“You are temptation and sin baby”
“And you are going to let me do my job, which by the way, my plan is better”
His soft laugh warmed her, such a contrast to the growling dominant wolf moments before.
“Your plan is best up until a point”
“Oh, and which point would that be?”
“The point where you try to be the bait, that I cannot allow baby, you must see how hard that it would be for me?”
Brianna exhaled loudly, she knew he was just being protective but she never had to take anyone else’s feelings so personally before in such an intimate way it was unfamiliar territory to her.
“Marcus, you have to understand, I live the lone wolf lifestyle, it has made me who I am today, stronger and independent. In all my years I have never had to answer to anyone. If I died tomorrow at least I would not be a burden to someone’s memory…………….”
His mouth was on hers fast, crushing his lips to hers, passionately. When he pulled back he nipped her bottom lip, a soft rumble echoed in his chest.
“Never, ever speak like that again Brianna, it breaks my heart that you think you would be a burden and you never talk about you dying, that’s another thing I will not allow”
“Oh here we go again, if we are to have a go at this mating thing we need some rules”
Marcus suppressed a chuckle at such a crass way of describing such a beautiful and gifted ancient practice.
“Rules?”
“Yes rules. One you cannot boss me around demanding that I practically bow down to you……2…”
She never got to two.
“Oh you will bow down to me several times, because in the bedroom baby, you will submit, have no doubt”
“Ok caveman, you can try, but you will fail”
“I never fail, especially where my mates pleasure is concerned”
To emphasis the point he ground his hips into her, a shudder passed through her, her face heated with passion.
“You do realise we are in the middle of a coffee shop”
Marcus looked around at the few patrons, nodding again at Justin.
“And? Let everyone know I have my mate aroused with a burning need to have her mates cock inside of her, claiming her”
Brianna had not realised she had moaned aloud at his words, before an elderly shifter rolled his eyes, shook out his paper and got back to his reading.
“We need to continue this elsewhere” she laughed.
“I could not agree more” Marcus winked.
Taking out her purse to pay, Marcus shook his head, before paying for her drinks. She smiled politely as he had a quick discussion about pack business with Justin. Taking the opportunity she thanked Katie.
“Oh no problem you are welcome here any time. If you are staying here a while we could have a girls night at the local bar”
Both men stopped conversation.
“No darling, not until these kidnappings have stopped, you stay on pack lands”
“Justin, it’s the local bar for god’s sake!”
“I know, but the answer is still no, I need you safe”
Brianna looked to Marcus, to open her mouth.
“No Brianna, we need to know the women are safe, especially our mates, end of story”
Looking back at an also exasperated Katie she winked.
“Ok, then how about Katie comes to amber woods for a girls night in then, would that be to alpha standards”
Marcus gave a lopsided grin as he approached her, pulling her against him.
“So we agree on something baby, at last. To answer your questions yes that would meet alpha standards!”
Katie clapped her hands together.
“Excellent it is so long since I had a decent night out”
Justin placed his arms around his mate’s shoulders.
“I will come with you, I need to speak to Marcus and his beta anyway and it could take a while, how about tomorrow night?”
“No problem, I will have my guards expect you” Marcus responded.
Taking Brianna’s hand they said their goodbyes, leaving an excited Katie behind.
11
The afternoon sunshine was partially obscured by clouds, the cooler air welcomed by Brianna, her whole body was a furnace at the moment. Marcus led her down next to the stream, patting the grass he gently lowered her down to sit next to him.
“So, Brianna, where were we?”
“I believe you were making some noise about submission or words to that effect”
Marcus rolled her under him, grabbing her wrists above her, locking them in one hand. His green eyes roamed over her face. So softly, his mouth locked onto her, gently coaxing more and more groans of pleasure out of her. Her hips rose to meet him, legs wrapped around his body. Driving his tongue into her mouth, he ground his aching bulge into her mound, syncing the two actions perfectly. Her nipples were rigid brimming with sexual vibration, every caress of his chest against hers had her burning up for more.
Removing his hands he smirked down at her.
“Are you going to be a good she wolf and keep your hands above your head?”
“Of course not” she challenged.
“Wrong answer baby”
His hands moved up her shirt, claws ripped the material of her bra, before his mouth sucked a nipple into his mouth, biting down. The sensations was both pleasure and pain, gasping she grabbed his head to encourage him to give the same attention to the other nipple. But the annoying alpha pulled out of her arms, straddling her, arms folded grinning.
“Oh you are not going to build me up like that then leave me hanging” she snapped.
Her arms went to grab him but he moved out of her hold.
“Like I said baby, I take control where your pleasure is concerned, now submit to me and I will give you what you want”
“Fuck you, I do not submit to anyone!”
“Oh you will be fucked, have no doubt Brianna” he laughed.
He stood and stretched his long body, just at the right angle so that she was practically drooling and panting with need. Very well, if he was going to play the game then she was going to up the stakes. Stretching out lazily she smiled.
“Oh well, if you won’t give me what I want then I will have to find a shifter that will, are there any good clubs around here where I can find one?”
