Ashton Grove Werewolves (Boxed Set, Vol. 2)

by Jessica Coulter Smith

  Ramsey approached him. “We need to do something. The pack needs to be given some direction.”

  “Yeah, but it isn’t our place.”

  He tipped his head toward Colin’s family. “I think they’re a little preoccupied at the moment, and it’s understandable. If that had been Harper...” A visible shiver raked Ramsey’s frame.

  “I know, I feel the same about Kendall.”

  “I may be the pack enforcer, but you’re related to both alphas. If anyone should address the pack, it should be you.”

  “I have no idea what to say to them,” Colin admitted. “We lost a lot of lives today. The loss of Kiera and Radha will be deeply felt throughout the pack. Several of the wolves came here specifically to defend her.”

  Ramsey nodded, his eyes suspiciously bright with tears. “And we’ve failed her. I didn’t just lose my alpha female today, I lost one of my best friends.”

  Truthfully, Colin hadn’t thought about how close Ramsey and Kiera had been, had only thought about how her death affected the family, Gabriel most of all. But he realized Ramsey was right. Kiera’s death would impact everyone to some degree.

  Colin sighed and approached the wolves gathered off to the side. They looked at him expectantly, as if seeking answers to questions no one dared ask. He could see fear and uncertainly in their eyes and he wanted to set them at ease, but he wasn’t sure how, this wasn’t his area of expertise. He’d seen his brother and cousin in action plenty of times, had watched Connor in their previous pack, but he’d never taken on so much responsibility before. It made him uncomfortable.

  “We’ve lost friends and family here today,” he began, “a tragedy that couldn’t be prevented no matter how prepared we were. As you may have noticed, we lost someone important to all of us today. Kiera and Radha both fell, attacked by a demon while her protector was otherwise occupied. Our alpha Gabriel is a strong man, none would dispute that, but losing one’s mate... well, there’s no pain like it. He’s going to need our understanding and support during the upcoming days as he deals with his loss.”

  His gaze scanned the group. “More importantly, you’re going to need each other’s support as you deal with the events that occurred here today. You took lives, watched lives be taken. You participated in a bloody battle that will stay with you for months to come. You know that I’m here for you if you ever need to talk, as is my family. For now, I think it would be best for all of you to go home. If you don’t feel like going home alone, pair up.”

  The group eyed one another. He could tell his words had helped some, but they hadn’t had the same impact his brother’s would’ve had, or Gabriel’s. The pack needed their alphas, not someone just trying to give them comfort. As they dispersed, Colin turned to Ramsey.

  “That went a little better than I’d thought.”

  Ramsey clapped him on the back. “You did well. I’m sure Gabriel and Connor will appreciate your efforts.”

  “Come on, man, let’s get out of here. My family is falling apart, but I don’t think they need me right now. Besides, all I can think about is getting Kendall alone. I feel like I’m going to go nuts if I can’t prove to myself that she’s all right.”

  “Yeah, I know what you mean. I want to get Harper out of here, too.”

  Hunter approached. “I don’t suppose either of you wants to go out for a drink? I could use a few.”

  Colin shook his head, as did Ramsey.

  Hunter sighed. “Figured as much. You’re going home with your mates, aren’t you?”

  “Yeah, sorry, Hunter,” Colin said. “But I’ll take a rain check on that drink.”

  “Same here,” Ramsey said.

  “Okay. I’ll be at Lagoona Paradise if you change your mind.”

  Ramsey and Colin headed toward their mates.

  When Colin reached Kendall’s side, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “Ready to go home and get cleaned up?”

  She nodded. “Do you think the sorcerer will have time to come and heal me? I was able to get the demon’s blood.”

  “I’m sure he’ll make time for you. Come on, let’s get out of here.”

  Before she could take a step, Colin swung her up into his arms and began striding across the wooded area. He wasn’t sure who was going to take care of the fallen wolves and women, but he just couldn’t handle it right then. There were more important things for him to do, like take care of his mate.

