by Vaughn, V.
“What’s your name, beautiful?” I increased my pace, already feeling the flutters of an impending orgasm from within her. “Tell me who I’m blessed to call mate.”
Her head fell back as I added a third finger and pressed a little harder with my thumb.
“Oh, yes,” she breathed, her body arching. “I’m Lyra of the Bloodstone pack. Please…fuck, please.”
“I’ve got you, sweet girl.” I bent over her, my fingers buried deep inside as I searched out her mouth. Lapped at her lips. Matched the way my tongue met hers with the rhythm of my hand below.
She practically jumped off the table when I curled my fingers, stroking her from within, increasing my tempo and pressure. “You’re going to make me come.”
I smirked as her eyes—gray like a stormy sky—met mine. “That’s the whole idea.”
She clutched and writhed, riding my hand for all it was worth. Fuck, I wanted it to be my cock inside of her. Wanted to feel her wrapped all around me as I thrust into her. But this would have to do. A moment, a brief interlude, but at least I could make sure she knew who owned her pussy from this point forward. I could make sure my mate found satisfaction at my hand.
Three more thrusts and her body clamped down, her thighs shaking and her head thrown back.
“Yes…yes…yes.” Breathy chants left her lips as I continued to work her, making it last, keeping her in the moment for as long as I could. My hand still inside her, milking her orgasm for all it was worth, I licked a line from her chin to her ear. “I’m your fucking mate. This?” I cupped her pussy as I slid my fingers out of her, making her moan and shiver from the pressure of my palm against her swollen and sensitive clit. “This is mine now.”
She nodded against my chest, her breath still coming in pants. “I know. Hopefully, my Alpha will come to his senses and let me join you tonight instead of making us wait.”
I grinned as her eyes met mine, pulling my fingers from her pussy and bringing them to my lips. I licked and lapped the digits, loving the way her eyes widened. The renewed lust I saw growing there. “Doesn’t fucking matter what the oily fucker says. The only person whose opinion matters is you. As long as you accept me as your mate, you’ll be in my bed tonight and every night from this moment on.”
A warm, slow smile spread across her face. “I accept you, Killian O’Shea. In my bed, in my heart, and in my life.”
I leaned over her, kissing her hard and deep as I gripped her hips. “Then you’re mine, and nothing that little pissant says can stop me from having you tonight.”
Chapter 5
Lyra
With the taste of Killian’s kiss still on my lips, I slipped out of our little corner of the Gathering and down the hall toward the ballroom. My knees were still wobbly, my thighs still wet from our time together, but I had a job to do. If I had any shot of getting away from Alpha before the end of the night, I’d need to play the perfect little harem girl for him.
After a quick stop in the bathroom to wash up, I reapplied my lipstick, refastened my ponytail and strode into the ballroom as if I owned it. Killian had already taught me something—it was all in the entrance.
“Lyra, there you are.” Alpha may have been trying to look the ever-patient and understanding shifter, but I knew him better than that. He was pissed, and I would pay a price tonight for my disappearing if whatever Killian had planned fell through. Still, my time with my new mate was totally worth it. My body was still tingling from the way he’d worked me over.
I kept my head up as I approached, spying Killian’s sister by Alpha’s side. “I apologize for taking so long, Alpha. I was touching up my makeup and lost track of time.”
He pulled me into his side, wrapping his arm around me and grabbing my hip until I nearly squealed in pain.
“Yes, well. Next time, do try to be quicker about it.” He sniffed, his nostrils flaring as he glared at me. I kept my head up and my back straight, refusing to give him a single ounce of ammunition against me.
“Shall we proceed to dinner?” Moira asked, interrupting our stare-down.
I nodded once and stepped out of Alpha’s hold. We all moved toward the dining tables at the back of the room. And by all, I meant Killian’s sister as well as our pack. Though there was no sign of my new mate.
