by Crissy Smith
The last straw was seeing another man, a stranger, touching and speaking into her ear. Without even realizing what he’d been doing he’d almost pounced, only to be stopped by his Alpha.
Now, shaking and sweating from where Shawn pinned him, Alex had to struggle not to fight. Emotions still swamped him and he couldn’t see reason. His wolf wanted to get to Angel and claim her in front of the others. To let the men in the room know that she belonged to him and only him.
“That’s it,” Shawn crooned in his ear. “Let it go. Get control once again.”
His vision, which at some point had grayed, cleared. He peered up at his leader, trying to tell him how sorry he was for snapping.
“It’s fine,” Shawn replied to his silent plea. “Everyone here understands.”
Did they? They weren’t shifters. Plus, he wasn’t even certain he knew exactly what had happened. Shit! What must Angel think? He closed his eyes in embarrassment.
“Ready to get up?” Shawn asked gently.
Better face the music. He nodded and accepted the hand that his Alpha had offered. Once on his feet, Alex raised his head to see Angel close by. The two Guardians stepped away at the same time Shawn’s bulk disappeared.
Angel’s gaze met his. Alex wasn’t sure what he’d been expecting but the compassion visible was a shock. He held out his hand and she leaped to take it within hers. He pulled her against his body, wrapping his arms around her. Burying his nose into her neck, peace settled through him.
She was rubbing his back while peppering kisses against his neck. Clarity back, he squeezed her once more, easing his hold. He didn’t let her go but instead tucked her into his side.
“I apologize for my behavior,” he told Caspar.
“As do I.” Caspar held out his hand. “I know better than to be so close to a shifter’s mate when the claiming hasn’t been completed. I was worried about Angel and wasn’t thinking clearly.”
Alex shook his hand. It rankled that he had to show any sort of submission to a stranger in his home but Caspar’s dominance was even stronger than his Alpha’s. Plus, he could easily pick up Angel’s respect and care for the man. After the tension with Kieran, he didn’t want that to extend to the rest of Angel’s team.
“I’ll grab the coffee,” Remy offered. Alex glanced up at Remy, receiving a nod of approval.
He flushed slightly. He’d lost control not only in front of his Alpha and his mate but Remy, a strange shifter in his territory.
Angel was tugging him to the table so he couldn’t worry about it just then. Angel slipped into one of the chairs against the wall. He scooted his chair closer to hers before settling on the sturdy seat. He placed his arm around her shoulder as she instantly cuddled into his embrace. Having her acknowledge his claim calmed his wolf, until, inside, he actually felt his animal stretch in contentment.
Remy arrived at the table with mugs and containers of sugar and milk. He hurried back, grabbing the coffee pot while they shuffled around cups. Once he had a full mug he took a strong whiff. He’d used his favorite southern blend that included pecans. The rich aroma drifted to his nose, making him smell home.
Beside him, Angel took a small sip of the hot drink and moaned. “This is good,” she told him.
Instead of commenting, Alex had to shift slightly in his chair as his body came alive at the sound she’d made. His hard cock pressed against the zipper of his jeans. Since he was in a room with others like him he needed to contain his arousal. The scent would be too easy to recognize.
Kieran grunted across from him, drawing his attention. He had his nose buried in his cup. He glanced up and grinned. “I need to take some of this with me.”
Alex laughed. “It’s a local company. I’ll get you a pound or two.”
The transformation that overtook Kieran was startling. Instead of the dangerous being that had pounded on someone not less than ten minutes ago, he was practically bouncing in his spot.
Angel giggled softly while Caspar appeared used to the change in Kieran and looked at him like an amused parent.
“You’ve just found the secret to getting along with K,” Remy told him with a wink.
Shawn cleared his throat. “Shall we discuss our next move?” he asked, pulling them back to the reason they were all there.
“I don’t think we’ll get anything more from Emilio here,” Caspar commented. “I’d like to take him back to our home base. The others are already locked up.”
