His hard erection digs into my stomach as he presses his body against mine. A whimper is forced from my lips and I wish I could take it back. I don’t want him to affect me. I don’t want to give him the pleasure of knowing he can affect me. A sob heaves up my throat. Lizzie. My body goes limp in his hold. I’ve failed her. Another sob wracks through me. There’s nothing I can do to help her.
How could they hurt her? How could they do that to her?
“They’re her mates; they won’t hurt her.” His authoritative declaration echoes in my ears. I’m overwhelmed with self-loathing and hatred that I fail to register his words. I let the tears fall freely and stare at the rug lining the wood floors of the hall.
“Look at me!” His demand shoots through my body with an inhuman force. Immediately my eyes find his. Sadness grips me harder than he does. If he fails to see that, it’s his own demise.
His silver eyes penetrate mine with a power that makes me want to bow to him, but I won’t fucking do it. I stare back with hatred and defiance. He breathes in deep as he relaxes his hold on my chin. I don’t take my eyes off of his, and somehow the piercing silver of his gaze softens. It’s subtle. He’s still a dominating brute, a powerful force not meant to be denied, but somehow diminished. The sickening churning of my stomach lessens slightly, but his eyes still hold a command.
“Listen to me.” Although his words are harshly spoken with barely restrained anger, I hear desperation in his voice for me to obey him. I continue to stare into his eyes, relaying my decision to give him my attention. Even if my fists have yet to relax, the skin tight across my knuckles.
“They’re her mates. They love her and won’t do anything to hurt her.” I part my lips to utter my disagreement with his explanation but his eyes narrow, warning me. I’m tempted to push him. Go ahead and hurt me; show me who you really are! My heart clenches in agony and my throat closes at the thought. His hand gentles against my throat and his thumb rubs against the line of my jaw. I close my eyes and enjoy his touch for a moment. Just one. Only one moment to feel his caring devotion.
“Come watch, but you will keep your mouth shut.” He growls his command in my ear and it cracks the bit of peace I’d hidden behind in that small moment. My anger comes back with a heaving breath. As I part my lips to berate him, Devin jams his thumb into my rebellious mouth, scraping his skin along my teeth, once again silencing me. The force of his hand shoves my head against the wall. A snarl forces its way past my lips and I sink my teeth deeper into his flesh while my eyes narrow in a threat.
“Go ahead and bite me.” His eyes meet mine. “I won’t interfere with the way they handle their mate. For the first time since she’s been here, she’s relaxed and content.” His words settle in me as I let them burrow into my head.
Mates.
“They are devoted to her. Caleb and Dom will be by her side however she needs. And if this is how it had to happen … then it’s how it happened and you will not harm them.”
My pulse flickers. Harm them? But more than that, mates? Mates. The word resonates deeply.
It’s hard to weigh the truth in his statement. The moment I saw her tied to the bed with Caleb and Dom surrounding her, Devin snatched me away, leaving only a blip of an image rattling in my memory. I shake my head. She wouldn’t do that. There’s no way she would’ve wanted it.
“If she’d seen us earlier, do you think she would’ve realized what was going on between the two of us?” he asks as though he read my mind.
“If she walked in on us while I had you against the wall, would she have known how much you fucking loved it? How you wanted me to pin you down and hammer into your hot cunt to prove you belong to me?” My breathing hitches as his dirty words are whispered into my neck, just before he gives it a gentle kiss. The softness of his touch is at odds with his tone, but I cling to it.
“Look at me.” His command is softly spoken, nearly a whisper. I tilt my head as he removes his hold on me altogether and steps back. My body instantly misses his warmth, his touch. I want what he’s saying to be true. It means they didn’t hurt her. Please, God, I want that to be true.
“I want you to see.” It takes a moment for me to register his words and I have to blink away the hazy desire clouding my vision, my thoughts, my self-respect. I hate this. I hate this damned heat. I hate the effect he has on me. Anger rips through me. Devin pinches my chin, forcing my eyes to focus on his. I clench my teeth but stare back into his heated silver gaze.
