Captured And Claimed (Wayward Mates Series Book 8)

by Delta James

  “Careful, my son. You may have a young, willing, and beautiful mate, but I still rule here.”

  James stood and stared his father down. “But for how much longer?” he said as he turned and strode from the room. Will fell in behind him as they trotted up the stairs together. “Well?”

  “Those I’ve talked to are with us. One or two were a bit unsure because of the way you spoke to Shannon. But we were able to let them talk to her and she assured them this was all an act and that you had been nothing but kind to her.” Will glanced around. “Considering you’ve toasted her ass a couple of times, I’d say things are moving along well with your fated mate.”

  James grinned. “They are indeed. But I meant what I said, you and Tony are to ensure if I’m not in the room with her, one of you is outside. I wanted her protected at all times.”

  Will headed down the hall to the great hall as he headed up the stairs. He nodded to Tony as he opened the bedroom door and went in, closing it behind him. Shannon, his Shea, was sitting up in their bed with the covers over her lap as she studied what he assumed was a text about their laws. She was gloriously naked and he smiled as her nipples began to bead sensing his closeness.

  “You take my breath away.”

  He watched as a subtle blush creeped up her cheeks.

  “Well, you told that old crone to see me naked into your bed.”

  “You do know that was mostly for show...”

  “Mostly?”

  “I’m not going to insult your intelligence by trying to make you believe that I didn’t enjoy having my hand on the inside of your leg,” he said, sitting down next to her on the edge of the bed and enjoying that she didn’t try to cover her breasts. “Or that the scent of your arousal was anything less than enchanting.”

  “At least you refrained from diddling me in front of your father...”

  James growled, allowing his feelings for his father to show with no façade of civility.

  Shannon reached out and took his hand in hers. “Don’t let him get to you. Focus on our objectives. He is beneath your contempt and your notice. He is merely a small obstacle to be overcome.”

  He brought his hand up to his lips and kissed it. “You’re right. But I hate that you had to be subjected to being around him.”

  “And I hate that you had to endure being his son.”

  “There’s so much I want to say but I fear upsetting you or causing you to question being here with me.”

  “Banish those fears,” she said softly, leaning closer to him. “I don’t know when or how or why, but I do know that this is where I belong. Not just here at Ravenscar, but with you. Nothing about you or any of this makes sense to me, but I feel the rightness of it nonetheless.”

  He smiled at her. “So, what’s a guy have to do to get a second date with his mate?”

  “Probably go talk to his beta and take care of anything that needs doing and then come join her in their bed.”

  “To sleep and perchance to dream?”

  “I was hoping for something a bit more physical and satisfying than that.”

  James laughed. “Were you now? I can wait, Shea...”

  “You didn’t either time you spanked me...”

  He sighed and tried to think of what he might say.

  She kissed him and nibbled along his jawline.

  “Don’t,” she whispered. “As I recall both times you easily had me calling to you as I surrendered my body to the pleasure you gave me. Even that first time was incredible.”

  “It will be even better if I’m not having to discipline you beforehand... although you are pretty magnificent when I have you turned over my knee. You have the most incredible ass...”

  She laughed. “You’re such a jerk. Get out of here and go talk to Tony. If you play your cards right you won’t have to worry about the appropriateness of our topic of discussion.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “Because you’ll be doing other things with your mouth.”

  He laughed as well and reached up to gently fondle her breast and thumb her nipple, enjoying that it stiffened even more.

  “Yes, I can see my time would be better used in ways other than speaking.”

  He leaned over to her and kissed her, savoring the feel of her lips under his.

  He left just as Will came down the hallway.

  “Shift change?”

  “Yes, we figured you’d tell us when you were in for the evening or that we weren’t needed.”

  “I need to talk with Tony for a bit; Will, you’re in charge of keeping her safe.”

  “Do you think someone will try anything?”

  “I don’t know,” he said honestly. “All I know is that keeping Shea safe is of paramount importance.”

  James headed down the stairs with Tony half a step behind him.

  “You don’t have to do that,” he said quietly.

  “I do until you rule at Ravenscar.”

  James smiled. “Let’s take a stroll down along the beach. It’s always been one of my favorite places.”

  They headed out into the twilight and made their way down the rocky cliff.

  “Those we brought with us from Rome are at the millhouse. I’ve talked to Stefano. They’ve settled in comfortably. He’s been in contact with the others from the continent and they are in route and expected tomorrow. What did Will say? Was Shannon able to alleviate their concerns?”

  James smiled. “She was indeed. Will was impressed. He doesn’t impress easily.”

  “She’s very much like my brother Marco’s Catherine. A woman of rare courage and beauty.”

  “Let’s hope she doesn’t prove as difficult to keep safe.”

  Tony laughed. “I don’t think that’s a bet I’d make. She has already endured more than many, male or female, could withstand. She was quick to step in and assure those in doubt that you were the man they thought you to be and that she was here at her request and planned to be at your side.”