  He stopped at the Mustang and set her down. Opening the passenger door, he waited until she was seated before walking around to the driver’s side. He got in and started the engine. Colin’s hands gripped the wheel and he noted the black blood staining his skin. He glanced at Kendall and noticed she was staring at him, a concerned look in her eyes.

  “Are you all right, Colin?”

  “As all right as I can be. I was prepared to lose people, but I guess I wasn’t prepared to lose part of my family. I don’t know what’s going to happen to Gabriel. If something had happened to you...” He trailed off.

  “If something had happened to me?”

  “I wouldn’t want to go on. You mean the world to me, Kendall. I know that we haven’t known one another long, but you’re everything to me.”

  Tears gathered in her eyes. “Are you trying to tell me you love me?”

  He swallowed hard. “Yeah, I am.”

  She gave him a tremulous smile. “I love you, too. So very much. I was terrified that I would lose you today. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you had fallen with the others.”

  He reached out to caress her cheek, but stopped at the last minute, not wanting to get more demon blood on her. Instead, he smiled and leaned forward to press his lips to hers, giving her a brief, sweet kiss. Colin wanted to do more, but not while he was covered in black goo. Any amorous pursuits would have to wait until they both had cleaned up a bit.

  He pulled out of the parking space and headed for home. Kendall’s small, warm hand on his thigh had him pressing the accelerator a little harder. When he skidded around a corner, she laughed, the musical sound filling the car. He cut his eyes her way and found her smiling at him.

  “In a hurry?” she asked.

  “Nothing wrong with being a little anxious to get home.”

  “No, but we should get there in one piece. I’d hate to have survived a demon war only to die when you flip this car over. Slow it down a bit.”

  His foot eased off the pedal, a little.

  “Why are you in so much of a hurry to get home, anyway?”

  “Because my wolf is going nuts, wanting to make sure you’re okay. I need to get you home, get you cleaned up, then spread you out on the bed and thoroughly inspect every inch of you.”

  Her gaze warmed. “Well, that sounds promising.”

  He grinned as they pulled into the driveway and he killed the engine. The opened their doors at the same time and Kendall beat him to the front door. He locked the car with his keyfob and unlocked the front door. Colin ushered her inside, locked the door, and herded her up the stairs and down the hall to their room. He kicked the door shut behind them and cornered her in the bathroom. Even covered in dirt and demon blood she was beautiful.

  Colin eased his hands under the edge of her tank top and drew it up over her head to drop it on the floor. Reaching for the front clasp on her bra, he popped it open and slid the garment down her arms, letting it drop to the floor. Unable to help himself, he cupped her breasts, stroking her nipples. Kendall moaned and thrust them further into his hands.

  “Not just yet, darlin’. I think we could both use a little soap first,” he told her.

  His hands felt to the waist of her jeans and he quickly unfastened them, shoving them down her legs, along with her panties. She stepped out of them and stood before him, in all of her naked glory. His gaze devoured her as he stripped out of his own clothes and then he started the shower. The water had barely warmed before he dragged her inside, closing the glass door behind them. It was a large enclosure, with a small
bench on the back wall.

  As the water cascaded over them, Colin rubbed at the black goop sticking to Kendall’s fair skin. He reached for her floral shower gel and squirted a large amount in his hand. After rubbing his hands together to get a good lather, he smoothed it on her skin, working it in gently. He took his time, his hands sliding along every inch of her body. His fingers brushed against the petal soft skin between her legs, stroking her slit. Her fingers dug into his biceps as she spread her legs a little, giving him better access. Colin’s thumb brushed over her clit, stroking the silky bud until it hardened under his expert touch. Swiping his thumb against it, up and down, slowly with the slightest bit of pressure, his fingers teased her but didn’t penetrate.

