It was finally over. I looked at the big, black wolf, who stood tall and proud over his fallen opponent. He was mine.
Chapter 5
Adam
I limped over to the beautiful black she-wolf, who sat crouched on the floor next to a fallen coyote. A coyote with his throat ripped out, I noted. She had done that? My heart swelled with pride—this was a woman who would look after her pack, through thick and thin—she would stand by me. And her pups, my mind tacked on. Wow, what it would be like, to see her belly swell with the fruit of our love, to hold our babe in my arms, to kiss tiny hands. I gasped for breath, wanting the dream so much it physically hurt.
Reality check—but, did she want me? An Alpha?
Calling the shift to me, I stretched my human arms, working out kinks and knots, then knelt down beside her. Stroking her white tipped fur, I looked into her eyes.
“It’s safe now, sweetheart. Come back to me…”
The air seemed to shimmer, then like liquid the fur melted away, revealing smooth, tanned skin, full, rounded breasts, and Claire’s ecstatic face.
“We did it!” she cried, launching herself at me, knocking me over onto the floor. Kisses rained down on my face as she gripped my head between her hands, laughing her joy to the world.
All I could think about was how soft she felt, her curves pressing against me, warming and enticing. “We certainly did,” I ground out. She seemed happy, but had she realized what this meant? Who I was? “Claire…” I started, but it came out a strangled moan as she wriggled against me, wrapping me in a hug.
“Hmmm,” she replied, snuggling closer.
“We need to talk—”
“Why? We’re mates—true mates. Marcus is dead—”
“Because—” A noise from the doorway cut me short. Grabbing Claire, I leapt to my feet, moving her safely behind me. “Who’s there?” I shouted, readying myself for another fight.
A young boy appeared in the opening, barely sixteen years old, if I had to guess. His eyes were round like saucers, his skin nearly as pale as the surrounding snow. He was naked. Suspicious, I sniffed the air. Coyote.
I started forward, but Claire thrust out an arm.
“Adam, he’s scared stiff. Look at him,” she murmured.
He was shaking, though that could be from the cold.
“Who are you?” I barked out.
“Jason…sir.” He looked like he was about to pee his pants, if he’d had any on.
I gestured impatiently for him to continue.
“I…I was with them. He,” he glanced at the motionless body on the floor, visibly blanching, “was my Alpha—”
“He isn’t anymore—”
Claire nudged me. “Adam, not all the coyotes were bad. They had to follow orders, or Marcus…” Claire trailed off.
I took a deep breath. I could do without this, he wasn’t even my pack, but the boy looked lost, abandoned in the snow.
“Son, this is when you decide whether you want to become a good man, or a bad man,” I explained, pointing at Marcus with disgust. “You don’t answer to him anymore. The choice is yours. Drugs,” the boy flinched, “are bad news—they screw with your mind, and your body. Make you do all sorts of things you’ll regret when you’re not high.”
“I know…he…we just didn’t have a choice!”
“Well, you do now. Go back to your pack, tell them that Marcus is dead—that they all have a choice. Fight for your pack, son. If you don’t…well, you’ll regret it. Now, get these bodies out of my house. You can bury them in the woods.”
Nodding, Jason darted across the room, heaving his pack mate and Alpha onto his shoulders, before returning to the doorway. Turning to leave, he looked back over his shoulder. “And, who do I say killed him? When they ask?” Jason asked, the shaking gone, purpose squaring his spine.
Shit. Here goes nothing.
“Adam Colstone, Alpha of the Colstone Pack.” Hearing Claire’s gasp, I winced inwardly. Not the way I had planned to break it to her. Though…maybe this was like a band-aid?
“Got it,” Jason said, nodding first to me, then Claire, his posture respectful.
“And, son…if those drugs cross into my land…I will hunt down those responsible. Do you understand me?”
Fear flashed across the young man’s face, before he turned and hightailed it back into the forest, carrying his load. He got it, alright.