  James smiled. “She does seem to be settling into the idea that she’s my fated mate and that we belong together. She doesn’t care much for the idea of being subject to my authority, but then I don’t think the best mates do... at least not easily.”

  “Marco always says you just have to be prepared to love them as hard as you discipline them,” said Tony.

  “I only hope I can make Shea as happy as her sister.”

  “I have seen her with you, seen her respond to you. I have no doubt that you will.”

  “You’ve established a way to communicate with our men at the mill?” inquired James.

  “Yes, and a plan to ensure that if something goes awry here they will know to move against your father. Do you plan to openly challenge him?”

  James nodded. “I do. Tomorrow at noon there’s an annual gathering of the pack to air grievances and have the alpha pass judgment. I mean to challenge him there.”

  “Should I have our people up here?”

  “Not in the manor house itself to begin with. But, have them ready. It may be a good idea to have a couple of them mingle with the crowd at the gathering to bolster those here who support us. If I am not successful, I want you to be prepared to do whatever you have to safeguard Shea. Fall back to the millhouse and then get her back to your brother.”

  “Do you mean to kill him... your father, I mean?” asked Tony.

  “Only if he won’t go quietly.”

  “You don’t believe he will.”

  James shook his head. “No, I don’t. He’ll want to fight.”

  “He can’t think he’ll win with you.”

  “He can. He’s wrong, but his pride won’t let him not answer my challenge or have another fight in his stead. If he stays down, I’ll let him and those who want to go with him leave in peace. I’ll settle a lump sum and an annual annuity on him but will banish them from our territory.”

  “And if he doesn’t stay down?” questioned Tony.

  “Then I’ll put him down. You didn’t see hi
m in the limo.” James tried to shake off the memory of his father’s gaze riveted on his hand resting on Shannon’s thigh. “He was practically drooling over her. I swear were we still a feudal system, he’d have demanded to see me claim her if not had the first crack at her.”

  Tony placed his hand on James’ shoulder. “You are not your father’s son.”

  “Aren’t I? Didn’t I buy Shea at an auction? Haven’t I forced her into a relationship with me?”

  Tony shook his head. “I wouldn’t say forced. Your Shannon is a woman who knows her own mind. She chose to be here with you. I’ve seen the way you two look at each other when you don’t think anyone is watching. I’ve seen her respond when you call to her. It is not your father whose blood runs through your veins. It is this place. Your life’s blood stems from here. It is Ravenscar—the wind, the sea, the rich earth, even the rain. That is what spawned you... not that pig who will shortly rule here no more.”

  James nodded. “I do love this place. There was a time I thought I hated it. But I came to realize it wasn’t this place or even its people, but my father whom I despised.”

  “Then we will be rid of him one way or another.”

  They continued to walk along the shore and then headed back to the house. As they entered, James dismissed Tony and returned to his and Shea’s room where he dismissed Will from his post.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  “You have returned, my alpha,” she purred at him.

  He watched her with fascination. That she was aroused was evidenced by her flushed skin, hardened nipples, and the aroma of her sweet scent. Shannon leaned forward, drawing herself up onto her knees as she crawled across the bed to him. He could feel his cock react to her approach.

  He leaned down, resting his hands on the end of the bed on either side of her. “Did you miss me?”

  “Hmm... very much. Can all wolves sense the approach of a member of the opposite sex?”

  “Depends on the sense in question. All of our senses are heightened. But do you mean do they feel their mate approaching? Only if he or she is their fated mate. Did you feel me approaching?”

  “I did. It was the most curious feeling. A gentle electrical current running all along my skin and becoming more focused and intense around my breasts and other feminine parts. Then my nipples got very hard, my clit is all swollen, and my pussy is very, very wet. Care to do anything about that, my alpha?”

  He stood up and she followed him, drawing herself up his powerful frame. He pulled her close, resting his hands on her ass cheeks and giving them a gentle squeeze. She moaned and nuzzled the hollow of his throat. She reached for his belt. He shook his head.

  “No?”

  “You ask, Shea. It’s one thing to indicate or even state outright that you want to get laid. It’s another entirely to assume that I will fuck you anytime you want.”

  “You won’t?” she said, rubbing herself against him and seeming to enjoy how hard his cock was.

  He chuckled. “I didn’t say that. I simply said you ask. Is that what you’re doing, my mate... asking me to pleasure you?”

  “Yes, please. Don’t ask me to think or to explain. Just let me feel. I need to feel your suckle my nipples, to fondle and caress me, to feel your weight on my body. I need to feel you part my thighs with yours before you settle between them and mount me.”

  James’ head came down and his mouth captured hers. She clung to him and he drew her closer as his tongue entered her mouth to dance and play with hers. She responded passionately but not desperately. This was a woman who reveled in what she knew he could provide.

  James ran his hand down between them. He circled her engorged clit before sliding his hand to her pussy and thrusting his fingers inside her. She gasped and then groaned in pleasure. Shea had been honest; she was soaked and more than ready for him to simply push her onto her back and follow her down, mounting her swiftly to take them both to their first climax. But that wasn’t what he wanted and what she needed.

