Changed

Chapter Three

Yellow eyes narrowed, enormous teeth coming right at her. She tried to scream but made no sound. Her arms were too heavy to lift, her feet stuck to the floor. Chloe stood behind the couch, her face changing into an animal’s. She tore her gaze from her friend, attuned to the wolf that snarled at her and bared its teeth. Her death was coming right at her and there was nothing she could do. Terror set in, her heart pounding so hard her chest ached with each throb. The enormous black beast charged. Its teeth were sharp and long, its claws like talons.

“I warned you,” her mother taunted in her head, slurring her words. “But you didn’t listen, did you? You never do. It’s going to eat you alive, little girl. Then it’s going to gnaw on your bones.”

Closing her eyes and whimpering in fear, she prayed her death would be quick. The beast reached her, throwing her to the floor. Her back hit the ground and the animal struck, sinking its lethal fangs into her skin. Fire radiated down her chest and shoulder. The pain was like nothing she’d ever experienced. As the wolf shook its head, tearing her flesh apart, she prayed. If she was going to go, she wanted a bit of mercy.

Please God, let it be fast. Don’t make me suffer.

“Shh, Rachel.” Chloe’s voice appeared, soothing her. “It’s okay.”

The wolf vanished and the room she’d been standing in faded away. Her eyes fluttered open, her vision kicking into gear. How strange. There wasn’t a hint of blurriness, everything was vivid and bright. Chloe’s face hovered over hers, her green eyes seeming more vibrant, like perfectly cut emeralds. The golden curls around her face seemed different, containing a few strands of what appeared to be strawberry blonde.

Rachel’s eyes burned, relief flowing through her.

It had been a dream. It wasn’t real.

She must have had too much vodka while she watched the movie and passed out. No wonder she’d had such a vivid nightmare. Sometimes after she and Chloe had partied a little too hard she had bad dreams. She figured it was her mind’s way of dealing with the obstacles in her life. Granted they hadn’t been as bad as the one she’d just experienced, but they always left an impression.

I’m never touching alcohol again.

“How do you feel?” Chloe brushed a strand of hair from Rachel’s temple.

The first thing that came to mind was hungover but she realized she didn’t feel bad. In fact she felt pretty damn good. Her head didn’t hurt and her mouth wasn’t dry. She sat up and Chloe moved back. The mattress was softer than normal, the comforter thick and plush. Peering around, she gawked at her surroundings. The walls were pristine, not a single crack in the foundation or peeling of paint in sight. The furniture was made of dark wood, matching the enormous bed she’d been sleeping in.

“What the hell?” she asked, staring at Chloe.

Chloe started picking at her nails—a nervous habit she’d had since childhood. “Do you remember what happened last night?”

“We watched a movie and had too much to drink?” Everything from the evening before seemed muddled and confusing. She studied the room again, awed by how nice everything was. She’d never visited Jackson’s home, worried she might run into the pack if she did. Patting the bedding, she asked, “Was I that drunk? Were you so worried you decided you shouldn’t leave me alone?”

“There’s something I need to tell you.”

Chloe kept talking but Rachel couldn’t hear her. Not with the delicious scent that rose from the bedding and drifted to her nose. How had she possibly missed it? It smelled so good. Unlike anything she’d ever come across. It was a masculine fragrance, better than any cologne in the world. Now that she was aware of it the scent cocooned her, snuggling around her body like a blanket. She inhaled raggedly, unexpectedly aroused. Her nipples tingled, her pussy clenching tight. She fisted the comforter, bunching the material between her fingers.

“Someone tried to have me killed,” Chloe rasped, regaining Rachel’s attention. “If you hadn’t been there, I could have died. But when you defended me you were bitten. The saliva took hold. I’m so sorry. You were infected, Rachel. You’re changing.”

“Bitten?” she echoed and started to panic. “What do you mean I’m changing?”

