“They're even better at it than we are, but since I’m the alpha my healing is stronger than anyone else in the pack.”
“Really?” I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.
“Who do you think healed you when you first got here?”
My eyes widened at the thought of him stripping me naked and healing me when I'd first been captured. Had those oversized clothes been his too? That led me to other thoughts of those days, things I'd avoided thinking about. One of his wolves had bit me, and I'd passed out. "The poison bite...is that how you knocked me out?"
"Yes, a small amount of our poison works well as a tranquilizer. Stella made sure not to bite you for long enough to kill you."
"Stella poisoned me?" I asked. "And here I thought we were friends."
Kaden stood, brushing off his bare thighs before holding a hand out to me. “Can you walk?”
"Maybe." I took his hand, almost smiling as I remembered the first time I’d taken his hand like this. He didn’t try to launch me over his shoulder this time, either. He pulled me up, and I huffed out a breath as I was almost catapulted upright—and straight against his chest.
I put my hands out, my instincts from Kaden’s training kicking in before my logical brain could interfere, and touched bare skin. His hands were on my arms, gripped tight enough that I couldn’t slip free easily, my hands flat against his naked chest. Under my palms, his heart was beating just as quickly as my own.
He was close enough to smell, that odd, musky scent that reminded me of dense forests and moonlight. Home, I thought. His breath ghosted across my lips and neck. The receding blush made a reappearance, and there would be no hiding it from this close, under this much scrutiny. He inhaled, scenting me, and I leaned in, almost involuntarily. I felt a strong pull to him, much like the constant pull of the mate bond to Jordan. But where Jordan’s compulsion felt like a hand always crushing my stomach and yanking it backward, this felt natural, like it was meant to be.
Kaden’s eyes dropped to my lips. I licked them compulsively, and for a moment, I could have sworn I felt the vibration of a low growl sing through the air between us. Then he shoved me away from him without ceremony.
“You should have listened to me,” Kaden said, turning away.
I felt something suspiciously similar to disappointment curl in my gut. I’d wanted him to breach the distance, no matter how much fallout it would cause.
“I told you to run," he said. "You could have gotten yourself killed back there. You’re still in training, and your Moon Touched gift wouldn't help you here. It’s daylight now, in case you didn’t notice.”
“Running would have only brought them back to the pack,” I snapped, unable to hold back. Fuck, he was so infuriating. Hot one minute and cold the next, and always bossing me around like he was my alpha—which he wasn't. “I only stayed to keep you from getting killed.”
“I don’t need your help,” he snarled, turning back to me.
I crossed my arms over my breasts. “You’ve made that abundantly clear."
His eyes dropped to the spot I was covering, and he ran a hand through his hair and let out a breath. “Come on, we need to get back. I need to let the others know that other packs are starting to sniff around our borders, looking for you. They’ll be back in greater numbers, and I want us to be prepared for that.”
He began walking without waiting to see if I’d follow. A thought struck me, something that had been niggling in the back of my mind. It was shaken loose at the idea of them looking for me. Had my bond with Jordan led the Aries pack right to us? Was that how they'd found us so easily?
I shook my head. That was a problem for later. Preferably when I had clothes. I followed Kaden back toward the town, mulling over the events in my head, trying to make sense of them. Unfortunately, the only thing I got was more questions and too few answers.
Chapter Twenty-Two
I was surprised by how normal everything was over the next few days. Almost dying didn’t get me out of my cleaning duties, unfortunately, and Kaden didn’t seem to think I needed any days off either. I woke up the next morning to a note saying to continue cleaning the school. No Kaden in sight.
“all right, then,” I’d muttered at the note, and torn it off the fridge. That afternoon, I asked Stella if she could spend a little extra time with me to show me how to fight as a wolf. I explained what had happened, probably unnecessarily, since Kaden seemed to share everything with her and had probably informed her of what had happened, blow-by-blow. Except for the part when he'd licked my naked body. I had a feeling that was something he wouldn’t share with anyone.
