Bound to the Tribe (Bound to the Pack, #2)

by Morelle, Sonja

  We were in a popular part of the city, a street sign nearby showed that this was Sherbrooke. Humans were walking or driving in a constant flow even with the late hour. Not one that I saw had the scent of a shifter. For the first time in my life, I was lost in a sea of humanity; it was far more unsettling than I would have thought.

  “L’Appartement,” Jen said softly beside me, reading the sign on the building.

  “Our new, temporary home,” Troy commented as he closed the trunk. “Here are your room keys.” The cards he handed Jen looked nothing like keys to me, but it was a human hotel, so what did I really know. “You’re in room seven thirty-one.”

  Jen nodded and I followed her as she walked through the lobby to two metal doors where she pressed a button, causing it to light up. We simply stood there for a time, Troy arriving to stand beside us with his and Kris’s luggage, before a bell rang and the doors opened on their own. They led to the smallest room I had ever been in.

  Catching me looking around, Jen chuckled and said, “It’s called an elevator. It’ll take us to the seventh floor faster than the stairs. Less effort, too, especially if we were dragging our bags up.”

  I could only shake my head.

  Troy stepped in with his luggage, truly filling the room, then pressed two buttons on a wall, lighting them up. The doors closed on their own and a moment later I felt a sense of vertigo and movement that quickly passed.

  Looking at the two lit up buttons, I found myself confused. “I assume that the seven represents the seventh floor, but which floor is ‘PH?’” For some reason my question caused Troy to stare ahead and for the scent of irritation to waft from Jen.

  “It stands for penthouse, it’s just a fancy way of saying a room at the top floor,” Jen answered softly and yawned again.

  Surprisingly, Troy turned to her and the light scent of gratitude came from him before he controlled himself again. “It was the only other room available.” His voice had an edge to it.

  A second wave of vertigo passed through me as the hidden bell rang again before the door opened into a hall stretching to the left and right. The lobby we had entered from was nowhere to be seen. Troy stepped back and let Jen pass with me on her heels.

  “Goodnight,” she said offhandedly as the door closed behind us, Troy giving a small wave through the shrinking gap.

  Jen looked at a sign and began taking turns down several more long halls until we stood before our room number on a plaque. Using one of our ‘keys’ she passed it through a slot by the handle, eliciting a metallic click.

  Entering our room, I was pleasantly surprised to find we were actually in a small apartment. It wasn’t much smaller than the one Jen lived in, really. A cursory exploration even revealed a balcony with a view of a large hill just outside the city that had a giant glowing cross on it.

  Relaxing slightly for the first time in days, I was suddenly overcome by an exhaustion so deep that I felt it in my bones. Moving sluggishly into the bedroom, I found Jen already asleep, fully clothed, on top of the blankets.

  Yawn followed yawn as I lowered myself to the bed beside her and closed my eyes. Where had this tiredness sprung from so suddenly?

  I was unconscious before my head fell the last few inches to the pillow.

  Chapter Five

  Jen

  “What’s going on, exactly?” I held my coffee cup, enjoying its warmth.

  Kristen sat across from me at the kitchen table of my little hotel room and looked down at her own untouched cup of coffee. She had been standing outside my door this morning, waiting for her shifter senses to tell her I was awake.

  Those irritating senses. I had wanted to go back into the bed to wake Liam with a little surprise, but then the soft knocks came with a whispered ‘It’s me’ from Kris.

  Now, a full cup of coffee later, she still hadn’t said anything else. “Kris? Hello?”

  “Sorry,” Kristen sighed, finally looking up at me. “I wanted to talk, but now that I’m here, I can’t really think of what to say.” She looked back down before continuing, “I’m sure you’re full of questions though, so I promise to answer them. Truthfully,” she finished quietly.

  That took me aback. Kristen? Completely truthful? I had just found out her entire life was a lie, to me at least. All the questions that I had about our plans and what had happened fell to the wayside.

  “Why didn’t you tell me about... you? About everything? We were supposed to be best friends,” I asked quietly, the hurt of the situation coating my words.

