Scent of a Mate

by Milly Taiden

  “Let’s get you home,” he said in the growly voice that made her melt.

  With a very dry throat and her tongue attached to the roof of her mouth, she allowed him to hold her hand and lead her to his truck. At the door, he turned her over, pressing her back on the door and pushing his erection against her belly. All her thoughts shot down to the gutter. He rubbed his crotch on her at the same time his lips brushed over her lips.

  “I’ve missed you,” he whispered.

  Heat crowded her belly. Only one thing filled her mind. Getting him naked. Bad, bad Jordan! She opened her mouth to suck in air. Nothing had ever felt as good as he did rubbing on her.

  Mason cleared his throat. “We really should go.”

  The lust brightening Aric’s eyes made her nipples ache. She was a slut. And she didn’t even care.

  “Let’s go.”

  Yes, please. Home or bed, it didn’t matter. Hell, she’d let him fuck her behind a tree if Mason didn’t look. She slid into the seat with her mind muddled with erotic images of Aric fucking her again.

  “So what happened?” Mason started the truck.

  Guessing by the time of day it was, she figured they must have been at the bar when she contacted him. The Wolfe family owned different businesses in the area. Aric had his own bar, Wolfe’s Den. At this time of the afternoon, he was usually taking care of business and she’d called him away.

  “Sorry to have interrupted your work.” She ran a hand through her hair. “But I came here to look around for a project I’m doing for Ellie.” She wasn’t sure if she should give the full details so she kept things vague.

  Mason glanced at her and smiled. “Right, the book thing.”

  “Yes. So when I got here, these two white wolves—”

  Aric frowned. “White?”

  “Yes. One was bigger than the other, but they both seemed pretty pissed.” She cocked her head and watched him. “Why do you ask?”

  “We don’t have pure whites in our pack.” Mason explained, his large hands gripping the wheel.

  They drove down the hill until they reached the main road.

  “I forgot my car!”

  “I would too if I were as busy as you two were.” Mason chuckled.

  Aric slapped his brother behind his head. “Now is not the time.”

  “Well, we have to go back for my car,” she huffed.

  “Don’t worry sweetheart, we’ll have one of the guys drop it off at your house.” He twined his fingers with hers and pulled her closer.

  It was weird to be near him and have him show this much affection. She didn’t know what to make of it. For years she’d been somewhat subdued at his little taunts and innuendos. He’d flirted with her a multitude of times, but she’d never openly flirted back. She knew he’d be able to tell she was turned-on, so she’d tried to rein in her hormones. There had been some close calls. A time or two they’d danced together at a family function and she’d become so aroused she was sure he knew, but this was way past flirting.

  After a few moments of being entranced by his finger drawing circles on her palm, she realized they were not headed to her house.

  “Where are we going?”

  His sinful lips split into a wicked grin.

  Oh god, if he continued to smile at her with so much concern, she was going to rip off her clothes and rape him. Yep. She’d tear off his T-shirt and reveal the sexy tattooed upper body. The same body she’d been brain fucking and mind licking for the past fifteen minutes and would then rape him in the back of his truck. All that while his brother drove.

  “To my parents’ place. It’s probably best to speak to them about what white wolves might be the ones you saw. I didn’t recognize their scent.” He hugged her to his side. The heat of his body wrapped around her like a comforting blanket. She’d swear there was some kind of connection growing between them. Her body urged her closer to him.

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” The last thing she wanted was to involve his family in whatever that white wolf had against her.

  “Stop the truck,” Aric ordered.

  Mason pulled over and left the truck.

  She turned to him with surprise. “Where did he go?”

  “He’ll be back shortly. He’s giving us a few minutes.”

  “Why?”

  “I need to explain some things to you.”

  She licked her lips. He lifted a hand to her face, sliding a finger down her cheek. “You’re important to me. Very important.”

  She gasped. “I am?”

  “You are.” His tone brooked no argument.