He curled his lip, before growling loudly, his body covered hers so quickly, pressing her into the ground.
“You are mine, my mate, you will only have my body against you, my cock fucking you and my seed filling you, mine!!”
Brianna had never felt such a possessive energy before, even in her work she dealt with overbearing male wolves all the time but this was different. She should be kicking him where it hurts right now but all she felt was an intense emotional pull towards him. The swirling dark amber eyes fixed on her, and in that moment she could see the other half of her soul reflected in his eyes. Reaching up she stroked his face. His mouth kissed her palm gently.
“Yours” she whispered.
The tension left his body as he kissed her passionately. Pulling back he stroked her hair off her face.
“I will claim you as my mate tonight baby, you ran from me two years ago, you are never going to run again, you place is at my side as my equal”
“I won’t run Marcus, I want to be with you, but it’s pretty scary territory for me to take a mate”
“Please baby, tell me, why you left your pack?”
Sighing, she bit her lip unsure where to start.
“My pack was the best, traditional values, respect, there was never any trouble. My parents had died when I was young, so I was raised by my brothers, Nick and Sid. Eventually as time passed they were mated and they left out family home. I was still young, only eighteen. I was out back one day, when I scented an awful burning peppery aroma, aggressive energy seemed to come with it. Following the trail, as I turned the corner I saw the alpha and his enforcers fighting with a
rival pack. The females and cubs ran to the pack house, but some never made it. The rival pack overpowered us somehow, and took some of the women. They were mated. I can still see the pain in their mate’s eyes as they screamed for them to be released. But they were knocked out cold and taken, just after they witnessed their mate’s throats being ripped out. I ran and never looked back”
Brianna had never spoke about that day in a long time, only Lizzy and Luke knew and even then it was the watered down version. A stray tear slipped down her cheek. Tenderly Marcus licked it off her skin.
“I am so sorry for the pain that you went through, I wish I could have taken that away for you. I will never let anything like that happen baby, you are mine to protect, we will never be separated”
“How do you know? Our pack was like amber woods now, well organised, close, a well oiled machine. In one hour it was ripped apart by some fuckin thugs!”
“I know because I feel it in my heart Brianna, I feel it in every breath I take around you. We will be together for a long time, even when we are old and watching our grandchildren learn the ways of the wolf, we will always be there for each other, in life and death, our souls will depart this world together”
“You better be right caveman because if you lie I am coming back to haunt your furry backside”
Laughing he kissed her firmly. Brianna noticed the temperature was getting cooler and she shivered. Marcus noticed the slight tremor, offering her his hand he pulled her to stand.
“Come on, let’s get you back, we have a claiming to enjoy”
As they neared the pack vehicle she looked up to see Lizzie engaged in conversation with Connor. Whatever he said to her had her sweet laugh echoing in the parking lot.
“There you are honey, are you ok?”
Glancing up at Marcus she smiled.
“Yes I am Lizzie, I feel great”
Marcus squeezed her hand, whilst unlocking the passenger door.
“Marcus it’s fine, I will follow you”
“No baby, I’ll drive you home, Connor can take Lizzie in your SUV.”
Brianna shook her head, but rather than fight him she just gave him a quick peck on the cheek. The sound of her phone ringing had everyone looking at her. Looking at the caller ID her heart rate quickened. Marcus scented the change in her, a slight anxiety.
“What’s wrong Brianna?”
“Nothing I hope, it’s Murdoch, I can’t believe I have a signal!”
“Hey we are not backward you know!” Connor joked.
She jumped into the passenger seat, opening the call with her free hand.
Murdoch, tell me you have something?
Yes I have, how secure is the line, I don’t want to risk emailing you?
Brianna looked around, the town was quiet but shifters had bloody good hearing. Marcus ushered everyone inside of the vehicle, before shutting the doors. His huge frame patiently waiting in the driving seat.
Ok Murdoch I have you on speaker phone, Mr Buchanan and his Beta are here with me and Lizzie so go ahead.
She smirked as Marcus raised his eyebrows at the sound of his surname being rolled off her tongue with such formality.
I ran a trace on that vehicle and came up with a shit load of information. The shifters name is Bradley Turner, bit of a mercenary, wanted by the council for various offences.
Like what?
Murder, fraud, trafficking and drug smuggling. He disappeared off the map about six months ago. He is a dangerous wolf Brianna, I want you to be extra careful when you track him, he will think nothing of attacking first.
There was no way in hell Marcus was going to allow Brianna anywhere near the bastard. His mind was reeling with questions.
Murdoch, It’s Marcus, do we have an address?
He is coming up as no fixed abode but, I have managed to trace a payment made by a fake credit card to a hotel about thirty miles from your current location. It flashed up on our system about half hour ago. The name on the card was Michael Jenson. I’ve checked our records and that just happened to be Bradley’s old alpha in Ireland. I think it’s worth checking out.
That’s excellent Murdoch thank you, which hotel is it?
Brianna retrieved her notepad and pencil from her bag, yep she still had a small thing for old school methods. Scribbling down the information, she ended the call, promising to be on touch as soon as they were any further forward.