  Kris hunched lower in her chair but still looked at me before answering. “I just, could never bring myself to. It isn’t forbidden if the human is trustworthy.” She reached across the table to touch my hand. “And you always were. I was just, afraid. Afraid of bringing you into this world, my world, and what it could do to you.”

  As I was opening my mouth to respond, she held up her hand to hold back my comments and continued.

  “But, truthfully, I was afraid you wouldn’t want to be my friend anymore. You are the only real friend I’ve ever had.” I heard the nervousness in her voice and knew she was still very afraid of exactly that.

  “Kris, I was your best friend. I still am.” I grinned at her across the table as she blew out her held breath. “A tiny detail like you secretly being a werewolf spy could hardly change that.”

  Kris stood, came to my side of the table, and pulled me into a hug, whispering, “Thank you, Jen.” We shared a smile before she sat back down, looking far better and actually taking a sip of her coffee. “So, what else ya got?” she asked, really smiling for the first time in days. “I’m sure you’re full of questions.”

  “Only one big one, what the hell have I gotten myself into?” Shaking my head I looked back at my friend. “What does it mean to be bonded to Liam, and why are we all running?”

  Kristen sat back and thought for a moment before answering. “Bonding is what human weddings were originally based off of. A bond is far less ceremonial, but far more, well, binding.” She frowned for a moment, likely thinking of Troy, before continuing. “Liam will never leave you, never cheat, and would literally die before letting you come to harm.”

  I nodded, then paused. “I think I knew that already, but I don’t think Liam told me about it.” Trying to remember where I had learned that knowledge, I came up empty. “Maybe I overheard it somehow?”

  Kris was grinning.

  “Another part of the bond is that you’ll get a sense of each other and what the bond means. Your knowledge of the bond is from the bond. Fun, huh?”

  I just shook my head, this was ridiculous. It seemed like voodoo mumbo jumbo or something else made up. Granted, I thought shifters were made up a week ago.

  Live and learn.

  “So why are we running?” I looked back up at Kris as I asked the question again and caught a flash of loss cross her face.

  “Well, we’re running because what happened between you and Liam is forbidden. Expressly. By ancient laws.” Sadness was etched into Kris’s eyes. “If we don’t run, bad things will happen to Liam and maybe even you. I don’t know, I’ve never heard of anyone breaking one of these laws. It won’t be nice, though.”

  “We’ll figure something out.” I hoped I sounded more reassuring than I felt. Kris just shrugged and looked for answers in her coffee. I decided to change the subject, back to something hopefully less touchy.

  “So. Liam can’t leave me or cheat, eh? I’d love to believe that is true.” Memories of my ex flashed through my mind, the bastard.

  “Oh, it’s true.” Kris grinned at me, knowing who I was thinking of. “You wouldn’t cheat on Liam, would you?”

  “Of course not! And I wouldn’t need to be ‘bonded’ to him for that!” The mere mention of cheating had me furious all over again. I might be over Mike cheating on me, but I definitely did not like cheaters at all.

  Kris rubbed her nose, but kept grinning. “Right, of course.” Her grin widened. “How about this then, will
you ever leave him? A man you met a week ago and had a one night stand with? A man you know nothing about?”

  About to answer with the same angry ‘of course not!’ the rest of her words sank in and I really thought about it. I’d really only been on one ‘date’ with Liam. A lovely camping trip through the rain that ended in a night of fantastic sex. Thinking about it made me want more from him, right then.

  When Kris leaves I’m definitely going in there and waking him up. Maybe I’ll undress him first, well, part of him anyway, and see how far I can get before he wakes up. I felt myself grinning evilly.

  “Ahem,” Kris interrupted my thoughts. “That’s a side effect too. I’m sure you won’t mind. He’ll be wanting you just as badly as you’re wanting him.” She paused. “Well, knowing Liam, he’ll want you more.”

  “Then why are you still here?” I chuckled across at her and she smiled back.

