Shifter’s Coven Alpha

by Marteeka Karland

  Before she could answer, he covered her mouth with his once more. His tongue slipped effortlessly inside when she gasped. Gennive knew she needed to stop this before it went any further, but she didn’t have it in her to make him stop. She wanted this. Wanted it with every fiber of her being. In that moment, she didn’t care if she tied herself to Wade for life, she wanted him.

  He seemed to sense her surrender. He urged her to lie back on the couch and followed her, coaxing her legs apart so he could fit his hips between them. Wade never broke their kiss, only tangled his fingers in her hair and positioned her head just where he wanted it.

  And he went on kissing her.

  Gennive’s head spun, and she clung to him. Nothing had ever felt so good. She felt as if she were on the verge of something great, something beyond a simple orgasm. She threatened to burst free of some invisible bond and stretch her wings. It was that overwhelming.

  As she lost herself in the sensations Wade was creating within her with only a kiss, her body tingled. A soft breeze stirred around her, ruffling her hair and his, tickling her nose. She felt lighter than air and could have sworn her body floated off the couch slightly. Then his tongue danced with hers, and she didn’t care.

  They were both fully clothed, except for Wade’s shirt, yet Gennive felt more naked and exposed than she ever had. The way she felt his need of her and his desire for nothing more than her comfort and happiness was more intimate than any act of love or lust she’d ever participated in. He wanted her with him forever with a passion that bordered on obsession, but he was resolved not to claim her until she was ready. Gennive even heard a hint of something that suggested he’d willingly give himself to her even if she could never accept him. He needed her that much. Knew in his heart that he’d never be satisfied with anyone else.

  It was enough to give Gennive pause. She stilled under his kisses, and he immediately pulled back. He didn’t roll off her, and he didn’t completely stop his nuzzling and butterfly kisses over her face and neck. That was when Gennive realized she really had been floating off the couch slightly. They settled back down softly, thank goodness. She wondered if Wade noticed, but he gave no indication.

  “You slip into my thoughts too easily, little Gennive. There’s nothing for you to be afraid of.”

  “I just feel like everything’s happening too fast. I mean, you’re much more than simply a man. You’re a shape shifter. Leader of your pack. I don’t know the details, but you’re not entirely a single man, are you. And you have a child. I’m not a home wrecker, Wade. You’re the first person in my life, other than my mother, to have the same gifts I have, and it’s only natural I’m more than a little taken with you.”

  Gennive sighed and finally gave in to the temptation to touch his beard-roughened cheek with her fingertips. She found herself straying to his kiss-perfect lips and longing to feel them on hers once more. “Add to that I’ve never been kissed before the way you kiss me, and how handsome you are and how you make me feel like I’m the only woman in the world, and I don’t stand a chance.” She shook her head. There was a point she had been trying to make. “But I don’t fool around with married men. Not for any reason.”

  Wade smiled, but didn’t let her up. “My betrothal to Vivian is… complicated. At the moment, she’s back with her coven, and I’m sure she’ll only return for the joining ceremony. Sasha isn’t her child. She’s really not mine, either. I found her, abandoned. As pack leader, it was my responsibility to find her a suitable home. Several people volunteered, but the little hell-cat wouldn’t leave my side.”

  He smiled and Gennive caught glimpses of his memory. Sasha, in her lion cub form, digging her claws in as deep as she could to his chest and shoulder, refusing to be separated from Wade. Gennive could even feel the remembered pain, but she also noticed in his memory Wade clung to Sasha just as she clung to him.

  “Vivian never took to Sasha. She was never much of a kid person and even less of a cat person. For a witch, that’s pretty abnormal.”

  If he was hoping for a smile, he didn’t get it from her. Gennive could hear the sorrow and annoyance in his thoughts.

  Gennive wasn’t sure how much of her thoughts and feelings Wade could pick up, but she needed to put them into words for him. This was way outside her realm of experience, and she was lost. “I know you’re a telepath, Wade. Probably stronger and certainly more adept than I am, but I want to make sure you don’t misunderstand me.”

