His sharp gaze searched her face.
“I’ll get my things and get out of here.” Jenna moved to go around him, but was stopped by Aidan’s outstretched hand.
“I’m afraid it’s too late for that now,” he said.
“Too late for what? Just let me grab my clothes. I know Ethan will leave once I do.”
Aidan shook his head. “No one is leaving. The estate is on lockdown.”
Jenna stared at him. “Lockdown? Why?”
“The wolves. They’re hunting tonight.” He pointed to the moon. “It’s full.”
Okay...
“I’ll be safe enough in the car. I’m pretty sure wolves can’t open doors,” she said, not bothering to hide her exasperation. “Now I need to hurry. There’s no way Ethan will leave here without me.”
Aidan stepped into her personal space. “There’s no way he’ll leave here with you.”
Before Jenna could respond, he grabbed her and tossed her over his shoulder. She struggled to raise her head. “Aidan what are you doing? Have you lost your mind?”
He didn’t answer. Instead, Aidan carried her into the house.
“You need to put me down. This will only make matters worse.”
Aidan climbed the stairs two at a time. He didn’t put Jenna down until they reached his bedroom. The second he did, she backed away. “I have to go. If I leave now, I can try to salvage this situation.”
He stalked toward her, his amber eyes glowing in the low lighting.
Jenna held up one hand. “Aidan, think about this logically.”
“Oh, I am.” The words had barely left his lips, when his mouth came down upon hers in a punishing kiss.
Large hands cradled her jaw as he tilted her chin to deepen the embrace. Jenna’s head spun, as his lips pulled her under. Aidan’s tongue darted into her mouth, igniting an inferno inside of her.
With the last of her strength, she wrenched her head away. “There’s no time for this.”
“There’s always time for this.” Aidan resumed his sensual assault. He devoured her with his teeth, his tongue, his lips. It was as if he couldn’t get enough of her. He came up for air long enough to issue one final order. “Take your clothes off.”
In that moment, Jenna knew she was lost.
* * * * *
Aidan’s beast rode him hard. He couldn’t stand the smell of the men on Jenna’s clothes. The only scent that should be upon her was his.
He slowly backed her against the bathroom wall, kissing, tasting, and exploring every inch of her mouth along the way. She was protecting him.
Of all the things she could’ve confessed that was the last thing he’d expected. Her confession sealed Jenna’s fate, though she didn’t quite know it yet.
Aidan didn’t need protecting. All he needed was her.
When her shoulders touched the wall, Aidan lifted her by the waist. Jenna’s thighs spread the second her toes left the ground. She automatically wrapped her legs around his hips. Aidan growled and his grip on her tightened.
She was his. Theirs. They’d marked her. No man could take her away from them.
A rending sound filled the silence as Aidan ripped the last of her clothes off and dropped them onto the tile floor. Within seconds, Jenna was naked. Her firm breasts quivered as they were crushed against his chest. Her heat seared his flesh.
“I want you,” Aidan murmured. “I thought I lost you.” He ground his hips into her soft folds and she whimpered.
“Aidan we have to stop. Ethan isn’t going to wait out there forever. He’s desperate. He’ll do anything to get to me.” Her plea ended on a sigh as he slipped two fingers inside her moist channel.
“He’ll have to go through me first.” Aidan pulled his fingers out and brought them to his nose. He inhaled.
Jenna smelled of hot-spiced woman mixed with a hint of wolf. Aidan smiled to himself, licked the juices off, then plunged his fingers back inside of her.
Her body wept as Aidan drove Jenna higher and higher. “Don’t ever leave me again.” His voice was barely recognizable.
Aidan held her with one arm and shucked his clothes with the other, then he carried Jenna into the shower. Blindly, he turned the water on, needing to remove the other male’s scent and replace it with his own.
The moon called to his beast to reveal himself. Aidan clenched his jaw and hung on to his humanity. He had to keep it together for a little while longer.
His hands were thorough as he lathered her up and rinsed her off. Aidan kissed her the whole time, not wanting to be separated.
