“I’m not the only one in a bad place. Most of them don’t want to be there. We’ve got nowhere else to go.”
Slater nodded. “We aren’t blaming the whole pack. Just those in charge. It’s common knowledge they force others to hurt people. I’ll need you to tell me what you can. When we find them, and we will, I’ll make sure the right people pay while helping the rest find a better place.”
Elias sat up, hugging the pillow to his chest. “I don’t know much, but I’ll tell you what I can.”
* * * *
Warmth pulled her from sleep. Emily noticed the hard body beneath her and froze. Her heart raced as her blood pumped so hard her chest ached. A scream tore from her lips as she scrambled away, falling to the floor, pushing herself into the corner.
“Emily?” a familiar voice washed over her. Calm floated around her, but she was too locked in the nightmare of James pushing her nightgown up as he pinned her down to accept the comfort offered.
Terror broke down any rational thought. Her head whipped back and forth as tears streamed down her face. “No, no, no, no,” she whimpered.
The light flipped on and she hid her face behind her hands.
“Don’t. Please don’t, James,” she pleaded.
“Em, it’s me, Clint. I’m not the one who hurt you.”
Her chest heaved as she tried to lift her head. A presence moved closer, but no one touched her.
“You changed your face,” she accused. “You already broke me. Just stay away.” Didn’t matter what he looked like. James could change his face, his voice. He could mimic anyone.
“Em, Sunshine, tell me how to prove I’m not your piece-of-shit brother.”
She cracked her eyes open and found pale green eyes ringed with the bronze of his wolf, clouded with concern. Her heart slowed.
“It’s really you?” she whispered, reaching her hand to him.
He crawled toward her, with a soft, yet concerned, smile. “It’s me. Tell me what to do.”
She caressed his face and their bond flared, chasing the fear away as tears fell down her face.
Then guilt hit as she realized she’d panicked when she woke up beside her… her mate. Her heart thundered in her chest. Ashamed, she stared at him and her voice faltered, “Oh my god, I’m so sorry Clint. I didn’t—”
“Shh, it’s okay. I understand. Relax. This is new, and if you aren’t ready to sleep next to me, you don’t have to.” He gave her a sad smile, his eyes full of honesty.
“Want to. Not sure I won’t flip out again.” She climbed to her knees, and he pulled her into a hug, bringing her body flush against his, his arms enveloping her.
A pop made her jump.
“What in the hell is going on?” Robert bellowed.
“Nightmare,” she whispered.
Robert’s chest heaved with his sawing breath as his gaze ping-ponged from one to the other. “You two—oh, shit.”
Emily was so flabbergasted by the curse word leaving his mouth she didn’t know what to say.
Clint stood, giving Robert a clear view of Emily as he gently pulled her to a stand beside him. He gave a sheepish shrug. “I kept asking why you thought this was a good idea. You had to know we were headed there.”
“You mated?” Robert huffed. “That I didn’t foresee. Please tell me she knew that was a possibility beforehand.”
Emily scooted between Robert and Clint. “Yes, I knew. This is what I want. I had a nightmare. That’s all. Clint didn’t do anything to cause my panic attack.”
“You’re happy?”
Emily nodded, her body trembling. Clint rubbed his hand up and down her back then put a shirt over her shoulder. He offered comfort without crowding and gave her a shirt to cover herself in front of her brother. His thoughtful sweetness warmed her more than his touch.
She pulled the soft white fabric over her head with a smile back at Clint. “Thank you.” Taking a deep breath, Emily met Robert’s gaze head-on. “I am. I—I needed to feel something happy, joyous for once. You can’t blame him. Clint did nothing wrong.”
Robert nodded, understanding passing over his face. “You swear it was nightmare, Emily? That he didn’t push you too far?” He gave a quick glance at Clint and back.
“Yes,” she answered emphatically, “and I’m sure.”
Robert ran his hands down his bare chest, as if he wore a suit jacket. He sighed and paced away.
