Sought by Aline Hunter
Chapter Twelve
Shane decidedto confide in Merrick, figuring it was best to tell him he was taking Wade's place before he left Rhodes. Merrick and his wolves didn't gossip and wouldn't gab about what was going to go down. Not since Shane would have their backs if they needed him. Alliances with solid packs were always a good thing. They'd exchanged information, agreeing they could reach out if the other needed assistance. Since Merrick planned on bringing his newfound pack to the hunting grounds for the next full moon, it would mean Shane had the backing of two Alphas with sizeable packs when he faced Wade.
Not that he thought he would need the support.
Dice hadn't been what he expected, but Wade would be.
He brought Max inside the cabin, his gaze drifting to the living area.
Something was on his female's mind, but she wasn't telling him what it was. He noticed the shift in her demeanor after he'd cleaned himself up and returned to her in the diner. She'd been eager to touch him, remaining glued to his side, but she'd been eerily quiet when he'd spoken with Merrick. Her melancholy continued at her parent's home, where she offered small smiles but didn't enter conversations or show her playful side.
That hadn't changed on the ride home.
He thought he knew why.
One member of the family hadn't come to see her.
Aware of that, trying to figure out the best way to comfort her, he went to the couch. He wanted her to open up to him on her own, but he wasn't certain she would. He plopped down beside her, his sigh of relief an honest one. He had some aches and pains, but his body had started to mend. He slid an arm around his female's shoulders, wanting her as close as possible.
"Get over here, mate," he tugged her closer, breathing in her addictive scent. His beast responded as it always did, wanting another taste of her. He tamped down his desire, enjoying the nearness despite the fact that his cock rose to salute her. "I have to feed Max before I take you upstairs. Do you have anything you want to tell me before I do?"
"Moira was there. At the fight." She snuggled against him, placing her head on his shoulder and her hand on his chest. "I caught her scent in the diner, but she didn't speak to me."
He was relieved a simple question was all he needed to ask. "We'll be going back. There are other opportunities for it to happen."
"I know."
"I understand it's not easy. I have to call my own family tomorrow." It was the way he thought about his former pack. He'd thought about them on the drive back and made a decision regarding them. "I'd like them to come here, but it might not happen. They might not want to speak to me either."
She titled her head, allowing him to see she'd closed her eyes. "Why?"
The time had come to tell her. "You couldn't find me, so I decided it was time for me to find you."
Her eyes fluttered open. "You're talking about the pack you left."
"I am."
"They'll want to speak to you," she said with utter conviction.
"What makes you say that?"
"They'd be stupid not to."
Sassy little thing. "You think so?"
"I know so. How many are there?"
"I kept things small like Merrick, but I had two females in the pack. There are nine in total."
"Two females?" She didn't stop stroking him, and he never wanted her to.
"Blake and Katelyn. They're good with crowd control. They also know how to settle the guys down when they get too rowdy."
"What kind of rowdy?"
He remembered when Samuel and Cade went into bars and caused a ruckus. "Nothing I couldn't handle. Just some pent-up youth to get out of their systems."
"Sounds interesting."
"It could be on occasion."
Her hand drifted down, sliding over his stomach, venturing to the erection that hadn't gone away. She cupped him, ran her palm and down the length, and gave it a squeeze. "I think you should feed Max now."
Message received. "Then I better hop to it."
He was about to move when she took charge, rising from the couch, making her way toward the stairs. Throughout the day, he'd learned that she had little issue getting around once she knew a place. She'd been perfectly fine at her parent's residence, slipping around corners and going about her business. Apparently, she felt comfortable in the cabin, going straight in the direction she was aiming for.
Seeing the sway of her ass as she marched up each stair put him in motion. He hurried to put food in the bowl placed in the kitchen, changed and refilled the water bowl, and strode after the captivating female he'd somehow managed to be fortunate enough to mate with. He took the stairs two at a time, went by the bathroom, and stopped when he made it to the bedroom.
Luna had stripped off her clothes and climbed onto the bed.
He took her in, letting his eyes glide over her form. She didn't have her father's coloring, meaning she'd taken after the mother she'd never known. He loved the shape of her body, captivated by the sleek curves and smooth musculature that made up her form. Her skin tone indicated she didn't venture into the sun often, the milky shade contrasting perfectly with her dark head of hair. Her breasts were the perfect fit for his hands, the small pink nipples hard and pointed.
He grasped the back of his shirt and yanked it over his head, wishing he'd had the foresight to undo his boots and pull them off downstairs. Those took more time than he liked to remove, and he quickly tossed them aside. The rest came off with the jeans he unbuttoned, shoved down his legs, and kicked away.