“You’re the Alpha of the Colstone Pack? The biggest wolf pack around here? Now, just when were you going to mention that little fact?” she asked, her tone incredulous.
* * *
Claire
I recalled asking if his pack would take us in, whether his alpha would protect us—and all this time!
“You asshole!” I cried, shoving him in the back.
He turned, holding up his arms to ward off any further blows.
“Claire, I—”
I didn’t know if I wanted to hit him again, or jump him. Those delicious abs that I had been admiring earlier, sculpted a path down his stomach, jutting into a ‘v’ shape that drew the eye directly to…the most perfect example of a man I had ever seen. His cock lay thick and heavy on his thigh, twitching and growing before my eyes, until it jutted proudly, pointing straight at me. I don’t think I blinked for at least a couple of minutes as my gaze stayed locked, feasting…
“You should have told me…” I mumbled, trying to remember why I was mad at him. Yes, right—Alpha. I dragged my eyes away. “We’re mates, and you kept this from me? When exactly were you going to tell me? When we got to your pack house—”
“I tried to tell you—”
“Not hard enough! And, not early enough. It should have gone something like this… ‘Hi, Claire. Pleased to meet you. I’m Adam—and I’m a goddamn Alpha!’” My voice rose to a shriek, sounding slightly hysterical even to my ears.
“You don’t like Alphas—”
“I like you!”
“You still do?” Hope filled his face, as he took a cautious step toward me.
“Of course, I do. You’re not an asshole. Well, you are…a bit, ‘cause you didn’t tell me. But not that type of asshole…” I muttered, watching him stalk stealthily toward me, like I was his prey. But, I’m not prey—not anymore.
No, we’re not, my wolf growled her agreement. But…we could be his prey…please, she whined, drooling inside my head.
My hormones agreed.
Meeting him halfway, I placed a hand on his chest, smoothing my fingers over the ridges of muscle. “I will not submit…” I stated, cocking my head in question. Would he agree? Would his alpha-ness let him?
He grabbed my hand, pressing it against his heart. I could feel the rhythmic thump inside his chest, beating in time with mine.
“But I will. Claire, you would always be my equal, both inside…and outside of the bedroom,” he said, grinning wolfishly. “I would be your slave, if you’d have me. I would do anything for you. I just want to make you happy. I love you, let me love you…” he asked, endearingly earnest.
My eyebrows flew up to meet my bangs. This big, strong Alpha was giving me the choice. Not making it for me. I nearly didn’t know what to do I was so shocked.
“Yes,” the words flew out of my mouth, straight from my heart, bypassing any thought process. “I’ll let you love me. And, if you’re very lucky…I’ll love you back.” My mouth curved up in a grin and I threw him a saucy wink, not worrying about consequences for once. I was not afraid. I would never be afraid again—not with Adam by my side.
I nearly had everything I had ever wanted. “Now, I think the next part involves a hunt?”
“The mating hunt,” he returned my grin, his voice low and husky. “I thought you’d never ask.” His eyes glittered with excitement as he looked around the small room, fake concern on his face. “It’ll be a short hunt, I think,” Quick as a flash, his arms shot out.
With a squeal, I dodged capture, adrenaline and lust flooding me. “I’ll try and make it interestin
g for you,” I murmured, dodging another sweep of his long arms.
Chapter 6
Claire
I jumped over a fallen couch, its frame sagging in a broken shamble on the floor. A low growl filled the cabin as Adam stalked toward the obstacle, his body rigid with lust, the pheromones wrapping around me in thick waves, heating my blood to boiling. It was like wading through molasses—I knew I had to run, but every cell in my body screamed for him, wanting him near, to caress…and lick…and bite.
I shivered, my nipples hardening with desire, my pussy growing damp and welcoming. I wanted to wrap myself around the thick, hard length of him, rubbing until the ache in my belly erupted—
“Tired of the games already, sweetheart?”
“Never,” I quipped back, gripping the side of the couch, waiting for him to pounce.
He moved to the right and I stepped to the left, too late to realize he had doubled back, and he had his arms wrapped around me, lifting me up, his long strides eating up the room.