Then, like a mental barrier had been lifted, memories of what had taken place came rushing back. She remembered the enormous black wolf that had rushed into her home, recalled how she’d rushed to Chloe’s defense. She brought her hand to her shoulder, expecting to feel a bandage, holding her breath in case there was any pain. Her fingers breezed over a few indented scabs, the rest of her skin unmarred and smooth.

“No,” she breathed, hands trembling. “You’re wrong.”

“I’m so sorry.” The tears Chloe had fought to contain slid from her eyes, trickling down her cheeks. “I should have done something. I wasn’t able to shift fast enough to protect you.”

“I am not becoming a werewolf.” Chloe had to be wrong.

Yet even as she denied it, she knew her best friend—the one person she trusted more than anyone else in the world—was telling her the truth. Her body felt different, almost energized. Taking a deep breath, she realized she could smell things she shouldn’t have—the floral fragrance of Chloe’s shampoo, the aroma of pine from what she assumed was a freshly mopped floor. And in the distance she heard voices. Some she recognized, some she didn’t. Her ears homed on the sound of one in particular.

Declan.

A fresh flood of arousal wet her panties, her nipples hardening to points. Her stomach cramped, a flash of heat winding from her abdomen to her pussy. She shoved her fists into her belly, hoping to ease the ache. Right then she wanted him beside her, to see his face, touch his skin. She wanted to feel his mouth traveling over her flesh, his hands roaming over the curves of her body.

Stop it! Get hold of yourself. What’s wrong with you?

She tried not to hyperventilate, inhaling through her nose and exhaling through her mouth. If she wanted to deal with things she needed time. The best way to maintain control was to stop thinking about what had happened to her and center her attention on Chloe. Someone had tried to hurt her friend. Tried to fucking kill her. For all Rachel knew the wolf that had attacked might have made it out of her house. It could still be around, waiting for another opportunity to strike.

“You said someone tried to have you killed.” Thankfully the sexual urges eased, letting her think clearly. She focused on her thoughts, tuning out her body. “Was it the thing that came to my house? Did it get away?”

“The wolf that attacked us is dead.” Chloe shook her head, as though the confession pained her. “Jackson believes there’s more to it. He thinks a couple of women from another pack are responsible but he doesn’t have proof.”

“Proof?” Her ears had to be deceiving her. “A freaking wolf attacked us last night. How much more proof does he need?”

“The wolf was rogue.” Chloe’s voice hardened. The strange glow Rachel had glimpsed the night before returned to her irises. “He didn’t have identification and no one in the pack recognized him or his scent. There’s no way to know who sent him. They’re loners by nature. That’s why packs hire them to do their dirty work. Even if Jackson confronted the Alpha of the pack the women belong to, he’d need to have evidence to support his theory.”

“Who are these bitches?” Talking about other things kept Rachel from thinking about the changes in her vision and sense of smell. It wasn’t easy though. Someone had started cooking. Her mouth watered when she recognized the delectable aroma of frying bacon. “Why do they have a problem with you?”

“One of them—Simone—wants Jackson. She tried to force him into an arranged mating.” Chloe’s lips thinned, her eyes narrowing. “The other one’s name is Desiree. She was my father’s mate before he denounced her in front of his pack. She knows that everything he possesses will be given to me if anything happens to him.”

Damn. No wonder the women hated Chloe. “What are you going to do?”

“Me? I’m not going to do anything,” she muttered, visibly annoyed. “Jackson’s thinking about arranging a meeting with the packs. Until then I’ll be watched everywhere I go. I won’t be able to do anything unless someone is with me.”

Wasn’t serendipity a bitch? Chloe needed to be protected around the clock. Now bitten by a werewolf—she swallowed thickly, fear rising up—Rachel had nowhere to go. “Guess it’s a good thing I got nipped,” she said under her breath. Despite talking softly she heard the words clearly and when she lifted her eyes she saw Chloe had heard her as well.

“I truly am sorry.” Her friend’s green eyes swam with tears. “If I’d stayed away from you this wouldn’t have happened.”

