Primal Instinct

by Ally Parker

  Instantly, Jaxx paused. His wolf’s gaze stalked her every movement. She swallowed and took a step forward. Jaxx snarled. Paused in motion, she held her position. Silence blanketed the room. Her tongue darted out to wet her lips. “I need you.” She cleared her throat. “I need your help. Maybe we can help each other.”

  Jaxx pulled air into his lungs. Saint watched her through calculating eyes, his clawed fist at the ready. She got the impression if Jaxx lost control, Saint wouldn’t give him another chance. Jaxx grunted, and his wolf bled out of his features. He staggered over to her, his gaze blazing, and buried his face into the crook of her neck. For a moment she tensed. Jaxx didn’t move. Sucking in deep breaths, his arms wrapped around her like she was the only thing keeping him alive. She squeezed him. When was the last time she’d shared comfort with anyone? “Shhh. It’s okay.”

  Her arms cradled around his waist. She lifted her wrist and rubbed small strokes up his back.

  A collar snapped around Jaxx’s neck.

  “Like hell, it’s going to be okay,” Seb snarled. “He’s on the brink of turning. We’re all in danger.”

  Jaxx tensed, but didn’t respond.

  “What are you doing?” Kenzie demanded.

  “Keeping us all alive.”

  Mechanisms whirred from behind the wall, and tugged Jaxx backward until the lock clicked into place against the wall. She bit her lip before moving to stand beside him. No matter their issues, the utter agony shining from his eyes compelled her to soothe him.

  “He needs your help, not to be locked up like some criminal!” She pegged Saint with an angry glare. Her fists clenched. Not for the first time that night, her wolf stirred.

  “Darlin’, he needs you.” Seb spat the words like a curse.

  “Seb. You’re not helping the situation.” Saint approached. He stared deeply into Jaxx’s eyes. Kenzie may be new to the world of shifters, but she knew enough to understand what Saint was looking for—the telltale red eyes of a rogue. Still gemstone green. For now.

  “Are you in control?” Saint’s mouth compressed, his eyes sad.

  “For the moment.”

  Measuring Jaxx’s words, Saint nodded and returned his attention to her.

  “What will it be?”

  She blew out a breath. “I’ve been forced to work for the people that created Delmac for the past five years. I’ve been a puppet at their disposal. Anything they wanted, I did. All to keep my sister safe.”

  Chains rattled behind her. Jaxx stared at her, a growl hovering in the air.

  “What kind of jobs?”

  Kenzie kept her gaze trained on Saint. She didn’t want to see the way Jaxx looked at her as if his whole world were crumbling. “Mostly recon, searching for secrets or answers.”

  Saint’s nostrils flared, scenting the air. “Were they trying to upgrade you, I wonder? Is that how you ended up in the lab?”

  “What? No.” It was plausible. “I don’t know. Maybe.” The last few words ended with a growl, and Kenzie swallowed hard. From behind her, Jaxx’s fingers brushed against her hand. She glanced down at the digits stretching to meet hers. Even wild and out of control, Jaxx still tried to comfort her.

  “And were you sent here to find out our secrets?”

  Guilt climbed on her shoulders and weighed her down until she felt three inches tall. “Yes,” she whispered. Ashamed of her weakness, ashamed she hadn’t found a way to save her sister and escape, she struggled to hold his gaze.

  Saint’s calm demeanor faltered. His eyes shone like frozen icebergs. “I see. So, your mission was a success after you met up with your Delmac contact? ”

  “No!” She hurried to say. “Tonight, I went to cancel the agreement and persuade Kali to hand my sister over.”

  In a voice barely human, Jaxx growled. “It’s the truth. Smell it!”

  Saint paused as if weighing her words. “What did Delmac want with the information?”

  Kenzie shook her head. “I’d be guessing, but from what I know it looked like they were searching for more shifters or weres and forcing them to bite humans.” She shuddered, remembering Lucas biting her.

  Saint stared at her for the longest moment. At last, he blew out a breath and nodded once. “I believe you. Tell me everything you know, and maybe then we’ll visit your sister’s situation.”

