To Save His Mate

by Serena Pettus

  “Listen, Abraham and I can sense our mates, and I don’t get the feeling that there’s anything for you to worry about.” Erik’s attempt to comfort him did not work. The man’s mate was happiest when she was neck deep in a brawl, so if she was having a good time, there was no telling what was actually going on.

  Lifting a brow and giving his brother a pointed look, Ethan replied, “Thanks, but I think I’ll check with Abraham. At least, his woman doesn’t enjoy random acts of violence.”

  “Hey, Sarah only fights with Abraham now, and even he said she’s really improving,” Erik defended.

  Shaking his head, Ethan made his way outside, away from where Erik, Adam, his father and Jose where clearing the game table. Snatching his phone from his pocket, Ethan dialed Abraham’s phone.

  At least, he should be able to get a more accurate report from Abe’s connection with his mate. Erik’s crazy mate was slightly unbalanced in Ethan’s opinion, but Stephanie was more levelheaded.

  “I wondered how long it would be before you called,” Abraham drawled. “How are you holding up?”

  “Not well. My wolf is damn close to breaking loose, but Jose is with me.” That was his next problem. He wanted to go to Lacy, but he had to bring Jose along.

  “Have Erik drop him by the model house. I’ve got the place covered, and there are only the two females inside. No doubt, they would welcome him. The little one seems really stressed, but the other is keeping her distance. It’s very odd if you ask me.” Odd for Abraham usually meant suspicious.

  “How’s Stephanie? Is she having fun tonight?” He figured his brother would guess at why he asked, but Ethan still didn’t appreciate the laughter.

  “Calm down. The girls are doing fine. I actually spoke to Lacy just a little while ago.”

  “And?”

  “And I told her the house was still secure. I also informed her you would probably be there pretty soon. Judging by all the heavy breathing coming from your end, I’d say my assumption was correct.”

  The bastard had the nerve to laugh again, and Ethan growled, feeling his wolf now clawing to get out. He ended the call and went back inside. The guys had already cleaned up and were now talking amongst themselves.

  Spotting his brother, he called, “Erik, take Jose to the model house. I think it would be best if everyone was under the same roof.”

  “We were just discussing that,” Erik replied. “So, are you going to pick up Lacy?”

  Ethan didn’t appreciate the amusement dancing in his brother’s eyes and promptly gave him the bird.

  “Yeah, I’m going now, so you guys lock up when you leave. I’ll be crashing at the house, too.” Ethan turned to leave, hoping his wolf would calm the fuck down once he saw for himself that Lacy was safe.

  “I’ll get you a bag and drop it off with Jose at the house,” Erik called.

  “Thanks, man.” And with that, Ethan was on his way.

  His home was well outside of town, but as fast as he drove, he made it to the bar in record time. After spotting Stephanie’s little red car, he made a desperate attempt to leash his animal before heading inside.

  It only took a moment for him to catch Lacy’s scent over everything else in the bar. No amount of booze and stale smoke could mask the delectable smell that belonged solely to her, and he followed it right to the table where she perched.

  Just the sight of her sitting there, obviously safe and unharmed, eased his wolf. Unfortunately, when he looked around and noted all the hungry male eyes pointed in her direction, his beast reared against the bonds Ethan held him with, the urge to stake his claim before these other men unstoppable.

  Crossing to her side, Ethan barely spared a glance for the others at the table as he framed her face with his hands, tipped her head and covered her soft lips with his own.

  Never breaking their kiss, Ethan managed to turn Lacy’s stool so that he was able to step between her thighs, the height of her seat allowing nearly perfect alignment.

  He loved the way she responded to him, melting into his embrace and curling her calves around his thighs in an attempt to pull him closer…

  The sound of a throat clearing and a loud whistle right near his ear, reminded Ethan of their audience. Not that a certain part of him gave a damn. His dick was doing its damnedest to break free of his jeans, and Ethan was forced to make a quick adjustment before pulling away from Lacy’s too tempting embrace.

