by Lia Davis
Panic rose, and her breathing became shallow. A moment later, Cooper linked his hand with hers and leaned into her as they walked. She calmed almost instantly, but her heart still pounded like it was trying to break out of her chest.
They reached the foyer as a knock sounded on the door. Dana jumped and cursed herself for the weakness. "I'm pathetic," she muttered.
"No, you aren't. We have a lot to deal with. Maybe we are meant to face them now. Get it out of the way. We might be able to plead our case. I mean, it is Edwin we're dealing with."
Dana smiled. Cooper was rambling. It was nice to know he was as nervous as she. Facing him, she framed his face in her hands and kissed his lips. His hands gripped her hips, and he rested his forehead against hers. "Thanks."
"No problem. You're right. Edwin is an idiot."
When Dana stepped out of Cooper's embrace, Star opened the door. Two council members stood in the opening. A wolf-shifter and a witch. They glanced at her and Cooper and nodded. Confusion clouded Dana's mind along with suspicion. What was with the niceties?
"Greetings, Priestess." They addressed Star by her Coven title. "May we talk with your niece and her mate?"
Star stared at them for several moments before she said, "They came here seeking answers and guidance. We do not turn those away who need our assistance. And neither of them are fugitives as the rogue Alpha claims."
Dana's mouth fell open. Was her aunt allowed to talk to the council like that? When the witch councilmen reached for Star, Dana growled and stepped between them. "Don't touch her."
The witch cocked her head and then smiled. But it was the male wolf who stepped closer, towering over her. Dana straightened her spine and faced off with him. All hopes for respect left when they threatened her family.
A power more potent than an Alpha's expanded from the councilman, and his wolf entered his gaze. There was a nudge on her subconscious, and the need to submit passed through her. She was stronger than him. A smile tugged at her lips. "My own father was challenged with the same problem. I obeyed him out of love and respect. I protect what is mine."
To her surprise, the wolf backed down. "I thought it was just a rumor. The charmed wolf has always been a myth. Please, be at ease. We came here for your help, and to understand what is going on."
The witch nodded. "Can we take this inside, please?"
Dana moved to the living room and perched on the window seat next to the French doors. Cooper sat next to her. She was grateful for the close connection to him. The more they were together, the more she wanted him there. Then the male had to go and support her. He didn't try to stop her from facing off with the other male wolf. It was like Cooper knew she'd win if it came down to it. And he was going to let her do what she needed to do. Even though she could sense him fighting the need to protect her. A sigh escaped her.
Cooper bumped her shoulder with his. "You okay?"
"Not sure yet."
"We want to thank you for not making it hard to find you," the male said with a grin. "I am Caster, and this is Ellen. Each of us, like all the council members, have gifts. I'm telepathic, and I'm supposed to look into your thoughts." He paused as if waiting for Dana to protest. When she said nothing, he continued. "Ellen is a seer. She has seen two different outcomes. We want to make sure the more favorable result comes to be."
Dana raised a brow. A seer who had visions of two futures? Was that common? "I'm still getting used to the ‘charmed wolf’ title. I prefer not to be called that. I'm not special in any way. However, I too had a vision. Mine doesn't have a happy ending."
Ellen sighed. "Sometimes, visions aren't clear on the end result. Both of mine are bloody, and there are deaths. Only one of them shows where you and Darin die and Edwin gains control over both Packs. I don't need to tell you that cannot happen."
Breathing became difficult again. Dana gripped Cooper's hand. Not Darin. Not her Pack. Tears filled her eyes. "Tell me what you need me to do."
Caster moved closer, and Cooper growled beside her. Cute. "Coop, please." He pulled his wolf back but remained tense as Caster placed his hands on her temples.
"Open your mind for me. I need to go back as far as I can."
She hated for anyone to know her weaknesses. And her mating with Ross was the biggest one she had. But this was necessary. Her Pack’s future depended on it.
While Caster probed around in her mind, Dana didn't feel as uncomfortable as she’d expected to. When he was done, he said in a hushed tone, "Open your eyes."