Emily caught Robert’s hand, hoping to make him understand. “Clint was perfect. The nightmare hit and I panicked. I wasn’t coherent and it’s the first time I’ve woken up next to man, other than when James would force himself on me. Clint didn’t have me pinned. I was snuggled against him.” She swallowed hard, reaching behind her for Clint’s hand.
He took it instantly and she leaned back against him, feeling safe for the first time since she woke up.
“Sorry. You screamed, and I panicked.” Robert offered a lame smile then shot Clint a warning glare. “Wanted to be sure Clint didn’t need to be translocated into a slab of cement.”
Emily balked. “No. I panicked before I realized where I was. Who I was with. He calmed me before you showed up.”
“And you two mated.” Robert shook his head, rubbing his face. “Why didn’t I realize that possibility?”
She sighed. “I’ve known for a while it would happen.”
“You feel safe here?”
“Very. Though I can’t promise I won’t wake up and scream if I have another nightmare. This isn’t the first time.”
Robert gave her a quick, awkward hug. “Unless you need me, I’ll take my leave. Goodnight, Emily.”
“Goodnight.”
Robert looked over her shoulder at Clint. “Sorry for barging in. Wanted to protect my sister.”
Clint nodded. “I understand.”
Robert disappeared.
Emily turned to Clint with a sad smile. “Sorry.”
“Nothing to apologize for. If you need me to, I can go to the guest room.”
“No. I want to get used to being in your arms.”
He swallowed hard and nodded. “I like you there.”
“Come back to bed?”
He nodded, climbing back in with her. She curled into his embrace and closed her eyes. “You’re the first man to make me feel safe.”
He kissed her hair. “If the lamp helps, I’ll leave it on.”
“My hero,” she whispered, before letting sleep claim her once again.
Chapter 10
Sun rays warmed Clint’s skin as Emily’s soft breath fanned across his chest. It was the first time he remembered waking up with a woman in his arms since Gina. The thought pulled at his heart, but he closed his eyes, breathing deep to bury the pain.
Emily was meant for him. He knew it all the way to his soul. Gina had been sweet and caring, a temptation he couldn’t resist. She’d chased away the horrors at what Ava and Axel forced him to do.
Until he destroyed Gina and her gorgeous smile.
He looked to Emily and couldn’t help thinking back to the night before. The temptation to caress every inch of her long, lithe body was nearly too much to bear.
Before he woke her, he slipped from the bed and moved to the shower, hoping to surprise Emily with breakfast. He looked at his bobbing cock and shook his head.
“Down boy, be patient,” he whispered, before stepping into the shower.
Cold water washed over him, pulling a gasp from his lips as he spun the faucet toward warm.
Closing his eyes, he stood directly under the spray and tried to will his erection away for a solid five minutes before he sighed in defeat.
Slippery hands stroked over his length, and he jumped at her touch. “Em, what are you doing, Sunshine?”
“Mmm, like the way that sounds.” Her grip tightened, her hand gliding up and down. His hands landed on the wall as he rocked into her touch.
He groaned. “Want to taste you. You trust me?”
“I do.”
“Lean against the wall.”
She released him and did as he requested. Now that the water was warm, he turned the pressure up a bit higher and moved the spray over her.
Clint placed a kiss on her lips and she pressed against him. He whispered into her ear, “Let me give you pleasure, Em.” He dropped to his knees and gently placed his hands on her thighs. “Wider, or put your leg over my shoulder.”
Her left leg hooked over his shoulder and he grinned at her. “Tell me if you don’t want this. Okay?”
“Want it.”
He pulled her open and circled her clit with the tip of his tongue.
“Oh, oh, oh, my!”
Clint closed his lips over her pearl and sucked. Her head fell back, fists hitting the wall. He alternated between sucking and flicking his tongue over her clit.
Her body writhed as he pressed one finger into her, twisting to hit the rough patch deep inside. Her walls squeezed him as he drew out her pleasure.