  Kendall lifted a leg and wrapped it around his waist, opening herself to him further. The water had washed away all of the soap on her skin, but she was turned on enough that she was well lubricated. Colin brushed his thumb over her a little faster, still keeping his touch light. Her nails bit into his skin as she panted and moan, straining for release. He felt the tension in her body and knew she was close. Experience told him that the longer he drew things out, the slower the build-up to her orgasm, the bigger it would be.

  He eased a finger inside of her wet folds, feeling her wet heat welcome him. She cried out and her hips jerked, trying to take him further inside, but he kept his strokes shallow and slow. When she was so close to coming that she was shaking, he rubbed her faster and harder, thrusting his finger in and out of her. It only took a moment before she shattered, calling out his name, then going boneless. He caught her before she hit the floor of the shower and eased her down on the bench.

  “Let me get cleaned up and we’ll do that for real,” he promised.

  “If it gets anymore real, I’ll be comatose.”

  He chuckled and began washing himself. His cock was so hard and sensitive that pleasure shot through him when his hand wrapped around the shaft. Rinsing as quickly as possible, he turned off the water and helped Kendall out of the shower. Colin dried them both off and lifted her into his arms, carrying her to their bed. He had just laid her down when a voice in the dark corner of the room had him spinning around.

  “It seems I’m interrupting.”

  Colin watched as the sorcerer stepped out of the shadows. His first instinct was to block Kendall, but a glance over his shoulder showed that she had pulled a sheet over her body. He looked back at the sorcerer and tried to ignore his own lack of clothing.

  “Why are you here?” he asked.

  The sorcerer lifted a brow. “I assumed you’d want her brand removed. Was I mistaken?”

  He felt Kendall’s hand on his back.

  “Please,” she said softly. “Please let him help.”

  Colin sighed. “Very well. What do you need?”

  The sorcerer moved forward, almost gliding across the room. “I’ll need the blood from the demon. I’m assuming she collected it?”

  “It’s in the pocket of my jeans,” Kendall said.

  “I’ll get it.” Colin walked into the bathroom, retrieved her jeans from the floor and dug the vial out of her pocket. When he entered the bedroom again, he handed the blood to the sorcerer.

  “I know you’re a bit bashful,” the sorcerer told Kendall, “but I’m going to need access to the brand. You can’t remain completely covered.”

  Kendall rolled to her side and pulled the sheet away from her hip. Colin stood nearby, ready to help if necessary. He watched as the sorcerer poured some of the blood onto the brand, then placed his hand on top of it, the palm pressing the blood into her skin. He began chanting in a language Colin was certain had been dead for centuries and then a bright light flashed from his hand. Kendall cried out and Colin made a move, but wasn’t quite sure what he was going to do. He knew the sorcerer was helping her, but he didn’t want her to be in any pain.

  The sorcerer put up his free hand, holding Colin back. “A little pain is to be expected. It will only last a moment more.”

  There was another flash of light, Kendall’s skin glowed red for a moment, and then the sorcerer backed away. Where his palm had been was not smooth skin. Colin grabbed a wet rag from the bathroom and cleaned the black goo from her skin. He tossed it back into the bathroom and turned to face the sorcerer.

  “Thank you for your help, Eric. I know Kendall is happy to no longer be branded like cattle. And I, for one, will be happy to not have to see the demon’s mark on her anymore.”

  The sorcerer smiled. “My pleasure. Call me if you need me.”

  Before Colin could respond, the sorcerer blinked out of the room, leaving him alone with Kendall once more. He gently tugged the sheet away from her body, admiring her soft curves. She gave him an inviting smile and he rolled her onto her back. She’d already come once, but he knew he could make her come again, maybe even twice. Bringing her pleasure was one of his favorite things to do.

  He started to crawl over her body, but she turned the tables on him and flipped him onto his back. He smiled up at her, loving her playful side. Kendall dragged her nails down his sides and he broke out in chills. With a wicked smile, she leaned forward and latched onto one of his nipples, sucking it, laving it with her tongue. He fisted the sheets and his hips arched as his cock hardened even more. He couldn’t remember a time he’d ever been this hard.