His eyes search mine for a moment before he releases his hold. “Come with me.” He walks toward the door without waiting for my response, leaving me to watch his hulking frame take long, confident strides to the door before quietly opening it. My feet hesitantly follow without my conscious consent. I swallow thickly as I realize I’m not sure I want to see. As I come up behind him, he angles his body toward me and opens his arms for me to stand at his side. I glance up at his stern expression and question whether or not I want to be in his embrace. I’m not given the opportunity to deny him as my body continues to behave of its own accord, moving next to him. I close my eyes as his strong arm wraps around my body. His hand rests on my shoulder and his thumb kneads soothing circles into my tense muscles. He peers into the room with me. I close my eyes, reveling in his comforting touch. “Stay quiet, I don’t want to interfere. Do you understand?” I nod my head slightly and whisper yes before focusing my gaze on the sight of the three of them. My eyes slowly adjust to the darkened room, illuminated with only hints of daylight whispering through the curtains.
My body stiffens as I watch Dom wipe Lizzie’s lower half clean. Before getting off the bed, he places a small kiss on her inner thigh. Caleb is lying next to her on her left but leaning his massive chest over her small frame, loosening a knot on her wrist. He tosses the rope onto the floor and then massages her arm. She turns so her chest is beside his and he responds by pulling her small body against him. My breathing slows and I relax slightly into Devin’s hold.
Thump, thump, my heart pleads for this to unfold in a way that will make it all okay.
Dom walks to the other side, releasing her other wrist before climbing onto the bed to lay behind her, his chest to her back. He gently kisses her shoulder and runs his hand over a bruise on her hip. My lungs halt as I see the marks on her body. Her ankles are red and look raw. I shake my head and try to back away, but Devin holds me steady. “Just listen.”
“Please bring your wolf out. You’re hurt.” Dom’s whispered plea is almost too soft to hear. Wolf? My brow furrows in confusion. Before I can whisper that she’s not a wolf, she speaks.
“I can’t.” I hear Lizzie for the first time and naturally I try to step forward to call out her name, but Devin’s strong grip keeps me by his side. My instinct is to push him away so I can go to her, but he holds me in place.
“Could you try?” Dom’s words sound wounded and desperate.
A small sob escapes her as she shakes her head into Caleb’s chest. “It’s okay, baby girl. We’ll take care of you. Just relax. You’re safe now.” Caleb places his head on top of hers while Dom nuzzles into her neck before kissing her sweetly.
“Hold me.” I can barely hear her.
“We’re here, baby girl.” I watch as Caleb strokes her cheek with care before wrapping his arms around her.
“Sleep, little one.” Dom covers their bodies with a cream-colored damask comforter before getting back into position, molding his muscular body against hers.
I can’t stop staring at the three of them. Even as Devin closes the door, I continue to stare straight ahead, unable to blink away the sight of their loving touch.
“She’s their mate. I told you they wouldn’t hurt her.” He turns me to face him and stares into my hazel eyes. “They may have to push her. She’s in a lot of pain. But they aren’t going to hurt her. I promise you.”
As Devin leads me away from their room, I steady my breathing and try to come to terms with his words. So many thoughts and emotions threaten
to overwhelm me. Relief and confusion are the two winning out.
“She’s a werewolf?” I don’t even realize that I’ve spoken until Devin stops at a massive door at the far end of the long hall and forces my body to turn to face his.
“She’s the same woman you grew up with. She’s your best friend. Don’t think too much on what you heard. You’ll have a chance to talk to her tomorrow.” I nod my head in agreement and blink my sore eyes.
“And they love her, like really love her?” Devin gives me the most handsome, genuine smile.
“They do. She’s their mate.” His eyes are soft and his smile lingers on his lips. I can practically feel his happiness and it warms my heart. “They would die for her.”
His hand spears into my hair and I lean into his touch. “And Grace?”
“Hmm?” I open my eyes and find his soft, yet heated silver gaze on me.
