Blake laughed outright. “Handle what?”
“You should stop laughing, boy, because I’m about to handle you. We don’t take kindly to Tidus and his boys coming up here and destroying our pack. It’s time Tidus’s reign is over.”
Before Blake could explain that he was in no way shape or form a part of Tidus’s crew something sharp jabbed him in the side. He held very still and saw a look of pure delight enter the old man’s face.
“Dad, no. Stop.” Delilah’s voice held panic and she lunged toward Blake who had pretty much figured he was being held at knife point by the pale faced teen. Shit.
Blake held up his hands in front of him and explained, “I’m not here to hurt anyone or cause problems. In fact, I was sent here by my alpha to take over the pack.” He let that sink in for a moment before saying, “As Alpha. Tidus is dead.” He felt the knife jerk and he could feel the trickle of blood run down his side. Note to self; don’t startle the kid who’s holding a knife to your kidney.
Looking at the old man in the face he calmly requested, “Get him to back off or people will get hurt. We are wolves; we don’t bring knives to battle, we have claws. If you want to challenge me that’s fine, but I don’t play dirty. After I’m done with this pack everyone will know who the true leader is.”
The old man’s eyes shown with anger but he motioned for the knife to be removed from his side. “I don’t believe you, Mr. Nunn.”
“What is it you believe, old man?”
“I believe you’re here to either challenge Tidus or be a spy in his absence.”
A lopsided grin settled on Blake’s face before he released his power into the room, deliberately aiming it at the old bastard. He’d never attempted to do this in his old pack because he was happy with his alpha and never needed to challenge. Seeing the old man forced to his knees, using only his will, gave him no pleasure; he didn’t want to be known for suffering and pain. He would insert himself into this pack as alpha and earn the respect of its members. Even if it took one wolf at a time.
In full alpha mode Blake’s senses were in overdrive. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, smelling the stew bubbling on the stove, the teenagers sweat wafting up and insulting his nasal passages, his own blood and the sweet scent of apple pie that he’d already associated with his soon to be mate.
His eyes popped open when he was smacked hard in the chest. He took note of his furious Delilah standing on shaky legs in front of him while her father and the teenager were on their knees heads bowed with sweat dripping from them.
“Tone it down, commander. We get it, you’re an alpha. Dial your mightiness a few notches lower before they pass out from simply being in your presence.”
Blake immediately did as she asked and smiled as everyone in the room let out a collective sigh. He leaned over and whispered in her ear, deliberately letting his lips make contact with the shell of her ear. “I’ve never done that before.”
Delilah reeled back in obvious shock giving him a what the hell look, wanting to laugh at his expression. His grin was infectious; like a kid on his first trip to Disneyland, and her lips tilted into a smile. “You need to work on it a bit more before you meet the pack.”
“Will you help me, sweet Delilah?”
She cocked her eyebrow and crossed her arms in front of her chest taking a defiant pose deliberately. “I’m not sweet. And no.”
He crowded her space and leaned over sniffing her neck, enjoying the shiver it caused. “I think you’re wrong on that count. You smell like a warm apple pie. I bet you’d taste sweeter.”
“Okay, you have a definite problem with boundaries, sir. I think you need medication and a tumble in the brothel. Are all of your emotions so…extreme? It’s like you have no filter.”
Blake chuckled, “You sound like my brothers. They think I don’t take things serious enough; I do. I simply don’t feel the need to play games. If I’m happy or sad or angry, I show it. I’m a pretty simple guy, although I do like to have fun.” His voice dropped to a whisper, “And if I understand this packs situation correctly, you need someone to take over who isn’t so serious and down all the time.”
His voice rose so the entire room could hear including Delilah’s mother who was softly crying in the other room. “I’m a fair wolf. I don’t hide behind others and I won’t back down from a challenge. I was sent here from the American Canyon pack to take over; make this pack healthy again. Katarina sends her love and hopes that you can accept me. I will give you Katarina’s phone number and the phone number of my alpha if you need proof of my intentions, however, this is the last time I will allow you to question me. I think it’s only fair if you judge me on my merits and so far I have been not only fair but lenient with you and your dirty tricks.” He eyed the old man who was still kneeling on the ground and motioned for him to rise.
