by Crystal Dawn
“You mean you knew what Delane had planned?” Reese growled and Jim paled. He swallowed hard and I suspected he was close to wetting his pants.
“Not at all. I did the research before Delane took an interest but I assumed someone would pursue it and the council would eventually hope she could be convinced to change whether she mated a wolf right away, or not.” He concluded. Reese had calmed so Jim had as well.
“I have a computer you can use, but we must find the female as soon as possible. If Delane mates her, I’ll have to kill him.” Reese declared.
I shuddered at the cold emotionless mask his face had become. This was the legendary overseer, the wolf that was fierce and unwavering in handing out judgments. This was a side of him I’d not yet seen and I wasn’t sure I wanted to. He would pursue a wrong doer relentlessly and carry out whatever action was deemed necessary without hesitation. That would include summary execution if needed. He had the look of hovering death on his face even though I knew he might not be forced to kill anyone. Regardless of what he was forced to do or what mask he wore to carry out his responsibilities, underneath it all was the male I loved and the mate I had chosen.
Jim anxiously retreated to the room housing the computer with relief written all over his face. Stan went to the kitchen and we followed him there. He stood looking in the fridge with a lost look.
“Is everything gone?” I asked.
His big sad eyes looked at me and he nodded. Puppy dog eyes looked even sadder on a wolf. “I’ll cook more.” I said and he lit up instantly. Reese was right, food was everything to Stan. I hoped when he found his mate she could cook.
I spent the next couple of hours cooking and talking with Stan and Reese, who had moved a laptop in the kitchen and was feverishly working typing on it. I wanted to know more about what he did, not because I thought his business would interest me, I had no idea what is was so I didn’t know, but because it was part of what made him who he was. The first of the food I was cooking, pasta, was done and I served the fettuccini Alfredo with garlic bread. They fell over it like hungry wolves. Ha ha! I was becoming a comedian. I made apple and cherry pie for dessert and Stan ate a whole pie. How could anyone keep up with that?
I suspected we would need to hire some house help especially if I found myself knocked up. The thought of a baby didn’t scare me as much as it had before. I found myself thinking more about a little boy who was a miniature Reese than focusing on all the responsibilities that being a parent involved. I thought it might be because I was helplessly and hopelessly in love with my mate.
Reese had implemented everything he could to find my sister and now it was up to Jim and Reese’s guy, I think his name was Henley. But I wasn’t sure. I could only hope we’d find her soon, but hope is a fragile thing. Cooking helped me to sort things out in my mind. I know it sounded weird, but I found it relaxing as well as fulfilling. Here at Reese’s house I found plenty of males that appreciated everything I fixed for them.
A couple days passed, both pretty much the same. I cooked and Reese worked on his laptop at the kitchen table and even when we didn’t talk, there was a companionable silence that gave me a sense of belonging. Jim worked out of Reese’s office and he and Henley spoke on the phone often. They updated Reese twice a day and it seemed like they were getting closer by the hour. Grandma had passed but they were sure my sister was still alive. There might be more distant relatives like cousins too. Surprisingly, I felt a bit excited at the thought of discovering new connections to my blood relations. I’d never cared or wondered about my roots until Delane told me I had a sister.
We were sitting at the table enjoying lunch, when Henley and Jim came in with news. Henley was Reese’s investigator. He checked out business associates and anyone who caused the pack trouble. Henley was a blue eyed blond with pale skin, almost perfectly the opposite of Reese in coloring. He was tall, nearly as tall as Reese but not as broad.
Henley explained, “We’ve got an address and we thought you’d want to go with us.”
“Let’s go.” Reese ordered. “What are you guys waiting for?”
“Lead on!” I instructed and he led the way.
We all went out and got into Reese’s SUV. My stomach tensed with nervousness as I worried what she would think of me. Would she like me? Would she even want to meet me at all? My mind was a crazy mess of insecurity and worry. Reese got in the driver’s seat and I got in the passenger seat. Jim hopped in the last seat while Henley and Stan sat behind us. Reese reached across the storage compartment between our seats and squeezed my hand. He seemed to know how confused and nervous I was and his reassurance helped. He started the car and Henley set the GPS on his phone so it would guide us to the address. I prayed to the goddess that we would get there first. I knew first-hand how objectionable Delane was and I wouldn’t wish him on my worst enemy much less my family.
Caught up in the excitement of the moment, none of us had asked where we were going. “Um, Henley, where are we going?” I asked.
Henley laughed. “You won’t believe this but your sister moved around several times and finally settled town about thirty miles away from you.”
I answered, “That’s kinda unbelievable!”
“I agree but there she is.” He observed with a shrug.
Reese asked, “Are you sure you have the correct female?”
“I have no doubt. She moved around a bit and even changed her last name, but that may be what caused Delane so much trouble when he looked for her. It didn’t slow Jim and me down much at all.”
The rest of the drive was completed in silence except for the directions Henley’s phone gave from time to time. I glanced behind me and I saw that Jim and Stan were sleeping and Henley was on what looked like a notepad. He had pulled down a tray and set his note pad on it. He was typing feverishly and seemed to be getting a lot done. I would have been caught up in the throes of car sickness by now if I’d tried that. Reese was watching the road attentively and driving with confidence like he did everything else.
