Her gaze snapped to his and he saw realization on her face. She knew why he was upset. “I didn’t mean him, Ryan. Don’t start in on that. I can barely wrap my head around what Luca did to me. It’s still too raw. I can’t… I just can’t talk about it.”
“I know. I’m sorry. It’s just… difficult to accept.”
“Preaching to the choir,” she murmured, bitterly.
“That fucking betrothal bond is a load of bullshit. Even if you hadn’t found me, there’s no way you couldn’t fallen for that prick.”
“You know that I’ve told him that directly, Ryan,” she said, getting her back up.
“No. I mean, it’s actually impossible, Cora.” He took her hands in his. “You can’t love anyone, but me. It works both ways. We are mates. Destined. Nothing and no one can come between that.”
Cora smiled up at him and then she released a small chuckle.
“What’s so funny?” he asked, grinning back at her.
“I get under your skin, don’t I?”
He stroked her hair gently, as he said, “You challenge me like no one ever has, like no one has ever dared. It’s frustrating.” He kissed her lips. “But, it’s also refreshing. And, sometimes, it even turns me on.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah. Our fight over the female wolves a few days ago, when you had me up against the wall? The heat between us then was stifling. You have no idea how much I wanted to fuck you, right there, in the middle of the corridor.”
Suddenly, she slammed her hands into his chest, pushing him into the bedroom wall. Whoa.
“What are you—?” he choked, winded. He didn’t get to finish his sentence, because she had his words catching in his throat as she dropped to her knees in front of him.
She freed his cock from the confines of his jeans.
The next thing he knew, her tongue was swirling around the head. “Oh, fuck, Cora,” he groaned.
His reaction spurred her on and she really went for it.
Her movements were wild, all-consuming, as she licked up the length of his shaft and back down again, sucking gently at the tip and tasting his pre-cum as she went. Her hand gripped him fiercely, pumping his cock as her other teased his balls. He moaned as she took them in her mouth, sucking and tasting him ravenously.
She pulled back briefly, and he failed to stifle a gasp as her warm, moist lips wrapped around his cock and swallowed his entire length. He resisted the overwhelming urge to fist his hands in her hair and fuck her mouth. He knew he was big, a lot to take, and he didn’t want to make her gag.
A second later, he was glad he’d resisted taking control, because she began to move, really move, pumping his cock in and out of her mouth determinedly.
Shit. It was going to be a fucking record for him, if he didn’t stop her. “Cora,” he gasped. “Stop. I’m gonna come.”
She glanced at him, her eyes afire with silver and desire. But she didn’t stop.
He gently eased her back, forcing her mouth from his cock. “I want to come with my cock buried inside your sweet pussy, darlin’.”
He ripped her towel from her body with one rough tug and then gripped her thighs, hoisting her up. He slammed her against the wall and thrust inside her.
She screamed excitedly as he pounded into her.
There was nothing gentle about it this time. It was pure, wild fucking. Brutal, relentless, and rough.
It was the first time he’d been so rough with her.
His claws were literally digging into the soft flesh of her thighs. The room shook from the force of his thrusts as he fucked her, slamming her hard into the wall with his movements. He realized how much she actually liked it rough when he felt her pussy spasm around his cock. So fucking quickly. She threw her head back, screaming and cursing like a sailor as she came apart around him.
He reached between them and teased her clit, holding her against him with one hand as he continued fucking her roughly. “You’re not done, darlin’. Come for me again.”
Her nails dug into his neck, drawing blood from the ferocity of it. And then her lips were on him, suckling, tasting his blood. Mind-blowing. He knew he was right on the edge, but he wanted to feel her come apart again first.
He bit down on her soft flesh between her neck and her shoulder, breaking the skin. She screamed. He lapped at her blood. And then she came around him again. Hard. He felt it rip through her as he continued to suckle at the incision. The heady sensation of the power he tasted from her blood drove him over the edge, too. Somehow, he managed to actually think, and he pulled out quickly as he came.
She completely shocked him then, lapping at his hands, cleaning him, her tongue licking away every drop of cum he’d just managed to prevent himself from releasing inside her.
He couldn’t believe it.
He couldn’t speak. He just stared at her in wonder as he watched her climb into bed.
“What?” she asked. “Was it not—you didn’t like? I’ve never….”
“You’ve never what? Sucked a man’s cock before?”
She nodded shyly.
Coming back to himself, he stripped and then climbed into bed with her. “It was mind-blowing, Cora.”
“Really?”
“Yes, my dirty little wife.”
“Good. I wanted to relax you. I know the last couple of weeks have been difficult. Taking your place as Wolf King, taking care of the wolves. It’s been a lot.”
He gathered her in his arms and pulled her close. “Thank you,” he breathed into her hair.
***
Cora let out a weary yawn and stretched out. It didn’t feel like she’d slept for very long. She didn’t feel as refreshed as she normally did after a good night’s sleep.
She rolled over and reached for Ryan, only to find that he wasn’t there.
“Baby?” she called.
Frowning when there was no answer, she concentrated, listening for the sound of the shower running in the ensuite bathroom. But there was nothing. Just silence.
