Protecting What's Hers (To Love And Defend Book 2)

by Daniella Starre

  Without having to think twice, Clint exploded out of his clothes, dropped to all fours, and unleashed his inner wolf. He threw back his head and howled.

  Clint charged into the fray and landed a mighty blow to the side of Jack’s head. The asshole accepted the blow easily enough. Jack didn’t even seem surprised that Clint was here. The creep headbutted Mandy, forcing her back, and bit Clint hard on the left foreleg.

  Through gritted teeth, Clint endured the pain and raked his claws against Jack’s face. Lines of blood from the gashes streaked down the asshole’s face, and Clint grinned in repulsive satisfaction.

  Mandy wasn’t to be outdone. She jumped onto the bed, kicked off a human-sized doll, and then launched herself onto Jack’s back. His legs buckled, and Clint swiped out his front paws. Down Jack went in a heap, Mandy still on his back.

  Immediately, Clint rested his paws on Jack’s shoulders, forcing him into a submissive position. Jack struggled, whining, trying to swat at Clint, but nothing could get Clint to release his hold. In fact, Clint dug his claws into Jack’s shoulders. Jack roared and howled. He struggled to climb to his feet, but Mandy shifted her weight onto his hips, further reducing his movements.

  Mandy nodded to Clint, and he would’ve grinned if smiling was possible in wolf form.

  She slashed and sliced and diced all over Jack’s body. Real wolves weren’t the best of hunters. They hunted the weakest of a pack. Most of their prey died slowly, painfully, from blood loss, shock, or even muscle damage.

  Werewolves, on the other hand, were much stronger and more capable fighters. They fought to the death, and Jack was struggling to stay alive. Even he had to realize that he would not live much longer.

  Jack was bleeding badly by now, and his movements were halting. His wolf was panting heavily. Each time he struggled to get up, Clint dug his claws deeper into Jack’s shoulders, reinforcing the pin. It helped that Mandy remained on Jack’s back. He had no chance of breaking free.

  Mandy pressed her paws to the base of Jack’s neck and shoved. A sickening crack sounded, and Jack’s body went limp.

  Jack was dead. They had done it.

  15

  Mandy’s arms were sore. Dried blood coated her body, and bruises were already forming. Gashes had been sliced all over her body. Most were already clotting and healing, one of the benefits of being a werewolf.

  Along with superhero strength. If not for that, she never would’ve been able to kill Jack. His body slowly shifted back to his human form, and he laid there, motionless, his heart no longer beating.

  All werewolves were part human, part wolf, but upon death, they all reverted to their human form.

  Clint threw back his head and howled. If she weren’t so tired and worn out, she would’ve changed back to her wolf and joined in the howl. As it was, she could barely stand.

  The wolf nuzzled against her, and she leaned against his soft fur. Patches were matted down, slick with blood, but he appeared relatively unharmed. He would live. She’d protected him, and he’d protected her.

  “We make a good team,” she murmured. A sense of peace and happiness washed over her, cleansing her of any lingering fear and worry.

  In response, Clint licked the side of her face.

  She giggled and opened her mouth to ask him to shift back, wanting to collapse into his arms, when she smelled werewolves.

  Had Jack an army at his disposal? No. She recognized two scents distinctly. Her parents.

  And she was naked. So was Clint.

  She grabbed a blanket from the bed to cover herself. When Jack came at her, she hadn’t the time to strip out of her clothes to preserve them. Clint hadn’t bothered to either, and he grabbed the bedsheet. They were both covered when her parents and several werewolf cops burst into the room.

  While the newcomers took in the scene and asked questions, Clint pulled Mandy to his chest. His heart was beating furiously, in perfect sync with her own racing heartbeat.

  “I need you,” he murmured directly into her ear. Hopefully, no one else overheard.

  She glanced up at him, clinging to him. “Never let me go.”

  “I won’t,” he promised.

