Jana Leigh & Bryce Evans

by Infiltrating the Pack (Shifter Justice)

  More seconds passed and nothing. What was he going to have to do to get this man to accept him, to accept they were to be a part of each other. Well Vander either would or wouldn't, leaving Kane tired of playing the game. It needed to end—one way or another.

  Before Vander could say anything, Kane moved the towel from his head and his eyes locked onto him. Vander couldn’t speak or move. He couldn’t take his eyes away from the beauty of Kane’s body. Something about this man made him hard, made him believe they were meant for each other not just Waverly, and he made him want much more than Vander ever thought himself capable of.

  Chapter Eight

  Kane dropped the towel on the bed then walked over to Vander. When he got close enough to touch him, he stopped. Tiny drops of water dripped off the edges of his hair and face as Kane watched for any reaction of disgust from Vander and when he didn’t see any, he decided to go a step further.

  He reached out and touched Vander’s face, slowly running his finger over his bottom lip. Vander felt raw as Kane touched his lips. His finger was rough but it didn’t stop the ache that rushed downward. It was like he couldn’t stop his reaction as Vander stuck his tongue out and licked the tip of Kane’s finger. Kane inhaled as he felt Vander’s tongue lick over his finger.

  Vander couldn’t understand what came over him to do this erotic act. He knew he had just started something. He felt he couldn’t control his actions and this made him nervous. He had never had any interest in a man sexually but when he was around Kane, he felt different. Hunger slammed into his body as he watched Kane caress his lips. This small act made him want with hunger.

  Vander closed his eyes, breathing in deeply, waiting for someone to make a move. When he opened his eyes, Kane’s yellow eyes were staring back at him. Vander could feel and smell, Kane’s sweet minty breath blowing over his face as he lowered his lips to his. He waited, wondering if the act would change the feeling of need he was feeling, but it never came.

  As Kane’s lips touched his, the feeling took him by surprise. Kane’s lips were soft and wet as he closed his eyes, then leaned forward as Kane licked his lips making Vander open his, granting Kane entrance, which he took as he stuck his tongue inside tasting Vander. Vander kissed him back using his tongue to explore a man’s mouth, something he had never done before. He was excited as the flavor of Kane touched his system and made him groan. Vander could feel Kane’s breathing getting harder, then realized it was his. He was breathing harder, wanting more, but pulled back when he felt the need to reach out and pull Kane closer.

  Vander staggered back until he felt the wall in the hallway behind him, he touched his own lips, missing the feel of theirs together. “I’m sorry. I…didn’t mean that to happen,” Vander muttered.

  “Don’t apologize.” Vander could see the hurt in Kane’s eyes. He also couldn't stop his gaze as he looked down and saw how hard Kane had gotten from the kiss. As Vander stepped back from the wall, he could feel his own hardness pushing against his pants. He realized he was staring at Kane’s dick and quickly looked up to his face.

  “I brought beer. We have a lot to talk about,” Vander stuttered, not knowing what else to say.

  Kane nodded, turned, and walked into the bedroom, then reached down, grabbing for the clothes that lay on the bed and started pulling blue jeans on. Kane looked up again as Vander continued to stare at him. “If you could take the lasagna out of the oven for me, I will be in there in a few minutes,” Kane said quietly.

  He felt the loss when Vander pulled away, he needed Vander away from him so he could pull himself together, breathe a little easier. Kane's wolf was clawing, wanting his mate, and the man wasn't far behind. He knew it would take Vander time to accept him because of him being human, but it didn't help the feeling of rejection flowing through his body. Kane thought at the Alpha's house they had made a small break through on being mates, now he wondered if he had only saw and felt what he wanted to. What he knew, one taste of his mate would never be enough, he wanted it all.

  Vander quickly left, escaping into the kitchen. He walked over to the stove, grabbed the potholders, and took the lasagna out of the oven. He sighed knowing he just crossed the line with Kane, leading him on like that. Vander shook his head knowing he couldn’t blame Kane. He wanted that touch and that kiss.

