by Delta James
“Doesn’t want to have to sit on a pillow in front of the others? I didn’t give Gia that choice.”
Marco laughed. “I fear my mate will not be sitting at all for a few days. I have expressed my displeasure with her clandestine dealings in no uncertain terms.”
“Is Darby with you?” asked Cameron.
“I wouldn’t trust anyone else to keep her out of trouble. Dylan, Oliver, Griffin, and Declan will be joining us later tonight or tomorrow. I suspect all feel as I do. The rest of the American contingent will be in Charleston and the European contingent in Wales with Ioan.”
“I’m sorry my mate has caused this mess,” said Cameron.
“I think my little sister is part and parcel of a much larger issue,” countered Aidan.
Marco nodded. “Agreed. We’re going to need to figure out how far this network of theirs has gone as well as how to effectively shut it down. The women to whom we are mated are no fools. They will not risk those they are trying to save without benefit of information to do so safely. Riley will find her network of safe havens increasingly more difficult to access without getting caught. We don’t figure she’ll just free them and leave them out there without some kind of protection.”
“Any ideas where she might be at present? I don’t much care for the idea of her being out there on her own,” said Cameron, thinking his mate had a lot to answer for when he got his hands on her.
“Unfortunately, when she and Catherine met, I believe my Catherine was able to let her know you now had all of her false identities. She’s smart enough not to use them, which limits her means of travel. Unfortunately, Catherine was also able to give her a great deal of money in euros, British pounds, and American dollars.”
“I’m surprised you were able to get Catherine to give you any information on Riley,” said Jean-Michel.
“You have never felt my strap across your naked backside,” laughed Marco. “But all I got was information on her part. What I just told you was the sum total of everything she would admit to me. She would let me know her own guilt, but would not betray those that were helping. It just seems to me that the women of our pack would band together to do what they believe is right.”
Giovanni, Marco’s beta, approached the men. “Gentlemen, we have set up some appetizers and wine for you in the drawing room to enjoy before dinner. I would be happy to escort your mates down to join you.”
Jean-Michel grinned and said, “You are a brave man, Giovanni. My Darby doesn’t react well to being fetched.”
All four alphas laughed.
“I suspect Giovanni here could get away with it with mine. I do believe he got to fetch her places on a regular basis,” said Aidan.
Giovanni chuckled. “Not nearly as often I as should have. You can thank your friend Marco for that.”
“I plead guilty, but Aidan, wouldn’t you say you had the same issue with your little sister and Cameron, you with yours?”
Both alphas nodded in agreement.
“I know for certain, Liam would tell you I was far worse at not allowing Riley to be disciplined. Actually, I knew Cameron and I were going to get along as well as family when I tried to make my apologies to him and he pointed out that he too had a little sister that was a major brat.”
“Yes, but mine never saw herself as some kind of masked avenger.” Cameron shook his head. “Seriously, Aidan, why didn’t you have Liam take a strap to her once she was no longer a child?”
“He wanted to, believe me. Even when I would let him start to discipline her, it was rare for me not to step in before he had a chance to curb her more headstrong ways.”
Jean-Michel shook his head. “Those of you with alpha mates... I pity you.”
Cameron laughed out loud. “Because Darby is so much quieter and easier to handle? Remember, mon ami, I’ve met your mate.”
“I will go get my Darby. You will all see that she is the sweetest, most amenable mate to ever live.”
“This would be the girl for whom you have a ‘no sharp pointed objects allowed’ rule?” quipped Marco.
“The very one,” chortled Jean-Michel. “Which helps to keep her sweet and amenable...”
“That and the fact that she prefers to be knotted and tied by her mate to being taken in the corner after getting spanked,” said Darby as she floated down the stairs and into Jean-Michel’s embrace.
“Did you miss me, ma choue?” he purred at her.
“Always,” came the seductive reply. “But I’m also hungry and someone had said something about appetizers.”
“Giovanni, do go fetch my little sister. Catherine will not be joining us. I will have dinner taken to her later.”
Giovanni smiled at his alpha. “Yes, Alpha.”
“My friends? Come join me in the drawing room.”
Cameron followed, envious that his three friends would be sleeping nestled close to their mates this night. And his was somewhere out in the darkness alone. He prayed she could keep herself safe... at least until he got his hands on her.
* * *
Riley had been making good time. She would steal a car or motorcycle and leave it close to the border. Crossing the border on foot in spots where there were no guards or barriers made it easier to do without having to use a passport. She planned to take a small boat from the coast of France and hopefully head around the tip of England to get to Wales. If not, straight across the channel and then find something to drive to get close to Calon Onest.
Riley was once again in Marseilles and was seeing which boat she felt she might be able to use to get her to Great Britain. She sensed a wolf presence and turned to see an older woman approaching her.
“You do not belong here, little wolf.”
“I belong wherever I choose to be.”
The older she-wolf smirked. “I had a feeling you might end up here. I am Louise, dowager mistress of the pack in residence. My son is amongst those who have banded together to put an end to the madness that seems to be spreading across all of Europe. They are looking for you, Riley Gentry.”
“Who all is they?”