  Smiling contently, she nuzzled against him. Moving forward didn’t necessarily mean moving on. She would always love Brent. Her husband had been her first wolf. That didn’t mean that she couldn’t love another. Her heart was big enough for her to love both Brent and Clint.

  Now that Jack had been dealt with, never to be an issue again, Mandy could move forward completely and totally. She could find her place in the world again. She could determine what exactly she wanted to do with her life instead of accepting one crappy job after another struggling to make ends meet.

  Maybe it was time for her to forge her own path. Her life had been intertwined with Brent’s when she’d married him, but their marriage only lasted until he’d passed away. Now, if she wished, she could return to Hazel Park. She could explore her relationship with Clint. They could slow things down and take their time, getting to know each other’s heart, body, and soul entirely.

  Given that they’d already faced and killed a huge obstacle, Mandy knew with absolute certainty that their love could last until one drew their last breath.

  She squeezed Clint tight, relishing the feel of his strong arms around her. Tomorrow was a new day, a fresh start, and Mandy felt both happiness and hopeful for what the coming day would bring.

  16

  The moments after Mandy killed Jack were some of the most unforgettable that Clint ever experienced even if everything was a bit fuzzy. Holding Mandy to his chest was all he could focus on. She was safe. She was fine. They both were, and the threat had been eliminated.

  The werewolf cops were calling in about the body. Both he and Mandy had to give statements separately, but everything was point blank and forward. There was no issue as to who had been the villain in this case. Before they were given the green light to leave, Clint spied the doll. He hadn’t realized until now that it bore a striking resemblance to Mandy. It gave him a grim, almost repulsive sense of satisfaction to notice that Mandy had decapitated the doll.

  Mandy’s parents drove them back to their house. Her mom and dad would not stop asking them questions, even more than the police had. Mandy answered them in short sentences, her words slightly muffled from her nearly burying her face into his chest. She was fine. He’d examined her body to ensure she didn’t need to go to the hospital. The werewolf love of his life just wanted to be as close to him as possible, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to complain about that.

  Melissa and David insisted that Mandy spend the night with them, but she shook her head.

  “I don’t think so.”

  “You aren’t driving back to Toledo tonight,” her mom said firmly. “I don’t care how old you are. You’re listening to me on that point.”

  “I don’t plan on going far from your house,” Mandy murmured, staring up at Clint.

  “Oh? Oh! Mandy, haven’t I been trying for months to get you to come out here and meet Clint?”

  “Yes, yes. I’ve met him now, Mom. Isn’t that enough?”

  “It is,” David said. He reached over and patted his wife’s knees. “Leave them go.”

  “I am,” Melissa said, sounding as pleased as a peacock. “Are you two sure you’re… all right for…”

  Clint coughed. By the moon, this was awkward as fuck. “We’re fine,” he insisted.

  Mandy straightened and pulled away from him. Although it was too dark for him to see her clearly, he knew her cheeks were bright red. She adjusted the shirt she was wearing, having borrowed clothes from the sole female werewolf officer who had come to help save them.

  Soon enough, they arrived at their houses. Clint climbed out of the back first and helped Mandy out. He shook David’s hand, hugged Melissa, and waited for Mandy to embrace them both. Her mom didn’t seem to want to let Mandy go, but Mandy eventually wiggled free.

  Clint grabbed her hand and led her
inside his house. “Do you want a tour?”

  “That can wait. We have all the time in the world.”

  He grinned. “That we do, so what do you want to do now?”

  “I’m willing to check out your bed,” Mandy said teasingly.

  Clint’s cock jumped at her words, straining against his jeans. It didn’t help that Mandy was swaying her hips as she climbed the steps in front of him. He rushed to follow her, enjoying the sight from walking behind her. She sniffed a few times, obviously tracking his scent to his room. By the time she opened his bedroom door, he stood directly behind her. It amazed him how perfectly his cock fit in the groove of her perfectly lifted ass.

