by Crystal Dawn
It was better than driving because it was faster, but it wasn’t the most comfortable looking means of transportation. Military conveyances could be rough and this was. They paid their bill and headed out after Will and her mates. Getting there first was the most important thing now. This would do it, but his SUV would have felt better.
He helped Maddie in and Diniel helped Caro. Will hopped in on her own followed by her mates. This wasn’t the first time they’d loaded in this. They handed out head phones to block the noise. Everyone tried to relax and Caro and Maddie actually fell asleep. If only he could, it would make the ride easier.
Maybe humans did have some benefits. Paranormals didn’t need as much sleep and they couldn’t crash like the two ladies just had. “What’s up?” Will asked pulling his attention away from Maddie and Caro.
“What do you mean?” He asked.
“Why are you here? Even if Ariel asked you to come, there’s a reason and you know it?” Will explained.
“She thinks Maddie is my mate.”
“Thinks or knows?” She insisted.
He sighed heavily. “Knows. That female knows everything.”
“You fought it?” Dare asked.
“Not really. I wasn’t sure to begin with since I’d not met her in person until recently. Once I spent some time around her, I began to understand what was going on. Maddie’s the one that either doesn’t know or refuses to face it.”
Nicky chuckled. “That woman will lead you on a chase. I wish I could watch.”
“Are you sadistic?” Azrael asked.
“Not really, but Will put us through a lot and it feels good to know it wasn’t just us. Most white wolves do this. Ariel was an exception. She let Blake call the shots in their relationship.” Nicky observed.
“I thought she was an alpha?” Azrael asked.
“She is and she gets her way most of the time without a fuss.” Will smirked as she answered. “I just like to fight.”
Yeah, looking at her he would bet she did. He also figured she won most of the time. At least Maddie seemed more reasonable. Or he prayed to the goddess that she was. Looking down at her where she sat next to him, her face was relaxed in sleep. She was beautiful and her silver hair shone brightly when the sun hit it. It made him wonder once more if she had a connection to the Verons, the noble leopard family that boasted many members with silver hair. They also had a rare white leopard born every several hundred years. It had been a very long time since that had happened.
He was ready to land, the vibrations on the helicopter were becoming annoying. They’d been in the air a few hours now and had to be getting close to their target. His gums ached with the need to let his fangs out so he could punish the male that had caused all this. All his kind suffered the fear of never finding their mate yet only a few took actions like these. Sympathy was not an emotion he felt so easily.
“We’re almost there.” Will informed. He noticed her head gear was not like theirs. She could talk to the pilot and copilot.
“I’m ready to take some action.” He admitted. He noticed Dare and Nicky looked ready as well.
Their copter began to go down near the buildings as other groups of people nearby seemed to be waiting for them. The copter landed as the blades slowly came to a stop. Now they would easily exit the bird. Maddie and Caro sat up rubbing their eyes and looking around. Hopping out of the copter, he helped Maddie down as he looked around for an alpha or a beta. The others got off the copter too and also looked around.
“Where is your alpha?” Will asked the nearest person.
“Glen Givens is busy.” The male said.
“The council said we would be able to speak to him when we arrived.” Dare explained.
“Who are you?” The male asked.
“I am a pack alpha from Illinois, Nicky is a high level vampire, and Will is a military high ranked white wolf. The others are our guests.” Dare explained.
“Let me take you to a waiting room and he’ll be notified. I’m Randall.” The male turned and walked away. They followed hoping they would get to meet Glen soon.
“This is a waiting room.” Another wolf explained. “If you need any refreshments, let us know.”
The room was nice enough with well cushioned chairs, tables, and even a couch. There were magazines, coffee with mugs, and a few cushions for comfort. Glen’s office was down the hall within easy walking distance. An hour later, Will was getting restless. He feared what she was about to do.
Will stood up and headed out of the room. He followed behind her waiting to see what she was going to do. She headed straight to the male’s office. A quick knock and the door was pushed open. “Anyone in here?” Will asked.
