“There were two hunters outside of your house and very surprised to see me here.” Zac twisted the door handle and tried to prepare himself for not seeing his mate’s daughter. The wood swung toward the wall and he found Annmarie on a pink blanket with two dolls in her hands. A purple hat covered her head instead of the brown one from earlier. Zac caught pegs installed on the wall next to her, holding about a dozen hats and some of the pegs were empty.
“What? Is dinner ready?” Her face lit up and Rayne shook her head. Zac scanned the six-year old’s room and found more dolls of all sizes and more pink and purple than he thought possible.
“You have another ten minutes.” She smiled at her. Zac adjusted his weight and glanced out the window. A bush moved outside and the tension in his shoulders didn’t ease.
“Shit, stay with her.” He pointed toward Annmarie and raced back down the hallway and turned right when the living room opened up. A glass door gave him a good view of someone climbing the fence to the alley. Before he managed to push his beast down, he took over and crashed into the door making it shatter. A loud growl vibrated in his chest as he picked up speed. The new male’s scent filled his lungs mixed with fear. Damn right, you better be fucking scared! His wolf bared his teeth, ready to tear into the fucker.
“You said the mammoth fucker left,” a voice, different than the other two in the car from the front, called out in frustration as he reached the top of the wood fence. Zac’s paws ate at the grass, inching closer to the guys trying to harm his mate.
“Hurry up,” the deeper second voice hissed back. Zac lurched forward and caught the man’s fucking shoe in his mouth while his claws sunk into his leg. He fumbled back toward his escape and landed with a thud. Blood lingered in the air but not enough to give Zac hope he’d die from the wounds. Zac scanned the wood fence looking for a gate of some kind. He already broke her door, he didn’t want to chew a hole in her wood planks.
When he caught sight of the gate on the other end of the yard, he raced toward it. Tires kicked up gravel and zoomed down the alley faster than him. He broke the hinges of the gate and it gave way with a crunch when it hit the gravel. Zac scanned the alley but only caught the lingering scents of the hunters. The same fucking car from the front had turned and vanished. He logged their scents into memory, one sour, one citrus, another had earthy tones, and the last reminded him of cedar. Zac headed back into Rayne’s house. At least we stopped them before they grabbed Annmarie. His wolf resisted the urge to growl and Zac’s human side knew the words still felt hollow because they would probably come back like they did for Cora.
“Did you catch them?” Rayne held her daughter close. Fear filled her brown gaze. Zac shook his head before shifting back into his human form.
“I made one bleed, but he fell off the top of your fence.” He shrugged. “Do you have an extra door?” He waved toward the shattered glass.
“Nope. Jacob…” She paused and glanced at Annmarie. “He used the last one we had two months ago.”
“We’ll eat, and you can stay at my house tonight.” Zac shoved his hands through his hair debating on how to track down the men who threatened Rayne.
“I’m sure it will be fine. You scared them off, I doubt they’ll come back.” Rayne set Annmarie down inside away from the shards. The scent of garlic wafted off the dish in the oven, giving the place a homey feeling. The small kitchen matched the squished couch in the living room.
“And I didn’t make a suggestion. I’m not taking a chance on the possibility I scared the shit out of them.” Zac shook his head. “Annmarie, go grab your backpack and put some clothes inside.”
“What about my dolly?” She bounced on her toes.
“Just two.” He lifted two fingers to emphasize it for the little girl. She smiled at him and raced down the hallway. He may be good with kids, but the idea of raising another man’s child made his stomach turn.
“You can’t just storm into my home and boss me around.” Rayne ground her teeth and placed her hands on her hips. His mouth dried up as he admired her beautiful curves. Dang it, I need to focus on keeping her safe. Her stubbornness could get her killed.
“And I can’t leave my mate and her daughter unprotected at a house where hunters are obviously watching her.” He waved toward the back yard. “They knew Jacob left you and must have thought now would be the perfect time to kill you and take her.” Zac didn’t like the fear filling her eyes but he needed to get her out of this crappy house.