His mate went over to her father, giving him a hand up and standing in front of him as if she was protecting him. He gently pushed her to the side after thanking her for her help and it rubbed Blake the wrong way.
Blake turned to the teen on the ground, “Get up, teeny bop.” The teen remain on the ground so Blake hooked his arms under the boy’s armpits and pulled him up. He looked into the boys eyes, “I forgive you and I understand you were only attempting to protect your family. I’ll be your alpha and guide you on what will be expected of you from now on. You may have needed knives and guns before, but you don’t need them anymore. Do you understand?” At the boys nod Blake hugged him tight, “Good. Now go wash your hands. The smell of my blood on you annoys me.”
The boys eyes got wide and he began running to the kitchen before Blake thought of something else. “Wait,” he skidded to a halt. “What are your names and where is the other boy?”
Blake saw the boy tense and his Adams apple bobbed in his throat. “Uh…”
The old man took a step forward and called out, “Dustin, its safe. Come on in.”
The other teen must have been hiding at or around the front door because there was a thump and he walked in.
Blake was only mildly annoyed, “Where’s the knife, kiddo.”
Dustin looked toward his dad for confirmation before removing a freaking machete out of the back of his pants. “Hi, I’m Dustin. I heard all you said and I hope you’re the real deal.”
Blake closed his shocked mouth and shook the young man’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Dustin. I’m glad you weren’t the one who stabbed me.”
Dustin looked toward his brother, who was paling even more if that were even possible. “Don’t blame Tristan. You said it yourself; you know how bad our pack has gotten. We’re just glad you came.”
Blake laughed a little, “Soo…Dustin and Tristan. Do they call you Dust and Trist? Or Dusty Trist?”
“Not cool, man.”
Dustin looked a bit insulted but Blake noticed Tristan’s color returning. “Go on, Tristan; wash up so we can forget that little shanking episode happened.”
Dustin turned toward his father, “Dad, Delilah, you doing okay? Where’s mom?”
The old man walked forward on legs that were still shaky and extended his hand. “I’m Hunter and my wife and mate is Isabel. Welcome to our home. You’ve met our boys and little Delilah.” He turned his head and bellowed down the hall, “Bella, come meet Mr. Nunn.”
Blake’s stunned eyes met Delilah’s and narrowed, “How old are you?”
Delilah giggled for a minute obviously enjoying Blake’s discomfort at the possibility she was underage. “I’m old enough to live on my own.” She turned to her father, “Dad, it’s been real but I’ve gotta get home. See ya tomorrow.” She kissed his leathery cheek and turned to go.
Blake stopped her with a restraining hand on her shoulder. “No you don’t, little Delilah. I’m coming with you.”
She appeared shocked but smelled intrigued so Blake knew she felt the slight tingles radiating between them where they touched. “Yeah…I don’t think so Mr. Alpha. You can stay somewhere else. Plus, I ha
ve to get Morena home.”
Ducking her shoulder she easily moved away from him and to the door. Almost free with her hand on the door handle her father’s rough voice interrupted.
“Del, get your butt back here.” He paused as she turned giving him her most defiant glare. “If the new alpha wants to stay at your place you make him feel welcome, girl, where are your manners? Let him have your bed and you can sleep here tonight. The boys can bunk together, after taking Miss Morena home.” There was a collective groan as the boys sat down heavily on the couch.
“Dad, I don’t want to sleep here. I live on my own; there is no way you could convince me to come back, even for one night. I like my freedom from you and the twin twigs. I’m fine on my own. Plus, I have to get home and feed Mr. Boo. And I have to eat.” She rubbed her stomach, “It’s been hours since I’ve eaten.”