“Who are you and what are you doing in here?” A male asked.
“Glen?”
“No, I’m covering as alpha until he’s back.” The male said.
“He’s left to meet them. Let’s get out of here.” Will said grabbing Azrael and turning him around. She was on her radio telling them she was ready to leave.
Things were about to get sticky. Dare, Nicky, Caro, and his mate, Maddie, met them in the hall following them out. “What about your stone. Maddie?” He asked.
“You have a tracking stone?” Will asked.
“I do. Let’s go find them.” She said as she pulled it out. They had to be close because the green was deep.
“They aren’t far. The bird is just outside the door.” Will observed. They were outside in moments with the helicopter sitting outside running.
All of them loaded just before they took off. They all looked down trying to see where Viv was being held. “There!” Nicky pointed. His senses were the best of them all due to his old age. He was a vampire and their abilities only got better with time.
A car sat below with a SUV parked next to it. Two males and a female were standing by the car, the female looked like she was trying to get away. They were beginning to go lower when Will took a rope and dropped halfway to the ground with it and jumped the rest of the way.
Getting hurt was a good possibility, but she was alright because she moved on the males quickly. Nicky and Dare followed a few moments later. Azrael jumped after them since the copter was close to the ground now. He saw Will facing off with one wolf, the other had jumped back in the car and was trying to drive away with his buddy who had stayed in the car.
Nicky followed the car, jumped on the hood, and shook his finger at them. They slammed on the brakes and the car slid to the side hitting a tree. The vampire had already jumped off and stood in the road.
“Dumb wolves.” He muttered. “You two will stay here or the councils, both the wolves and the vampires, will be after you.”
The two wolves in the car looked utterly defeated. They stayed in the car now that there was no point in trying to escape. Nicky left them and approached the place where Will and Glen faced off with Viv watching. He was watching too and trying to see what the others were up to.
“You kidnapped my cousin.” Will accused.
“I needed a mate. Our traditions allow this.” Glen insisted.
“Maybe we should kidnap you and mate you to someone you don’t choose.” She declared.
“I’m an acceptable mate. I’m an alpha and it’s an honor to be my mate.” Glen explained.
“Then why didn’t you meet her instead and try to convince her to mate you?” Glen stood there silently. “That’s what I thought. We’ll be leaving now and you won’t mess with any more of my cousins. You understand? These goofballs you chose to abduct them could have killed them. Those two are coming with us. Maddie has claimed victim’s rights.”
“What would she want with them?” Glen asked.
“That’s up to her.” Will answered.
“I’ll be talking to the council. You can count on that. I have influence.” Glen blustered.
“Do your worst.” Will said as she got up in his face. “Once you do, I’ll do mine.”
Her face held an evil look as
Glen gulped and his eyes were wide. She looked scary as hell and while Azrael would face her if he had to, he was glad as hell he didn’t have to. Glen was a fool to take a white wolf without permission especially not knowing if she was his. Had he known she was his fated one, the council would have attempted to help him.
Viv was already climbing in the copter but she sent a look toward Glen that was hard to translate. Maybe she liked him, it was hard to say. One thing was for sure, he’d not made any points with the white wolves. They loaded up and headed back to Will’s. Another long helicopter ride. Maddie and Caro fell asleep after about an hour while Viv was already asleep right way.
Maddie kept tipping over so he arranged her in his arms. No one said a thing. He liked the feeling of her lying there. Her scent was sweet and he breathed in deeply. It was stronger than the dusty machine scent of the copter. It was unusual, but this time he managed to fall asleep with Maddie in his arms.
“Wake up!” Someone whispered to him urgently. His arms were filled with soft and cuddly woman. He remembered everything right away and he sat up only holding her enough to keep her from falling over.
The three women began to wake. They made moaning sounds as they stretched. “Did you stop me from falling?” Maddie asked.