“I can protect my daughter.” Rayne walked into the kitchen leaving him alone and tossed a pair of shorts toward him.
“I don’t doubt you would put up a hell of a fight but one angry mom against four hunters with silver flaking blades… let’s just say I don’t like those odds.” He yanked up the elastic-waisted shorts and they stretched to the limit. Memories of seeing Maple all cut up still haunted his fucking dreams and she wasn’t his mate.
“Fine. We’ll stay at your house tonight then we’ll discuss it.” She turned after pulling out dinner from the oven. “And there will be a discussion, not you bossing me around. I know you have this alpha mentality, but I’m just as strong as you.” Rayne yanked out a knife and stabbed the lasagna, the blade sunk through the cooked noodles and the metal pan then stopped with the tip in the stove. He took a moment and strolled over to her.
“If I thought we’d be safe here, I wouldn’t force the issue.” He wrapped his arms around her and her shoulders relaxed against him. “I can’t even imagine losing you especially after imprinting.” He kissed her shoulder and she sighed. Her aroma had a different familiar scent to it, something he smelled before but in the heat of the moment, he couldn’t put his finger on it. He didn’t want to start another argument.
“I’m ready, Mom and Zac,” Annmarie called out behind him. Zac turned and found her smiling brightly. If he convinced Rayne to complete the bond with him, he would become a dad to the little one standing inches away from him. Am I really ready to be a dad?
Chapter Five
Rayne
Rayne sat on a bed with Annmarie laying down. She glanced at the dragon figurines on the nightstand next to Annmarie’s bed, her daughter didn’t listen very well since she managed to sneak them into her backpack. Her little girl really liked collecting the little colorful pieces of clay and brought five of them to Zac’s house. Rayne had found someone who handmade them in Wyoming and once a month, she ordered a new one. They made her little girl happy. Annmarie’s eyes fluttered closed as Rayne read a goodnight story. She knew better than to stop just yet. After a dozen failed attempts, she learned to wait a full minute. Any less and she would wake up and take another half hour to fall asleep. The light bounced off one of the dragon’s wings, and she made a mental note to order a new one tomorrow. The door opened behind her and Rayne put up her finger as she kept reading.
“And they lived happily ever after.” The words felt stale in her mouth as she closed the book then kissed Annmarie’s forehead. She ignored the major elephant-sized problem of what to do about Zac when they at dinner earlier. With Annmarie falling asleep she couldn’t ignore it. I can be strong no matter what!
“Love you, Mommy.” Annmarie’s eyes were still closed as she rolled to her side, seconds later her breathing evened out and Rayne crept out of the room. Zac offered his hand to her after she turned off the light and closed the door. She took it and followed him down the hallway, past a set of stairs leading to the main floor. Her stomach raged like bees zooming about. Any second they would be completely alone with nothing to hold them back. Her heart raced. Plush cream carpets and darker white walls gave a sense of cleanliness. That would probably change if we stayed. Owning the hotel must do Zac well in the financial department with all of the nice stuff just laying around. Pictures of his family hung on the wall.
“You have a nice home.” Rayne licked her lower lip when they entered a large bedroom. The color scheme continued. The wood headboard caught her attention with very ornate carvings i
nto the light brown wood.
“I’m hoping you’ll help give it a feminine touch soon.” He smirked and walked into the bathroom leaving her alone. Black satin sheets and a thick blanket of the same shade covered the bed while nothing covered the darker cream walls. Simple came to mind as she took a sneak peek of his… wait, it’s a walk-in closet. Hints of envy rolled through her gut, but she pushed it down. Jacob had promised her for years they would save up for one. That never happened.
“So, are you sure you want to be talking about this mating bond in your room? Seems kind of counterproductive.” She turned, and her eyes took in his bare chest. Somehow his skin had a light tan covering taut abs. Her core clenched with need and she barely made herself lift her gaze to stare into his eyes. Fire burned in his sky-blue gaze and she tried to keep her own wants to herself. Her wolf licked her lips, ready to devour Zac.