  He knew that she didn’t know what she needed... what only an alpha male of their kind could provide to her. He pulled his sweater over his head and tossed it across the room. He reached for her breast and kneaded its pillowy softness as his fingers tugged at her nipple. He started to rumble in a deep and hypnotic way. He knew the sound of his calling would surround her and draw her into the web of sensuality he meant to weave.

  He continued to gently stroke her pussy with his fingers before drawing out some of her moisture to coat her clit, which was distended and begging for attention.

  “You’re sure? I can wait.”

  “I don’t want to.” She shook her head, laughing softly. “They told me...”

  “Who told you what?”

  “They told me I would come to want to feel you mark me and make me yours. I take it the large ring-like structure I feel around your cock is your knot.”

  “It is,” he smiled. “Have you seen a fully engorged knot?”

  She shook her head.

  “Then we’ll have to fix that.”

  James unbuckled his belt, unfastened his jeans, and pulled them off. Shannon saw the size of his fully erect cock with the large swollen knot at its base. From the look on her face he knew that she had only guessed at the size and girth of his staff.

  “I’m not sure that thing is going to fit.”

  “Don’t worry, sweetheart,” he said in a deeply seductive tone. “I’ll make it fit.”

  He sensed that she was truly concerned about being knotted for the first time. “I’ll be as gentle as I can be. It will hurt when I breach you, but I’ll give your body time to relax and accept me. It’ll be fine, Shea, I promise.”

  Now as naked as she was, James lay down next to her. He knew for her to be as relaxed and as open to him as possible, he needed to bring her to orgasm several times. He leaned over and kissed her mouth while his hand slid back between her legs and began to rub her clit.

  He used his thumb in a pattern of circles—sometimes pressing hard against it and others times merely surrounding it. Shannon’s breath became ragged and shortened as her body started to rush toward her climax. She moved her hips in rhythm with his thumb. As she started to come, he slipped two of his fingers in her sheath, causing her to cry out in ecstasy.

  “There’s my good mate,” he murmured in her ear.

  She was magnificent. Her response was more than he’d hoped for, especially for her first time being confronted with his knot.

  He let her body start to settle, but before she could recover completely, he stilled his hand and sucked one of her nipples into his mouth. He nipped it gently, causing a sharp intake of her breath. He immediately soothed the nipple with his tongue and began sucking again. She brought one of her hands up to play with her other nipple.

  James slapped her hand away.

  “Naughty mate. These tits, this clit, and this pussy are mine. You don’t get to play with them.”

  He could feel her body begin to tense and immediately growled seductively at her. His mouth took possession of her other nipple and he brought up his hand to play with the one not in his mouth. He moved one of his thighs between hers and brought it into direct contact with her pussy and clit and allowed her to move against him.

  His cock was throbbing and straining to be inside her. He could not remember a time he’d ever been this hard or this desperate to mount a woman. He increased the attention to her nipples and felt another orgasm start to build. He continued to play with her, alternating between soft and deeper suckling and the occasional nip or pinch. Once again, he was rewarded as she came again, calling his name.

  “Jesus, James, for God’s sake, fuck me.”

  He chuckled deeply at her distress and continued his enticing growl.

  “Please, James, I need you inside me.”

  “Not nearly as much as I need to be in you.”

  James continued to fondle her. He suckled and lightly bit her nipples as he stroked between her legs from clit to puss
y and back again. As her body began once more to climb toward an orgasm, James rolled over, nudging her legs further apart and settled himself in the cradle of her hips. The head of his cock probed to find her slit and once found, he steadied her with both hands and penetrated her deeply with one thrust as she climaxed. He filled her completely and his knot breached her opening.

  Shannon gasped and caught her breath, flexing her fingers into his back.

  “You said you were going to be gentle. That hurts. You’re too big.”

  Her instinct was to struggle, but she didn’t. She could feel the knot holding her in place as did his hands cupping her ass. Even though it was painful, she could feel a growing sense of profound pleasure welling up from the depths of her soul. His growl was low as he called to that primitive part of her. He lay still, allowing her body to relax and accept him. He murmured to her, bringing his hand between them to play with her breasts and nipples.

  James could hear the change in her breathing as her body fully accepted the knot and he began to swell within her, sealing her completely to him. He began to rock her within his arms and felt her quickly striving toward another climax. He allowed her to move her hips the little she could and respond to him. As she came again, she sank her teeth into the skin covering his collarbone. James threw back his head and howled.

  He moved his hands back down to cup her ass and hold her still as he started to move more powerfully within her. Because of the knot he could only rock within her and not truly stroke. He’d barely begun to develop a sense of urgency when she came again.

  His voice became deeper, the growl more pronounced as he whispered, “You are the most responsive she-wolf that any wolf ever mounted. You feel better than anything in my wildest dreams and fantasies.”

  He held her close and his rocking began to become more frenzied. She struggled to try to wrest some control from his possession, but he held her fast. He rocked her through three more orgasms in rapid progression. He continued to rumble at her and murmured words of love and sex, reveling in her response.