Alpha's Mate

by Moya Block, Caryn

  It took a little over an hour to make the arrangements to fly to Krasnoyarsk. Dmitry jumped into the cab, feeling thankful to have these men so loyal to him. They looked out for him and supported him. Who could ask for more?

  As they arrived at the airport, the plane was waiting, with the pilot already on board. Dmitry’s information told him Violet was only a few hours ahead of them. Hopefully they would be meeting up with her in the morning. They ran up the stairs to board the plane. Dmitry waited impatiently for the pilot to get them into the air. Kolya talked to Ivan, and made arrangements for their little pack to join Violet on her expedition into the wildlife reserve. The rangers at Stolby knew to wait for them, before taking her to the base camp area.

  Dmitry hoped she was happy to see him, when he did show up. She didn't really believe he would come for her. He wasn't sure she would welcome him. But he would deal with it, when he saw her. At least she felt safe and cherished in his arms. He would have to keep her there until she came to love him.

  After the plane took off, Dmitry leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes and reached for Violet with his mind. He found her awake and still in the air. He could feel her interest in the landscape below her, as she took pictures. She seemed to feel him, but didn't slam down her shields. He remained a shadow in her mind, resting and letting her touch calm his wolf. She was so filled with light and compassion. Dmitry felt humbled to know she was his.

  Dmitry knew when her plane came in for a landing. He watched through her eyes, as she supervised the unloading of her equipment into a truck, and then drove into Krasnoyarsk to find her hotel. She parked the truck in a secured garage next to the hotel. Dmitry noticed she carried her camera case in with her overnight bag. She ordered room service at the front desk, before heading upstairs to her room. His mate was very methodical. He was proud of how confidently she went about her business. Her mind seemed preoccupied with unpacking her clothes and toiletries. She turned on the air conditioner and glanced out the window. Once her dinner of cheese and meat came, she closed and locked the door. Then she went into the small bathroom. Rubbing her eyes, she leaned forward and stared into the mirror over the small sink.

  Get out of my head, Dmitry. I can feel you. What do you think you are doing?

  Seeing through her eyes, Dmitry thought his mate looked tired as she ran her hand through her hair. I want to be close to you, lyubov moya. I will be with you in the morning, but I find my need to touch your mind overwhelming.

  Our conversation on the plane was real?

  Dmitry could see the disbelief in his mate’s eyes. I told you that you were not dreaming.

  Look, Dmitry, I didn't realize you were really there. I've never found another telepath to speak to. I want to take a bath and then I want to enjoy a bed. There won't be one while I'm camping.

  While “we” are camping, milaya moya.

  We?

  I told you I would come for you, Violet, in fact you told me to come and find you,

  I didn't think you'd really do it. Go away, Dmitry. Get out of my head.

  Please don't fight me, lyubov moya. It is too risky. I will go for now, but I will be with you soon, so get used to the idea.

  Violet slammed down her shields, blocking him out of her mind. It hurt that she would do so, especially when she allowed him to shadow her mind for several hours. But with her shields in place, he could still find her, know she was there. It would be enough for him, but Dmitry hoped she would reach for him, if it wasn't enough for her.

  Every Lycan learned about the mating bond, and the effect it would have. Besides giving the pair a telepathic connection, it caused each partner to be highly uncomfortable without the other. The need to touch each other both mentally and physically became an obsession. Without it, a feeling of abandonment would cause the mate to grieve for their partner. It could become so difficult to deal with mates were known to injure themselves. Before the actual claiming, which would cement the bond in place, the male becomes more aggressive. With their wolf spirit closer to the surface, shapeshifting becomes harder to control. The female will feel more sexual, and need to be close to the male. As an Alpha, Dmitry’s symptoms would be worse, his aggression harder to control. He feared what would happen if Violet fought him. He needed her to submit to him. His wolf would expect it.

