“What is happening?” Maria asked through gritted teeth.
“Someone took mom. And I'm pretty sure it was a werewolf.” Walter pointed at Derrick. Derrick pushed down his anger toward his mate’s brother.
“Why on earth would I kidnap my mate's mother?” Rage burned in his chest.
“No fucking clue.” Walter spat. Maria placed her hand on her brother’s chest.
“Focus! Where was she last?” Maria’s hand grabbed Derrick’s hand tight.
“At the park with dad. Someone or something knocked him out and when he woke up mom was gone.” Walter continued to glare at Derrick.
“Do you think you can track them?” Maria turned toward Derrick. He pulled her into a hug as tears fell down her face.
“I’ll do everything I can to get her back.” Keeping this promise would be no easy task because a part of him wondered if it was the seekers.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Derrick
AFTER DERRICK, AIDEN, and Olsen searched the park where Maria’s mother went missing, he picked up a wolf scent and a magical sent together. The wolf scent came from the north, one of the other alpha’s betas had been here. His wolf roared with anger at the fact that a wolf from another pack had entered his territory without permission. Keeping a tight border was harder than ever living in modern cities.
Walter demanded to come on the rescue trip and Derrick had convinced Olsen and Alia to tag along to help with the numbers. However, having Maria’s brother come made him a bit nervous. He didn’t know the male very well, but he put stock in Walter wanting to keep Maria safe. Derrick focused on the road while Maria rested her head on his shoulders, her brother sitting to her right. He liked having Maria close to him, his wolf liked it even more. Alia fidgeted in her seat without having Aura in the car and Derrick wondered what kind of father he would be.
Soon they would meet with Zane Montatello, the alpha of the pack north of them. Derrick’s wolf didn’t want another alpha near his mate.
Derrick had no clue what they were driving into, and having his mate in danger made him nervous. He had wanted a mate for so long, yet with Maria at his side, an odd sensation of feeling ill-equipped to protect her had taken hold. Being the alpha, he was called on mostly to show off his brute force and strength, but with Maria he had to be more in tune with his emotions.
Zane sat at the boarder of his territory with two males in their wolf form on either side of him. His dark brown eyes met Derrick’s gaze and he nodded once and mouthed something only his pack heard.
“Stay in the truck.” Derrick parked before the border line. He kissed Maria and then climbed out to face Zane.
“The backup wasn't necessary,” Derrick said as he motioned to the other wolves.
“Another alpha comes to town, I'm going to be smart.” Zane folded his arms in front of his chest, Zane would only meet with them on Derrick’s land and not on his. Something about the last time he trusted an alpha on his land he was challenged. Maria climbed out of the truck and stood next to Derrick, he had had a feeling his little mate wouldn’t listen to him.
“We aren't here for you.” Derrick grabbed his mate’s hand while Zane’s eyes roamed up and down Maria’s body. His wolf growled in response.
“I know.” Zane motioned something and a female climbed out of a sleek King Ranch pick up. The woman had long grey hair flowing in the wind. She held her head high as she strolled toward Derrick.
“Hello,” the woman said with a short nod. His wolf’s hair rose up when her scent met his nose.
“Do you have her here?” Derrick asked cutting to the chase. He didn't do small talk with strangers.
“We don't have Maria’s mother now. Although we were asked to collect her.”
“Where is she?” Derrick growled. Maria’s grip tightened on his hand.
“She is with her old coven to explain why she left. She isn't in any danger.” The woman cleared her throat making him nervous.
“Miss Alia Lyco needs to come out of the truck so that she, Miss Maria Lukrin and I can have a chat. And please don't make me use force.” Her eyes seemed to twinkle with delight.
“Come on out, Olsen,” Derrick clenched his first as he took in his surrounding before he motioned for his second in command to come out.
“Hello, my name is Kerine. I'm the local elder and you two have been using magic without permission.”
“I apologize. I had no idea your coven patrolled so far north.” Alia placed her hand over her heart.