She sat up and glanced around the room. Rays of sunlight bathed the bedroom. She eyed the clock on his bedside table and saw that it was only five in the frigging morning. She had barely slept then. It’d been an hour only. She knew that Ryan was exhausted, so why wasn’t he in bed with her, getting some much-needed rest? Was something wrong?
Oh no. That had to be it.
She climbed out of bed and hurriedly slipped on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. She left the bedroom and quietly made her way down the corridor, careful not to wake their pack. Unlike the other packs, Ryan’s was boarded close to him, their rooms surrounding his.
She concentrated and tried to zone in on Ryan’s scent. Since they’d bonded it had become a much easier task. Within seconds, she had it and she followed it through the winding corridors and out into the rear courtyard.
Her eyes took a few moments to adjust to the blinding sunlight.
And then she saw him a few feet away. The sight of him had her sucking in a breath.
He was in wolf form.
She was about to go to him, when a hand on her arm stopped her.
She spun around to see Josh standing there.
“It’s too risky,” he told her. “Stay here until he shifts back.”
“I’ve touched him before in wolf form.”
“That was different. He’s tense now, because of everything that’s happening. He might not be in control. He’s been growling non-stop for the last half an hour.”
“Growling?”
“Yeah. He’s doing it right now.”
“He is? I don’t hear anything.”
“You won’t. You’re not wolf. It’s a low, pained growl, only perceptible to the ears of another wolf.”
She pulled her arm from his grip. “I’ll be fine. He won’t hurt me.”
“Cora!” he hissed.
“I’m not going to leave him alone in this state. He needs me.”
***
Josh sighed in frustration at Cora’s refusa
l to heed his warnings. Dammit. She was so headstrong.
He watched anxiously as she approached the giant white wolf.
Fingering the pistol holstered at his right hip, he grimaced.
He really hoped he wouldn’t have to use it. At least the bullets weren’t silver, something that was outlawed on base. They’d still hurt like a bitch, though. Damn, he didn’t want to pull the trigger. Just thinking about it unsettled him. But, he knew Ryan well. His Alpha would want him to protect Cora at all costs.
He watched Ryan tense as Cora reached him. A warning rumble sounded.
“Baby, it’s me,” he heard her say, softly.
The growls ceased.
Cora knelt down beside the white wolf and reached out to him, starting to stroke his fur.
Josh smiled to himself when he heard what could only be described as some sort of purring sound coming from Ryan, as Cora continued to run her hands over his fur. He was gonna tease him about that later.
And then something amazing happened.
He watched, awestruck, as the wolf rolled onto his side, seeming to be making room for her. Cora took the cue and settled herself down beside him. Ryan’s mammoth paw lifted, and he wrapped it around her, cradling her against him.
“Holy shit.”
Josh had never seen anything like it in his life. The very idea of a wolf allowing himself to be petted in animal form was enough of a stretch. But this? It was incredible.
“I love you,” he heard Cora whisper against Ryan’s fur.
A deep murmur of a response came from the wolf. And then his eyes closed as he tightened his hold around her, and finally allowed himself to slip into a much-needed sleep.
CHAPTER 25
“Be careful. It may be daylight outside, but it’s not just the vamps you need to worry about. Don’t forget about Michael’s wolves,” Josh told Ryan as they strode into the garage.
Ryan patted the pistol at his hip. “Don’t worry.”
“Please tell me you’re not packing silver bullets in that thing. You’re the one who outlawed silver on base, Ry.”
“I made an exception, because we’re living in exceptional circumstances right now, J. I’m not taking any chances with Michael’s wolves. I’m not letting their poisonous claws anywhere near me this time.”
“Point made.”
Josh recalled the last time they’d had a run-in with Michael’s wolves. Ryan had taken a brutal hit to protect the pack. His upper body had been severely shredded by their poison-carrying claws. Josh had attended to his wounds and he’d never forgotten the horrific pain Ryan had suffered through that night. He’d never seen anything like it. No one was tougher than Ryan and he’d actually been on his knees in agony.
“I take it that pistol you’re packing is one of Cora’s weapons from her old Seeker days? She’s the only one of us who’d have immediate access to silver.”
“Yeah. It’s on loan.”
“Is she feeling better now?”
The pained look on Ryan’s face told him all he needed to know. Shit.
A few hours ago, she’d suffered an excruciating migraine attack that had left her incapacitated and bedridden. It had come out of nowhere. She’d taken her painkillers, but they hadn’t helped.
Ryan shook his head. “No. I don’t get it. Those drugs the doctors prescribed are strong. The fact that they’re not doing anything is real fucking concerning.”
“Maybe it’s something supernatural then?”
“Given all the changes that’ve been happening to her lately, it could very well be, yeah.”
“You think Shaye will help her?”
Ryan hauled open the door to his truck. As he climbed into the driver’s seat, he said, “She’s a powerful witch. She responded to the message I sent her and gave me her latest address, so she’s willing to help with protecting us during the full moon. It shouldn’t be a problem getting her help with Cora, too.”
“Witches can be fickle, Ry.”
“And I can be very persuasive.”
