Sought by Aline Hunter
Chapter Four
Luna shifted in her seat,listening to the roar of the engine. Everything had happened so fast. The moment Shane had returned, he'd come straight to her, helped her stand, and slid her hand into the crook of his arm. He'd guided her from the house, took her to a vehicle, and helped her settle in the front seat. He'd gone back inside for her things and Max, got everything situated, and then he'd climbed in beside her. She'd met her mate and took off with him within an hour of their meeting.
She had no idea what to say or how to act.
"Luna," he said softly, his voice deep and low.
A warm flutter erupted in her belly. "Yes?"
"I'd like to hold your hand."
The idea appealed to her, sending tingles all through her body. Unfortunately, the act of touching him again also terrified her. It was difficult enough to keep her wolf contained in the cabin of the SUV, where his scent was so strong she couldn't escape it, without adding skin contact to the mix. When he'd rested his hand on her knee earlier, clothing had remained between them. As he moved to her hand, her body came to life in entirely new ways. That had teased the beast, which was dangerous in itself. Then he'd breezed his lips over her skin, and she thought she was going to lose it. She was already straddling an invisible fence, combating her sexual attraction to him. It didn't help that when he returned to her and slid her hand under his arm, placing her palm on what felt like a leather jacket as he guided her from her grandparent's home, she'd gotten an idea of his size and strength.
He was tall, broad, and muscular.
She'd been turned-on immediately.
She thought the beast was going to rip clear out of her skin.
"Tell me what you're thinking." He didn't reach for her. Obviously, he was able to smell her discomfort. Hell, the aroma was so strong it plugged her nose. "There are no right or wrong things to say. Not with me."
"If you touch me," she answered, ashamed to admit it, "the wolf will rise."
"I know." He didn't sound disturbed.
"She could hurt you," she whispered, mortified by the fact.
To her shock, he laughed. "She can try, lovely. But it won't happen."
Not wanting to offend him, she considered her words. "You're sure?"
"There's only one way to find out."
She decided to give it a try, extending her left hand to him. His fingers wrapped hers, his skin rougher than hers, and she gasped at the pulse of arousal that slammed into her. Moisture pooled from her sex, her panties suddenly chafing her clit, her nipples growing hard. The wolf did what she thought it would, rushing forward, eager to get out.
She prepared to fight her, but it wasn't necessary.
"Back off, mate of mine," Shane ordered, the command so direct and authoritative it sent a shiver down her spine. She'd thought Jackson was more powerful than Shane, but she'd been wrong. Shane had simply held back the first time he'd helped her control her beast. The wolf instantly went silent. He placed her palm on his thigh and rested his hand over hers. "That's better. You don't have to worry about that aspect of things. Not if I'm around. We're going to work on it, though. You need to show her that you'll respect her, but only if she respects you. The two of you have a lot of catching up to do."
If only it were that easy. "I don't think that's possible."
"Why not?"
Everyone she'd been around had no issue controlling their bestial halves. She had an idea why things were so different for her. "I'm a halfling."
"So is Chloe."
A jolt of disbelief shot through her. "The Chloe I met today?"
"The very same."
How is that possible?"She seemed fine. She had full control."
"You will too, Luna. It might take a little time and effort, but we'll make it happen. I think I know what the problem is." His thumb stroked her knuckles, and she wanted to groan. It was such a simple thing, but his touch felt like magic. "Your grandparents told me why you left your former pack."
Shame consumed her, making her extremely aware of herself. What in the world did she say? Was there a way to respond to that? While it was true she wasn't at fault, merely defending herself when the need arose, she'd almost killed two people.
If her wolf had been stronger, she would have.
"Stop with that. You have nothing to feel ashamed of," he growled, instantly identifying the emotion wafting from her. He wrapped his fingers firmly around hers and gave them a squeeze. "Your sister was a fool to bring a male around you in your condition, and you did what you had to do when he lost control of himself. The fucker you took down is lucky I wasn't there when it happened. I'd have broken his goddamn neck, ripped out his heart, and handed it to you."
