“Yeah. I know you have a few issues you need to work out with Erin, but I want you to set up patrols tonight, with reports coming in every half hour. We need to keep our eyes and ears open. See if we can get anything from the prisoner now that he’s been stripped of his wolf. He might be a little more willing to cooperate if he thinks it will get him his wolf back.”
“You got it. Anything else?”
“Go easy on Erin. I’m sure she had a good reason for masking her scent from you.”
It was Lucas’s turn to pace. “Wouldn’t you be pissed if you searched high and low for your mate and found that she’d been purposely hiding from you? For years? Not just that, but every once in a while you’d catch her scent and it would drive you mad? You’d follow the trail, only to meet a brick wall after chasing your tail?”
The thought alone pissed Rafe off. Thank the Heavens he didn’t go through that with Mina. “No doubt. I’m not saying you shouldn’t be pissed. What I’m saying is, hear her out before you flip, and remember she can’t hide now. That mating mark will drive her nuts. Trust me. In no time at all, the tables will turn on her. I’ve seen what the dreams are like. Brace yourself, brother. Once they start, there’s no turning back.”
Rafe laughed knowing what happened with Mina’s very first dream. He couldn’t wait for her to have another. Just the thought of her having another erotic dream made his blood heat.
“I’ll take your word for it. Let me know if you need anything else tonight.”
“Thanks.”
Grace and Beth joined Rafe in the kitchen a few minutes later.
“Rafe, thank you for taking me and my girls in. I really can’t thank you enough. If there is ever anything I can do to repay you, please don’t be afraid to ask.” Beth kept her eyes to the ground. Rafe guessed it was a practice the women of Twisted Tail had gotten used to when speaking to the Alpha.
“You’re welcome, Beth. Mina is my true mate, and I will do whatever it takes to make her happy. I want her to be happy here. I know that means having her family here with her and I think that will be great for her. But I want you and your daughters to be happy here as well. We have a full community, with programs for teens. I think Bree and Kenzie will fit right in.”
With everything that had transpired in the last twenty-four hours, Rafe had forgotten about Eric. He had been left behind to watch over his mate and their new baby. Grabbing his phone from his pocket, he hit the speed dial button.
“Can you excuse me for just one minute?” Rafe walked into the dining room just as Eric answered. He made the call short and simple, giving Eric instructions to come to the Alpha house. He felt a little bad for not giving Eric an explanation. The poor boy was probably in a panic thinking he’d done something wrong.
“Mina, can you and your sisters come down here, please? I have a surprise for you.”
The mating connection was seriously better than texting.
A few minutes later a knock at the door alerted Rafe to a new arrival. He smiled at the young couple as he opened the door and welcomed them in.
Eric looked nervous, at best, having never been called before the Alpha before. His mate clutched their young in her arms, prepared to shield the baby from any and all danger they may encounter.
Rafe glanced down to see two young children holding each of Eric’s hands. He winked playfully at them, thinking of what it would be like when he and Mina had their own pups.
“It’s good to see you, Eric, Lanie. How’s the babe?”
“He’s doing great. Thank you, sir.” Lanie beamed with pride as any new mom would.
“Please call me Rafe. I know it’s a bit odd for me to have you rush right over, but I promise it’s nothing bad. Can you follow me to the kitchen please?”
“Uhh, sure.” Eric shrugged to Lanie and followed Rafe as requested.
Rafe approached the kitchen with a little more speed than necessary, wanting to bring Mina’s family back together.
“Honey, can you come here for a second?” Rafe called to Mina to get her attention before stepping to the side and allowing the others to see Eric and Lanie.
Chairs screeched across the floor as Beth, Mina, Bree, and Kenzie sprang from their chairs at the sight before them.
“Mom—is that you?” Eric’s mouth hit the floor as he slowly moved forward.
At that moment, the girls rushed Eric, surrounding him in a giant hug. They broke apart just long enough to bring Lanie and the kids into the fold before the tears, oohs, and ahhs started again.
Grace wrapped her arms around Rafe. “You did good, kiddo.”
