Forbidden Hope: A Werewolf Wars Prequel Novella

by Bethany Shaw

  Claire wrenched her arms away from him. “The alliance is barely twenty-four hours old and you are already scheming against them. Do you really care more about power than your own family?”

  Emmett narrowed his eyes. “An alpha is always thinking of how to better himself and his situation, Claire. That’s why our species as a whole is in the situation we are in. Everyone is looking to better their pack. There are not enough female wolves to sustain our species. We will become extinct if this rapid decline continues. This alliance ensures our family’s survival. Emily will breed and so will Daniel.”

  “You could always tell Juarez no. Emily and Marcus can carry on the family line, and, when Maddie and Amelia are older, perhaps they’ll fancy one of our boys or another here.”

  “Can you honestly see Marcus leading the pack some day? That’s ridiculous, Claire! This decision is the best for our pack and our future.” Emmett sputtered. Why couldn’t she just understand? “He’s already killed the Frasers in Montana and the Smith’s in Idaho. He didn’t even give them a chance to join, because they didn’t have any females. Their packs were bigger than ours. If we don’t join him, then he will kill all of us too. He has the men and resources to take us out within a matter of minutes. If you think what he plans for Emily is bad now, what do you think he’ll do with her when there is no alliance? I guarantee she will suffer a far greater punishment than the path that’s been laid out for her. And there is also Maddie and Amelia to think of. We must work with Juarez.”

  “And here a minute ago you were speaking of overthrowing him. I’m confused Emmett, are you scared of him, or do you want to take over?” Claire snipped.

  “I didn’t mean conquer him right now,” Emmett snarled, exasperated. “We must bide our time first, gain his trust, then we strike at the opportune moment.”

  “Deceit is never the way. A real alpha would never allow this to happen. Stop being a coward and take a stand now! You know that is the right thing to do, you’re just too scared,” Claire stated.

  Emmett saw red. His hand whirled up and he snatched a large clump of Claire’s hair, pulling her so she was just inches from his face. “I’m more alpha than Joseph ever was,” he smirked, knowing that bringing up her first husband was a sore topic. “You will back me on this Claire. Unless, of course, you’ve forgotten our bargain?”

  Claire looked away, her face falling. He released her hair and took a moment to tuck it behind her ear.

  “I haven’t forgotten,” she whispered.

  “Good. I’ve already had enough outbursts from Emily on the matter. Let’s not have another from you,” he said, kissing the top of her head.

  Claire nodded and pulled away from him. She clicked off the lamp and rolled to her side.

  “Good night, Claire,” he said softly as he headed for the bathroom.

  Chapter Six

  Marcus pushed the thick brush out of his way eager to see Emily. Her soft lilac and grass scent lingered in the air, calling out to him. It had been two days since he’d been able to hold Emily. He’d only seen her in passing, and he couldn’t wait to feel her soft body in his arms again. At the thought of Emily, he began to sprint. A fine sheen of sweat beaded on his forehead, and he used the back of his arm to swipe it away.

  “You’re late,” Emily called from his right.

  Marcus turned toward her voice as she emerged from the bushes. He smiled. Relief and love swallowed him whole as he took her in. Her long chestnut hair was swept up into a ponytail, and her emerald eyes shone brightly as she grinned back at him.

  “I was helping Devon.”

  “I’ve missed you,” Emily sighed as he enveloped her in his arms.

  “Are you alone?” Marcus inquired, his eyes scanning the woods.

  “Vincent came out with me to keep up appearances. He said he would stay out of hearing range to give us privacy. But you know how he is, that doesn’t necessarily mean anything,” Emily shrugged.

  “How are you?” he asked, pulling back to appraise her.

  “Better now.”

  “Not being able to talk to you is killing me,” Marcus admitted.

  “How long until Devon figures things out?” Emily asked, running her hands up and down his arms.

  “We’ve already got a plan. We’re setting everything up. I need to ask you something,” he took one of her hands in his and used his other hand to cup her chin.

  “What is it?” Emily breathed.

