Walking around him, she made her way to the door on aching legs. She didn’t even look back as she slammed it closed. The stairs proved to be a pain in the ass, but she got down them faster than she hoped.
“Where are you going?”
Marcella turned toward Luis. “They gave me pads. I need tampons.” She pushed the door open and didn’t wait for a response. Walking to her car as fast as she could, she sighed in relief when no one followed.
The Civic quickly jumped to sixty while she tore down the road. She didn’t stop until she reached the first hotel she could find. Running in, she paid for a room, rushed inside, and locked herself in. Feeling for their connection, nervously, Marcy pulled. Dominic dropped to the bed, startled.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
Instantly, she burst into tears. Dominic rushed to her, but she stopped him before he could make contact with her body. “Oh lover, it’s horrible. He’s horrible. I”
“What, tell me? Did he hurt you?”
The anger in his voice couldn’t be mistaken. “No, he’s just possessive. Way too possessive. He almost didn’t let me leave. Oh God, Dom. I fucked up.”
“What do you mean?”
An agonizing cry left her mouth as she looked at him. “I marked him. My wolf fucking marked him! How is that possible?”
He grew rigid while looking at her. “It shouldn’t be. But I don’t know everything there is about collectors. Are you sure?”
“Yes. I’m positive.”
“Fuck. Loverboy isn’t going to like this one bit.”
“If I could pick someone besides you, you know it would be him. I love Jason. Donavon isn’t what I expected. He knows of me, bears my tattoos, and I think he remembers more than he’ll tell me, but he’s way too fixated with the memory of me. If I said obsessed, it wouldn’t even be the right word because I think he’s beyond that.”
“Come home. It’s not worth risking. Leave Donavon here. We can do this without him.”
“No. You know I can’t do that. Abandoning one of my men is out of the question.”
“Marcy! Listen to me. This isn’t a good situation. Leave him, and come back with me.”
Pounding erupted on the door. Marcella jumped, looking wildly in the direction. “Oh God, he must have followed me. Dom, you have to go.”
“No. Not without you. Or at least not until I talk to him personally.”
“Please, I beg of you!”
The door sounded like it was going to cave in under the strength as another round of banging filled the air. “Open the door, my sweet mate, or else I break it down.”
“It hasn’t been a half hour yet. You said I could have it. Now give it to me.”
“No. Open up or I destroy it. You better hope you’re not standing in the way, either.”
Marcella watched Dominic rush forward and unlock it, nearly ripping the wooden divider off its hinges. The vision of them facing each other looked like a reflection of one person. They both stared for all of five seconds before Dom took a step forward.
“What the fuck do you want? I think I’m trying to have a conversation with my mate. Is there a fucking problem?”
“Yeah, there is. She belongs to me.”
Dominic laughed. “Not technically. She was mine first. Plus, if you think I’m going to stand around and let,” her demon mate looked the other man up and down, “some punk ass, sorry excuse for a wolf talk to her like that, you have another thing coming.”
Donavon took a step closer. “Are you trying to tell me how to handle my mate, demon? At first I couldn’t tell, but that’s what you are, right?”
“Wow, you must be a smart one.” Dominic let the sarcasm drip from his words.
“Wolves don’t mate with demons. So try that story on someone else. Marcella, let’s go.”
“You’re right, wolves don’t—”
Marcella cut him off. “Dom, enough.” She walked up to him, cautiously eying Donavon the whole time. “Tell everyone I’m fine.”
“I will. You sure you don’t want to come back with me? We’ll leave right now.”
“The hell you will.” Donavon’s low growl carried all the warning it needed.
Marcella turned back to Dominic. “I’ll be okay. I promise.”
Dom nodded once and shot Donavon an evil glance as he disappeared. Fear laced with sadness raced through her chest. Damn it, she did want to go home! Already, she hated it here.
“You tried to pass the demon off as your mate? You could have at least found another wolf.”