“I did.”
“Thank you. I feel better than I did on the trip there.” She admitted. “Where are we?”
“We’re landing in ten, Maddie. You guys can sleep a few hours and head back home then.” Will suggested.
“Sounds good.” Caro said. “I’m still tired. I’m glad we got my mom back.”
“Our whole schedule is shot.” Maddie admitted. “We might as well stay and take a nap.”
“Viv and Caro can take the first guest room. The two hostage takers can sleep in the shed. That leaves the single for Diniel and the king for you and Azrael.” Nicky said.
“Me and Azrael?” Maddie asked.
“It’s just for a few hours to sleep.” Dare explained.
Maddie looked like she wanted to say something but didn’t want to look difficult. Just catching some shut eye with someone else in bed wasn’t a big deal. He suspected she was thinking of the kiss they’d shared, but she wouldn’t want to admit to it. Azrael smiled on the inside but kept his face straight.
“Thank you. I’ll escort Maddie to the room if you’ll tell me which one.” He observed.
“It’ll be the one across from Viv’s and Caro’s.” Nicky noted. He led the way and they all followed him. “We’ll have a meal before you guys leave.” The door was just as they hit the hall.
He led Maddie across the hall and opened the door. This bed was king sized and perfect for the two of them. Carrying their bags, they both would be able to put on something for the night. Boxers were all he intended to wear. It made him wonder what Maddie would have on.
“I’ll get changed.” He declared. Grabbing his bag, he went into the bathroom. When he came out, he looked at Maddie and she seemed to be trying not to swallow her tongue. Maybe he would get somewhere with her after all. “The water is still warm.”
She grabbed her bag and hurried in to the bathroom. Maddie was in there so long he suspected she hoped he’s be a sleep when she came out. He lay on top of the bed on his side waiting for her. The door opened and she stepped out wearing a long T-shirt. Her hair was damp and she smelled like a sexy soap.
“Ready for bed, Baby?” He asked and she shot him a sharp look.
“I expected you to be asleep since you’ll be driving tomorrow and it’s a long way.” Maddie observed.
“I’ll be alright. Supes don’t need as much sleep as humans.” He replied.
“Fine.” She noted as she moved to the other side of the bed pulling the covers back.
Once she was covered up, he listened to her breathing until it was slow and steady. She was asleep. Maybe it was wrong, but he had to find whatever advantage he could. He burrowed under the covers and gently took her in his arms. She leaned against him and relaxed. This was where she belonged. Moving his nose into her hair, he breathed in deeply. Now they were both finally home.
He’d intended to stay awake to enjoy holding her, but he fell into a deep comfortable sleep. When he woke, it was to morning wood. It was the biggest and hardest he could ever remember being and it was pressed up against Maddie’s ass. Surprisingly, she was pressing back against him. Of course that only compounded the problem.
“Oh, my!” His mate was awake. “What? Never mind.” It seemed she figured things out quickly.
Since he already held her, he pulled her in closer. “You feel incredible.” He praised. “I’d love to make love to you.”
“I think you should let me go so we can get up.” She observed.
“I’m already up.” He said with a chuckle.
Maddie moaned as he began to stroke her. He rolled her over to where she was facing him and he kissed her. Pouring all his wants and needs into the kiss, she was groaning and whimpering with desire. His mate, that’s what she was and he felt hot all over as he pulled her T-shirt over her head. Since his boxers had an opening he could use they weren’t really in the way.
Her body was soft and he could smell her need. She was musky and delightful just waiting to be possessed by him and him alone. His head moved down and his mouth devoured her nipples as she writhed beneath him when he rolled on top of her. His cock popped out of his boxers and rubbed her between her legs.
“Goddess!” He expressed his need.
He could feel her wet pussy begging him to enter her. Lining up their bodies, he slowly sank into her. Her channel wrapped around him squeezing him tight. His control, which had been held by a string, shattered. Plunging into her, his orgasm was just out of reach. Hers was coming on quickly.