I studied him and his concentration on the road allowed me to look my fill without him noticing. I wished I could trace the strong line of his jaw with my fingers, kiss his full lips and feel his strong hands on me. He pulled at my heart, but my body had a powerful reaction too. He looked my way and I realized he must scent my arousal. It was hard not to get hot with him nearby. I shook myself mentally and put my mind to the matters at hand as the instructions came faster when we entered the town my sister was reported to live in.
Excitement started to overcome the nervousness I’d felt earlier as I realized we were almost there. Minutes later, Reese pulled into the driveway of a small bungalow. It was neat and well kept, but with few frills. There were flower beds but it was too early for plants to be in bloom. This was the house of someone who kept things orderly and either didn’t have the money or didn’t care to have the little homey touches. I liked those kinds of things and this might be the first indication of a widening chasm between us before we even met. This was just a house while Reese lived in a home.
Reese came round and opened my door pulling me out into his arms and holding me tight against him before letting me slide down to the ground. The feeling of his warmth and his support built me up at a time a desperately needed it and I’d never felt a stronger bond than I did with him at that moment. He held my hand squeezing it just enough to reassure me as we walked up the sidewalk to the door. I’m not sure at what point I realized something was wrong. We stopped, both of us at the same time scenting the air and catching the remnants of strange wolves and one not so unfamiliar one. Delane and his cohorts had beaten us here. I also caught the smell of blood, faint but definitely there.
He dropped my hand and motioned to me to wait while he signaled Henley and Stan to circle to the back of the house. I suspected everyone of any importance was long gone, but I understood the importance of making sure. Once they made it around the back, Reese moved cautiously to the front door. I followed clos
ely behind him disregarding the instructions to stay put. I knew he was aware of my presence behind him and that he would have something to say about it later. Right now he had to concentrate on the matter at hand and I was taking advantage of that.
He made it to the door and he stood next to it leaning over to try to peer inside. Whatever he saw didn’t sit well with him. “Damn it!” he cussed and he forced the door with his super alpha wolf strength. It was impressive how easy the door gave in. The door knob had given way so the door was still intact but it would no longer stay closed.
The strong smell of death, several hours old hit me and I started to panic before I recognized the scent of male wolf. Reese stalked in the door and moved straight to the body. “He’s been shot. I guess your sister knows how to defend herself. There were just too many of them.”
I scented five others including Delane. Six against one and they were all wolves while she was human. Stan and Henley came in through the back and Jim wandered in behind us slowly with a fearful expression. He asked, “Did Delane do this?”
No one answered but I was sure that was answer enough. Stan put on gloves and turned the body over on its back. He held his face straight while Henley took a picture of the corpse. Reese got on the phone and reported the incident to the closest warden. Our town worked with the wardens from time to time to keep the peace and punish the guilty. Reese was talking fast and it didn’t really matter what he said. The wardens would come, remove the body and document the occurrence. They might attempt to look for my sister, but it was unlikely they would find her.
“What now?” I asked. All the guys looked at me then Reese.
“Now we go home and try to figure out where Delane is. I’m betting it’s closer to home than here.”
He made sense. Delane would stay close to what he knew, weres were just that way. Even though his father had banished him, home would lure him. It was unusual for wolves in particular to go far from home except to put in a stint in the military when they were young or go to college. Usually by the time they reached Delane’s age, there was no reason to leave. In addition to that, Delane had always considered himself the crown prince to his pack and I doubted his feelings had changed just because his dad’s had.
We were headed home but Reese was unhappy with me. I had a feeling we were about to have our first fight. I was steeling myself not to give in and to stand strong. I had rights and he needed to understand we were partners. He might be an alpha to the pack and a boss to his wolves, but to me he was a mate. I shot him glances and I noticed the frown lines on his face. He was either worried about what had just happened with Delane or furious with me. It could even me a mix of both. The ride was quiet with no conversation and everyone seemed lost in their own thoughts. The trip back seemed faster because Reese needed no instructions and he was going fast.
We pulled into the drive and I fled into the house without waiting for Reese to help me out. I went straight to the kitchen where I immediately started cooking. I wasn’t sure if Reese was the type that would cool off given a little time or the type to stew and finally explode. I was taking a chance hoping he would cool at least a little before we spoke. He came in and gave me a look of disapproval before he sat at the table and powered up his laptop. It seemed that while he didn’t approve of my stalling, he would let me get by with it. It was possible he intended to punish me later, but I hoped he wouldn’t.
I cooked for a couple hours as I usually did. We ate and I cleaned the dishes, thank the goddess for the dishwasher. I could find no way to stall any longer. Reese’s eyes gleamed with his wolf’s alpha power as he held his hand out for me. I had no doubt I was in trouble deep when I looked at his face. He pulled me up the steps and I reluctantly followed. We entered the bedroom and he closed the door. I jumped at the loud noise it made when it slammed. I suppose I could compare my feelings to a condemned prisoner about to be strapped to the chair. Okay, maybe he wouldn’t be that bad but I had a feeling he had plans for me that I wouldn’t like.