The second she smelled like Jenna again, he lifted her up and shoved her back against the tile wall, bracing her with his big body. Without preamble, Aidan entered her.
“Mine!” he shouted, driving himself to the hilt.
Jenna cried out as his hard shaft slid home. Her body bowed, bringing her luscious breasts into view. Aidan leaned down and latched onto her nipple.
He sucked hard, drawing the tender flesh deep, then raked it with his teeth. Jenna sobbed. Her blunt nails dug into this back and she pulled him closer.
He’d almost lost her. Aidan was half out of his mind with rage and relief. His beast demanded that he take, he claim—he mark once more. His body shuddered as the moon commanded that he shift.
“Not yet!” he grit out.
Aidan rocked his hips and thrust hard, lifting her higher. His mouth came down upon hers, swallowing her cries. Jenna writhed against him, then her body convulsed.
She tore her mouth away and gasped. “Yes!” she shouted.
Aidan felt his shaft expand, locked in a velvet vise that he had no wish to escape. His body stiffened, then jerked. He felt his essence spill into her. This was where he belonged. Where Jenna belonged.
His gaze strayed to the mark on her neck. His mark. Aidan felt his teeth lengthen to sharp points. Blood roared in his ears as he licked the spot once, twice, then bit down.
Just like the first time, blood rushed into his mouth, firing his senses. Unlike their first night together, this time Jenna was totally aware of what was happening. Her breath hissed out of her lungs, as his sharp teeth held her in place.
Aidan expected her to fight him, shove his head away, or at least try to resist. Instead, Jenna did something that shocked and humbled him. She reached out and cradled his head, holding him to her body.
Overwhelmed with a tidal wave of emotion, Aidan’s knees quivered, threatening to give out. He licked the wound, letting the water wash the blood away.
Jenna had given him the gift of trust. “Thank you,” he murmured, nuzzling her neck. Aidan would remember this moment for the rest of his life.
Someone pounded on the door to the bedroom. Whoever it was didn’t wait for Aidan to answer. Three of his men rushed into the room. Aidan slipped out of Jenna and pushed her behind him, ready to fight to protect her.
He turned the water off. “What is the meaning of this?” he snarled.
Bernie stepped forward. “The humans have breached the walls. They’re inside the compound.”
“Find them!” Aidan waited for the men to leave, then turned to Jenna. Her flushed face was now pale with fear. “I need you to wait here. Don’t come outside no matter what you see or hear. It’s not safe. The wolves will be out in force. When they are hunting, everything in the woods looks like prey.”
“I’m not afraid of my wolf,” she said.
He gazed down upon her, letting the emotions show that he did not dare speak aloud. “You should be. He’s more dangerous now than he’s ever been.” Aidan kissed her hard, then rushed out the door...naked.
* * * * *
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Wait inside while he goes off to face Ethan on his own. Naked. Not gonna happen.
Jenna wasn’t stupid and she wasn’t blind. She knew something seriously weird was going on with Aidan. She had no idea what it was, but she was determined to get to the bottom of the mystery just as soon as she saved him and her wolf.
&nbs
p; Aidan had implied that he was just as dangerous as Ethan, but she didn’t believe him. He’d gone out of his way to protect her. Now it was her turn to protect him.
Jenna quickly gathered her clothes and was about to get dressed, when she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror.
So that’s what it looked like to be ravished. Her gaze was drawn to the mark Aidan had left. The spot was more distinct now that he’d bitten her again. Deep enough to leave a scar.
She’d worry about Aidan’s biting fetish later.
Jenna dressed quickly and opened the door. She took one step out the room and walked straight into Nic. She stumbled back.
“Nic?” Flustered by his sudden appearance, she asked, “What are you doing here?”
He glanced at the love bite on her neck. Nic’s eyes widened in surprise, then his gaze dropped to the carpet. “Aidan asked me to look after you.”
Jenna’s eyes narrowed. “Really? Then why does it look like you’re standing guard?”
