by Lisa Lace
“I need you,” she whispered against his skin.
He slid his hands around her hips and kneaded her rear as he turned to look down at her. His dark hair and fierce blue eyes left her heart beating so hard that it felt as if it might break through.
“I need you too, baby. I don’t want you to wait this long again.” He picked her up with his hands gripping the back of her legs. Sonya wrapped her legs around his waist and pressed down to take him in. A long groan left her as Alec applied pressure to her hips. She was ready for him, aching and needy.
“Fuck yes,” he whispered against her mouth and lifted her as he pumped his hips. It took him a few minutes to fully penetrate her, but the delicious pressure he created working himself inside left her unraveled.
“Harder, faster, Alec. Please. harder,” she murmured against his mouth as he leaned down to kiss her face. His tongue slid along hers over and over as he used a delicious combination of rocking his hips forward and gripping her ass to work her body against his.
Sonya shuddered as he walked into the river, the water rushing up and lapping at her as Alec continued his assault, his rhythm never broken.
“Your body needs mine, Sonya. I can feel how close you are to release, baby girl. I’m your man. Relax into me and take my cock in deeper. You’re fighting me.” He nipped at her mouth, catching her lip and causing it to bleed. She closed her eyes as he sucked at the cut, their bodies meant for each other.
“Take me, Alec. Force yourself on me. I can’t break my will. I don’t know how to relent.” She choked on a sob as he moved them down into the water, their bodies still connected.
He removed one hand from her ass and slid it up between her breasts, latching on to her throat and applying a little bit of pressure. She pushed against it and groaned as he opened her up fully.
“That’s it. Let go. Let go, Sonya and let me have you. Open your legs wider and relent.”
“Fuck yes,” she groaned as he pressed completely into her. The fire from her orgasm started deep in her womb and spilled out along her pulse points as she screamed his name over and over again.
He leaned over, sucking her nipple into his mouth and pressing his teeth gently to it, causing her to come again, harder the second time. She rode it, her fingers digging into his skin as she rolled herself against him.
The water created a wet friction that made anything seem possible.
“Oh my God, baby,” Alec whispered against her breasts as he licked and sucked at them. His hands moved back to her hips, using her to work himself as the water splashed around them. “So close. Claim me, Sonya, so I can penetrate the deepest parts of you.”
“I can’t,” she murmured, lost to the feeling of him consuming her from the inside out.
“Yes, you can. Do it now or we’re done, Sonya.” He thrusted again, his large cock spreading her wide. The pleasure was too good not to relent to him. He could have anything if he promised her that he wouldn’t stop.
She pushed her lips to his ear and whispered her response. “Mate me. Drive into me and fill me. Take me, Alec. Please, God. Just take me.”
He pressed his teeth into her shoulder, marking her as blood welled up and he spilled himself inside of her. “Mine.”
*
She stayed for most of the night, but slipped out just after the sun rose in the morning. Sonya arrived home to find her brother’s car in front of her house. She was concerned but tried to hide it as she slowly got out of the car.
They hadn’t spoken much since the death of her father, not that they spent too much time together before.
She had pushed too hard for him to be what she wanted for the last fifteen years. He resented her and she didn’t care.
Sonya pushed the door to the house open and called out. “Cade? You still here?”
“In the kitchen.” His voice was neutral, leaving her questioning his intent. She walked toward him and dropped her purse in an empty chair before taking a seat at the table. She still wore her dress from the funeral, but her hair was a mess. Her night with Alec had left her looking like she’d been ridden hard and put up wet and worn.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, trying to keep her voice neutral.
“You’re my sister. I would think I would be welcome here anytime, right?” He carried a plate of bacon and eggs to the table and set it between them before offering her a fork. “I made food though I’m not sure if the eggs are good. I think I cooked them too long.”
“Of course you’re welcome here anytime. There are more rooms in this big ass house than I can count. You could live here if you wanted.”
“Too heavy for right now. I just wanted to share breakfast with you.” He smirked and she took the fork, setting it down and taking a piece of bacon instead.
“Breakfast is a good start.” She sat back and crossed her legs while she studied him.
“Where were you last night?” He took a tentative bite of the eggs before nodding and eating a few more.
“I stayed with Alec. We went running in the woods outside of his house for hours after Dad’s funeral. I must have fallen asleep at his place. I was so tired.” She licked at her fingers before taking another piece.
“Are you mated with him?”
“You’re asking a lot of questions for someone who wanted a light conversation and heavy breakfast.” She chuckled and picked up her fork, wondering how to get out of trying the eggs. They were overcooked. She could tell just by looking at them.
He smiled and picked up a glass of water. “I feel the need to watch out for you, but if you have a mate that would be silly.”
“I don’t know what we are. My bear thinks he’s a match, but I’m still trying to convince myself.”
“You always have made everything more difficult than it needs to be.” He took a long drink of water and pretended to gag when he finished. “Don’t eat the eggs. They taste like cardboard.”
Sonya chuckled and put her fork down, thankful for the save. “I don’t think I make things more difficult. I want to know what I’m getting into before I jump head first into it, you know?”
