by Jen L. Grey
I had to focus on his words and not his proximity. “Those don’t happen anymore.” Nowadays, we chose a mate and forced the bond.
“Correction.” His eyes focused on my lips. “They are rare, but dammit, I’ve researched the hell out of it the last six months … because nothing was making sense about why I’m so drawn to you. Then tonight, when I saw you, I couldn't continue the charade. It has to be because your wolf is free.”
“I don’t want to get hurt. You have a reputation.” The words tumbled from my mouth even though I didn’t mean for them to, and I cringed.
“I had one.” He lowered his head, hovering over my lips. “I’m yours forever.”
There was so much brewing between us that it was hard not closing the distance. Still, for some reason, I needed him to be the one to do it.
Finally, he brushed his lips against mine. It felt like electricity running down my spine, but instead of hurting, it was agonizing. He wasn’t close enough. Not near enough.
Responding to his kiss, I deepened it, letting him know I was in for forever as well. When you kissed your fated mate, it really began the bonding. I at least knew that much.
He growled and wrapped his arms around my waist, tugging me close and right up against his arousal. “Damn, you’re driving me crazy. Your scent, your taste, this fucking dress.”
The door opened, interrupting our moment.
“Raven, I don’t give a shit if you guys are making out.” Jess hurried over and tugged me away from him. A small smile lifted her lips, but she kept her stern face intact. “You are supposed to be hanging out with me. So inside. Now.”
In all reality, I didn’t want to leave this moment, but I’d be a shitty friend if I didn’t. “Are you ready to come back in?”
“Sure, let’s go.” He grabbed my hand, interlocking our fingers.
“So, you guys a thing now?” Jess stayed put, staring Rage down.
“We’re more than that,” he said as he tugged me close, nearly kissing my lips again. “I’m hers.”
She smiled, but there was concern in her eyes. “Well, she’s my best friend, so you’re gonna share.”
“Of course, he will.” I untangled myself from him and wrapped my arm around her. “Let’s go dance.”
“Now that’s the spirit.” She opened the door, pushing me inside the room.
Cole was in the middle of the dance floor, still doing the two-step with some girl who barely had anything on. She was batting her eyes and giggling with each step he took.
“Oh, my gods.” Jess stomped and headed straight to Cole. “I leave for two seconds, and you already have someone else taking my spot.”
“Well, she just kinda slipped into my hands and knew the dance.” Cole shrugged and disentangled himself from her.
“Hey, I thought we were dancing.” The girl pouted and leaned over, allowing her cleavage to be on complete display.
“My friend here does it better and takes priority.” He smacked the girl’s ass and turned to Jess. “Come on. No time for pouting.”
They began dancing together. Rage stepped close, placing his arms around my waist. “She gets you in here and then runs off with him.”
“Right, the hussy.” I turned around so we were facing one another. “But I guess this is an acceptable second option.”
“Just acceptable?” He arched an eyebrow and pulled me in close. “Guess I need to work on it.” He began swaying with me.
“You do realize this isn’t a slow dance?” I stepped closer to him, making sure there was no space between us.
“I don’t care.” He leaned down and kissed my lips. His lips were so soft that it felt like mine melted into his.
“Alright, I’m cutting in.” Jordan stood next to us and crossed her arms. “So move.” Her hair was in a tight French twist, and she wore a skin-tight red dress with a slit all the way to her upper thigh. It was so low cut there wasn’t much left to the imagination. It was amazing that they hadn’t been set free by now.
It was like cold water splashed all over me. I pulled back and growled.
“Oh, how cute. The puppy can make noises now.” Jordan laughed and grabbed my arm, tugging me away from Rage.
“Don’t fucking touch her.” Rage’s tone was cold.
“Then get her to move.” Jordan stared at him. “I’m cutting in.”
“No, you’re not.” He grabbed her arm and scowled. “If you don’t let go, I’ll make you regret it. Are you really sure you want to mess with me?”
I was so tired of everyone thinking they could treat me like shit. I turned to face her and kicked her right in her stomach. She flew against the wall hard, and her dress tangled up around her legs.
The music stopped, and people began to gather around so they could watch the show.
“You heard him; the answer is no. Now get your ass moving.” I would never play the victim again. It was time to rewrite my story.
“Do you know who you’re messing with?” Jordan’s eyes glowed, and she untangled herself to get in my face. “You’re nothing here. Hell, you can’t even bond with your wolf. Step aside, and let me show you how a real woman dances.”
Cole appeared on the other side of me, and he tilted his head, examining Jordan. There was a coldness to his face, and he began to advance on her. “Don’t pretend you’re more than you are.” He circled her like she was prey.
“What are you doing? It shouldn’t bother you for me to be with him. After all, you threw me aside just like …” Jordan spat as she pointed to Rage, “… did Ashley. Are you jealous?” Jordan’s heart skipped a beat when she took a step back, and Cole countered, getting even closer. “Rage, tell him to stop.”
“Do you really think I care about you?” Rage stepped toward her, and I would’ve protested if I hadn’t seen his eyes. He was just as scary as Cole right now, but for some reason, I felt truly protected by both of them. “Do you really think you meant something to Cole or could ever mean something to me?”