Yeah, I had wanted to be caught, I admitted to myself, rubbing my breasts against his chest, marking him with my scent.
Mine…
I opened my mouth to echo my wolf, only to be silenced by his firm lips capturing mine, aggressively possessing and worshiping, all at the same time. My tongue darted out, tangling with his, tasting him. Sweet Mother, I wanted more. I growled my demand into his mouth, my nails digging into his back, urging him closer. Shoving open a door, he strode across a room toward the largest bed I had ever seen, the white linen all fluffy and inviting.
“Mother of All, you’re killing me, Claire,” he groaned against my mouth, lowering me to the bed. “Need to go slow—”
“No! Don’t you fucking dare…I want you…here.” I grabbed his hand, pulling it down my stomach until his fingers tangled in my moist curls.
“Fuck, you’re all wet and…” He rubbed his thumb in slow circles, grazing my clit, sending sparks of pleasure shooting through me.
“Enough talk, more action,” I panted, thrusting my hips toward him, and pulling his lips back down to mine. I threaded my free hand down, tracing the dips and ridges of his stomach, until I reached my prize, grasping firmly and drawing a strangled groan.
Pumping slowly, I smoothed the silky skin over the core of steel, my thumb brushing the tip, collecting the sticky evidence of his arousal. His spine arched, his fingers probing between my lips, tentatively at first, then thrusting deep inside me, stroking in and out.
“Yes,” I hissed, my thighs trembling, as a void deep inside of me started to fill, expanding and swirling, every nerve ending focused on the pressure building inside of me.
He pulled his fingers out, lifting them to his mouth. With intense deliberation, he slowly licked them clean. One…by…one. “You taste like Heaven…” he growled, “and I want a proper taste.” He started to lower himself down my body, kissing and licking every piece of skin his lips passed.
He paused in his journey, his head cushioned between my breasts, his fingers rubbing and rolling my peaked nipples. “Now these,” he gave one a gentle pull, “are truly a sight to behold.” This time my spine arched, leaving the bed, as he pulled on the distended buds.
“Adam…please…” I gasped, my thoughts blurring as he pushed me higher, my legs scissoring, wanting something to grip, to hold on to.
“I think I could make you come…just from doing…this,” he growled, blowing gently across one rosy tip, before gently sucking it into his mouth, and flicking it with his tongue.
A mangled moan left my lips as I lost the ability to speak, my breath ragged.
He let go with an audible pop. “Maybe another day, sweetheart. If I don’t taste you soon, I think I’ll go crazy,” he mumbled, already moving down, then down some more until he gripped my thighs, spreading and holding them wide.
This was no gentle exploration, no. He didn’t hold back, his tongue attacking my pussy, driving deep at first, then flicking back and forth, circling and teasing. His thumb resumed its position, rubbing between my lips, spreading my moisture around my clit, teasing me…tormenting me…
I thrashed, helplessly pulled under by the pressure building…
He lifted his head, his lips glistening and spread in a wide grin. “Like I said…Heaven. I’ll make you come like that later too, but this time—I need to mate you, claim you, and for that—I need to be inside you—”
Incapable of words by this point, I pulled him up my body, wrapping my legs around his hips, pleading with my eyes that he take me, love me.
Understanding my unvoiced plea, he thrust deep inside in one smooth movement, filling me, completing me.
And I welcomed him, accepting his long, thick length into my body, squeezing him tight, wanting to never let him go…
Then, he started to move. His hips swivelled back and forth, his hands cupped my face with tenderness, and his eyes never left mine.
“I love you, Claire. My sweetheart. And, I always will. When we’re old and gray, playing with our grandbabies—I will still love you,” he whispered on a groan, his hips continuing their sweet assault, driving me even higher, our skin glistening with sweat, rubbing and sliding. “I take you, Claire Kendal, to be my true mate. I will run with you, live with you and love you—only you. I swear by the Mother of All!”
