by Victoria Sue
“What do you suggest?” Lisa looked curious.
Daniel started talking about setting up a supposed shopping trip for her, a visit to the local mall. He needed Lisa to be seen to let them think they’d relaxed all protection, now that Killian was dead.
“Mac?”
Mac started.
Riley smirked and nodded to Daniel. “Take it he’s in.”
“There is something else that’s important, vital even.” Daniel looked challengingly at Mac.
Mac’s eyebrows rose.
“Lisa has to say unmated.”
Well, hell, thought Lisa. She thought the room was silent before when Daniel had suggested using as her for bait, but the kitchen had just become cavernous.
“Fuck, No.” Mac was on his feet, inches away from pulling Daniel up by the scruff of his neck.
She stood, wanting to get Mac to sit back down. Riley put a hand on her arm.
She wanted to scream. Someone had to explain why she wasn’t mated for God’s sake, because she felt mated. In the middle of all the shouting and posturing, Lisa’s face burned in embarrassment. She felt very mated.
“She’s mine. Mine.” Muscles rippled under Mac’s skin, and claws lengthened from his fingers.
Daniel never moved.
“I know you want her safe. I understand, really I do, but what about other girls? While she’s still unmated, they’ll think it’s urgent.” Daniel stood then, clearly pissed off. “This is our only chance. We never know if or when such a temptation will come along again. Christ, her scent signatures so strong, I can smell it. What do you think it’s like for an alpha wolf?” He was nearly yelling by this point.
Lisa wanted to curl up and die. Her face was so red, it felt like it was on fire? Scent? Really?
Mac dropped into the seat as if the air had gone out of him.
Daniel pleaded. “It’s our only chance.”
Zack nodded. “He’s right, Mac.”
“And we’ll all be there.” Riley put in.
Mac stood without saying one word. His blue eyes glinted at her like stabbing shards of ice. She couldn’t look away—didn’t want to look away. He bent down and without saying one word, scooped her up in his arms and turned for the kitchen door.
“Mac,” Daniel entreated.
Riley put a hand on his arm. “It’s not what you think. Give him some space.”
Lisa remained pressed close to his thundering heart as she was swiftly carried upstairs and fiercely hugged close. Mac collapsed on the easy chair next to the bed. She pulled his head into her chest as he bent down, whispered soothing words, and ran her fingers through his dark hair.
“Mac?”
Blue eyes gazed at her.
“I don’t understand why everyone thinks we’re not mated.” Lisa forced the words out in a rush to try and cover her embarrassment.
Mac’s mouth hung open. “Of course, you wouldn’t—”
“Wouldn’t what?” Lisa nearly shouted the words.
“Wouldn’t know.”
Lisa stared in fascination as a flush rose on Mac’s neck.
He tucked her in closer. “Mating is much more than making love. I mark you.”
“Mark me?”
“Here.” Mac nibbled on her neck. “It changes our scent, mixes them. Every shifter would know you belong to me. It’s an alpha pride thing. Alpha females are more sought after unmarked.”
Lisa giggled. Mac looked askance. She couldn’t help it. “All this fuss? All this fuss over a giant hickey?”
Lisa stopped laughing. Mac growled low in his throat. “It’s more than that. Alpha females guarantee the birthing of alpha males.” Mac’s quiet statement echoed around the room. His cupped her face. “Wolves are very traditional. Some packs are obsessive even. It’s supposed to be a mark of sexual prowess to have a male heir born first.”
Lisa didn’t know where to look. The words came out before she could filter them. “What about bears?”
Mac leaned in and took her lips carefully, easy on her bruises. “Well, I can’t speak for all bears, but this one’s very partial to the thought of a little girl with cute hazel eyes like her mother.”
Lisa smiled, her eyes burning into his.
“Ask me.”
Silence settled around the room. Lisa murmured, “Ask you what?”
“I always ask if you love me. You’ve never asked me.”
Lisa’s breath hitched. Oh God. She so desperately loved this warm, loving man who had given her his sweatshirt and offered his heart. She scanned filled blue eyes, suddenly knowing the answer before she asked the question. “Do you?” She faltered. “Do you love…?”
