by Lora Leigh
“You betrayed me.” Ragged, torn with pain, but still the most beautiful voice he’d ever heard in his life. “You let him touch me. Disavowed me. You left me.”
She tried to jerk away from him again, nearly managing it before he caught her hair again and jerked her around.
He should have kept her back to him. The creature that had risen inside her was once again dormant. But the sight of that creature spilling into her eyes was better than this. Gem bright, overflowing with tears, and filled with pain.
“Look at me, Cassie,” he whispered, framing her face with his hands, knowing he couldn’t hide from her now; all she had to do was look. “Do you hurt alone? Did you suffer alone? Would I have ever done any of those things for any reason other than to save you?”
Fury erupted in her eyes. A woman’s fury. A mate’s rage.
“I’m your mate,” she cried, her finger stabbing at his chest as the scent of her reached him then, sweet, pure, on fire. “It’s my place to face whatever you face. You can’t save me from your actions, you moron,” she all but screamed. “You took all of me and left me with nothing.”
“Look at me!” he yelled, gripping a handful of sodden hair and forcing her head back. “Look at me, Cassie. Do you believe you don’t have all of me? For even a second?”
She owned him.
“I will skin your ass out, hang your hide on my wall, and I swear to you, I’ll find such a bad-ass Breed to mate that you’ll cringe every second in hell if you pull this shit on me again.” She was shaking, but with anger rather than that feral, primal rage that had filled her before.
“One mate,” he snarled, unable to believe she’d make such a threat. No, as he stared down at her, he seriously feared that was more than a promise. “Get rid of me, halfling, and there is no other.”
A snarl curled her lips, a feminine growl of power vibrating in her throat. “Fucking bet me.”
By God, she meant it. She’d actually try.
She wouldn’t succeed, but she’d try. The very thought of it was terrifying.
And he was a sick bastard, because his cock was harder than hell, fully engorged and throbbing with something so far beyond lust that he had no name for it.
“Fucking test me.” He jerked her to him, lifting her from her feet until her face was level with his. Her knees gripped his hips, the lush, heated folds of her pussy teasing the head of his dick. “Even consider attempting another mate for any reason, I’ll show you exactly how I’ll deal with it.”
She bared her teeth at him, eyes narrowing. “I dare you.”
•CHAPTER 21•
She dared him.
Dog couldn’t help but chuckle as he tightened his fingers in her hair and dragged her head back. He took the kiss he wanted. The glands beneath his tongue were swollen, throbbing, the mating hormone so potent now it was like a rush, an incredible high as it hit his system.
Turning, he pushed her back against the wall, one hand going to her rear, filling his hand with one side of the rounded flesh and lifting her where he needed her.
Dare him?
He prayed to God she didn’t expect nice and easy. The sound of those words slipping past her lips was like throwing gasoline on fire. The flames whipped through his senses, seared his brain cells and released a torrent of lust.
Slanting his lips over hers and pumping his tongue between her lips, he forced her to take the taste of him. When he pulled back and her tongue followed, he took hers, trapping it between his lips and drawing on it, licking at it. The spicy sweetness sending the flames in a rush of white-hot intensity tore the last of the restraint from him.
There was no holding back with her now. There was no closing even a small portion of his soul to her now. The mating bond was like a live wire connecting them, merging them together. Heart to heart. Soul to soul.
Tearing his lips from hers, his kisses rained down her neck as he groaned, feeling hers against his neck. Her teeth raked against the line of his throat, stealing his breath. Her tongue licked over it before her lips closed on his flesh and drew on it, marking him. But he was always marking hers. His teeth nipping enough to abrade the skin, before licking over the wound, just over the heavy vein that ran there.
Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, and her hips rocked, caressing the head of his cock with the slick, hot folds of her pussy. The heated moisture spilling from her coated the engorged cap of his erection, warmed it, sensitized it. As the broad head pressed against the entrance, a hard ejaculation of the hormone-filled pre-cum pulsed inside her.
Bending his head further he captured the hard bud of a nipple, sucking it into the heat of his mouth, tonguing it as a groan tore from his chest. The taste of her, the feel of her . . . It wasn’t even logical what she did to him, what she made him feel. Just the scent of her close to him was enough to soothe his soul, a soul he’d been certain he didn’t possess before he saw her in the lens of his gunsights.
Pulling back from her breast, his fingers tightening on her ass, he held her in place and another pulse of pre-cum spilled inside her as she nipped at his shoulder. The heat of her pussy covered the head of his cock, the entrance clenching on it, sucking at his flesh.
Tensing, he thrust inside her, feeling the ultratight, slick heat of her pussy clamping down on his dick, tightening, caressing every inch, forging inside her. Her teeth bit down on his shoulder, a strangled cry tearing from her throat as he felt those sharp little teeth break the tough skin and the searing spill of that hormone infusing it.
His cock throbbed, flexing with another jetting pulse of the hormone inside her, sensitizing her, ensuring her pleasure.
“Fuck,” he snarled as her tongue lapped at the wound, a smothered cry echoing around him. “Like a hot little vise . . .”