“I’m so glad the staff placed us at your table,” Moira said as we reached our assigned place. Each plate had a small card centered on it with a name on the front in fancy script. I walked around the table searching for mine, nearly grinning when I saw that Killian and I would be sitting next to each other. Moira and Cheyenne flanked my Alpha, who was seated all the way across the table from me. Melody sat to my left, one more barrier between Alpha and me. It was my lucky night.
“Allow me.” Killian swooped in as I reached for my chair, smiling kindly as I nodded my thanks.
“Why, thank you.” I settled in my seat and placed my napkin in my lap.
Before he moved into his own seat, Killian leaned over my right shoulder and whispered, “You’re positively stunning when you smile.”
I nearly blushed, hiding my smile behind my napkin as he took his seat. He pulled his chair close, angling his body, resting his thigh against mine but keeping our shoulders apart. Looking to all the world like two strangers sitting next to one another…as long as the viewers didn’t lift the tablecloth.
Alpha glared at me from his side of the table. “This can’t possibly be right. The event organizers wouldn’t break up packs when they arranged the seating.”
Moira smiled and glanced around the room. “It appears that’s exactly what they did. I see my packmates at a number of different tables. Perhaps they’re hoping for more mingling this way.”
Alpha snorted. “Mingling? Is that what you call it? Because really, the Gathering has become nothing more than a glorified orgy. All these worthless wolves claiming to have found their mates.” He looked right at Killian. “I have a good mind to take my women and head home tonight. Keep them from having to witness the debauchery that will begin once a little more wine has been consumed.”
Killian growled and moved to stand, but I stopped him with a hand on his stomach. If Alpha went through with his threat, he could stop Killian and me from being together for months or even years. Our only chance for a quick mating was to not anger Alpha, to stay at the Gathering, and to get through the next two days with as little strife as possible.
Moira’s eyes darted our way, checking on Killian before she leaned closer to Alpha. “I can’t say I’ve seen any…debauchery just yet. I think I’ll stick around.” She moved back, giving him a seductive smile. “I might learn something.”
Alpha’s eyes were round, his lips parted as he took a great gulp of air. Well, well, someone was a little aroused by the petite woman. Moira tossed a quick glance my way, giving me a wink before returning her attention to my Alpha. Killian growled low in his throat as he watched Alpha lean into his sister’s space and begin whispering to her.
“Hush,” I admonished quietly. “She’s pretending.”
Killian grunted. “He’s not.”
I placed my hand on his thigh and leaned toward him, keeping my voice as low as I could. “No, but he’s distracted by her. I, for one, am greatly appreciative of her subterfuge.”
Killian didn’t answer; in fact, he’d gone completely still. When I looked up, his gaze burned into mine. He looked at me as if I was some kind of delectable treat and he hadn’t eaten in days. I didn’t know what was making him stare at me like that until I felt a muscle in his thigh jump. Oh, that was so not his thigh.
My hand had moved of its own volition and was currently resting with my fingertips brushing his very hard cock. I let out a breath and flexed my hand, still staring into his dark eyes. His growl rumbled deep and quiet from his chest as I smiled at him. And then I wrapped my fingers around him through the fabric of his suit pants.
“You’ll unman me,” he whispered.
I smirked, thankful for the empty seats on th
e other side of him. “That’s the plan.”
With no hesitation or fear, I unzipped his fly and slipped my hand inside. And then I raised an eyebrow as I immediately met warm, soft skin.
He chuckled and shrugged. “Apparently we both had the same idea.”
I shook my head and fought back a laugh as he leaned forward.
His eyes stayed on mine, a seductive smirk on his pouty lips. “Though my lack of undergarments is more habit than a one-night thing. I prefer to be unencumbered.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Maybe you should teach me the benefits of being...unencumbered.”
“Anytime, beautiful.”
Running my fingers up his length, I worked my hand farther inside so I could get a better grip. I was wrapping my hand around him when—
“Would you care for more bisque?”
I jumped as a waiter in a black tuxedo appeared next to me. “Pardon?”
