hopefully, we can bond soon and that will stop any further problems.” “Are you really sure I’m the one?” She looked up at him, doubt still clouding her eyes. Shade could see deep inside her, the damage done to her from years of abuse and degradation. Her selfworth all but gone. Damn, he’d fix that. “I’m sure. More than anything else in my life, Marissa. You’re my soulmate and you know it, deep inside you, you know it as much as I do. You just have to believe it, baby. We’re two halves that when together we’ll be unstoppable. I worked my ass off to build this Pack up, make it profitable and strong, but I know that together we can make it even better. With you by my side, we’ll make this Pack the biggest and best damn Pack in history. Believe, that’s all you have to do, take my hand, my heart, my soul, and believe.” Marissa’s breath hitched, tears filling her eyes, her hand reaching for the one he held out to hers as she whispered, “Shade, I believe.”
side to gain access to the spot where he’d mark her, not a full mating bite, just enough to alert everyone and let them know she was his. As his fangs scraped her soft skin, he was mindful not to hurt her, careful not to sink his teeth too deep, barely piercing the top layer and allowing a small dribble of her blood to caress his tongue. The sweet taste was intoxicating, heady, and arousing. His throbbing manhood twitched in response to her blood dripping down his throat, her hands tugging on his hair, holding him tightly against her. Marissa’s groans as he marked her were full of passion and longing, her ass grinding against his groin, but he forced himself to pull back, licking across the punctures to seal them before kissing her once more. It took all his resolve not to take things
further but he’d meant what he’d said and no matter how hard it was, he would stick to it. Shade broke the kiss, staring at his mark marring her skin. The sight bringing forth a host of emotions he wasn’t familiar with. First and foremost was a sense of peace, but he also felt concern for his mate. “I hope I didn’t hurt you too much.” Marissa shook her head, her lips tugging up. “No, it wasn’t sore. Is it weird I found it hot?” He laughed, again. “Not at all. I did too, hell, everything about you is hot. If we don’t move soon I think I’m going to explode in my jeans and that would be plain embarrassing. Let’s get you showered before you distract me again.” “Where’s my stuff? I’ll need clothes and my toothbrush and . . .” Shade stood with her in his arms. “All taken care of. I got you new things. Everything from a toothbrush to underwear, and a host of other items. You can check them out after you’ve had your shower and if there’s anything that’s not to your liking we can return them and you can pick whatever you want.” “Really? You shopped for me?” She looked at him as if he had two heads or something.
“I didn’t exactly go to a store,” he told her. “We have a large warehouse here that has stock of just about anything we need, from food to clothes, and everything in between. I’ll show you it later if you’re up to it.” “Jeez, yeah, I’d like to see that.” Marissa’s eyes sparkled when she saw his bathroom as he sat her down on the space between his double sinks. “This is just for you? It’s huge.” “What? The bathroom? Of course, it’s just for me. I like my space and I enjoy a nice soak to soothe my muscles, especially if I’ve had a tussle. The shower is for quickness but Irelax in the bath whenever I get the chance.” Shade looked around at the room with fresh eyes. The space was large, the sunken bath big enough for two and with jets to help ease his aching body if he’d been sparring, or had to put a Wolf in their place. His walk-in shower took up the entire back wall, completely enclosed, with a bench seat and doubled as a sauna. He’d spent a fortune on the room, right down to the mosaic tiles on the floor. But for the first time he saw himself in the bath, and the shower, with another person: Marissa. The possibilities endless as his thoughts tumbled around with ways they could enjoy the room for other purposes other than getting clean or easing painful muscles. He left her to turn on the shower, steam quickly filling the room, he showed her the selection of toiletries he’d brought back. “There’s fresh towels in that closet next to the shower. Just shout if you need me.” Shade turned to leave, her hand shooting out to stop him. “Wait.” “What is it? Are you all right?” “Yeah, just don’t go too far, okay?” He saw her shiver, a sliver of fear sliding over her face as her eyes lowered. “I’ll be right outside the door. I won’t go anywhere, promise. I’ll get cleaned up once you’re finished and then we’ll go downstairs and take things from there.” “Okay,” she replied, giving him a shy smile. Goddess, she was so damn beautiful and she didn’t know it. He reached over, running a finger down her face. “I won’t be far.” She nodded, moving her head into his touch before he forced himself to leave as visions of her naked body lathered with soap sprang into his mind. Shoot, he hoped she’d be fighting fit soon or else he’d have blue balls in no time at all. Never before had Shade been forced to wait for pleasure from a She-Wolf. This was a first, and although it pained him physically, he knew he’d do whatever it took to make Marissa happy. If that constituted him having blue balls then so be it, he might just be spending a long time in the shower dealing with his arousal himself for the time being. Another situation he was unfamiliar with but one he was sure he could handle, he was a man after all. As he