Primal Instinct

by Ally Parker

  “Fuck!” he ground out between clenched teeth.

  Pleasure shot from the base of his balls and straight out his dick. When Kenzie swallowed his essence, it made him come harder. He pulled her on top of him. As much as he wanted to demand she mark him and complete the mating that instant, it was important that Kenzie made the choice off her own free will. He would need to tell her she was his savior and mix their mating with guilt or obligation.

  He squeezed Kenzie in his arms, not wanting the moment to end. Any minute, Saint would be finished negotiating and planning Sasha’s transfer, and then he’d be setting his sights on Kenzie. Jaxx needed to know the answers first. If she had any connection to Delmac he would pack his shit up and flee, taking his female with him. In his arms, Kenzie tensed and pulled back a little. “Thanks, but I… I don’t know what came over me.”

  Jaxx did. It was a part of the mating bond designed to draw them together. It hadn’t helped that he’d already laid claim. Until they completed the mating, their chemistry would call to one another. He supposed it was nature’s way to stop males becoming rogue. Tucking her wild hair behind her ear, he said, “You’re beautiful.”

  She flashed him a quick smile before her face turned serious. “You have to understand, I don’t normally act like this.”

  Kenzie moved, and he let her go. She stood and backed away, spinning down the hall. He watched her ass sway as she headed directly for his room.

  He sighed. As much as he wanted to draw out this moment, he needed to let her know what was happening. “We need to talk.”

  Following her, he shouldered the doorway and watched her rifle through his drawers. She pulled out a white shirt and quickly pulled it over her head, then chucked him some black sweats. “I have a rule. Conversations that begin with ‘we need to talk’ requires clothing first.”

  He snorted and shoved the sweats on. “I need to ask you some questions.”

  Her eyes tightened around the edges. “Okay. I can’t guarantee I’ll have the answers.”

  Before he delved into anything about mating, he needed to find out what he was up against. If Saint thought her a risk to Shadow Moon, he’d toss her to the curb, along with Jaxx, if it meant protecting the pack. “Were you involved in any way on the experiments conducted at Delmac?”

  Her eyes rounded, as did her mouth. “How could you even ask me that?”

  Anger peppered the air, and he hated he’d been the cause of it. It was best he knew before Saint. “I’m sorry, I have to ask.”

  “As you saw, I was a part of the experiment.”

  A fact he’d never forget. “And I’d make those bastards pay every single day if I could.”

  Maybe he was looking at the situation through rose-colored glasses, but as far as he could tell, Kenzie had been a victim. “How did you end up in a place like Delmac?”

  She tensed and turned her back to him. “Three men broke into my home and took me.”

  He bit back a growl, imagining how scared his female must have been. Kidnapping humans at random seemed risky business. “Had you ever seen the males before? Think carefully, it’s important.”

  “Never.”

  Truth. He could smell it.

  Saint wouldn’t be able to fault her responses. The easy part was done. Now he had to get through the hard stuff. “There’s something else we need to talk about. I have to explain something… about before.”

  Facing him, her gaze flickered to his crotch. “I get it. I’m not looking for attachments either.”

  His brows pulled tight; that wasn’t what he wanted to hear. Hopefully, he could change her mind once he’d laid everything out on the proverbial table. “No. You don’t understand. The bite I gave you.”

  “I know.” She walked to his bed and sat on the edge, giving him a tight-lipped smiled. “It came with consequences, I remember.”

  Her eyes swirled with emotions, far too many to place, and he’d give anything to know her thoughts.

  He dragged his teeth over the corner of his lip. “Yes, that’s right—there are consequences, and if things don’t go right they can be bad.” No. He didn’t want to start with the negative aspects straight up. He shook his head. “What I mean to say is, there are good and bad consequences… ” That didn’t sound any better! He threw his head back and stared at the ceiling, puffing out a breath. He was messing everything up. How did other shifters get through this?