“The Coalition and your mate. He is most anxious to find you and has offered a substantial reward for any information leading to your return.” She touched Riley’s arm. “Have no fear, I have no interest in his money. But there are many who do. Marseilles is a logical place for you to try and cross over to Great Britain or to find transport to America. I think we need to get you out of here sooner rather than later.”
“Why should I trust you?”
“Because you have very little choice in the matter and because I have word from Catherine DeMedici. Do not be shocked, Riley; the DeMedici have always had great power in Europe and Catherine knows well how to wield it. Are you ready to go?”
“I have everything with me. I’ve avoided towns and cities as much as possible. I’ve stayed mostly in barns and under the stars. I’d kill for a hot shower and a soft bed.”
“Those I fear I cannot offer you, but I do have a small boat. Can you manage by yourself or do you need someone to pilot it for you?”
“I’m quite capable with a boat.”
“Good. It is to be a full moon and clear night. I suggest we see you gone. I have a dear friend, not a wolf, but she knows of our kind. Her name is Margaret.” She handed Riley a piece of paper with a map showing Margaret’s location. “She can put you up for a few days so you can rest. She’s down in Cornwall, no active pack in that area. You should be safe. From there you can decide where it is you want to go.”
“Catherine didn’t get you any information about any other women?”
“No. I think she believes you need to go under cover for a few months and hopefully the interest in finding you will die down.”
Not feeling she had much choice, Riley went with the old woman. She had indeed found a small, but seaworthy boat that could take her to Cornwall. Riley paid the man who wisely asked no questions and left her and the dowager mistress in the gathering fog.
; “Thank you. I appreciate what you are risking to help me.”
“What would they do to me? I’m an old wolf with no mate to discipline me. I haven’t had this much fun in years. Besides, one of the girls you saved last year is now a member of our pack. She’s a sweet thing, but the memories still give her nightmares. I packed you some cheese, apples, and good bread to eat. Get to Margaret. She’ll give you safe shelter.”
Riley got on the boat and stowed her things. She untied the boat and let the outgoing tide take her away from the dock before starting the motor. She watched the old she-wolf raise her hand in farewell until she could no longer see her. Riley wasn’t sure if it was the fog, the tears that had begun to cloud her eyes, or a combination of both.
Chapter Thirteen
Riley managed to keep away from the main waterways and most often used corridors throughout the English Channel. She made her way south, avoiding the patrol boats in the waters off of England’s southern coast. At a particularly rocky shoreline, she off-loaded her things and scuttled the small boat, sending it to the bottom of the sea. Picking up her things, she made her way to the small fishing village just outside of Cornwall and to the small farm just to the northwest of it.
She kept herself hidden for the better part of the day and watched the comings and goings to Margaret’s home. Not there was much to see. As dusk began to fall, she walked up to the door and knocked gently.
The old woman opened the door and said kindly, “Riley?”
She nodded.
“Louise told me to expect you. She says you’ve had a long, frightful journey. Why don’t you come inside? Do you want food, sleep, or bath first?”
Riley felt herself respond to Margaret’s kindness. “If I could have a hot bath, I would owe you forever.”
Margaret had her take a quick shower and gave her something to eat while she ran her a hot bath in a lovely antique, cast-iron, claw-foot tub. As Riley sank into it, she moaned in sheer pleasure.
“I don’t know that anything ever felt this good.”
Margaret grinned. “I rather thought you might enjoy it. It’s a grand old thing, isn’t it?”
Riley nodded and allowed herself to relax in the hot water. After she was through, Margaret showed her to a hidden alcove where she could sleep and left her alone. Slipping into the bed between clean sheets scented with lavender and vanilla, Riley closed her eyes and fell into a deep slumber.
Riley slept with the same damn erotic dream that seemed to claim her more nights than not. That one encounter with Cameron had obviously made a bigger impression on her than she thought. In her dream he was wrapped around her, his arm draped around her middle and spooned closely along her back, his hard cock nudging her backside.
As she started to wake, she realized that the physical sensations she thought were just the dream were instead quite real. And that the man about whom she had dreamt was once again sharing a bed with her. His scent was composed of alfalfa, the Texas sky, leather, and whiskey. Those had always comprised his scent before. Now there was an added spicy note she didn’t recognize until she really focused on it... fresh ginger. She lay still feigning sleep and listening to the sound of Cameron’s breathing. It was strong, deep, and rhythmic. Riley tried to ease her way out of the bed.
The arm that had been so casually draped over her middle clasped around her waist like a vise, slamming her back into his muscular body.
“Don’t,” he seethed. “I’m tired, I’m horny, and I’m really pissed. And you, little wolf, are caught.”
“No!” she cried, bringing her head back into his and trying to wrench his arm from around her waist.
She’d felt the back of her head connect with his nose in a most satisfying manner, but it didn’t seem to be enough to cause him to lose his hold on her. He rolled away, pulling her onto her back and then rolled back, trapping her beneath him.
“You, my naughty mate, had best knock it off. I’m in no mood to deal with any more of your bullshit.”
“Have you hurt her?”
“Who?” Cameron asked in confusion.
