by Erin West
I giggle. I’m pretty sure that’s what all of them think.
He swings the door open, snarling at whoever stands there.
Oren’s cheeky smile greets us, and Eli runs a hand over his face.
Oren’s earthy essence calls to me. “Can I have a few moments alone? It’s time for me to head back, and it will be a couple of days before I can return.”
“Yes.” I run my hand across Eli’s back as I walk out of the room. It doesn’t feel right taking Oren into mine and Eli’s space; it’s only fair that we each have our own space to be together. Though, Oren and I haven’t found that space that’s just for us.
His hand grips mine, walking with me down the hallway and into the other wing, where Eli gave them rooms to use while we are here.
This space fits Oren, with its earthy tones and warm atmosphere. The olive green walls and dark wood furniture is masculine with a soft touch.
We sit on the couch in the sitting area, our bodies pressed together. I’m beginning to crave the coolness of his touch.
He runs his fingers down my cheek and I close my eyes. I squeeze them, wanting to hide the tears pooling in my gaze.
His hand stills on my neck, pushing forward so I have no choice but to meet his gaze. “Please don’t cry. Once all of this is settled, you won’t be able to get rid of me. We can spend all the time in the world together.” Leaning forward, he seals his promise with a light kiss.
My belly flutters and I can’t stop the smile lifting my lips.
He grins. “There’s what I want to wake up to every day. It brightens my day, just thinking about it.”
I push his shoulder. “Oh, you sweet talker. You just want to get into my pants.”
A laugh fills the room. “On the contrary. I’ve already been in your pants. Although, I wouldn’t be opposed to it happening again. It has been a while, and my fantasies need new visuals.”
Oh, damn. My pulse hammers in my chest. Everything will work out, it has to. That’s the only way I’m going to make it through all this shit. There’s no way I can lose any of them after just finding them.
My laughter bubbles up from my gut. “I’ll have to see what I can do.”
I go to stand from the couch, but his hand stops me, pulling me down onto his lap.
“As much as I’d love that, I really have to be going. I’ve put off going back as long as I can, waiting for you to get back.”
His erection pushes into my ass, and I can’t stop my hips from grinding against him.
Groaning, he grabs me, stopping my movement. He stands, holding on to me, and slides me down the front of his body until my feet hit the floor. “I have to go, baby. Dream of me while I’m gone.”
Unable to say anything, I nod. He kisses me hard and long, drawing away.
“Be safe.” My voice trails off as he leaves the room and I plop onto the couch, soaking up the warmth he left behind.
Chapter Twelve
The wind shifts in the air, and Drake enters the room. His amber eyes glow and he stops when he finds me.
Was he just using his wolf to sniff me out? That’s weird, but hot.
He smooths down his black shirt and clears his throat. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you or make you feel as if I betrayed your trust.”
Times like these, it’s hard to believe he’s an alpha. He’s so considerate and caring. I stand and make my way to him, taking his hand.
“No, it’s okay. I was hurt and caught off guard.” I let out a breath. “It’s like the past few months, everything has changed. This whole new world,” I lift my free hand, gesturing around the house, “has become this reality to me. And, strangely, it’s made me feel complete. I never felt a hundred percent like I belonged anywhere, and this explained everything.”
Now, I’m blabbering. “What I’m trying to say is, even though in a way, this has made sense to me, it’s also flustering. There is so much I don’t know, and it keeps popping up, and I’m tired of always being the only one without answers.”
Shaking his head, he pulls me close. “Don’t ever feel that way. We just have been immersed in this since birth. You will get there, and I will make a point to help you. I will not contribute to you feeling this way again.”
He presses his lips against mine, and I respond with intensity. This man has taken care of me since day one; there isn’t any doubt in my mind that he’s sincere.
His hands move under my shirt, causing the buzzing of our connection to spring to life. I moan into this mouth and step closer into him.
