by C. E. Black
“That’s sounds great, actually. Let’s see if your father wants to come.”
Sara’s expression immediately changed. No longer smiling, she dropped her chin and shrugged. “He’s probably too busy.”
“Maybe. But it’s polite to ask, anyway.” She didn’t need to know I planned on demanding his presence.
When silence was her only reply, I left her to her homework and went in search of Locke. His car was in the driveway, which meant he was mostly likely in the office.
Knocking softly, I waited until I heard his voice before opening the door. I came in and leaned on the door frame, crossing my arms as I watched him. His hair was a mess, sticking up in odd places as if he’d been pulling at it.
My grin quickly turned into a frown. As silly as his hair looked, stress lines had formed around his eyes and mouth.
“Hey,” he eventually greeted, looking up from whatever he’d been reading with weary eyes.
“Hey, stranger.” I’d been going for teasing, but my tone came out a little critical.
“I’m sorry. I told you how busy I am, but it’s been unusually crazy lately.”
When he pressed the heel of his palms to his eyes, I softened.
“I’m taking Sara to Silver’s. Come with us.” When he shook his head, I asked, “When was the last time you ate?” Pushing away from the doorframe, I walked over the small couch and sat.
“I don’t have time—”
“I’m your mate, right?”
There was a quick flash of something hot in his gaze before he eventually nodded.
“Then share your burdens with me,” I coaxed.
After a moment, he visibly relaxed, releasing a massive exhale “That would be nice, actually. Do you mind?”
“I wouldn’t have offered if I did. Tell me what’s going on. Wait, come sit with me first.”
Without a word, he did as I asked. Scooting over, I made room for him on the couch. As soon as he sat down, he reached for my hand. His touch sent a pleasant, and now familiar, zing up my arm.
“Hope you don’t mind,” he murmured, his gaze fixed to my knuckles as he stroked them with his thumb. “I just want to touch you.”
I regarded him silently. His allure grew stronger each time we were alone and I feared what my attraction to him might feel like in two weeks, when I would have to leave. I imagined it would be almost painful.
Clearing my throat, I gained the attention of his eyes. “Locke?”
“A pretty important land deal, that I have been invested in for months, is falling apart,” he said. “The realtor called me Wednesday. The seller finally accepted our offer.”
“That’s good news.” He nodded, but his frown deepened. “What happened?” I asked.
He answered, his voice laced with an edge of frustration, “He changed his mind. Just like that,” he snapped his fingers with the hand that wasn’t holding mine.
It was my turn to frown. “It’s not the first time I’ve heard of that happening, but did your realtor give you any idea why the change of heart?”
“No. We’ve been going back and forth with this guy for a while, so it shouldn’t surprise me. But…” He shrugged. “This is the first time he actually accepted one of our offers.”
“I’m sorry,” I said because I had no other advice. Real estate wasn’t my forte and from what I did know, if papers hadn’t been signed, there was nothing Locke could do.
Giving me a crooked grin, he said, “Thanks. The pack has grown a lot over the years and our borders could use some stretching. But that’s not even my greatest setback. We need a more stable clinic but without the funds, we have to rely on the city.”
“Let me guess, the council is being excruciatingly obtuse to the needs of your pack,” I said dryly.
His tone matched mine but a small smile curved his lips as he said, “Of course.”
He stared at me, that little smile affixed to his mouth and I couldn’t help but return it.
Clearing my throat, I asked, “Any progress on operation find a mate?”
Locke chuckled and the sound made my stomach tighten. Shifting on the couch, I crossed my legs.
“No. I haven’t,” he replied. “I haven’t even logged onto Alpha Singles. I’ve already found perfection. Hard to top that.”
Not knowing what to say, I looked away from the intense expression he was giving me and brought up the original matter.
“You definitely need a break.”
“No.” He dropped my hand as he stood and I frowned. “I don’t have time to go out. I’m waiting on a call—”
“You have a cell phone,” I interrupted, giving him a determined glare, which he met with one of his own.
His eyes narrowed, and the tension in the room doubled, but I refused to look away. I wasn’t one of his wolves.
Eventually, he relaxed. “You won’t leave me alone until I agree to go, will you?”
Standing, I shook my head. “Nope.”
A teasing light entered his eyes as they darted over my form. “Hmmm. I rather like that idea.”
I laughed and was surprised at how light it sounded. Locke grinned and my gaze dropped to his mouth.
“Dad?”
I jumped, taking a hasty step away from Locke. Both of us turned our attention on the girl standing the doorway. Her expression was blank as she looked back and forth between us, and I wondered how much she’d overheard.
“Ashley invited me to sleep over,” she said. “Can I go?”
I glanced at Locke who shrugged. “Ashley is Lynn’s daughter. They’re pack,” he explained to me.
To Sara, he said, “I don’t see why not.”
Sara ran up to her room to pack. And while Locke figured out the details with Ashley’s mom I wandered to my room, disappointment clouding my thoughts. I’d been looking forward to having dinner with the two of them. I had a mind to demand Locke at least sit down and eat with me in the kitchen. But after Sara left, he’d rushed off to his office. Again.