“If I’m honest with you I don’t want to talk.” He shook his head and strolled toward her. “No, I want to toss your sweet ass onto my bed and love you till you pass out.” A wicked grin lifted his lips for a moment making her heart race.
“I don’t know if we should.” She stepped back till her legs hit the sheets. Shit! Come on Rayne, think! Zac shoved his hands through his black hair and her stomach tightened.
“Why?” His brow arched, and she tried to think of all the reasons she shouldn’t jump into his bed. Her wolf growled, she wanted to be with Zac no matter their obstacles. I’m pregnant with Jacob’s child, she reminded her beast.
“Because…” She swallowed hard. His hands wrapped around her hips bringing her close. Her heart fluttered in her chest. I’m so failing at convincing him to stop.
“How about this, tonight we won’t complete the bond, but I will make you cum other ways.” His hands hooked on her shirt and lifted it up. Butterflies zoomed around her tummy at the motion. The most un-sexy bra covered her tender breasts, but he still eyed them like they were made of gold. With a flick of his wrist against her back, the bra fell to the ground.
The pressure released and a sigh left her lips. He grinned like he won first place in a race. Taking off her freaking bra always ranked as the best feeling in the world. Part of her considered not wearing one like she had with her last pregnancy. One of his large hands wrapped around her right boob and she gasped with the sensation. Damn, they are already pretty sensitive.
“Gentle please. they’re…” Her train of thought vanished when his hot mouth covered her nipple. His teeth grazed against the top and she grabbed his shoulders. “Too much.” She let out a shaky breath and he nodded.
“Okay. No teeth.” He winked kissing the other side. She leaned into his touch and her legs quivered. The zip of her pants reached her ears and her breath caught in her lungs. She didn’t think she could say no to him if he went farther than promised. His hands dipped into the sides of her jeans and pulled them down while dropping to his knees. Before she managed to figure out his plan, his tongue flicked over her clit.
“Oh, goddess above.” She grabbed his shoulders as pleasure zipped up her body. He spread her legs and repeated his sweet stroke. Her knees buckled and she fell back onto the sheets. Now he had better access to her center. And her will to stop him exploring her body vanished.
“I’m going to enjoy this no matter how much it hurts.” He grinned up at her and nipped at her inner thigh. Slowly he inched up her leg trailing kisses and nips as he went. For a second, he stilled and inhaled making her heart race. Instead of asking questions he resumed his trail up to her center. One of his fingers pressed against her entrance and she gasped. Deep down she wanted it to be his cock, but she kept the thought to herself. They couldn’t complete the bond on a brittle foundation. She didn’t want to repeat past mistakes and bind herself to a man who might walk away.
In unison, his tongue sucked her clit while his finger pressed into her core. Pure pleasure raced up her body almost sending her into a sudden orgasm. She tried to ground herself by grabbing the sheets. Heat washed up her flesh as the orgasm threatened to take over. Yet he didn’t stop there. He slid another finger inside and moved at a steady pace. Each stroke brought her closer to bliss.
“Oh, Zac. So close.” She gasped and tipped her hips up to give him better access to her body. Pleasure pulsed through her nerves. His fingers kept moving but he stopped licking her.
“So beautiful.” He picked up his pace with his fingers. His tongue swirled around her clit, sweet freaking torture made her whole body quiver. She almost gave in to him and completed the bond. But she shoved down the thought. The moment he sucked her little bundle back into his mouth, every nerve cried out in release.
“Yes!” She gasped as another wave crashed under her flesh. Somehow this one topped any orgasm her ex gave her. He crawled up like a wolf on the prowl, kissing her inner thigh, her belly, between her tits then barely brushed lips over the tip of her nipple which made her back arch up. He didn’t take the hint as he nipped at her shoulder before pressing his lips to hers, she tasted herself on his tongue. Maybe I should complete the bond with him. Rayne took in a breath squishing down the urge.
She wished she wasn’t fucking pregnant, then she’d throw caution to the wind. Rayne bit her lip, she had no clue on how to tell him she was pregnant.