  It was a good thing he had, too, because it had been his mother who’d cleared her throat. She smiled at him, and he knew she was enjoying his plight. Sarah was the one who had whistled, while Stephanie was stifling a giggle.

  From the corner of his eye, Ethan caught sight of a man holding a bloody towel to his face and glaring daggers at the women. Zeroing in on Sarah, he asked, “Your handiwork?”

  “Uh, uh, that was your momma. Of course, when he raised his hand to her, Lacy here brought him down a peg or two,” Sarah replied, a look of respect in her eyes as she looked at Lacy.

  Ethan, however, just groaned. “We can’t trust you guys to stay out of trouble for one night?”

  “Hey, cool it, buddy. Trouble came to us. We weren’t looking for it,” Sarah snapped.

  “Yeah, yeah. Well, if it’s all the same to you, I’m taking Lacy home now.”

  “But we were having such a nice time,” Stephanie put in. “And we probably won’t get to do this again before Lacy leaves to head back to her home.”

  Just the thought of Lacy leaving brought his wolf back to the forefront, and before he realized what he was doing, Ethan had a squealing Lacy draped over his shoulder and was making his way to the door.

  Before he stepped out, he heard Sarah call out, “How’s that fairytale looking now, Lacy?”

  Whatever the hell that meant…

  Once outside, he crossed to his truck and gently set Lacy back on her feet. Though he knew he deserved to be berated for his actions, Ethan didn’t give her the chance. Instead, he pinned her luscious body between his and the truck before claiming her sweet mouth again.

  The taste and feel of her were enough to drive a man to distraction, but it was her scent that had his wolf howling. She was aroused, and he had every intention of taking care of her needs, just as soon as he got her back to the house.

  “We need to go,” he whispered against her kiss-swollen lips. “If we don’t, I’m likely to take you right here against my truck, and you deserve better than that.”

  Lacy looked up at him, her eyes glazed with passion. “Ethan, I’ll take you any way you’ll have me.”

  Hot. Damn.

  Chapter Twelve

  Lacy knew she was in trouble, or at least, her heart was. Ethan had a power over her that no man had ever shown. He could reduce her to a quivering puddle of lusty hormones with nothing more than a kiss, and if he got his hands on her, well, she was sure sparks near puddles weren’t exactly safe. Too bad, her brain had already short-circuited, and her body was all for giving this man whatever he wanted.

  As soon as they arrived at the house, Ethan was around the truck and at her door before she could even reach for the handle. Startled, Lacy looked up into his eyes. That was her first mistake. The silvery blue color almost glowed with his passion, and she felt her belly clench in anticipation of the hours to come. There was no doubt in her mind he intended to show her a night she’d never forget.

  Walking into the house, they saw Jose and Angel sitting on the couch. Angel looked like a nervous little cat, and Jose appeared to be trying to comfort her. They informed Lacy and Ethan that Renee had been in her room for the majority of the night, speaking to family on the phone and debating on leaving the shoot.

  “Well,” Ethan began, “Jose and I will be staying here so we all remain under the same roof for the time being. That is if it’s okay with you ladies?”

  Angel snuggled into Jose’s side and offered them a small smile, though Lacy noticed it didn’t reach her eyes. “That would make me feel better. Thank you.”


  “No problem. Lacy and I are going to turn in for the night. We’ll see you in the morning.”

  No sooner had the door to Lacy’s room shut than she found herself up against the wall, Ethan’s thick thigh wedged between her own and his mouth on hers as his hands seemed to travel everywhere.

  “Jesus, Lacy, I need to slow down, but I don’t think I can. I was so worried when Gus showed up and told us there’d been another victim. When he said it was a woman, I thought I might pass out.” His forehead resting against hers, their quick breaths mingling, as he confessed his feelings for the first time. “I realize now that I’ve fallen for you harder than I first thought. I was desperate to get to you, to see for myself that you were safe. When I got to the bar and saw the way all those other men were leering at you, I snapped. I had to show them that you’re mine.”

