by C. T. Adams
She was babbling but couldn’t seem to stop herself. Sweet Jesus, she was starting to think of him as part of the familia… and she wanted him to fit in. She wasn’t at all upset when he put light fingers over her mouth again and then caught her gaze. “I’ll be honored to meet your family, and your grandmother. If she’s anything like you, she probably is a femme fatale.” Then he moved his fingers, easing them down the line of her jaw and behind her neck to rub gently. “And you don’t have to worry—I won’t let anyone bother you on the moon, mi amor.”
My love. If he was mated, he really meant that. Did she love him back? She just didn’t know. It was still so damned early, and she barely knew anything about him. But she didn’t stop him when he pulled her closer and her hands reached for him just the same. The kiss was slow and soft, and his magic eased around her, lulling her into languid bonelessness. But when he started to roll her over onto the bed, she stopped him. “My turn.”
His scent spoke his amusement. “I didn’t know we were taking turns.” With fluid grace that took her breath away, he stretched out on the bed. His arousal was becoming evident as she let her eyes roam over his muscled chest and firm abdomen. “But please, don’t let me stop you.”
She rose to her knees and leaned over him, letting her hair dangle in his face for a moment. His stomach muscles twitched when she ran a light finger across his skin. He breathed in her scent with flared nostrils and rubbed his cheek against the strands as she whispered. “No wolves. Is that possible?”
He met her eyes seriously and nodded before reaching for her waist. “No wolves. Just a man and an utterly, devastatingly beautiful woman.”
Now, how could a girl not smile at that? So she did, right before lowering her mouth to his for a long, slow taste. It was hard to hold the wolf at bay, especially when his fingers snaked down between her legs to rub her. When his mouth moved to her breasts and started to lick and suck, she nearly lost the battle, so he slowed, bringing her back from the brink.
“We can keep your wolf out of it,” he said and then pulled her over to straddle his waist and flipped her onto her back. “But you need to let me lead.” He slid down until she could only see the top of his head between her legs, past the rise of her breasts. The first slow flick of his tongue inside her put her heart in her throat. Her back arched and her wolf reached out for his magic, but didn’t find it. He’d pulled as much of what made him Sazi as he could inside and so the man who was licking and sucking at her was just a man—who happened to be really good at what he was doing!
It wasn’t very long at all before she was clawing at the bedsheets and screaming his name as another orgasm turned her mind to putty. But when he crawled back up and kissed her cheek the wolf was already satisfied and didn’t growl for more. “See? We just need to get you off first. I thought that might work. Nothing to it.”
He reached for another square package from the night stand but she stopped him before he could rip it open. “What happens, happens. There’s always families who can’t ever have kids.” She’d never gotten involved in the breeding program, but there really were so many families where both partners were Sazi… but couldn’t bear children. Only Alpha females or humans could successfully have children with a male werewolf. Her guilt at the packet in his hand was probably increased by the fact that her golden Virgen de Guadalupe medallion had wrapped in her hair and was cutting into her neck. Maybe that was a sign that it was time to look, as so many had told her lately, to the future of all of their kind.
Adam didn’t argue. Possibly he couldn’t argue, if he was truly mated. He just began to rain slow kisses on her face and neck, and when he entered her, his groan collapsed him onto her chest. He didn’t last long enough after that for her to do much more than moan softly and taste the salty sweat that rolled down his neck as he took his pleasure. She wrapped her legs around his hips and held him to her as he climaxed with a shuddering moan and a whisper of her name. She kept holding him close until he naturally slipped out of her. His breathing was soft against her ear when he spoke. “You’re so beautiful… so incredible, Carita. Do you know that? Do you have any idea how good you feel under me?”
She smiled as he threaded his arms under her, and just held her. His scent, like warm bread and cookies baking, told her what she needed to know. It might not be love yet, but there was definitely contentment. It felt good—his warm weight on her, and the thick cool sheets underneath, as the sun began to creep over the horizon and fill the room with soft light.
