“Please.” Mina’s hips circled against him.
He swept his tongue over her earlobe, scraping his teeth against it as he slipped out of his trousers, freeing his erection.
Not wanting to mess up her beautiful gown, Mina tugged the side zipper down, letting it fall off and pool at her feet.
She felt foolish at the mall when Rafe helped her pick out over the top, oozing with sex undergarments.
The feeling of ridiculousness didn’t diminish when she selected the strapless black lace bra and matching thong for under her gown.
Having never worn a garter or stockings before, it took her a minute to figure them out.
When she looked in the mirror, a blush spread across her body. Low self-esteem coupled with feelings of inadequacy settled in as she picked out each of her flaws. She didn’t see beauty when she gazed into her reflection. She saw a train wreck in expensive lace.
I don’t know what he sees in me. I’m nothing. A nobody.
With her back to her mate, Mina had no idea what his reaction would be. Butterflies danced in her belly.
Goddess, I feel like such an idiot.
Embarrassment finally won out over her attempt at seduction and she reached for a blanket to wrap herself in.
“Why would you cover such a perfect body?”
It was more of a growl than a question.
“I thought you were disappointed when you didn’t say anything.”
Rafe spun Mina around to face him.
Lacking in courage to meet his eyes, she focused on his abdomen. That was when she noticed the stroking movement of his hand. Back and forth. Sliding over his cock.
“I wanted to do more showing than telling.” Rafe grabbed Mina’s hand, placing it over his.
“Can you feel how hard I am for you, love?”
“Mmm, Rafe.”
“Does this feel like disappointment?”
Keeping her hand on his rock hard cock, Mina dropped to her knees, wanting another first with her mate.
She wanted to taste him as he had tasted her.
The tip of her tongue darted across her lips. Gripping his cock a little tighter, she watched a tiny pearl of his seed form at the tip. Her tongue darted out once more.
“Taste me, Mina. Take me into your mouth.”
Mina glanced up into his eyes as her mouth closed around his cock. Rafe’s grunts of pleasure not only helped to build her confidence; they assured her that he liked every sexy little movement she made with her mouth.
“That’s it.” Rafe palmed the back of her neck, bringing her closer, thrusting gently into her mouth.
“Gods, that feels so good, woman.”
Working her hand up and down his shaft in unison with her mouth, Mina cupped his sac with her other hand. She watched as red hot passion flared in her mate.
His lust, his pleasure, his need poured through their mating bond.
Just when she thought he would erupt, he pulled back. His cock slipping away from her grip.
“Did I do something wrong?” Mina worried.
“Not a thing. I need to be inside of you.”
Rafe pulled Mina to her feet before spinning her around to face the end of the bed.
“Bend over and place your hands on the bed.”
Mina quickly complied with her mate’s demands. Anticipation fluttered over her when Rafe tormented her with the tip of his cock. Sliding it back and forth, coating it in her sweet honey.
“Tell me what you want, Mina.”
“I want you.” Need filled her shaky voice.
“What do you want me to do?”
Afraid to speak her desires, she sent silent images of the things he’d done to her before, hoping it would be enough to satisfy his need for an answer.
“I want to hear you say it.”
Okay, maybe not.
“I want to feel you inside of me, Rafe. Please,” Mina begged, feeling like her body would implode if Rafe didn’t give her what she needed and soon.
“Like this?” Rafe slid the head of his cock slowly into her before quickly pulling back out.
“More. I want to feel all of you.” Mina pushed back against him. Needing more than the little tease he offered.
“Maybe like this?” With a fast long stroke, Rafe slid in to the hilt.
“Oh Goddess, yes!”
He filled her so completely, stretching her in all the right ways until she felt her climax building deep in her core. Her breaths became gasps with each thrust.
While the sex was amazing, it was so much more. There wasn’t a part of her body that he left untouched. His fingers caressed her hips before playfully slapping her ass.
The weight of his body bearing down on hers made her tremble from head to toe. The feel of his hot slick torso pressed against her back was almost too much to handle.
She flew beyond the stars when his teeth came down over the mating mark on her neck, and again when his fingers found her clit.
One final thrust and Mina felt Rafe’s seed shooting deep inside of her.
“And that’s how I planned on showing you how much you turned me on. As long as you’re you, I could never be disappointed.”
Chapter Twenty Five
“We should probably skip the sex the next time everyone is waiting for us and we’re already late.” Mina rushed to clean up and get dressed.
“No way. They can wait. There’s plenty of food to keep them occupied while I take care of my mate.” Rafe winked at Mina.
“Now let’s go introduce you to the rest of the pack.”
The thought shook Mina to her very core. Her wolf, on the other hand, didn’t give a flying fuck if they liked her or not. She was the Alpha’s mate. She’d fuck anyone up who dared to say otherwise.
Times like this Mina wished her human wasn’t so wishy-washy. She was tired of the what if game.
What if they didn’t like her? What if they tried to challenge her position, like she’d witnessed at Twisted Tail? What if she failed?