  Anton and Kolya would have to stay away from Dmitry while he camped with Violet. They could watch over him, but wouldn't be able to approach him until the bond was complete. Then they would have to show proper respect to Violet or end up under Dmitry’s teeth. Alpha's protected their mates. No slight was considered too small to be ignored.

  Dmitry opened his eyes to the inside of the Lear jet and looked up to see Kolya watching him.

  “All is well with her?” he asked quietly

  “She is at her hotel. I told her, we would be joining her in the morning. I'm not sure she was happy to hear it.”

  “Give her time, Dimka.”

  “Have no fear, Kolya. I am fine, better now since I am connected to her mind. I worry for her. She doesn't know how uncomfortable it will be, since we are apart. With her shields up, she will have no way to touch my mind and know I am with her.”

  “Maybe this will be a good thing. She will reach for you when the separation becomes too much for her. Let the mating bond work for you.”

  “I don't want her to suffer from needing me.”

  “Of course you don’t want her to suffer. But perhaps this is a lesson she must learn for herself.” Kolya suggested.

  “Would you let my sister, Alena, suffer from needing you?”

  “It would be different with Alena. She is one of us, and she knows what the mating bond is all about.”

  “When will you claim her? You do love my little sister, or have I read the situation wrong?”

  “I love her so much, but she is only eighteen. I don't want to steal her independence, before she has a chance to learn she has it.” Kolya sighed as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders.

  “You may not have a choice. Two other males have approached me wanting her. She claims she will accept no one but you. When we return to the pack, you must claim her before one of our males goes rogue and takes her.”

  “Is she in danger? Why did you allow me to leave her, with two other males wanting her?” Kolya asked, his eyes flashing golden with anger.

  “She is guarded. Do you think I would leave my sister in danger? Have some faith in me. The two males were not in mating heat, there was no bond to drive them, only lust and the desire to be close to the Alpha. I made it very clear if someone dares to touch her, without my consent, the punishment would be death. But I don't want you to wait, Kolya. The situation in the pack is deteriorating. I want my sister safely mated.”

  “I will approach her as soon as we get back, with your permission of course.”

  “Of course.” Dmitry smiled at his friend. “Where is Anton?”

  “He is up front with the pilot. What does he think about me and Alena? They are twins after all.”

  “He wonders why you have taken so long. But then he doesn't understand why you would resist your needs for hers. He is young as well.”

  “Well at least he isn't against me.” Kolya laughed. “Was I mistaken in giving Alena more time?”

  “No. I think we all appreciate why you felt she needed it, and you are right, she does need it. But it is no longer safe to do so. I spoke to her before we left. She will be waiting for you to come to her when we get back. She knows you were trying to do what was best for her. She also knows why it is no longer safe to wait. She will not blame you for the circumstances. I'm sorry I have to ask you to go against your instincts to protect your mate, especially when they are correct.”

  “I understand, Dmitry, and truly, I've been fighting myself to stay away from her. Knowing she will accept me makes me very happy.”

  “Well at least one of us will have an easy time of it. I still have to convince my mate that she is my true lov
e. How I am going to, I don't know.”

  “With tenderness and love, of course.” Kolya pointed out.

  “She fights me, and you expect me to give her tenderness. You ask a lot of me, Kolya.”

  “I ask nothing you won't give. You are already being tender with her, and when she needs you and reaches for you, you will give her more tenderness. It's who you are, Alpha.”

  Dmitry didn’t have a reply as he got up to get a drink out of the cooler. He downed the bottled water and began to pace up and down the length of the plane, reaching for Violet with his mind. Her shields were still up, and he continued to pace. Dmitry wanted to give Violet tenderness. He wasn't sure his wolf could be controlled enough to do so. He would be waiting for her when she needed to touch his mind. It shouldn't be too long before she felt herself compelled to link with him. Surely, she wouldn't force herself to endure the agony a prolonged separation would cause her.