The rest of her words were drowned out. Punishing lips encased hers in a kiss so possessive, so stamped with love and ownership, her mind reeled with the force of it. Because she was his mate, and she didn’t need a bite mark to prove it. This mark was indelibly stamped on her heart.
Harsh breathing pulled her away. She tried smiling. “Mac, you have to explain something for me.”
Mac groaned and bent his head again. She giggled and moved hers. “No, I’ve just remembered. You said I won’t change until after we’ve mated? That’s right, isn’t it?”
“Yes, honey.”
Lisa quite liked that idea. Something powerful stirred inside her again. Not something, somebody.
“We need to go down and put Daniel out of his misery.”
Mac groaned again. “And what about putting me out of mine? We could stay here for a little while.”
“I love you.”
Mac pulled her face to his. Teasing lips pulled at hers, and she twisted slightly in his lap. He broke off. “Do that anymore, and we won’t get out of here today. Hell, Daniel will be lucky to see us in a week.”
Lisa smiled. God, she loved him so much. She said the one thing she knew would have an effect. “I’m hungry.”
Mac’s face instantly changed, appalled. “Of course, you are. I’m so sorry.”
Mac swiped her up again, and she laughed. “I can walk.”
He grinned, “I keep telling you, you’re too far away down there.” He proceeded to carry her as far as the kitchen, where he let her gently down. “Ready for battle?”
Lisa pushed the door open, and everyone started talking at once. Daniel had left. The kids were all back, ensconced at the end of the table, tucking into fried chicken. She wondered where they’d been until Cassie said softly, “Brett took them to visit the reservation school.”
Jamie carefully squirted ketchup on Molly’s fries without her asking, and she gave him a huge smile that said more than any words could. Alex was engrossed in the game scores shown on the TV in the corner, and Erin had her face down, pushing her food around her plate and not looking like she was eating any of it.
Lisa let go of Mac’s hand and deliberately sat down next to Erin.
“Hey, so you’ve checked the school out? Do you think Molly will settle in okay?”
A chin wobbled. Her fork was suddenly thrown down, and soft arms clung to Lisa’s neck. “I’m so sorry.”
“Hey, it’s fine. You do know you helped save me, don’t you?”
Puzzled, tear-filled eyes looked up.
“You got Molly away. If everyone here hadn’t got such an early warning that something was wrong, they might not have got to me in time.” Lisa pushed dark curls of Erin’s face.
Alex nodded, catching on straight away. Bless him. “Yeah, only heroes allowed in this family.” He pumped his chest out and flexed his biceps comically. “You’ll fit right in.”
Everybody laughed. Zack bounced Codie on his knee. “Molly, I kind of need help with this one’s bath. Want to come?” He stood with the squirming baby and held his hand out to Molly.
Erin put her fork down obviously expecting to join them, but Alex nodded to the door. “Wanna catch the game with me in the big room? Too noisy in here.”
Erin glanced, astonished, as Molly smiled, put her tiny hand in Zack’s huge one, and wa
lked out the door without a backward glance. Alex, without being prompted, gathered all the kids’ empty plates and loaded them in the dishwasher. He asked at Cassie, “Anything else?”
Riley nodded to the door. “Playroom, but no going outside, okay?” Alex gave him a duh look.
Mac placed a steaming plate down in front of Lisa and one for himself. “Chicken Carbonara. Zack’s specialty.”
“What’s yours?” Lisa asked, grinning as she picked up her fork.
“You.” Eyes gleamed.
Now the kids were all otherwise occupied, Riley told her Jesse had been checked out by the local pack’s doctor. Brett and Angie were taking him back to their pack to live with them. Jesse was anxious to see her before he had to leave, but she hadn’t been awake when Brett came back with the girls, and they’d wanted to go. Mac put in that they could arrange to go see them in a couple of weeks when everything had settled down as it wasn’t too far way.