  Tension radiated from Kenzie, and he wanted to go over to her and pull her into his arms. Instead, he stood there awkward as hell, hovering in the doorway and fumbling over his words like he’d just learned to talk. He rubbed his hand over the top of his head and cupped the back of his neck. “What I mean is, yes, the connection is a consequences to my bite, which can be temporary. But there are other things at play. When I bit you, I initiated something.”

  “What do you mean?”

  His stomach wobbled, and the sensation disturbed him. Would she reject him? What would he do if she did? So much was riding on this moment. Would Kenzie end up back in a cell right next door to Quinn’s mate, awaiting transportation to Wolfden?

  He wouldn’t let that happen.

  Swallowing hard, he walked over to Kenzie and dropped to his knees, lacing their fingers together. She stared down at their entwined hands. Just as their fates, hearts, and souls would eventually be, if she’d have him.

  Blowing out a breath, he summoned the courage that could change his fate.

  10

  Dr. Marie LeRoy paced the small room and quickly returned to her post near the window. She clutched her cell phone and peered out into the night. Things hadn’t gone exactly to plan, and she acknowledged her brother-in-law, William, wouldn’t be happy. As he continuously reminded her, he wasn’t new to this operation. Years before her husband passed, they all thought him crazy, raving on about inhuman creatures roaming the earth.

  Yet, because of William, she was now taking part in history. After she’d witnessed the creature biting into Lucas Bishop, it changed everything. Her cell buzzed, and she jumped. Kali’s name flashed across the screen. Talking a calming breath, she hit the call button. “You’ve got an update?”

  Kali sighed, a long, drawn-out breath. “Mackenzie did exactly as you said she would. Ava is now in custody.”

  Was that a note of disappointment in the woman’s tone? It didn’t matter. As long as Kali knew her place, she could sigh all she wanted. With Ava in their possession, Kenzie would come back like a homing pigeon, and then they’d have two werewolves. Marie told herself William would be pacified with that knowledge. After such a loss, she’d be lucky if he didn’t make her disappear. Thankfully, since Kali only wanted to deal with her, it provided her somewhat of a safeguard.

  “Good. We can’t afford any more losses.” Marie fumbled with her chain and stared out into the night. The locket was a small reminder of why she did what needed to be done. “What of Mackenzie?”

  Kali’s growl rumbled down the line. “There’s been a complication. A pack of shifters took her.”

  William may have wanted Mackenzie as his own personal pet were, but Marie had other plans for her. Despite the losses, that night had proved to have many successes. Ava wasn’t the only survivor. Several other young volunteers had made the change as well. Now if she could just gather enough samples to study the anomaly of their healing abilities, she could cure her daughter. “We can use that to our advantage. All that matters now is Mackenzie will do as we say.”

  “How will she make contact?”

  Marie knew how far family would go for each other, her own situation a perfect example. “Trust me, she’ll find a way.”

  She killed the call and knew Kali would work to get in contact with Mackenzie; after all, Kali had her own investments wrapped up in their arrangement. Power, safety. Everything a female like Kali would want when she was on the run.

  “Well?” Kenzie looked into Jaxx’s face, taking in his slightly drawn brow. His heartbeat pounded against her palm. Why
was he looking at her like she was the one about to deliver bad news? Her guilty conscience headed straight to Kali and her mission. When they’d left her apartment, her backpack with her cell had been on her back. Her eyes widened. Had Jaxx found out about her job? No. She fought the urge to shake her head. That couldn’t be it, not after what they’d just shared.

  Still, Jaxx sat silently staring at her, and it was starting to freak her the hell out. “What is it?” she prompted.

  His Adam’s apple bobbed. The action drew her attention to the glyph licking up his neck. Accents and swirls danced across his tanned skin in absolute perfection. Black ink wove thick and far across the left side of his body, and she could clearly tell the design was his wolf. In fact, the artwork looked nearly complete. Jaxx had mentioned they needed to mate before the markings finished, or they would turn rogue. Like the monster she had fought in the cave. Shivering at the memory, a wave of sadness rolled over her. How much time did Jaxx have left?

  He cleared his throat. “I can tell you’re a great person. A special person with a good heart.”