  Their eyes met, and Lacy gasped at the yearning she saw there. He truly wanted her, and for more than a passing fling, if she wasn’t mistaken. “I want to be yours, Ethan.”

  His smile told her she’d spoken her thought aloud, and she realized she meant it.

  Lacy had already decided this would be her last case, but now, her decision was set in stone. She wanted to be here, in this small town with Ethan and she would do everything in her power to see that happened.

  As if he read her mind, Ethan nibbled the lobe of her ear and whispered, “Stay here with me. Don’t go when this case is over.”

  “Yes, I’ll stay.”

  Before the last word even left her lips, she felt herself being lifted and carried to the bed. Ethan made the movement seem effortless, his strength surprising and thrilling all at once.

  He crouched over her, his arms keeping his weight off, as he simply stared into her eyes. The sheer volume of emotions she saw swirling in his gaze left her breathless, her body humming like a live wire, tingling, gooseflesh spreading, as a steady pulse took up in her core.

  “Ethan?” Her voice betrayed the need coursing through her being, and she wasn’t sure how much more she could handle without him touching her again.

  “Tell me again.” His voice was hoarse, almost gruff, his own desires showing. “Tell me that you’ll stay, that you’ll be with me. Tell me that I get to keep you.”

  He wanted to keep her? It was one of the sweetest things a man had ever said to her, and she had no words. The only thing she knew was that he was perfect for her, the best thing to ever happen in her life, and she wasn’t about to let him go.

  Reaching up, Lacy ran her fingers through his hair and tugged him down for a deep kiss. Their tongues met, teeth nibbling, as they tasted one another, pouring their emotions into the act.

  It was amazing. Ethan had never felt so in tune with a woman in his life! The way her body responded to his touch was amazing. Every arch of her back, every purr, every gasp spilling from her tempting lips only served to spur him on. It was as if he could feel how much she enjoyed all he did to her, and now, he was left struggling for control.

  Ethan was bound and determined to make sure their first night was as special for her as she was to him, so he set out to worship her body. “Lacy, I’m going to kiss you again.”

  “Please,” she whimpered.

  “Every inch of you.”

  She squirmed beneath him, and Ethan groaned. He reached for the hem of her shirt, lifting the material until she rose up enough to bring it over her head, her chestnut hair falling in gentle waves around her head. Next, he skimmed his fingers over the scalloped edge of her black bra, loving the way her dusky nipples beaded under the lacy material. “So pretty. Like little berries, just waiting to be nibbled.” His voice was rough and husky as he unhooked the front clasp and spread the material, freeing her full breasts. Lowering his head, Ethan swiped his tongue over one pink nub and was rewarded with a throaty moan as she arched in an attempt to draw him closer, to bring his lips to her breast again.

  Claiming her mouth once more, Ethan savored her unique taste before moving on, placing tender kisses down the side of her slender neck, across her collarbone then down the valley in the middle of her ample chest. Her panting breath puffed out in a rush as he closed his mouth over one puckered peak, drawing the tender flesh into his mouth before biting down ever so gently.

  “Oh, God! Ethan!” she cried out, her body bowing beneath his.

  Satisfied, he moved to the next, as his hands skimmed down her trim stomach and began to unfasten her shorts. Her hands ran down his back before she tugged his shirt free of his pants. Wanting to feel her skin against his own, Ethan halted his loving long enough to pull free of the garment and fling it across the room.

  Instantly, he found Lacy’s mouth at his neck, traveling over his chest, before giving his nipple a little nip. Sucking in a ragged breath through clenched teeth, he struggled with his control. He practically shook with the effort to go slow and easy, the way she deserved to be loved.

  “Lacy, baby, you have to stop.”

  “Why?” she purred, rubbing her cheek over his chest, her hands sliding down his back to cup his jean-clad ass in her small hands.

  “Because, if you don’t, I’ll lose control. I want to be gentle with you. You deserve that.”

  “You have no idea what I deserve, and right now, I’m not looking for gentle. I’m looking for passion. I’m looking for that wild man I glimpsed in our first photo shoot. The savage man who was stalking me in the woods.”