Riley briefly explained Daniel’s plan. They were just going to shadow her. Tracking devices were installed on all the vehicles, and she was to go about the place normally. She couldn’t be with Molly though. Molly would be too much of a temptation to grab as well. He handed Lisa a cell phone. “It’s got a tracking device and a panic button.
Mac smiled and fished in his pocket. He brought out a key. It’s made to look like the one for your truck. It works fine obviously, but it’s also got a tracking device and a panic button.”
Lisa was stunned. Then a thought occurred to her, “Err, guys, one problem. I haven’t got a truck.” She laughed embarrassed. I can’t even drive. “I can’t…”
Mac cupped her face. “Finished?”
Lisa smiled, amazed at her empty plate.
“Come on then.” He scooped up her key and took her hand. Mac dragged her to the door and put his hands over her eyes. She stiffened. “Do you trust me?”
She relaxed and nodded.
He walked her outside and lowered his hands. A shiny red truck stood gleaming at her. Lisa gaped.
“It’s yours. I had it delivered earlier”
“Oh.” Oh. Lisa squirmed. Mac frowned. “If you don’t like it, we can get something else.”
“I love it.” She grabbed his head firmly and lowered it, wanting to show him just how much. She came up for air. “Mac?”
“Mmm?” Mac was already bending his head, looking for more.
“I can’t drive.”
“Mmm.”
Lisa pulled back, face burning. Stupid. “I can’t drive.”
Mac pulled his head up. “I know, sweetie, but that’s hardly your fault. I’m a good teacher.” He grinned and wiggled his eyebrows. “You just better not distract me.”
Chapter Seventeen
Lisa was jittery. She should be pleased, shouldn’t she? She hadn’t been shopping since she was at least twelve. All the while she was getting ready for her trip to town, the thought that someone was out to kidnap her was in the back of her mind. She heard a soft knock on the door, and she shouted at whoever it was to come in. Brett put his head around and smiled.
Lisa was surprised to see him. “I thought you two had headed out with Jesse?”
Brett nodded and limped into the room shutting the door. “I’ve had a phone call from Daniel. We have another problem, and he asked me to talk to you about it.”
Lisa frowned. “Do you want me to come downstairs? What did Mac say?”
Brett leaned against the door, absently rubbing his hip. “Mac’s in danger. We can’t involve him in this.”
Lisa’s legs gave out, and she sat on the bed. “Danger? Danger from who? Killian’s dead.”
Brett made shushing noises as he came closer. “One of Daniel’s contacts says the people responsible for this have identified Mac as the main target. He is to be removed to make it easier to get to you.” He inhaled briefly, trying to be discreet. “You’re not mated yet?”
Lisa shook her head and frowned. “Brett, Mac isn’t going to let me out of his sight.”
He looked at her carefully and changed his weight to his other foot. “No one’s explained mating compulsion to you, have they?”
“Mating compulsion?” Lisa’s heart raced.
“I’m sorry. Shifter feelings are different to humans, more intense.”
Lisa relaxed. Mac had explained all about mates being that perfect someone that you were meant to be with forever. She’d thought Brett was going to say something awful.
Brett shuffled again. “Lisa, you have to understand that Mac is under a very intense mating compulsion.”
Lisa eyed Brett warily. There he went again, saying it like it was something bad.
“Mating compulsion is like a shifter equivalent of something like heroin. His feelings are governed by his hormones.” Lisa shook her head. Brett made Mac sound like a teenager.
“Lisa, it isn’t love.”
“But…” Bewilderment set in. Why would he say that?
“I’m sorry. I thought you understood. Shifters aren’t capable of love in the same way. I mean, yeah, love can grow in a relationship the same as anyone else, but it’s all about hormones at first.” He laughed. “Poor guy can’t help himself.”
Lisa absently rubbed her chest, wondering why it hurt.
“I mean, Mac was always about the ladies. With his looks, no one was ever surprised.” Brett flushed. “I’m sorry if he’s given you the wrong idea. In his defense, he won’t have meant to.”
But he loves me.
“Of course, he can be very smooth too.” Brett eyed her cautiously. “Oh hell, he hasn’t been telling you he loves you, has he?”