He didn’t pause, sending his cock burrowing inside her deeper, pushing inside her until he was lodged balls deep and her cries were like a symphony in his ears. The snug flesh rippled, sucked at his cock.
He couldn’t hold back. He couldn’t hold on.
Holding her to the wall and bracing his body, he began thrusting, retreating, then filling her, each thrust inside her increasing the hunger, the need, until he swore he could feel parts of his spirit become infused by her, pulling her into his soul.
Animalistic groans spilled from his throat as he moved faster, harder, stroking inside her as the sensations turned to flames licking over him, setting everything inside him aflame when he felt her tighten further, felt her orgasm rip through her and trigger his own release.
He swore it was never ending.
The most intense release he’d experienced since the last time he knotted her tight little pussy. The swelling of his cock inside the clamped muscles had him growling at her shoulder, his teeth locked in it yet again. Filling her, destroying him, as his seed pumped from his dick in exquisite ecstasy.
“Ah God, Cassie . . . Halfling . . . I fucking love you. My life . . .” He threw his head back, teeth clenched as a snarl of pure, lashing rapture overwhelmed his senses.
He was surrounded in a pleasure that went so deep, filling every corner of his soul and healing the wounds life had placed there. A pleasure filled with hope, with savage determination to hold on to her, and a ferocity of such emotion it swamped him.
Not simply his emotion, hers. They mixed, wrapping around each other, filling each other, binding them together in a way he’d never believed possible.
Always.
A part of each other.
* * *
• • •
Hours later Cassie came slowly to awareness. The room was dark, the bed warm, her mate lay at her back, surrounding her.
And they weren’t alone.
She opened her eyes slowly and stared at the misty form of the couple. Carson and Angel. Parents who had been unable to pass to a place where there was no worry, no fear, becaus
So much so that his mother had searched out his mate, found her in danger, and left her mate to watch over their son while she watched over Cassie.
Her head tilted in understanding, knowing Cassie’s thoughts as she always had, as her mate looked on in approval.
Seeing you grow, your strength, your heart, has been a joy, Cassie, she whispered across the bond they’d established years ago. I could not have chosen a better mate for my child, nor wished for one truer. He was born, just as you were, not created. My mate raised him with love, taught him rather than trained him, and the heart he possesses is one more fierce than any but you could know. And know, we’ll always be close if there’s a need.
Cassie stared back at the spirit, only then realizing that a part of her had feared Angel wouldn’t be there to warn her when danger came too close.
We can both be near, together now, Carson assured her. Tell our son of our love for him. That emotion resonated so deep and pure from the male spirit that Cassie felt tears fill her eyes. He’s the best part of both of us. And he has fulfilled every dream his parents ever had for him.
She would.
“Thank you,” she whispered, a breath of sound. “For everything.”
For her safety as a child, for the guidance, but most of all, for her mate.
No thanks needed, Cassie, Angel assured her. Build your lives now, see your way through the trials together, and love each other with everything you are. The future won’t be easy. There are battles yet to come for not just you and Dog, but for all Breeds. Stay true. Follow your instincts and your heart. And always love . . .
They faded away slowly, going wherever the spirits went until they sensed they were needed.
“Thank you, Cassie.” Strangled, filled with awe, Dog’s voice had her rolling quickly to face him, to stare into his eyes and the well of emotions that filled them.
Love, wonder, joy and the sadness that came from the realization of what was lost when the world stole his parents.
“Thank you, little halfling,” he whispered, his eyes damp as his palm cupped her cheek. “For your heart, for my parents.”
“You saw them?” Surprise filled her. No one had ever seen them before.
“I saw them. I heard them. Finally. I dreamed of them together as a boy, and now you’ve given me that dream.” His lips touched hers. “Every dream I’ve held, Cassie, you’ve brought to life.”
His lips brushed against hers, a gentle, heated caress that reaffirmed his words. The kiss was a benediction, a promise, a vow.
It was everything they were meant to be.
She was what she was, what she was meant to be, in her mate’s heart, in his arms.
Finally, no longer a cross breed, but a mate.
Dog’s mate.
•EPILOGUE•
Ah, threads, Graeme thought as he read the message sent to his tablet. More samples would arrive within the hour, another Coyote Breed Mating, more questions. He loved the questions. Along with his mate, it was all that kept him sane.
It seemed for a while the Breed scientists were focusing on the Coyote Breeds, believing the anomalies of the Mating Heat within that species held the answers they were looking for, and that two former Russian scientists had found a key with the vaccinations they’d invented over two decades before. The vaccinations were interesting, as were the Coyote anomalies. The Wolf Breeds, though—now they were interesting. Their inability to conceive even within Mating Heat was becoming rather a problem for the females.
At least, it had been. The scientists were searching in the wrong direction, but to be certain, he needed a Wolf Breed mating, now didn’t he? Wolf and human. Preferably an Alpha male. And wasn’t it just fortuitous that he knew just such a couple, he thought with innate satisfaction. A Mating long overdue.