Chapter 27
“So? HAVE ANY bright ideas how I’m going to pull this off?” Cara leaned back into the comfortable wicker chair, grabbed the bottle of Dos Equis beer from the glass-topped end table and used it to salute the incredulous look that greeted her rambling account.
Eduardo Ruiz shook his head and closed his eyes for a moment as she took a deep draw of the amber liquid. “Jesus bambino, Cara! This has all happened in a week?” When she nodded at his strange but somehow fitting curse, he blew out a slow breath and stood up, frustration and anger overshadowing his normal scent, similar to boiled raisins with oatmeal.
Immaculate and handsome as ever, in polished cowboy boots, a starched western-style shirt and dark jeans that had been pressed until there was a sharp crease, Paco’s twin oozed the same Latino style and masculinity as her brother-in-law—despite his sexual preference. Eddie reminded Cara of how Paco looked on the day he married Rosa… young, strong, virile. But then, Eddie actively worked to keep his physique, and Paco’s desk job had softened him over the last sixteen years.
He took two steps from the living room and was suddenly in the kitchen of the tiny efficiency apartment. Opening a refrigerator that barely reached his chin, he pulled out his third bottle since she arrived. One more and she’d have to suggest switching to coffee. She knew he was trying to cut back since almost getting hauled in for a DWI. Dying for a drink had nearly become literal last fall when Will pulled him over after a pack hunt. Sazi who got locked up never reached their trial. Cara felt a small shudder pass through her at what nearly happened. She learned after that incident not to leave a hunt until after she’d seen everyone safely on their way, no matter how big the emergency. Thankfully, they’d still been on the ranch property and Luis had been with him. Will just made Eddie move to the passenger seat before they hit the highway.
“So, let me get this straight,” he said as he sat down opposite her with a squeaking of varnished fibers and put the bottle on the other table. “The Sazi council told you that we have to share our territory with a bunch of timber wolves, and the guy you’ve been hanging out with is going to be our new Alpha?” She nodded and he continued. “And, there’s some sort of big plot going on where raptors are stealing livestock around the valley and kidnapping young girls, including the girl—who I might mention is the same age as Gloria—that’s staying with my brother… and that it’s all somehow tied to the pack that’s joining us.” He held up a finger in a good enough imitation of a trite infomercial that she chuckled. “But wait! There’s more! Just to screw things up further, the Wolven snake who was here took away the only thing that keeps you from going into heat, and the Alpha Male is mated to you, so he causes you to go into heat even faster because you can’t keep your hands off each other… and he’ll proceed to kill any of the pack that accidentally touches you.” He raised both his arms, like some enraptured televangelist. “Sí, sí! It can all be yours, for the low, low price of just—” Now he turned deadly serious and dropped his arms, and all the humor disappeared from his face. “The love and respect of your entire familia.”
Cara let out a harsh breath and banged her fist down on the armrest. It bent downward sharply as she felt extra power flood her from the sudden anger. Would Adam be able to see this conversation now? Would he be mad at her for telling Eddie about him? “I knew you were going to say that! Damn it, Eddie!” She crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head. “I don’t know why I even bothered to tell you.”
> His voice softened, but was no less serious. “Because you knew that I’d be the most receptive to the situation… unfortunately. Paco is going to go ballistic, Cara. You know that, and Rosa is going to be stuck square in the middle. You’ve known about this shit for a whole week—you’ve introduced people to us and lied, saying they were just visiting… and it’s just now you’re telling anyone? On the first night of the moon, when there are already new wolves here that will need to hunt with us?”
She shook her head. “I didn’t lie. Not exactly—you guys would have smelled that. They are visiting right now. They’ll just be visiting for… a really long time. And they won’t need to hunt tonight. They’re alphic.”
“Oh! Even better! Rationalize lying and then rub the Second’s nose in the fact that the newcomers are better than him. Jesus bambino!” She felt her face redden, because she knew he was right.
“It’s not fair, Eddie. I didn’t have any say in this, but I’m going to take the heat for everything. We don’t have any choice! Doesn’t that count for anything?”