Stayed away from you.

It wasn’t unheard of for supernatural creatures and humans to maintain friendships but it certainly was rare. From time to time news stations had special reports about strange bonds between mortals and their superior counterparts. But there was a reason humans resided in one area and werewolves, vampires and other things lived in another. Black County consisted of mere humans, the area a safe place to call home. On the flip side, Atrum Hill was primarily a city where all things kooky preferred to dwell. She knew the wooded areas belonged to werewolves, the city streets were a haven for vampires and—if rumors were true—witches.

“I never wanted that.”

Upon learning of Chloe’s lineage, Rachel had been determined to maintain their close relationship. Perhaps she should have been resentful, placing the blame for her predicament on Chloe’s shoulders. But she couldn’t, especially now. She kept forcing aside her fears. A part of her didn’t want to believe it. There was no way she was going to change into a crazed animal. It wasn’t possible.

Things couldn’t get any worse.

“It’s normal to be in denial.” Chloe might as well have been reading her thoughts. The young woman studied her, a knowing light in her eyes. “I was too at first. After Jackson told me what I was I didn’t believe him. I felt so many things but I kept telling myself it couldn’t be true. It’s not a death sentence, Rach. You’ll be amazed at how wonderful it feels to change. You’ll be able to see and do things you’ve never imagined.”

“I’m not ready to deal with this.” The mere thought of changing—of her body doing the things Chloe’s had—terrified her. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“I’m afraid you have to.” Glancing at the door, Chloe whispered, “I have to tell you something else. There’s a reason Declan’s been visiting you. I didn’t know about it. I swear. Jackson didn’t tell me. I tore into his ass when I found out he’d been keeping it from me.”

A lead weight settled in Rachel’s gut. “Tell you what?”

“You have to feel it.” Chloe’s eyes swept over her face, searching for something. “When Declan’s near you, do you feel drawn to him? Is there something about him you can’t resist?”

“He’s a nice-looking guy.” There didn’t seem to be a right answer to the question, so she fibbed. “With all those muscles and tattoos, he’s a woman’s wet dream. Who wouldn’t be attracted to him?”

“It’s more than that and you know it. Far, far more.”

Her haphazardly constructed façade crumbled. What Declan had told her at the garage was true. She’d never been a good liar. Chloe saw right through her. They knew each other too well. It was time to go for broke, no more evading the issue.

“What are you telling me? Come out and say it.”

“You belong with him.” Meeting Rachel’s gaze, Chloe said, “You’re his mate.”

Damn it. Wrong again.

Things could get worse.

* * * * *

“You’re burning the bacon,” Jackson said, pointing at the skillet. “I’m not sure how Rachel feels about crispy pork but Chloe isn’t a fan.”

With a growl, Declan flipped the frying meat over. The minute he’d heard Rachel’s voice he’d wanted to run from the kitchen into his bedroom. If it hadn’t been for Jackson he would have done just that. The Alpha had insisted Chloe needed to talk to Rachel and calm her before Declan waltzed in. Perhaps Jackson had been right but the instinct remained, urging him to go to Rachel and care for her.

Shane—the temporary pack Beta until Declan reassumed the position—strode into the dining area. He shook his shoulders, cracking his neck. The white T-shirt he’d worn was covered in dirt stains, his jeans crusted with mud.

Jackson stepped away from the stove. “All finished?”

“Yep,” Shane answered and plopped down on a stool.

Declan kept his mouth shut, attempting to keep his temper in check. He’d wanted to dispose of the wolf that’d attacked his female—making sure to rip the motherfucker limb from limb before he tossed him in an unmarked grave—but Jackson had forbidden that as well. The Alpha had sent Shane to do the deed, telling Declan to stay put.

It was for the best. Rachel needs you. He clenched his teeth, impatient and uneasy. I need to be in there with her. Chloe had better hurry the hell up.