Not that this one would be easy. A more stubborn female he’d only met once. His own mate was of course more stubborn, but he liked to think he had the best in all things, now didn’t he? But this female, she would give his own mate a run for the stubborn money.
The sound of the door opening at the top of the circular metal stairs had him pausing. The scent of anger, hurt, stubborn will, and determined pride mixed with that of emerging Mating Heat. Rather like the scent drifting from the connecting cavern. He had to cover a smile. He wondered if this young woman had the slightest suspicion of the determined Wolf that would die before he ever truly released her?
Ensuring his expression was suitably filled with sadness and regret, he watched as Khileen Langer moved down the stairs. Long, sunlit red hair was pulled back into a neat little braid, exposing her worried expression and the delicate lines of her face. Dressed in jeans, boots and a tank top he’d dared his own mate to wear, she moved down the stairs, the roiling emotions she felt touching his very narrow vein of compassion.
“I’m here,” she announced quietly as she took the last step. “I need to hurry, though, I have an appointment in town with Cassie Sinclair. For some reason she’s decided I should be in her wedding party.” And she was genuinely confused over that, it seemed.
Lifting the syringe he had laid close by several hours before, he watched as she turned her shoulder to him. Her profile was downcast, something too thoughtful, too somber reflecting in it.
Pushing the pressure syringe to her shoulder he injected the hormonal treatment to still the effects of Mating Heat, then stepped back.
“That’s the last injection, Khi,” he told her quietly. “I’m sorry, but your system can’t handle much more.”
He was a very effective liar, sadly.
Poor Khi. The time for running was now at an end.
* * *
• • •
Khileen Langer stared at the Bengal Breed, certain she couldn’t have heard him correctly. It wasn’t possible. He had to be wrong.
Graeme Parker was like Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde and the Einstein of Breed genetics and mating bullshit all rolled into one. He knew his shit backward and forward. It wasn’t possible that he wouldn’t have an answer to this.
“I’m sorry, Khi.” He stared back at her, somber, compassion reflecting his expression. “There’s simply no way to go any further with the serum. The Mating Heat is simply adjusting to it too quickly. If I keep messing with your system in this way then it could kill you.”
“Could kill me.” She latched onto the words desperately. “You’re not certain, though.”
A grimace tightened his face and he shook his head at the objection.
“Kill you, paralyze you, it could make the Heat worse, it could cause severe internal bleeding or all of the above,” he growled out, flashing her an irritated look. “I’ve run all the probables and those probables say that another increase in the strength of the injections to be highly ill advised. You’re going to have to face this now. There’s no delaying it any longer.”
She could feel herself shaking. Fear, desperation, grief. Emotions she’d been holding on to for the past two years were beginning to race through her, threatening to escape all hope of control. She was shaking her head, staring at Graeme pleadingly, certain he had to be wrong.
“Graeme, please . . .” she whispered.
“Khi, this has gone too far and for too long,” he said with quiet firmness. “You and Lobo need to figure this out . . .”
“No. No.” Her hand sliced through the air as rage slipped the tether she’d kept on it.
As long as there was hope, she’d been able to keep the anger at bay. As long as there was a chance she’d been able to take each day with some semblance of control.
“Khi, the waiting is killing you and it’s killing Lobo. You have to settle this with your mate,” he told her, not for the first time.
“No.” She shook her head again. “Tiberius will be back . . . ”
“With his mate,” he broke in on her words, staring down at her gently, regretfully. “Tiberius has mated, Khi. He’s returning to the estate with his mate to take his place as Lobo’s second-in-command. Your mother’s death has been confirmed. Tiberius is mated. Lobo won’t hold back any longer.”
She stepped away, feeling as though she’d taken a blow. Breath catching, she barely restrained a cry of disbelief, certain she couldn’t have heard the Breed correctly. She couldn’t have; it wasn’t possible.
“Despite your claims of hatred for him, Lobo seems to have found himself unable to tell you this. And I’ll warn you now—you’re pushing him too far. He’s your mate. An Alpha Wolf who has restrained himself to give you time to adjust to what you know is the truth. It’s time to begin adjusting to it.” Graeme’s tone hardened, his eyes taking on that freaky, scary look she always pretended didn’t bother her.
“Then I’ll leave . . .”
A bark of laughter met the claim. “And do what, girl? Once the Mating Heat begins burning inside you do you think you can hide it? And it will burn, Khi. You’ve delayed it to the point that once it kicks in every Breed for a mile or farther will sense it. If you don’t allow the mating before this happens, then you’ll drive Lobo crazy with it. You don’t want that,” the warning was another she’d heard before.
She knew what he believed would happen, how the Heat would snap alive inside her once the hormone he was injecting her with lost all effectiveness.
“I don’t want him,” she snapped, the anger pushing past her control. “For God’s sake, Graeme, he was my step-father.”
He grunted at that. “You know that marriage was one of convenience only . . .”
“He was still married to her.” She was almost shaking with fury now. “It doesn’t matter if she’s alive, if she’s dead or somewhere fucking in between.”
-->