“I guess it’s too late to tell you to take it slow since we have a new problem on our hands,” Stella said. “I’ll have to get it approved, of course, but I can show you some basic stuff today.”
“Good luck,” I said. “I can’t seem to pin Kaden down long enough to exchange a word with him. He even has Clayton doing my combat training now. If I didn’t know any better, I'd say he’s avoiding me.”
“He’s just preparing,” she said. “There’s a lot to get ready now that we know the Aries pack is hunting us. Two shifters got away, the one who charged you, and the one you injured. I’m sure they’re telling the Leo pack our general location as we speak.”
I sighed. That was my fault. And maybe Stella was right, and Kaden was too busy with ‘alpha things’ to keep training someone who wasn’t even part of his pack, who'd put everyone in it in danger. But I couldn't ignore that his disappearance coincided very helpfully with the fact that we’d almost kissed—and that he’d likely smelled the same desire from me, but this time directed toward him.
Over the next few days, I avoided thinking about it as much as possible. Stella taught me ways to fight as a wolf, and I spent time practicing moving between patches of moonlight every evening. I wanted to make sure I would never find myself helpless or powerless again. I was evolving, and some primal part of me was fiercely proud of the rapid changes I was going through. I would never be at anyone’s mercy again.
Clayton was a much better teacher than Kaden, objectively. He gave out praise and didn’t borderline insult me, but I missed Kaden’s training anyway. It wasn’t that I had anything against Clayton, quite the opposite. Since the barbecue, he’d almost been like a friend. But he wasn’t Kaden, and I missed the physical proximity our training had brought us.
Changes started happening around town, as well. All entrances and exits of the town were guarded twenty-four seven. Everyone seemed to be on high alert, gazes focused on the forest, and all of the children were accompanied by adults everywhere they went. I was also on guard and kept telling myself that when I was scanning the crowds, it wasn’t for Kaden, but for threats.
Really, the disappearing act he’d done was impressive. If I ever found him, I’d ask him how he learned to do it just so I could use that trick myself. The only plus side was that I wasn’t having any inappropriate dreams about Kaden anymore.
Now it was the night of the full moon, which Stella had been hyping up for days beforehand. I could feel it, the change in the air, and felt the same thrill of excitement that filled Stella’s voice whenever she talked about it. This was the first full moon I’d experience after having my wolf unlocked, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would I finally see Kaden again tonight?
I headed downstairs at sunset and found Stella already waiting for me. She wore a sexy little red dress that showed off her long legs, and her eyes were especially bright. She'd told me to wear something cute too, and I'd opted for a light, breezy sundress that brushed against my skin as I walked.
"All ready for the full moon party?" she asked. “I have to warn you, it can get pretty rowdy."
I glanced down at my dress, wondering if I was underdressed...or overdressed. "How so?"
"Emotions run high during a full moon and there's always a lot of fighting at these things...and a lot of sex."
I grinned at her. "Is that why you're dressed up?
Hoping to get lucky?"
She grinned back and gave me a wink. "Hey, just because I haven't found my mate yet doesn't mean I can't have a little fun, right?"
"Should I be worried? Is it like a full-out orgy all over the forest?"
"No, not really," she said with a laugh. "Not this time, anyway. Nine months before the Ophiuchus sign is in power is when our females go into heat, so around mid-March. Now that's like one big orgy, but it’s not the right time of year, thank goodness.”
“The Cancer pack used to have full moon events. I was never invited, though. I’m not sure I’m welcome tonight either.” Since I still wasn’t part of the pack, I didn’t know if I was even allowed to attend. I frowned as I grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge and downed it. I was so eager to prove myself to the pack, but this would probably be one of the things Kaden wouldn’t allow.
“Of course you’re welcome,” Stella said. “Right, Kaden?”
