“He looks intimidating with those scars and he radiates danger. Why doesn’t he think he will find his mate?”
“He has searched and not found her yet. Besides, he fears his looks are…off putting.”
“Are you kidding? He’s handsome in his own way. The scars are kind of sexy if you ask me.”
Lucien growled and his arm tightened around her waist. She laughed and said quickly, “Not nearly as handsome as you are, of course!”
Pacified, he nuzzled her neck.
“Perhaps his mate is human, like me. How will he ever find her, Lucien? Do you think he ever will?”
Lucien shrugged.
“I was lucky to find you Lanie. IF your brother had never been attacked, IF he hadn’t survived and IF Ethan hadn’t brought him to Second Chances, he never would have met Devon and had pups. I would never have met you. Funny how things work out.”
“Hmmm, that’s a lot of ‘IF’s.’ I’ll be back later.”
She kissed him and stood, walked over to the table and filled a plate with all kinds of goodies. She picked up a fork and napkin then grabbed a cold beer. She walked over to Kane and stood in front of him. He was even taller than Lucien, so she craned her neck to look up at him.
“Hi, Kane. Want a beer?”
She offered him the beer. Surprised at her offer and kind smile, he nodded and took the beer from her. He twisted off the cap and took a long swig. She offered him the plate as well. He was hungry but refused to walk over to the table, didn’t want to walk past the mated couples or be near the single females who avoided him. It was just too painful.
“Thank you.”
He took the plate and she pointed to the vacant loveseat. He sat down and she sat right next to him.
“Mind if I keep you company?”
He shook his head then glanced across the room at his Alpha, who was looking at them intently. Would the Alpha be upset that his mate was sitting with Kane? He didn’t look angry at the moment, but he knew how quickly males could lose their tempers when it came to their mates. He was a strong solider, but he wouldn’t stand a chance against a pissed off Alpha defending his mate. Lanie followed Kane’s gaze and winked at Lucien. He saw her wink and grinned, shook his head. She was up to something and he was intrigued. Lanie turned back to Kane.
“Don’t worry about him. I told him I thought you were handsome.”
Kane nearly choked on his dinner. He looked at Lanie then back at Lucien, worry lining his scarred face. Lanie laughed.
“I also told him he was far more handsome than you are, so he will let you live.”
Kane didn’t seem relieved. “Why would you do that?”
“Are you kidding? You know how jealous mated males are.”
“No, I meant, why would you tell him you thought I was handsome? I am badly scarred. Not just on my face.”
“Because it’s true. You are good looking. The scars don’t detract from your looks. It makes you more appealing.”
She lowered her voice, “I know you long for a mate. I’m sure you will find her one day. Perhaps she’s a human?”
Kane blinked. “I hadn’t thought of that. Do you really think a human could accept me?” Female wolves didn’t. Why would a human?
Lanie nodded.
“I’m human and I think you’re attractive. I’m sure your mate will as well.”
Kane thought about what she said. Perhaps he should give human females a chance. She sat with him as he finished his dinner. Lanie asked him lots of questions about his job as a soldier and he answered her, glad for the company. He could see why Lucien had fallen for her.
Lucien finished his meal, tossed his plate in the kitchen garbage and returned to the living room, to find his mate still engaged with Kane. Not wanting to interrupt, Lucien walked over, picked her up and sat down with her on his lap. He had been away from her for too long, missed her touch, her scent. He hadn’t made love to her since earlier that morning and his desire was building. As soon as his pack left, he was going to fuck her. He hoped they left soon otherwise he would kick them out. He needed his mate, needed to be deep inside of her. His cock twitched and she wiggled on his lap, tormenting him.