  Violet wanted to reach out and touch Dmitry’s mind, the compulsion consumed her. But she refused to give into her feelings. She would not be one of those weak women needing a man at her side. She was used to being alone, going her own way. She would not reach out to him. Violet sat in the ceramic bathtub feeling miserable and missing Dmitry. The water was no longer close to warm, but she couldn't move. She felt so brittle, if she moved she might break into a million pieces.

  In a spurt of anger, she got out of the tub and into her robe. She stomped into the bedroom, and forced herself to eat the meat and cheeses on the platter. She ate without tasting a thing, swallowing each bite without thinking. She would not give into this ridiculous obsession. She didn't know this man. Why should she feel this way? Why was she desperate to touch his mind, to know he was connected to her? Where was he? He told her he was coming to find her. Why did she need him so much?

  Violet caught herself pacing back and forth. The need to touch Dmitry was becoming desperate. She felt lost, empty. A large hole was swallowing her up. But still, she refused her need. She forced herself to sit down and turn on the television. Everything was in Russian, but she tried to force herself to listen. She would not lower her shields. She would not need a man that badly.

  Violet finally collapsed exhausted on the bed. Her mind in turmoil, grief consumed her. Was she losing her mind? She couldn’t think logically through the agony. She was all alone, her parents were gone. Maggie and Ellen left her. Dmitry abandoned her. He said he would come, but where was he? What was she doing here in the middle of Siberia? She wrapped her arms around her knees. Her hair fell around her like a curtain as she rocked back and forth. Her body trembled. She laid her sweaty forehead on her knees. She was so alone, always alone. Her heart was breaking. Why should she go on? She heard someone keening, and realized she was the person. What was wrong with her? What did Dmitry say when she pushed him out of her thoughts?

  Violet traveled deeper within her mind, trying to hide from the complete agony of need that continued to swamp her. Her spirit huddled, a faint light growing dimmer.

  Sometime later, when the pounding on the hotel room door, finally broke through to where Violet huddled, hiding in her mind, she looked up in confusion and disbelief. What was going on? Why was she in agony? Was she sick?

  “Violet, Open the damn door! Come on baby, if you don't open it, I swear I'm going to break it down.”

  Violet got up. Her body was stiff and sore. She stumbled across the room and threw open the door. Dmitry stood there looking worried and upset.

  “What the hell took you so long?” she hissed, as she launched herself into Dmitry’s arms and started sobbing.

  Dmitry picked her up, holding her close to his chest. He kicked the door closed behind him. Thank God, he finally found her. His racing heart started to slow. He could breathe, now she was safe in his arms. He walked over to the bed and sat down with Violet still clutched to his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her quaking body. Needing to comfort her, he rocked her gently.

  “Easy, lyubov moya. I'm here now.” He hated to see her in so much pain. She needed to merge her mind with his at once.

  “What is wrong with me? Why can't I stop crying?” Violet asked her face buried in his chest as her fists gripped his shirt.

  “Hush now. Lower your shields, join your mind with mine, all will be well.” How did she stop herself from joining with him? She possessed a will of iron.

  “I don't know you, why should I trust you?” she sniffled.

  “All the answers you seek are in my mind for the taking. You know I can't lie to you in my mind. Join with me, lyubov moya. It is the only way to take away the anguish.”

  Violet realized she felt better in Dmitry’s arms. Like last time, she felt safe and cherished. She lowered her shields, and reached for him with her mind. There was no resistance. In fact she seemed to hear his mental sigh of relief. She could feel Dmitry’s concern for her. How he worried and needed to come to her. He was suffering as well. Violet found that unsettling. She didn't want Dmitry to suffer.

  She slipped in and out of Dmitry’s memories. He had a younger brother and sister. He was the leader of his people. He held many responsibilities, but loved being of service. He could be hard, but also gentle. This strange thing between them was a mating bond. Dmitry saw her as his soul mate, his true love. He was determined to claim her, but he wanted to be gentle with her.

  Violet found she was too exhausted to continue. She knew Dmitry was a man of honor, someone dependable. For now, as she lay cuddled to his chest, it was enough. She closed her eyes and fell sound asleep.