“I don’t mind cooking. I’m actually a pretty good cook. My mom taught me.” Blake tried to adopt an, I don’t care expression, but ruined it with his next words. “I’m leaving with Delilah. She’ll remain with me to instruct me on the inner workings of the pack and advise me on how I should proceed with safely taking over. I plan on working very closely with her as I value her candor.”
Delilah’s father gave Blake an assessing look, almost as if he knew why Blake wouldn’t leave without her. He tried very hard not to smile, or snicker, or make a joke. He was sure his family would have been proud of his restraint.
Delilah spoke first. “No, you’re staying with dad. He’ll be your advisor. I don’t want the job…or you.”
A squeak came from Isabel and she snuggled closer to her husband. Her father had no problem chastising her. “I don’t think I like your tone young lady. You show our new alpha some respect.”
“Dad, you just instructed your teenage son to stab him after getting your daughter to lure him into a trap.” She huffed, “And you want me to show some respect?”
Hunter took a step toward his daughter to scold her when Blake intercepted him, placing a hand on his chest to stop his forward progress.
Blake’s voice for once held menace instead of casual indifference. “No one touches Delilah, ever, for any reason. She is now considered untouchable by this pack, except by myself of course. Understood?”
Taking a step back Hunter hissed, “No, not Del, please.”
“Delilah is mine. We will walk this road together.” He placed a hand on Hunters shoulder for comfort and explained, “I’ll take care of her. You needn’t worry.”
Isabel sobbed quietly as the twins both paled and shook their heads. It was clear Blake didn’t have the family support he wanted.
A shove from behind caused Blake to lose his footing and he crashed to the floor on his right side, the same side he’d recently been stabbed. His wound went from a dull ache to a burning fiery inferno and he watched as her face had done what her brothers had been doing all night and paled.
“Oh shit. I’m so sorry, alpha. I didn’t-“bowing her head she went down on one knee and looked unassuming while tilting her head to the side, showing her submission, while Blake could see she was gritting her teeth in frustration.
Clutching his side he popped up and sent her a reassuring grin and sent his magic out to find hers and connect. “It’s alright. I’m alive, no harm done. I would like to get cleaned up so let’s get going.”
She didn’t move so he leaned over and spoke softly into her ear, “Don’t bare your neck to me unless you want it mate marked, love. I’m on the edge with all this alpha shit and you’re about to push me over.” He licked her neck and sighed in pleasure as she gasped in shock. He gripped her arm and lifted her to her feet. “We’re leaving.”
Isabel muttered, “Wait…You’re not going to hurt her are you?” She was wringing her hands in front of her in agitation. “Please…”
Blake stood tall and proud in front of his soon to be mate and figured now was as good as any time to state his intentions. “I’d never hurt her; she’s my fated. We know little of each other and you’re probably afraid but I think I’ve proven to be more than reasonable and fair. The only thing I ask is that you keep quiet for now about why I’m here and allow me time to court your daughter. We need time to plan our next move.” Blake sent hot eyes filled with lust to Delilah, “And whatever it is, we’ll figure it out together.”
Delilah’s face flashed bright red and she nodded keeping her eyes to the floor.
One of the twins spoke and Blake could hear the laughter in his voice but didn’t understand what was so funny. “I wonder how Mr. Boo’s gonna react to him.”
Her entire family was laughing and, to Blake, they all looked a little crazy. He leaned over her and asked, “Can we go now?”
With a deep sigh Delilah said, “I guess I have no other choice. Be warned I haven’t cleaned in a while because I wasn’t expecting company.”
“I don’t mind. I’m super excited to see your house, surround myself in your scent.” Blake hummed low in his throat in anticipation.
Chapter 4
Delilah didn’t expect the thrill that went through her as he spoke. Not to mention the fact that her body recognized him as her perfect match and her body continued to try and prepare for his claiming. Damn, I hope my family can’t smell me.
Her father coughed and turned to his wife pulling her down the hall towards their bedroom. The twins sniffed the air and both echoed, “Eew gross, sis.”
Blake chuckled and pulled her into his arms and out the door. “Where to, lil’ mate?”