set about getting his clothes ready, Marissa started to sing a tune in the shower, her soft voice muffled by the water, but his enhanced ears picking up her song. It was catchy, and she sounded happy which pleased him far more than anything else, a huge smile splitting his face as he moved the tray off the bed and remade it. He’d never had a woman singing in his shower before, he’d had one have a very quick wash before leaving “the morning after”, but that was about it. He’d never felt comfortable having anyone in his space before, with Marissa it just felt different, it felt . . . right. As if she belonged there as much as he did. Hell, she did. That was the point. His words from earlier smacked him in the face. She was indeed his other half. Marissa completed him and he hadn’t even known he was only half a person until now. Shade shook his head, amazed at how his life had changed in such a short time, and he couldn’t wait to see what he and his mate could accomplish together. Because hell, he’d done a lot on his own, now they’d be unstoppable. “Are you all right? You look dazed.” Marissa asked, bringing him back from his daydreams. “Yes, I’m more than all right.” Shade turned around to the vision of his mate. A fluffy towel wrapped around her body and another on her head. “I was just thinking how lucky I was to have found you. It’s still sinking in, that’s all.” “Tell me about it,” she quipped. “Yesterday, I was on the run and today I’m living in luxury.” Shade took in the warmth to her color, no longer did she look near death, and his worry for her lessened. “Not exactly luxury but if there’s anything that you’d like just let me know and I’ll make sure you get it. Anything at all, baby, just ask.” Marissa sat on the edge of the bed, looking thoughtful. “I’ve always wanted a pony. Every little girl wants a pony don’t they? Well, actually, what I really wanted was a unicorn, but I don’t think those are real.” “A pony?” Shade lifted an eyebrow, remembering anytime he’d been anywhere near horses they’d shied away from him. “I’m joking!” Marissa laughed. “Not about the unicorn. When I was a kid, I dreamed of a unicorn coming and flying me away from, well, from my shitty father.” Shade’s face grew hard at the implications of her words, forcing himself not to go there he quipped back. “I’m sure unicorns don’t fly, wasn’t that Pegasus?” “Hell if I know, I was a kid, remember? Anyway, where are those clothes you told me about?” Shade showed her his walk-in wardrobe. “In here. Lana unpacked yesterday so just root around. Anything that’s not suitable just put to the side and we can return them.” Marissa followed him inside, walking up and down, her head going from side to side. “Jeez, Shade,
how much space does one person need for clothes?” She fingered the copious amounts of his jeans hanging up. “For goodness sakes, how many of these do you have?” “I’ve no idea. Why? What difference does it make how many pairs I have?” Shade asked, bemused
at her reaction to his wardrobe. She walked back and forth, shaking her head. “I’ve just never seen this many clothes in one place before. I was lucky to have three pairs at one time, and even then, it was only through being sneaky that I managed that. I can’t imagine having this many to choose from. I’d end up spending hours deciding what to put on.” “Nope,” Shade shook his head. “I walk in, pick something up, put it on, and hey presto, I’m dressed.” Marissa giggled, then stopped abruptly when she saw her own things, her fingers running over the clothes he’d brought home for her. Her face flushed, eyes wide, and damn it to hell, a tear ran down her cheek. Shade strode forward, wiping the errant liquid from her face and pulled her into his embrace. “What’s wrong? Did I get the wrong kind of stuff? Sorry, I’ve never shopped for a woman before. We
can take it all back and you can choose your own.”
Her hands clung to him, tangling in his shirt, her face hidden against his chest as she quivered against him. Shade couldn’t figure out what was wrong, her emotions so mixed he couldn’t latch onto one, so he merely held her and gave her time to compose herself. It was several long minutes before she lifted her head, her eyes still glinting with unshed tears, but a smile on her face. “I can’t believe you got me all this stuff. I’ve never had this much before, and you got me just the right things, jeans are my favorite things to be in, and you got me underwear. I mean, brand new underwear that’s pretty and lacy, and, shoot, I’ve never had such nice panties before. I’ll feel special, extra special knowing you got them for me.” Shade smirked cheekily. “I can’t wait to take them off you.” Marissa stepped back, punching his arm. “Away you go. I’m going to spend forever deciding what to wear.” “No, you’re not,” Shade replied, reaching over and picking a pair of jeans with sparkles on the back pockets, a plain sleeveless t-shirt with a checked overshirt, then rummaged in the open drawer for underwear. He settled on a pair of lacy black panties and matching bra, then handed the outfit to Marissa. “Here you go, that’s you sorted for today. There’s also brushes and other hair things around here somewhere. I won’t be long.” Marissa fingered the underwear, her face blushing. “These are beautiful, thank you.” “I may, or may not, have been thinking of my pleasure while picking those out.” Shade held his hands out, shrugging. “Hey, shoot me, I’m a redblooded Shifter.” Marissa merely laughed as he retreated, the tinkling sound was one he wished to hear every single day from now until he drew his last breath.