  She shifted her position, trying to ignore his cock rubbing insistently against her clit through their clothing. She absolutely could not be distracted now. “I’ve seen into your mind. You’re a good man. Even though I’ve known you less than twenty-four hours, I’m convinced I know you better and more completely than anyone I’ve ever met. I feel the same need to keep you close that you feel for me. But I can’t commit myself to a man who’s not mine. I hope you understand what I’m trying to say. It’s not that I don’t want you or think I might change my mind once I get to know you. I know I won’t.”

  The love and pride that shone on Wade’s face and flowed into her mind was almost enough to make her cry. Not only did he understand her decision, he respected her for it. And he was determined to end things with Vivian once and for all. The sooner the better. Gennive knew that had always been his intention -- even before he met her -- but now, he’d end it no matter what. Pack leadership be damned. Nothing was more important than Gennive and Sasha, and he was determined for them to live as a family.

  With one last, lingering kiss, Wade rose to his knees on the couch. Standing, he reached for her hand. “You’re tired. Go rest. I’ll be here if you need me.”

  Gennive hesitated before taking his hand. He pulled her gently to her feet and into his arms once more. She stared into his face, wanting desperately not to leave him, yet knowing she had to. If she wanted a future with this man, she had to.

  “I’ll never leave you, Gennive. If you need me, just reach for me with your mind. You can always find me there. Always.” He let her go then, though his fingers twined with hers as he led her to the door. It was as if he was as loath for her to leave as she was. He opened the door and dipped his head for one last kiss before she turned to leave.

  When she heard the door close behind her, Gennive sagged against the wall. There was no way she could stay away for long. She already felt alone and bereft without him. She’d never been in love before -- wasn’t ready to say she was now -- but she knew she didn’t have the willpower to keep her distance. She hoped he got the mess with Vivian straightened out soon.

  Very soon.

  Chapter Five

  Gennive was his. It was just a matter of him freeing himself of Vivian and those vicious Dark Witches. It was simple really. He’d let the pack elders know his suspicions that he’d been hexed in order for Vivian to gain control of the pack. Tradition said that if he, as pack Alpha, was unable to do his duties, his mate had first opportunity to claim the title. She’d have to prove herself, but she would be seriously considered. He had a feeling that’s what Vivian was going for. With them not being officially married she’d have less of a claim, but it was still theoretically possible. If he could get the elders to pool their resources and combine them with Simon’s hunters, they’d at least find out if he was right or just crazy.

  The more time that passed since the ceremony binding him and Vivian as promised, the more he wondered how he’d allowed it to happen. He’d never had any notions of love toward Vivian. He didn’t even particularly like Vivian. She’d always done her best to keep her distance from him, and she used very powerful spells to keep him out of her mind. He’d never invade someone’s privacy without permission, but intimacies between a husband and wife were guaranteed to give them both spillover into private thoughts. Vivian had made damned sure that hadn’t happened.

  The fact that she hadn’t wanted to consummate their betrothal puzzled him, though. By having a child, she would have secured her position and he’d never have been ri
d of her. Even before their official marriage, before she was actually his wife, a child would have created a permanent link to both himself and the pack.

  Now, it was only a matter of time before he figured out what she was up to and dissolved their impending union. That there was something more going on other than a merger of their two peoples was a given. He and Simon just had to figure out what.

  Then there was Gennive. She thought he’d missed the fact that they’d levitated a few inches above the couch when she surrendered to him, but he hadn’t. She had been shocked, hadn’t known what was going on. Even now, she wondered if it had been her imagination.

  Wade knew differently. Gennive was a witch. Just what kind of witch, he didn’t know, but they’d figure it out.

  It all scares me so much. What’s happening to me?

  The question hadn’t been for him, but to herself. Gennive was confused and scared. Wade wanted to go to her, but it was too soon. She needed her space, and he needed to heal completely. When he claimed her, he’d do it whole.