At that moment, a buzzing in his front jeans pocket springs to life. He continues to kiss me, ignoring it. He kisses down my neck when the phone goes off again. “Fuck, I better check this.”
I moan in protest as he answers the phone.
“What?” His tone is husky, and his gaze stays locked on me.
Not able to keep my hands to myself, I reach under his shirt, running my fingers along his waistline.
Before I can tease him any further, his body tenses. He leans forward, placing his forehead against mine. “I’ll be there within the hour.” He hangs up the phone and puts in his pocket. Reaching out, he pushes a piece of hair behind my ear. “As much as I would like to stay and continue this, I need to get back to the pack for a little while.”
I reach out and grab his hand. “What’s going on?”
“They are getting disgruntled that their alpha is away so long and are getting worried and restless.” His forehead wrinkles.
He’s sacrificing a lot being here. “Do you need to stay there instead of here?”
“Look, I’m having a hard time staying away from the pack.” His tone is soft, and I nod.
“I get it.”
“Let me finish.” Stepping to me, he lifts my face up to look at him. “There’s no way in hell I’ll stay away from you. I just need to go back for a little while. They need me, too, but I will be back. You are the most important thing to me.”
My chest feels lighter and I grin. “I’m coming with you.”
Raising an eyebrow, he smirks. “You are, huh?”
Shrugging, I cast my eyes to the ground. “Well, you did say I should spend time with them.”
“And you should.” He intertwines our fingers. “Come on, let’s go take care of our pack.”
Laughing, I head toward the stairs. “I like the sound of that. Let me go grab my cell phone first.”
Nodding, he heads outside. “I’ll be waiting.”
I head back to my and Eli’s room and grab my cell phone off the bed.
Eli pops up. “Heading out again?”
“Yeah.” I wrap my arms around him, giving him a hug. “I’ll be back soon. There is something going on with the pack, and I figured I should go.”
Pinching the bridge of his nose, he groans. “This sharing shit is for the birds. I don’t like it, but,” he leans down and kisses my lips, “I’ll do anything for you. Yes, we need the pack on your side. Go with him and gain their allegiance.”
I stand on my tiptoes and kiss him one last time. He wasn’t lying earlier. He is trying to be a better man for me. “I’ll see you soon.”
Soon, I’m sliding into the passenger seat of the car with Drake.
As soon as I’m settled, he gives me a huge smile. “I’m so glad you’re coming.”
To be fair, I’m not. I’m nervous after what went down the other day, but I’ll be damned if I let anyone know. That’s the sole reason I’m going. No one will push me around. That’s one thing I’ve always made sure of, and even if I have four overprotective mates, I’ll be damned if I let anyone begin doing it now.
Turning up the music, we listen to classic rock on the way to the compound. When we pull up at his house, there are people standing out front, waiting.
An older gentleman I’ve never seen before makes his way toward us. His short black hair is in disarray. As he approaches, he adjusts the jeans around his waist, as if he’s just put them on, and pulls his shirt down. “So gl
ad you could make time for us.”
Drake stays polite and wraps his arm around my waist. “I’m sorry we’ve been gone so much, but as I told you, my mate is in grave danger. We are trying to keep her protected.”
“Hmph.” He scowls at me. “If she’s your mate, how come I smell demon, Fae, and vampire on her?”
“It doesn’t matter.” Drake’s tone turns raspy. “I’ve claimed her.”
The guy inspects me from my head to my toes. “I get the appeal. I really do. She’s sexy and probably great in the sack…”
Oh, hell no. Before he can continue the statement, fire’s bursting out of my hand and thunder is crashing in the sky. I lift my chin toward him. “I would think twice before finishing that sentence.”
The thunder increases in volume and other shifters run out of their houses to see what is going on. The sky was crystal clear just moments ago. A few of the shifters make their way up to the house.
Eyes wide, the older man stares at me with trembling hands.
The girl from the other night steps up. “Oh, you think you’re so brave now. You had Drake fight me off the other night.”
