by Yvette Hines
His kisses moved from her breasts to her neck, then he took her by the waist and turned her around. Once her back was to him, he admired the swollen, tender mark of his first bite. In the two days since he’d created it, it had slowly begun to heal and close up. Now his teeth marks were barely evident. After tonight, the mark would be vivid again, and once he’d marked her for the third time, the scar would be permanent—the only scar her body would ever carry.
Placing a hand in the centre of her shoulder blades, he pressed her towards the floor. Understanding what he desired, she positioned herself on her hands and knees. Moving between her parted legs, he made quick work of unfastening his slacks and shoving them down to his thighs. His cock jutted forward, insistent, a bead of pre-cum on the head.
In a flash, he yanked the hem of her skirt up to her waist and tore her thong and tossed it aside. His beast would have no hindrance to its claiming. Parting her ass and thighs wide, he witnessed her level of arousal in the wet evidence coating her pussy. Angling the crown of his shaft to her opening, he pushed forward. A growl rumbled deep in his chest at the slick, snug feel of her sex. Scarcely inside her, he paused, took a deep breath, allowing the sweet fragrance of his delectable rabbit to beguile him. Then he pushed forward, hard and sure as he forced space for his hard cock along her tight walls. He didn’t stop until her round, toned ass was cushioned against his hips.
She screamed and trembled as she threw her head back in ecstasy. Rotating her hips, she situated him deeper inside her. It was all he needed to know she was okay. On and on, he pounded into her as he squeezed her hips for purchase.
Lowering her shoulders to the ground, Olivia met his thrusts, bouncing her ass against him and calling his name. “Trae… Trae…”
Yes, Olivia. Take it, baby. Give yourself to me, he transmitted to her, through mental waves. He was beyond physical speech—with his wolf in full force, he was incapable of anything other than growls and roars.
Her pussy clenched around him, allowing him to feel the frequent flutters of her sexual muscles as her orgasm built. His hold on her was so strong he knew she would have bruises on her ass and hips by morning.
As his own climax neared, causing a golden haze of pleasure to cloud his vision, he leaned on his sense of smell and touch.
When Olivia climaxed, the perfume of her gratification erupted in the air and covered him like a blanket as her body quaked before him. Her sex gripped his steely length, but he continued to pump into her with single-minded determination. As his body began to release inside her, he lowered himself onto her, pressing his chest along her back. Wrapping an arm around her waist to keep himself locked deep inside her, he sank his teeth into her shoulder muscle as he’d done before.
She was his now, forever.
You are mine, he declared as his transferred saliva entered her body.
I am yours, she replied, still trembling as she moaned, climaxing once again.
Now no other male, human or otherwise, would be able to come near her with lustful intentions. That solved the problem if that damn vamp, Anton, decided to come flying around Olivia looking for seconds.
* * * *
Standing before her closet, Olivia attempted to decide what to wear. In her room, her closet was the only thing she had yet to pack up. Olivia had been shocked by how fast the week had rushed by. It was already Friday and they were just hours away from Trae’s induction. She had taken the day off to get herself pampered and prepped from head to toe. She had been buffed, fluffed and waxed bare everywhere from the neck down. Today would be a day of firsts. The first time she would meet her in-laws, the first time she would meet Trae’s pack family and the start of the transformation for her first shift as a wolf. The next full moon wasn’t expected for two weeks—the pink moon, also known as the seed moon. Trae had said it was a good sign, and many babies were conceived during that moon. She knew he was hoping that it would be true for them, as well.
Over the last week, she had seen Trae each night when he had stopped by after work to help her pack her things and explain more of his culture and origins to her. She loved the pack’s tie to the Cherokee Nation. For years she had wondered if there was Native blood in her family, especially since people always commented on her jet-black hair and her high cheekbones, but not knowing her parents and her lineage it would remain a mystery. Trae thought it might be true simply because she was his mate and matches didn’t form out of thin air, and he’d convinced her.