  I should leave. I should really leave. But Wade needs me. So does little Sasha. Wade’s still hurt, though he tries to hide it, and he’s sent Simon away… and there’s… someone still out there…

  Her thoughts faded as she drifted into sleep, but Wade was struck by her last comment. She was right. He couldn’t prove it, but he was certain Vivian had something to do with the incident earlier in the evening.

  I don’t know about that, but it’s a good thing you set up that dummy bank account for Vivian or you’d be cleaned out.

  Simon. The way his security chief penetrated his thoughts was always unnerving. Wade never seemed able to block him, no matter what he did. Simon had never told him so, but Wade had long suspected the man could break any mental block.

  Most of the time, yes. In your Vivian’s case, she was definitely prepared before going into this venture. Her mind is protected with the strongest magic I’ve ever come across. And I get the feeling this was about more than just money.

  If she’s blocking you magically, how can you tell? A gut feeling?

  That’s the strange part. She’s intentionally letting the magic slip.

  In all the years Wade had known Simon, he’d never seen the man falter. Whatever Vivian was up to, she had even the great hunter Simon Vesper stumped.

  What else did you find out?

  That you’re in danger. Someone within the Dark Witch Coven has put out a hit on you. You can bet they’ll try again. Don’t leave the house until I get there. I’ll move you and Sasha to a pack safe house.

  And Gennive. Don’t forget Gennive. Wade knew damned well Simon hadn’t forgotten her. Simon never forgot anything.

  Use caution with her, Wade. She has latent powers I don’t trust. Even in the mind-to-mind communication, Simon sounded tense. Strained. Simon was most comfortable at a distance from other people. Wade knew he preferred interacting with people telepathically.

  Through their constant communication over the years, Wade had learned to glean a bit of information on whatever subject he and Simon discussed. Just knowing Simon was concerned was enough to convince Wade to use caution where Gennive was concerned, but not for the reasons Simon might think. No matter what the other man said, Wade would never believe Gennive was anything other than genuine in her actions. The woman was truly concerned for Sasha and himself. She was confused by her attraction to him and the all-consuming need to touch his mind when he wasn’t close, but she had no malicious intent.

  I know. You probably know more than I do, but I’m not certain she was aware of her abilities before tonight. Wade wanted Simon to see his point of view, not so much for himself, but for Gennive. Wade had a protective urge that wouldn’t rest until he convinced his best friend she wasn’t a bad person.

  There’s another reason I don’t entirely trust her. She can block me naturally.

  She can? I seem to be able to move freely through her thoughts, and she’s getting better at reading me. It’s almost as if she reaches for me unconsciously. Not ten minutes earlier she projected her thoughts to me just before she fell asleep.

  I still don’t like it. It was obvious Simon wasn’t going to be convinced easily.

  Sasha likes her. She never hesitated once to go with her. She dreams of Gennive even now.

  I know. I’m always in Sasha’s thoughts and dreams.

  And Simon was gone.

  Now, why would Simon be interested in Sasha’s dreams?

  * * *

  The morning didn’t give Gennive any answers. She was still torn between the need to put as much distance between herself and Wade Monroe as possible and the need to protect him. He might be the dangerous one, but there was something dark following him. She could see that dark aura about him she always saw when someone was in danger. Sasha, too. The only time the aura lessened was when she was with them.

  Gennive watched the little girl as she brushed her long blonde hair. “Can you help me with the tangles? I’m getting stuck.”

  She smiled and took the brush from Sasha and began sorting through the tangles. Gennive got the feeling Sasha wanted to say something but was afraid. She was about to question the child about it when a deafening explosion rocked the house.

  Sasha screamed and dropped to the floor, covering her ears. Gennive did the same, gathering the child in her arms. Automatically, she reached out for Wade. At first she felt nothing. She thought he might be unconscious, then she realized he was blocking her. It took little effort to break through. When she did, white-hot rage poured in from Wade. He was fighting, and absolutely furious. It took all her strength not to get caught up in his emotions, but she managed to rip herself away before he took her with him down his violent path.