And I knew that would bite me in the ass. “Let’s go then.”
Drakes touches my arm. “She’s one of the strongest in our pack. You don’t need to do this.”
Turning my body toward him, I let the fire extinguish. “I have a question to ask, but I need an honest answer. Do you promise?”
Biting his lower lip, he nods. “I promise.”
“How does one earn respect here? How did you get to be Alpha?” I know the answer, but I need him to say it.
Flinching, he looks away. “You have to prove dominance.”
“Let me do that.” My tone is almost a plea, even though I’m not asking permission.
His shoulders sag. “I don’t like this.”
I stand on my tiptoes and kiss his lips. “I know, but you have to trust me.”
Leaning his head back, he glances up. “Was I stupid to think I could fight all your battles for you?”
Tapping him on the nose, I smile. “Yup, let me get this over with so we can do whatever we need to do.”
I turn to face Claudia, who is wearing a smug expression. She circles me, almost as if it’s a dance off.
More shifters are making their way to Drake’s house, somehow hearing the message that a fight is about to begin.
Standing in the center, I pivot and follow her, waiting for her to strike first. I have no clue what her fighting style is, and Bael taught me to pay attention and look for my opponent’s weaknesses.
Chuckling, she tilts her head. “Afraid to strike first?”
However, I remain quiet. I’m not going to be baited.
After a few moments, she makes her first move. She runs toward me and tries to knock my feet out from underneath me.
Jumping up, I reach for my power and throw fire at her bare feet.
She squeals and rolls out of the way. “What the fuck was that?”
She stands and glares at me. Once again, I don’t say anything but watch. Soon, she attacks again, but this time, she pulls a dagger out and tries to stab my shoulder.
I spin around, causing her to run past me. I drop down in a crouch, swinging my leg around and knocking her feet out from under her. She lands on her back with a thud.
Grabbing my own special dagger, I spin and lean down, placing it at her throat. The breath is knocked out of her and my breathing is ragged.
Drake hurries over to me, not able to stay away. He looks at Claudia. “Are you done?”
The blade presses into her neck as she stares at me for a moment before she nods. “Fine, I relent.”
I remove the dagger, keeping it at the ready, and pretend to turn my back.
She jumps from the ground, turning her hands into wolf claws.
Someone screams from the sidelines.
Twisting around, I jump toward her, calling my powers from within. I speed toward her like a flash of light and hit her in the chest, knocking her back and dodging her claws. When she hits the ground, I pull the dagger out and cut into her neck, dripping blood on the blade. I lift my chin as I stare down at her. “Never do something like that again. This is a warning. Next time, I will kill you.”
Drake is beside me in full wolf form, growling and pacing.
Claudia’s eyes widen in terror, and she trembles. “I’m sorry, Alpha. I didn’t think she was worthy of you.”
An even more threatening growl wracks his body.
Glancing at her, I raise an eyebrow. “Are you done now?”
She nods. “Yes, I promise.”
“Okay, good. Because I have to go calm him down.” I turn to walk away.
“Wait.” She reaches out, touching my arm. “You’re going to help me?”
“Yes, but only because I think you were trying to do what’s best for the pack. We’re on the same side.” I point to Drake, who’s still growling and staring her down. “He’s my mate, and he’s overprotective. He doesn’t fault my flaws.” I tilt my head at her. “You were more objective and looking out for everyone. I respect that. I’ve learned a lot of weird stuff can happen, so sometimes, it’s not always what it seems at first glance.”
Not wanting to talk to her any longer, I head over to Drake. Just because I understand what she did doesn’t mean that I like her.
Circling me, he sniffs every part of my body, growling the entire time.
My fingers run through the soft, thick fur on his head, stopping him in his tracks.
Standing, he is almost eye level with me, a big fucking wolf. Glowing amber eyes pierce right through me, searching my gaze.
Mine softens and I lower my voice. “I’m fine. There’s not even a scratch on me.”