“He is my mate,” Marcella spat. Walking past him, she climbed into the car. Ugh, she couldn’t wait for this to be over. The need to scream made tears come to her eyes. The black SUV trailed behind her until she pulled into the barn. Not even waiting, she made her way back to the house.
Pushing herself one step at a time, she wasn’t halfway up the stairs before energy from her new mate pushed against her back. Turning, she glared at him. “If you ever lie to me again, I’ll leave you in a heartbeat. I don’t like liars.”
Marcella walked into the room and sat on the bed, crossing her arms over her chest. Donavon shut the door and locked it.
“First off, you won’t ever leave me. I won’t let you. What part of mate do you not understand? This was supposed to be a happy day, like a wedding day, but no. You ruined it by wanting to rush into the arms of another man.”
“That other man is my mate, Donavon. Of course I would want to go to him. I was scared at what happened.”
“Jesus! He is not physically able to be bonded to you. What part don’t you comprehend?”
“What if I told you it was possible and we are. What if!”
“Then I’d say we were in one hell of a predicament. But since it’s not possible, I’m not worried.”
“You should be. Did you notice how much you two looked alike?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Marcella laughed. “Oh, yes you do. You know exactly what I’m talking about. Don’t try to deny it, Donavon. I saw the way you and Dom looked at each other. He was just as shocked as you were.”
Donavon walked to the bed, sitting on the end. “So what if we slightly resemble each other. He’s a demon. I’m a wolf. We’re not related.”
“If you say so.”
A sad look passed over his face as he stared into her eyes. “Why did it have to be like this? Do you know how long I’ve waited to be paired with someone? Can’t we start over? You said earlier that you didn’t want to fight. Well, neither do I.”
“I wish more than anything we could get along, but that’s not going to happen until you accept that other men are in my life.”
“That life is over now!”
Marcella clenched her fists. “I’ll give you only a few more days to change this behavior, or I’m out of here. My patience is running very thin with you, wolf.”
“Why the fuck do you keep calling me wolf? Just realize that I’m not letting you go anywhere. Didn’t I already tell you that? If you run, I’ll track you. You’re mine, Marcella.”
“Take my warning well. I won’t repeat it again. A few days, that’s all you get. There’s not enough time for me to break you of your jealousy. You either share me or you can’t have me at all.”
Donavon stood from the end of the bed and walked over to the side, throwing himself down. Marcella bounced up at the force of the air mattress. Landing on her side against his waist, she glowered at him. “Oh, and we’re getting a new bed. Today!”
“No, we’re not. This is my room, my stuff. Therefore, we’ll sleep on whatever I have in here.”
“Fuck! You drive me crazy. Why do I even try with you?”
Rolling back onto her side, Marcella threw herself down on the pillow and faced away from him. What was she doing here? There was no way she could get him to come around. The stubbornness he was filled with went beyond anything she could break. She knew she should have taken things slower, but shit, s
he couldn’t change anything now.
Hands pulled her back into him. He curled around her body, holding her tightly. “Why can’t you just be happy with me? Why do you have to have other men in your life to be fulfilled?”
“You’re not ready to know about that yet. You wouldn’t understand.”
“Try me. I have to know.”
“No. Me just telling you isn’t going to work. You’ll have to see it for yourself.”
“I’m not going to sit back and watch while you give your attention to other males. I’m sorry, but you’re mine. End of story.”
“That’s not what I mean, Donavon. See, you don’t even understand what I’m talking about. Just give it time.”
Silence thickened the room for a few minutes before he broke it. “Are you hungry? I think you should eat.”
“No, I don’t want anything. You go ahead.”
Marcella didn’t want to move. She needed to figure out how she could get him stable enough to take him home. If they showed up now, her men would tear him apart if he tried to separate them. She couldn’t risk them all fighting. Jason once expressed his dislike for her new mate. Now she knew why.