  Gennive gasped under the onslaught, causing more distress to the already frightened Sasha. Tears now streamed down the child’s face, and she still had her hands clapped over her ears.

  Simon! Gennive called out with everything in her she possessed. Not a full day ago, she’d never have thought to try this, but now that she’d been using her gifts so much, she found it the most natural thing in the world. Wade needs help! He’s being attacked!

  Are you and Sasha safe?

  Not yet. But I don’t think we’re in any immediate danger.

  Get Sasha out of there. Wait for us at your apartment, and Wade and I will take both of you back to the pack.

  Almost immediately, a dark and ominous aura filled her mind around Wade and Simon. If she left them, they’d die. She knew it in her soul.

  We’ll wait by my car for you.

  You’ll leave. Now! I will not have you risking Sasha’s life for any reason.

  The deadly implications of what would happen to her should something bad befall Sasha sent shivers through her body. But when she looked at Sasha, reached out for her mind, the auras surrounding the child were the same as those with Wade. As long as she was with them, they’d both be OK.

  You’re going to have to trust me, Simon. If I leave you and Wade, you’re both dead. Same with Sasha. I can’t leave any of you without death following, so I’ll just have to protect all of you. If you don’t like it, do whatever vile and horrendous thing you want to me. Just wait until we’re away from here.

  Simon’s irritation and anger beat at her. Not because she was that far into his mind, but because he wanted it to. He was more infuriated at her than he’d been at anyone in his entire life. She was risking Sasha’s life unnecessarily. Fortunately, that didn’t bother Gennive. She’d always trusted her instincts. She wasn’t about to second-guess herself now.

  Gennive gently pulled Sasha’s hands down and wiped her cheeks with the pads of her thumbs. “We’ve got to get out of here.”

  Sasha shook her head violently. “No! Daddy needs us! If we leave him here, he’ll die. I don’t care what Simon says.”

  Gennive paused and looked at Sasha before asking her next question. “Do you see and feel the auras, too?”

  Sasha nodded vigoro
usly. “We can’t leave him. Please, Gennive.” She was a child, but she sounded so much like an adult, it hurt Gennive’s heart. She shouldn’t carry the worries of grownups at her age.

  “We won’t. But I won’t put you in harm’s way. We’ll go wait by my car. That’s close enough to help if we need to, but far enough away to shield you should we become the target instead of Wade.”

  “He’s my daddy.”

  Gennive hugged the child tightly. She hoped it was reassuring. Instead, she was pretty sure she took as much comfort from Sasha as Sasha took from her.

  They couldn’t afford to stay long though. Another explosion shook them, this time followed by an intense light so bright Gennive had to squeeze her eyes tightly shut. She pulled Sasha against her body and shielded her eyes as best she could.

  “Dark Witches,” Sasha whispered. “Vivian.”

  “Are you sure, Sasha?” Gennive whispered back, reaching out with her mind for a clue as to what was happening. She could no longer find her way into Wade’s thoughts. There was no way to tell what was going on where he was.

  The child nodded her head. “It feels like Vivian.”

  Gennive took a breath. The longer they waited, the more likely they’d be trapped if the house were on fire. No matter what, they needed to get outside. She stood and urged Sasha to do so as well.

  Keeping a tight grip on the girl’s hand, she hurried through the house, all the while mindful of the sounds around them. She strained to get a glimpse of Wade’s mind, but he had a block firmly in place. Simon, too. She knew Simon had arrived, but both men refused to let her in.

  She and Sasha made it to her car in short order. Behind the house, in the back yard, a fantastic light display was testament to the battle taking place. Occasionally, explosions and blindingly bright flashes lit the already bright sky. A myriad of colorful auras danced around the area as the battle raged. Each aura changed to fit the situation, and Gennive could tell which way the battle was going. Unfortunately, she had no idea which end of the yard Wade and Simon were on.