  Dmitry sighed as he looked down at his mate. He gently brushed the mahogany hair from her face and wiped the last tears from her cheeks. She was so small, barely coming up to his chin, and he could encircle her waist in his two hands. But she was stubborn, with strength of will which astounded him. She was able to stop herself from reaching for him, in the agony it caused her, amazed him.

  He wanted to shake and rail at her. How dare she hurt herself in such a way? Didn't she know he couldn't survive without her, wouldn't want to survive without her? But of course, she didn't know. He felt her regret when she realized he suffered as well. At least now they were together, he would be able to teach her their ways.

  Dmitry got up with Violet braced in his arms and pulled back the covers on the bed. He untied her robe and pushed it off her shoulders. It was a testimony to how exhausted she was that she didn't wake up. He laid her carefully in the bed and covered her up. He stood looking at his little mate. This human woman was the person who completed him, his other half. His heart tightened. He was already falling in love with her.

  He went over to the phone, calling Kolya and Anton's room number. Kolya picked up on the second ring.

  “Is she well?”

  “She will be. She is sleeping now. Call the rangers tomorrow, tell them we have been delayed. We will call them back with more information. Watch over us. We are not leaving here until she is claimed.”

  “Don't you think she needs more time?” asked Kolya

  “By defying the mating bond, she put herself in danger. I cannot allow her to do so again. Whatever time she needs she can have, after I know the bond is complete.”

  “I see your point. Be gentle with her.”

  “She is my mate. I can do nothing less.”

  Dmitry undressed quietly and made sure the room was secure, before he allowed himself the luxury of climbing into bed with Violet. She murmured softly when he pulled her into his arms, then snuggled down with her head on his chest. Dmitry felt a warm glow to know she was comfortable with him in her sleep. Their minds were lightly joined, as Dmitry allowed himself to relax for the first time since Violet walked into the club in Moscow. Now he needed to convince her to stay with him forever.

  Chapter Four

  Violet woke up to the sun shining in the window and realized she was sprawled across a hairy chest. She could feel Dmitry still connected to her mind. He wasn't asleep, enjoying having her in his arms. Viole
t's fingers, of their own accord, started to explore the muscles beneath them. When she brushed past a nipple, she heard an indrawn hiss of breath. She continued to explore, a small smirk on her face. A shadow in Dmitry’s mind, she could feel everything he was feeling. She felt the growing length of his arousal next to her thigh. He wanted her. Violet found the feeling powerful, intoxicating. She turned her head slightly and reached out to lick his chest. The answering groan made her bolder. She took a nipple into her mouth. She licked and rolled it in her teeth, and was rewarded when his grip tightened. Then his hands became busy on their own. One reached for her breast, plucking at a nipple, while the other gently caressed her inner thigh. Their minds linked closer, stronger, with each of them feeding their feelings into the link.

  Violet released his nipple and planted kisses down his chest to his belly button. Dmitry’s hand moved as well, finding her hot and wet for him, he plunged one finger inside her. After Violet's initial gasp, she pushed against his hand as she ran her nails against his shaft. He shuddered, and Violet felt a moment of triumph. Then he pushed a second finger inside of her, stretching her gently, and she couldn't think at all. He reached up with his thumb, to strum her clit, and was rewarded with a flush of moisture washing his hand. Violet was so close, she felt like she could fly apart at any minute. She groaned in disappointment when Dmitry pulled his hand away from her.

  “Not yet, lyubov moya, I want to be inside you when you come for me. On your hands and knees, Violet” he demanded as he slipped out from under her, and then pulled her up into position.

  He pushed her chest down, angling her, so her butt protruded into the air. Then he was between her thighs, guiding his shaft into her moist heat. She was so hot and tight, the feeling of him entering her caused her to cry out. She tried to rise up, but he growled and blanketed her.

  “Don't move,” he hissed at her.