“Margaret. She isn’t one of us. I swear if you harmed her...”
“Jesus, Riley, what kind of bastard do you take me for? Of course I haven’t hurt her. Nor did the alpha in Marseilles do anything to his mother. She is under lock and key for a while as will you be when I get you home.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you.”
Riley renewed her struggles but found it impossible to get away from him.
“Get off me!” she shouted.
“No. You quit fighting me and yelling. If I were you, I’d be looking for a way to put my mate in a much better mood than he’s been in for the past several months. You’ve had everybody and their brother worried about you.”
“Why? Because I wouldn’t follow your rules? Follow tradition and just be a good little she-wolf? That is such bullshit, Cameron. I don’t want you. Find another.”
Cameron growled at her quietly but seductively. She saw him watch as her entire body shivered in response.
“Because you have been in constant danger. I wasn’t the only one hunting you. And the others intend to do you far more harm than I do.”
“So, you admit you are going to harm me.”
Cameron rumbled at her again. “I do indeed. You gave me far too long to plan exactly what I mean to do to punish you for this foolishness. But before I harm that pretty backside of yours, I plan to ease the almost continual hard-on I’ve had since you left.”
“No. I won’t let you.”
“You’ll find it impossible to stop me, but I intend to get your agreement before I do so and I will mark you as I claim you tonight.”
“You plan to do that here?”
“No, I plan to take you back to Marco’s where you and your whole little band of she-wolves are going to tell us everything you know.”
“I won’t go with you,” said Riley. “You’ll find it impossible to get me in and out of an airport.”
“Luckily, I won’t need one. I have Jean-Michel’s plane at my disposal. We will fly under the radar from here to Marco’s private airstrip. Once at the villa you will take your vows in front of your brother and Liam who is flying in just for the occasion. And then, mate, I will take you upstairs to mark and claim you.”
“I won’t agree. You’ll never be able to make me submit.”
Cameron’s laugh was harsh and unrelenting.
“Trust me, Irish, about the third or fourth time you feel me lay my belt across your naked backside, you’ll do just about anything to get me to stop.”
“I hate you.”
“No, you hate that you got bested. Seeing as how your nipples are hard, my guess is your clit is also swollen and ready for some pleasure and I’ll bet that sweet pussy of yours is just dripping with need. It’ll be more so by the time I get around to using it.”
“What do you mean?” she asked, suddenly growing apprehensive.
“What do I mean? You don’t honestly think we’re leaving here without me putting you over my knee and turning your pretty backside a vivid shade of red, do you? Come on, Riley, you’re smarter than that.”
“No, Cameron.”
He sat up and pulled her across his corded, naked thighs. She too had worn nothing to sleep in and could feel his cock surging up against her belly.
“I probably shouldn’t, but I have to tell you, I’m going to enjoy this.”
Cameron lifted his hand and brought it crashing down on Riley’s rump. She yowled in pain and humiliation. He quickly set up a strong, powerful rhythm of swats all over both of her cheeks. He ensured they were throbbing before he moved down to her sit-spots and the backs of her thighs.
Riley fought and tried to get away from him, but he had her completely under his control and was bound and determined to give her the worst spanking of her life. Over and over his hand caught her bare flesh and inflicted another stinging blow to it. She begged him to stop, but it did nothing to even slow hi
m down.
She began to cry tears of pain now mixed with remorse.
“Cameron, please stop. I’m sorry. Please.”
He stopped his hand mid-swing. “Why should I?”
“Because I’m sorry. I can’t take any more. Please stop.”
Cameron stood up, helping her to her feet. He had her red mane fisted in his hand but held her away from him. He wanted a good look at her. He growled low, enjoying her body’s response to his call. Her backside may have been red from his discipline, but her body was flushed with desire. Her nipples were swollen and hard.
Cameron slipped his other hand between her legs and rubbed her engorged clit.
Riley could not suppress the moan that escaped her lips. She tried to wiggle away from his hand as he tugged on her clit, drawing her closer to him, before reaching further still to trace his finger along the lines of her labia before parting it to feel how wet she was.
As he growled again, she could feel her saturated sheath pulse and gush more of her own lubricant onto his fingers.
Cameron drew her close and captured her mouth with his. He thrust his tongue past her teeth and tasted the deepest recesses of her mouth. She only managed a token resistance before succumbing to her own need.
Riley pressed herself against him and reached up to cradle his face in her hands as she kissed him back, allowing her tongue to duel with his. She felt him turn and press her backwards onto the bed. She hissed as her now very swollen and painful backside made connection with the bed.
“Cameron, that hurts,” she whispered, not sure whether she wanted him to stop or not.
“Only for a moment,” he said.
He placed a pillow under her bottom, which did lessen her discomfort. His mouth finally released hers, only to latch onto one of her nipples and suck, drawing it and her areola into his mouth where he swirled his tongue around both before focusing his attention on the distended bead in its center.
She inhaled sharply and the exhale came out as a growl of passion and need. Riley knew she had lost this battle to him. She no longer had the will to fight him. All she wanted was for him to claim her as his own and ease the ache that had taken up residence deep in her core.