  Her heart fluttered. After so long battling on her own, the prospect of help filled her with hope. There wasn’t anything she would do to jeopardize that offer, so she let it all fall out. Starting at the beginning, Kenzie told how on a winter’s night, she broke into what she thought was an abandoned building, and she and Ava both witnessed William murder two men. At the time she had thought the men disfigured; now she knew better—they were failed attempts to change humans. Filling in the blanks until the current time line, she ended with, “And that’s all of it.”

  Running a hand through his dark hair, Saint faced both of them. “I have a lot to consider. Both of you get comfortable. It’s going to be a long night.”

  “What does that mean? Are you going to help get my sister back?”

  The door closed with a residual clang. Damn it! She was locked up again. Chains rattled behind her and she turned click by click. So was Jaxx.

  He blew out a breath and said, “We need to talk.”

  14

  Jaxx needed to pull his shit together. He didn’t want to scare his mate, but he was getting close to either needing her to complete their mating or needing an end to his curse. After sharing his bite with Kenzie, his wolf seemed to be deteriorating quicker than he had anticipated.

  Kenzie’s shoulders straightened, and she turned to face him. “Damn straight we do.”

  She looked upset, but he couldn’t miss the current of worry mixed in her scent. Oddly, her anger brought a measure of relief compared to the fear that had hovered in the air. Lifting his arms he gestured to the chains. “I’m all yours.” In every sense.

  “Kali mentioned we’ve already mated. Is that true?”

  Her feet pattered on the rock ground and sauntered over to him, but not close enough for him to touch. In the dim lighting the silver hue glistened prominently in her hair.

  Almond-shaped eyes narrowed. “Well? Did you bind us without my permission?”

  The words hit a little too close to home. He had tried to explain things, but they’d been interrupted. “I didn’t lie to you. I’d never lie. In order for us to mate, both of us need to claim the other with a bite and consummate the mating. But… ”

  She stepped closer. “But…”

  “When I bit you, I bound myself to you and initiated the mating bond. For as long as I live, you won’t be rid of me. I’ll hunt all corners of the world—kill, maim, and do whatever needs doing to get to you. All in the hopes that you’ll accept me.”

  Spinning on her heel, she walked to the opposite side of the cell. Still not facing him, she leaned against the wall crossing her arms. “So that’s it. We’re caught in some kind of magical spell? Is what I’m feeling—what you’re feeling—real? Or just a means for your survival?”

  Shit! He had been trying specifically to avoid a situation just like this. He never wanted her to question his feelings. That was why he purposefully tried to ease her into their world. “Little wolf, look at me.”

  Propped against the wall, she faced him. She looked so unsure. Fragile. Damn it, he had been the one to put that look there. He would kick his own ass if he wasn’t chained to the wall.

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

  Kenzie arched a brow, not looking convinced.

  “Yes, I need you to accept me, mate me—to stop me from becoming a monster and being killed. But putting all of that aside, I would still want you. You’re strong. You fight for what you believe in, putting others’ needs above your own.” Even though a part of him couldn’t stand her risking her life, he also l
oved that quality about her.

  He licked his lips and continued. “Even as angry as I know you are with me, you still offered comfort when I needed it—nobody has ever given me such a special gift.”

  She blew out a breath. He tried to scent her emotions but there were too many to tell where her head was at. What he wouldn’t do to touch her, pull her close, and kiss her until she knew without a doubt his true feelings. Closing his eyes, he tilted his head up. “All I know is that I want you, and that I want the chance to discover everything about you.”

  “Come closer,” he beckoned with a curl of his finger.

  She took a step toward him.

  Heaven help her, because he was going to devour every inch of her. “I need you to take another step.”

  She took another step closer. It brought her within reaching distance. Her scent hit him, and it took some solid control to keep his hands where they were.

  He licked his lips. “Will you accept me, little wolf?”