  “Are you willing to leave? To leave the pack—everyone behind?”

  Emily swallowed. “Just you and me? Isn’t that risky? All these attacks lately, the wolves have been relentless. What is to stop them from trying to take us again, and won’t we be more vulnerable without the whole pack to protect us?”

  “Devon and Vincent will come too. I don’t know where we’ll go yet, but it will be someplace safe. Away from other packs, if we need.” He wouldn’t let anything happen to Emily.

  “We’ll be lone wolves,” she started slowly. “But we’d be together. I’ll leave in a heartbeat if it means we get to spend our lives together.”

  Marcus grinned. They were going to be together. This was going to work and they could be happy together far away from Emmett and the Gulf Packs. He would keep her safe and they would marry and have their own family. Elation filled him at the thought.

  “Good!” Marcus leaned forward capturing her soft, pink lips with his. She tasted like strawberries. He wove his hands into her hair, pulling her lithe body flush against his. Her cool fingers slipped beneath the hem of his shirt, and she began to draw lazy patterns on the small of his back.

  Marcus growled and pushed her against the tree trunk. His hands rolled up the bottom of her shirt, exposing her creamy torso.

  “We can’t,” she whispered, but made no effort to stop him. “My father-”

  “Let’s not talk about him now. We only get a few minutes together, let’s not waste it thinking about him.”

  “But-”

  “Have you transitioned yet?”

  Emily shook her head.

  “Did you bring extra clothes?”

  Emily nodded.

  Marcus grinned. “You’ll wash my scent off when you shift. You can go for a swim in the creek to be extra safe.”

  Emily closed her eyes, smiling. “You’re getting pretty good at this.”

  “I wish I didn’t have to.”

  Emily looked down at her hands before lifting his shirt up and pushing it over his head. Her nails grazed against the plains of his chest.

  “Em,” he ground out.

  She smirked, leaning forward, and placed a kiss to his lips. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  Marcus deepened the kiss, placing his hands on her bottom. He quickly lifted her up and backed her up against the tree. Her long legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer. She fit snugly against him. This is exactly how it’s supposed to be. We work together. She is my mate—my true love. Desire filled him and he needed to show her how much her choice meant to him. He deepened the kiss, wanting to feel more of her.

  Emily pulled back far enough, allowing him to lift her top up and over her head. Marcus traced his fingers up her black lacy bra strap before reaching behind her and unsnapping it.

  She tossed the garment to the ground, and he recaptured her lips, molding their bodies together. He grunted, enjoying the feel of her breasts pressed against him. Emily slid her hands down, fumbling with the button on his jeans a moment. Marcus gently set her back on her feet and shoved his boxers and jeans off while attempting to kick off his shoes. Emily giggled as he stumbled slightly, and he shot her a smile. He watched as she slipped her feet out of her sandals and pushed her panties and shorts down her tanned legs.

  Marcus gritted his teeth as he took in the full sight of her. She was so beautiful. He’d seen her this way many times, but it always amazed him at how truly gorgeous she was. Her beauty expanded beyond her physical appearance. Emily was the kindest, most c
aring person he’d ever met. She was everything he wanted.

  “You’re staring,” Emily teased.

  “And? So are you,” he said as her eyes slid up and down his body.

  “Stop talking! I want to feel you. It’s been too long,” she mumbled as he closed the distance between them. She jumped up, resuming their earlier position.

  His cock throbbed against her thigh—so close to where it wanted to be. Emily wiggled her hips, her hot center rubbing against him, causing a delicious friction. Balancing her with one hand and pressing her firmly against the tree, he slipped his free digits between them and slid one finger inside her tight, wet heat.

  Emily moaned loudly, bucking against him. Marcus growled, wanting to ensure she got as much pleasure as he did. He inserted another finger and started a slow, but steady pace.

  Emily tilted her head back with her eyes closed. Marcus leaned forward, placing a tender kiss to her pulse point. He trailed kisses down her neck and shoulder before dipping even lower to capture a taught nipple in his mouth.

  “Stop teasing,” she panted.