“But you’re married now. Be careful how you choose to persuade her.”
Ryan smiled. “Watching out for my wife, are you?”
“She’s your mate. She’s one of us now.”
“Good. I’m glad you feel that way. Take care of her while I’m gone. Promise me.”
“Of course,” Josh said. “I’ve got it covered. Just watch your back out there.”
“Will do.” Ryan slammed the door closed and started the engine, giving him a chin lift, before he peeled out of the garage.
Good luck, brother.
***
Josh rushed into Ryan’s bedroom.
He’d heard Cora’s screams all the way over on the other side of the base, while he’d been checking in on the other packs. Everyone had heard them. Wolf hearing was acute, extremely heightened. They could hear a damned pin drop in the middle of a noisy nightclub.
As a result, his pack had come running and followed him to Ryan’s room. They barged into the bedroom and rushed with him towards the bathroom where Cora’s pained screams were coming from.
He threw open the door and was shocked by what he found.
She was writhing on the tiled floor, screaming, and clutching her head.
The sight of her in so much agony, of one of their own suffering, was horrifying to witness.
“It hurts… help me,” she pleaded, straining to look at him and the pack.
“Ryan’s getting help right now. He’ll be back soon, sweetheart.”
“Too… long,” she rasped. He watched her remove one of her hands from her head. She fisted it and slammed it down on the floor, cracking the tile beneath. And then a silver glow emanated from it.
Oh, shit. She was out of her mind with the pain. She was gonna use her power!
He lunged at her and grabbed her hand, forcing it palm-down to the floor. “No. Calm down.”
She struggled against him. She was so strong. He remembered how she’d bested Roy, their strongest wolf, aside from Ryan, a few weeks back in the mess hall.
“Ben! Roy! Guys! Some help here!” he called out, struggling to keep a hold on her to prevent her from striking them with her magic. “Someone go to the armory. There’s a wooden box in there engraved with faery markings. Bring it to me. She blasted through Luca’s power like it was nothing back at his mansion. She’s strong. Her power could blow this place apart. Hurry!”
She screamed and struggled against him and the other three wolves trying to hold her down. She was wild, completely out of control. Whatever was causing her so much agony, was also driving her to the brink of insanity.
“Cora, try to hear me. I’m gonna take away the pain. Just hold on, sweetheart.”
“What are you gonna do?” Roy asked.
“You can’t knock her out,” Ben added.
“I know. I’d rather keep my head.” If he struck her, he couldn’t even imagine what Ryan would do to him. Knocking her out was a way to take away her pain, at least for a little while, but, fortunately, he had a better way of doing it that didn’t involve hurting her at all.
“Here!” a voice called.
He held out his hand behind him and felt the wooden box being pushed into his hand. He released his hold on Cora and told the three other wolves, “Sit her up.”
Despite her powerful struggles, they managed it.
Josh opened the lid and scooped out some of the glowing purple powder inside. He ignored the murderous stare in her eyes and blew it at her. It gravitated towards her and she coughed and sputtered.
“Hold her head,” he ordered the boys.
He blew more of the powder at her and the wolves held her steady, forcing her to inhale all of it.
He closed the box and clutched it tightly as he waited. Come on. Come on.
A few seconds passed before it finally happened. The fact that it had taken so long told him just how powerful she really was. The effects were supposed to be instantaneous.
Her eyes final
ly grew heavy. He could see her trying to fight to keep them open, but she couldn’t resist it. Her eyes closed and her body relaxed, going limp in the hands of the wolves.
He breathed a sigh of relief. “Okay. We’re good. Return the box,” he said, holding the box out behind him for someone to take it back to the armory.
The wolves released her, and Josh gathered her in his arms and climbed to his feet.
“What was that stuff?” Roy asked.
“A sleep inducer. It can knock out any supernatural being. It should keep her asleep for a few hours. But, just in case, we need to move her to a secure location.”
“The holding cells?” Ben asked, incredulous.
Josh nodded. “I’m gonna need blankets and pillows. Despite the circumstances, we can at least make sure she’s comfortable.”
Without another word, he carried her out of the bedroom and down the winding corridors of the base. He kicked open the door to one of the holding cells.
He put her down gently, propping her up against the wall.
“I’m sorry that I have to do this,” he said, reaching for the chains screwed into the wall above her.
He cuffed her wrists. He couldn’t risk her waking up and trying to use her power against them. He had to protect the base in Ryan’s absence.
He turned at the sound of someone entering the cell to see Roy hurrying in with a pile of blankets and pillows in his arms.
“Thanks. Get her settled in. I need to call Ryan and give him a heads-up about this.”
CHAPTER 26
Ryan glanced at the spectacular works of art lining the walls of the long corridor as he was led along by two members of Shaye’s coven.
They were both blondes, their long hair cascading down their backs in waves, glistening under the light of the crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. They looked like they’d just stepped out of one of the paintings lining the walls. Their corset gowns swept along the soft carpet as they walked. They looked like Renaissance royalty. Shaye had always had particular tastes. He knew that one of the main reasons she’d been drawn to him was his royal heritage. She enjoyed the proximity to power. What witch didn’t?
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