  “Since when? And if you say last night, I’m going to hurt you. Good sex does not make us a couple.” While it had been really amazing sex, the kind that left her breathless and panting, that wasn’t enough to create something lasting between them.

  “First of all, it wasn’t just good sex, it was the best sex of your life, and don’t bother denying it. Second of all, it’s not about sex. You and I have a connection. You know it, and I know it.”

  Sure, things between them had always been extra hot and with enough sizzle to start a forest fire, but that was chemistry. “We’re not the first couple to be in lust.”

  “This isn’t about lust. This is about us. You. Me. The future.”

  “Are you crazy? There is no us. There is no future. There was sex. I’ll admit it was fan-freaking-tastic sex, but sex nonetheless. You don’t even know me.”

  He cupped her face, giving her with a deep penetrating gaze. “I know all I need to know about you, love.”

  This was crazy. “In order to even consider a relationship with you, I’d need to be able to trust that you understand I am an individual. I’m not some little woman to stay barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen while the big sexy man takes care of business.”

  He grinned. “You think I’m sexy?”

  “Argh!” Frustration flourished at light speed. She curled her nails into her palms and counted to ten. She didn’t want to fight with him, not when she was still brain fucking him. “See what I mean? You’re not listening to me.”

  “I am listening, but you don’t seem to understand that shifters are possessive and aggressive.”

  “Life is more than just being possessive and telling your significant other what to do.”

  The vein on the side of his cheek throbbed and he clenched his jaw. “It is. It’s about protecting our family. That includes our women.”

  She sighed. “That’s all fine and good, but I need a man who can accept me for who I am.” She pursed her lips. “I wouldn’t expect you to change who you are for me, and I need you to do the same for me or this idea of more will never work.”

  “We’ll make it work.” He sounded so sure it scared her a little.

  “How?” She had enough doubts to build a bridge to never-never land.

  “I believe in you, Jordan. I know you’re the one for me. There will be no other woman in my life as important as you.” He nuzzled his lips over hers. “Trust me.”

  Mason opened the door and got back in the truck. With a final soft look from Aric, the conversation returned to the white wolves.

  “I didn’t recognize the scent of the wolves either. There were a lot of out-of-towners at the scenting ceremony.” Mason commented and turned onto a dirt road off the main street.

  Great. Neither of them knew who the white wolves were or what it was they had against humans.

  They arrived at the Wolfe household. Only Aric’s parents and his brother Nathan were home. Tension filled the living room where the group sat.

  Aric glanced at his parents “What’s wrong?”

  He drew her into the house, but wouldn’t let go of her hand. She tried to tug out of his hold, but nobody seemed to notice how close he was holding her.

  “One of the women from Caleb’s pack is missing,” his mother said.

  “Who?”

  “A teen. One of the enforcers wanted her, but when she refused him and sought Caleb’s
back up, things turned difficult.”

  Jordan wiped her sweaty palm on the side of her shorts. There was enough going on without adding the problem she’d had to the mix.

  “I think I should go home,” she whispered to Aric’s side. “You have enough to discuss without me being in the way.”

  “Oh, don’t be silly.” Mrs. Wolfe smiled warmly. “Stay for dinner.”

  For a person who’d grown up around the Wolfe’s, it was still hard for Jordan to understand that they wanted her around. Hell, she’d lived surrounded by people who never wanted her as a child.

  Aric sensed Jordan’s nervousness at his continued grasp of her hand. He didn’t let go. He didn’t care. Let the others know she was his already. They could probably scent his mark on her. Not as deep as a mate marking, but enough for her to smell of him and his wolf. He’d marked her inside as well with his seed. Fucking good time to start thinking of being inside her tight body. Or how good she’d felt screaming for him. Jesus Christ. Last thing he needed was to be remembering how amazing sex between him and Jordan had been. Especially when his mother was nearby.

  “Jordan was attacked today,” he stated as they sat on a two-person sofa. He tugged her down next to him and curled an arm protectively over her shoulders.

  “What happened?” His mother’s eyes flashed with concern and anger.