Maddie screamed as hers hit and her channel clamped down squeezing his climax out of him. His fangs sank into her neck where it met her shoulder and he sucked her sweet blood. His climax rolled over him. Once he calmed, he licked the wounds and noticed his neck was slightly sore too.
Goddess! What had he done? He’d mated her without her approval. They were joined, but she wouldn’t like it. Maddie would be difficult to deal with when he told her. She would begin to go through the change right away so he needed to tell her. Unfortunately, she would be angry at him. Even the great sex would be held against him.
His mate was stubborn, even more so than he was. All he wanted now was the live with her and have her at his side, but he knew that wouldn’t be what she wanted. He’d been impulsive and it wouldn’t go over well with her. Will could be blamed, but she’d tried to help him and he was the one that had taken things a step too far.
“Oh, God! What did I do?” Maddie said once she caught her breath.
“You gave me the best sex of my life.” He softly whispered.
“I’m a cougar. Oh, my God!”
“I’m hoping you’re a leopard. I lost control and bit you. Maddie, we’re mates.”
“What? No, we’re not. I’m not ready for a man in my life. I don’t think I ever will be.”
It hurt. She was so caught up in her feelings for her dead husband she never wanted anyone else. He was sure she’d not slept with a man since her husband had died. That had been a long time ago. Maybe now that she’d been with him, she would start letting go of her old feelings for her first love.
She got up and dressed. “We need to eat so we can go home.” Maddie hurried out of the room.
That all went over well. Hell! He showered and dressed. A smile came over his face when he realized Maddie hadn’t showered and his scent would be all over her. Hopefully no one would comment on it because it would piss her off.
Matings were a funny thing. Two paranormals of the same kind usually accepted their mating easily. If two paranormals were different, one or both might resist. Some paranormals found human mates and had a hard time accepting them. Humans were completely different and some accepted matings and others stubbornly resisted them.
Maddie was
resisting for all the wrong reasons. Age would not matter because once she changed she would look younger than her daughter. It was possible that she found him a bit bossy and stubborn, but they could work that out. At least it was all out in the open and she knew what he’d done. Dealing with the sex and the mating separately would have been more difficult. Now she could come to terms with both.
The scent of coffee and bacon hit his nose and made his mouth water. “Good morning, everyone.” He greeted them all.
A chorus of greetings hit him. “Grab a plate and fill it.” Will directed as she stood at the stove fixing eggs, bacon, and pancakes.
He filled his plate high since they didn’t eat much yesterday. Setting the plate on the table, he got a mug and filled it with coffee adding a little cream. Now he took his seat and began to eat since everyone else was. Caro came out followed with Diniel. The two prisoners came in last. Everyone ate with good appetite but Will had cooked so much she still had leftovers.
Will packed them up and put them away and Maddie helped with the dishes. Caro and Viv put the plates up and cleaned the table and the countertops. “Thanks for your help.” Will said. “I hate to see you guys go, but I know you need to get back. Maybe you can take a break later and visit.”
“I’d love to.” Caro said and Viv and Maddie added to it.
“We’d better go.” Maddie said.
After hugs, kisses, and goodbyes, they squeezed into the SUV and took off. It was completely full, but they managed. “We should stop at Danny’s for a break. Everyone in the back is packed in.” Maddie said.
“We’ll see how they feel when we get closer and you can decide then.” He observed.
In truth, he didn’t mind either way. Diniel and the two all the way in back kept looking at Maddie and him. The scent had informed them that she was his and they’d just had sex. Good. They would keep their distance from her. He knew his beta would want to hear the whole story, but he was smart enough not to ask now.
It wasn’t long before they stopped for gas. He was glad to stretch his feet and buy a soda and a couple of candy bars. One he’d save to tempt Maddie with. They got on the road quickly and Maddie had only bought a drink. The smell of chips and other food came at them from the back.
