Her Guardian Wolf

by Jax Garren

  “I wish I could say the same, Adam Hunt.” The dark-haired man, Drew she supposed, strode forward, a Native American man behind him and to the left, keeping pace. He must be the enforcer, Ryker.

  An inauspicious beginning. Elle kept her arm encircling Adam, but poked her head around, trying to get a better view of the situation. “He’s here for me,” she said. “I’m having a werewolf problem.”

  Drew and Ryker shared a look, communicating silently in the way of old friends. How she wished she knew what they were thinking.

  A man in the back row crossed his arms. “Bringing a human doesn’t help his case. Humans aren’t welcome here, so I recommend you two turn around and head back where you came from.”

  Ryker cleared his throat, and the man took a nervous step back.

  Drew eyed her carefully. “We make exceptions for mates.”

  She barely managed to keep a reaction off her face. Adam hadn’t mentioned that human mates were allowed in, but he had repeated over and over that she wouldn’t be. It felt like a slap. She needed these wolves’ help, though. If it took a lie to get Drew Tao to listen to her story, then Adam would have to deal. “Well, good because—”

  “Elle is my mate,” Adam said, obviously thinking along the same lines. His voice rang out clear and low, with no hesitation in the lie, and it sounded so good. Frustration made her want to scream, but she kept it in. Adam didn’t look at her, didn’t acknowledge their shared plan with a glance or even a touch, just kept talking to his alpha. “A lot has changed in ten years—with this town. It’s astonishing. A lot has changed with me as well. All I’m asking for is a chance. Hear Elle out.”

  Drew once again flicked a look to Ryker, this time with a slow mile. “Is your chance for her or for you?”

  Elle bristled. She didn’t know exactly what had happened before, but a decade had passed. A town this in need of a makeover should accept all the willing hands it could get.

  But, instead of protesting, Adam said, “Her.”

  She put a hand on her hip. “We’re a package deal. You don’t want my money to help bring this place back to scratch—because it could clearly use it—or his hands to do some labor, we’ll find some other pack that will appreciate an honest contribution.”

  To her surprise, her words sent a chuckle through their ranks. Drew took another step toward them, eyes bright, almost amber as the wolf shone through. “You don’t seem very afraid, little human.”

  Adam stiffened, putting more of himself between her and the pack alpha as his hand reached back to rest protectively on her thigh. He might still be her bodyguard, but she was sick of being afraid. If this jerkoff alpha wanted to play tough wolf, she could handle it. She’d seen a raging werewolf, and Drew wasn’t it. Let him try to intimidate her, to see if she’d fold. She swung off the bike, standing up to her full height. Adam nearly kicked the motorcycle over scrambling up beside her, but she wouldn’t let him make a wall between her and the alpha.

  She did let Adam take her hand. They interlocked fingers, drawing strength from each other in the connection. “Adam seems to think you’re one of the good guys, not some psychopath like the last werewolf I met. If you’re what he says you are—a leader he can look up to—then you’ll be fair enough to at least hear us out. Adam was eighteen when he left. I don’t know what he did before then, but judging from what’s left behind, something much worse came after him. He left because he wanted to be a good person.” She wrinkled her nose. “Good wolf.” Eventually, she’d get used to saying it. She cocked her head and issued her last taunt. If this didn’t work, they needed to hop back on the bike and go. Quickly. “If you can’t see him for the good man he is, then I don’t think you’re smart enough to help me anyway.”

  One of the wolves behind Drew growled a threat, stepping forward. Ryker scowled, as though offended on behalf of his alpha. Adam’s hand tightened on hers, drawing her back.

  Drew, though, just laughed, louder this time. His stance and voice were full of confidence as he stepped to the side, giving them a path into town. “Proceed straight to Gee’s and check in. We’ll talk after you’ve had a chance to eat and”—he looked them up and down, no doubt taking in their equally bedraggled states—“freshen up.” His steady gaze turned to Adam. “I assume you remember the way?”