If I’d had any more water in my mouth, I probably would have spit it out. I hadn’t even heard Kaden come in, but when I turned toward the back doorway, Kaden was looming in it. My heart rate soared as I looked him over. He looked incredibly delectable for some reason I couldn't put a finger on, and I wanted to lick his jawline, to see if he tasted as good too. I sucked in a breath and glanced away quickly before I had any more of those thoughts.
“Fine,” Kaden said. “As long as you behave yourself.” He walked back outside, and I wondered why he'd even come to the kitchen in the first place. Maybe he was avoiding me.
I grinned at Stella, shoving those thoughts away. No matter what was going on with him, at least I’d get to spend more time around the pack. “Looks like I’ll get to go."
Stella clapped her hands, bouncing on her heels. “I can’t wait. I bet we can find you someone to hook up with too."
I laughed and shook my head at that, knowing that wasn't going to happen. Even if I wanted it, which I didn't really—my brain was already scrambled enough with thoughts of Kaden and Jordan—I doubted anyone would want to hook up with the outcast wolf still mated to someone in the Leo pack.
As night fell we made our way into the forest. Despite Kaden okaying my presence, I felt a twinge of uneasiness. Would I truly be accepted? I wished I could be a member of the pack, but I kept hearing things like wait until we know you’re trustworthy. The uneasiness mixed with impatience simmered unpleasantly in my gut.
Kaden melted from the trees, almost like a ghost, and I found my gaze glued to him as we walked. He didn’t have a shirt on—shocker—and my eyes immediately gravitated toward the muscles moving under his skin as he walked. No matter how many times I yanked my gaze away, I found it back, just a few seconds later. I wanted to tackle him, to press my body against him, to devour him. What the hell is wrong with me? I thought. I could usually contain these inappropriate thoughts better.
It got even worse when Kaden started looking back at me, a frown on his face as if he was trying to puzzle something out. What was his deal? And why was he so fucking sexy? I wanted to lick every inch of his body like a popsicle.
Stella walked between us, blissfully unaware of the sexual tension so thick I could have taken a bite out of it. I was uncomfortably aware of Kaden’s body as he moved—every breath, every rustle of fabric, every soft footfall against the ground. By the time we joined the rest of the pack in the clearing, I was bordering on uncomfortably horny, and even breathing was torture. I tried desperately to control it, and I spent so much energy doing that, that I didn’t notice that many of the male shifters we passed stared at me. At first, I thought it was because I was acting strangely, but no. There was a hunger in their gazes, all the same.
Jack took a few steps toward me with one of his charming smiles, except there was a naughty gleam in his eye that told me exactly what he wanted. "Ayla. You look positively ravishing tonight. Care to join me for the evening?"
Before I could answer, Kaden pushed between us, his growl resonating through the air. "Get the fuck away from her," he said.
As I stared at the alpha in shock, Jack backed down immediately, dipping his head and walking away. If he were in wolf form, I was sure his tail would be between his legs.
"Rude much?" I asked Kaden. "Maybe I wanted to go with him, did you ever think of that?"
He turned murderous eyes upon me. "Not happening."
"What's going on?" Stella asked, concern written all over her face.
"Keep everyone here," Kaden told her. At the same time, Kaden picked me up and hauled me over his shoulder, while I let out a shriek.
"Let me go!" I said, pounding against his back as he carried me away from the group, back toward the house. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
He didn't answer, just kept trudging through leaves and branches while carrying me like I was a naughty child. I tried to break free but gave up as his fingers tightened each time until it was almost painful. He was too damn strong.
Kaden stopped once we were away from the pack and dumped me on the grass. “What’s going on with you? Every single unmated male is giving you eyes tonight.”
“I don’t know,” I said, glaring up at him. “I wish I did.”
Kaden’s frown deepened and then he leaned in closer, inhaling. I jerked away, but Kaden’s eyes flared with something that looked almost like panic. “Fuck,” he growled, and I thought yes, that’s what I’d like before I realized that the tone was more urgent than amorous. “We have to get you out of here right now.”
“What’s going on?” I asked, but Kaden ignored me, twisting around as if he was looking for someone.