“I had no clue about magic until recently.” Maria fidgeted next to Derrick.
“Interesting,” Kerine said like she was pondering what to do. Her grey hair flowed in the wind giving a crazy look to the older witch.
“Can you just tell where this coven is?” Maria’s strong voice made Derrick proud of her for being so brave.
“Her coven is near Kansas City.” Kerine narrowed her eyes toward Walter. “You, come here.”
“Why?” Walter stood tall and didn’t move.
“Because I said so. Don’t make me resort to other measures. I can assure you it will not be pleasant.” Kerine lifted her hand a little bit.
“He had nothing to do with this. He doesn’t use magic.” Maria’s voice rose in anger.
“Are you sure, Maria?” Kerine glanced at Maria with one eye brow raised. Maria let go of Derrick and marched toward her brother.
“Who is lying, Walter?” Maria growled. Walter didn’t meet her gaze. Instead he walked over toward Kerine and then strolled toward her truck. Maria watched in shock as he walked away. When the door closed, she shook her head and started to follow him. Derrick grabbed her before she crossed the border. If she stepped over the invisible line she’d be in a lot of danger and he’d kill to protect her. Killing on another’s land wasn’t something to be taken lightly.
“Get your ass out here and tell me what the hell is going on!” Maria yelled as she tried to get away from Derrick.
“My dear, when you thought he served in the Marines, he learned magic with me.” Kerine smirked and then it vanished. “I have one question for you ladies before I take my leave.”
“What?” Derrick growled. Her eyes snapped up to meet his gaze for a second. He didn’t like this woman one bit.
“Alia and Maria, will you be trying to form your own coven in your town or will you be joining another coven?”
“We would like to start our own but we will not contest your land. We just want the area surrounding our town.” Alia stood tall.
“No, my pack borders are the lines the coven needs.” Derrick didn’t want this woman on his land if he could help it. “The coven will be protected by my pack and will not be needing any seekers.”
“Does the mutt speak for you?” Kerine snapped. Zane narrowed his eyes on the old woman at the comment.
“I agree with his terms. Take it or I will go to the UCA.” Alia stood her ground. The United Coven Alliance or UCA were in charge of every coven residing in the States and some in Mexico and Canada.
“Deal.” Kerine nodded once then headed for the truck. Before she climbed in, she glanced back toward Maria. “Your mother is in Virginia. Also, someone will be coming from my coven to make sure you are obeying the rules until your coven is fully formed.” With that she climbed in to the King Ranch pick-up and everyone went quiet.
“Well now it’s settled, have fun on the east coast with the other coven.” Zane motioned for them to move along. The alpha returned to his truck and drove off leaving the two beta wolves at the border. Maria stopped fighting Derrick as her brother left with Zane and Kerine.
“I’m such a fool. How will I tell my father and brother about this?” Maria wiped at her eyes.
“We will figure it out.” Derrick pulled her against his body. “Let’s get out of here.”
Maria faced Derrick. “Everything is so messed up,” Maria choked out.
“I will fix what I can. I will make you happy, Maria.” Derrick kissed her. I have to fin
d her mother. He leaned down and as he kissed her hair he caught something different about her scent. Derrick inhaled deeply, trying to figure out the difference. After a moment, it clicked. A surge of pride filled Derrick. I’m going to be a dad!
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Maria
MARIA LOATHED TRAVELING long distances, and she had just reached the longest period of time she had ever been in a truck in her whole life. Stretching out her whole body, Maria couldn't stop a long yawn. After a drive back home, they took a few hours to pack. Soon after that, Derrick and Maria were on a plane. Once they landed, Derrick had a truck waiting for them and then he drove another four hours to the coven where her mother had grown up.
The whole time, Derrick drove in silence, but with an added pep in his step not there before they had met Kerine. Before I found out my brother was a deceitful son of a bitch. The pain from watching her brother walk off stung like a slap in the face.