“Thanks, Ma!” Rafe gave her a tight squeeze, beaming with joy at seeing Mina and her family happy.
Chapter Seventeen
Hours later, Eric and Lanie reluctantly left, with promises to return the next day. Rafe was kind enough to break her mom’s bond with her dad with surprising ease. As Rafe explained it, the bond was unnatural and therefore easy to reverse. The process took less than five minutes, and Beth smiled from ear to ear when it was complete, feeling like a whole new person.
Perhaps Mina should have felt guilty for aiding in what was the equivalent to a human divorce between her parents, but she didn’t. The only good thing she could ever remember her father doing was not coming home from time to time. As far as she was concerned, her mom could now move on with her life and find the happiness she deserved.
After her mom and sisters were tucked in for the night, Rafe led her to their suite. She had glimpsed it briefly on the tour with Grace. Now that she stood in the enormous room, a feeling of inadequacy swept over her. Immediately, Rafe was at her side, having sensed her concern.
“Why don’t we take a relaxing bath?”
“Really!” As odd as it sounded, Mina didn’t remember the last time she had the luxury of a nice, hot soaking bath. The mere mention of it was heaven to her ears.
“Come on, I’ll get the water started.”
Mina followed Rafe to the bathroom and nearly swooned over the size of the tub. It could easily fit five, full-grown adults. With the turn of a knob, water poured from several spigots. Steam rose from the tub as the water level grew higher and higher. Rafe poured in a small drop of honey scented bubble bath. In seconds, there were more bubbles than Mina knew what to do with.
“Is this okay?” Rafe kicked off his shoes.
“Are you kidding? This is amazing.” With an exuberance she hadn’t felt in a long time, Mina stripped off her clothes and threw them into a tiny pile on the floor. Half tempted to do a cannon ball into the tub, she opted for a more appropriate speed-walk, complete with a small hop into the sunken tub.
Rafe laughed at her lighthearted antics, but Mina didn’t care. The soothing bubbles called her name and she found she couldn’t refuse. Who was she kidding? She didn’t even try.
Leaning her head back, she watched as Rafe pulled his clothes slowly from his body, baring more deliciously lean muscle than she had ever seen. Her mouth watered as he unzipped his jeans and pushed them from his body. Feeling the need to turn away, she fought to keep her eyes on Rafe as he stepped out of his boxers. Watching him stand before her in all of his male glory set a fire to every nerve in Mina’s body. Raw need flooded every inch of her. The force in which the desire hit her came like a bombshell, swift and sure, hitting her harder than she could have imagined. She wasn’t sure if it came from her or her wolf or a combination of the two. Either way, Rafe was her Alpha, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t leave her own mating mark on him before the night was through.
“You know, I was hoping for more of a mutual show. Maybe the two of us slowly teasing each other. Instead, I seem to be the only one under the spotlight. I’m not quite sure how that happened.”
Mina tried not to pout when the foamy bubbles covered Rafe as he slowly stepped into the water. She wasn’t quite done taking in all the beautiful male glory his body offered. Surprise filled her when he pulled her on to his lap, his hard length pressing against her back.
“I think you owe me for that little show,” Rafe teased, his hands working their way over her shoulders.
“Maybe. But for now—don’t stop. It feels so good.” Practically melting into his skillful hands, every tense muscle relaxed in minutes flat. She was once again putty in his hands.
A breathy moan filled the air when Rafe pushed her hair to the side, biting her neck gently, exactly where he’d left his mark the night before. His tongue flicked back and forth over the mark, sending a jolt of awareness through her and on to her wolf. It was time.
“Mina,” Rafe breathed her name against her neck.
Wantonly, she pulled his arm around her, placing his hand against her lower abdomen, encouraging his exploration. Her sighs and moans of approval assured Rafe that she liked exactly where his fingers roamed. Arching her back against Rafe’s chest, Mina angled her head ever so slightly, bringing her lips closer to his.
Her heart sped when his lips crashed down on hers. Their tongues caressed and parted, creating an intimate dance that left the duo panting and wanting more. She rocked against the hand that parted her legs, needing to feel the delectable friction that was sure to send her flying above the Heavens.