“I agree.” Shawn nodded.
“What about the other three?” Remy questioned. “We sent people to Lubbock but they couldn’t come up with anything.”
Marcus’ daughter Kayla had barely escaped a kidnapping attempt while Marcus had been shot. Kayla lived in Lubbock and had hurried to her father’s aid even with someone after her. It took less than two hours to drive from Lubbock to Canyon so they’d been working on the assumption that the attack on Marcus was connected to Kayla’s attempted kidnapping. Turned out they were right.
“Remy and I could go check it out,” Kieran spoke up. “We know more now.”
“That might be a good idea,” Shawn agreed. “I could send a few of my wolves with you.”
“Nah.” Kieran waved the offer aside. “We know what we’re up against. Plus I don’t think we can count on them still being there. Your Pack should still be on guard here.”
“Yes, I’d say the rogue agents are going to make a statement soon. They’ll either try to finish things here or hit us at home. We’ve captured most of the Guardians that had gone off on their own but we also picked up two men who weren’t connected to us. Hopefully, once we get Emilio secured, he’ll feel a little more…talkative,” Caspar told them.
Alex could read between the lines. Once Emilio was at the Guardians’ facility they would find one way or another to get what they needed out of him. The small display upstairs had really been nothing. He shivered knowing just how damn dangerous this group was. Peering down at Angel, he wondered how she faired with the organization.
“I’d like to leave Angel here. She can set up a secure network between the Pack and our people.” Caspar looked over at where Angel was ticked up against him. “Plus I believe she has some unfinished business here.”
“I’m in the room,” Angel teased.
Caspar laughed.
“I think this sounds good to me. We appreciate any help we can get,” Shawn said. “Marcus returned home this morning, taking Kayla and Chase with him. They were going to shift and run in the area around the canyon to see if they could pick up anything else. I also have my Alpha-in-training, Max, speaking with the Wolf Council,” Shawn told them.
“We’ll drive to Lubbock, but if we don’t find anything we’ll head back up here just in case,” Remy added.
“After lunch,” Kieran stated firmly. “And more of this coffee.”
* * * *
Alex led Angel up the stairs, away from the guest rooms to where the master suite was located. Remy had volunteered to make lunch just as Max and Cassie had arrived from her house next door. Cassie had suggested they grill out so plans had been made quickly.
He was still shaky from losing control earlier so he’d stolen away with Angel to have a few minutes alone. Angel was quiet as they walked slowly to his room. While he always kept guest rooms available for the Pack, his own space was at the back of the house and farthest away from the other bedrooms.
No one came into his private space. Not even his brother and sister. Because he shared his home with so many members of the Pack when they needed him, Alex had found that he craved solace once in a while. Cassie had suggested he make the master suite his own.
At the time Alex hadn’t taken her seriously, but over the years he and his wolf had become more in need of separation from the demands of the Pack. He held his breath as he opened the bedroom door, allowing Angel to enter before him.
She gasped when stepping inside. Grinning, he closed the door before wrapping his arms around her from behind.
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br /> He’d knocked out a wall, making two rooms into one large space. Closest to the door, on the left side, was a soft brown fabric couch with matching reclining chair. The walls were floor-to-ceiling bookcases that held his favorite books.
Across the room the king-size bed was on a platform with a huge bay window. The dark chocolate bedspread matched the rest of the décor. Tucked in a corner was a small mini fridge and counter for snacks. Angel wouldn’t be able to see the bathroom and Alex had to fight the urge to take her in to wow her even more.
“This is awesome,” Angel said, turning in his arms. She looked up at him. “I love how warm it is.”
He grinned back at her. That’s what he wanted her to feel. To their right stood the rock mantle for the fireplace. During the winter, when snow covered the ground, he could see himself wrapped around Angel in front of the roaring fire. “I’m glad you like it.”