Shit. She could smell his sincerity.
Even worse? Her grandparents hadn't told him all the details. She decided to keep what he didn't know to herself. "You'd have done that for me?"
"I'd do anything for you, Luna."
The wolf inside her was bloodthirsty and wild. "It was the wolf's fault."
"No, it wasn't. The wolf was trying to protect you and herself. She still is. You can't blame her for that. She's only doing what she's supposed to." Shane continued when she didn't reply, his voice even and steady once again, "How many times a month do you shift?"
After her first shift, which happened almost a year ago, she'd change a couple of times a month. She wanted to get her bearings, attempting to understand her animal nature, adjusting to things on four legs instead of two. She'd been monitored during those changes. That only lasted four months in total. As soon as she went into season, stuck in the god-awful clutches of her mating heat, everything changed.
After the attack, she avoided it if at all possible.
"Only when I have to."
"That's not an answer." He didn't sound entirely annoyed, but he definitely didn't approve of her dodging the question.
"I shifted three days ago," she reminded him, becoming uncomfortable.
"And before that?"
Damn.He wasn't letting her off easy. "Three months."
"That's a habit we're about to break. I'm going to drop our things off at the place we're staying, and we'll go shopping, but before we leave, you're going to shift."
Her breath caught. "You can't be serious."
"I'm extremely serious."
"I can't do it."
"Why not?"
Time to tell him the truth. "When I'm fully shifted, she takes charge."
"I'm aware of that."
Oh dear God. He knows?"My grandparents told you?"
"No. I figured it out the first time I saw you."
She wished she could recall that night clearly. "I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"I tried to attack you." That much she did recollect.
"That's true, but you didn't do anything wrong. I'm pretty sure I know why the wolf is acting out. If you've only shifted a handful of times and haven't given her room to run and explore, she hasn't had a chance to learn that being blind doesn't mean she has to lash out at anything that comes near her. That's why she reacts to things violently. Everything is new to her." He drew a deep breath, his voice deepening as he said, "Since she can't see and hasn't had a chance to become used to her senses and the world around her, she's doing what all cornered animals do when they're trapped. She'll gnaw off her own foot if it means she'll gain freedom. You have to show her there's nothing to fear."
She pondered that, considering how that very thing would feel in reverse. What he said made sense. She hadn't been born blind, losing her vision gradually over time. The change hadn't happened soon enough to prevent her loss of sight. At the very least, she knew what grass, trees, leaves, and water looked like. As that thought crossed her mind, she tried to paint a picture of her mate. He was over six feet tall. She'd figured that out when he'd led her outside. But she didn't know anything else.
"What do you look like?"
His deep chuckle sent a shiver up her spine. "I'm sorry to break the news, but you lost the lottery. I'm ugly as hell."
She found that hard to believe. Born werewolves were naturally gorgeous. Judging by the power radiating from him and his scent, he'd been born and not bitten. She moved her fingers, taking in the contours of his hand.
"What color is your hair?"
"Brown."
"Light or dark?"
"Dark."
Dark brown. When given an opportunity, she'd ask to touch his face in an attempt to make out his features. As she did that, she'd make sure to run her fingers through his hair to find out how long it was.
"What color are your eyes?"
"Blue."
"Light or dark?"
He paused for a second and asked, "Which do you prefer?"
The male was teasing her, and she liked it. "Whatever yours are."
"Dark."
As she formed a picture in her mind, he fiddled with her fingers. Where her palms were smooth, his were rough. She'd never been intimate with a male before. Everything between them would be entirely new. The minute she learned her sight would eventually vanish, her parents had focused on preparing her for what was to come. She'd had to learn Braille, how to handle sharp utensils, and how to get around on her own. Boys weren't all that important in the grander scheme of things. Her heart fluttered and her sex clenched when she imagined what it would feel like if he kissed her.