“I’m more than either of you will ever be.” She stopped moving as they both stalked her.
“Remember, what did I tell you before we started?” Cole narrowed his eyes. “That it was only a fling and not to get attached.”
The thought of them being together was disgusting, but I held my tongue. Too much was at stake in this face-off.
“So, it was you who actually pretended we were more.” Cole’s fangs extended, and a cold smirk crossed his face.
Jordan’s breathing became ragged, and she bit her bottom lip. “But she just started. How is she worthy and I’m not?”
“Because you’re just a nobody who pretends to be more.” Cole grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. “But you see, there are two things she has that you don’t.”
“Oh, really?” She was petrified but trying to pretend she wasn’t. Her voice was strong, but her whole body was quivering. “Which are?”
“The only thing you need to know,” Rage said, standing in front of her, “is that she’s something you’ll never be. She’s my true mate.”
“What?” Jordan’s mouth dropped open.
The people around us began whispering.
“And that’s the only reason you will ever need to know.” Cole released her from his grip and scowled. “Now get the hell out of here before I change my mind and finally hit a woman.”
She stumbled away, her face turning close to the same shade as a tomato. She caught my eyes though and mouthed the words you’re going to pay.
Great, now she’d be gunning for me even more than she’d already been.
Chapter Sixteen
After Jordan made her dramatic exit, the music started once more, but I wasn’t in the mood to dance. Between Jordan and Greg, things were sure messy, but my need for Rage overshadowed everything.
“What’s wrong?” Rage returned to me with concern written all over his face.
“I just need to be alone with you.” I hated feeling this way but couldn’t help it.
&nb
sp; “Hey.” Rage patted Cole on the arm. “We’re getting out of here.”
“Yeah, I guess we just had the best part of the evening.” Cole once again looked like the kind-hearted, inappropriate person I’d come to love. “What are we going to do?”
“No, you and Jess can stay and have fun.” Rage wrapped an arm around me. “I want some alone time with Raven.”
“I wonder why?” Cole arched an eyebrow.
I wanted to melt into the floor. I couldn’t even make eye contact with him.
“What’s wrong, Ravey?” Jess wrapped her arms around me, giving me a big hug. “Your face is really flushed.”
Cole grinned wide. “Rage just said he …”
“Stop.” Rage’s features showed indifference, but I could see the edges of his lips trying to break into a smile. “That’s enough. I think Raven and I need a little fresh air.”
“Fine, but when we meet back up tonight, you’re going to have to tell me why you never divulged that Rage was your mate.” Jess placed her hands on her hips and stared me down.
“Yes, ma’am.” I couldn’t help but love that crazy fae.
“Go have fun, be safe.” She turned her razor-sharp gaze on Rage. “If you hurt her, I will hunt you down like the dog you are.”
“That’s it. It’s final.” Cole chuckled and wrapped his arms around Jess. It was funny because he almost had to bend down to reach her. “She is the fifth member of this pack.”
“What? Really?” I’d never seen Jess this happy before. Her grin was nearly bigger than her face, and she hugged Cole back with vigor. “This is the best night ever.”
“Alright, now that's all settled, we’ll see you guys later.” Rage placed his hand at the small of my back and ushered me outside.
The night was beautiful. The moon was half-full, and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The stars seemed to shine a little brighter than they would normally. A few lightning bugs were buzzing about, making it seem like the stars were twinkling all around us.
“Other than those two odd confrontations, this has been the best night of my entire life.” His earthy scent surrounded me, and his words warmed my heart.
For the first time in my life, I felt content. “Me too. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
“I hate that we’re all leaving in the morning.” He sighed and leaned over to kiss me on the forehead.
“Aw, I hadn’t even thought of that.” Damn, that sucked. I couldn’t even fathom the thought, but it wasn’t fair to ask him to stay here with me. “What time are you going?”
“Cole is taking me to my pack in Marietta. We’re leaving around seven.” His dark hair shined in the moonlight, and he was even more breathtaking than normal.
“Really … when will you be back?” I was hoping for Christmas, but in reality, I knew it would be after New Year’s Eve. This was the one time that the Academy allowed us to have a break.
“New Year’s Day.” He frowned and pulled me against him. “What about you?”
“Oh, I’m staying here.” I was kinda surprised that Damien hadn’t told him.
“What do you mean you’re staying here?” His forehead wrinkled as he pulled me around so I was facing him.
“Isadora isn’t allowing me to go back home because I’m so out of sync with my wolf.” It was strange that this wasn’t common knowledge.
“So, what are you supposed to do?” His hands touched the bare skin of my back, causing the warm buzzing to take over my senses.
“Damien is staying to train me over the break.”
“At least he’s one I trust.” His lips touched mine, and the conversation we were having seemed to fade away.
He picked me up like a damsel in distress and began walking but still not breaking the kiss.
I giggled, not able to help myself. “Where are we going?”
“You’ll see when we get there.” He lowered his mouth to mine once more, and I relaxed in his arms, enjoying the moment. Before long, we were in the boy’s dormitory.
