shade of red, streaked in places with strands of dark brown; it was messy, the strands falling haphazardly around his face stopping just above his shoulders. It seemed impossible to determine exactly how old the stranger was but she continued her perusal nonetheless. He was broad shouldered, with thickly muscled arms and from what she could see from the outline of his legs, muscle covered the length of his body. His mouth was full, sensual, promising deliciously wicked things. A blush rose to her cheeks as she remembered the heated feel of his mouth against her own. Their gazes finally met and she instantly felt herself falling into his brown eyes. When she had first seen them they seemed to look like melted chocolate but now they seemed closer to the colour of honey. She continued to stare at him for a few moments, entranced by his presence, before her wits returned to her.
“Who the hell are you and what are you doing in my house?” she demanded imperiously. Her normally gentle voice was hard but she pushed away any misgivings she might have had. She had not invited this man in; he had committed a crime and assaulted her person.
The sound of her voice, even when angry, was music to his ears and Ryan did his best to savour it. Her questions continued and he remained silent, simply content to stare at her and take in the sight of her but as her scent began to be permeated by fear he decided to answer her questions. “My name is Ryan. What’s yours?”
“Why should it matter to you? I want you to leave.”
“No. What’s your name?” He walked forward, sat on the bed and placed a restraining arm around her waist. “Tell me your name,” he commanded.
“Chloe,” she gulped, increasingly afraid of the man holding her. What does he want? The heat from his body was blistering and she began trying to pull away, his grip tightened, easily restraining her.
“Chloe,” he repeated, testing the sound of her name on his tongue. As he had suspected it would, it felt perfect. “It’s a beautiful name love.”
“Now that I’ve told you, will you leave?”
“No. I’m here for something.”
Anxious to be free from him, she told him what she thought he wanted to hear. “You can take whatever you want, just don’t hurt me.”
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br /> “I don’t want things,” he stated forcefully. “And I would never hurt you. I only came here because of you, I’m here to claim you.”
“Me?” she questioned confused. “What the hell do you want with me?”
“You’re my mate, I want you to come back with me.”
“Mate? Your people? What the hell are you talking about?”
“I’m a werewolf. You’re my mate. I want you to come with me so that I can claim you and we can begin our life together.”
Her brows rose mockingly. “Werewolf?” He nodded in agreement and she burst out laughing. “Oh my god you had me really scared there for a second. Which one of them set you up to do this? Was it my father? One of my brothers? Which one? Jonathan? Daniel? Christian? Come on you can tell me. When I next see those guys, I’m going to give them the longest lecture in the history of the world. I knew they were against me moving out, but hiring someone to break into my apartment is a bit much don’t you think?”
“Chloe, I don’t understand. No one has set me up to this. I’m here because I scented you and knew you were my mate. I’m here to collect you.”
His tone was serious and her laughter died. “Nobody sent you?”
“If you want to be pedantic then Sebastian, my twin, sent me. Well, to this city anyway. I was on my way home when I scented you. I’ll thank him the next time I see him. I don’t know any of the people you were talking about.”
“So you broke into my house of your own accord?”
“Yes.”
“You broke into my house, looked at me when I was basically undressed and kissed me?”
He was fast becoming confused with his females line of thought, hadn’t he already agreed that he had done so? “Yes Chloe, I did.”
“Oh,” she replied inanely before taking a deep breath and screaming for all she was worth.
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