Sighing, I sat on my bed and reached for my laptop. Thirty minutes later, two raps on my open door interrupted my mindless internet browsing.
“Hey.” Locke imitated my earlier stance in his office. Arms crossed, he rested his back against the doorframe. “What are you doing?”
“Nothing of importance,” I said, setting my laptop to the side and coming to my feet. “What do you need?”
His eyes grew unfocused for a moment then he shook his head and said, “I’ve been thinking…”
“Hope you didn’t hurt yourself,” I deadpanned.
He laughed and the sound caused my heart to leap in response. My gaze flickered to his mouth.
“What were you thinking?” I pressed.
“Do you like to dance?”
I blinked at him with obvious surprise. “Why?”
“Because my mate is a sexy goddess,” he said strolling across the room, “and I want to show her off on the dance floor.”
My brows slowly drew together, both appalled and flattered, but his eyes were warm and teasing.
“How sexist of you,” I said, fighting a smile.
He shrugged. “Well, if you won’t agree to let me parade you around like a piece of meat, then the least you can do is go on a date with me.”
My groan ended in a chuckle. “What woman could turn down such a flattering invitation?”
“None that I know of,” he answered lightly and, looking at his handsome face, I had to agree. Who could, indeed?
Chapter 15
Locke
Arms wrapped around Isa’s middle, I nuzzled her neck just below her ear with my nose and lips. Her ass was pressed into my groin and with a growl, I rocked my hips. She laughed and I spun her out to one side, then drew her back to me so we were chest to chest. Encouraging her arms to wrap around my neck, I gripped her waist and moved us into a rhythm that had us both catching our breath.
The dance floor was packed. Usual for a Friday night at Moonshiners. I’d received more
than one raised eyebrow and expected to be drilled with questions at our next meeting, if not before. But each and every one of them had welcomed my mate as one of their own, filling me with pride.
Isa and Tess hit it off, and spent the majority of the time laughing about one thing or another.
While having a few drinks, Isa and I had spent some time talking too. She’d told me a little about her life in Atlanta. Her job was just as time consuming as mine, making her mate proposal even more surprising. I’d come to the realization she must have really needed my help securing those shifters for her company. And from what she’d told me, they had helped quite a bit.
The little she’d told me about her personal life gave me a sudden appreciation for my packmates. I’d thought I was lonely. Isa had no one but an uncle she rarely visited and her employees.
Isa laughed as I pulled her up from a dip and my heart constricted. She deserved to be surrounded with love, to be admired, desired, and appreciated. If for no other reason than for the way she made me feel. The stress from the week flew from my mind, leaving room only for Isa. Her smile was wide, her hazel eyes lively, and the way her body moved against mine was equal parts torturous and heavenly.
A slow song came on and I tightened my arms around her before she could pull away. She grinned and slipped her fingers through the hair at the base of my neck.
“Having a good time?” I asked.
She glanced around us once before meeting my eyes again. “I am. I never knew about this place.”
“Moonshiners? Didn’t you say you grew up around here?”
“No. I grew up in Atlanta. But my uncle lives here. I’d visited a lot when I was younger, but spent most of my time riding my horse. I know about Silver’s and some of the other shops on Main Street, but that’s about it. Wild River is a pretty small town, right?”
I nodded. “If you’ve been down Main Street, you’ve seen it all. Except for Moonshiners. We built the bar closer to pack land, a little off the beaten path. Humans are welcome here, but most end up at Tafferty’s instead.”
“So they don’t mind me hanging around?”
“Not at all. Plus, you’re with me.” I winked.
“Oh, is that part of your Alpha privileges?”
“Got to have something to make the job worth it.”
Her throaty laugh turned the heads of a few males nearby, but one narrow-eyed glance from me had their eyes skipping away.
“Speaking of Alpha privileges,” she said. “Are there rules to this mate business? I know this is temporary, but I don’t want to step on any toes.
My growl, too low for Isa to hear over the music, got a few looks from those with sensitive ears. I hated the word temporary.
“No rules,” I said, controlling my voice so not to scare her. I had a sudden need to get her out of there, away from prying eyes, and somewhere private.
“Water?” I asked instead.
Grasping her hand, I steered her off the dance floor. Her skin glistened with sweat, which wasn’t a complaint in the least. The woman smelled and looked fantastic. She was glowing. But my protective instincts insisted I offer her hydration.
When we reached the table where we’d left our coats, she stopped me with a hand on my arm.
“Everything okay?” I asked.
Her gaze met mine, then lowered. Concerned, I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her close. “What is it?”
Her hot breath scorched my skin as she whispered in my ear, “Take me home.”
Leaning back, I searched her face, thinking she must be upset about something. Instead, I found half-lidded eyes full of desire. My nostrils flared, scenting the spike in her arousal. It was so powerful it almost knocked me off my feet.
I want you, she mouthed.
My breath caught, and all I could do was stare at the beautiful and brave creature before me. Where had she been all my life?
Breaking eye contact, Isa bent over to retrieve our coats. My gaze went straight to her ass, accentuated by a pair of black, skin tight jeans. My fingers twitched with the need to touch her. But I refused to do so with so many eyes watching.