She did and met his chocolate gaze. His eyes were kind and held the strength of an Alpha and the compassion of a father. "I still plan to challenge Edwin."
"Good. You should do just that. Push him to face to you. Make him make a mistake. When he does, we'll be there." Caster released her and stepped in front of Cooper. "Your turn."
Cooper groaned but straightened. Dana leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "It's harmless." Then she moved off the window seat to give them space.
Ellen smiled at her. "We can't legally go after Edwin, even though we know he is rogue."
Dana growled. “Because the bastard uses the laws to his advantage." She studied the witch for a few moments as something dawned on Dana. "Why do I suddenly feel like a hired hand?"
Ellen's features remained unchanged. "Sometimes, we need to seek those types of services."
So they wanted her to kill Edwin but couldn't outright tell her that. She got it. "This is a one-time service offer from me. I'm no one's assassin. I want Bloodrose Creek as my Pack. They deserve an Alpha who will lead them and protect them."
"We agree."
Caster and Cooper joined them, and Caster nodded at Ellen. "We have what we need. The Reeds are clear of all charges. The death of the enforcer was self-defense."
Dana's heart fluttered in glee. The council members said their goodbyes and left. Dana lowered herself to the floor in relief. They weren't on the run. Well, they never really were.
And, they were free to challenge Edwin. Kill the asshat without question.
Chapter 10
"Dana."
Cooper's concerned tone drew her attention to the bedroom door. Turning, she frowned. "What's wrong?"
A shadow of a smile formed on his sensual lips. "I was going to ask you the same thing."
Tilting her head, she studied him for several long moments. "For the first time since before I mated Ross, I actually feel in control of my future."
He crossed the room and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her flush against him. Desire heated her from the inside out, threatening to consume her. The depths of his green eyes captivated her. The draw to him was almost too much to fight.
Almost.
She broke the eye contact and flattened her hands on his chest. "I need to go see Darin, see if there is any more news. We need to formulate a plan to track Edwin down."
"Tonight? It's almost dark out." Cooper pressed his lips to hers. The promise of passion and the heat of dominance flooded her. She groaned, which made the wolf holding her smile wickedly. "Let's stay here one more night. We can leave at sunrise."
He traced his lips across her cheek to her throat. Her heart pounded, and her pussy pulsed with need. Damn the sexy-ass wolf. She slid her hands up his chest and wrapped her arms around his neck. "You make me weak."
He chuckled. "No, I don't. Together, we will be strong. Together, we will rebuild Bloodrose."
"We will definitely be changing the name of the Pack."
"You sound like you're considering this mating thing."
She averted her gaze to study his shirt. "I can't deny that you are my mate. Although I need time before we can make it official."
With a finger under her chin, he forced her to meet his gaze again. "I won't push you. All I ask is that you don’t shut me out. We do this together. I'm not an Alpha, and would be happy to let you take the position. I'll do whatever you need me to in order to prove it to you."
The truth in his words melte
d her heart. There was no hesitation, no sour scent of a lie. Why was she so stubborn?
Threading her fingers through his hair, she tugged. "Shut up and fuck me."
Cooper gripped her ass and lifted. She wrapped her legs around him as he carried her to the bed. He laid her down and proceeded to remove her shirt. A smile tugged at her lips. She couldn't hold back her amusement.
With a thought, she used her magic to remove their clothes.
Cooper scowled. "I wanted to enjoy undressing you."
She took his hard length in her hand and stroked. He hissed out a curse and pumped his hips. "I'm impatient," she said before leaning forward to take him into her mouth.
Cooper stopped her by pushing her back against the bed, then climbed on, hovering over her. "I won't last if your mouth is on me."
With a quick thrust, he entered her, making all her arguments fall away and turn to moans. She scored his shoulders with her nails and moved her hips in rhythm with his. Each in and out came harder and faster. Pleasure built while the wildfire flared out of control. Yet her magic remained as stable as it had been since she’d released it into the earth earlier that morning.