Nic had the good grace to blush. “Standing guard is a form of looking after you.”
“Funny,” she deadpanned. “Now get out of the way. I have to stop Aidan.”
Nic didn’t budge.
“Seriously big guy, I need you to move. Carl is armed.” The words had no sooner left her mouth, when four shots rang out.
Nic jolted.
Jenna gasped, then shoved him out of the way.
“Wait!” he shouted. “Jenna come back!”
She didn’t look to see if he was following. Jenna kept running. She ran to the front door, then switched course at the last second. Nic cursed and slammed into the door, his size preventing him from easily changing direction.
Jenna sprinted for her room. She made it inside and locked the door. Nic pounded on the wood, demanding entrance.
She had no time to waste. Jenna bolted across the room and threw open the patio door. She could hear the wolves howling, the mournful sound ripping at her heart.
Had Carl shot at Aidan and his men or had he fired at the pack? What if they were hurt? Cold seeped into her bones until they ached. They had to be okay. For her there was no other option.
Jenna ran into the woods, stumbling over fallen tree limbs and crashing through bushes. She heard Nic behind her. He was gaining ground. He should’ve caught her by now, but for some reason he’d let her escape.
The sound of the howling grew louder. Jenna’s eyes finally adjusted to the full moon’s glow. She could see a clearing up ahead and shadows moving.
Jenna broke through the tree-line. There were two wolves lying on the ground, whimpering and crying. A dark stain spread rapidly beneath their bodies.
Carl brandished his pistol, swinging the gun wildly, threatening to shoot the next animal that moved. He aimed at a big, black wolf, standing in the middle of the pack.
Jenna recognized the animal instantly.
It was her wolf.
“No!” Jenna screamed and raced forward. She jumped in front of the wolf, before Carl could fire. “Don’t shoot.” She held up her hands, knowing that wouldn’t stop a bullet.
Carl’s hand shook. “Get out of the way. These aren’t wolves. They’re monsters.”
Ethan’s pale face registered shock and something else. His gaze darted frantically from wolf to wolf, as if he were waiting for something to happen.
The wolves continued to howl and snarl, baring their fangs. They slowly circled the men, searching for a weakness so they could attack.
“You shouldn’t have shot them,” Jenna said. “They weren’t bothering anyone.”
“Move aside,” Carl said. “I can’t get a clean shot.”
Jenna stepped every time her wolf did, resting her hand on its head, so that Carl would never have a clear line of sight. “Just go!” she pleaded.
“You don’t understand.” Carl checked his ammunition.
No, she didn’t understand what was happening, but right now Jenna didn’t care. She just needed to protect her wolf. “Leave now and I’ll come with you,” she said.
The suggestion seemed to jerk Ethan out of his stupor. He held out his arm and gestured for her to come to him.
Jenna shook her head. “Not until Carl lowers his weapon.”
“Do it!” Ethan shouted.
“But boss,” Carl said.
“I said do it!”
Carl lowered the gun barrel.
“He’s put it down. Now come here,” Ethan said.
Jenna took one step and Ethan lunged for her. He grabbed her around the throat and pulled her against his chest.
“What are you doing?” Jenna gasped. She tried to wiggle out of his hold, but it was impossible. He had a death grip on her.
Ethan’s gaze remained locked on her wolf. “I’m not leaving here without her.” He tightened his grip until she could barely breathe.
Jenna choked. “Who are you talking to?”
“Him.” He pointed to her wolf.
“Are you insane? That’s an animal,” she said.
He shook his head vehemently. “No, it’s not.”
The black wolf’s form shimmered like waves of heat rising from asphalt. Fur receded and disappeared. The process only took a few seconds. When it was over, Aidan stood naked in the clearing.
Jenna couldn’t believe what her mind was telling her. It was like the film had snapped inside her brain. She knew what she’d seen, but the knowledge did not compute.
Magic wasn’t real and werewolves didn’t exist. Everyone knew that, even children, but she was all out of rational explanations.