“You’re my mate.” Hearing those words on his lips awakens something deep inside of me, numbing every pain and settling every doubt I’ve clung to, lighting them to fuel a fire of need. His lips find mine as he walks me backward into his room and kicks the door closed without breaking our contact. His hands fondle my ass before lifting me up into his chest. I wrap my legs tight around his hips and moan into his mouth as he deepens the kiss.
“Mate.” He growls the word before nipping my bottom lip, fanning that fire in my core and sending desire pulsing through every inch of me.
Grace
“I can’t wait to claim you with my mark,” he says as his pointer finger lightly skims along the tender skin of my neck, “here.”
“Your mark?” My half-lidded eyes close, loving his touch.
An asymmetric grin pulls at his lips, exposing one of his sharp fangs. “My bite. It’ll scar you and you’ll forever be marked as my mate.”
There’s a mixed concoction of both desire and fear at the thought of his fangs piercing my flesh. I subconsciously arch my neck, offering myself to him. Wanting it more than anything else. His low, rough chuckle rumbles through his chest. “Not now, my love.” Love. My hopeful eyes find his and he gives me a soft smile. “I love you, Grace. I’ve loved you for longer than you’ve known I existed.” His admission makes my heart beat erratically, banging wildly against my chest. His strong hold makes me feel safe and secure.
It’s a feeling I’m not used to, but it feels like home.
“I love your Alpha spirit.” He gently tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear before setting me down. “You have no idea how proud I am to have you as my mate.” He takes both of my small wrists in his large hands; seeing the difference in size makes me feel fragile and easily breakable. He kisses the underside of my right wrist and says, “I love your strength and courage.” He moves my hand so that my palm rests against the stubble of his strong jaw as he closes his eyes and rubs into my soft, warm touch. “When it’s just the two of us, I don’t want you to hold anything back from me.”
I nod my head and say, “I won’t.” My immediate agreement makes him smile and he closes his eyes, then leans down to nuzzle his nose along mine.
“I have no doubt of that,” he comments.
He breathes in deep before straightening his shoulders and looking down on me with those piercing silver eyes. “It’s a different story when we’re with the pack, or anywhere that’s not private.” My eyes instinctively narrow. “If you question me, or if you fight me, then others will target me and the pack. My dominance will be challenged. For the most part, you won’t have to worry about anything; just be yourself. But sometimes I’m going to need something from you, sweetheart.” His soft, calming tone slowly takes an authoritative edge.
“What’s that?”
“Your complete and immediate obedience.”
I part my lips to object, but he shakes his head and narrows his eyes. His expression is one of absolute authority. He will not be denied. I struggle with the need to fight him.
“When we’re in public, you will listen to me.” I hold his gaze with mine, tasting his words on my tongue and not liking them. His brow arches, pushing me for an answer.
“I will try to listen.” He immediately narrows his gaze at my honest response.
“No, you will listen to me.” He gently wraps his hand around the nape of my neck and rubs his thumb over the front of my throat in an unexpectedly soothing way. There’s not an ounce of threat in his touch. “There will be times when you’re confused, when you don’t understand what’s going on.” His eyes travel from my throat to my eyes. “Even if you think you do, you won’t. You’ll want to question me, but you won’t.” There’s a finality in his statements. “Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll never do anything to break your trust.” His voice softens as his hand caresses my sensitive skin. “Your safety and happiness are at the forefront of every decision I make.” I nod my head in the silence between us, acknowledging his words. “Do you believe me?”
His question catches me off guard. My eyes fall to the floor beneath us before reaching his gaze again.
I look deep into his silver eyes; I remember his touch, his words, his looks of devotion. Mate. I’m reminded of the shift deep in my soul when he told me I was his mate. I feel an innate sense of comfort and protection with him. He will be my downfall regardless. My soul is very aware of that.
“I do.”
He leans down and I push forward, seeking his mouth. Licking and kneading his soft lips with mine. When I pull back, all I can see in his eyes is lust.