Reese looked at me long and hard before he growled, “You knew I wanted to speak with you as soon as we got home.”
I couldn’t deny it, but didn’t I have any say in what happened? I just nodded. “Why did you stall?”
“I needed to cook and I thought you might cool off with a little time to think.”
He stalked closer to me and his wolf eyes mesmerized me.
“Do you still think that?” I shook my head since it was obvious he was the type to stew. “What should I do with you?” I knew it was a rhetorical question that needed no reply. He already knew exactly what he planned to do to me.
He stepped forward with an intent look on his face. I stepped back feeling nervous and uncertain. I took a step back for each step he took until I felt the bed behind my legs. He had herded me where he wanted to go and I’d been so oblivious of everything except the glow in his eyes that I’d let him. Now he was in front of me close enough to touch and there was no escape.
He said, “We are mates and that makes us partners much of the time. But I am your alpha at times like today when I give you an order, you will obey. Your safety is important to me but if you don’t already, you will soon carry my pup and there will be no risks taken with our child. Are we clear?” I nodded. “I need to hear your answer, Megan. This is too important for any confusion.”
“Yes, I understand.” I was starting to feel relieved that he wasn’t set on punishing what he perceived as an infraction.
“Oh no, Baby. This isn’t over yet. I need to teach you that when it comes to matters of safety, my word is law. I won’t be too hard on you but I intend to make you remember not to mess with me.”
It was almost funny that I felt both a sexual excitement and a bone deep dread over what kind of punishment he was planning on giving me. I heard fabric tear and realized he had ripped my shirt right off me. “If you like those jeans, get them off fast.” He directed as he stripped out of his own clothing. I hastily complied.
He lifted me on the bed and joined me grabbing my hands and holding both my wrists in one hand and stretching them above my head. He latched onto one of my nipples sucking until it was sensitive, red and I moaned for more. This was punishment? He continued to suck on my nipples one at a time as his hand squeezed and caressed the one not in his mouth. He sucked on them so long they began to ache and the spot between my thighs pained me with need.
I finally moaned, “Reese, I need you inside me.”
“Yes, I think you do.” He replied with a sexy grin and went back to his work. His hands now moved over me touching everything but the places I most needed his touch. I was beginning to understand what his idea of punishment was. He was driving me crazy and I ached so bad I could feel my rapid heartbeat pounding between my thighs and he refused to touch me there.
“Reese.” I groaned but he ignored me and just kept sucking my nipples until they began to ache as much as the space between my thighs. I squirmed helplessly needing him to give me satisfaction. He moved down past my breasts and licked, nipped and sucked along my belly. He tongued my navel and moved down but skipped my aching core as he worked his way down the inside of one leg and back up the inside of the other as I writhed in sexual agony.
“Has someone learned a lesson?” He asked in a whisper.
“Yes, oh goddess yes.” I moaned almost beyond reason.
He released my hands and he dived in between my legs spearing my channel with his hot, wet tongue. My legs hooked around him and held him in place. He wasn’t going anywhere until I had some relief. My fingers wove their way into his hair and I gently tugged him closer. He chuckled up against me and the vibrations drove me wild. It would take little to set my world on fire since he had pushed me up to that point before backing off. This time I wouldn’t allow him to stop.
He tongue fucked me until I was close and then he sucked my clit into his mouth and I came screaming his name. I came so hard I saw stars and I thought I might pass out. He slid up my body firm
ly ensconcing his rock hard cock into my center. My legs wrapped tightly around his hips and I pressed my toes into his fleshy butt cheeks. He was a beast as he took me, plowing deep and rolling his hips to give me maximum enjoyment. My need built again even so soon after such a magnificent orgasm I was on the threshold of another one already. He bit my nipple lightly as he thrust home hard and I skyrocket into oblivion cumming even harder than before. I heard his howl echo in the room and I felt hot liquid spurt deep inside me. I felt complete and totally worshipped, but he had made his point about being safe. I had more to consider now than just myself.
He rolled us to our sides and he wrapped himself around me making me feel safe and loved. We whispered sweet words to each other and confirmed our commitment to each other. This thing between us was perfect no matter what happened outside of this room, in here he was my rock and I was his safe harbor. Warmth surrounded me tempting me to sleep but I wanted to enjoy this time in his arms with the worries and cares of the world pushed aside.
I drifted off and eventually fell into the deepest sleep I could ever remember having. When I woke, Reese was gone and his side of the bed cold as ice. I suspected he’d gotten up early to start the search for my sister. I got up, showered, dried and dressed. I went downstairs hoping someone would be there to tell me what was happening. A couple of the younger guys were in the kitchen but they left as soon as they saw me. I figured they were worried that they might incur Reese’s jealousy if they hung around. They wouldn’t know anything worthwhile anyway so I didn’t mind them leaving.
I started the coffee, amazed that all these males could function without it. They always drank tons of it if I kept it fixed. I started some breakfast but only made enough for me since everyone else was gone. I ate my food with the great appetite all wolves had. I heard a knock at the door and went to answer since no one else was here to do it. I was surprised it was Mom and Dad. I guess I should have been surprised they hadn’t come sooner.