“I need to be inside of you,” Rafe whispered as he broke their kiss.
“Please,” Mina begged.
“Hang on tight.” Rafe spun Mina on his lap into a cradled position before he stood and stepped out of the tub, carrying her out of the water. “Let’s get you dried off.” He set her on the floor and grabbed one of the long bathrobes hanging on the wall, wrapping one around her and another around himself.
“You sure know how to spoil a girl, Rafe Erickson.”
“Only you, Mina. Only you.” Rafe swept her off her feet and back into his arms, carrying her to the four poster bed.
“You can’t carry me everywhere. You know that, right?” Mina joked.
“I don’t see what the problem is.”
“Sometimes, there are things a girl would like to do for herself.”
“Really? Like what?”
“Why don’t you set me down and find out?”
Begrudgingly, Rafe obeyed Mina’s wishes. “Fine.”
When Mina’s feet were firmly on the floor, she did exactly what her wolf told her to do. Never before had she listened so thoroughly to her wolf while in human form, it was almost as if she couldn’t defy the commands she was given.
Mina untied her robe, allowing it to drop to the floor at her feet before untying Rafe’s and pushing it from his shoulders. Her fingers brushed over his chest and abs, feeling rope after rope of muscle. Her other hand wrapped around his thick length, stroking him from base to tip and back down again.
A satisfied smiled spread across Mina’s face when Rafe groaned in pleasure with each pass her hand made over his cock.
“It’s not nice to tease,” Rafe warned.
She took that as her cue, pushing him backwards onto the bed. Shock flittered across his face when she straddled him. Rocking against him, her hot core rubbed against his length, teasing even more.
“Mina—”
“Shhhh.” She leaned in to kiss him as her hips circled once again.
“Woman, are you trying to kill me?” Rafe growled as her tongue swept over his neck.
“Maybe just a little.” Her fangs itched to descend, her wolf demanding that she bite him.
Without warning, Rafe sat up and pulled her legs behind him. Glowing hazel eyes met hers.
“Your eyes are glowing.”
“As are yours, love.”
Rafe gently lifted her hips, positioning himself at her moist entrance. “I need to feel you around me.”
“Yes.” Mina knew beyond a shadow of a doubt she’d found her wolf. The one who would be hers forever. Her heart skipped a beat as she slid down his length, taking as much of him as she could. She cried out in bliss when Rafe was fully seated deep inside of her.
Thankfully, he gave her time to adjust to his size before he started to move. She gasped when he grabbed onto her hips, pulling her up and down. Pleasure cascaded over her in ways she had never felt. Her wolf howled inside of her, demanding once again to claim her mate.
Allowing her fangs to descend, Mina struck before she talked herself out of it. Her bite was swift and sure, hitting her mark dead on. Blood poured onto her tongue, coating her throat. A surge of energy shot through her body as her wolf rejoiced.
Mina worked herself up and down on Rafe’s shaft, faster and harder. She had never felt so damn good. Her body raced for the finish line, but Rafe grabbed her hips and slowed her motions before flipping her over with lightning speed.
“It’s my turn.” Rafe pulled Mina to her hands and knees, spreading her legs wide. With one forceful thrust, he sank deep inside of her.
“Oh God, Rafe.” Mina’s fingers grasped the sheets as Rafe pounded her from behind. Without warning, Rafe struck hard and fast, burying his fangs in her neck. His bite tipped Mina’s orgasm over the edge. A white light flashed around her. Stars floated around her as the pleasure pulsed through her veins.
Rafe bucked once, then twice more, filling her with his seed, completing the mating ritual.
Chapter Eighteen
Mina awoke to a volley of sounds filling the house. Glancing at the clock, she realized it was almost nine. Rafe’s tender voice filled her ears.
“Good morning, love. Throw some clothes on and meet me in the kitchen. I have a surprise for you.”
“I’m beginning to love your surprises,” Mina answered Rafe’s silent request. She grabbed the first thing she could find. A pair of Yoga pants and one of Rafe’s T-shirts. She headed for the bathroom, quickly dressing and pulling her hair into a messy bun. This is as good as it’s going to get today.