“Does he make your blood boil when he walks in a room?”
She felt her cheeks heat as she glanced down toward the plate of half-eaten food. “I’m not having this conversation with you, Cade.”
“You would have it with Dad.”
“That’s different.” She looked up at him and wished they had built something stronger before their father had passed. He was the glue between them, but Cade being there spoke volumes. He wanted to work on them, from what she could tell. She did too but didn’t know how.
“Don’t let it be different. Work with me here a little.”
“Fine.” Sonya let out a long breath and sat back. “Yes, he makes my blood burn just by walking in a room. I can hear his name or his voice and my blood pressure rises.”
“And he’s strong and capable of taking care of you?”
“Of me, his own pack, ours…everyone.”
“And you love him.”
She picked up another piece of bacon, unsure of how to answer. Tilting her head to the side, she chewed slowly.
“Stop overanalyzing my question and answer it. Do you love him?”
“Yes. I love him.”
“Then why aren’t you two together?” Cade scooted the plate toward her before standing up and walking back into the kitchen.
“I think we are now, but I’m scared.”
Cade stopped in his tracks and turned around. Sonya looked up at him, taking in the shock on his face.
“The great unbreakable Sonya Valsek is scared? A new Alpha in town wants to take over our pack and you’re fearless. Our father dies and you’re a pillar of strength. The right man returns into your life and you’re paralyzed?”
“Fuck you,” she grumbled and turned her attention back to the food in front of her.
“Nope. You’re not shutting me out.” Cade walked toward her with purpose. Sonya stood up and
pressed her chest to his as he narrowed his eyes on her. It was the most aggression she had ever witnessed from her brother.
“I’m not taking this from you or anyone else. I’m in over my head and Alec is the last thing I need trying to take my attention.”
“Alec is the only thing you need taking your attention. He’s the Alpha. Give in to him. Your bear will force you to anyway. Stand beside him while he fights this shit on your behalf. On our behalf.”
He reached for her, wrapping her in a hug and pulling her close. “You need him like the air you breathe. I’m an Alpha too, whether I care to admit it or not. I can sense him all over you and your acceptance. Stop fighting against it.”
“I don’t know how to stop fighting, Cade.”
“You’re fighting yourself, Sis, not him. Give in to him and get ready to support him. He’s going to pull us all through this. I know it.”
“How? How do you know?” Sonya moved back and looked up at her brother, realizing how much he looked like her father in his younger years.
“Because with you beside him there is nothing he won’t be capable of, Sonya. Nothing.”
Chapter 18
Alec checked his phone before walking into the pool hall. The music playing over the speakers sounded dark and methodical. It smelled like smoke and reminded him of the places he prowled around in his younger years. It was just before lunch, which left the place relatively empty. It was a good thing seeing that Alec thought a fight would probably be the end result of the meeting.
Dax was six years younger than him and was just like Alec if Alec had made the wrong decision at every point in his life. Alec was a little surprised that the brown bear Alpha had been so quick to meet him. Usually, these encounters took place in the middle of the woods at night and someone walked away limping or was buried where they last stood.
The guy must have thought he could find a comrade in Alec. Not even close.
A punk-ass looking blonde stood near a pool table at the back with two pool sticks in his hand. He nodded as Alec walked up, extending the pool stick and smirking.
“You’re late,” Dax barked out. As if Alec gave two shits.
“You’re lucky I showed at all. I have more important things to do than meet up with some shrimp-dick from overseas and warn him. You know the rules of our people. Don’t be a bitch or I’ll treat you like one.” He took the stick and forced himself not to break it on the bastard’s face. Knowing that he had touched Sonya left him trembling with rage every time he thought about it.
“I like you already. You’re lucky you’re in another pack.” Dax smiled and leaned over, taking the first shot. It was spot on. The sound of the balls cracking calmed Alec slightly. He needed a drink to ensure that they had a chance to talk before he whooped the pup’s ass.
“I’m interested in Victor’s pack as well.” Alec rolled his shoulders, enjoying the look on the other man’s face.
Dax laughed and pointed the pool stick at him. “You’re up. You almost had me there for a minute.”
Alec leaned over and hit the white ball, knocking in three balls in one shot. He had spent years perfecting his game as he roamed the world restlessly. Those days seemed so far behind him and yet they weren’t. Thank God for Victor and his willingness to interfere with providence.
“I’m not sure what you mean, Dax. I’m interested in the pack. Their leader is a woman I plan on claiming.” Alec pointed his pool stick at the punk. “You’re up. Beat that.”
“Not bad, not bad.” Dax leaned over. He looked up at Alec and stood up before shooting. The tick beating frantically on the side of his neck gave him away. He was unraveling because control was slipping from his fingers. “You’re a black bear. You’re not allowed to take the brown bears. It’s against the rules. You should know this if you are who they say you are.”
“Oh, I think if you did your homework you’d know pretty quickly that I’m a rebel by nature. I’m not interested in rules. I take what I want ��� when I want it.” Alec nodded to the pool table. “Shoot or forfeit. I have things to do today. I’m here to give you a warning that if you cross over into my lands again, I’ll feed your balls to the hyenas outside my window. They’re always looking for a snack.”