His female shifted, her nostrils flaring, and flipped onto her hands and knees. She crawled toward him, stopping when she reached the edge of the bed. When she didn't change her position, simply waiting for him, he went to her and stood still. One of her hands reached out, found his swollen cock, and gave him a stroke. She inched closer, revealing what she was about to do, and he steeled himself.
She took the tip into her mouth, exploring him slowly, wrapping her tongue around the underside. He slid his fingers into her hair and cupped the back of her head. He let her go at her own pace, pleased to have her however he could get her. She managed to work herself halfway down his length, using her hand to stroke the area she couldn't reach. As tempted as he was to thrust into her mouth, he refrained.
He'd come, and he wanted to do that inside her.
"You have the hottest little mouth," he groaned, closing his eyes, awash in sensation. "You have no idea what you do to me."
Fortunately, the attention she was giving him was turning her on too. He smelled the spicy aroma in the air, knowing if he reached down and slid his fingers through her folds, she'd be drenched. Since she'd accepted the mating, she'd denied him nothing. He couldn't wait to find out everything that made her excited.
She pulled back, drawing a deep breath, and he gave the hair in his grasp a soft tug. She righted herself, feeling for him with her hands. She placed her palms against his chest as she rose. He loved seeing her golden-blue eyes, reveling in the fact she'd done as he'd told her and left the connection with her wolf open. He gave her lower lip a soft nip and moved so they were chest-to-chest.
He lowered one hand, making sure his fingers tickled the soft area between her breasts as he drew them down and along her abdomen. Before he stroked her crease, he asked her, "Are you wet?"
She parted her legs, anticipating his touch. "Mm-hmm."
"That pleases me." He slid the tips through her labia, keeping the touch light, grinning when she thrust her hips forward to create friction. Judging by her trembling, it wouldn't take much to make her fall apart. "Damn, lovely. Look at you."
Her hands came up, her fingers drifting over each side of his face. Once she knew where he was, she guided her mouth to his. Fuck, this woman would be the death of him. Her lips parted, and her tongue met his, following his lead as he took charge. He'd stopped at a coffee shop on the way home, purchasing her a chai tea. He could taste a hint of cinnamon and sugar.
He roped an arm around her waist, lifted her slightly, and brought her to the head of the bed. He followed her down, using his knee to part her legs, and eased his weight between her thighs. She scraped his scalp with her nails, moaning as he brought his hips down and brushed his length against her vaginal lips.
So far, he'd taken her in missionary position, face-to-face in the tub, and against the shower wall. This time he wanted to change things up. Before he did, he was doing something they'd done every single time. Since she'd given him oral, it was only fair he do the same. He broke the kiss to play with her breasts, tonguing one nipple while he tweaked the other with his fingers.
He didn't inch down until she started squirming.
Since she was hot and eager, he didn't tease, slipping two fingers into her as he went straight to her clit. She went off like a bottle rocket, her soaked center clenching his fingers as she clutched his head and cried out. He kept the motions going, wanting to squeeze every single sound he could from her. As she came down, her fingers relaxing in his hair, he pressed kisses to her thighs.
"You trust me, baby?" he asked, bringing his hands to her hips.
"Always," she sighed.
"Good," he rasped, pulling his fingers from her.
He showed her what he wanted, inching back so she had room to move. He got her on her hands and knees, running a hand down her snipe to her nape. He encouraged her to lower her upper body, got her rounded bottom in the air, and rubbed her back. He parted the globes, sneaking a peek at the rosette he'd eventually claim. Forcing thoughts of that aside, he fisted himself and lodged the head of his cock against her pussy.
"Let me know if you like this," he said, almost certain she would.
He eased into her, watching as his dick entered her inch by inch. When he couldn't go any farther, he pulled back. He looked down, studying the cream that coated him and paved the way. Her hands moved to the comforter. When her fingers clenched the billowy covering, he started a slow and steady pace.
"How's that?"
She groaned. "You're so deep."
"Is that a good or bad thing?"
"It's an amazing thing," she rasped, pressing back against him, causing him to bottom out. She tensed for a moment, and he did it again, showing her she could trust him to be gentle. Her contented sigh was everything, revealing so much about how things were between them.
He always wanted her to feel safe with him.
"There you go." He offered praise, sensing she liked that in their earlier encounters. "You are perfect, mate. Get ready. Here we go."