“Declan,” Shane said softly, breaking him out of his stupor. “You need to chill out, man. Your female is going to be edgy enough without you adding to her anxiety.”

“Is that so?” Glancing at Shane, Declan arched a brow. “What would you know about it?”

Shane was a mystery. He’d arrived in Atrum Hill as a rogue. For weeks they’d seen him around. The male had taken odd jobs and rented a room above Gleason’s Laundromat. One day—to the shock of the pack—Shane had approached Jackson to see if they had space for him in their group. Rogues didn’t like being around other wolves, which made Shane’s interest bizarre and suspicious. Even stranger? Jackson had talked to the male, decided he was trustworthy and introduced him to the pack in order to get their blessing.

Shane had shown everyone he was worthy of their trust over time but Declan still had his doubts. The man was strong enough to be a Beta—hell, perhaps even an Alpha—so why had he come here?

What is he running from?

“I know enough.” Shane rested his elbows on the counter, leaning forward. “This isn’t about you. Keep that in mind. You have to make decisions based on the needs of something more important.” There was gravity to the statement, as though he was trying to send Declan a silent message.

Growling, Declan forked the bacon onto a plate. “My patience isn’t going to last forever,” he warned Jackson and slipped the pan into the sink. “I’m going into my bedroom in the next five minutes. Like it or not.”

“Rachel, wait!” Chloe’s quietly hissed order would have gone unnoticed among humans but Declan heard her loud and clear. He’d tried not to eavesdrop, wanting to give Rachel some measure of privacy, but in this circumstance he wasn’t leaving anything to chance. He listened in, attuned to their conversation. “You can’t leave,” Chloe whispered. “Where do you think you’ll go? What do you think you’ll do?”

Lifting his head, Declan met Jackson’s gaze. The Alpha had obviously heard the exchange as well.

“I’m going,” he growled, tired of being tethered in his own home. “Don’t try to stop me.”

After a moment, Jackson gave Declan a nod.

About fucking time.

He walked from the kitchen, taking a deep breath. His heart pounded, his wolf itching to get closer to its mate. He tried to collect himself as he neared his bedroom, shaking off his doubts and anger. Shane was right. This wasn’t about him. Rachel needed him to be confident yet understanding. Anything else would confuse her. Entering the hallway, he detected the acrid stench of Rachel’s fear. No wonder she wanted to get the fuck away. Whatever Chloe had said had petrified his female.

“Time’s up.” He addressed Chloe as he entered the room but had eyes only for Rachel. His mate had moved from the bed and stood across from him. “Jackson’s waiting for you in the kitchen.”

Chloe’s gaze darted from Rachel to Declan. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“Go,” he commanded softly, watching his mate.

Rachel had torn through his drawers looking for clothing. She looked sexy as hell in the button-down shirt Chloe’d dressed her in, the edges of the garment skimming over the tops of her thighs. Rachel met his gaze and her eyes clouded, the cock-rocking fragrance of her arousal merging with the scent of her fear. She took a step back, staring at him.

“Declan…” Chloe hesitated, wringing her hands.

“Don’t make me call Jackson,” he growled. Chloe wasn’t human, so he knew she was also capable of judging the shift in Rachel’s demeanor by the change in scent. “You’ve done all you can. It’s my turn.”

“Your turn? Hell no,” Rachel snapped, turning around, giving Declan a glimpse of her ass as she rummaged through his dresser, “I’m not sticking around. As soon as I find some clothes I’m calling a cab and going home.”

Chloe shot Declan a sympathetic look. He could tell the Halfling was torn, hating to leave her friend. “Go,” he mouthed, making sure not to speak. Chloe needed to leave, the sooner the better. Rachel would remain conflicted so long as she didn’t understand and accept her nature. It was time to introduce her to what she’d become, offer her a taste of what she could expect.