“Clayton,” he barked, and the beta of the pack trudged over. “You’ll be leading the hunt tonight.” Kaden didn’t even wait for an acknowledgment before he picked me up again.
“What are you doing?” I asked, trying to push down the intense desire I felt at his touch. “I’m not going anywhere with you until I get answers.”
I managed to squirm enough that I broke free, but thanks to Kaden's training, I landed gracefully and managed to dart away. Kaden lunged toward me and I evaded him, despite a part of me wanting to let him capture me. It was incredibly hard to think, with want, want, want pounding through my brain like a second heartbeat. Finally, he caught me by the arm and dragged me the remaining few yards to the house. He didn’t say a single thing until we were inside, and then he slammed the door, throwing the deadbolt.
“You’re going into heat,” he said.
Shock washed over me like a cool bucket of water, temporarily dousing the desire I was feeling. “How is that possible?”
“You’re mated now, so you’re fertile. And you’re packless, so you’re going to go into heat during every full moon. Every unmated male is going to want to fuck you.” He pinched the bridge of his nose between his fingers. “I brought you back here for your own protection.”
I crossed my arms, covering my nipples, which had become so hard and sensitive that even the slight brush of my dress against them was driving me wild. “This is insane. Are you planning to guard me all night?”
“I don’t know,” Kaden said, sounding as frustrated as he looked. “I just knew I had to get you out of there before someone tore off your clothes.” He turned away and let out a long, colorful string of curses. If I’d been in a better state of mind, I would have quipped something back at him, but as it was, all I felt was the rising desire. He turned back to me, his face under control once more. “Sit down. I’ll get you some water.”
I complied, sitting on one of the sofas in the living room. My entire body felt like it was overheating, and I closed my eyes, trying to suppress my reactions. It was as if I didn’t have any control over anything. “You know,” I said, eyes still closed, “I really don’t like this.”
“That makes two of us,” Kaden said dryly.
I jumped at the sound of his voice. He’d moved silently again, or maybe I was just so out of it I hadn’t heard him approach. He leaned over me, a glass of water in o
ne hand, and my body ached for him to be mine. After he handed me the water, whatever he saw in my gaze had him backing off quickly. He took a seat across the coffee table, carefully out of touching range. The perfect spot for my eyes to soak him up, and I found myself licking my lips and squirming in my seat. He drank from his own glass of water, and I stared at his throat as it moved. Then I watched his forearms as he set the water down on the table. Damn, I had no idea forearms could be so fucking sexy. Every inch of him was driving me wild. At the very least he could do me a favor and put on a damn shirt already.
"You should get away from me too," I said, my voice low and breathless. "You're also an unmated male."
"I can't do that."
"Why not?"
"If I leave, you'll be unprotected during your heat. Someone has to keep you safe."
"But if you stay..." I let the words trail off.
He shook his head. "Unlike the others, I can control myself."
How disappointing. I sipped at the water and stared outside, hoping the sight of the moon and the stars would give me some comfort. “So, what now? We just sit here?”
“Oh, no,” Kaden said, leaning forward. “Now, it gets much worse.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
The moon rose, and with it, my heat became almost unbearable. I tried to sit, my pride keeping me in place for a few minutes longer, but by the time the moon was above the trees, I was practically panting. I’d never experienced anything like this before. I felt out of control, a wild thing that couldn’t be contained in my own skin. I was pretty sure I would die if I didn’t have someone touching me, taking away this need in my body. I was so fucking horny I thought I might explode.
I set the water glass down and balled my hands into fists, trying to keep them in my lap so I wouldn’t try to take my clothes off. The urge was unbearable. The heat between my legs felt hot and heavy, and I carefully didn’t rub against anything. What would Kaden think if I just stripped my clothes off and rubbed myself along his couch to try to get rid of this awful need? I could never look him in the face again.
Moon Touched (Zodiac Wolves: The Lost Pack Book 1) Page 17