  Adam nodded, slid back onto the motorcycle, and motioned for Elle to do the same. Before he started the motor, he spoke. “We’ve had a tail since Boulder. Packless mongrel named Phillip.” Elle slid her arms back around Adam at Phillip’s name. She could fake bravado with this crew, but not about him. He still terrified her. “He’s gathered a couple of Magnum’s men, Craig and Jim. I assume, even without our scent to follow, they’ll lead him here. I’d guess within the next few hours.”

  Drew’s eyes flashed darkly, and Ryker’s fists clenched as he rolled back and forth on his feet, ready for action. Drew nodded and lifted an eyebrow at her. “I take it this is the wolf problem you were referring to?”

  She nodded. “Phillip thinks he’s my mate. But he’s not. Adam is.” Oh, how she wished those words were true.

  ***

  Adam had called her his mate, and she hadn’t freaked out. What did that mean? Was she okay with the idea? Did she realize he’d meant it, or did she think he’d lied to get her into town? It felt so good to speak the truth out loud. He paced their room trying to sort out what to do next, Oshun hissing at him from under the bed every time he got too close. Of course, Gee, who’d grunted and handed them a key and said nothing, had put mates in the same room. This one with only one bed.

  What a relief the new alpha had made it legal to bring mates into the city. His faith in Drew Tao, so far anyway, didn’t seem misplaced. It would be good to work for an alpha who thought of the good of the pack and not merely his own twisted desires. Now Adam needed to prove to Drew and Ryker that he wasn’t the same asshole who’d left and that he would be a productive member of the pack if they let him stay. Then he needed to prove to Elle that she’d love being mates with him and convince her to stick by him, bear his children, and live happily ever after in werewolf country. Not much to ask, right?

  The shower kicked on, and Elle started humming a sexy R&B number. She was a shower singer with a gravelly voice that made him want to press her into the tiles and lick the water off her skin. It took him a moment to realize he’d quit pacing to stand and stare at the bathroom door.

  Did he think he needed to convince Drew to let him stay and then convince Elle to be his mate in truth? He had it backwards. He needed Elle now. If she was with him, nothing else mattered much. Hell, he’d live on the moon if that’s where she’d share his bed. Before he could think about it too much, he knocked on the bathroom door. “Elle? Tell me now if you don’t want me coming in.” No answer. Could she hear him over the water? “Elle?” He put his hand on the doorknob and his forehead against the wood.

  Her low laughter dripped of sexual need. Or maybe that was his randy imagination? “I thought you’d made it pretty clear what would happen if I didn’t say anything. I’m waiting….”

  He couldn’t get the door open or his clothes off fast enough.

  It was a terrible idea to let Adam in. She knew exactly what he wanted—because she wanted it so badly herself. Making love to Adam now would only make the end harder, but she couldn’t help herself. One excellent night, and then they’d solve the Phillip problem and she’d leave him to his pack and his future, whatever it may be.

  The thought of life without Adam made her chest hurt.

  Then he slipped inside the sliding glass door, and she forgot all about tomorrow. Steam circled their bodies as he pushed her up against the wall. His hard body pressed into hers, his erection already stiff and so thick. One arm encircled her waist, lifting her up. The other wove into her hair, holding her in place. Exhilaration sent her blood racing and her heart pounding, heating her up, making her burn.

  With lust-drunk eyes he looked her over, his
gaze caressing her face, searching her. He didn’t take possession like she expected, holding back as she squirmed against him, trying to drive them forward into the bliss she wanted with him. Only with him. “What are you waiting for?”

  “I’ve wanted you for so long,” he said, voice guttural with need. “I want to make sure this is what you want, too, because I’m tired of waiting. I want you, all of you. Now.”

  She hoped the water hid her threatening tears. She’d been afraid of things changing between them, but now that he was back home, change would happen whether she wanted it or not. She needed to give him everything now—her body and her love—because she wanted all of him, too, no matter what the future held. She slid her knee up his water-slick thigh until her leg caught around his hip, opening her body to his. He smelled of leather and grit with a hint of the pine-wood scent that seemed a part of him. She pressed her hand to his heart and found it racing as fast as her own. “I want you, too, joined as lovers the way we’ve been joined as friends.” She met his gaze. “I’ve wanted you for a long time, but I’ve been afraid. We’re good together, you and I. What we’ve had? I didn’t want to lose it.”