“Everything is going to be fine. We don’t do things like that around here. Remember, you are my true mate, one scent of us together and the whole pack will know. There will be no questions, no challenges. It’s against pack law to interfere with true mates.”
Mina nodded and relaxed. “It’s so odd, but in a good way. Everything was a battle at Twisted Tail. You had to prove your strength to survive. I was so used to hiding from social situations. I kept my head down and didn’t say a word. I didn’t want to bring any attention to myself and now you’re dragging me to the front and center.”
Rafe kissed her on the forehead. “I promise, you’ll do great. If I had any doubts about how the pack would respond to our mating, it would be a different story, but I don’t.”
They walked hand-in-hand to the top of the staircase. The contents of her lunch threatened to make an appearance.
“Here we go. Just remember to smile. They are going to love you.”
“Easier said than done. I feel like I’m going to be sick.”
Mina’s stomach sank as she and Rafe slowly descended the stairs. Her eyes roamed the crowd gathered in the living room.
The women were dressed in stunning dresses and gowns. Children fluttered about in their Sunday best. Most surprising was each of the men sporting a black and white tux, similar to the one Rafe wore.
The music stopped as they neared the bottom.
Everyone gathered around, turning to face them. Mina sucked in a deep breath, then another, hoping to steel her nerves. The last thing she wanted was to show any weakness to the pack.
A hush fell over the guests as they came to a stop at the last stair. All eyes were on Mina and Rafe, waiting to hear what the Alpha had to say.
Rafe gave her hand a little squeeze before he opened his mouth to address the pack.
“Thank you for joining us tonight. I would like to introduce my mate, Mina. It was her idea to bring back the traditional Yule celebration at Black Paw. We have a lot to be thankful
for this year as we welcome many new pack members and friends into our ranks. Here’s to another blessed year.”
“Here, here!” Those holding drinks raised them in salute while others erupted in applause.
Grace and Beth joined the happy couple as the pack lined up to welcome Mina to Black Paw.
The false smile Mina started the evening with became genuine when she saw firsthand how Rafe interacted with the members of his pack.
Each new greeting came with a hug and kiss to the cheek or hand. Rafe had been right, the pack welcomed her with open arms.
When members of the pack finally made the connection between Mina and Eric, they had another reason to celebrate; knowing Eric worried about the well-being of his mother and sisters for years. He and Lanie were quickly ushered into the group for congratulatory hugs on the successful reunion of his family.
What would life have been like if life at Twisted Tail resembled life at Black Paw?
Mina couldn’t wrap her mind around the thought. At Black Paw, the pack truly wanted nothing more than Rafe to find happiness in life by finding his true mate. At Twisted Tail, you were likely to have your throat ripped out if you dared to make eye contact with the Alpha.
No matter what happened to her, if for whatever reason she didn’t survive, she needed to find a way to make sure her mom, Bree, and Kenzie stayed at Black Paw.
They would be safe.
They would be a part of an amazing community and have a chance to pursue their dreams. Chances they never had at Twisted Tail.
Like Rafe, the pack had high expectations for her as the Alpha’s mate. She only hoped she could live up to their expectations.
In her own mind, she batted a big fat zero with the threat from Griffin hanging over her head.
Mina shook off her negative thoughts and continued on with the greetings. Her heart warmed to see Rafe laughing and joking with everyone in attendance.
She was astonished to find that he knew every single member, all of their kids, and most members’ entire lineage. How her mate retained that much information, she had no idea, but she sure as hell hoped he had a cheat sheet or something she could study.
“How do you do it?” Mina silently asked.
“Do what?”
“Keep it all straight in your head?”
“It’s easy when you’re active in the pack.”
“There’s got to be more to it,” Mina challenged.
“What can I say? I grew up here. I ran with most of these wolves when we were kids. We went through the change together. As far back as I can remember, my dad, my granddad, they were both immensely entrenched in the pack. It’s more than being Alpha. I’m friends with every member of the pack. They know they can come to me about anything, at any time…day or night. We’ve always been a strong community and we protect our own.”
Rafe pulled Mina closer, kissing her on the forehead.
The line of well-wishers finally dwindled, allowing Mina and Rafe to mingle in the crowd until Grace raised her voice and announced: “The food has been served. Please help yourselves.”
Chapter Twenty Six
Rafe led Mina down a series of corridors to the grand ballroom.
“I don’t think I saw this part of the house on the tour yesterday.” Mina glanced around, attempting to figure out exactly where he was leading her.
“Mom usually keeps this section of the house closed off. I haven’t seen her open it up to the pack at all in recent years. She used to let pack members use it for special events and celebrations.”
After a series of twists and turns, they reached their destination.
“Oh, my Goddess. It’s breathtaking. I can’t imagine how much work went into this room.” Her fingers slid over the smooth dark cherry walls. She glanced up at the crystal chandelier, in awe.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d swear it was made out of diamonds. Millions of them.”
“My mom and dad handpicked each piece of wood and every accessory that went into this room. They built it for occasions like this and many others.”
“I can tell.” If she thought the main part of the house was stunning, that was nothing compared to the ballroom.