sat on his porch, members of the Pack dropping by to welcome her. She’d been doing great so far, no signs of nervousness, her bright smile winning everyone over, including several Wolves he’d thought might cause a problem. The only person unhappy to see her was Lana. The Healer scowling as she’d approached and basically giving them both a good talking to for disregarding her “orders”. Shade watched in amazement as Marissa stood up, facing Lana with hands on hips. “Excuse me, Lana, but I think you know my life hasn’t exactly been an easy one.” Marissa paused as Lana’s eyes lowered, her head nodding but the Healer didn’t say a word as his mate continued. “Right, so don’t you think I know what hardship is? Don’t you think I know what my body can and can’t take? I’m fine, honestly, I am. I thank you for looking out for me, but don’t presume to know how I feel, or what I can, or can’t do. If, and I say if I feel tired, then I’ve already told Shade I’ll let him know and he’ll take me inside for a nap. For now, I’m fine and I want to meet my new Pack and get settled in my new surroundings. I hope you can understand that.” Lana looked chagrined as she nodded. “Of course, sorry, Alpha.” Shade beamed like an idiot when she used Marissa’s proper title, but Marissa merely inclined her head, sitting back down and asking. “Oh, I meant to ask, do you have any of that chicken broth left? I enjoyed it so much and I think it really helped me earlier.” Boy! Shade could barely keep from chuckling. This girl was good. Lana smiled. “Of course I have, I’ll get one of the boys to bring you some right away.” “Thank you, I appreciate that.” As soon as Lana was out of earshot, he’d pulled
Marissa onto his lap, nibbling her ear. “Well played, Alpha.” Marissa squirmed, trying to escape. “Shade! People will see.” “So? What’s your point?” “My point is . . . people will see!” Her obvious discomfort causing him to pull back. “And what’s wrong with people seeing? You’re my mate and there’s nothing wrong with them seeing us together, Mari.” “Really?” She looked around, her face flushed scarlet. “I . . . really?” “Really,” he reiterated. “Your Pack is obviously very flawed, in so many fucking ways, but love between mates is never something to be ashamed of. It’s to be celebrated. I’m not saying we have sex where everyone can just stop on by and watch, but this, this is more than okay.” She settled, somewhat, onto his lap, just as Melony arrived, her long blonde hair bouncing around her head as she jogged up the steps, bowing her head in greeting. “Marissa, this is Melony Paradise, she works with Royce in The Den, truth is that Royce couldn’t run the place without her. Melony runs the bar with an iron-fist and takes no nonsense from the customers, Shifters or humans. Isn’t that so, Mel?” Melony’s bright blue eyes twinkled as she grinned. “Yeah, that’s right, Alpha. Royce would be cracking heads all night long if it weren’t for me and my charm.” Marissa seemed awed by Melony but recovered quickly, holding out her hand. “Hi, nice to meet you, Melony. That’s a beautiful name, unusual too.” Melony laughed, showing off her sparkling white teeth. “Melony is my given name, Paradise is of my own making. I changed it when I joined Silver Lake. I wanted a completely new start and I decided a new start deserved a nice new name to go with it. When I first saw Silver Lake I thought it was like a paradise, so, I took that as my name.” “That’s beautiful,” Marissa replied honestly. “Is this just a social visit, or can I help you with something?” Shade asked. “Bit of both,” Melony said as she settled back to lean on the railing. “I’m needing some more help in the club, now it’s crazy busy, and I’ve got a few people interested. I just need your go ahead to start
interviews.”