  Vander looked over beside the stove at a liquor cabinet. “I so need a drink,” Vander muttered as he reached over and grabbed the bottle of tequila then grabbed the small glass sitting on top of the cabinet. Vander poured the clear liquid of courage into the glass and threw it back. He didn’t let the liquid settle before he poured another glass full then tossed it back too.

  Kane watched from the doorway as Vander drank the tequila. He knew Vander had never done anything with a man before and he felt sorry for the guy. He knew he was questioning his manhood now. Vander wasn’t the type of man that never ventured out. He was a straight-laced man that only had sex with a woman. Kane knew by the feel of his touch and the feel of his pants that Vander was in the moment but moments quickly fade and reality slams into you. Kane didn’t want that with Vander. He knew he was his mate but Vander wasn’t a wolf and he didn’t understand how quickly the bond forms with wolves. “I didn’t mean for that to happen, Vander. I really didn’t but…” Kane voice was hollow as he spoke. Vander poured another drink then quickly drank it. He was going to step back when his leg weakened and he started to go down, Kane caught him and lifted him back up. Vander grabbed onto Kane’s arms trying to steady himself but the alcohol and the lack of food had made him unsteady on his feet.

  “Hold on. You need to sit down and eat,” Kane muttered and took the glass out of Vander’s hand and walked him over to the table and chairs sitting him down.

  Vander didn’t speak at first. He watched as Kane took his glass to the sink pouring the rest of the tequila out, then grabbing two glasses down from the cabinet. Silently Kane poured sweet tea into two glasses then took two plates down and cut the lasagna into squares, placing a big pile onto two plates. Vander watched how quiet Kane was when he worked. He had noticed it before but now it meant so much more. He was taking care of Vander without saying anything.

  When he turned back around, Vander could see how beautiful Kane was. He never thought a man could be beautiful—but Kane was. He was a strong, masculine man, and he was beautiful. His face was clear without blemishes and his nose was long but fit his face well, Vander thought. His hands were gigantic. His hair was dark and he kept it short like a cop’s hair. Vander could feel the sadness inside him. He didn’t know much about Kane except what Jewel told him. He never even asked about his family or past when they had went out together. He never cared enough to ask. Vander felt the ache in his chest realizing that he never gave Kane an inch but Kane willingly gave his all.

  Kane placed a plate and glass in front of Vander, then went back to the counter and retrieved his. He sat down across from Vander and never looked up at him. He started eating his food without making a sound or looking up at Vander.

  “Say something,” Vander spoke before he realized what he wanted Kane to say.

  Kane stopped eating, raised his eyes to look up at Vander and slowly put his fork down. “Are you going to eat? It is pretty good. It’s my mom’s recipe.” Kane smiled thinking about his mom.

  “That is what you have to say? Are you going to eat?” The silence was deafening to Vander while he waited for Kane to speak, but nothing was said. “We just kissed and I’ve never kissed a man before. I’ve never even wanted to. But I wanted to with you. Plus, I can feel you and Waverly inside me, like you are there with me all the time. Dude, I am so fucking confused.” Vander’s eyes were sharp but uncertainty was imploring toward Kane.

  Kane swallowed then looked down before he spoke, “It’s the mating pull, plus Waverly is an Omega, we are already connected. Let’s deal with us first. Waverly will contact us when the time is right, we can’t open up the connection only she can. Look, Vander, I know you have never be
en with a man before, but I have, not a lot, but a few times. So this…” Kane waved his hand between them, “this is nothing for me to be attracted to a man or a woman. I don’t want to push you. If you tell me that you never want me to touch you again. Well, it will be hard as hell but I would do it for you because it makes you uncomfortable. I…” Kane’s emotions were starting to show if he continued to talk.

  Vander reached out and grabbed his hand that was lying on the table. Kane looked at Vander’s hand on top of his. Then forced himself to look up. Vander wasn’t frowning but he wasn’t smiling either.

  “Listen…” Vander chuckled. “I won’t say that this doesn’t freak me out a little but I can’t say that I don’t feel something for you or when you touch me…it’s like I feel when I’m attracted to a woman except ten times sharper. I can’t tell you that I won’t freak out if we take this farther, but I will tell you that I have to try at least, and that is all I can give you right now. I have this need to find Waverly. I can feel it here.” Vander pointed at his heart. “She is still alive. And honestIy, I can feel you here too.” Vander could see the smile starting to form on Kane’s mouth. “I just want you to know that I will try to…” Vander blushed, then looked down at his food.