Chapter Six
Zac
Zac walked around the house in his wolf form. He only shifted back to open and close the back door. He’d patrolled his home before, but this time the stakes were higher. As he passed the fence for the second time his beast calmed down. His thoughts changed from protection to what he did with Rayne the night before. After finally finding this mate, he didn’t fucking complete the bond because he knew about her secret. She’s fucking pregnant already. His wolf padded toward his room where Rayne slept in his bed. She bolted up and looked around. Her skin paled and her hand snapped up to cover her mouth. His mouth dried at the sudden fear in her eyes. Before he finished his shift back to his human form, she sprinted to the bathroom and vomited in the toilet.
“Are you okay?” He sped after her and rubbed her back. This could be the morning sickness he heard so much about.
“Damn it. Not again.” She groaned and put her forehead on her arm. Her blonde hair covered most of her face.
“What do you mean?” Zac asked but she shook her head. He wanted her to confess about the pregnancy and not push her. His wolf paced at the edge not liking this one bit.
“It’s nothing. I’ll be fine in a few minutes.”
“Mom?” Annmarie called out, her feet inching toward the bathroom. Two freaking kids I would be raising, and they aren’t even mine! His wolf sighed, he didn’t care about raising Annmarie. But his human side didn’t like the whole idea of it.
“Yes, sweetheart.” She flushed the toilet leaving Zac confused as hell.
“Your scent is still funny.” Annmarie squished her nose up and stayed at the edge of the bathroom. He barely resisted the urge to tell Annmarie her dear mother was pregnant again.
“What do you need?” She pushed back her hair.
“Food. I don’t know where the cereal is.” She folded her arms in front of her chest.
“Go to the kitchen and I’ll be right there.” Zac lifted Rayne from the ground and walked her back to bed. Annmarie scurried off leaving them alone. “Tell me what’s going on.” Zac scented the air and Rayne winced.
“I planned on telling you.” Rayne kept her eyes closed and her shoulders fell.
“Are you pregnant?” He pushed confusion into his voice. His wolf huffed and rolled his eyes. He wanted to be livid with her, but he couldn’t bring himself to it. They had just imprinted and her life had been her own before now.
“Yes,” Rayne whispered. He grabbed her chin and after a second her lids slid up to meet his gaze.
“How long have you known?” The need to clear everything up burned deep in his soul.
“Yesterday morning after the bastard left me and hours before we imprinted.” She swallowed hard. “
How was I supposed to tell you? When would I have?” She lifted up her arms for a second then dropped them. If they completed the bond and stayed together, he’d become a father to not just one but two pups who already had a father. I want Rayne no matter what or who she comes with, his wolf piped in, but Zac pushed him back.
“I…” He shoved his hand through his hair and leaned away from Rayne. Zac knew everything and didn’t have anything else to say so he moved to stand but she stopped him.
“If I could go back and avoid my ex when I went in heat last, I would. But I can’t terminate a child’s life because it’s inconvenient.” She placed her hand over her stomach.
“I’m not sure if I’m ready for kids myself or even to take care of someone else’s child.” He didn’t like the pain in her gaze. She let go of his arms and squared her shoulders.
“Well, I can’t lose my wolf over your hang-ups. So, you let me know what you can do and if we need to complete the bond so we don’t lose the pack then fine.” She rolled away from him and stormed out of the room. This shouldn’t be fucking happening! He shoved his hands through his hair and then followed close behind.
“This isn’t what I expected to happen when I found my mate!” he yelled down the hall. She halted and her back turned rigid.
“And I had expected to be mates with Jacob at eighteen. Look what happens when we have high expectations,” she snapped back. He reached her before she descended the stairs and pressed her against the wall.
“Damn it, woman. I’ve been wanting you for years.” He kissed her, and she melted in his arms. The ways she reacted to his touch sent blood straight to his groin. When he leaned back the fire of lust still lit her eyes.
“And my wolf has been telling me you’re my mate. It doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy.” She let out a shaky breath. “If you want me, I come with two children and a mess load of baggage.” She rubbed her chest before meeting his gaze.
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