The sharp pain at the curve of her neck where it met her shoulder broke her train of thought. Pain turned to pleasure as dizzying need rushed through her veins and her mind. A new magical thread formed, bright and beautiful.
Cooper tightened his hold on her, and she did the same to him. They moved together, intensifying the pleasure. Then she saw it. Her wolf had started the mating bond. What the hell?
Every muscle tensed as they both cried out in release. The bond snapped into place.
She held onto Cooper, feeling his regret and guilt. "You didn't do that."
He nodded. "I started it. I felt your wolf call to mine like a siren. I should’ve stopped."
Breaking her hold, he got up and closed himself in the bathroom.
Oh. Hell. No. He was not running from this and blaming himself! She rolled off the bed and stormed to the bathroom door. It was locked. She growled. "Open the damn door."
"Give me a minute."
My ass. "You know I can come in, and I will if you don't open."
He didn't answer so she started counting.
"One."
Silence.
"Two."
The shower turned on. She gripped the handle, and the door opened. Cooper glared at her. "You didn't get to three."
Her lips twitched at the corners. "One thing I learned at a very young age was to never deny my wolf what she wants. She has waited long enough for me to make the decision. It's my fault she is so wild. I allow her too much control."
He crossed his arms. "You spoil her."
"My first mate wasn’t exactly nice. I had to let her take the reins more times than normal." She glanced down at her hands. “For our own safety and the Pack’s.”
Relaxing, Cooper held out his hand. Dana took it and then stepped closer and hugged him tightly. With her ear pressed to his bare chest, she listened to his heartbeat. She’d been so wrong about the mating thing. At least, with true matings. Which is what she and Cooper had.
He was compassionate, loving, calm, and a protector. An alpha male to the core.
And he was all hers.
"This is so not what I expected. It's like our power is balanced." She smiled against his chest.
He sighed. "I told you I wouldn't push."
She glanced up at him. "You didn't. My wolf did. It's all her fault."
The wolf snorted and curled up beside Cooper's wolf. The traitor.
"I don't want you to resent this, or me."
Framing his face in her hands, she quickly kissed him. "I can't unless you betray me. I don't see how you could with this kind of bond. With Ross, it wasn't...like this. I mean, the connection seemed one-way, like he kept me out. The bond between us is open."
When he didn’t speak right away, she added, “I was too afraid to let you in. I guess my wolf knows better than I do.”
That brought a smile to his lips. “They do seem to know us better than we do.” He pulled her farther into the bathroom and shut the door. “Let’s take a shower and then get some sleep. We’ll go to Whiskey Hollow in the morning.”
Chapter 11
Now that Dana was more in tune with her magic, she seemed to like to test her limits. Or Cooper’s. He held his arms out a few inches from his body, trying to steady himself. Dana had teleported them to Whiskey Hollow, and Cooper was about to be sick.
Her smiling face came into view. “Breathe. It’ll pass soon.”
“Not soon enough. Remind me that I owe Star for mentioning that you could teleport.”
Dana laughed and nudged him with her elbow as she passed him. A smile lifted Cooper's lips, and he couldn't help but watch her ass sway as she walked up to her brother's door. Damn, the female was sexy.
Taking another deep breath, Cooper pushed the dizziness away and followed her. Darin opened the door and pulled his sister in for a hug. A moment later, Celeste emerged with a smile. She pushed past the twins and flew at Cooper. Relief flooded him. He hadn’t realized how worried he was about his sister.
Wrapping his arms around her to hug her tightly, he asked, "Are you okay?"
She nodded, burying her nose in his neck. He inhaled at the same time she did, needing to ensure himself that his family was safe.
A tug on the hem of his T-shirt made him release Celeste. Glancing down, his heart swelled at the sight of the tiny girl looking up at him with large, green eyes. He signed, "I missed you." Then he picked up Hope and kissed her cheek.
She threw her arms around his neck and squeezed.