  Jordan glared at him. Fire flaired in the look she gave him. “Aric!” She jabbed him in the ribs. “Really, Mrs. Wolfe, it was nothing. Just think some of your guests aren’t human friendly.”

  “They had to really scare her, mom. She was up a tree from what I heard.” Mason grinned, taking a long swallow of his beer and lifting his feet up to the coffee table. His mother proceeded to slap him at the knees.

  “Who the hell would do that?” His father growled. The golden hue of his wolf was visible in his eyes. A protector through and through, the Alpha would not stand for anyone to hurt one of his. And he most certainly saw Ellie’s friends as part of the pack.

  “Some white wolves.”

  His mother frowned. “White?” Then she turned to her mate as she took a seat beside him. “We don’t know any whites, do we?”

  “I’m not sure. We invited so many different Alpha daughters for you boys. And you know they all came with their own guards.”

  His mother lifted an arched brow and rubbed a hand on her husband’s leg. “Well then,” She smiled at the group, “we’ll just have to tell them all to leave.”

  “Oh, don’t ask your guests to leave for me.”

  Jordan’s grip tightened on Aric’s hand, and he knew she was embarrassed. She had always been quiet and polite to his parents. Though the same courtesy didn’t apply to him. Their conversations tended to end up in a he-said she-said of sarcastic remarks. He knew she wanted him. She was his, and no matter how much she fought it, she’d come to realize it sooner or later.

  “Nonsense, my dear. You’re family.” His mother’s brows dipped. “Nobody threatens my family.”

  That moment was enough for Aric to want to run out and hunt a deer or two for his mom. She’d said exactly what he hoped she would in regard to Jordan.

  The rumble of a vehicle brought his attention out to the front yard. Caleb’s pick-up stopped in front of his house. Aric stood and marched outside with his father and brother.

  An angry Caleb and four of his men stomped out of the truck. “We found the girl.”

  Aric’s stomach tightened. “And?”

  “She was dead.”

  Aric had that feeling. “Do you know who did it?”

  A short shake of his head was Caleb’s his only answer. He pulled him to the side, leaving his father and brother with the other men.

  “Do you need us to back you up?”

  Caleb’s wolf rose to the surface. The rough growl of his voice was almost unintelligible. “No.”

  “The time for my fight is drawing near. I will take back what’s rightfully mine. My pack. My people. My land,” Caleb snarled.

  “I am here… We are here. Anything you need.”

  “I need to do this on my own,” Caleb stated, glancing toward the house.

  Aric nodded. “She’s not here.”

  Caleb turned to face the windows where Aric’s mother and Jordan watched them. A frown marred Jordan’s brow while she bit her lip.

  “Yours?”

  “Mine.”

  “Congratulations.” Caleb’s words were heartfelt. He knew how hard it was for them to find someone both man and wolf wanted. Someone they could grow to love.

  “Ellie waits for you.”

  “I know. But it’s not the right time.” Caleb turned to the men waiting by the pick-up.

  “Be careful. Call on me if the need arises.” He would never stop offering his best friend help at a difficult time.

  Caleb nodded and joined the others in the pick-up before leaving.

  Ellie, Jake, and Nathan arrived a short time later. They sat down for dinner and discussed the need to remove anyone placing threats on humans.

  “We’ll take care of asking them to leave.” Nathan and Jake stated at the same time.

  Ellie spoke softly to Jordan. “Are you alright? Were you scared? Did they hurt you?”

  Jordan grinned and sucked her teeth. “Me? Come on, chica. It would take a lot more than a couple of mutts barking to scare me.”

  His father choked on his laughter. “Good to hear that, Jordan. We’d hate to see you scared.”

  “Brave girl.” His mother praised.

  Jordan blushed and guzzled down her water. Aric was proud of her. Her fearlessness was priceless and exactly what was needed for a future Alpha mate. He twined his and Jordan’s fingers together on his lap. She tried to tug them out of his hold but he didn’t budge, so she stopped. His parents’ words warmed his heart.