  “I… ” Silence filled the room. Her mouth opened several times, but nothing came out. She searched his gaze and breathed, “I’ve only just met you.”

  He couldn’t help it, he reached out; his chains rattled as he cupped her hips. “You were made for me, and I was made for you. Don’t you feel it?”

  Her brows puckered and she wet her lips. “It’s the temporary connection.”

  Drawing her in flush against his body, he whispered, “There’s nothing temporary about our connection.”

  Arousal perfumed between them. Blood re-routed to his cock. Kenzie gasped and pressed against his erection. “If… if I do this. If I bite you that fixes everything, right?”

  He lifted her, wrapping her legs around his waist. Her arms clung to his shoulders. “As long as the mating is consummated.”

  Black lashes fluttered closed. “I will do it on the condition I get to leave with my sister to wherever I want.”

  Jaxx ceased breathing. Kenzie opened her eyes to meet his gaze. “You want to leave?”

  “I want my freedom—our freedom. It’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

  Leaving the pack would be hard, but as long as he had Kenzie by his side, it didn’t matter. “Done.”

  Ignoring the chains pulling at his arms, he reached up and curled his fingers around the nape of her neck. His wolf clawed to join the party, and he worked to beat the beast back in order to keep his touch soft and gentle. Kenzie lifted to meet his lips. Soft and smooth. It felt like heaven. He kissed down her neck to his mark, and his little wolf moaned. He lifted her up, his length pressing between her legs.

  “Oh, God.”

  He chuckled. Hard tips of her claws pressed into his scalp, holding him there. Adjusting his hold, his hand snaked up, his claws popped out and he cut through the shirt she wore. Pushing the fabric aside her breasts bounced. He lifted her until they were in front of his face calling for his devotion. Pink nipples stood at attention, and he groaned.

  Kenzie’s blue, glowing gaze watched him; she bit her bottom lip, and the sight made his cock harden. He was the luckiest male alive. He wanted to bend her over right then and there, claiming her as his own. Control—he needed to make this special. Holding her stare, he drew her nipple in his mouth and sucked. Her claws dug deeper into his scalp, and he loved it. Loved that he could make her lose herself to the pleasure he offered. Heat from her core enflamed his dick. She rubbed herself against him as he sucked on her breasts. His mouth watered, remembering her taste. He wanted to taste her now.

  Releasing his hold, she slid down his body, and they both moaned.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Get on the bed,” he said.

  She screwed up her face, confused. “What?”

  “Take your clothes off and get on the bed. I can’t pleasure you the way I want, so you’ll do it for me.” He nearly lost his seed at the thought of watching her touch herself.

  Her canines peeked out from her closed-lipped smile. Removing her clothes, she did as he asked, and positioned herself on the small cot across from him. She hesitated for only a second before spreading her legs for his view.

  “Good,” he praised. “Now cup your breasts.”

  The flesh of her breasts seemed to overflow her tiny hands.

  “Like this?” she asked.

  “Just like that.” His little wolf showed him just how she liked it.

  “Now,” he continued, “Reach down and touch yourself.”

  He could see her hesitate, then her fingers trailed down her stomach, hovered above her folds, and dipped into her core. Saliva pooled in his mouth, and his balls ached. He was hit with arousal so strong his knees threaten to buckle.

  Her small finger was coated with her desire. Desire he had provoked. Pulling her digit free, it glistened as she rubbed it on her clit.

  He growled.

  She moaned. Her head tilted back, and the peaks of her breast jutted out. The chains clanked as he moved. Damn it, her pleasure was turning into his torture. His cock ached. He looked down and the tip of his length was peeking out from his jeans. Moving her hand off her breast, she propped herself up. A slow and wicked smile strolled along her face. Her finger stilled on her clit. “Do you need me?”

  “Like the next beat of my heart.”

  She slipped off the edge of the bed and with every step the smell of her passion grew. “Put your finger in my mouth.”