Chapter 7
Dominic appeared back in Marcella’s room, feeling his blood boil. The need to beat the shit out of the bastard made his brain storm with ideas on how to sneak to where they were and get him alone. But that was the demon in him. He knew he could never risk getting his mate angry.
“What in the hell happened?” Jason walked forward, a concerned look on his face.
“You don’t want to know, loverboy.”
“No, I think I do. Spill, Dom. If something is wrong with our queen, I need to know. You’re angry. There’s a reason.”
“Marcy bit him. They’re mated now. She doesn’t like it one bit. He’s way too jealous. You should have seen the way he tried to control her. I hate her having to be there.”
“They’re…mates?” Jason’s voice was barely recognizable as he took a step backward.
“Yes, and she told me she wished it were you.”
“Damn, that stings.”
Dominic watched his friend rub his chest. The sadness on Jason’s face weighed on him. This new guy might have looked damn familiar, and could have possibly been his best man back in the day, but not now. No one would come before Jason. No one.
“I should go,” Jason said, staring off. “My wolf will be fine. She needs me there to watch over her. I don’t trust Donavon.”
“You know she won’t like that. It might make things worse.”
“Tell me how they could get any worse. In my opinion, things are as bad as they get.”
Dominic nodded his head. “You’re probably right, but I say give it another day or two. If we don’t hear from her, then I’ll say I told you to go.”
“Thanks, Dom. So, what now?”
“I need to release some anger. Training?”
“Sounds good to me.”
Jason smiled at him, and he knew their friendship was growing stronger. He couldn’t help but worry how Ambrose and the rest of the vampires were going to take having a hostile wolf in their new home. He didn’t like this at all. And why, no matter how much hate he felt for Donavon, had there been a connection when they made eye contact? It could have been from their past life together, but a bigger piece knew there was more.
Samael’s sudden appearance made them stop. The guy looked absolutely distraught. Dominic nodded his head up to him. “Master? Is everything okay?”
Blue eyes shot up to his as if only realizing where he was. “Of course. Why wouldn’t things be okay?”
“Maybe because you look ready to jump out of your skin.” Jason’s words held laughter but died out at the end as Samael ran his shaky hands through his hair.
Looking around Marcella’s room, the dark angel nodded. “You’re right. Something’s wrong. If two men show up here, do not answer the door. Make sure this place is on lockdown twenty-four–seven.”
Dominic stiffened. “Who the hell are they? Other masters?”
“No. Nothing like that. Worse.”
“What can be worse than other demon masters?” Jason asked cautiously.
Dom looked over at his friend. “Angels.” The word fell from his lips as a shiver passed down his spine. They were the only ones who could send him back to hell. Those bullets were a one-way ticket, no looking back, pains in the ass.
“Angels?” A laugh exploded from Jason’s mouth. “Are you fucking kidding me? You guys are shaking in your boots at men with wings?”
“Those men,” Samael growled, “want your queen, and I guarantee you they’re going to do everything they can to get her. What do you have to say about that?”
Jason grew quiet as a concerned look passed his face. “Why do they want her?”
“I don’t know,” Samael whispered. “They used to be her link, but I’m not sure what went on between them. I never asked. She and Nemmy, though, something was definitely going on between them.”
“Nemmy!” Dominic exploded. “You’re fucking kidding me. I’ve heard nothing but grief about what he and his partner, Caspius, have been doing to the area. I’m just glad I haven’t really had a run in with them. I hear they’re packing pretty well.”
Samael nodded. “That they are. Marcella and Nemmy share a past. Maybe not a sexual one, but something was always there. I could tell by the way she’d come back all glowing and shit. Hell, I could be overreacting.”
“Or showing signs of jealousy.” Dominic glared at his master, feeling his own possessiveness spark. He knew Samael loved Marcella, but like his queen, he wasn’t sure what exactly transpired in the past.
“Don’t give me that shit, Dominic. Jealousy is not what you’re picking up from me. Why should I be jealous of Nemmy? She’s bonded somehow to four fucking men. If I was jealous over anything, don’t you think it would be that?”