  Kendall kissed and licked her way down his body, nipping his hipbone before settling between his spread legs. His cock stood tall and proud, the tip leaking pre-cum, and she wrapped her hand around it. He shuddered at her touch. Giving him a heated look, her tongue swept across the head of his cock before swirling around it. Colin couldn’t contain the groan that sprang to his lips at her sweet torture. She repeated the motion before sucking the head of his cock into her mouth.

  The glide of her tongue along his shaft had him trembling, fighting the urge to thrust his hips up. He didn’t want to choke her so he held as still as possible as she tormented him with her mouth. Her lips slid up and down his cock, her cheeks hollowing as she sucked hard. His ass clenched as he held himself back, trying to stop himself from jamming his cock down her throat. God but she felt wonderful.

  She reached up and massaged his balls, rolling them in her hand. It was all he could take. With a hoarse cry, he let go. As his semen shot down her throat, she swallowed every drop. Colin relaxed into the bed, breathing heavily. Kendall licked him clean before kissing her way back up his body.

  “That was amazing, sweetheart,” he told her, burying his hand in her hair.

  “Well, you gave me one of the best orgasms I’ve ever had when we were in the shower. I figured the least I could do was repay you.”

  He frowned. “Repay me?”

  “Okay, bad choice of words, but you know what I mean. I just wanted to give you as much pleasure as you’d given me.” Her hands caressed him.

  “You always give me pleasure, Kendall. Just being with you brings me pleasure.”

  “Kiss me,” she said softly.

  He tugged her down, his lips moving against hers. As her tongue slipped into his mouth, he rolled them so that she lay beneath him. He braced his weight so he didn’t crush her, but his hips were pressed against hers. Surrounded by the scent and taste of her, his cock began to rise once more. He pulled back and looked into her beautiful eyes.

  “Take me, Colin. I want you.”

  He kissed her neck. “Roll over.”

  Colin lifted off of her and she rolled to her hands and knees. He placed his hands on her hips and lined his cock up with her slit. Pressing forward, he slowly sank into her until he was buried balls deep inside of her. She was hot, and wet, and so damn tight. Her pussy encased him like a glove. He drew back his hips and plunged forward again. Colin took up a slow and steady rhythm, thrust and retreat, over and over.

  “You feel so damn good,” he growled.

  “More, Colin. I want more,” she begged.

  He hammered into her, hard and fast, his grip tightening on her hips. She threw h
er head back and cried out, her pussy tightening until it felt like she was going to squeeze his cock off. Her cream coated him as she came and the pleasure was almost too much to bear. A fine sheen of sweat covered them as he fucked her. One orgasm turned into two, and as her channel fluttered around his cock once more, he let go, howling out his release.

  Kendall collapsed onto the bed and Colin followed her down, bracing his weight on his elbows. He pulled his hips back, easing out of her and rolled to his side. Draping an arm over her waist, he kissed her shoulder. She smiled at him, a sleepy smile, and snuggled into his side.

  “You know, I didn’t think to use protection this time.”

  “We haven’t really discussed kids, but now that the demons are gone, I wouldn’t be opposed to starting a family with you.”

  His hand caressed the soft skin of her back. “You mean that?”

  “Yeah, I mean it. I want forever with you, Colin. You’re my mate, my everything. Having children with you would be a dream come true. I once thought I would be alone for the rest of my life. You rescued me in more ways than one when you found me on that highway. I never want to spend a day away from you. We’re partners in every sense.”

  He trailed the backs of his fingers across her cheek. “You’re an amazing woman, you know that? I love you, Kendall. Always.”

  With tears in her eyes, she pressed her lips to his. “I love you, too. So very much.”

  “Rest now.”

  She smiled at him once more before closing her eyes. It wasn’t long before her breathing evened out. Colin stayed awake for a while, just watching her, marveling at the fact that she was his and that she was safe. Tomorrow was soon enough to deal with the fallout from the battle. Today, today he would worship Kendall with his body, shower her with love, and be the best mate he could be.