  His claims were the furthest from the truth. She had stolen, lied, and used people under orders of various masters. Fact was, she had a choice—die or do as she was told—and she chose to live. The way he looked at her made her feel like every horrible act she had committed was on display for him to see. Jaxx tightened his grip, rubbing small circles between her thumb and finger. She looked away. “You can’t possibly know that.”

  One large digit curled under her chin, drawing her gaze back to him. “Trust me. My senses are exceptional. I know exactly who you are.”

  She swallowed, and his gaze lingered on her lips.

  “What happened between us was more than sex.”

  Flutters caressed her insides. “You did mention the temporary bond.”

  His hand cupped her cheek and slid his palm down her neck to where he had bitten her. The area was unusually sensitive. “About the bond…”

  The bond seemed magical and a curse. On one hand, she had never been so damn attracted to a male. Jaxx appealed to her on every level, which was crazy considering she’d just met the guy. On the other hand, at any time, he could pop the lid on her secrets box and find out about her involvement with Delmac, Kali, or her mission. “The night you were bitten I couldn’t stand to see you in pain. It killed me to know you were hurting so bad, and I had the ability to ease your suffering.”

  She nodded. It had been hell, and guilt rode her hard that he’d taken the pain into himself for her.

  He bit the edge of his lip and sucked in a breath. “The reason I was able to take that pain from you is because you’re it for me, Kenzie.”

  She frowned. She heard the words, but somehow their meaning was lost in translation. For a minute, she thought he had said she was the one for him.

  “You, little wolf, and you alone have the power to save me from turning rogue.”

  Searching his gaze, he seemed to hold his breath. What he was asking for she couldn’t give him. How could she? There was no way she could play house and leave Ava locked up, suffering. “Are you sure… I mean, we barely know each other.”

  “Mating for our kind isn’t the same as humans. Our biology helps us with that. The intense attraction is nature’s way of getting things started.”

  Of taking away their free will.

  Jaxx tensed and abruptly pulled away. He stood, his gaze swinging toward the doorway. “Saint’s here.”

  Eyes widening, Kenzie shot from the bed, half expecting Saint to jump into the room. “What? Where?”

  Then she heard it, the faint sound of the lock turning. What would the alpha of the Shadow Moon pack do when he found her strolling free in Jaxx’s home?

  Jaxx pulled her flush against him, his strong arms wrapped around her, and he kissed her forehead. “Whatever happens, remember, I’ll keep you safe.”

  Emotion lodged in her throat. She couldn’t think of a time when someone was willing to protect her. She bit her lip and nodded.

  Jaxx led them to the sofa, and he pulled her down, snug against him.

  “Interrupting something?” Saint walked in, as tall and imposing as she imagined he’d be.

  The male wielded strength like a sword. Her head craned and she looked up at least six and a half feet to meet his ice-cold gaze, and she fought back a whimper. Beside her, Jaxx wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

  “Not at all.” Jaxx said. “What can we do for you?”

  Saint’s blue gaze settled on her as he spoke. “A scotch sounds good.”

  All the muscles along Jaxx’s side tensed, and she got the impression he didn’t want to leave her side. Her heart began to pound. Slowly, Jaxx inclined his head, brushed a finger across her cheek, and smiled. “I’ll be right back.”

  Saint walked toward her and took Jaxx’s seat. He sat facing her, his arm draped on top of the sofa only inches away. Her fear mounted, and she wanted to run. “I went for a walk only moments ago to check on our guests, and imagine my surprise to find Mackenzie missing from her room.”

  Jaxx shoved a glass of amber liquid under Saint’s nose. “I felt Mackenzie would feel more welcome in my company.”

  The alpha hummed and pressed his lips together. Kenzie didn’t think he gave a damn if she felt welcome of not. Saint kept his gaze on her, and she couldn’t look away.

  “You directly disobeyed an order. I should kick your ass for undermining my authority.”

  Nausea swirled in her stomach. She couldn’t stand by and watch Jaxx get hurt because of her. She'd been responsible for enough pain in her lifetime. “It was my fault,” she blurted.