  His thumb stroked her cheek, his finger quivering with desire even as he held himself back. “We’re not losing anything, sweetheart. We’re just getting better. I promise.” He kissed her.

  The erotic press of his wet, naked body created a stark contrast to the sweet promise of his mouth. If his body said dark passion, his lips said kindness. Maybe even love. She gave in, allowing herself this one time to believe—or at least to pretend. “I want to love you slowly, Adam. I want to draw it out. Make it last.”

  He moaned against her, pressing harder, hips shifting eagerly. His cock, thick and ready, pressed eagerly against her. But all he said was, “You’re the boss.” His hand spread wide over her back, caressing her in a slow motion that sent shivers up her spine.

  If he really had been waiting for “so long” as he said, the poor man was going to have a hard time of it—pun intended. She gave him a teasing grin. “I find myself in your debt, though.”

  His brows drew together like he didn’t understand her reference to this morning’s non-mutual satisfaction.

  “Think you’re up for more than one round?”

  He laughed like she’d asked a silly question.

  “Good.” She dropped to her knees. His laughter stopped abruptly as she took hold of his shaft and pumped once. Twice. “Brace yourself, wolf. I’m good at this.”

  “Oh, fuck—” She sucked him in, and he put his hands against the wall, catching himself before he toppled. “Oh, fuck, Elle.” His breath heaved out in a rush. “That’s…oh. Yes.”

  She cupped his balls in her hands and took him deep with her mouth. His head fell back as he articulated noises that couldn’t qualify as words, totally at her mercy.

  Blow jobs were fun, taking a man in hand—and mouth—and watching him react, knowing he would do anything to keep it going. But with Adam it felt different—special. She wanted to know him, what he liked, what he reacted to. What spots made him come apart the hardest. She wanted to remember how he felt, every piece of him. The steel of his sex sheathed in soft, wet skin. The way the muscles of his thighs clenched as she changed the pressure and released as she pulled away.

  The way he said her name, the only thing he could pronounce with any clarity, with awe in his tone. His hand touched her scalp, his fingers trembling as he stroked her hair.

  “I’m…I’m…oh, Elle!” He came, fingers clenching in her hair without holding her against him, giving her the freedom to choose. She held on, sucking the last drop from him. He dropped to his knees, panting in front of her as she swallowed and smiled.

  “Debt paid,” she whispered. Anxiety took her by surprise. Would he change, replacing her trusted companion with someone new and less kind? Even as the thought crossed her mind, she knew it was Phillip she feared, not the man in front of her. Still, the voices in her head insisted everything would be different now. She’d lost what they had.

  Adam huffed a laugh and kissed her mouth then her cheek and her forehead. His arms wrapped around her head, pulling her into his chest in a hold both playful and grateful, every bit the friend she loved. Except they were naked in the shower.

  Her fear evaporated with his joy. This was a relationship she could get used to—steady, friendly, lovable Adam, but with X-rated bonus content.

  He pulled her into his lap, a sure sign he was feeling protective. Without a word, he got the shampoo bottle, squirted far too much into his hand, and massaged it into her hair.

  She closed her eyes and let him take care of her. His hands stayed gentle as his touch grew more sure and steady. After her hair, he got the soap and cleaned them both, running sudsy palms reverently over every part of her. Finally, when they were both cleaned and rinsed, he spoke, his voice like gravel. “One slow, drawn out, lasting love, coming your way as ordered, boss.”

  She shivered at the promise in his voice. Tomorrow she’d worry about the future. Right now, she wanted Adam’s hands on her body and his dick inside her.

  Chapter Eight

  Adam dried off his mate and carried her to the bed, every step filled with hope. After he had longed for her for months, Elle finally wanted him. Everything else would work itself out. He laid her down on the bed, and she smiled at him, her eyes bright with anticipation. He took a long look at her naked skin, still dewy from the shower, and debated where to start. Mine. All mine. At least for now. Tomorrow he’d work on tomorrow. And every day after, he’d keep working so she never wanted anyone else. She’d given him a chance, and he’d show her exactly why she wanted to be his mate.