He ran his fingers through his short, wavy black hair and stared at the table in the corner, filled to overflowing with candles in glass jars bearing the image of the Virgin and her baby. He had more to pray about than most anyone she knew… until recently, anyway. She was pretty sure her candle count was higher this week. He started to tap one finger on his leg and she felt herself perk up a little. He was thinking his hardest when that happened and he was unusually brilliant when he started to really work on a problem. Paco couldn’t believe the day when Eddie had gotten the invitation to join that club, Mensa, in the mail—only to have Eddie laugh and throw it away. Why would I join a snooty bunch of librarians who don’t even know how to fiesta? he’d asked. I just took the test for fun.
After a few moments where she didn’t dare even breathe for fear of breaking his concentration, he finally started to nod and a slow smile spread across his face. “Refugees.”
Cara felt her brows raise. “Excuse me?”
He flicked his gaze to her, his eyes filled with fiery intensity. “The Minnesota people. They’re refugees —running from an insane Alpha dictator. A wolf version of Castro, and we have to take them in. We’re Sazi… family. We can’t turn them away. I saw the scars on Tómas… and so did Paco. If you’re right and Jill is as traumatized as you say, then it could really work. You saw how Rosa was around her when they stopped by with Adam yesterday. Even your sister saw there was something haunting her. And the girls are already hermanas —just like sisters.” He shrugged mildly. “Jenny’s hair and clothes are a little Goth, but she’s nice enough and offering to photograph the Quince made Paco happy—I mean, damn! She’s had her own gallery showing up north! It would save him a bunch of money. It might just work.”
She brightened for a moment but then felt her heart sink. “But the Alpha is dead up there now. Why still run?”
“A pack without an Alpha is a pack headed for extinction, Cara. What sane person wouldn’t run from a civil war where everyone is trying to fill the top slot?”
Refugees. Eddie was right. That might just work. “Wow. That angle would never have occurred to me!” She stood in a rush of movement and bent down over him to hug his shoulders. “Thank you so much! You’re the best!” A weight lifted from her and she smiled. The room seemed brighter and the air cleaner. She shook her head in amazement. Once again, he’d come through for her.
“But,” he added, with worry tinging his scent, “that first hunt with all of them… you’ll need to lay down some ground rules.”
She nodded and stepped back to take her seat again. “Already covered. Lucas said the council approved everyone in this pack remaining in their current rankings. They’ll all be coming in at the bottom until things settle down.”
Eddie took a sip of beer and fingered the bottle. “That’s good, but it’s not what I’m worried about. Rosa was pretty ticked off when she found out how the Minnesota pack treats non-shifters.”
She reared back a little in surprise. “Which is how?”
“They’re not considered pack at all. They’re not even invited to the hunt fiesta. They’re like glorified babysitters who handle all the menial details, like cooking and caring for the children, while the high and mighty shifters hunt. Not only do the wolves not offer them the first deer of the hunt like we do, they don’t get any meat. I guess Jenny was complaining to Gloria about it and Rosa caught wind of the conversation last night when the girls had a slumber party. Jenny’s getting ready to change, and she hates the thought of joining… what did Rosa say again? Oh yeah, she didn’t want to become like those bourgeois elitists.”
That was what had been bothering her—ever since the first conversation at the restaurant! He’d called the non-shifters family members, not pack. Yeah, that was definitely something that was going to need to be discussed. No way would people be joining her pack and not be included in everything that bound them together as Sazi! She looked at him seriously. “I’ll take care of it. I promise.” She happened to notice the time on her new watch—she never did find the old one, damn it!—when she reached for her beer again.
“Chingado! I’ve been here for two hours already! I’m so sorry, Eddie. I’ve been totally monopolizing the conversation, and you were the one who called me here to talk!” She looked again at his handsome face, noticing again the puffy dark bags under his eyes, and the wet scents of sorrow and fear that seemed to hang around him like a funeral shroud. “I’ve been really worried about you lately. Something’s been on your mind. I’m guessing it’s pretty serious, or you would have already talked to Paco about it.”