Nothing tasted as delicious as her desire. He removed his finger and lapped at her with a groan of approval.
When he leaned back, she looked down at him. “Need you, Clint. Tell me how we can do that.”
“I’ll put you on the counter and make love to you. Won’t have to pin you, don’t even have to put my hands on you if you don’t want.”
“Want. Crave your touch,” she moaned as he guided her leg to the floor before standing.
“We’ll figure this out, Em. What I feel for you, I’m not afraid of hurting you. You’re my sunshine, chasing away the shadows.”
She reached behind him, shutting off the water. “You’re my sunshine.”
He grinned, taking her hand to pull her to the counter. “Hop up.”
“Why don’t you put me there?” she challenged.
Biting his lip, he held back the argument. Determined to stop begging her to tell him if something was wrong, she had to know by now he would adjust to whatever she needed.
His hands curled around her waist before sliding down her ass. He gripped her, hauling her against him and up to sit her on the counter.
Capturing her gaze, he gently pushed her legs open and rubbed his crown through her slick heat.
Her fingers dug into his ass, her nails breaking skin as she pulled him into her and locked her legs around his hips. “Yes,” she hissed, her walls squeezing tight on purpose.
“Oh fuck, Em.” He tried to keep his pace slow and steady.
“Harder, please.”
Clint couldn’t resist. He sped up as she nipped his bottom lip hard. His hips jerked forward and she undulated against him.
She sucked down his neck, no hint of gentleness as she bit his collarbone, her fingers gripping his hair tight.
He pistoned into her, one hand on the mirror, the other on her ass. Every sound she made urged him on, until she came around him, drawing him into release. Her tongue laved the bite mark as she tried to catch her breath. Then she pressed a soft kiss to the tender flesh.
“No healing?” she whispered.
He shook his head, dropping his face to brush his lips over hers. “You okay? Did I hurt you?”
“No. Like you a little wild.” She licked her lips as her eyes dropped to the bruise on his collarbone. “Tonight I’ll tie you up. We’ll try your way.”
“Only if you want,” he whispered, because being with Emily, even without that stuff, was better than anything he’d ever experienced.
A smile brightened her face. “I do. Your reaction—I feel powerful, seductive, sexy.”
“Oh, you’re all those things, Em.” He stepped back as her legs dropped. “Finish your shower. I need to make you breakfast.”
“I won’t be long,” she promised.
* * * *
Emily was ready in a flash, dressed in stretchy pants and a casual t-shirt. For the first time in her life, she felt alive. Her skin tingled, desire coursed through her, and every look from Clint sent her heart racing.
Bouncing down the stairs, she smiled when he turned toward her with a warm expression. His green eyes sparkled, his full lips quirked up. He set her at ease in a way no one else had ever managed.
“Hey, gorgeous,” she murmured as she made her way to the counter.
“Hey, sexy.” He brought her plate over. “Like omelets? Maybe I should have asked.”
She took her plate with a wink. “Smells wonderful. Maybe you can teach me some of your fancy moves.”
His brow cocked. “Here? Or in the ring?”
“Both.” She dropped her gaze to her plate. “Probably time I actually learn some defense skills at the very least. I trust you to train me.”
He took her hand in his and she met his gaze. “You got it. Anything you need me to be, I’ll be.”
“You already are. Eat. I’m looking forward to the gym this morning. Later, I have to help Liz with something. She’ll take me to the clinic and bring me back.”
“Let me know when you’re on your way back?” he asked with hope in his eyes.
“Definitely.”
* * * *
Emily winced every time Lincoln’s fist connected with Clint. Yet, Clint seemed energized with every landed blow. Thankfully it wasn’t like every swing connected, actually very few did.
When blood flew, Emily ducked outside and texted Robert. You busy?
No. Need to talk?
Please.
Where?
The gym.
A second later Robert stood before her with a half-hearted smile. He leaned against the wall beside her. “You okay?”