She growled and responded a bit snippy, “Don’t call me mate. I haven’t agreed to let you claim me. Put me down, I can walk.”
Blake set her on her feet, making sure she had her balance before he picked up her hand and entwined their fingers, “better?”
Attempting to pull back Delilah showed she was less than thrilled, “no, your hand is sticky.”
“It’s because your brother stabbed me, under your father’s order, and I’m bleeding. Don’t you have any sympathy for me? The last hour has been kinda traumatic.”
She fought the urge to smile at his antics. “Follow me, and try not to get into any more trouble.”
After walking further into the woods Blake couldn’t stand it anymore. He spun her into his body and proceeded to kiss his sassy mate. His hands cupped her face as her hands molded to his shoulders attempting to pull him closer. She broke the kiss and turned her head to swipe her tongue over his hand that was covered in blood. Yep, definitely my mate, mine.
As the heat rose between them Delilah crawled up his body and wrapped her legs around his hips. His hard length was pressed to her dripping center and she rubbed against him provocatively. Damn, she was hot.
Blake tried to back her off but she was clinging to him like a monkey. If she didn’t stop rubbing on him he’d explode in his pants and that’s not how he wanted their first time to go; frolicking in the woods with anyone watching. He grabbed her hips and tugged but she was stuck to him. “Delilah, you have to slow down. Are we almost to your house?”
She didn’t answer; moaning she kept moving against him, her pace becoming frantic and her rising desire filling his senses.
“Please, Delilah,” he was panting, “This isn’t how I want our first time to go. I want to savor you, take my time and explore you. Find out what makes you happy.”
She didn’t stop and he could feel his balls tightening, “Please...”
Delilah was apparently lost in passion and she wouldn’t stop. This was the most amazing experience of his life. Her scent was intoxicating and stimulating.
A shrill ringing entered the woods where they were engaged causing Blake to use his alpha mojo to force Delilah off him. He literally forced her to take a step back from him.
She softly queried, “How’d you do that?”
“Alpha. Answer your phone.”
Her words were slurred and she looked dazed, drunk on his kisses alone while he refused to show how much he was affected. His an
swer must have pissed her off, especially since he appeared calm and collected as he raged with lust inside; so different from moments ago when he stood holding her; hell, begging her to stop, yet, holding her close. He wouldn’t apologize for wanting his mate.
Her anger was apparent and she rebelled, “You answer it.”
She turned and bent slightly pushing her butt out and up in the air in front of him so he could see the outline of her cell phone in her back pocket. She coyly looked over her shoulder and backed up a step so her jean covered ass rubbed the top of his thighs. He silently cursed that she was short; wishing she would rub against the steel pipe that looked like it was hiding in the front of his pants patiently waiting to be released.
Blake cursed and then growled his frustration at his slight mate taunting him in the middle of the fucking woods. Goddamn, he wanted in her pants so bad. He knew if she’d rub up against him again he’d detonate in his pants and to be honest it would be a relief. His zipper was cutting into his most favorite body part and he definitely wanted to use it…soon and with her. His mate.
He reached forward and dug into her back pocket at the still ringing phone and pulled it out, answering it only after giving her butt a nice swat. “Hello.”
She gasped and began panting. Holy shit, she almost went off with his little pat. Knowing she was close he couldn’t resist reaching down to press the front of her jeans and giving firm rhythmic taps as she moaned and clung to his shoulders.
“Where is my daughter?”
Blake dropped the phone and backed away from Delilah holding his hands in the air like he’d been caught. He whispered towards Delilah, “It’s your dad.”
Looking over at him with face flushed and still panting, she replied saucily. “You’re the dumbass that answered it. I can’t talk to him like this.”
Taking a deep breath he picked the phone up and began the most awkward conversation of his life. “Hello, sir. Uh…Delilah is just up ahead of me showing me through the woods leading to her home. Can I help you?” Blake shoved Delilah forward and smiled at her annoyed huff as she began to walk toward her house again.
Pack Law (Fated Mate) Page 3