  He started with a kiss. Her lips moved rhythmically against his as her body arched into him. The urge to take her simmered beneath his too-hot skin, but he tempered his desire with the tender need for closeness. She wanted slow. His mate would have slow. He stroked her body, letting his hands wander at will. When she shivered, he noted it and made sure to return there so she would shiver again and again.

  Her tongue slid into his mouth, and the kiss grew deeper. Her hands moved from their secure place on his back to explore him, too. She pressed her fingers into the muscles of his ass, caressed the lines of his hip, slid her fingertips over his arms, as if she, too, would memorize his body. The connection drove him wild, turned the world into a cocoon of her and him and the power of touch.

  Her breath hitched, growing faster and deeper. He trailed kisses where his hands had explored. She’d loved his touch on the curve of her waist. He swirled his tongue over the spot and she moaned. Ran his teeth across it and her cries grew louder. Every sound she made spiked his need for her, made him long more to bury himself inside her, to claim her as his own.

  Not yet, not yet.

  He tasted more of her skin, covered every inch of her with kisses until she squirmed and arched beneath his touch, her body out of her control and into his. When she growled his name, he pressed his mouth to her slick core. She was wet, so wet and ready for him to take her. Not yet. He teased her with his tongue, and her hips rose, opening herself to him. “Adam, oh God, Adam, please. Please take me, please.”

  Her voice was as intoxicating as her sweet taste. He took her with his tongue, crazed with need for her, and she lurched upward again. He held her hips down, forcing her still for him.

  She screamed again, fingers digging into his scalp. “Oh, God, your cock, Adam. I need your cock inside me. Right now. I want to come with you inside me.”

  Yes, boss. He didn’t know if he said it or just thought it, but he scrambled up and put his hands on either side of her face as he kissed her mouth. Her legs wrapped around him, and he fit their bodies together. A thrust and he was home. She arched her back, bringing him deeper inside. She came, her walls squeezing around him as he pushed in and out, the slick friction driving him to the edge of his control.

  Her whole body shuddered as the waves of her o
rgasm spread from her core to her extremities. He’d done that. He’d treated her right.

  As her climax subsided, she didn’t stop moving. Her hips bucked harder, from sweet touch to frenzied need. He cupped her breast and teased her nipple, kissed her neck, ran his teeth over the sensitive skin. She wanted to come again, and he would get her there.

  She pushed his shoulder, and he flipped them over so she could ride him. Her hips ground down onto his, and he gasped at the sensation. His hips rose in time with hers, meeting her thrust for thrust. Her chin tilted to the sky with abandon as she murmured in the nonsense of a perfect fuck. Her fingertips dug into his chest as she rose a last time and dropped down hard with a cry. “Oh God. Oh, God. Adam. Adam.” She collapsed onto his chest. “I love you.”

  He froze, every muscle locking up at that word, every selfish instinct to take, have, possess gone slack with the need to share, connect, be one. He turned them to the side where he could hold her. Instinct overrode every thought, and he bit down on her shoulder, connecting them as tightly as he could as his orgasm took him and his mind reeled into ecstasy.

  She whimpered, her shaking fingers taking slow tours of his back as he clutched her against him. “I love you, too, Elle. God, I love you so much.”

  He could barely move, he trembled so badly, but somehow, with her help, he got her tucked up against him under the sheets, their bodies slack and so beautifully spent.

  “That was so fucking awesome,” she gasped out.

  He laughed, and the words were at the tip of his tongue to say, See, being mates isn’t so bad. It seemed like the right time—better than any other, anyway—to make it clear what she meant to him. Her gaze turned up to his, satisfied as a woman could get. He kissed her forehead then her nose then her mouth.

  Her smile curled up, so pleased. She kissed the center of his chest, put her hand there, and curled up against him. “Do you really?”