He shifted his eyes away but then took a deep breath and smiled a bit. “Actually, I think I figured out a solution while we’ve been talking. I have a feeling it’s not going to be a problem much longer.” He raised his bottle in toast. “So here’s to solving two problemas in one day!”
She laughed and took a drink. “Well, if that changes, you let me know. I’ll do anything I can to help.”
His eyes filled with comradery and warmth. She really couldn’t ask for a better brother-in-law, or friend. “I know you will. So, how’s work? Any better? Have you checked in on Carl lately?”
She sighed and tucked both ankles under her and fought off a wave of frustration. “Let’s not talk about work. Carl had another episode while I was in San Antonio. One side of his face is paralyzed now and it’s really hard for him to talk—and even harder for the rest of us not to stare at him when he tries. I stopped by last evening. The doctor didn’t put him in the hospital, and thinks he’ll get the use of those muscles back eventually, but—”
Eddie grimaced. “Ay chi ! So that means he probably won’t be back before elections, huh? You gonna put your name on the ticket?”
“Hell, yes! I’m not even sure I want the job anymore, but I’m going on the ballot.” At his questioning look, she continued. “I just found out from Yo that two of my deputies are having an affair… or were. Right now they can hardly stand to be in the same room together, so I’ll have to figure out how to make their shifts opposite. I can’t afford to lose either one right now. We’re already down a person.” Eddie opened his mouth but she held up a hand. “And no… don’t suggest that Adam could apply. ¡Madre de Dios! Can you imagine what that would sound like in the donut shop, now that people have seen us around town together?”
He raised his chin in sudden understanding. “Ah! Yeah, you’re right about that. I wasn’t thinking. So, who are the two unlucky lovebirds?”
“You didn’t hear it from me, and if I hear it spread around, I’ll swear to God I’ll beat you bloody—but Stephanie Dion and… Billy, if you can believe it!”
Eddie nearly dropped his bottle. “That racist, woman-hating son of a bitch—with Stephanie? Jesus bambino! She deserves better than him! What in the world is she thinking?”
Cara nodded, still incredulous at the revelation. But Stephanie had finally confirmed it when cornered. No
wonder Elliot had been avoiding looking at them. He was friends with them both and probably stuck in the middle—hearing both sides and trying to avoid taking sides. She still couldn’t believe she hadn’t noticed, hadn’t smelled any attraction. Then again, maybe it wasn’t a matter of attraction.
“I don’t know how it started, and I don’t want to. I’m just hoping if I can keep them apart for awhile, maybe it’ll settle down.” They shook their heads at nearly the same speed, and it let her take a deep breath. “Oh hey, I nearly forgot. I got lucky on one front, so the day’s not a total loss. I had a long chat with Rick Seguin. Remember I told you I thought he was sneaking around my back to make me look bad?” Eddie nodded. “Well, turns out he was actually trying to cut me a break. He’s been telling everybody that I’ve been doing the stuff he’s been doing, like setting meetings and shit, in hopes people will think I’m on top of things… and maybe accept me as the permanent sheriff.” She paused and then stood up. “Well, I should probably be going. I need to get the barn ready for the hunt tonight and then stop by Rosa’s. You sure you don’t need to talk about anything?”
He shook his head and stood up, picking up his tall-crowned straw cowboy hat in the process. “Nah. I’ve got to get moving, too—I have a few things to do before the hunt.
“She pointed at him seriously. “Not a word to Paco. Okay?”
He held up one hand while putting on his hat with the other. “I won’t even be seeing him before the hunt. I’ll be going in the other direction.”
“WELL, I THINK you’re being too hard on yourself, Alpha.” Jill took another sip of canned ice tea and leaned closer to Tommy. She’d been needing to touch him almost constantly since the battle—maybe to prove to herself that he wouldn’t push her away. She let out a small sigh when her husband put his arm around her and kissed her hair lightly. “Cara seems like a perfectly reasonable woman and she’s obviously crazy about you. I don’t think she’ll react nearly as badly as you think.”