  “I must say that you do kiss good.” Vander swallowed hard and hoped he could handle this. He cocked his head, looking into the smiling face of Kane's.

  “Now let’s eat because I’m fucking starving and I need to crash after I eat. I’ve got to sleep if I’m going to be of any use tomorrow.” Kane nodded as he watched Vander pick up his fork and start eating. Kane got up, went to the oven, and brought over the pan and put another pile on his plate and Vander’s.

  “Listen, do you mind if I sleep on the couch tonight? I don’t want to drive like this and the alcohol has gotten to me a little. And if Waverly contacts us, I want to be able to be together,” Vander explained.

  “Sure. It’s a pull out couch. While you take a shower, I will get it ready for you.” Kane could see how exhausted Vander was when he blew out his breath and closed his eyes while he chewed his food. However, Kane couldn't keep the smile off his face, the man was starting to accept him, whether he wanted to or not. The mating pull was making Vander feel the need to be close to him. Oh, he would let him sleep on the couch tonight, 'cause he would eventually be in his bed. It just hadn't quite hit him all the way. Kane was feeling much better now as he started to clear the mess.

  *****

  “You look like a happy wolf, Ret,” Marcus Grant advised as he shook Retten Wexford’s hand.

  “I’m the happiest wolf there is, Marcus, well except Lex. I think he is pretty happy too,” Ret advised as he pulled out Jewel’s chair for her to sit. Marcus sat down smiling at the happy couple.

  “So I’m always happy to eat with you and Jewel, but I take it you have some kind of information for me and didn’t want anyone hearing it.”

  “We have figured out the company that has been buying up the property before you could belong to Josh Campbell.” Marcus narrowed his eyes at Jewel. “You mean your ex-mate. The killer.”

  “Yes,” Ret answered for Jewel.

  “I thought he was in jail for that, but how is it that he continues to buy up property?” Marcus asked.

  “He has followers and we believe one of his followers is in your pack.” Jewel waited for the anger from Marcus, but it never came.

  “Go on,” Marcus urged Jewel to keep talking.

  “Benny had narrowed it down between four people. Only a few upper rank people would know what the Alpha is doing in business. This person has to have your trust in order to know what your next step is.” Marcus blew out a breath then leaned forward, putting his hands on the table.

  “I figured it was someone who was giving another Alpha information. Who did Benny narrow it down to?” Marcus asked as he leaned back in his chair.

  “Well Flynn Mitchell and…”

  “Flynn? Come on, he is my Beta and best friend. We grew up together,” Marcus growled.

  “Look, Marcus, they are trying to help you out. So listen to Jewel,” Ret expressed his opinion. He didn’t care if Marcus was an Alpha and a friend. If he ever spoke to his mate like that again, he would come across the table.

  Jewel placed her hand on Ret’s lap, calming him, as she waited for the testosterone to calm down before she gave the rest of the names. She knew it had to be hard to hear that you had a traitor in your pack and one of your most trusted people. “Janet Milligan, Orion Holder, and Jon Michaels are the four that Benny has narrowed it down to.” Jewel leaned back in her chair as she watched Marcus process that information.

  *****

  Flynn and Lex stood outside the door as the two Alphas spoke to each other. “What is this meeting about?” Flynn asked Lex.

  “I don’t know. Ret said he wanted to have dinner with the Alpha before he left town again.” Lex checked his watch as he lied to the Beta. He hated lying to him too. He knew Flynn wasn't the traitor. Flynn was old school.

  “Dinner? Yeah right.” Flynn shook his head at the wolf. He knew Marcus would tell him once they left the hotel.