“Are you keeping something from me?” Maria asked as they pulled up to a hotel for the night.
“Why do you ask?” Derrick raised an eyebrow like he was mocking her.
“Don’t play games. You are happy about something and I really hope it’s not about how my brother is a liar or that my mother has been taken.”
“I’m not happy about either of those things.” Derrick climbed out of the truck and pulled out their bag.
“Then what is it?” Maria slammed the door closed. Another secret might break her limit of dishonesty which had already been reached. Derrick pulled out the key for the room and walked into the building. Maria followed close behind, waiting for him to answer. When they finally reached their room, he slid the key home and tossed the bag on the ground before pinning Maria against the door.
“I don’t want you to worry about anything. I want to tell you, but I also don’t want to overwhelm you.” He kissed her neck making her body quiver under his.
“I don’t want any secrets between us, Derrick. With everything happening, my mom keeping this huge secret,” She threw a ball of light through the air and looked at him. “my brother completely lying to me for years, I can’t handle any more dishonesty. Plus, if this is about all those condoms breaking, I found them in the trash.” She hadn’t mentioned anything about it before because she was still trying to get a grasp on everything else in her life.
“I’m sorry about the condoms. I didn’t want to keep it from you. I was worried you might freak out. This secret, well, I couldn’t keep it for long, even if I tried.”
“Then just tell me,” Maria pleaded. Derrick’s hands slid down her body and cupped her ass. Her body melted at his touch but her mind stood strong.
“Can I tell you after we climb into bed?” he whispered into her ear. Maria’s thighs tightened while her underwear became wet.
“Tell me first.” Maria ground her teeth to keep herself centered.
“Oh, your arousal scent is amazing my little mate.” Derrick nipped at her shoulder sending a wave of need straight to her core.
“I can still say no.” Maria’s willpower faltered with each breath. She only hoped Derrick didn’t realize it was slipping away.
“You have to promise that if I tell you, you will relax in the bed and let me fuck you until almost morning.” His eyes twinkled with delight as he spoke. Her mind spun from how aroused she was.
“I will do my best.” Maria met his gaze. There was no way in hell she’d be able to deny her need much longer, so his request was mute.
“Your scent changed.” Derrick’s eyes lit up even more, as if she should automatically know what it meant.
“And? Doesn’t it change a bit all the time?” Maria raised an eyebrow.
“It means, my little mate, that you’re pregnant.” Derrick kissed her, his joy radiated off him into his kiss. His words settled into her brain as she realized what he had said. I’m going to be a mom. A freaking mother! Her heart swelled with so many emotions at once.
“You’re telling me the truth?” she asked and met his gaze. “It’s not some joke? I want to get a test.” She bit her lower lip waiting for confirmation. That was freaking fast!
“You can buy all the tests you want, but I’d never joke about this.” Derrick studied her, making her nervous. Her head spun for a moment, but when she finally caught her breath, she realized this news made her happy and nervous. What if I’m not a good mom? Am I really ready for this? She looked at him. The whole trip here she had been pondering what she truly wanted. The information that she was carrying Derrick’s child settled everything into place.
“Then we need to celebrate.” Maria grabbed his neck to pull him down to her level. He must have realized what she planned on doing as he gripped her hips to lift her up. Once her lips met his, her worries about being pregnant melted away.
Derrick walked over to the bed and set her down. His eyes roamed over her body making her feel sexy as hell. In a flash, all of his clothes were on the ground. She licked her lips and slowly pulled off her shirt. Unsnapping her bra, her heavy breasts spilled free from their confines.
His heated gaze watched every move Maria made. She leaned back, lifted her ass into the air and slowly slid the jeans off her hips. Derrick’s fingers twitched but he kept them at his side.
The resistance he had been showing ended when all Maria had left were black lace panties covering her. He gripped each side and tore the fabric with ease. His fingers glided down, then up her thigh. One finger pressed against her entrance and slid slowly into her core. Maria lifted her hips in an attempt to get more. Derrick’s free hand gently pushed down her hips to keep her from moving.