Killian held my wrist in place, refusing to let me pull away. “We’re fine, thank you.”
The waiter nodded and hurried to the next group at the table, apparently none the wiser.
“That was close,” I mumbled.
“No, it really wasn’t. But if you keep going, I promise not to take too long.” Killian’s grin disarmed me, making my heart warm and my smile appear out of nowhere.
I leaned in, just enough to brush my cheek on his shoulder and whisper, “Take your time.”
He jerked as I gripped him, this time strong and direct. I adjusted the tablecloth to make sure no one could see what I was doing and inched closer. And then I pumped my hand up and down his shaft, gripping him, squeezing and twisting as I went.
I rolled my fingers over the head, spreading his pre-come as he hissed. I loved the sound, wanted to hear him do it again. Soon, I was stroking him as much as I could while trying to keep my upper body still. Loving how hard and yet soft he felt, cherishing every small groan and growl. Wishing I could crawl under the table to wrap my mouth around him. I kept my hand moving over his long, thick cock as all around us, shifters slurped their soup obliviously and made small talk. And while I smiled at my Alpha.
Chapter 6
Killian
Fuck me, her hand—her hot, smooth, little hand—was wrapped around my cock. Working me. Making me feel so good. I wanted to come, wanted to blow my load right then and there, but I hated the thought of her stopping. I wanted more, needed it in a way I’d never experienced. Every second of her skin on mine was a damned gift, and I was going to take my time with it.
Her fingers spread over my head before sliding down again, and I fought every instinct not to roll my eyes at the pleasure shooting up my spine. She was going to make me come. And soon. Right here in a room full of people, with a man who smelled like stale cigarettes a mere six feet away. But fuck, I didn’t care. I’d stand up and flash the entire room if it meant she’d keep touching me. Keep pumping me. Keep teasing my slit with the edge of her thumb.
“Holy shit.” I bit my lip as she sped up, her grip strengthening around me. “Now.”
I swear she smirked as I came all over her hand, doing everything in my power not to make a fucking sound. I wanted to groan and thrust into her tight little fist, but I held still, barely rocking my hips as she eased her grip. Still, the orgasm rocked me. Tingles shot from my balls all the way up my spine, ricocheting in my head before heading back down to quiver in the tip of my dick. Never had a simple hand job felt so good.
“Better?” She gave me a wicked smile, one filled with pure feminine pride. Yeah, okay…she made me come like a high schooler in a matter of minutes. I’d give her that one.
“Fuck yes.” I coughed and tried to act as if nothing was going on as Moira and the oily fucker glanced across the table. Once their attention was back on—well, each other—I leaned in to whisper in Lyra’s ear.
“I need to go clean up. Will you be okay by yourself for a few minutes?”
She shrugged, her eyes flitting to her Alpha. “Yes, of course.”
I didn’t want to leave her. I wanted to drag her with me and give her my claiming bite right then in front of all the shifters in the room, but I knew I needed to behave. For how much longer I’d be able to, though, I had no idea. My wolf was positively starving for our new mate.
“If he gives you any trouble,” I whispered as I stood up, “just get my sister’s attention. She’ll make sure he doesn’t step out of line.”
Lyra rolled her eyes, dismissing me as she subtly used her napkin to wipe off her hand. “Really, I’ll be fine.”
She may have been able to play off her emotions with others, but not me. I was her mate. I could practically smell the anxiety pouring off her.
I squeezed her shoulder, forcing her to meet my gaze once more. “Two minutes.”
“Go.” She smiled, small and not reaching her eyes, but a smile nonetheless. Unfortunately, her Alpha called her name right then and even that sad excuse for a smile fell. “Hurry back.”
* * *
After the fastest piss known to man and a quick hand wash, I rushed back to the ballroom. A few hours left to deal with this bullshit, and then I could be alone with my mate. Fuck her Alpha; she was coming back to my room tonight. If I had to throw her on the table and bite her in front of all these people, I would.