  “Not done talking yet, now that you got me started. Besides, Troy is out, I’m bored, and you’re my best friend. You’re obligated to entertain me.” She took a slow, deliberate sip of her coffee and stared me down. “So entertain me.”

  “Ha! The only entertainment you’ll get if you stay is the sounds of me and your brother going at it.”

  “Fine, fine! Kick me out in my hour of need.” Kris stood up, dramatically pressing the back of her hand to her forehead.

  “Yeah, I think my ‘hour of need’ is more pressing right now. Out.” I stood and gestured to the door, grinning.

  “Fair enough,” Kristen laughed, hugged me, and walked to the door. “I’ll call your room after Troy gets back, which should be pretty soon. We’ll meet up and figure out our next step.”

  I nodded as I closed the door behind her, hopefully he wouldn’t be back too soon.

  “And Jen,” Kris said just before the door closed, “Don’t break your new toy.” I could hear the grin on her face as the door clicked shut.

  Break him? No.

  Giving him one hell of a workout however, now that was just fine.

  Walking to the bedroom, heart pounding in my ears and grinning like a cat that got into the cream, I pushed the door open slowly. My prey lay asleep still, conveniently on his back, and I took a moment to soak in his features.

  From the salt and pepper hair that matched the colors of his wolf form, to the broad shoulders above his well-muscled chest visible even through his loose shirt, to his strong legs that had run with me on his back for hours. And that wonderful bit in between. Top to bottom every inch of him screamed ‘hot.’

  And he was mine.

  Grinning wickedly, I reached his side, lightly running my fingers over the zipper on his jeans. I was rewarded by a murmur from him and a slight twitch from under my fingers.

  Taking my time, not wanting to wake him just yet, I kept up my slow caress of his cock through his jeans and watched as it seemed it would burst out the seams, or at least break past his waistband.

  Poor, suffering little guy.

  Well, far from little. Memory had me grinning even more widely as I cautiously undid his zipper and the button above. His member finally released, I was again in awe at the size of it. My pussy began to throb as I continued to trace my fingers across his length, watching him harden fully.

  I wanted to have him in me, but not just yet; this was his reward for carrying me all those miles yesterday. I’d wait and enjoy the torture of wanting him all that much more.

  Wrapping my hand around his girth, I began to pump as I leaned down and planted light kisses up and down his length. His breathing quickened as his body gave small thrusts, still not fully awake, just performing on instinct.

  Deciding to turn it up a notch and see just how far I could push before he finally woke, I started teasing the sensitive ridge around the head with just the tip of my tongue in light brushes.

  That got his attention.

  A moan came from him, low and heavy with desire. I continued my coaxing, pulling his skin just tight enough so that every breath of mine felt like a caress to his straining member. A glistening bead of pre-come formed over his small slit as he woke fully and looked down, taking in the scene before him.

  “Jen, what...” His words disappeared into another moan as I continued to tease him with my tongue.

  “Shhh,” I whispered, lips pressed softly to his shaft just under the tip. His cock jumped in response as his body thrust up from the bed. Now that I had his full attention I pulled him into my mouth as much as I could without injuring myself.

  The moan that escaped him was quite the reward for my efforts.

  Pumping with my hand I continued to suck him, dancing my tongue across his head and shaft as he thrust uncontrollably at me, lost in his desire.

  Every twitch, every moan, every unintentional reaction his body had gotten me hotter, wetter. I gave myself fully to the moment, torturing myself by not reaching down into my panties and coaxing out my own release.

  I reveled in my own desire.

  The gasps now coming from him had an edge to them, he was getting closer. Redoubling my efforts I felt him get even harder in my mouth, impossibly hard, before a twitch that signaled his impending explosion had me pull back to suckle just the head with my lips.

  A few gentle caresses with my tongue set him over the edge.

  A final moan escaped his lips as he gave one more thrust at me before his cock began throbbing, releasing his pleasure. His seed filled my mouth in time with his ecstasy and I continued sucking and licking him eagerly, wanting to milk him for all he had.