  Her eyebrows lifted, and after a moment’s hesitation she complied. He took her finger and sucked. His wolf pressed harder, and his control slipped with a growl. He reached down and ripped his pants open. A button pinged against the wall. His cock sprang free. Kenzie’s finger left his mouth, and she pushed herself against him. Reaching down, he lifted her, his hands clasping her ass cheeks.

  Kenzie kissed him, and a sharp canine scraped his lip, scouring his skin. The tang of blood filled their kiss. She pulled back only to dip her head and lick the small wound. His hands roamed, and with each puff of breath his wolf dominated him a little more.

  “I can’t take it anymore.”

  Needing to ask, he murmured. “Are you sure?”

  She groaned as his finger strummed her nipple. “Take me. For tonight I’m yours.”

  Forever. She would be his forever. He wouldn’t let her go.

  Her wetness slid across his cock, teasing, tempting, and driving him crazy like nothing else in the world. In one move he sunk balls deep. Her core clamped around him.

  “Fuck!” Her core sucked around his length, and his beast clawed at his insides, rapid and out of control.

  Kenzie bounced on his cock, her breasts dangerously close to his mouth. The damn shackle still pinning him to the wall prevented him from reaching the temptation. Claws pierced his shoulders, and she moved faster. She leaned forward, and finally his tongue flicked across her nipple.

  “I’m gonna come,” she moaned.

  Her breast popped out of his mouth, and she dipped her head. The heat of her tongue washed over his neck, sending a jolt of pure sexual need through him. He pounded harder and faster, each movement aimed to push her closer to the edge. She moaned, her vagina fluttering around him. Teeth pierced his flesh, and he exploded with pleasure. A tsunami of sensations hit him at once. His balls tightened, and a second later jets of his seed shot into his mate.

  Kenzie pulled her teeth out, her tongue swiping over the sensitive skin. With a swipe of his hand, her neck exposed, his teeth pierced his mate’s flesh, refortifying their bond. His instincts drove him to claim her again. Her body tensed, muscles pulsing around his cock. She raked her claws down his chest and moaned her release.

  Panting for breath, Kenzie felt boneless. Pleasure had been wrung from every inch of her body. She rested in Jaxx’s arms, her head against his chest. When was the last time she’d been happy? Safe? “That was, that was…” something she could get used to.

  “Life-changing.” Jaxx’s voice vibrated through his chest.

  She glanced up and stared into his eyes. Their
mating was complete, and now he was safe. The faint glow of his wolf vanished from his eyes as he stared down at her. All the stress lines from around his eyes, gone.

  “How do you feel?”

  She sure as hell hadn’t ever experienced anything like that before. Every part of her body had been starved for his touch—craved his touch. He smiled, and the sight made her want to kiss him. “Like the luckiest bastard alive.”

  He laughed, and it dawned on her, it was the first time she’d hear the sound. She was glad to be there and witness it. His happiness was contagious, and she couldn’t help her lips curve. His smile stilled and drained from his face. “Thank you, Kenzie. You saved me. There is no way to repay the gift you’ve given me.”

  Emotion clogged her throat. Giving in to temptation, she lowered her head and kissed him. It wasn’t fevered as it had been during their mating. She took her time and enjoyed the feel of Jaxx. The chains clanged as he wrapped her in his arms. Ending their kiss, she stared down at his glyph and inhaled. Gold encased each individual stroke around his wolf. “It’s beautiful.”

  His chest swelled. His golden glyph was a badge that he was in control.

  Kenzie looked at the chains. “Maybe I can try and get you out of these?”

  “Don’t bother. They are designed specifically so we can’t break them.” He indicated the pin pad with a flick of his head.

  Damn. Maybe if she could guess the code… He gently put her down, shaking his head. “Go and cover yourself. We’re bound to have visitors soon. If they see you naked, they might overlook my mating mark and think me rogue.”

  Good point. “What makes you think we’ll have company soon?”

  “Do you really want me to answer that?”

  Her brows pulled together, and she bit her lip. Saint had given her the impression they were going to be holed up for a while. It’s not like they could know what happened… her thoughts tapered off… “Please don’t tell me they could hear what just happened.”