Making the final turn toward my table, I quickened my step to get back to Lyra, but her chair was empty. I glanced across the table only to see my mate sitting on the lap of that oily fucker. And not looking too thrilled about it. My growl rumbled deep in my chest, warning all those around that my wolf was on a short leash. Most of the people I passed moved away, looking nervous. As they should have been. My wolf was ready to explode.
But then the oily fucker grabbed Lyra’s chin and turned her face roughly. Moira stood from her chair, tugging on his arm, but the idiot apparently had a death wish. He shoved my sister back as he pressed his lips to Lyra’s.
The room turned red as I roared. That fucker was dead. Lyra was my mate. Mine. And she wanted to be with me. How dare he disrespect me by touching what he knew I would be claiming? Hell no. The man was done. Fuck this whole group of backward shifters, I was taking my woman and bringing her home to the mountains where I could love her, spoil her, and treat her the way a woman deserved to be treated.
I stalked the rest of the way across the room, not even paying attention as my sister stood and called my name. This situation was past the point of niceties and politics. Lyra was mine. Done.
“Ah, young one. Come sit. See what a real Alpha gets from—”
He never had a chance to finish his sentence. As soon as I reached them, I grabbed Lyra by the waist and hoisted her up and over my shoulder. When the oily fucker stood as if to take her from me, I swung. His face made a satisfying crunch as it connected with my fist.
“Killian!” Lyra’s yell made me pause, mere feet from where her Alpha lay sprawled on the ballroom floor.
“Do you want to stay with him?” My question came out on a growl, my chest heaving with the effort to hold back my rage.
Lyra barely paused before answering. “No.”
“Do you want to come with me?”
This time her answer was immediate and strong. “Yes.”
“Good.” With nothing left to say, I spun and strode toward the ballroom doors. The crowd parted as I passed, no one seeming to want to get in my way. They were smart. Two men in what looked like security uniforms stepped in front of me before I could leave, though.
“Is there a problem here?” The one on the left asked, glancing at Lyra as she lay across my shoulder.
“She’s my mate, and she’s accepted me as such.” I glared at the two men as a snarl curled my lip. I could feel the fur growing through my skin, knew I was partial-shifting right there in the ballroom, but I didn’t care. “We have no problem. Do you?”
The one on the left looked shocked and a little scared, but the one on the right was focused on Lyra. “Are you okay, ma’am?”
; “Yes, for God’s sake, yes.” Her hands slapped down on my back as she huffed and kicked. “Just let him leave with me so I can stop flashing the whole damn room.”
I grinned and smacked her on the ass. “See? We’re all good.”
And with that, we walked out the doors and to the stairs. Fuck the elevator; I couldn’t wait to get my woman alone.
Chapter 7
Lyra
I was giggling by the time Killian climbed three flights of stairs and found what I assumed was his room down one of the endless hallways.
“Laugh all you want now”—he threw open the door and carried me over the threshold—“because in a few minutes”—he slammed and locked the door—“you won’t be laughing.”
He pulled me down, pressing me against the closed door with his big body. For the love of the gods, the man was beyond strong. He wasn’t even winded from the trek. I wrapped my legs around his hips, pressing my soaking wet pussy against the hard bulge in his pants and smiling as seductively as I could.
“And what exactly are you going to do to me to make me stop laughing, Alpha O’Shea?”
Instead of joking or smirking back, his face grew serious, his dark eyes locking on mine.
“I’m not like him, you know.” He sighed as I gave him a confused look. “I won’t force you to do anything. I wanted you away from him, and I want you in my bed, but I won’t force you.”
“I know,” I whispered as I ran a single finger down the side of his face. “You’re my mate. I accept you, I honor that bond, and I give myself to you fully.”
He sighed and closed his eyes for a brief moment. “Oh, thank fuck, because I want you wrapped around my cock so bad that the whole no forcing you thing might have been a challenge.”
