Changed

Chapter Six

“It can’t be that easy,” Declan said, peering across the room, keeping his mate in sight. “No one is that lucky.”

“Of course it can,” Shane drawled through the phone. “When I work it’s easy-peasy.”

Declan watched Rachel inspect the walls of his room at the tattoo shop. She leaned closer to the framed work above his station, studying his sketches. She’d calmed down as she’d promised, the paragon of control. He didn’t like it, his wolf warning him something was off. If the phone hadn’t shrilled and Shane’s name hadn’t blasted through speakers running through the parlor he wouldn’t have answered.

“You have him with you? Right now?”

“He’s totally inebriated and passed out in the back seat,” Shane replied. “I think he’d sleep through a natural disaster at this point.”

“And he said it was Simone?” The information came from a rogue but it was damning given the state of things. “You’re sure?”

“He did, and I wouldn’t call if I wasn’t.”

“What did you give him?” Declan still couldn’t believe it. Either Shane was a lucky fucking bastard or the clouds had finally parted and the water-deprived earth was finally getting much-needed rain. “Elephant tranqs?”

“I offered the man a few shots of whiskey, not that it matters.” Shane sounded annoyed. “You should know I’m taking him to ground. I tried to call Jackson but didn’t get an answer. I left a message. Once I get to the location my signal blows. He won’t be able to get in touch. You need to tell him what’s going on and stress the importance of him getting here. If we work this right we should be able to get down to business in the next day or two.”

“We just saw her,” Declan snarled quietly, seething at the memory. “Not even thirty minutes ago.”

“Who?”

“Simone,” he hissed, keeping his voice down. “She was in town acting like everything was totally fucking cool. She even started shit with Rachel.” He recalled how angry his mate had been, full of piss and vinegar. “It wasn’t good.”

“You have to hand it to her,” Shane said. “She’s got balls.”

Balls that are about to be clipped. “If I talk to Jackson I’ll tell him you’re trying to get in touch. Keep your phone outside the basement when you make it to the bunker. The signal is better and calls roll through.”

“Why are you at the shop? I thought you were on vacay.”

Declan didn’t like answering questions but he didn’t have a choice. “I needed my appointment book. I’m driving Rachel to her place before we drive back to mine.”

“Appointment book?” Shane hesitated. “Are you taking more time off?”

“Only a week or two.”

“What should I tell the pack?”

“I’m not sure.”

Declan kept his gaze on his female, trying to see into the future, wishing he had a crystal fucking ball. The pack knew he’d been preparing for a trip, they just didn’t know why he’d decided to cut and run all of a sudden. He hadn’t bothered telling them, stating he needed some time to himself. Eventually they’d want to know why he left so abruptly. Since he intended to return to his position as Beta, they had the right to ask questions.

“I’ll keep things cool if they ask about you,” Shane finally said. “I didn’t sign on to be a Beta long-term. When you decide on a course of action I need to know.”

“I’m working out the kinks. As soon as I do you’ll be the first to know.”

“Much appreciated.”

The line clicked off and Declan hung up the phone.

Son of a bitch.

On the way to the shop he’d tried to formulate a plan. Since he hadn’t known if Simone or Desiree had been responsible for the attack he hadn’t been sure if he could take Rachel home. He’d seriously considered asking for permission to skip town with his mate. Now he knew he didn’t have to. Simone was running around like a duck on the water because she thought she was safe. Maybe it was because she hadn’t been apprised of the crime. Or perhaps she truly was that simple-minded and arrogant.

Either way it didn’t matter.

He could take Rachel home.

She could transition to her new life surrounded by those who could support her.

With a sigh of relief he returned the phone to the receiver. “Just Rachel?”

“Stop calling me that,” she replied, keeping her back to him.

If he had his way he’d never stop calling her that. He loved seeing her cheeks turn pink, her eyes glossy when he referred to her as such. Although he wasn’t a sexual novice, romance had eluded him all his life. He wanted to peel his mate back layer by layer. Over time he was certain he’d get to her center and understand her as he was meant to.

He closed the distance between them, moving quietly. His muscles drew tight, his cock swelling to life. The last time she’d been in his area he’d put her pretty little ass in his chair and told her not to move. The punishment for doing so had been a sound spanking. Of course she hadn’t listened, making a run for it as soon as she’d had a chance. Back then he hadn’t understood why her absence had left him feeling so empty, unaware of her importance in his life.

She tensed when he wrapped a hand around her midsection, placing his splayed fingers over her stomach. Stepping close, he pressed his body against hers. She was so small like this, her head notched directly beneath his chin.

She shivered, the scent of her arousal filling the enclosed space. “What do you want?”

“That’s a dangerous question.” Bringing his mouth to her ear, he whispered, “I want all sorts of things.”