Isa smirked at the hard bulge tenting my pants.
“Come on, Alpha. Let’s get out of here.”
She tugged on my hand, and I did what any man whose cock was so hard he’d lost the ability to speak would do. I followed her like an eager pup.
Chapter 16
With a vice like grip on the steering wheel, I peeled out of the parking lot of Moonshiners. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Isa grip the door handle as we took a turn a little too fast. But when her chin tilted in my direction, her expression told me she was as needy as me.
Tormented by her scent, my teeth clamp together. We were minutes from home, but I couldn’t wait.
“Take off your top,” I said into the heavy silence.
Without hesitation, she did as she was told, dropping the thin fabric to the floorboard. Both her submission and the sight of her breasts spilling out of her lacy black bra had me fighting the urge to pull over.
“Unbutton your pants. Slide them down, but keep your seat belt on,” I demanded.
She grasped the side of her panties to remove them too, but I stopped her with a growl. “No. Touch your breasts.”
My gaze stayed on the dark road ahead of me as Isa whimpered next to me.
“Pinch your nipples.”
She gasped and the scent of her arousal became almost too much to bear. I flicked a glance in her direction and had to swallow hard. Her head was tilted back and both hands were massaging her breasts. The fingers of one hand slid beneath the fabric of her bra and her hips jerked in response.
Breathing heavily, I turned back to the road. “Spread your legs for me.”
“Locke,” she groaned as though she was fighting herself.
“Do you want me to touch you, Isa?” I asked her.
Her voice was breathy as she answered, “Yes. Pull over and touch me.”
Instead of doing as she asked, I demanded that she keep touching herself. She moaned when my fingers brushed the damp panel of her panties. Then I slid them aside and she gasped, her hips bucking, forcing two fingers to slip inside of her.
“Oh, God,” she cried and I bit my lip to keep from shouting the same.
She spread her legs as far as she could, which wasn’t much, given her pants were still wrapped around her knees. It was far enough for me, though. She was tight, wet, and so fucking hot, it was all I could do not to cum in my pants. Just hearing the husky sounds coming out of her mouth had my cock pulsing behind the zipper of my jeans.
I stroked her pussy, sliding firmly up and down her clit. Her hips moved with me and I took her cues, increasing the speed. She cried out and I could barely keep my eyes on the road anymore.
I hastily pulled the car to the side of the road and cut the engine. Then my attention was all on Isa. My hand was still working her pussy. Her head was thrown back and the cups of her bra had been pulled down, revealing the most beautiful breasts I’d ever seen. She pinched and pulled on the twin peaks and I licked my lips, wishing we were at home, in my bed, where I could worship her as she deserved.
“Oh, my God. Yes. Just like that,” Isa said, grinding and thrusting as she fucked my fingers.
When she cried out, I encouraged her. “That’s it. Cum on my hand, Isa. Come for me,” I said, moving faster across her clit. It throbbed under the pads of my fingers and she grew slicker with each stroke.
Her mouth formed a perfect O and her pussy tightened, constricting my movements, then her expression froze in a cross between pain and pleasure as she reached her climax. I watched quietly, in awe of the most stunning thing I’d ever witnessed, Isabella coming. She was, in a word, resplendent.
I slipped my fingers slowly out of her body and caught her gaze with my own, showing her without words what she did to me. My body was primed, my cock like a steel rod. I could feel the tip weeping for her. Isabella’s tranquil expression awa
kened as I brought my fingers to my mouth. My eyes rolled back as the sweet taste of Isa hit my tongue. I needed my mouth on her pussy like I needed water to survive.
I reached for her, not able to wait even the two minutes it would have taken to get home, when my cell phone rang. It hadn’t been the first time it had rung, but there had been nothing that would have stopped me from touching Isa. Nothing.
Tempted to let it go to voicemail again, I pressed my lips to Isa’s jaw, but pulled away with a sigh.
“Sara,” Isa and I said at the same time.
Cursing under my breath, I pulled out my phone while Isa dressed. “Yeah,” I said, my voice rough from irritation.
“Locke, we need you at Lynn Heard’s house, ASAP.”
The grip on my phone tightened at my Beta’s words. Lynn was Ashley’s mom.
Already cranking up the car, I demanded, “What’s going on?” As I pulled back out onto the road, Isa placed her hand on my arm and I took a calming breath.
“Her ex showed up,” Theo said. “He tried to break in while she and the girls were sleeping.”
“Shit! Sara is there.” A growl rose up in my throat and I slammed my foot on the gas pedal.
Lynn’s ex was a piece of work. She’d come to me for help when his emotional abuse had turned physical. If I’d known before what an asshole he was, I would have scared him off sooner. I should have just killed the fucker.
Isa’s fingernails dug into my arm. “Is Sara okay?” she asked, her voice panicked.
“She’s safe,” Theo, able to hear Isa’s question, answered. “All three of them are. Alpha…”
At my Beta’s hesitation, I tensed. “What’s wrong?”
“The bastard’s dead,” he replied. The good riddance went unsaid. “But Lynn is pretty torn up about it.” His tone softened. “She killed him.”
“I’m on my way.”
Chapter 17