“Well let’s hope we are on the right track” Brianna said.
“Let’s hope so, we need to get back to amber woods. Connor, phone ahead I want all the enforcers at the meeting room in the pack house. This needs careful planning. I want Luke there as well his input is also vital.”
Connor nodded before exiting the vehicle with Lizzy. The drive back to pack territory was a little tense, and Brianna was finding she was fidgeting with her hands. She needed to be involved as much as possible on this case, but she knew that Marcus would also be trying to restrict what she could do.
“Marcus? I really want to be there when we track down the location, you know you can use my help”
“Brianna, we have been over this. I am not doubting for one second that you are not capable or cannot do your job, it’s just as my mate I cannot allow you anywhere near any potential danger, you heard Murdoch, the guy would fight first, and a large male wolf could take you down quickly. Again I know you can look after yourself”
“Then a compromise?” she asked
“Let’s get back first, then put a plan together, then take it from there”
Brianna nodded, she knew where he was coming from, she actually would have the same worry if he was to put himself on the line, she was coming around to the concept of having a mate, it would make her life complete, and who better than Marcus? He was kind, protective, loyal, fire on the eyes and caring. Her wolf was stretching her limbs at the mating to come. Closing her eyes, she drifted off into a light sleep.
The change in ground awakened her, opening her eyes as they entered pack territory, Marcus clasped her hand in his, before bringing it to his mouth, placing one small kiss upon her skin. Smiling she watched as several pack members came out to greet them. The women were cocooned by the male wolves and the cubs riding on the shoulders of the younger wolves. Bringing the vehicle to a stop in the centre of the circle of houses, Marcus turned the engine off.
“Come on baby, you pack is waiting to meet you properly, they never had a chance yesterday”
“Are you telling me they are all here to see me?”
“Yes, they wish to meet their alpha female to be”
“Oh wow, Marcus, I don’t think I can do this, going from lone wolf to pack wolf is a big step”
He leaned down and kissed her forehead.
“And one we will do together, they will love you”
Brianna watched as Marcus got out of the driving seat and walked around to her passenger side. Opening the door, he took her hand, winking at her gobsmacked face. Guiding her toward the awaiting crowd, he pulled her under his shoulder, holding her close.
“Your alpha has chosen a mate” he spoke clearly.
The loud cheers caused some birds in the trees to make a hasty retreat.
“I wish you all to meet Brianna, she has accepted my claim on her and our unity will only make the pack stronger. I will claim her tonight as my own for all eternity, I ask that you all pledge your loyalty before us now”
Brianna flushed slightly at the very open way Marcus talked about claiming her. Bloody hell, now everyone will know when my voice is raw from screaming! But as she looked around her, the pack were welcoming and showed no sign of embarrassment. She had met some of the enforcers, they formed a line, leading the way was Tristan. She looked around for Rhett but he was nowhere to be seen, he was head enforcer, but it was his second in command that was leading the way. Kneeling before them Tristan bowed his head, speaking the ancient words of the pack. “In blood, in bond, in trust and loyalty I give you my word to protect you with my life”.<
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Brianna was not sure what the hell had just happened but she felt as if she had just gone through a time portal. The words were so ancient but beautiful, a strange energy passed through her. One by one they all performed the same ritual. Then came the Connor, the mated male wolves and then the women. Anna was first in line, breaking with tradition she clasped her hands in Brianna’s as she recited the oath, before sending her thanks for helping to find her yesterday. Brianna was really touched by her genuine gratitude. An older lady with greying hair, smiled warmly at her, before reciting her words.
“I am Cora, Connors mother. I cook, clean and generally keep the men on their toes! I would really like it if we could get to know each other better”
“I would really like that Cora, thank you”
Cora kissed her cheek before stepping back into the crowd. Giggling had her looking down. Seven cubs of up to eight years of age all pledged their vows together in harmony. Brianna kneeled down to be at eye level with them.
“Well I can see that I am not going to have any worries when I have such strong cubs to protect me!”
Stunned she gasped as they all wrapped their arms around her body. In that moment Brianna felt like she had come home and fought hard to stop a flow of tears. She felt Marcus pull her up to stand.
“Thank you, but now to more serious business. Cora will you take the other women and the cubs back to the pack house please, I want all the enforcers in the meeting room now”
As the small gathering reduced in size, Marcus guided Brianna to the alpha house. She dug her heels into the dirt, stopping him from going any further.
“I thought the meeting room was in the pack house?”
“It is……”
“So why are we going in the opposite direction”
Tapping her foot, with her arms folded, she raised an eyebrow at him. Huffing he extricated her hand from the crossed position.
“Fine, it was worth a try” he growled.
Laughing she followed him teasing him about his petulant face. The pack house was huge, Brianna had only briefly seen some it when she was there this morning. The polished wooden floors, covered the downstairs rooms. Craning her neck she saw a gigantic living room, with plush sofas and a TV that was more in line with a cinema screen. The smell of cooking had her stomach growling and her eyes following its location.
Alpha Scent (Amber Woods Shifters) Page 9