  “You have no idea what you’re asking for.”

  “Yes, I do. Give it to me, Ethan. Don’t make me beg.”

  And she would, he could see it in the depths of her violet eyes.

  That would not happen. He would never make this woman do more than ask for anything she wanted. Hell, he would do his best to anticipate her needs and see that each and every one was met for the rest of her life.

  She was his.

  “Never. You’ll never have to beg me for anything. There’s nothing I would deny you,” Ethan whispered in her ear, and her heart melted. Perhaps, she had found her Prince Charming at last.

  His hands were back at her shorts now, and Lacy did her best to help him remove them, though she shouldn’t have bothered. No, Ethan simply jerked the things down her legs before zeroing in on the tiny black thong she wore beneath.

  He was magnificent. His muscular chest rising and falling with every quick breath, the grace of his lean body, and the strength that he kept tightly in check… All of it served to make her so hot, Lacy swore the sheets would ignite.

  She watched in fascination as his head dipped and he inhaled, a low sound coming from deep within his chest. “You’re so ready for me. I can smell your arousal, Lacy. I want to taste it.” His fingers hooked into the sides of her panties as he slid them over her hips and down her legs in one smooth motion.

  Lacy couldn’t speak as she watched him move between her legs, his eyes locked with hers, a hypnotic glow emanating from their depths as he lowered himself. Lifting her thighs over his broad shoulders, he treated her to a truly wicked grin before lowering his head to her bare mound and delivering a long, leisurely lick.

  Lacy cried out, grateful for his hands at her hips; otherwise she would have flown off the bed. His hot mouth was on her, his tongue parting her folds, plunging inside then sliding up to flicker over her clit. Holy hell! Her past lovers had never zeroed in on that spot so soon. They’d usually fumbled about until she’d steered them there herself.

  Already, her orgasm was building, that wonderful tightness gathering in her womb. Just when she thought it couldn’t possibly feel any better, she felt one thick finger ease inside her, and her eyes sprang open.

  She was panting now. There was no way to form words with her body on the brink, and when he worked a second digit into her, she felt her inner muscles contract around the invasion.

  “You’re so close, Lacy. I want to see you come for me again. You’re so beautiful when you shatter.”

  Dear God, his words only served to make her even hotter. Her breaths were so shal
low now she feared she may pass out. The pressure building was so intense, it was bordering on pain. Her release right was there but still not close enough.

  “Please.”

  “I’ve got you. I’ll always have you. Just let go, Lacy. Don’t fight it.”

  The pace of his thrusting fingers picked up, his mouth returning to her core with a suckling kiss that had her seeing stars.

  He was right; she was fighting it, but the sensations were so intense they frightened her. Never before had anything felt so good…

  His fingers crooked inside her, rubbing some secret spot within her channel, at the same time his tongue pressed the distended bundle of nerves it was laving, and her body went rigid.

  The most intense pleasure she’d ever experienced tore through her body with devastating force, leaving her limp and shaking in its wake.

  Ethan stood and removed his pants, his thick erection springing forth, before slowly making his way up her body. He cupped her face in his hands, the look in his eyes causing her breathing to stall in her chest. There was so much love shining there. Love that was directed at her, and Lacy felt her heart lurch.

  His lips met hers in a sweet kiss that brought tears to her eyes. She was sure she could feel his love spilling through and made sure he would feel her own. Yes, she had every intention of keeping him, as well.

  Sure, she was a romantic. It was something she inherited from her mother, and from the first time she’d seen Ethan, Lacy had known he was special.

  His body was aligned with hers, though he seemed perfectly content to continue kissing her. Lacy wanted all of him though, wanted to feel them joined as one, as they found ecstasy in each other’s arms.

  Lifting her hips slightly, she felt the head of his shaft pressed against her opening. Lacy groaned into his mouth. Moving her hands down his back, she sighed when she reached his perfect ass. Really, it wasn’t fair for a man to be this perfect, but she couldn’t find any flaws at all.

  He was perfect.

  “Ethan, I need you.”