“It was always intended to be for the use of the pack as a whole.”
Mina nodded, eyeing up the tables lining the far walls. Her wolf whimpered at the sight.
Drool worthy aromas floated around the room, making her want to attack everything in sight with her face. It would not be a pretty picture. Carnage of mass proportions was insured.
Her mouth watered at the sight of venison, beef, pork, duck, and baked salmon. Row after row of casseroles lined the next two tables and then…she spied the dessert table.
Oh, dear Goddess, she considered heading there first to guard the five layer cake centered in the middle.
Was the frosting as light and fluffy as she imagined? Was the cake under the layers of white frosting soft and decadent? Would it crumble in her mouth?
I’ll be the first to find out, even if I have to shift and guard that bitch with my life.
“I’ll make sure you get the first piece,” Rafe answered her unspoken thought with a chuckle.
“You caught all that?”
“Yep.” Rafe nodded.
“I should be embarrassed.”
“But you aren’t?”
“Not even a little bit,” Mina confirmed. She loved cake. Why deny it? Maybe he would create holidays just for her to have an excuse to eat cake.
Mina shrugged. “There are worse things in life to be addicted to.”
Rafe handed Mina a plate, and she carefully went to work selecting what she would start with.
“Your mom didn’t make all of this, did she?”
Rafe smiled. “No. Everyone from the pack brings a side dish and dessert to share. Mom handles all the meat and beverages for the social events.”
“What about the cake?”
“Gemma made the cake. She is our baker extraordinaire here at Black Paw. She owns an amazing little bakery in town. The cake is a gift for our mating.”
“This is amazing. We never had anything like this at Twisted Tail.”
“We used to have gatherings like this a couple times a year, but when my dad passed…”
“I’m sorry. If it’s too difficult, you don’t have to talk about it right now.”
“No. It’s okay. It was pretty rough around here for a while. My mom didn’t handle his death very well. None of us did.”
Rafe piled food high on his plate, pausing to collect his thoughts.
“They say the passing of a true mate is nearly unbearable for any wolf. There’s a very high suicide rate among widowers.”
“Is there anything that can be done to help the wolves who have lost their mate?”
“Erin’s been working with a therapist who is starting to see some success.”
“That’s great news.”
“It really is. Anyway, as the Alpha’s wife, my mom was always in charge of the gatherings. Now that you’re here, the torch passes to you.”
Mina suddenly looked like a deer caught in the headlights. “I wouldn’t have any idea how to pull this off. And it would also be a good time to tell you…I’m not a very good cook.”
Rafe laughed. “Don’t worry about it. We’ll figure it out together. We can host as many of these events, or as few, as you’d like. Whatever you’re comfortable with. I do know one thing, this is the happiest I’ve seen my mom in a long time.”
“She does look really happy.” Mina saw nothing but delight when she turned her gaze to Grace.
They finished filling their plates and found two chairs at an open table.
“So, what do you think? Are you having fun?” Rafe asked, digging into the plates in front of him.
“I am. Thank you so much for today, for this celebration. I’m blown away. When the idea first hit me, I thought it would be nice to do something with our families. I never dreamed you’d be able to pull the whole pack
together.”
“There’s nothing too big or too small that I wouldn’t do for you.”
“Maybe we can head out by the fire and music when we’re done eating?” Mina asked.
“Absolutely. That’s where all the fun happens anyway.”
Mina leaned in to Rafe and placed her head against his chest. How could she be falling for him already?
Rafe kissed the top of her head. “Let’s eat so we can pass out the presents, then head outside.” Rafe pointed to the round tables at the opposite end of the room.
Mina followed the direction of Rafe’s finger, surprised to see all of their purchases from the mall neatly wrapped and stacked.
“Wow! Do you have majik powers that I’m unaware of or house elves that you forgot to mention?”
“Nope. Just a few overachievers here at Black Paw.”
“I’d say so,” Mina agreed before taking another bite.
They finished their meal in silence, Mina watched members of the pack interact in a relaxed atmosphere, all except one. Lucas.
“What’s going on with Lucas? He doesn’t look very happy.”
“He’s having problems with his mate.” Rafe glanced up from his plate to see Lucas pacing back and forth. The look on his face…one of rage.
“What kind of problems?”
“She’s been a bit difficult.” Rafe smirked at Mina, lightly tapping the tip of her nose with the tip of his finger. “He didn’t get as lucky as I did.”
“What do you mean?”
“Not everyone wants to be mated. They try to avoid it. But once the mating mark is done, there’s no fighting it.” Rafe laughed. “It’s going to be funny watching them try.”
“Rafe!” Mina scolded.
Chapter Twenty Seven
Anger pulsed through Lucas. How dare she bring a date? What the hell was she thinking? Did she want the pup on her arm to be slaughtered?
Lucas couldn’t take much more. His wolf surpassed his snapping point the moment he found and marked their mate.
All these years, their mate had been right in front of their noses, concealing her scent from them. He and his wolf were in sync on their thoughts and feelings with the whole issue. Beyond livid.
Once Upon A Midnight Page 54