Power swirls around him as he shifts back into human form, and he’s naked. Heat flushes through me as I take in all his tanned, muscled glory. Then I remember the pack members surrounding us and step closer to hide him from them.
A deep chuckle vibrates against my cheek and I glare at Drake.
He shrugs. “We’re shifters, love. We are comfortable in our nudity around others.”
I point the dagger still in my hand at someone standing behind him and circle around the people around us without breaking my stare. “You may be, but I’m not comfortable with them seeing you like this.”
He closes the miniscule distance between our bodies, cupping my face in his hands. “I’m sorry. You are the only one for me.”
Leo approaches, holding out a pair of jeans for Drake, who puts them on.
I put the dagger back in the waistband of my shorts. I need to get a sheath for it so it can be on me at all times.
Leo kneels down on one knee in front of me.
My head cocks to the side and my eyebrows squeeze together as I glance at Drake before I focus on him. “I hope you’re not going to propose. It’s a little late for that. I’m kind of taken.”
He laughs, meeting my gaze. “Maybe tomorrow. I don’t feel like dying today.” He winks.
Drake groans, stepping up to my side, wrapping a possessive arm around my waist from the side. “She’ll be taken tomorrow, too.”
Heat radiates through my chest, and I smile up at him. “Yes, I will.”
Leo clears his throat, standing upright. “I pledge my allegiance and protection to you, Rose. Welcome to the pack.”
He nods to me and then Drake, whose body sags against me a little.
The enforcers from that first fateful night in my apartment come forward in a line, each kneeling before us and reciting the same words Leo said.
I can’t believe this is happening. I smile as each member approaches us, feeling all of their emotions, ranging from excitement, happiness, shock, and even disgust from a few. Oh well, you can’t win them all.
The smile falls from my lips and my spine straightens as Claudia comes forward, blood still dripping from the small cut on her neck. Shouldn’t that have healed already?
She gla
nces at Drake first before kneeling. “I pledge my allegiance and protection.” She doesn’t welcome me to the pack like the others, but that’s okay. I don’t expect her to after what happened.
I nod and inspect her. “Why haven’t you healed?”
Her gaze narrows on me before she hangs her head, hiding her face. “Don’t you know why?”
My eyebrows squeeze together. “No. I don’t.”
Drake’s nostrils flare as he sniffs the air. “Leo, can you get Faith and bring her to the house?” He turns to Claudia. “Come up to the house. We’ll have the healer take a look at it.”
She nods. “Thank you.”
Chapter Thirteen
Faith walks into the living room, her posture stiff, followed by Leo, his eyes roaming over her backside.
Does he have a thing for Faith? I turn my head to Drake, who is sitting beside me on the couch with his hand on my thigh. My mouth opens to ask how the whole mate thing works for them, but stop myself. I don’t need to make a fool of myself in front of his beta and Claudia.
Damn. I wish I could speak to him through our minds.
Drake stands to greet Faith. “Thanks for coming. Claudia has a cut on her neck that isn’t healing.”
She avoids direct eye contact with him and hasn’t looked in my direction since arriving. “Leo told me. I’ll have a look.” She sits beside Claudia on the couch opposite us, tilting her head back to get a good look at the wound.
Her lips purse. “Hmm. Do you know what caused this?”
Claudia crosses her arms across her chest and cuts her gaze to me. “Yes. Her dagger.”
Faith’s body twists in my direction, her eyes wide and hard. “You did this?” Her gaze swings to Drake. “This is how you allow your mate to treat the pack?”
My body jerks like she hit me. Who the fuck does she think she is? “How dare you judge me. You don’t know the circumstances.”
The fire in my center flares to life and Faith flinches from my stare.
Drake cuts me off, his clenched fists hanging at his sides. “If you have a problem with something, you come to me. Do not attack her.” His shoulders heave with deep, fast breaths. “Claudia attacked Rose. She defended herself.”