She rose onto the tips of her toes. “Is this all you wanted to show me?” she asked suggestively.
Just like that, in less than a minute, his cock was hard and straining for release. Bending his head down, he brushed his lips over hers. “No,” he confessed.
“Good,” she told him before burying her fingers in his hair and holding his head still.
He moaned as Angel licked at his closed lips. Opening for her, he tasted coffee and woman as their tongues grazed against each other and played. He tightened the hold he had on her back, pulling her even closer.
Sparks sizzled down his spine all the way to his toes. Need, almost overwhelming, welled up until Alex had to jerk back his head.
“I still don’t have full control over myself,” he admitted shamefully.
She was already shaking her head. She tugged his tucked-in shirt from his jeans. “I don’t want control.”
He allowed her to raise the shirt over his head. Once his chest was bare, Alex was impatient to get Angel’s clothes off. Kissing her deeply, he went to work on the button of her pants while pushing up her blouse. Only when they had to stop to catch their breaths did they pull back. At that time Angel let her top fall to the floor.
Angel’s body was gorgeous. Her breasts were full and round, encased inside black silk. Alex cupped her mounds, causing her head to fall back. Her sighing while he brought his lips to the soft garment spurred him on. He used his teeth to nip just above her clothing until she reached behind her and unhooked her bra. As her smooth skin was revealed, he dropped to his knees. He ran his hands down to her hips and took one pert nipple between his lips. He sucked while she started to tremble with need. He could smell her excitement and already loved the scent. He was a man who depended on his nose to tell him things. He didn’t actually need his extra senses, though, as Angel was vocal enough. She hissed, gripping the back of his head as he trailed his tongue from one breast to another.
Tracing the top of her pants with his fingers, he teased with what was to come.
“Alex,” she pleaded hoarsely.
He lowered his mouth to her stomach and kissed her skin while tugging down her pants, making sure to snatch her panties also. She had to lift her feet so he could slip off her shoes and socks, but before long she was naked in front of him.
His cock was still stiffer than he could ever remember it being but first he needed to take care of Angel. So ignoring his own need, he gained his feet, picking her up with him. Her quick intake of breath gave away her surprise. He nipped her chin playfully as he strolled to the bed. Giggling, she squirmed in his hold, brushing her chest against his.
He laid her down on top of the light tan sheets after pulling back the heavy brown comforter. Her dark complexion seemed to glow above the lighter bedding. She reached out a hand but he caught it in his. He placed a kiss on her wrist, as he raised an eyebrow.
Lifting her face, she narrowed her eyes. “Don’t tease,” she complained.
He took a step back as he dropped her hand. He bent to remove his boots, hopping from one foot to another. It would have been much easier to sit on the bed but he was worried that once he was down he wouldn’t be able to resist Angel’s tempting body. Instead he struggled with his boots and socks before finally pulling down his zipper. He almost went lightheaded with the release of his erection from the confine of his pants.
He quickly shucked the rest of his clothes. While watching him, Angel had been running her palms down her stomach and up to cup her breasts. Watching her touch herself, Alex could think of a lot more fun they could have next time. He needed her too much right then to watch her pleasure herself. Damn it was a turn on, though. Hopefully soon he could talk her into giving him a show.
He grasped his cock, giving himself a few tugs while her eyes roamed over him. As soon as she licked her lips he knew he’d made them both wait as long as they’d be able. Alex climbed on the bed between her legs, circling her ankles with his palms. Slowly he ran his hand up her legs, forcing her to spread for him. Yes, he could smell her need and arousal.
Barely brushing his thumbs over the wet folds that covered her pussy had her lifting her hips. With his elbows down between her legs to hold her in place, Alex opened her up to lick at her entrance.
“Please,” she begged so sweetly.
He buried his face and feasted while she squirmed under him. He added his fingers and started to prepare her to take his cock. He couldn’t wait to be inside. First he wanted to blow her mind. Plunging two fingers in and out, he brought his lips down to her clit and sucked hard.