With a parting glance to Rachel, Chloe slipped from the room. He closed the door, placing his body between Rachel and her only means of escape. His wolf tried to fight for dominance, wanting to mark Rachel in its scent. With another deep breath he soothed the beast, ordering it to take a step back. Damn he hadn’t thought it would be this hard. He’d never wanted a woman this much, aching for the relief only she could give him.

“Think about what Chloe said.” He took a step to the side when Rachel tossed a shirt over her shoulder and it flew at him. “Say we let you leave, what will you do when the change comes? Where do you think you’ll go? You don’t know what to expect. You need to understand what’s happening to you.”

“You’re only saying that because you think you own me.” She ripped the bottom drawer open, dug through the clothing and she snagged a pair of sweatpants. “Chloe might’ve been fine with all this craziness but I’m not. I’ve seen how she’s become since she met Jackson. You’re not taking control of my life.”

“You think Jackson controls her?” How little Rachel knew. Chloe could ask Jackson for anything and he’d do whatever it took to give it to her. That’s the way it was between mates, a constant give and take. “Have you actually watched the two of them together?”

He’d planned to talk and give her space but when she started to pull on the oversized pants he knew it was time for action. One touch was all it would take. Born werewolf females dreamshared with their mates prior to their first moon heat. However the first actual touch sealed the deal. Rachel had bypassed puberty, going straight to adulthood. As soon as their skin connected she’d feel the difference. The wolf inside her would reveal itself little by little. She’d need him even if she didn’t fully understand the reason.

She ditched the pants and tried to run, racing toward the bed. He caught her before she made it, snaking an arm around her waist. Before she could kick or release a scream, he tugged her close and placed his free hand on her throat. The air inside the room sizzled, his wolf reaching out for hers. The beast inside his mate was new and weak but he felt it respond. She gasped, resting one arm on top of his as the other rose to clasp his wrist. Her back rested against his chest, the softness of her ass flush against his hardening cock.

Fuck.

“Don’t be afraid,” he murmured into the shell of her ear, trying to force aside the lust pumping through his veins, “I want to control you but not in the way you’re thinking. It’s more complicated than that.” He released her neck, bringing his hand down her torso until he cupped one of her breasts. Brushing his thumb over her nipple, he felt the nub harden beneath his touch. “A part of this is physical, Rachel. I won’t deny that. But it’s also much deeper and more profound. The moment we met I knew there was something special about you. It wasn’t until you appeared in my dreams that I understood what the feeling meant.”

“Your dreams?” She trembled at his touch, her inhalations stinted.

“Our dreams,” he clarified.

“Chloe had dreams… She told me about them…I thought…”

For a second she seemed ready to dart away. He plucked her nipple between his fingers, keeping her focused on her body and their growing bond. “She had dreams of Jackson. It’s normal. Her wolf knew it was time to find him.”

“Chloe was born to be like you. I was bitten.” She tried to swipe at his hand and squirm out of his arms. Even while doing so, he could scent how aroused she was. “You’re lying. I couldn’t have shared dreams with you.”

“The last dream was the best.” Instead of letting go, he held her tighter. “I had you, Just Rachel. After all that running I managed to catch you. You were all nice, soft and warm. I thought I was finally going to kiss you. So when you vanished and I woke up I decided it was time to step things up. Do you have any idea how hard it’s been for me? I’ve gone to bed every single night as hard as a baseball bat, wishing for a hint of your scent. You’ve tormented me for weeks.”

“I didn’t know.” Her voice lowered an octave, becoming husky. She rubbed her back against his chest. “You smell really good. What cologne do you wear?” Shaking her head, she mumbled, “I feel so strange.”

She wouldn’t shift until the full moon but she was transitioning, her body preparing for the changes to come. Right now, he imagined, she wouldn’t be able to find peace in her own skin. She needed to relax, letting her mind and chaotic thoughts take it easy for a while.

Thankfully he knew what would put her at ease.

“Easy, sweet girl.”