“Hard to watch him take a beating. Not that he’s losing. They’re evenly matched. And I get why he likes the pain. But watching…” She shook her head.
“You’ve never been a fighter. Did you think it would be easy to watch your mate sparring?”
“No,” she admitted. “But I didn’t anticipate it would be this jarring.”
Robert nudged her shoulder and she leaned against his. He sighed. “So, about last night. Did you honestly know going in that you would mate?”
She swallowed hard and looked away. “I hoped I would. And he did bring it up before I took things there. Clint made sure I knew what might happen. I chose this. He makes me whole.” Emily looked up at her brother. “Instead of an empty shell.”
He slipped his arm around her. “Sorry I interrupted. I heard you scream and I had to check on you. I didn’t do enough to protect you in the past.”
“That’s my fault.”
He opened his mouth.
She kept going, “I never told you. I didn’t want you to know. I’m okay now. Sometimes the past comes back, like last night, when I woke up in a strange bed and felt a male body beside me. The past came back before I realized where I was. Clint really did calm me down.”
“I noticed.” He gave her a playful smile. “I didn’t kill him, after all.”
She laughed. “No, you didn’t. Thanks for that.”
He winced. “It was a shock seeing you both naked. And then I realized you had mated and my brain took a nosedive.”
“I’d apologize, but you did show up, uninvited, in his bedroom.”
He nodded. “As long as you’re happy.”
“I am. Though I don’t imagine our road will be smooth. We both have baggage, but we can make the trip together.”
Robert squeezed her to his side. “You better now?”
She nodded. “Yeah. I needed a distraction. Oh, and I’m going to have Clint teach me some self-defense.”
“Probably wise. His old pack won’t stop until they have him, or kill him.”
“They can’t have him, dead or alive. I’ll fight.”
“I’ll be at your side.”
She leaned up and kissed his cheek. “Thanks for keeping me company. I can’t imagine he’ll be going at it much longer.”
“Nah. And you could always snag Jamie to talk.”
“True. Go on. I should get back in there.”
Robert disappeared and she stepped through the door. Clint stood
against the rail, wiping blood off his face. “Sorry, Em. You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“May I?” She held up her hand, looking at his swelling cheekbone. A thread of rage wafted through her, and she was tempted to turn around and clock Lincoln. The kid who had finally become a man, and generally had a gentle nature. He was one of those kind souls who had never frightened her like most men. Maybe because he was Nephilim, or perhaps because he was as shy as her.
Clint nodded, a silly grin on his face.
She closed the distance and pressed her fingers against the swelling. He winced, but his dick stirred against her as she looked into his essence, searching for the energy. She could see his image like it was on a heat monitor, layered over an x-ray, with an MRI scan mingled in.
Simple enough to find the damage and correct it, mending tissue, disintegrating the bruise, and healing the cracked bone.
Clint’s hand curled around her waist as he let out a happy sigh. When she leaned back, she frowned at him. “So, you like pain, but not necessarily staying in discomfort?”
He shrugged. “I like you pressed against me when your scent intensifies.”
Her breath caught. “But the healing?”
A shy smile crept onto his face. “You touch a deeper part of me. All the way through, a balm to my soul, and I love being so connected.”
A slow grin spread on her lips. “Like a two-for-one deal?”
“Hmm?” His head tipped to the side.
One brow arched. “I could hurt you, then heal you, and you’d get the bonus.”
A laugh escaped as he nodded. “I suppose so.”
“Good to know. Now, teach me how to defend myself, and if I hurt you, we can both enjoy the mending.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Chapter 11
Liz jumped at the bone-jarring thud when she entered Body Studio. A grunt pulled her attention, and the sight was a pleasant surprise.
Emily sat on top of Clint, who was face-down with his arm pinned behind his back. Based on how firmly her knee was wedged between his legs, she was likely doing damage to his junk.
Blissful Agony Page 8