  Her shirt, his, her pants, his, their underwear, all made it onto the floor in a scattered heap. Mandy fell into his arms, and he guided her onto the bed.

  “You’re perfect,” he murmured, his thumbs circling her pebbled nipples.

  Mandy shivered. Fuck. He loved the effect he had on her.

  “I’m not perfect at all,” she said.

  They were sitting on the bed, facing each other. Her hands gently pushed him down, and she straddled him. She held his hands above his head and kissed him passionately. A shot of pleasure went straight to his cock, and a drop of pre-cum oozed out.

  “Death of me,” he murmured when she pulled away.

  Mandy laughed softly. “You aren’t allowed to die for a long, long time.”

  “I don’t plan on dying anytime soon.”

  “Good.”

  Her tongue flicked against his neck and then one nipple. Her hair tickled him as she kissed and licked her way down his abs. His cock hardened all the more, eagerly anticipating her mouth. It was wetter and tighter than he expected, and he nearly blew his load as she sucked him.

  “Mandy,” he groaned.

  She stopped sucking and licking long enough to say, “No coming in my mouth,” before returning to it.

  He was fine with that until she reached down and touched his balls. Clint had to pull her away to calm himself down enough.

  Mandy laughed. “You enjoy that?”

  “Just a little.” He eyed her appreciatively. All he wanted was to touch, kiss, and lick every inch of her.

  Clint reached out to do just that, but she pushed him back down again.

  “No,” she said firmly. “This is about me giving myself to you. I… I need to do this.”

  He nodded and laid down again. “Whatever you want.”

  “Hm.” She gripped his shaft and stroked it a few times. “I think it might be whatever you want too.”

  Mandy winked and released his cock. Instead, she rubbed her slick folds against him. Quickly, he was just as horned up as he’d been when she’d been giving him oral.

  “I have condoms… Nightstand…” He could hardly talk he was that turned on.

  Mandy hesitated. “You’re clean, right?”

  He nodded, loving where this was going. “Are you on birth control?”

  “No.” She bit her lower lip, considering.

  Clint said nothing. The choice was hers. He’d stand by her either way.

  “Can I tell you what I want for the future?” she asked as she slowly began to rub against him again.

  “Yes,” he groaned.

  “I want us to be together. I want us to marry. I want us to have kids. A kid. Maybe more. That I’m not sure. But I know I want you.” Mandy took a deep breath. “I know I love you.”

  He reached up and cupped her face. “I love you too. I want you. I need you. I’m sure this feels crazy sudden to you—”

  “When you know, you know,” she said softly. “I knew with Brent right away, and I knew with you too.”

  Clint nodded several times. Words failed him, and he hoped she could tell how much she meant to him.

  “No condom?” she whispered.

  “Up to you,” he said hoarsely.

  Mandy smiled wide, the largest one she’d given him yet. She’d never looked more beautiful than she did at that moment, and it had nothing to do with the fact that she was beginning to ride him.

  She was wet, unbelievably wet, and tight, so fucking tight. It didn’t take long at all for him to orgasm, and she climaxed half a minute later. They had time to practice their technique and learn what to do so they could orgasm together. They had all the time in the world.

  Mandy laid her had on his chest. She fit perfectly into the crook of his arm. She fit perfectly into his life and into his heart.

  Back at that house, Mandy had proved that she would do whatever was necessary to protect both herself and those she loved. For the rest of his life, Clint would return the favor. He loved her, and she loved him. Already, they had overcome a tremendous obstacle. They could face anything else life had to throw their way.

  Just then, Mandy’s phone began to ring. She groaned and wiggled free, digging around the clothes on the bed for her pants and her phone. He held onto her legs to pin her in place.

  “Olivia,” she murmured. “I’ll call her back later. Of course, my phone would start working again now.”

  “Don’t want to talk, huh?” he asked as she settled back down against his chest. He rubbed her back, relishing the feeling of her soft, smooth skin beneath his fingertips. Nothing could make him happier than to hold her. His love for her granted him a sense of peace that overwhelmed him with its simplicity.