She didn’t care one way or the other, as long as he was in her life. All her fear had dissipated. It wasn’t that she was not anxious about tonight and the importance of everything that would take place, but it was all overshadowed by the fact that when she opened her eyes in the morning she would be part of a family. A big family. A family of two hundred, including distant relatives in Oklahoma.
During the week, every time she thought of it, she had gone from tears to giddy, excited laughter. Nothing—except for Trae—meant more to her than that.
On Monday, she had heard from Kelsey and had a chance to tell her best friend that Trae had come over and she was going to ‘marry’ him on Friday. She didn’t know how to explain to her friend the truth of what was going on. Hell, it was hard for her to comprehend, let alone transfer that information to someone else. Kelsey had been shocked, but had told her she was happy for her and would support her.
Despite all her friend’s theatrics, Kelsey was a romantic. Kelsey believed that Olivia and Trae had fallen madly in love and he had swept her up in a whirlwind affair, all the way to the altar. Olivia had allowed her friend to believe it. It was partly true. In the week she’d had to accept her destiny and get to know Trae—a man who was strong, dependable, considerate and a damn good, passionate lover—she’d given her heart to him as well as her body.
She didn’t think the same was true for him. He was an Alpha male, whose sole concern was leading his pack and providing a strong next generation. There was no doubt in her mind that he would protect her and care for her. As he’d explained, not only did his mark bind her to him, but him to her as well. So, she was okay with that and prayed he would grow to love her one day, too.
Perhaps one day she would also be able to tell Kelsey the whole truth. She thought that her friend, who knew how she had yearned for a family over the years, would understand.
She pulled out an off-the-shoulder tunic dress in forest green, the same deep colour as Trae’s eyes when they were intense and filled with desire. Early that morning, he had told her to make sure that she wore something that revealed his mark on her back. All the pack members would be looking to see whether she proudly displayed it, especially since she was human.
Laying the dress on the bed, she headed to the shower for the second time that day. Even though being at a spa was relaxing, she always felt icky after having so many hands on her. After her shower, she added a lightly-scented lotion to her body. There was an advantage to being able to hear her man’s thoughts. She knew that Trae enjoyed her scent, the natural musk of her own body. She didn’t want to mask that, especially not tonight. Even though sex wasn’t part of the third marking, she still wanted to be inviting to him.
She filled her hair with curls, then piled it high on the crown of her head, ensuring it did not obstruct the view of her shoulder. After slipping on a matching thong, she put the dress on, making sure it sagged over her right shoulder. Turning, she checked her back—the mark could be clearly seen, even though it was now faint, appearing to be an old bruise. She had to admit to herself that she was looking forward to having his mark on her permanently.
The final touches to her outfit were gold, dangly, leaf-shaped earrings and gold, high-heeled sandals. Lip gloss was her only facial enhancement.
Hello my delicious, rabbit.
Shivers of heat danced along her spine at Trae’s voice. She still wasn’t sure how she felt about being referred to as something her mate might consider a meal.
She heard him chuckle in her head
as she moved through her apartment to the front door. Would this man never use a doorbell?
Opening the door, she saw him standing there in a black suit and a tie that matched his eyes and her dress. He was so sexy and appealing she wanted to rip the suit off him and beg him to take her, right there and then.
Eyeing his green tie, she said, “Did you read my mind?”
“Just luck. Damn, you look good, Olivia. I don’t know if I’m going to make it through the night.” Rushing across the threshold, he swept her up in his arms and kissed her.
Sighing with satisfaction, she submitted fully to the kiss. Trae encircled her waist with his hands and slipped them down to the slope of her ass, cupping each cheek. The dress might have been loose at the top, but it was snug around her hips to mid-thigh, where it ended. She was glad the material was light, because she could feel every caress and squeeze of his hands.
Unable to help herself, she ground her sex against his hardening cock.