"Luna," he rasped, his voice husky, "what are you thinking about now?"
Oh, no. She'd been so caught up in her musings, she hadn't considered her physical response would be evident to him. He'd easily breathe in her arousal, knowing that she was sexually attracted and receptive to his advances.
She'd revealed something she hadn't meant to.
How embarrassing.
"Don'tyou dare be ashamed of the way you respond to me." Shane knew the moment Luna's excitement changed to mortification. Since he didn't want that, he lifted her hand and skimmed his lips over her knuckles. "Whatever you're thinking about, I can do. In fact, I'd like to do whatever you're thinking about and more."
She drew a ragged breath, and he glanced at her.
Her cheeks were rosy and pink, matching her full lips.
Fucking hell.
His cock had engorged the instant she offered him her hand. Her light touch was tentative but curious. He imagined what her fingers would feel like drifting over his back and chest. He wanted to experience them buried in his hair. She kept her nails neat and tidy, but they were just long enough that he'd notice if she buried them in his flesh. That made him even harder. He'd find out how that felt soon enough. She had to accept the mating and him first. Afterward, when she felt comfortable, there were so many things he wanted to do to her.
He was a deviant fucking bastard.
A new fragrance filled the air. When he placed it, he almost pulled over, so he could face her dead-on. She was still aroused, but she was also extremely upset about something.
"If you mate me, you're stuck," she whispered. "There's no going back."
She didn't think she was worthy of him. He'd realized that when she'd asked him if he hadn't come to her because she couldn't see. She'd had months to think that very thing. By now, she likely believed he'd abandoned her because she wasn't good enough.
He'd let her get away with a lot, but never that.
A human female might find what he was about to do offensive. Since Luna had been raised with werewolves, she knew sexuality wasn't something that was considered dirty or wrong. Point of fact, it revealed how close mates were to each other. Males and females that mated were known to be hands-on, maintaining constant physical contact, unable to keep their hands to themselves.
"I don't think you understand, lovely," he growled, deciding to be a crass bastard. Time to let her know the score. He brought her hand to his crotch, making sure she got a handful of his erection. "I'm not stuck with you. You're stuck with me." He rubbed her palm up and down, imagining her doing the same thing without denim between them. "As far as I'm concerned, we mated the minute you entered my dreams. We don't have to have sex to make that happen. You're mine, Luna. Now that I've found you, I sure the fuck am not letting you go."
Her wolf responded to the declaration, and he sensed Luna's panic.
"Not yet," he snapped, using his nature to deflect the beast. "Your time's coming."
Luna gasped, the panic fading as her arousal increased.
Her hand trembled beneath his, but he kept it where he'd placed it. He'd drive the rest of the way like this. Then she'd know his reaction wasn't temporary or for show. The female had gotten under his skin, carved out a place inside of him, and would remain etched there forever. It was only fair that it be the same for her. He wanted to be the only male she thought about and ached for.
"What are you doing to me?"
"I haven't done anything to you. Not yet." If she considered her hand on his cock something, she had no idea what he had in store for her. This was only the beginning. "But if you'll let me, I'm going to. If you accept my claim and welcome me, I'm going to make up for lost time. I'm going to make you so happy you'll think about the good and forget all about the bad. I'll do everything in my power to give you what you want and need."
She definitely liked that idea, her desire flooding his nose.
Just as quickly, he scented anxiety.
He considered asking her what was on her mind again. Then he decided against it. The only way to alleviate her concerns was to prove he could take care of her and her wolf. He had to show her that he was more than content with the mate he'd been given and wouldn't have anyone else.
"I don't deserve it yet, but I'm asking you to trust me." If she did that, he'd prove she could always put her faith in him. "If you can do that, then I give you my word everything will work itself out."
She frowned, but at least she didn't refuse to give him what he was asking for. "Where are you taking me?"