The answering vow flew from my lips, as automatic as breathing. “And, I take you, Adam Colstone, to be my true mate. I will run with you, live with you, and love only you. I swear by the Mother of All.”
With a roar, he leaned down, his teeth finding the soft spot above my collarbone, sinking deep and puncturing the flesh.
Twisting my head, I searched for the right spot, and finding it, bit down, the salty taste of blood seeping into my mouth.
The floodgates burst open and the mating bond clicked into place—all of his emotions and feelings, filling me, our souls connecting, our hearts joining.
And then he thrust…once more…then again, and the pressure building inside of me reached maximum, bursting, like a tidal wave crashing through me, drowning me in a pleasure so intense that I struggled to hang on.
With a hoarse yell, he spasmed on top of me, locking himself tight inside of me, his body shaking as he pulsed, coming deep inside.
I looked up into his craggy face, a sight so dear I felt my heart skip a beat.
“What’s wrong?” he murmured, kissing me on the nose.
“Nothing,” I answered. “Absolutely nothing. Everything is perfect.”
Chapter 7
Claire
A couple of years later…
I watched as the sun started to disappear behind the mountain ridge, the hot summer’s day drawing to a close. I loved coming back to the cabin in winter when the snow covered the ground, casting the forest as the perfect winter wonderland. It always reminded me of the day I had met Adam, the cold giving us the perfect excuse to stay cuddled up in bed, keeping each other warm. Making our own festivities. Not that we needed any excuses.
But, I loved the summer, too. The warmth on my face, the long days. And, the forest was so pretty in the summer. Not as majestic as winter, but softer. I always looked forward to coming up here. The pack house was great, don’t get me wrong—but here, Adam was just, my Adam. Not the Alpha.
A wolf loped out of the forest, a bunch of rabbits snagged in his mouth. I snickered to myself—always the provider, my mate. I rocked back and forth on the swing seat that he had built for me—an exact duplicate of the one I loved at the pack house—waiting for him to reach the cabin.
He dropped the rabbits on the step, smoothly shifting back to human. “What are you laughing at, woman?” he said, growling playfully as he strode toward me.
My pulse sped up just at the sight of him stalking toward me, naked and oh-so-willing.
“Nothing…” I teased, watching as he tried for a fierce look, and failed miserably.
He sat down heavily on the seat next to me, scooping me up and depositing me on his lap.
I couldn’t fail to notice his cock, thick and hard, pressing against my ass, and I wriggled against him, laughing at his pained expression.
Even after a couple of years, we were still like young pups.
He placed a lingering kiss on my upturned lips. “You look…different. Can’t quite put my finger on it,” he murmured, his fingers making quick work of the buttons on my shirt.
Laughing, I pulled off the offending shirt, lifting up so he could help me wriggle out of my shorts. “I have a secret,” I replied in a singsong voice.
“And, what would that be?” His head dipped to my breast, his tongue flicking the already-pebbled nipple.
I moaned, my fingers digging into his scalp. He had made good on his promises. Each…and every…one. And, I had come. Many times.
He stopped short when I failed to reply. “Claire? Do I need to worry?”
Right, yes, the secret. “You’re going to be a father,” I mumbled, pulling him back to my breast and rotating my hips against his hardness.
“Wh-what? For real? A father—me?” he stuttered, pulling away, awe and shock on his face.
Nope. Not playing ball anymore. I gave up trying to yank his head back down.
“Yes, for real. We’re going to be a family. You, me, and a pup.” I grinned at him, watching as his smile widened until he was grinning from ear to ear.
He jumped to his feet, holding me against his chest, spinning me around and around. “We’re gonna have a baby!” he shouted to the forest. “I’m gonna be a father!” Moisture clouded his eyes as he looked at me. “Thank you, sweetheart. You’ve made me the happiest man alive.”
I hugged him tight, locking this moment away, one to remember and treasure. “Can we call him James?” I asked, my voice muffled against his chest.
“After your Dad?”
I nodded, swallowing a lump in my throat, the pain having faded, but not completely gone.
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