Fuck, I wish I had time to make love to you and that we were alone.
We are alo—
Before she could finish her thought, someone cleared his throat. Since Trae’s tongue was in her mouth it couldn’t be him.
Moving her mouth away from Trae’s, she stared at him.
“Olivia, I’m sure you remember Diego,” Trae said.
Stepping back from Trae’s embrace, she looked past him to the other man who had entered her apartment. She was astonished how her mind and body became completely captivated and solely focused on Trae, disregarding everything and everyone around her. She wondered if it would always be like that.
It will ease up after the third marking and not be so all-consuming. But it will never go away.
That’s good to know.
“Diego, it’s good to see you again.” A little embarrassed, she smiled at him, feeling the heat in her cheeks.
“A grand pleasure, Olivia.” He glanced over at Trae with a sly smile. “I’d hug you, but I think even that would be too much for the Alpha dog to handle.”
Trae growled.
She gave Diego a conspiratorial wink.
Trae growled again, louder this time.
Olivia laughed. Don’t worry, it will get better after the third marking, she joked, mentally giving him his own words back.
“If you give me your car keys, Olivia, I’ll get it to the house and meet you guys at the ceremony grounds,” Diego said.
“Are these the suitcases you’re taking with you?” Trae pointed to the luggage in the hallway.
Crossing to her purse on the coffee table, she pulled out her car keys. “That’s it. There are a few more things that I need to move to the house, but they can wait until next week when I come out to meet the charity truck for the furniture and dishes.” Anything that wasn’t a personal item to her, like her clothes, her old college memorabilia or anything work-related, she was donating to a shelter for battered women in town.
“Perfect.” Diego took the keys from her, then went and picked up her suitcases and headed towards the door. “I’ll see you two in an hour or so.”
“Thanks, Diego.” Trae patted the man on the shoulder as he passed.
“No problem.” Diego left the apartment.
Staring at her from across the room, Trae appeared to be warring with himself about what to do. When his hazel eyes trailed along her body, she knew what was on his mind. The same thing that was on hers. Sex. But they had to go—she didn’t want to show up late on the first night she would meet his parents and his pack.
“I don’t want to go, but we have to.”
“I know.” She agreed, taking in deep breaths to keep her pulse down.
“Are you ready, Olivia?”
Biting the side of her lip, she tried to keep her anxiety from showing, to put on a brave face.
“You’ll be fine. They will all love you as much as I do.”
Her breath was trapped in her lungs and her voice was stuck in her throat. “You love me?” she croaked.
Giving her a devastating smile that was both lopsided and as sexy as hell, Trae confirmed, “Of course I love you, Olivia.”
“Because I’m your mate?” She took a hesitant step towards him.
He crossed the room, but left a small gap between them. “No. Because the moment you walked into The Club you captivated me. No matter what had happened that night, it would have been hard for me not to want you in my life.”
Her throat felt tight and her eyes were burning. She wanted so badly for him to hold her.
“You know I’d take you in my arms if I could, but my urge for you is too strong and this night too important for both of us.”
“I understand.” She gave him a watery smile.
“Then let’s get out of here.”
Nodding, Olivia walked past him and out of her apartment. Her heart felt full. Tonight was going to be the start of her living and not just going through the motions.
* * * *
“You are a beautiful woman, Olivia,” Ziona Wulfene greeted her as she got out of the car. It was dark outside, and if it hadn’t been for the lanterns hung through the trees, Olivia wouldn’t have been able to see her hand before her face.
Olivia stared at the woman, the highest ranked female of the pack at the moment, Trae’s mother. She was graceful and sophisticated in her charming black-and-white print dress with a red belt. Her feet were bare, but Olivia was sure the woman had a pair of fantastic red heels to match. She couldn’t help but wonder if she would ever carry herself with such elegance and class as Ziona.
Having removed her own shoes in the car, as Trae had instructed her, Olivia moved closer to his mother. “It’s very nice to meet you, Mrs Wulfene.”