Nicolai sat across the room from Kane, observed as the Alpha’s mate approached him and offered him a beer. He watched as Kane smiled and sat down, speaking softly to Lanie. He was surprised that Lucien didn’t interfere, as he was a very possessive wolf. Nicolai knew that if she was his mate, he wouldn’t let any male near her. He was glad to see his old friend finally at ease with a woman. It was a shame that she was already taken, as she seemed to enjoy Kane’s company. Nicolai didn’t leave his spot until he saw Lucien walk over and pick up his mate, placed her on his lap. He grinned. He knew Lucien would be kicking them out soon so he could take his mate to bed. He would.
Nicolai nodded to another Soldier who moved to small groups, suggesting they wrap up the evening’s festivities. Nicolai figured the Alpha’s home would be cleared within a half hour. He walked over to Kane and Lanie, nodding to Lucien.
“Lanie, my Love, this is Nicolai. He’s another of my soldiers.”
Lanie turned away from Kane and smiled at Nicolai. She extended her hand and he shook it.
“Please tell me you have a sister. I’m sure Kane is dying to know.”
Lanie chuckled and shook her head, “Sorry, only a brother.”
“So Nicolai, I really didn’t have a chance to chat with many of the soldiers or any of the other males tonight. I did have a chance to speak with the females and learned a lot about pack life. Tell me, what do you think about wolves living together even though they are not mates?”
Nicolai thought for a moment before answering, “I don’t think you should get rid of that practice, if that’s what you’re asking. Personally, I would prefer to find my mate. I think we all would. Especially now that we see how happy Lucien is with you. But for some of us….some of us searched but did not find our mates. Should we live alone? Or find some measure of happiness with another lonely soul?”
“Well said, Nicolai. I take it you are ready to settle down?”
“Yes. I long to find a woman who will adore me the way you do Lucien.”
“Have you met all of the single wolves?” Nicolai shook his head, “I’ve been to a couple of the local packs on business, but none of their females is mine.”
“Kane said the same thing. Perhaps we can help our lonely wolves. Maybe a gathering of some sort for all of our single wolves?”
“That’s a great idea, Lanie. Will you organize it?”
Lanie nodded, happy to be able to help her lonely wolves find their mates.
“I’m not much of an organizer when it comes to that sort of thing, but I’d be happy to help you in any way that I can,” Nicolai offered.
Lanie smiled and thanked him. Kane stayed silent. He didn’t like the idea of being publicly rejected by every single female wolf.
Soon after, their home was empty as the last pack mate left. Lucien locked the door and went back to the living room in search of his mate. She was gone. He sniffed the air and headed to their bedroom. Not there either. He called out to her. She didn’t answer. He searched all of the rooms again, starting with his office. Finding no sign of his mate, he growled in frustration. He sniffed the air and scented her arousal, followed his nose to their master bedroom closet. He opened the door suddenly and Lanie giggled when she saw his expression.
He reached in, picked her up and slung her over his shoulder. He carried her to their bed as she giggled delightedly. He tossed her on the bed and pulled open one of the drawers on her night stand. He pulled out two thigh high stockings and climbed onto the bed. He tied one stocking to each hand then tied the stocking to the bedpost on either side of the headboard.
“What are you doing?”
Lanie tugged on the stockings, but they were too tight and she was bound.
“I’m going to punish you for that stunt. I wanted to fuck you the minute they left. You’ve mad
e me wait, so I’m going to make you suffer the same torment.”
“Lucien, untie me.”
“Lucien?”
Lucien smiled wickedly as he stood by the bed, refusing to answer her. He stripped quickly and returned to the bed. He lifted her dress and was surprised to find her bare underneath.
“What happened to your panties?”
“I took them off after they left.”
He growled, “You should have waited for me on the couch. I would have taken you there.”
He studied his mate, tied to his bed. He should have removed her dress before he tied her down. Now he couldn’t suck on her nipples, touch the soft skin of her breasts. He smiled, realizing that would torment her. Lucien stretched out beside her and trailed his fingers along her inner thigh. He moved steadily upwards, caressing her belly, moving down the other side, caressing her thigh. Lanie wriggled, trying to get his fingers to touch her between her legs. He touched and caressed her everywhere but there.