“I’m taking the pack from the girl. You can have her, but the pack is going to be mine.” Dax moved around the table and stopped a comfortable distance from Alec.
“I think not, pup. You might want to be careful who you threaten. The brown bears are in a vulnerable state right now, but us black bears, we’re not at all. You and your boys were on my lands yesterday. Don’t do it again. Got it?”
“Fine, but back the fuck off the brown bears. We didn’t come over here to start a war. We’re a strong pack in Europe and looking to come to the States. You and I can come up with an agreement with you as the Alpha of the Black’s and me of the Brown’s, but they are mine and I will be stepping up as their leader.” Dax shrugged as if his word were law.
So young and dumb.
“You’ll be fighting for the position.” Alec walked to the wall and slipped his pool stick into the holder.
“Sonya is tough, but I can take her down. I don’t want to, but if she gets in my way I don’t have a choice. You’re an Alpha, Alec. You understand this.”
“This pack isn’t up for grabs.” Alec moved to stand in front of the younger male. His calm was starting to piss the kid off.
“Says who?”
“Me, and I’ll tell you one more thing too. Hit a woman again and let me hear about it. I’ll fuck you up so badly that your pack will need a new Alpha. I’m happy to take care of them too.”
“Don’t threaten me. I don’t play games, old man.” Dax took another step toward Alec, puffing out his chest as if he had a foot to stand on. Three other men walked toward the table, two of them twice the size of Alec in human form. They had no idea what they were up against.
“I see you brought your friends. I appreciate that. Let’s go outside and I’ll take care of you.”
“You trying to buy me off?”
“Nope. I’m going to kill all of you and chuck you in the woods. It will save you from the trouble you’re about to put yourself through.” One of the bears growled, but Alec wasn’t concerned in the slightest. He glanced around and looked back to Dax.
“No one here to back you up, Alec?” Dax chuckled and looked back to his guys.
“Nope. We said we were meeting here, just you and me. I keep my word. No need to bring anyone else. I’m the Alpha of the largest clan in the world for a reason. I don’t need anyone’s help.”
“I’m telling you to back off or you’re going to regret what happens. There are only four of us here to scout things out, but if anything happens we will bring retribution to your door.” Dax slipped his hands in his pockets and took a step back, leaning against the pool table behind him.
“You heard me, right? I keep my word. I’m going to have the girl, the pack and your ass buried in the back woods of my forest. It’s a promise, little man. Bring your boys when we fight.”
“I’m not fighting you over the brown bears. You’re not their Alpha. I’ll be fighting the sexy bitch that worked my cock the other day in her office.”
Alec growled low in his throat and moved faster than any of them expected. He slammed his forehead into Dax’s nose, busting it as the punk yelled and cupped his face. The others moved in quickly and Alec turned his attention to them, snagging the pool stick from their Alpha and swinging it fast and hard.
It connected with the largest of Dax’s boys, breaking on the side of his face as he hit the floor. Alec dropped it and spun toward the other big one, kicking out at the smaller thug before punching the largest one three times in quick succession. It stunned the goliath long enough for Alec to drop a knee on the smaller one while Dax cursed him.
Picking up a pool ball, Alec turned and pegged the first guy in the face as he rose to his feet. With everyone busy trying to recover, Alec turned his attent
ion back to Dax. He picked up the broken pool stick and reared back before jamming it into the Alpha’s chest, ensuring that no bones were broken in the process. It was a warning.
Dax screamed and swung, his punch connecting on the side of Alec’s face. He spit out a tooth before wiping his mouth and smiling. Leaning against the stick, he pushed it in farther.
“Back the fuck up. I don’t play fair. You come near my girl, my pack, or her pack again, and I will cut you up piece by piece until there is nothing left of you. You’re messing with the wrong man, little boy. Pack up your shit and get out of here.” Alec gave the stick one last push and moved, turning and walking out of the bar as he rubbed the side of his face.
Alec got into his car, careful not to get blood on his seats. The possibility of Dax actually heading back to Europe was slim, but at least he knew now that he wouldn’t survive another attack on Alec. Taking out four of them in human form was difficult, but laying waste to them in bear form would be nothing. He was willing and ready to prove it.
Chapter 19
A long nap was in order after Cade finally left. The office was closed on Monday to honor the man who built it up from nothing to something great. Sonya laid in her bed after waking for a while, her thoughts moving from her father back to Alec at breakneck speed. She had become his, so the fight she planned was moot. He wasn’t going anywhere and she was grateful.
Putting him in danger might seem like a selfish thing to do, but she knew that as the Alpha of a shifter group, he sought out danger and trouble. He wasn’t the man she originally fell in love with, but someone older and more stable. She let out a soft sound of appreciation as her body quickened at the thought of him.
He had spent most of the night buried deep inside of her, his hands greedy, lips soft and wet. Since she walked away from him, sex had never been quite right or fulfilling, and he brought back her deepest desires. She slid her hand down her tight stomach and over her sex, pressing softly as she groaned.
It was tender from his aggression and yet she couldn’t wait until he fucked her again.