  “I thought you liked my teasing?” He bit her breast lightly, enjoying the way he made her come undone.

  “Not when it’s been so long since we’ve been together. I want to make love to you, Marcus.”

  Marcus hummed against her nipple, enjoying the small shiver that coursed through Emily. He understood her feelings all too well. It was maddening not being able to touch her—to claim her. Being in her presence wasn’t enough. The man and the wolf in him needed more.

  Marcus removed his fingers, and cupped her behind for support before positioning himself at her entrance. Emily opened her eyes and stared at him as he pushed into her. Her mouth parted in an ‘o’ shape as she mimicked his movements.

  Emily ground against Marcus, her breath coming in tiny pants. The world around her disappeared as she got lost in Marcus’ blue-grey eyes. She pushed her fingers into his thick black hair and pressed her forehead against his, never breaking eye contact.

  In this moment, it was just the two of them. Marcus was her soul mate. He was the reason she woke up in the morning. The reason she smiled before going to bed. Her reality was dark and dreary. Marcus was the one thing she had that made her happy and she didn’t want to lose him—lose this for anything.

  She bit her lip in an effort to keep quiet. Her vision blurred as her orgasm approached. Emily gripped onto Marcus tighter, pulling their slick bodies closer. She squeezed his waist harder, a tiny sob escaping her throat as her core exploded, sending warmth spreading throughout her body.

  Marcus increased his thrusts, drawing out her orgasm as he followed her over the edge with a grunt. They clung to each other, limbs entwined, neither willing to break the moment. His eyes searched hers, and she smiled at him.

  “I could stay like this all day,” she sighed contently. If only it were just the two of them here. She would give anything to stay in this clearing all day, to stay in his embrace for all eternity.

  “Me too.”

  “For the love of god, please don’t,” Vincent called from a distance.

  Emily gasped and quickly pulled away from Marcus. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. “I thought you were staying away,” she croaked as her brother emerged from the trees, his back turned to them. She prayed he hadn’t been there too long.

  Marcus gathered up their discarded clothes and handed her garments to her. Emily dressed in record speed.

  “I didn’t see or hear anything, but ugh, I can smell sex in the air. Really?” he turned to Marcus. “She’s my baby sister.”

  “Baby sister by three minutes,” she reminded. “Besides,” she snorted, “you sleep with any girl who has a pulse. I don’t see where you have room to talk.”

  “Hey,” he said, his hand flying to his chest in feigned hurt. “I have standards.”

  “You do?” Marcus retorted.

  Vincent rolled his eyes playfully.

  “I should shift,” Emily said, retreating from them.

  Vincent held up a bag. “I have your spare clothes. You’d better hurry.”

  Emily nodded and dashed out of their sight before stripping again and transitioning.

  ***

  Marcus looked up as Emily entered the kitchen. Her eyes met his briefly before flitting away. She headed straight to the kitchen counter and began putting her plate together.

  “Hey, Em,” Vincent started, sauntering over to her. “We rented Teen Wolf if you’re interested.”

  Emily glanced around the room. Marcus knew without asking that she was looking for Emmett.

  “He’s not here,” Vincent mumbled in a barely audible whisper.

  Emily bit her lip.

  “Dev and I will both be in the room too,” Vincent explained.

  “Okay.”

  Claire grunted behind them, and Marcus turned to the alpha female.

  “I don’t know what you think you’re doing, but whatever it is, you’re only going to make things worse.”

  Emily snorted. “I’m already in a nightmare. The least you could do is let me enjoy my last few weeks of freedom—well what freedom I’m allowed.”

  “I’m trying to keep your best interests in mind,” Claire replied.

  “If that were true, then you wouldn’t let dad send me to New Mexico,” she snapped.

  Claire simply shook her head. She finished filling her plate and then walked out of the room.

  “What is wrong with her?” Emily wondered aloud.

  “She’s just antsy because we caught three wolves on the backend of our property earlier. Dad and Daniel are interrogating them,” Vincent spoke up.

  “Again?” Emily asked worriedly. She glanced from her brother to Marcus.