“How do I know you’re not?”
An evil smile came to Samael’s lips. “You fucking don’t know, and you never will. Now do as you’re told, and don’t open the Goddamn door. Marcella should be fine in Victoria, but here, she is to be watched at all times.”
Samael vanished, and Dominic looked at Jason. Well, if things hadn’t gone to shit, they had now. Great, he was itching for a fight, and at the first sign of wings, he was tempted to go outside.
* * * *
Donavon shut the door to the bedroom and pounded his way down the stairs. His mate was driving him crazy. Couldn’t she see that he wanted her? Shit, he’d given up the one woman he’d obsessed over for the last few years. For her! If that wasn’t enough, then he didn’t know what it would take to convince her.
All Marcella seemed to care about were these other men in her life. So what if she knew them longer? She marked him. The bond should make her forget everyone but her mate. It sure worked for him. Why wasn’t it working on her?
“Arizona, you up for some shooting practice?”
He looked over at Luis and continued to the refrigerator. “Not really. I have to make sure Marcella eats. She’s being a pain in the ass today, if you haven’t noticed.”
His alpha walked over, eying him wearily. “She can get her own food. What in the hell are you thinking?” Luis leaned in and inhaled deeply. “There’s something different about your scent. You smell. Are you marked?”
Aggravated, Donavon turned around. “Yes. Is there a problem?”
“Well, since you knew I wanted her, yeah, I think there is. You just went against a direct order. Are you looking to die?”
“Not really. So what do you want to do about it, Luis?”
Grabbing the sandwich meat, he turned around. A fist smashing into his cheek caught Donavon off guard. Rubbing the throbbing that exploded across his skin, he stared at the man. “Do you feel better now?”
“Not really.” Luis pulled out his gun and struck him across the cheek with it, only to press the barrel into the side of Donavon’s head. “I trusted you to
watch over her for me. I thought you didn’t like women?”
“She’s different. Plus, she marked me.”
“Oh, did she?” He got quiet as he slowly lowered his gun. “Why do you think she marked you?”
“Hell only knows. She can’t stand me.”
Luis started to raise his gun again, but stopped. “Why don’t you fight back?”
“Because then I would be challenging you for alpha. I don’t want to do that. Marcella and I will leave, if that’s what you want. I’ve wanted to do the whole barefoot and pregnant thing for a while now. It’s not that I didn’t like woman, Luis. I’ve just been waiting for the right one. I sure as hell didn’t think it would be her.”
Luis eyed him wearily. “Right. Well, leaving is out of the question. I think you just don’t want her around the other men. Smart of you. I know a few who would kill to have her.” The threat was evident in his voice.
Donavon didn’t like getting threatened. “If any of them think they can accomplish it, tell them good luck, but they better hope they kill me because when I get done with them, they’ll wish they had.”
“I don’t doubt that.” The alpha used the end of the barrel to scratch his temple. “You knew the moment you entered my pack, you could never get out. You swore in with blood. There’s the back house you can stay in, but if you even think about skipping town…”
“Gotcha.” So he couldn’t leave. Ever. This shit wasn’t going to work. He needed to weigh his options. Donavon knew he was meant to lead as an alpha, but the circumstances didn’t feel right. He watched Luis look him up and down right before his leader turned and walked back to the living room. Making him and Marcella a sandwich, Donavon carried it back up to his room. Whispering caused him to stop short of the door.
“Ambrose, please tell them I’m okay. Really. Dom was upset earlier, and when I called, he didn’t answer the phone. I’m worried he’ll try to do something. I need everyone to stay there. If something were to happen to any of you”
She paused and then continued. “No. He’s very protective. I can’t deny I feel a bond to him. My heart is begging for him to realize the truth, that way we can all move forward. I want to love him, Ambrose. I want him to love me, but with conditions, of course. He has to accept all of you, or else it won’t work.”
Corrupt Cravings Page 10