Making her way to the kitchen, she passed several members of the pack who scrambled about with a variety of boxes and totes.
“What’s going on?” she asked Rafe as she entered the kitchen.
“The whole pack is here getting ready for tonight’s celebration.” Rafe grabbed a mug from the cabinet. “Coffee?”
“Tea, please.”
“Oh, how the Fates have cursed me.” Rafe smiled. “I thought my mate would surely share my coffee addiction. How will I ever survive?”
Mina squealed as he pulled her into his arms. His lips slanting over hers. “Did you sleep well?”
“A little too well. I never sleep this late.”
“Well, you know, last night was pretty vigorous. High intensity.”
“Why yes. Yes it was.” Mina giggled as she wrapped her hands around her big strong Alpha.
“Are the two of you always going to be this lovey dovey?” Bree asked as she strolled into the kitchen.
Mina looked up at Rafe and winked. “Yeah. I think we are. I’d apologize, but I’m really not sorry.”
“It’s okay, sis. I’m just giving you a hard time. I’ve never seen you this happy. It’s pretty cool. Maybe one day I’ll meet an Alpha and he’ll—”
“Oh no you don’t!” Mina cut Bree off, not knowing what would possibly come out of the girl’s mouth next. “You need to concentrate on your studies and finish high school, maybe even college first.”
Bree rolled her eyes. “Now you sound just like Mom.” She grabbed a bottle of water and bolted before the motherly lectures from her sister started.
“So, what are we up to today? What all needs to be done?”
“Shopping. You and I have some shopping to do. Loads of shopping to do. I can’t even begin to express how much shopping you and I have to do. In fact, your sisters might be able to help us.”
“What about the decorating, the cooking?”
“Don’t worry. Between my mom and your mom, they’ve got it handled.”
***
Hours later, Rafe, Mina, Bree, and Kenzie finally pulled into the driveway. Mina gasped when she saw the tents that had been erected all over the grounds. Their white flaps billowed in the breeze. White lights hung f
rom the trees and tents, creating a luminescent feel. A bonfire roared adjacent to the tents. Men, women, and children laughed and danced as music filled the air.
“Rafe, this is incredible.” Mina had no idea such a celebration was even possible on such short notice.
“I’m telling you, my mom can work miracles. Let’s get inside and get changed so we can join everyone.”
“I’m not sure I have something appropriate to wear.” Mina’s eyes roamed the crowd.
“Mom took care of everything.”
“What about all the bags?”
“You worry too much.” Rafe laughed and nodded for Lucas to join them. “Can you get some of the guys and take this stuff into the back room?”
“Sure thing, boss.”
Rafe, Mina, and the girls snuck in through the back, avoiding the guests. They made their way to their rooms and found the surprises Grace had left for each of them.
“She really did take care of everything, didn’t she?”
“When I asked her about a last minute celebration last night, she beamed at the mere thought of it. Within minutes, she was on the phone planning, sending messages back and forth, ordering the food, and alerting the pack. She was in her true element and what better way to announce our mating than in front of the whole pack. The Yule celebration is the perfect time.”
“Rafe, what if Griffin shows up?”
“I doubt he’d show up tonight. Even if he did, it would be his funeral. The entire pack will be gathered for the celebration. They would scent an outsider in a hot second.”
Mina took a deep breath and relaxed at the thought. Rafe was right. There was no way Griffin would try to get to them with the whole pack present.
Rafe pulled Mina into his arms. His lips closed over hers. Passion flared between the two, but he quickly broke away. “Later, I promise.”
Mina nodded and went to work taming her hair. A curl or two here, half a can of hairspray there, a dash of makeup, a beautiful dress, shoes to die for, and voila.
Butterflies danced in her belly as she gave herself a once over in the mirror. Not too bad.
Alphas Unwrapped: 21 New Steamy Paranormal Tales of Shifters, Vampires, Werewolves, Dragons, Witches, Angels, Demons, Fey, and More Page 63