He continued caressing her while he rubbed his face on her breasts, concentrating on where her nipples would be. Her bra felt tight as her nipples pebbled. A familiar ache began to form and she bit her lip. Finally, Lucien touched her clit. He rubbed it gently then slid his fingers lower, slipping it inside of her. She groaned as he filled her with is thick digit. He pushed deep inside of her and withdrew, repeating this motion several times. Finally, he withdrew his finger completely.
“Open your mouth,” he demanded. Obediently, she opened her mouth, curious as to what he would do. He put the tip of his finger in her mouth.
“Suck,” he commanded, and she closed her mouth around his finger, sucked on it, tasting herself.
He pushed his finger a little deeper into her mouth and she continued sucking on it. She swirled her tongue around his finger and his eyes darkened. She saw it glow briefly and change into his wolf’s eyes. He growled, a low sound, one she knew meant he was deeply aroused. She realized that he was fantasizing that the thick digit that filled her mouth was his cock. And it made her even wetter to think of his cock in her mouth. She sucked harder and said, “Hhmmmm,” and Lucien lost control.
He moved swiftly over her and she spread her legs. He entered her, thrusting hard and deep.
Lanie wrapped her legs around him as he fucked her. He removed his finger from her mouth and she felt disappointed at the loss. He raised himself up, reached down between them and rubbed her clit as he pounded into her. “Oh, Lucien, don’t stop!”
Over and over, Lucien pushed his cock deep into his mate. Her moans and groans egged him on. Faster and faster he moved until her body spasmed and contracted around him. She groaned a deep throaty, “OOHHHH!” as she had an orgasm and Lucien went over the edge, spilling his seed deep inside of her. He kissed her tenderly and withdrew. He untied her and she lay there recovering.
“I hope you learned your lesson.”
“I certainly did. I think I’ll have to do that more often….”
Lucien groaned. He would never survive if his mate tormented him like that on a regular basis. She sat up and turned her back to him and he unzipped her dress. She undressed fully and stretched out next to him, placed her head on his chest and began caressing his nipple.
“Ready for round two?”
Lucien chuckled and nodded, allowing his mate to satisfy herself with his body.
Chapter Twelve
Lanie was thrilled! Her wedding had been perfect. Her father walked her down the aisle in her beautiful white wedding dress. They exchanged wedding vows and she was now officially married to Lucien, her mate. They danced, dined, ate delicious cake and now were on their way home in a limousine.
As soon as the limousine’s door closed behind them, Lucien kneeled in front of his new bride, put his hands under her dress and removed her already wet panties. He stuffed them into his pocket and unzipped his pants. He was aching for her. She licked her lips as he spread her legs, pushed her dress up, over her hips.
He rubbed his cock along her slit and she groaned. He slid into her tight, wet channel. Promising he would go slower later, he moved into her faster and faster, rubbing her clit with his thumb as he pumped into her hard. He angled his hips and drove into her deeper. She raised her hips to meet each thrust, desperate to drive him deeper inside of her. His cock hit a small bundle of nerves and she orgasmed. Stars exploded behind her eyes. She bit her lip to keep from screaming his name, not wanting the limo driver to drop the partition and see them. He released his seed into her and kissed her tenderly. When they got home, he undressed her carefully and as promised, made love to her slowly.
While most of the pack danced and celebrated the joining of the Alpha and his mate, a small group of men sat huddled in the corner of the reception hall. Judging from the angry lines on their faces and tense posture, they were not pleased. They had to get rid of the Alpha. None of them were strong enough to best him in a fight. They would have to discredit him. Make him seem like an unfit Alpha to the rest of the pack. A well dressed wolf smiled evilly and leaned forward, sharing his idea. The other men agreed to the plan and the mastermind made a phone call.
Chapter Thirteen
Six months later…
Lucien froze at the door. He scented another male and it made him angry.
The scent is so familiar… Riley!