He kneeled in between her parted legs and placed his hot mouth on her clit. First, he started off gentle as he flicked his tongue against it. But his slow pace only lasted a few seconds before he gently nipped her sensitive flesh.
Maria cried out as pleasure consumed her body. Every nerve blazed with heat, ready and waiting for Derrick to help her reach her lovely climax.
In a rush, her release shattered every sane thought Maria had. With barely any build up, Derrick played with her wet pussy. Once she stopped shuddering, Derrick lapped up her release making her shiver.
Slowly, Derrick inched up her body, kissing and nipping at her flesh as he went. Finally, his lips landed on hers. She tasted herself on him. He aligned them, then shoved himself into her waiting body.
Maria threw her head back as the pleasure coursed through her. He pounded deep and hard into her center. A wild frenzy took over his eyes, exciting Maria. She needed all of him. Her orgasm inched closer. Derrick nipped at her neck sending heat under her skin.
One of Derrick’s large hands grabbed her breasts, so much pleasure to contain in her small body. Her orgasm rushed under her skin.
“Derrick,” Maria gasped as an aftershock rolled through her body. Derrick growled against her skin as he reached his own release. They lay there panting with their sweaty bodies intertwined.
“I love you.” Maria kissed his chest.
“My sweet little mate, I love you too.” Derrick kissed her. After they finally caught their breath, Derrick picked her up and carried her to the shower.
“What do you expect to happen tomorrow?” Maria asked while washing her hair.
“I'm not sure, but I'll do my best to bring your mother home.” Derrick kissed her neck. Maria let the words settle, she didn't exactly like his answer but knew he spoke the truth.
She hoped to leave this State with both her mother and her mate. Tomorrow would make all the difference and she didn’t like being nervous as hell about the unknown.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Maria
WAKING UP WITH A HORRIBLE rolling sensation in your stomach just plain sucked. Her confused life became worse with morning sickness. Maria lunged out of bed and into the bathroom. Last night’s dinner made a re-appearance while her hands shook against the porcelain. Derrick stood behind her and held her hair back. After dry heaving for a moment she finally mana
ged to back away from the toilet. He handed her a damp wash cloth and she wiped her mouth clean.
“Thank you.” Maria closed her eyes in an attempt to center herself. Her already queasy stomach rolled around with the urge to vomit again.
“You can use this as a way to guilt the pup into submission later.” Derrick chuckled.
“Is that what your mother did?” she asked after taking in a shaky breath. His warm body wrapped around hers, his wonderful scent engulfing her bringing her some peace.
“She used it every chance she got. When I was a pup it worked until about five or so.” Derrick helped her into the shower and gently cleaned her up.
“When we get back you will need to change me into a werewolf. No more delays.”
“You still want to change?” Derrick turned her to face him.
“Of course. You’re my life Derrick. Being a werewolf means I’m more than just your mate. I’ll be safe and stronger.”
“All right, as soon as we get home then.” He leaned down and kissed her. Her stomach finally settled once she was clean. Maria slowly dressed in a pair of jeans and a nice black shirt. A light tap on the door caught her attention. Derrick motioned for her to stay behind him and she nodded.
“Who is it?” Derrick asked while peering through the peep hole.
“I have a message for Maria. Please open the door.” The woman's calm and polite voice sounded reassuring.
“You can tell her through the door,” Derrick growled.
“I'm sorry but I can't. I will not harm either of you unless I'm attacked first.”
Maria rubbed Derrick's arm and nodded. “You can take her before she even casts a spell,” Maria whispered. Derrick nodded once, his stern face in place. He opened the door to a woman only a few inches taller than Maria, with long black hair.
“May I come in?” Her light blue eyes focused on Maria.
“Deliver the message, then leave.” Derrick's body blocked most of Maria. The woman nodded.
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