Lisa’s eyes swam up to Brett’s face. He had. “He…” Had he? Cold fingers clutched at her insides. Do you love me? Never, I love you. He’d even got her to ask him, but then he’d just kissed her. He’d never answered.
“I’m sorry. Shifters don’t think clearly under mating compulsion.”
Lisa shook her head. How could she have been so stupid? Of course, he didn’t love her. She was a pathetic, little, fat, nobody that had been locked up most of her life. And Mac? Mac was this gorgeous hunk of fit male with the most beautiful blue eyes that saw right inside of you. When this mating compulsion finished, he would be horrified. God, he would hate her. He’d feel like she trapped him. Then he would go back to his runway types like Miranda, and she would be in a worse prison than any she’d been locked in before.
Brett put his head to one side as if listening for something. “I have a car out back. We need to go now. All the arrangements will stay the same, except Mac will be out of danger. I have two of Daniel’s agents with me.”
Numbly, Lisa nodded.
“Lisa,” Brett hissed. “We have to hurry.”
He was right. She didn’t want anything to happen to Mac, because even though she now understood the reasons he had been so attracted to her, she still loved him, so, so much.
Brett opened the door and beckoned her toward the back stairs. She stumbled, and Brett put his arm out to steady her. She shrugged it off. She could hear Mac and Riley in the kitchen talking about timetables. Riley was offering, but Mac was saying quite forcibly that he had no intention of letting Lisa be anywhere he wasn’t. Why does that hurt so much? Lisa felt a little bit of her heart break off, like she lost a small part of herself. Later, later when this was done, she would go away. She wasn’t going to trap him into mating with her.
“Won’t it seem strange going to the mall without another girl or Cassie?”
Brett shrugged, “One of Daniel’s female agents will meet us at the mall.”
Lisa nodded and climbed into the back of a black SUV idling tucked around the corner near the basketball court. Brett settled next to her and nodded to the two agents sitting up front. Lisa blew her hair out of her eyes. Well, this was going to be fun. The car was really warm, and Lisa fanned her face.
Brett noticed and smiled. “Sorry, the air conditioning is on the blink.” He pulled a bottle of water from a side pocket, un
screwed the cap, and passed it to her. Lisa took it gratefully.
“Will Mac try to come after us?” She cringed at the hopeful tone she tried to squash back down.
“Daniel will clue the others in. They’ll make him see sense. I know it’s hard, but trust me. Mac has always been about the ladies. Riley and Zack are always giving him grief about it.” Brett leaned over and pointed at the water. “You need to drink, Lisa. Everyone will be seriously pissed at me if you get sick.”
I don’t think so. Lisa absently rubbed at the pain in her chest.
He laughed shortly and ran a finger around his collar. She looked at the beads of sweat that had bloomed on his brow. She offered him the bottle. “I think you need it more than me.”
Brett smiled and leaned over to the other pocket. He pulled another bottle of water out. “Cheers.” he said and put it to his lips.
Lisa gripped the bottle with shaky fingers and drank deeply. “What mall are we going to?” Then she suddenly thought. “I don’t have any money.”
“Not a problem.” Brett grinned, visibly relaxing some more. “This is all on the company. With the help you’re giving them, the least they can do is buy you some new clothes. You’re warm,” he added, “drink some more water.”
Lisa nodded and took a few more sips. Brett seemed to be a bit happier. “Is your pack far, Brett?”
He smiled and nodded to the bottle. “You done?”
Lisa frowned down at the bottle of water. Funny, she’d drunk half of it, but it seemed so heavy all of a sudden. Brett eased it from her fingers, and she blinked slowly. She thought he’d said something else, but she’d missed it.
“My new pack’s up in Erie, near the border.”
Lisa shook her head in confusion. “I thought you were going to be local.”
Brett smiled. “It’s a beautiful place. You’ll love it there.”
Lisa struggled to process what he was saying. Why would she love it? “What do you mean?”
Her head lolled back on the seat of its own accord. Like her neck couldn’t support it anymore. Wow, she was sleepy. It must be the heat in the car. Funny though, the car was cooler now, like the air had turned back on.