  “I just want to spend time with you,” she said simply. Her smile contained pure joy. “Whether we’re talking or sleeping or…”

  Clint grinned and kissed her forehead. By the moons, he loved her. “Whatever you want. For the rest of your life, whatever you want.”

  Her Last Wolf

  Mandy Davis managed to find love against after her husband's death. Now, another woman threatens to come between them. It doesn't help that Mandy's friends think she's moving way too fast with Clint. Will jealousy and anger keep them apart forever?

  1

  Mandy Davis closed her eyes and counted to ten. She was far too nervous. She really wanted her friends to like Clint. A week had passed since she and Clint first made love, and it was time to get serious. Considering he lived next to her parents, meeting her friends was the next big step.

  Clint was sitting on her couch, watching her pace. His amused smile frustrated her.

  “You can relax,” he said.

  “How can you?” She flopped beside him.

  He placed his hand on her knee and slowly inched it higher up on her leg. “With you, I’m always happy,” he murmured. “Your friends love you. I love you. They’ll love me.” Clint winked at her. “I mean, come on now. What’s not to love?”

  “Your ego,” she teased. Giggling, she grabbed a cushion and shoved it into his face.

  Clint responded by tickling her. Howling with laughter, she somehow ended up on his lap, kissing him, rubbing against him. Clint had awoken something deep inside her, and she wanted to express her feelings for him all the time. Even when it wasn’t appropriate. Like now. Her nose twitched as she inhaled the familiar scents of her friends.

  Damn it. How could she have forgotten that they had keys to her place?

  Mandy slid off Clint’s lap and awkwardly rose to her feet. She nervously brushed her hair back. She had to look all rumpled. Clint had been pawing at her hair and her clothes.

  She risked a glance at him. He looked just as about to get laid as she did, but he could pull it off. He was always sexy as hell.

  Clint shrugged and winked at her, and Mandy burst out laughing. It was what it was. She adored him. Her friends would love him too. There was no doubt in her mind.

  Alexis Romero crossed over to Mandy first and gave her a tight hug. “You look happy,” she said. She cast a glance at Clint. “You’re the reason for it?”

  “I’d like to take at least some of the credit.” Clint reached over to shake her hand. “Clint Ramsey.”

  Olivia Moreno brushed her long, black hair over her shoulder and crossed her arms. Her purple lips were pursed. “Cl
int. I dated a Clint once. He was an asshole.”

  Mandy gaped at her friend. “Really? You’ve dated how many assholes, Olivia?”

  Olivia shrugged. “More than my fair share,” she admitted, her voice tinged with regret and shame. “Why?”

  “That’s your type,” Mandy teased, trying to diffuse the situation. Her heart was beginning to pound furiously. She hadn’t expected Olivia to say something like that. Then again, Olivia never had a filter.

  “Ouch,” Olivia said, clasping her hands to her heart.

  Claire Drake giggled. “She kinda has a point.”

  “I do. The dater of assholes is Olivia, and this is Claire. Girls, this is Clint, my boyfriend,” Mandy said to finish the introduction.

  Olivia shook her head. “You all picking on me. Not fair, I tell ya.” She appraised Clint and then nodded. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”

  “None taken. I get it. You’re protective of each other. A pack within a pack.”

  Alexis grinned. “Not exactly. I’m in a different pack.”

  Clint’s smile grew, and Mandy began to feel better. Everything would work out.

  “That’s wonderful that you all still get together.”

  Olivia nodded. “So long as a guy doesn’t keep one of us away.”

  Clint waved his hand. “I would never stop Mandy from spending time with her friends. After what she’s gone through, she needs you all more than ever.”

  As one, the girls turned and stared at Mandy.

  She shrugged, sighed, and finally launched into the tale of the guy who had been obsessed with her. A blind date had gone horrifically wrong. Jack Roberson had come for her. She and Clint fought him off, and in the end, she had killed him.