“I want you on your knees,” he says as his fingers tease my sensitive skin, slowly playing with the hem of my shirt, “now.” His commanding voice forces my legs out from under me and I land hard on my knees in front of him as my heated core begs for his attention. Complete and immediate obedience.
“Do you like it?” His deep voice is one of control, but he can’t hide his desire.
“Do you like me like this?” I try to keep my voice even and leave out my distaste for being wanted to submit as I turn his question on him.
He takes my chin in his hand and tilts it upward, so I’m forced to look into his eyes as he says, “You have no idea what seeing you on your knees does to me.” He kisses my lips, licking along the seam and nipping at my bottom lip for me to part for him. I obey, loving his touch and wanting more of it. I feel his passion as his hand fists in my hair and he pulls to cause a hint of pain. I open my mouth to gasp, but I’m silenced as his tongue finds mine in a dark, heated dance. I moan into his mouth as a shot of craving heats my core.
“I have no desire to control you.” He breathes heavily as his forehead rests against mine. “Never. I don’t want to tame you. But the idea that you’ll do what I say simply because I ask? I don’t even have the words to describe how much I fucking crave it. Only because it’s you.” My breath leaves me as I revel in his confession. His lips find mine again and I lean into him, tasting him. His hand fists in my hair again as he takes control of the kiss. He worships my mouth with his tongue.
He slowly stands, leaving me panting and wanting to claw at his pants to get to him. But I know not to. I’m on my knees for him. I wait with bated breath for his instructions as he palms himself.
It’s the first time I get a good look at his cock. It’s fucking beautiful. I lick my lips at the sight of the thick veins running along his length. He’s so big I’m surprised he fit inside me. “Open.” My lips part and I open wide to accommodate him as he slides the head of his dick into my mouth.
The feel of his soft, velvety skin on my tongue makes me moan. I run the tip of my tongue along his slit, and he responds by letting out a low hiss. He pushes more of his hard length in my mouth and I greedily accept. I suck him down eagerly, hollowing my cheeks. “Fuck, you’re so damn gorgeous,” he groans as he pushes his cock deeper. I moan around him as I hear his breathing pick up. I pull back slightly and his silver eyes penetrate mine with a force that makes my pussy beg for his touch.
“I want to
touch you.” I barely breathe out the words as my desire for him numbs my body.
“Then touch me.” My hands instantly wrap around his thick cock and my lips seal around him as I take his length all the way. He fists my hair and shoves himself down my throat.
“Look at me.” My eyes instantly find his lustful gaze and the moment they do he releases his hot cum in the back of my throat as his legs tremble, and all the while his silver eyes stay locked on mine. I keep my eyes open, not wanting to break the contact as I swallow him down. He pumps in and out of my mouth in short, shallow thrusts before pulling away from my lips.
His strong arms lift me off the floor and he effortlessly carries me to the bed and tosses me down on the mattress, stalking on his knees toward me. “Open your legs.” I obey his simple command, parting them wide as he pushes my thighs apart and he positions himself between them. His hot tongue runs between my legs, lapping up my arousal before flicking my swollen clit.
My back arches and my hands grab his hair, pushing him into me as I moan at the teasing touch. He sucks my clit into his mouth, massaging his tongue against it. “Yes!” I scream out as the pulsing heat runs through my body. My heels dig into the mattress and I push myself harder against him, searching for my release. He pulls back as his fingers continue to tease me, and his eyes focus on my wanting heat.
“Please fuck me,” I moan into the hot air.
“You’re too sore.” He curls his thick fingers, finding that rough spot along my front wall and strokes it mercilessly before leaning down to nibble at my clit.
I claw at his shoulders and scream in desperation for him to pound into me. I feel so empty without him; I know I need him inside me. He smacks my clit with his other hand, causing my body to jolt off of the bed. I scream his name as waves of heated pleasure pulse through my body. Wave after wave keep me trembling as he continues his rough strokes. He slowly pulls out as the aftershocks dim and my breathing steadies.
Wounded Kiss (To Be Claimed Saga Book 1) Page 12