A couple of steps and he had her beside the bed. He turned her body, bringing them chest to chest. Then he bent his head, breezing his lips over hers as he lowered her to the bed. He wouldn’t take this further than she’d allow. As a mate, he couldn’t. She had to accept him, telling him she wanted the same thing he did. If he didn’t start things off on the right foot their mating would be damned from the beginning.

“I’ll tell you everything you want to know,” he whispered, nipping at her lower lip. “I’ll share all I know with you and find answers to things I can’t explain. I willingly offer you everything I am. All you have to do is ask.”

He fought his own desires, holding back his beast. Fuck she smelled good, sweet and radiant. Cupping the back of her head, he deepened the kiss. Her lips opened, the tip of her tongue daring out to touch his. A groan ventured from his throat, the air swept from his lungs. She had no idea what she did to him. Such a tiny little thing turned him on and got him hot. Like this he’d be whatever she wanted, no matter what it cost him.

“I ache,” she exhaled into his lips.

“You won’t for long,” he vowed, releasing her neck.

He gentled his touch, fingers gliding from her sternum to her stomach. Her breath caught and he could feel her shaking. He moved slowly, giving her a chance to stop him if she changed her mind. Inch by inch he moved his hand, taking his time, until his fingers skimmed over the top of her cotton panties.

She parted her thighs, thrusting her hips upward. “More.”

It was an order. Not a request. Good. “Whatever you want.”

With a simple motion, he slid his fingers beneath her underwear. He expected curls or to find her trimmed. He hadn’t thought he’d find her pussy bare and smooth. Just Rachel obviously had secrets she’d have to share with him in the future. He’d enjoy fulfilling each and every fantasy she’d ever had.

Son of a bitch.

Her seam was good and wet, her vaginal lips hot and swollen. Turning his wrist, he carefully eased his middle finger inside her, hissing at how hot and tight she was. Perhaps if he’d had more time he’d have known more about her sexual history. He didn’t like thinking of her with lovers but he didn’t want to hurt her either. Slow was the way to go. He had to make sure she was ready for him.

“More,” she gasped, writhing beneath him. “Please.”

Time to take the edge off. “Hold on to me, baby.”

Her hands rose, fingers curving around his biceps. She’d relaxed, her head arched back against the mattress. Through the shirt he caught a glimpse of her breasts—small yet firm, capped by luscious pink nipples. Without preamble, he bowed his head and sucked at one through the thin material, growling at her soft cry. She strained up, welcoming his attention. Ready to give her relief, he searched for her clit with his thumb. He found the nub and applied pressure, rubbing the bead as he thrust his finger inside her depths.

“Yes,” she encouraged him, moving in harmony with each plunge. “Oh yes.”

Eager to be inside her, the rolled his hips and thrust his cock into the softness of the bed. Soon he wouldn’t have to imagine how perfectly her pussy would glove him, wrapping around his length like a second skin. Each passing second brought her wolf closer. He could smell it now. There was no denying her change. Any werewolf would identify the marked shift in the once-human woman, her transformation occurring faster than usual.

His own wolf surged beneath his skin, nearly getting loose. He could have taken her then and there. She’d have let him. Yet he couldn’t do it. Something held him back. Just Rachel wasn’t a werewolf, not yet. Likely she’d resent him for taking things too far. She’d run from him in her dreams, needing space. If he destroyed the small level of trust he’d gained from her in the last couple of weeks he’d never get it back.

Damn it.

Shit.

His cock pulsed, the slickness in his jeans a reminder of how close he was to losing command of his beast. Sex wasn’t supposed to be this hard. Normally he wouldn’t have been so concerned. His kind weren’t known to love. It wasn’t that simple. Until a mate came along monogamy was laughable. They went from partner to partner, no strings attached. Mating was the ultimate commitment, making the mortal notion of love pale in comparison.

But he’d never wanted a woman like he wanted Rachel. He was determined to mark and claim her as his. Until that happened he wouldn’t be in a rational state of mind. He considered popping open his jeans and taking his dick in hand, stroking himself off as she came. At least then he could try to think clearly, without raw lust clouding his vision.