"Jackson's cabin. He's letting us stay there until you pick a place."
"Pick a place for what?"
His poor little mate. She truly had no idea of his intentions.
"For us to live," he informed her softly, trying not to growl when her delicate fingers tightened over his dick. "Realtors will be in touch with places. I'll take you to each one, and you'll decide which you like best."
"You're buying me a house?"
She tried to pull her hand away, her expression revealing her shock. He kept her palm right where it was, cupping his length. "I'm buying us a house. I've told you once, but I'll repeat it until you accept the words as fact. You're my mate, Luna. To me, it's as good as done. I wasn't lying when I said I've been looking for you. Instinct guided me here, but I couldn't find you. I'd have come to you sooner if I'd known where you were."
"Guided you here," she said slowly, that intelligent brain of hers churning again. "You aren't from her originally?"
She'd eventually find out the truth. Best to get it in the open. "No, I'm not. I had my own pack in Pine Bluff, and I waited for you to find me. When you didn't, and the dreams changed, I knew something was wrong. I didn't know what it was, and I wasn't sure what to do. One day I decided it was time to find you. I sold my business, followed my gut, and let my wolf guide me. It brought me here. I've been looking for you for months."
"Your business?"
"Residential and business security. You don't have to worry about money. I have more than enough to take care of you. I might return to that kind of work after we get things sorted."
"You gave all that up to find me?"
"I did, and I'd do it again."
After absorbing that, she said, "I thought Jackson was the Alpha of your pack."
"He is."
That part wasn't easy, but he was finally coming to terms with it. He'd always be dominant, and he'd likely bump heads with Jackson and Wade due to it, but Luna would be safer with packs that had accepted her as one of their own. Jackson would kill for her, as would any of the other males in the pack. The females in Jackson's circle also weren't petty bitches who started shit, which also helped.
"But..." Her fingers relaxed against his firm length, and she titled her beautiful face toward his. Despite the white glaze over her eyes that prevented sight, her blue eyes were lovely. She appeared torn.
"But what?"
"I don't understand. You're an Alpha."
That was the oddest thing of all because two Alphas in a pack could cause problems. When he'd discovered he couldn't exist as a rogue, needing pack ties, he'd approached the Alpha with a strong reputation in Atrum. He'd attempted to subdue his dominant nature, needing a pack to call his own even if he wasn't leading it. Despite the fact the males were similar, Jackson had offered him a trial and let him enter his fold. It didn't happen often, but he now believed it had to be fate.
"I am, but I have an understanding with Jackson. He's under an enormous transition, and my presence makes things easier." Jackson knew if something transpired, Shane could cover his ass in an instant. Considering Jackson's pack had grown exponentially after his mating with Chloe, the Alpha needed him more than ever. "You don't have to worry about any of that, either. His original pack is solid. Those who entered his fold will follow his rules or leave in a hurry. He doesn't tolerate bullshit, and he loathes gossip and drama."
The information confused her, and he understood why it would.
That kind of thing didn't happen. Not in general.
Dominant Alpha males had to have exceptional control to endure the presence of another so similar to them when governing a pack. Such a thing would never transpire in the pack she'd come from. The Alpha ruling her parents didn't have the fortitude to stand alongside a male that was equally, if not stronger, than he was. He'd have been too worried his place would be challenged, he'd lose, and then he'd be the one looking for a pack that would take him in if he survived the fight. If Shane wasn't so relieved to have found her, he'd have made a trip to see her former Alpha and put him in his proper fucking place.
The fucker had wanted to put Luna down.
Even though she'd been a victim.
If he ever saw the male that attacked her, he'd kill the son of a bitch.
They drove the rest of the way in silence, but the arousal between them didn't diminish. When they made it to the cabin, he had to make important choices—ones that would determine how things moved forward for them as time went on—and he had to make sure he was centered and ready.
As much as he ached for her, he'd do this right.
She deserved nothing less.