He opened the door and called to Lanie. The house was too quiet. At once, he knew she wasn’t there. She had left with Riley. He had known something was wrong. The last couple of weeks she had been acting strangely. She refused his touch, claiming her breasts were too sore and she had bad cramps.
His heart felt like a vice was squeezing it and he wanted to kill Riley for taking his mate. He would kill Riley, slowly, in front of his mate. He warned her about what would happen if she ever allowed another to touch her. Soon she would see he meant every word.
He was about to storm out of the house, intent on killing Riley when a familiar scent caught his nose. He turned around and walked into the kitchen. He saw the meatloaf and mashed potatoes on top of the stove.
She made me my favorite dinner on the night she left me?
Confused, he walked into the dining room and saw the table was set for two. Between the two candles was a small rectangular box. He opened it and stared at it in surprise.
Lucien closed the box and ran out of the house, the box gripped tightly in his hand. He got into his truck and sped all the way back to Second Chances. Forty five minutes later, he burst into Jake’s and yelled, “Riley!”
Jake’s was full of Riley’s pack. It was their weekly pack meeting. All conversation stopped as pack members turned to look at Lucien. Riley stood up beside his father.
“Where is she, Riley? I know you took my mate. If she has been harmed in any way, you will beg me for death.” He threw the rectangular box at Riley.
“Not even God can save you if anything happens to our child.”
Stunned, Riley opened up the box and stared at the home pregnancy test. It was positive.
“I…I didn’t know. I swear… I never would have….”
Riley said as he fell back onto his chair. To harm a mate or put one in danger was to court death. To harm a pregnant mate, a very slow and painful death.
“Tell. Me. Where. She. IS!” bellowed Lucien.
“She hasn’t been harmed, I swear. I never would have done it if they were planning to hurt her. I was supposed to make sure you knew I took her, so I left my scent there. Then I came here to wait for you to show up. He figured you would be so enraged, you’d attack me and my pack would stop you. I took Lanie to a cabin, not far from your home. I…I gave her a shot, just to make her sleep. According to the plan, once my pack got hold of you, I would deny everything and make them go to your house. Lanie should have been returned by now. She’d be asleep and they would think you’d lost your mind, or been stupid enough to start a pack war over your woman. Either way, he would have you stripped as Alpha and he would take over.”
“Who
betrayed me?” asked Lucien.
“Dale, your step-father and his three sons. Dale was going to make his oldest son Alpha. They were going to make me a soldier.”
“You put our pack in danger, put a pregnant mate in danger for your own benefit? You disgust me, Riley. You will be dealt with in a most severe manner,” stated a very angry Ethan, the Alpha of the Second Chances werewolf pack.
“To use a mate in an underhanded fight for Alpha status is beyond reprehensible. Lucien, I pledge my pack to you. We will support you until you deal with your traitors.”
“Thank you, Ethan. Once the traitors have been dealt with, we will make it official. Our packs will become allies. Riley, how are they to know that I have attacked you?”
“I was supposed to call Dale once I knew our people were going to check on Lanie.”
Lucien and Ethan discussed their options. Once the plan was finalized, Riley called Dale.
“That son of a bitch nearly killed me! It took ten pack mates to haul his ass off of me...I think they took him to the jail. He was seriously pissed off, man…ok. See you then.” Riley hung up. Unable to look at Lucien, he hung his head in shame.
Lucien and three Second Chances werewolves took one of their black SUV’s back to Last Hope. Three other SUVs followed close behind.
Chapter Fourteen
Lucien was tense as the SUV pulled up to his home. He was out of the SUV before the driver stopped fully. He ran to the door and yanked it open. The light scent of gardenias filled his nose and he bolted in the direction of his bedroom. Lanie lay still on the bed, her chest rising and falling with each breath she took. His eyes filled with tears as he pulled his sleeping mate towards him. He held her tightly. Lanie stirred.
“Lucien?...Riley…tricked me—”
“I know, honey. It’s alright. You’re home and you’re safe with me. You’re both safe.” Lanie stared at him and tried to sit up.
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