This isn’t about you. Shane’s warning returned to taunt him. Keep that in mind.

Like he could fucking forget. “I want to watch you come,” he snarled, lifting his head to see her face. “Right now, baby. Come for me.”

She did and he knew that he’d never seen anything more perfect. Her back arched, breasts straining against the shirt, parting the buttons wider. Her pussy clasped his finger, her body quaking as her high-pitched wail of release carried through the room. To make it last, he kept manipulating her clit, thrumming it softly. He didn’t look away, studying her face, groaning at the ecstasy etched in her delicate features.

Within seconds she sighed and went soft. He lifted his thumb, keeping his finger buried inside her. It was hell to not pull away and lick away her sweetness, knowing he’d finally know how good she tasted if he did. Instead he played at being a gentleman for the first time in his existence, hoping that his efforts would be worth it.

“That was nice,” she sighed, her tone one of bliss and satiation. “Hmm.”

Then—before he could blink—her emotions shifted.

Since he was staring at her face he saw her tension before he smelled it. Her vaginal walls flexed around his finger, her lips parting in horror as her eyes flew open. Most of the time terror fed the wolf, making it stronger. In this case Rachel managed to overpower her newly created beast, thrusting it into the corner.

“Oh no.” Embarrassment laced the words that echoed in his ears. “Oh God!”

She’s confused and afraid. Do this right. Don’t fuck up.

With regret he pulled his finger from the satiny walls that gripped him, reminding himself that his female needed to be seduced and not forced. He slid his hand from her panties, already sensing her physical and emotional withdrawal. Good thing he’d listened to his instincts. If he’d claimed her she would have hated him for it. He had to prove himself and show her why he was a worthy male and mate.

“We’ll drive to your place and get your things,” he said, quickly moving from the bed. If he didn’t, he didn’t think he’d be able to put a lid on his urges. “I want you to be comfortable here.”

“What?” It hurt, watching her scramble away after what they’d shared. “I’m not staying here. I told you that.”

Patience was a virtue he sorely lacked. Damn it.

“Just Rachel,” he taunted, drawing out the endearment. If he’d learned anything during their time together it was that she hated being goaded. “You are staying here. You might despise the sight of me but you’ll get used to it. I’m not leaving you alone to face what’s coming. Like it or not this is your home.” Taking a step closer, he attempted to provoke her further. “Get used to it, sunshine. You’re stuck with me.”

She opened her mouth to argue, fire flashing in her morning blue eyes. After a moment’s hesitation he brought his finger to his mouth, slipping it between his lips. Her flavor burst on his tongue, sweet and spicy. Closing his eyes, he savored the first taste of his mate. He’d shocked her but it was worth it. She needed to understand he wasn’t going anywhere. He opened his eyes and their gazes locked. He smelled her newfound arousal, could see it in the way her irises lightened near her pupils. In a few days—when the full moon arrived—she’d be unable to deny him.

A small comfort but a comfort nonetheless.

“I…uh…” She quickly averted her gaze, staring at the floor.

He removed his finger, running his tongue over his lip. Already her taste was fading but he’d never forget it, able to recall it from memory. A part of her belonged to him even if she wasn’t fully aware of it. They’d crossed an enormous obstacle, obliterating a wall that had stood too long between them. She’d given herself over, asking for his touch. Living with him she’d eventually want more. One by one he was determined to eradicate each barrier, to get beneath her skin in the same way she’d gotten beneath his.

Starting now.

“One door leads to the bathroom, the other is the closet. You saw where I came in, so I’m guessing you know which way is out.” Regretful and aching himself, he drew back, watching her with each step he took away. “Most of my things won’t fit but you’re welcome to anything I have. I’ll give you some time to get dressed. When you’re ready come find me.”

Then—before she could entice him to say to fuck with it and ravish her silly—he opened the door, stepped outside and closed it behind him.