  “Kenzie.” Jaxx said, a warning on his lips.

  Saint held up his palm, signaling Jaxx to stop, and tilted his head to the side, inspecting her. “Let me get this right. What you’re saying is that you forced the beta of the Shadow Moon pack to take the cell keys, unlock the door, and sneak you to his den?” His sniffed the air. “And bring you to orgasm? Interesting.”

  She blinked, and heat burned a trail to the tip of her hairline. He could smell the intimacy they’d shared in the air? “Well…”

  Jaxx cleared his throat. “Mackenzie has been secured at all times.”

  Saint shifted in the chair to face Jaxx. “I know you aren’t yourself, but the safety of the pack comes before all else. Understand?”

  “What better way to protect the pack than to have me by her side every second?”

  “The same way Quinn protected the pack? Look how that ended up,” Saint growled.

  Jaxx pulled back his shoulders and kicked up his chin. “Kenzie is a victim. She is one of us, and a cell is no place for her.”

  Tension thickened the air and sat heavy on her chest. The testosterone was stifling, and she struggled to breathe.

  Saint growled and shot from his seat, his hands curled into fists. “Stop thinking of yourself and think of the pack! Which, I’ll point out—she isn’t.”

  A dull fire lit in Jaxx’s gaze. Fur sprouted up his arm. “A temporary factor.”

  Saint growled, and his teeth lengthened. “That’s beside the point. I’m alpha of this pack, and if I say the female stays put, she damn well stays put.”

  Jaxx took a step closer. “I won’t have her treated like a criminal.”

  Blood whooshed in her ears. So much had happened in the last few days, and none of it was in her control. If she didn’t do something, Jaxx and Saint would tear each other to shreds. Jaxx would be hurt because of her. The guy had risked a lot by stealing her away from her cell. In fact, he’d risked a lot since she met him. So, she couldn’t stand by and see him be hurt. Her wolf surged forward, and she curled her lip. An unearthly snarl rattled up her throat. “Stop!”

  She sucked in a choppy breath, and both sets of eyes swung toward her. “Just stop. Ask your questions or take me back to my cell. But I’ve seen enough bloodshed.”

  And she was tired of it. Jaxx stepped toward her. Saint pierced him with a look th
at held him in place. “You will not move an inch until I finish questioning her. Not one. If you can’t comply, I’ll have your ass thrown in a cell.”

  Wiping a hand over his face, Jaxx stared at her. Saint walked back to the chair, pinched his dress pants at his thighs, and took a seat beside her. “Shifters aren’t like humans. We all carry a monster under our skin, and because of that, there is often bloodshed. To survive this world, you will need to understand that. I have a couple of questions for you, and as long as you answer them honestly, we won’t have a problem.”

  She swallowed. That was a big problem. She didn’t know if she could answer his questions honestly.

  “I can smell you’re anxious.”

  “I am.” More terrified than anything. The biggest badass wolf wanted to interrogate her, and he could smell her emotions. How the hell was she going to survive it?

  He offered her a tight-lipped smile. “How about we get this over with, and we can put all this behind us?”

  Saint leaned forward and took his glass Jaxx had brought out earlier, which sat on a small table beside the seat. “What were you doing at Delmac?”

  She could give him a cliff notes and keep the facts vague enough to tell the truth. “I guess I was an experiment.”

  Saint took a healthy swallow of his drink before nodding. “Go on. I’m sensing there is more.”

  Of course he was. Her gaze strayed to Jaxx, and he looked as worried as she felt. “It’s hard to talk about.”

  Saint’s voice gentled. “I understand. But I need to ask the questions for everyone’s safety.”

  Right. If he wanted details, she would give as much as she could without incriminating herself. It’s the most she could hope for. Both Saint and Jaxx hung off every word as she retold the events of that night. “And there you have it.”

  “Hmmm.” Saint eyed her as he took another drink. He leaned back into the seat. “You have no idea what their intentions were?”

  Now that she could honestly answer. “Other than get Lucas to bite me, no. Before yesterday I had no idea shifters or weres existed.”