The first few thrusts were to guide her. He used his hands on her hips to show her how to move, steadily increasing the pace, pumping his cock in and out of her. He could make her come like this, especially if he put his fingers to work. Another idea formed in his mind, a new position she'd like even better. He took in the visual, creating a snapshot in his mind, before he slowed down and stopped.
He slid his arms under her, guiding her up.
As she rose from the bed, he grasped her hands.
Luna waitedto see what he'd do next, panting as she struggled for breath. She was close to orgasm again, riding the very edge of need that would turn to pleasure.
"Wrap your hands behind my neck." His voice had an edge to it, indicating he was close as well. "Here you go. Just like this." He had her press her back against his chest, so she could reach up and snake her arms around him. "Easy, baby. Hold on to me."
He didn't let her go until she twined her fingers together and created a firm hold. She wondered what he was up to when a hand cupped her breast and another clutched her waist. When she shifted, noting her knees were on the outside of his, allowing her the freedom to move, she eased up his cock and slid down. She smiled, understanding that like this, she decided how things went.
"That's it," he growled in approval, stroking her side. "Use your arms for balance."
Arching her back allowed him to sink deeper inside her. She increased the pace, aware of how full he made her feel, basking in that inner stretch that would remind her of him even after he'd slid from her body.
"I like this," she told him, hoping they'd use this position often.
"You do? Let's see." He brought his fingers to her clit. The first stroke had her moving even faster. He followed suit, thrusting up as she came down. "How does this feel?"
Like heaven."Even better."
She quickened pace, following the heat and pressure on her clit. He teased her nipples, rolling them between his fingers. The warmth in her belly bubbled over and spread through her body. Right when she was there, hanging on the precipice of climax, he moved his hand. She cried out in frustration.
"I know. Easy, lovely. I'll take care of it," he breathed the words into her ear. "Let go of me so I can turn you around. We'll come together."
She hurried to comply, aware he'd moved to the headboard and leaned against it. He had her straddle him and move forward. Catching on immediately, she got in place, resting her palms on his shoulders. They'd been like this in the bath. On the bed, she could widen her stance. The broad head of his cock prodded her entrance, and she took him without hesitation, sinking all the way down his length.
"Fuck," he snarled, his fingers sinking into her ass. "Again, mate. Do it again."
She not only did it again, she kept doing it, shifting until he hit her perfectly on the inside. He leaned forward, paying attention to her nipples, and his clever fingers returned to her clit. She might have liked the other position, but she loved this one. He could give her his full attention, using his hands, lips, and tongue in places she liked them most.
"That feels so good," she said, finding her voice deeper than usual.
Take him. Harder.
The wolf was right there with her, wanting to experience the pleasure he gave her, encouraging her to offer him the same in turn.
"You're mine." She held him tighter, shaking as the tingles under her skin increased.
"I absolutely am," he groaned, rubbing his fingers faster against the bundle of nerves between her legs. "I'm all fucking yours. Come for me. Bring me over with you."
She pressed her forehead against his shoulder, coming so hard she couldn't keep a steady rhythm. He took charge as soon as he noticed, using his free hand to pull her up and down his cock, thrumming her clit all the while. The intensity of his thrusts increased, the headboard banging against the wall.
"Hell yes," he snarled.
The heavy pulses inside her made her orgasm all the richer, the two of them finding the same ecstasy and riding it out together. She felt the imprint of the mark she'd placed on his neck and rubbed her lips over it. Everyone woman that saw the scar would know what it meant. A part of her wanted to bite him there again. Instead of doing so, she kissed the raised tissue and ran her nose up and down the curve of his shoulder.
"We've had a long day," he said softly, drawing her to him, stroking her back. "Do you want to shower before bed? Or do you want to curl up now?"
"No shower. I want your scent on me."
His heavy growl of pleasure sent a shiver up her spine. "I've already told you this, but I'll say it again. You please me, mate."
"You please me, too." In so many ways.
He was able to move from the bed and bring her along with him. His strength reminded her of how impressive he was. She felt him pull the covers down, remaining inside her even as he did. He kept his hand on her ass, holding her in place until he brought her to the bed. As he pulled back, and she felt him slide free, she instantly wanted him right back where he belonged.
The possessiveness she'd experienced since she'd accepted the mating only grew stronger. Along with it came the drive to offer him shelter and protection. There wasn't anything she wouldn't do for him. He slid in beside her, grasped her leg, and draped it over his hip as he pulled her close. She angled her head so it rested against his chest.
"I have some plans to make tomorrow, but I'd like to take you for a run. We didn't have a proper chance to play the last time you shifted. I want to spend more time with you like that." He combed his fingers through her hair, sending prickles along her scalp. "We can take an hour for ourselves after breakfast."