“Am I even allowed to be here?” I whispered the words, afraid someone would spot us any second.
“Yes, you’re fine. Both Cole and I have been in your room.”
“Oh, yeah.” It always felt normal to have them there. I never once considered whether we could have guys in our rooms.
“You’re so damn cute and innocent.” He passed the elevators and continued down the hall.
We turned down a hallway that had four doors on each side. He continued down the hall, stopping at the last one on the right. “Alright, here we are.” He bent and gently placed me so that both of my feet were on the ground. He pulled a key out of his pocket and unlocked the door. “Welcome to my humble abode.”
As I entered, the scents of cotton candy, pine, and earth filled the den. “Your roommates with Cole or Damien?”
“Both.” His den and kitchen were larger than ours, but other than that, it appeared the same. He pointed down the hallway on the left. “This is where my room is, and the right hall is where Damien and Cole’s are.”
“Wait, they sleep together?” I didn’t get that kind of vibe from the two of them.
“Hell, no.” Damien stepped out of the hallway Rage had just pointed down. “There are two bedrooms off this hall, and each has its own bathroom. I want to make that very clear.” He had already changed out of his suit and was dressed in a pair of gray pajama bottoms and a shirt. “The only reason why Rage got that one was because he got to the academy first.”
“But you’re not bitter at all.” Rage headed into the kitchen and opened the fridge. He pulled out a beer and took a swig.
“Nope.” Damien glanced in my direction and cleared his throat. “You never bring girls here. Why now, and why her? You know I’m training her.”
“Don’t worry. This is different.” Rage gazed at me tenderly. “Do you want anything to drink?”
“No, I’m good. Thanks.”
“Look, I know you got the hots for Rage. I’ve known it from day one, but you need to think this through.” Damien sighed and ran his hand through his hair. “I don’t want things to get awkward between us later.”
Ahh. His concern made sense now.
“It won’t be an issue.” Rage took another swig and made his way back to me, wrapping his arm around my waist. “She’s my mate, Damien.”
“What?” Damien’s brows furrowed, and he looked confused.
“We’re true mates.” I felt like I had to say something. Rage had been doing all the talking. “So, he can’t get rid of me.”
“Well, thank the gods.” He moved to the couch and sat down on it. “I thought you two acted really strange around each other. It must have finally clicked when your block was removed tonight.”
“Yeah, that’s what I figured too.” I glanced down and played with the hem of my dress.
An awkward silence descended when Damien finally stood and chuckled. “Well, I need to run to the main building for a while and make sure nothing crazy happened. I had just gotten a text from Isadora before you two came in.” He stood and moved past me. “I’ll be back later.”
“Hey, you’re in pajama pants.” I didn’t want him to go out and embarrass himself.
“I hate to tell you this, but once my PJs are on, there’s no taking them off until the morning.” He opened the door and glanced at me. “She knows what she’s getting.”
When the door shut, Rage turned me around and kissed me. His mouth tasted of mint and beer, something I never would’ve imagined I’d like, but it was delicious. He picked me up and hoisted me so that I could wrap my legs around his waist. He carried me into his bedroom and placed me on his bed. He stood and stared at me. “Damn, you’re beautiful.” He locked the door and then climbed over me, placing some of his weight against me. “We don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to.”
“No, it’s not that. It’s just Ash …”
He placed a finger over my lips. “I can’t take away my past, but I’ll te
ll you one thing. No one has ever been in my bed.”
Some of the tension released from my body, and when he kissed me again, there was no hesitation. I kissed him back and pulled him down closer to me.
His hands grabbed my waist, digging his fingers into me.
A groan escaped me, but I didn’t give a damn. I sucked on his tongue as his hands made their way to my breasts. He slipped them under the top of my dress, rubbing just the right way. I never felt so close to someone before and I never wanted this to end.
I clung to him even tighter until I felt his hardness, and I began rubbing myself against it.
“Damn, I don’t want to go fast.” He kissed down my neck, lower and lower, until he reached my breasts, sucking on them.
My hands grabbed at his jacket, yanking it off. He raised so he could get his arms out of the sleeves. While he was up, I ripped his button-down shirt, pushing it off at the same time.
When I was able to see his glorious chest, it only turned me on even more. Every muscle was well defined and sexy as hell.
He grabbed my waist and flipped me over, unzipping my dress. He slipped the material over my hips and kissed every inch of flesh on the way down.
As he reached my panties, he kissed the inside of my legs. In that moment, everything had changed. He was the man I always wanted and didn’t know. There had been enough foreplay, and I needed him now, needed him to claim me.
I flipped back around and grabbed the waist of his slacks, quickly unbuttoning his pants. I pulled them and his boxers off at the same time. He was as ready as I was.
“You know, this is the final thing. We’re mated. No ceremony needed. You’re mine if we do this. Forever.” He climbed back on top of me and looked into my eyes. “Are you sure?”
“Of course I am.” As soon as those words left my lips, he plunged into me over and over again. Our souls connected and everything fell into place.
Pushing him over, I climbed on top and rode him. He was now hitting deeper and deeper until I came unglued.
We both groaned as our muscles contracted, and I fell against his chest.