  The conversation turned to removing the guests from the area to ensure human safety.

  “They all leave,” his mother ordered.

  When Barbara Wolfe spoke, everyone listened.

  Chapter Five

  Aric watched Jordan’s SUV enter her driveway. He waited. Her sexy, curvy body covered in sweaty yoga gear exited her car. With flushed, sweat covered skin and hair that hung in a limp ponytail, she appeared to be exhausted. She dragged her feet as she made her way into the house. He continued to wait. A few moments later, he heard the shower running. He used the spare key Ellie had given him and entered the house.

  Without hesitating, he went straight for her bedroom. In the midst of a shower, he heard mumbling from her bathroom. She groaned about letting her friends talk her into exercise. She muttered that her body hated the stuff. He shrugged off his clothes. His cock went instantly erect at the thought of Jordan naked. Naked and wet.

  Steam filtered under the door of the bathroom into the bedroom. He’d given her space, even allowing Ellie to take her home after dinner at his parents. That had been five days back.

  All week he’d watched her go to and from work, carefully guarding her from the shadows to ensure she didn’t encounter any more trouble. But she’d continued to ignore his calls. There would be no more playing nice.

  He gripped the cool knob, turning it without hesitation. The heat of the bathroom enveloped him. She was so wrapped up in her solo conversation she didn’t hear him. Though he had stealth, the soft squeak of the lock was not something he could stop.

  He slipped inside the tub. She had her eyes closed. Water rained over her head and down her bare body. A low rumble sounded in his chest. Her golden skin was flushed. Her nipples were puckered tight, calling him for a taste. And the scent of her arousal made it impossible to stay quiet. His wolf growled, the sound riding up from his balls and through his throat.

  Her eyes jerked open. Darkness filled them until her pupils ate up the brown.

  “Aric.” She used that fuck-me voice that turned his cock concrete stiff. “What are you doing here?”

  “You. Mine.” That was the best he could do. The wolf was je
rking at the skin. He wanted her and the beast did too.

  “I––”

  Two steps and there was nothing between them. Her eyes widened. She licked her lips. He lost it.

  He pushed her from under the spray and back against the cool tile. Their lips met in a rush. There was no careful. Gone was the idea of taking things easy. He needed her. The beast pushed at his skin, wanting loose. They both wanted a taste of his mate. Aric fought to control the savagery of the animal. It was nearly impossible. Then Jordan shoved her tongue into his mouth and bit his lip.

  Fuck slow.

  She raked her nails down his shoulders. A shudder rocked his body. As if that weren’t enough torture, she curled a leg around his waist and rubbed the heat of her pussy over his cock. Lust drove his thoughts.

  Mate. Mate. Mate.

  He cupped her face in his hands, driving his fingers into her wet hair and pulling her head back to an angle he wanted. He gripped her hair, loving her loud moan. The scent of her arousal grew thicker in the small space.

  She pushed him until they were turned and his back was to the tile. He growled low in his chest. The sound vibrated through their kiss. She pulled back and he snarled. A soft smile played on her lips.

  She laughed before rushing out of the shower. “Catch me if you can.”

  There was no time for games. He needed to be inside her. Water dripped down his body as he shut off the spray. He moved fast and caught her at the edge of the bed. She squealed.

  She tried to turn over in his arms, but he wasn’t having it. The beast was in control. He held her by the waist and yanked her on the bed with him. His cock jerked. She lay there, face and upper body flat on the bed with her ass high in the air. Water clung to her caramel skin and sexy curves. There was no doubt in any area of his mind this was the sexiest woman he’d ever seen.

  “Aric?” She’d make him come with her throaty voice soon.

  She wiggled her hips and pressed back into his pelvis. The head of his cock nudged at her pussy entrance. And fuck if she didn’t suck him right in. He groaned. He tried to tell himself he should ready her for him first but her slick entrance wrapped tight around his cock and drew him in. There was no thinking, just feeling. He dropped on all four and drove deep.