“Shifters?” Shade asked quickly. His rule for his businesses was always to employ Wolves wherever possible. “Of course,” Melony nodded. “Silver Lake Pack first, but there is one from further afield that’s looking to relocate here. If they’re more suitable then I’ll get them to visit with you first to see if you think they’ll fit in here. If not, then I’ll go back to the drawing board.” “That’s fine, just keep me informed.” “Great, I’ll get started on that. Nice to meet you, Alpha. Welcome to the Pack.” Melony bowed her head to Marissa before bounding away again. “Wow, she’s gorgeous.” Marissa watched as Melony rushed away. “She’s a good asset to the Pack, very good business head on her shoulder’s, and her looks help to pull the guys into the club.” Shade saw the sideways glance Marissa gave him, adding quickly. “But she and I have never hooked up if that’s what you were thinking.” “None of my business if you had,” Marissa replied, although she didn’t meet his eyes. “Hey, what happened before I met you is in the past. Everyone else pales into insignificance against you, Mari, you’re my mate, and nobody will ever come close to that.” He hated the way she’d been browbeaten to have such a low opinion of herself, especially when it was such a wrong one. She was freaking gorgeous. Every single thing about her was stunning and he’d make sure that soon she’d know that. They remained outside for another couple of hours, but when he saw her stifle a yawn, Shade picked her up, cradling her against him and carried her inside. Despite her protests. He warmed up the chicken broth that Lana had delivered earlier, then she joined him when he made steak with mushrooms and baked potato. Her constant comments of amazement of his cooking himself a meal making him laugh aloud. “What? You think I have a bevy of women doing everything for me?” “Well, yeah, it’s what happens in my old Pack. The men don’t lift a finger in the kitchen. They don’t wash a dish, or clean up, or anything like that. They hunt, drink beer, and generally act like assholes. This place is like night and day, but so nice and refreshing. I
particularly liked Melony and hope she and I can become friends. Do you think she’d help me with girly stuff?” Shade was about to laugh again until he saw her serious face, instead he nodded. “I’m sure she would, but it will have to wait.” Marissa tilted her head, looking delectable as she asked. “Why? Oh, is she too busy with work? I get that, of course. I’ll wait until she has time.” “No,” Shade replied, his voice husky and low, thick with desire. “Because she’ll not get near you again until after we’re mated. Another day, or two tops, I think that’s all my beast will be able to wait, gorgeous.” Marissa’s mouth opened, closed, then opened to form a perfect O, her gaze locked with his as he stalked toward her. His mate’s scent hung in the air, alerting him to her aroused state, which had been slowly simmering all day, right now it was scorching hot. As was his. Yet again he reminded himself, she wasn’t ready, and he reined in his ardor, but couldn’t resist pulling her into his arms to kiss her senseless. He’d never, not in a thousand lifetimes, get enough
of seeing that look in her eyes when his lips left hers. Her eyes hooded with desire, pupils dark and so wide they almost encompassed her entire irises, her lips plump and moist, and that dang aroma of her arousal . . . fuck! He’d never get enough of that. This time when he tugged away, her hand sneaked up, pulling his head back down to nip at his bottom lip with her teeth. Damn! She smirked up at him as she pulled on it, biting softly before releasing it. “Tomorrow night, Shade, because I don’t think I can wait any longer either.” “Tomorrow night.” Shade groaned. “Why does that sound such a long time?” “Because you’re as turned on as I am,” she replied thickly. “Can I have something to drink? Something with a high alcohol content please. I’m gonna need it to get to sleep, otherwise I’m going to have naughty dreams all night long.” “Well, hell! Thanks for that.” Shade scowled. “Now I will, I’ll join you, but just one then we can go to bed and rest.” As he went to get them a drink there was a knock at the door, Marissa shouting through to the kitchen she’d get it. Shade rushing back to find her laughing at one of Royce’s lame jokes which had Shade growling involuntarily. Royce’s hands flying up in front of him and backing up a few steps as Marissa’s eyes flew to Shade’s. “It’s all right, we were just talking.” “Too damn close, Royce. You were too damn close and you should know better.” Shade’s blood boiled in his veins, anger rolling through him even though he knew his Beta was no threat to his mate. His head told him one thing while his beast howled another. Royce took another step away from Marissa, eyes lowering in submission as Shade fought to control the unbridled fury rampaging through him. Marissa rushed toward him, her hand reaching up to stroke his cheek, her touch wielding magical powers to calm both man and beast. Shade covered her hand with his, staring down into her dark and worried eyes. “It’s all right, baby, I’m okay now.” “Are you sure?” she asked, obviously worried. “Yeah, I won’t knock him on his ass... this time.” Shade smirked at her before glowering at Royce. “What were you thinking?” “Looks like I wasn’t?” Royce muttered. “Sorry.” “For the love of all things holy, don’t do anything so stupid again, Royce.” Shade shook his head. “I’m strung tighter than a drum right now. It won’t take much for me to attack and I won’t have much say in the matter. My beast was about to rip your throat out.” Royce nodded before quipping back, “Hey, you don’t want to mess up this new rug. Do you? I’m sure blood red doesn’t match your color scheme, boss.” Marissa giggled, her hand flying to cover her mouth as her cheeks turned scarlet. Shade’s arm circling her shoulder to keep her tight against his side as he scowled at Royce. “Ever the joker.” “My sincere apologies, Alpha. I deeply regret upsetting you,” Royce replied in his most respectful tone. “Accepted, now tell me why you’re here so late.” “I just wanted to let you know that all three Evans’ brothers are here. Their Alpha has thrown them out and they arrived earlier saying they’re waiting until they can take their injured one and get on their way.” “What?” Shade released Marissa, striding toward Royce. “No fucking way. One of them on my land is more than enough. Tell them they’re not welcome
Shade: A Wolf's Hunger Alpha Shifter Romance Page 8