  Chapter Nine

  Vander had to hold himself up by leaning against the wall as the water pounded onto his body. It felt good but he was exhausted and didn’t know if he would be able to walk to the couch. His belly was full and being sleep deprived had caught up with him. He knew he was about to fall down when he heard the shower door open. Kane caught him before he could fall to the ground. Vander’s eyes were closing quickly. The sleep that he tried to drive past all week had finally showed up and taken possession of his body. Kane turned the shower off, grabbed a towel off the rack, and wrapped it around Vander, his breathing had become shallow, and his body became limp as Kane carried him to his bed. He dried him off the rest of way with the towel then covered him up. Vander tried to say something as his eyelids flipped up and down but sleep claimed him.

  Kane sat beside the bed watching Vander as he slept. He was beautiful even in his sleep, Kane thought. He pushed the hair away from his forehead as his mate slept in his bed. He could smell his scent and it was wonderful to him. Vander’s scent was a musky smell. Kane could smell the shampoo he used as he leaned over and inhaled. Kane knew he should leave, but he wanted to watch his mate as long as he could. He didn’t know if he would ever get this opportunity again.

  *****

  “Do you have any ideas on who it is?” Ret asked Marcus.

  “Well, I don’t think it is Flynn or Janet. I just know it isn’t Flynn and Janet, they weren’t told about the last two pieces of property that I was going to purchase. I only told Jon and Orion. I just don’t know. I can’t believe it would be them. I mean, we grew up together, all of us. Orion and Jon have been with me for a long time. I trusted them. How…”

  Jewel hated watching Marcus decide on who the traitor is in his pack. “Marcus, you have narrowed it down to two people now. We will do some checking and we will find out who it is.”

  “I will do some checking myself.” Marcus looked like he was going to rip someone apart. Jewel knew her mate wasn’t going to like this, but she needed Marcus calm. Jewel placed her hand over Marcus's hand. “Your pack needs you calm now, Marcus. I will find out who did this to you. Trust me,” she whispered.

  Marcus felt Jewel’s warmth as her hand caressed his. He heard the growl and knew Jewel was in trouble.

  “Get your hand off him, mate,” Ret growled loudly.

  Marcus looked up in time to see Jewel’s eyes turn yellow and gaze at her mate. “You are a lucky wolf, Alpha,” Marcus advised as he smiled at Ret.

  Jewel patted Marcus’s hand before she removed it, placing it back into her lap. Ret had to be closer to his mate. Another Alpha had touched her and he couldn’t deal with that. He reached out and grabbed Jewel’s hand, placing it at his lips, licking the tips of her knuckles. Jewel gasped as she felt the heat between her legs. Simply licking her knuckles could make her come undone and Ret knew it
. That is why he licked her. He knew she would perfume the air with her mating scent and he loved knowing that it was him who brought her to it by simply licking her knuckles.

  Marcus could smell Jewel’s scent as it drifted into his nostrils. He needed to release some of this tension before he went back to Grant house. Jewel’s scent made him frazzled with need. He knew the perfect place to go and that was Silent Whispers. A club that catered to the supernatural. Marcus had been there many times with Flynn using the same women. Tonight he needed someone who wanted it rough. He needed that extra release. He was pissed off and he wanted revenge, but he needed release some of the tension before he went off half-cocked.

  “Alpha, it looks like our time is up. I appreciate what you are doing for my pack and me, and I won’t forget it, my friend. I will get in touch with you, Jewel, if I learn anything new. I’m eager to get this person under wraps. I want my daughter back and I know whoever this traitor is will lead us to Waverly.” Marcus got up, walked around the table, and shook Ret’s hand. He hugged Jewel, then quickly released her before Ret started growling again. Ret and Jewel watched as the Alpha walked out of the room. They could sense the Alpha’s agitation as he walked away.

  Lex came in looking at his two mates, then he scented the air and smiled. He could smell Jewel’s heat and knew she was ready. Lex stopped, then walked back and locked the door to the private dining room so no one could walk in on them. Lex walked up to Jewel who was watching him as he stalked closer to her. Ret was behind her kissing her neck and grabbing her breasts. As he squeezed her breathing became more erratic, but before Lex could reach out and touch his mate, the back door flew open with their dinner being brought in on trays. Lex quickly dropped his hand but continued to stare at his mate with lustful eyes. Jewel smiled as Ret dropped his hands from her breasts to her arms rubbing them up and down. His breathing was deep as he pulled out Jewel’s chair so they could have dinner.