  “Come on, Em. Shake it off, let’s go watch our movie,” Marcus said, stepping forward.

  ***

  Emily finished cleaning up the living room. As much as she enjoyed spending time with the guys, they were slobs. Vincent was by far the worst; his room was so horrendous, she refused to even cross the threshold.

  “You’re up late,” her father’s gruff voice said from the doorway.

  Emily stiffened; her heart lurched up into her throat. She turned slowly. “I was watching movies with Dev, Vincent, and Marcus.”

  “Marcus?” Emmett’s brow lifted in question.

  “He’s kind of a package deal with Dev and Vincent. Unless, of course, you intend to forbid me from seeing my brother’s too,” she snapped.

  “Don’t get lippy with me, young lady,” Emmett snarled.

  “Or what?” she hissed. “I haven’t broken your rules.” Liar—he doesn’t know that.

  “I’m watching you, Emily,” he warned.

  “I don’t doubt it.” She knew she really should shut up, but she didn’t care anymore. If he was going to force her into a life she would hate, then she didn’t care about respecting him anymore. Respect was earned, and he’d lost her respect the minute he’d put his hand on her and forced her into this nightmare.

  “What is wrong with you, girl?” Emmett yelled. He grasped her shoulders tightly and shoved her forcefully against the wall.

  “Me? What is wrong with you? Do you even realize what you are doing to your family?”

  Emily knew exactly what was coming the second she saw his hand lift up. She cringed away from his palm, but it was not enough to avoid the sting of skin-on-skin contact. Her head snapped to the right, and she blinked back the tears that filled her eyes.

  “You will get your attitude in check before Fernando Juarez returns. This deal is important to our pack. Stop being so selfish.”

  Emily swiveled her head back to her father, narrowing her eyes in defiance. Her heart beat rapidly in her chest as she stared her father down. Emmett’s fist balled at his side. His other hand latched itself around her neck, lifting her off the ground. Her feet floated in the air, and she grasped at his arms.

  “You will show me respect, damn it, and you certainly won’
t embarrass me in front of Juarez,” he replied.

  Emily coughed, trying to speak despite the pressure on her throat. “But my embarrassment is okay? You can send me off to be some whore to Juarez’s grandsons. You can let Juarez pass me around between his grandsons like some toy! That, father, is embarrassing—that you would allow your daughter to be-”

  Emily screeched as the hand flew toward her once again. She shut her eyes, tensing as she braced for impact.

  “Get off of her,” Devon snapped, wrenching Emmett back. Her father’s grip tightened, and he threw her backwards. Emily stumbled in an attempt to right herself, but it was too late. She fell backwards with a scream and crashed through the glass coffee table.

  Shards of glass embedded into her skin, and she hissed as she tried to move. Her whole body ached, but not as much as her heart. Who ever that man was he couldn’t possibly be her father. Father’s didn’t treat their daughters like this.

  “How dare you,” Emmett snarled as he lunged at Devon.

  “No,” Emily screamed.

  Devon dodged Emmett easily, moving quickly on his toes.

  “How dare you treat your daughter like that?” Devon snarled, his eyes yellowing with anger. “What kind of alpha beats up on someone who is defenseless against them? You are not an alpha.”

  Emmett smiled, his green eyes sparkling. “Is that a challenge, boy?”

  A lump formed in Emily’s throat. Oh my god! What have I done? If Emmett thought Devon was challenging his authority—his role as alpha, they would fight for the title to the death.

  “What in the devil’s name,” her mother bellowed as she rushed into the room. Her eyes widened, a hand flying to her mouth as she surveyed the scene.

  “Mom?” Daniel called, racing up to her.

  “Daniel, get your sister out of here,” Claire said too calmly.

  “Mom?” Daniel asked, walking to Emily and helping her to her feet.

  “Go now,” Claire ordered.

  “Devon?” Emily whispered as Daniel lifted her up into his arms and hurried out of the room.

  “Let’s get you to your room,” Daniel murmured, running up the stairs two at a time. “Are you hurt badly?”