She cried out as she crested over the edge, Angel found her climax, arching and clawing at the bed. Alex worked her through her orgasm until she was panting and flat on the sheets. He climbed up her body before using his knees to keep her open. He sought her mouth so he could share her unique flavor. Diving into the kiss, he moved his hips to drag his hard-on against her leg.
Angel’s nails dug into his lower back while their tongues battled for dominance. Finally she relented and let him control the speed and pressure of the kiss. Once she’d given in, he lifted his head. He positioned his cock at her entrance. With her heels planted on the bed, Angel lifted up to accept him.
Slowly he pushed in.
Fuck, yeah. It felt good to have his cock sliding into her slick, sweet pussy.
Before he’d filled her completely he withdrew only to snap his hips then thrust deeply. This time he plunged fully. Angel was already moving in rhythm with him. They clung together as he drove them closer to the edge. Sweat covered their bodies with the force of their coupling. Angel had her chin tilted back and eyes clenched, urging him on with moans and huffs of breath.
He’d known it wouldn’t take him long to come once he’d gotten inside her, but he had to take her with him in pleasure. He braced his knees firmly on the soft mattress and sat back and lifted her ass in the palms of his hands. He held her hips off the bed, driving himself faster and harder.
Her cries grew in volume as he sped up the pace.
“Alex!” she screamed at the same time her inner muscles clamped down on his cock.
With one hand beside her head, he drove in one more time before he lost it. Vision blurry, his climax hit him and he came, empting his seed deep inside his mate.
“Holy shit!” He managed to get out the words.
Angel collapsed back, gazing up at him. The blue of hers eyes were even more amazing than before. The color was bright with the sparkle from earlier, but now they actually glowed, showing her arousal. Still blue, her eyes could probably light up an entire room when they looked like that. He’d only seen them glow once before, but it caused shivers of anticipation that he could draw that reaction from her.
Day Walker—what Angel was hit him suddenly. She’d said she drank blood but she hadn’t bitten him. She was faster and stronger than a human, but that was the only evidence that she was different, if he didn’t count her glowing eyes.
He stared down at her but she wasn’t trying to hide this from him. He wondered if this was why she’d kept her face buried from view before.
Doesn’t matter. She was allowing him to see her now.
With their gazes locked, he bent his head. Raising her face, she smiled so trustingly that Alex knew he’d just met his match in every way.
Chapter Six
Angel knew she couldn’t hide her reaction to Alex’s and her mating. After what they had just shared, there was no going back now. Alex belonged to her.
With gentle hands, Alex cupped her face as he peppered kisses over her forehead and cheeks. She closed her eyes, enjoying the post-lovemaking attention.
“You are so beautiful,” Alex told her quietly.
It was all too much. Tears of joy pooled in her eyes. She blinked rapidly, trying to hold them back. She didn’t know what she’d done to deserve a man like Alex but she was going to appreciate every moment with him.
“I wonder how long we can hide out in here?” he asked while he finally settled down by her side.
Rolling onto her stomach so she could rest her chin on his chest, she peered up at him and just smiled. “I bet not long.”
“I’m glad you’re staying here.”
“Me too,” she admitted. But what about when this was over? She still had a job to do, and Alex’s place was with his mate.
“Can I ask you something?”
The way his body had stiffened while he’d spoken had tension tightening her shoulders. “Sure.”
“In the den, you said that you drink blood. I saw Kieran’s fangs. Why didn’t you bite me?” He sounded honestly confused.
“I wouldn’t do that without your permission,” she assured him. Curling her legs under her body, she slowly sat up.
Alex raised enough to lean his back against the headboard and they were facing each other. Time seemed to draw out as he reached for her hand. He never took his eyes off her, but he didn’t speak either.
“Alex?” she asked. How had he really thought she would bite him during sex?
“But you do want to bite me?” he asked.