"If you'll show me where things are and keep them there, I can make the food." He'd handled her like a fragile thing, but she wasn't worried that something could break her. Not anymore. "I'm more than capable."
"Are you saying I'm a bad cook?"
She scraped her nails over his chest. "I'm saying I want to feed you."
"What if I want to pamper you?"
"You do that anyway. As soon as I settle in, you'll be kicked out of my kitchen." She'd busted her ass to master complicated dishes. She wasn't letting all that time and energy go to waste. "If you want me to bake for you, I suggest you leave chow time to me."
"You bake?" he asked, his voice and smell revealing he truly hadn't anticipated such a thing.
"Of course I bake. I can't see, but that doesn't mean I'm unable to do everything you do." He wasn't being intentionally obtuse, but it was time he learned. "When we find a place, I'll have Maisy come over. She knows how to set things up the way I like them. I'll make you food that'll blow your mind."
He didn't stop stroking her back, but she felt his slight pause. "You mean your aid?"
"Yes. My vampire aid," she said for him. "She's also a friend. Is that going to be a problem for you?"
He took his time before he answered. "No."
"She's important to me."
That had to be clear. She'd take on any obstacles thrown at her. She'd accepted his mating and agreed to his future plans, but that didn't mean she would toss aside the only friend she had. She'd never understood why werewolves avoided vampires, especially since she'd gotten to know one so well when she moved to Atrum Hill.
"She's a big part of the reason I was able to adjust when I got here." He needed to know and understand that. "Gramma and Papaw couldn't stay with me on full moons, and there was no way a human would watch over an unstable werewolf. They might have hired her, but the friendship between us is a real thing."
"It's not a problem." There was no hesitation this time. "If you want to see your friend, I will never tell you no."
"If you're worried about the wolves in Wade's pack, I could give her a call. There's a chance she can figure out which ones have bad intentions."
He rested his chin on top of her head. "How so?"
"She can measure it in their auras."
He absorbed the information. "Let me talk to my people first. We've got a few weeks before everything's decided and I make things official. If I think we need the help, I'll let you know."
"You better." She rubbed her nose against his chest. "Honesty goes both ways, right?"
"With us? Absolutely."
"So you're calling your family tomorrow?" Sensing his hurt at the subject made her want to shield him. Since such a thing wasn't possible, she'd make sure he knew he could turn to her if he needed to. There was also something else she could do that would tempt some members he wanted back to return.
"It'll probably be the first call I make. I won't challenge Wade until the full moon, but if they come here and are with me when it happens, I'll probably be able to avoid a fight. If I can get Quentin back, it'll be like taking candy from a baby."
"Quentin?"
"My former Beta."
"Let's take the house." This time, his pause was evident. Before he could say anything, she said, "Merrick's putting it on the market anyway. It's big enough to shelter them until they find a place of their own. It might also tempt them to come here."
Merrick mentioned the home he and his pack had built in passing, indicating he'd be contacting someone to put it on the market as soon as they'd gotten their things out. It had been large enough to house Merrick's crew, complete with nine bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms. It wasn't unusual for a newly established pack to house together. She was certain that was one of the reasons Shane and Merrick had come to an understanding so quickly.
Both men knew what it was like to be in the other's shoes.
"You'd do that?" The question was so quiet, she barely heard him.
"Do what?" she answered immediately. "Put everything on the line for you? Isn't that what you did for me?" When his breath caught she inched up, searching for the heat of his breath, stopping when her lips brushed his chin. "I'm yours and you're mine. What's important to you is important to me. You obviously love them, so I'll love them too."
With werewolves, the word love wasn't essential. It didn't even scratch the surface when it came to matings. Still, she was half-human, and it might help him to hear it.
"I love you, Shane. If you want them here, call Merrick about the house. Tell him we are interested and figure out how quickly he can get things moved. Then call them, ask them to join you, and see what they say."
"I more than love you, Luna. You mean everything to me." He moved, shifting so his mouth hovered over hers. "What did I do to deserve you?"
"I sought you out, but you were the one that found me," she answered with ease. "You showed me there can be light in the dark."
When he kissed her again, she hoped he knew they wouldn't be going to sleep just yet. Given time to rest and recover, feeling the hard and warm shape of him beside her, she wanted him all over again. She used his body as the map that showed her the way, climbing on top of him, sliding a hand around each side of his head.
Their tongues touched, and she felt his erection against her thigh.
They'd face whatever came their way when they had to.
At that moment, the future seemed bright as the sun.