  If I couldn’t have him come in my pussy, having him come in my mouth was a solid second place.

  Swallowing all he could give me, I gave his still twitching cock a loving farewell kiss before looking up to meet his eyes. “Mornin' Sunshine.” I felt myself grinning again. A cat that got into the cream, indeed.

  Panting like he had just run a marathon he looked down, confused but smiling broadly, and managed a weak, “Good Morning.”

  “I’ll let you recover a bit. I know waking up can be hard.” I gave his still twitching shaft a light brush of my fingertips and danced away from his grabbing hands. “Nuh uh. That’s it for you for now.”

  “I was more concerned with taking care of you.” His eyes drank me in as he breathed my scent deeply, clearly smelling my arousal. Knowing that he knew I was hot and ready turned me on even more.

  “I’ll live,” I teased him, and myself too, by not giving in immediately. I wanted him to take me when he couldn’t wait anymore. He growled and looked on the verge of saying something, so I interrupted him before he could begin. “We have to get ready, Kris and Troy should be calling soon to meet.” I laughed inwardly at the lie, I had no idea when they would call. But making Liam sit around with my desire heavy in the air would drive him crazy.

  Which sounded delicious.

  “I am unsure why that makes you so happy, but you are correct. We must discuss our options.” He stared hungrily at me. “And after that, you and I will have to address your ah, current situation.” He took another deep breath and stared pointedly right at the source of the scent that had his attention.

  I basked in his lust and thought about the dangerous game I was playing. One that, if I lost, he’d take me. And if I won?

  He’d take me.

  My smile widened.

  Chapter Six

  Jen

  The four of us sat around the kitchen table that Kris and I had taken our coffee at this morning. Even though there were enough chairs, they were clearly never meant to all be occupied at the same time. There was barely room to breathe.

  Liam kept staring at me hungrily as we discussed what options we had for going forward. It had been hours before Kris had called to tell us Troy had returned. Liam’s eyes promised I would pay later for all of my ‘Any minute now!’ comments.

  I couldn’t wait to pay up.

  “Guys,” Kristen signed, rubbing at her nose. “Bathing in the scent of your desires isn’t something I signed
up form.”

  “Eh, it’s not so bad,” Troy smirked. “Maybe we should just let them mate here on the table and get it over with. It would probably be less distracting anyway.”

  Liam reluctantly tore his gaze from mine to stare Troy down. “That is actually not a bad idea, little man. You may even learn a few things.”

  Troy stiffened at the insult but calmly replied, “I don’t think learning how to disappoint my mate is a skill I’ll ever use.” His grin had Liam fuming.

  “Enough!” Kristen’s hand slammed down on the table, making me jump. She glared at both men before speaking again. “All we have so far is that I need to get in touch with my friends to see what they can do for us.”

  “We should also get a few general supplies and top off the gas in the car,” I said, getting everyone’s attention. “Just in case.”

  Kristen nodded. “Good idea. Better to be prepared.”

  “I’ll go.” Liam stood but Troy’s sharp laugh had him pause.

  “You don’t have any way to buy anything.” Troy shook his head and stood. “I’ll go.”

  “I can hunt...” Liam began before Kristen quickly cut him off.

  “Not here you can’t. And besides, we don’t just need meat.” Kristen stared Liam down as Troy grabbed his coat and left.

  Liam growled and leaned forward, hands on the table and looming over Kristen. Kristen wasn’t fazed in the slightest. “Oh be quiet, you aren’t my alpha, you’re my little brother.”

  “I will provide for our...” Liam was again cut off by Kris.

  “Can you hunt for gas for the car? You can’t even drive one yet.” Liam’s face darkened with each comment as Kristen continued. “You are going to have to get used to being in human society, and that will mean having human money. Hunting and bartering aren’t going to work here.”

  It suddenly struck me that living with Liam would be harder than I thought. Paying for two people’s worth of bills on what little I made would be impossible. Actually, more impossible now that I was unemployed, having essentially run away.