Waving her hand away, Ziona said, “Please don’t even bother with formalities—you will be my daughter after tonight. Call me Mother, or Ziona if it’s more comfortable.” The older woman pulled her into a hug.
The embrace was so fierce and strong, Olivia allowed herself a moment to relax against the pack mother and accept the affection. Something she had never had from anyone except Kelsey, and now Trae.
Pulling back, Olivia smiled at her. “I’d like to call you ‘Mother’, if you don’t mind.”
“Perfect.” Grabbing Olivia’s hand, she turned to her son. “Trae. I’m very proud of you this night.” When Trae rounded the front of the car and stood before them, his mother kissed him on the cheek.
“Then let’s not keep them waiting.” Trae took Olivia’s free hand and squeezed it.
Olivia looked down at their joined hands, and at the hand his mother still held, and was filled with happiness. She allowed them to lead her through the trees and onto a short path through the woods. The echo of a multitude of voices announced that they were nearing the others way before they broke through the trees and into a large clearing. It was well-lit, with more lanterns on tall poles spiked into the ground. It looked like a huge family reunion, with tents on the outskirts of the group billowing out the delicious aromas of various types of food.
As if sensing they had arrived, the group parted and created an opening to the centre of the circle, where two men stood. One of the men was at least six-foot-three in height, broad-shouldered and with the same colouring and stance as Trae—indomitable. The other man was shorter, with long, jet-black hair that reached his ankles, and he wore the garb of an ancient shaman.
Ziona and Trae didn’t pause or speak to anyone as they maintained a steady pace towards the two men.
“My son.” The tallest man placed a hand on Trae’s shoulder.
Trae’s mother released her hand, kissed her on the cheek, then moved to stand next to her husband.
“My Alpha, may I present my mate to you and to our pack?” Trae’s voice was strong and clear.
“You may.” Trae’s father looked from his son to Olivia.
Olivia’s heart began to beat faster. What if this man doesn’t like me? She hadn’t looked around, but she was sure among the massive crowd t
here would be were females who might have been a better choice.
But not my mate, Trae declared. “This is Olivia, the one the Great Spirit has chosen for me.”
“I, Romel Wulfene, welcome you to our pack, Olivia. I am sure you will lead well beside my son.” Romel didn’t smile, or hug her, but his hazel eyes were filled with pride.
“Thank you. I will do my best to put my Alpha first and care for our pack.” Olivia recited the words Trae had instructed her to say. As she stood there beside the man she loved, she could feel the stares of the people around her. Her back felt as if it was on fire, knowing everyone was observing her mark—Trae’s mark.
“We honour the selection of the Great Spirit.” The shaman appeared small and frail beside the large Alpha wolf, but his voice boomed and carried across the sea of people. “Olivia shall be received and accepted by all.”
Cheers and howls went up around her and, for the first time, she looked away from the small group in the centre of the circle and allowed her gaze to roam the faces of the Wulfene pack members, her new family.
The shaman continued to speak. “Let the induction begin!” He spoke a chant over her and Trae, speaking in a language that sounded both foreign and ancient to Olivia’s ears. Then he pulled a small phial out of his hip pouch and smeared an oily substance on Trae’s forehead. The smell reminded her of combination of ginseng and cedar wood.
When the shaman had finished, all the men began to head towards a dark tent almost hidden by trees. Trae turned to her, his gaze intense and practically glowing with excitement. “Stay with my mother and the other women—I’ll be back soon.”
“I’ll be waiting.” With one last look, Trae followed the other were males into the tent. Olivia knew that he was headed out on his hunt. The other men would go with him, a show of support and confidence in their new leader. He would kill an animal, then share it with his pack, a sign that he would provide for them through strength, cunning and wisdom.
“Well, my daughter, it is time for you to meet the women of the Wulfene pack,” Ziona said, stepping in front of her.