Dana's scent filled the space around him. He glanced up to meet her smiling eyes. After a few moments, she nodded toward the door.
Once seated in the living room, Hope wandered off down the hallway. Cooper watched in confusion. It was almost as if she had made Darin's home her own.
"I have moved Celeste and Hope to my house. They are safer here," Darin announced before changing the subject to Edwin. Cooper glanced at Dana. She shrugged.
"Edwin was here yesterday asking questions about where you were. He was acting odd. Well, more odd than usual. It wasn't until Dana contacted me this morning with the council news that I understood Edwin's strangeness. I believe, somehow, he knows that you are free to track him down." Darin gave Dana a pointed look.
Cooper's chest tightened, and anger bubbled up. "Then he'll set a trap for her."
Darin nodded. "Have you talked with Solon?"
Dana shook her head. "Should I?"
"He wasn't with Edwin yesterday."
Cooper frowned. Solon was always with Edwin. The enforcer was Edwin's first, his right hand. At least until recent months, Cooper noted. "Solon has started pulling away from Edwin, and he doesn’t seem to follow his every demand."
Dana sighed. "Solon has been relaying info to me since Ross died. But I'm not sure which side he is on. It's possible he's working both ends. Anyway, Solon knew where I was. I assume Edwin did, too. The coward wouldn't dare step foot in the Coven, though."
"True. He also reeked of dark magic."
Cooper nodded. "Edwin needs to be taken out. Since Dana is free of all charges, I propose she and I go to Bloodrose so she can challenge him in front of the whole Pack."
As much as he hated to put his mate in harm's way, she was already in danger. Plus, he was mated to her now. He felt her magic, the power of the Goddess Diana. If the legends of the charmed wolf were true, Dana was immortal and protected by the gods. They'd give her the strength she needed.
He hoped that was true anyway.
Either way, he wouldn’t let her go alone.
"I agree. It will be a start even if Edwin isn't there. Dana, you can still stake your claim on the Pack and present your challenge to them. You could call it your first promise speech as their future Alpha. Hell, let them know the council is behind you to gain their trust." Darin threaded his hand through his hair. Af
ter a few moments, he added, "Axle and Noah will go with you."
Cooper tensed. The male names weren't familiar to him, and he wasn't sure he wanted them near his mate.
Dana growled, drawing his attention to her. "Axle and Noah are enforcers." She stood, stretched, and then announced, "I'm going to my house to prepare. I'll meet with the enforcers later."
She moved to the door. Cooper got up and followed.
They walked the short distance to her home in silence. Cooper sensed that she was thinking, planning, and he didn't want to distract her. She'd share when she was ready.
When they were inside the house, she turned to him. Her wolf flashed in her eyes, and one side of her mouth lifted in a wicked smile. With a hand flat on his chest, she pushed him up against the wall. Her mouth covered his instantly. He groaned, gripped her hips, and pulled her closer.
Dana broke the kiss and pulled her head back. Her breaths came in pants. "We should be plotting how to kill Edwin."
"Yeah." Cooper kissed her again. She growled and leaned into the embrace.
She tore her mouth from his and pressed her lips to his neck. A shudder went through him, and his dick jerked behind the zipper of his jeans. "Edwin will fight you with black magic."
A grunt was her response. A moment later, her fingers moved to the waistband of his jeans. In quick movements, she’d undone his pants and freed his cock. Her cool fingers wrapped around him, making him jerk. He leaned his head against the wall and hissed. Damn, it felt good to have her touch him. Pleasure swirled inside him, heating his blood, and filling his cock.
When she dropped to her knees, he almost came at the sight. Then her mouth was on him, sucking him in while she cupped his balls in her hand and massaged.
Fuuuck.
He fisted a hand in her hair and moved his hips. His balls tightened. No. Too soon. He fought to hold on. Just a little longer.
Her voice entered his mind. "Let go."
It was a command, and one he couldn't deny.
His orgasm hit him hard, sending him over the edge.