“Jenna’s not going anywhere,” Aidan said. “Not with you. Not with him.” His amber eyes glowed in the dark, reflecting the moonlight. “She’s mine.”
“It was you,” she whispered. “All along.”
He nodded, but his gaze never left the men.
“How?” she asked. “How is any of this possible?” It couldn’t be. Jenna had to be suffering from a head injury. She was probably lying in a hospital right now. That was the only thing that made sense. Or it would, if Ethan’s hand around her throat didn’t feel so real.
Aidan didn’t answer.
“Jenna’s coming with me,” Ethan said. “We have business that doesn’t involve you.”
Aidan stepped forward and the wolves fanned out. “If it involves her, then it involves me.”
She shook her head. “Aidan back away. I don’t want anyone else to get hurt because of me.”
“Not going to happen,” he said. “You don’t understand what you mean to me. What you mean to my people.” His tone told her that he wasn’t bluffing.
Jenna watched the wolves as they prepared to attack. “Ethan let me go or you’re going to die.”
He shook his head and held her tighter. “Uh-uh, I’m going to expose your freak boyfriend and his friends.” He indicated to the pack.
“That’s unlikely given who your family is,” Aidan said. “Their reputation has been carefully cultivated over the years. They’re not about to let you or anyone else destroy what they’ve worked so hard to obtain.”
“Carl’s my witness,” Ethan said.
Aidan gave him a sad smile. “It’s my job to protect the pack from any and all threats.”
“I knew you were a piece of trash, Jenna, but I didn’t think you would sink so low that you’d actually fuck an animal.” Ethan gestured to Aidan.
Aidan flinched and couldn’t meet her gaze.
“Now we’re getting out of here.” Ethan took a step back. “Shoot him if he moves.”
“No!” Jenna cried.
“I’m invoking Lycanian law,” Aidan said. “Acknowledge if you accept my ruling.”
The wolves began to howl.
Aidan’s gaze moved from Ethan to Carl. He seemed unnaturally calm. “You are both a threat to the pack. This cannot be allowed.”
Carl inched back, glancing over his shoulder, searching for a means of escape.
“Shoot him, damn it!” Ethan bellowed.
Aidan gave an almost imperceptible nod.
Wolves leapt from the shadows, landing on Carl, ripping his gun out of his hand. They tore into his flesh, shredding skin and breaking bone in seconds. By the time they were finished, all that was left of the private detective was a pile of bloody clothes and a gold ring that had been on his pinky.
Aidan stared dispassionately at the macabre scene, then slowly looked at Ethan. “You now have a choice to make. You can let her go and leave this place never to return or you can join your friend in death.”
“P-people are going to know what you’ve done,” Ethan stammered.
Aidan took a step closer. “And what exactly are you going to tell them? That werewolves ate your hired hand?”
Ethan’s mouth opened and closed as the reality of the situation hit him. His gaze pleaded with hers.
Jenna almost felt sorry for him. Almost. Her stomach churned as she stared at Carl’s remains. It didn’t have to end like this. They could’ve just left.
The nausea soon gave way to...hunger. Jenna’s eyes widened, when her mouth started to water. She clutched her stomach.
“It’s okay,” Aidan said, looking directly at her for the first time.
But it wasn’t okay. There was something seriously wrong with her.
“Make your decision, but know this before you do,” Aidan said. “My wolves are everywhere—that includes your precious Vancouver. If you do anything to harm the pack or if you come after Jenna again, they will find you and they will do the same thing to you that they just did to that man.”
The wolves snapped at his heels. Ethan tried to use Jenna as a human shield, but there were too many of them.
“I’ll have your answer now, human.”
Ethan looked at Jenna one last time, then shoved her away. Aidan caught her before she fell. Ethan didn’t hesitate. He turned and ran into the woods.
“Follow him,” Aidan said.
Several wolves peeled off from the pack and ran into the woods after him.
“Summon Gabe to tend to the injured.”
* * * * *
Moonlight Kin 2: Aidan's Mate (Mid-Length Novel) Page 16