“This is so fucked up.” With a small shift of her feet, she turned to face him. Her eyes were cloudy, pupils dilated. Bringing a hand to his cheek, she met his gaze. “I shouldn’t want you so much.”

He lifted a hand and rested it over hers. “Why not?”

“It’s not natural.” She closed her eyes and licked her lips. “It’s not me.”

“I have a feeling you don’t know yourself as well as you think.”

Ripping her hand from his face, she lifted her shoulders. “If that’s true it’s because of what’s happened to me. It’s not my fault.”

“How many men have you been with?” He yanked her close when she tried to get away. “One? Two? A dozen?”

“You know it’s not that many,” she snapped, her face turning pink in embarrassment. “If anyone has gotten around the block it’s you.”

“Really?” Cocking a brow, he questioned, “How do you know?”

“It’s obvious.” The flush in her cheeks deepened, becoming red. He waited as she struggled to piece together an answer. “Only a man who’s slept around knows how to touch a woman just right.”

“You like how I touch you?” Lowering his hand, he brushed the backs of his knuckles over one of her breasts. Her breath caught, her lower lip quivering. “I hope so, because I love touching you.”

“I shouldn’t want you this much,” she repeated, inching closer. The thin sliver of her irises had changed hue, becoming nearly white. Her wolf had become stronger, coming to life inside her. “I shouldn’t need you this much.”

“Yes, you should,” he corrected, studying her face. Their mouths were so close her breath caressed his lips. Her scent called to him, sweet and rich. Knowing she needed to face her demons, he decided to push her. “Do you want something, sweetheart? If you do all you have to do is ask.”

She didn’t look away, placing her hands on his chest. “Will you kiss me again?”

This time he made sure the kiss was tender, a light breeze of his lips over hers. She whimpered, trying to get closer. He didn’t allow it, maintaining a tiny amount of distance. If his mate wanted things to escalate she had to accept her feelings and embrace her nature. The constant back and forth wouldn’t bring them closer together. This had to be done on her terms, with her interest and willingness to engage him.

“Touch me,” she pleaded, pushing her hips forward. “Please.”

“Where do you want me to touch you?” When she froze, ripping her eyes from his, he softened his voice. “Here?” he asked, cupping her breast. Bringing his other hand to the vee of her thighs, he palmed her sex. “How about here?”

“Yes,” she growled, arching her back and thrusting her hips, pushing her breast and pussy into his hands. “More. I need more.”

He could sense her beast, feeling it call to his. It was harder than hell but he removed his hands and cupped her face, forcing her to look at him. She had to understand that he could give her relief but he wouldn’t ease her. Not fully. The only way to dull the need was to claim her as his mate, taking her body as he marked her shoulder. Even then it wouldn’t eliminate her desire for him. Until the moon came and went she’d keep riding the line, unable to ignore the lust consuming her.

“There’s only one way to make this better,” he said, voice cracking, his own libido in high gear. “Touching you—making you come—is only a temporary solution. I need to claim you completely. It’s the only way to ease the change.”

“It burns,” she rasped, raking her nails over his chest. “I feel so hot.”

Fuck.

It shouldn’t have been possible but he thought—for a moment—that she might be transforming. He felt the hum beneath her skin and saw her wolf gazing out at him through her eyes. Fear for her safety overrode his determination to do things on her terms. She needed relief and it was his responsibility to provide it for her. Unfortunately his beast wasn’t going into its cage, refusing to be denied.

“I need you to touch me too,” he growled, skin itching as the wolf rose within him. The animal would accept this sliver of intimacy, giving them a bit more time. “Will you touch me, Rachel?”

A tremor shot through him when she sank to her knees and reached for the buttons to his jeans. Although it made him a selfish son of a bitch he didn’t stop her, remaining in place as she undid the fastenings. Her fingers shook, making the task take longer than it should have. After several seconds his cock sprang free, fully engorged and throbbing. She wrapped her fingers around the base and he hissed, balls drawing up. Shifting her torso forward, she inched closer. Her tongue darted out and connected with his straining flesh.

“No teasing.” He assumed she didn’t have a lot of experience but he couldn’t wait. Many nights he’d gone to sleep imagining her just like this. Twining his fingers in her hair, he instructed, “Wrap those pretty lips around my cock and look at me.” She hesitated and he yanked on the strands in his grasp, bringing her back to the moment. “First you touch me and then I touch you. Give me this.”

Just like that her lips surrounded him, hot and wet as she sucked him into her mouth. Holy shit. He rocked on his heels, locking his knees in place. The last thing he needed to do was lose his balance and fuck things up. He couldn’t believe this was finally happening. When she didn’t look at him, he gave her hair another firm pull. She didn’t understand that this was about more than sex. They needed to increase their bond, connect with one another on a deeper level.

“Rachel,” he grated through his teeth, “look at me.”

Finally, she did. Her pupils were smaller, her irises fully white.

“That’s my girl.” Loosening his hold, he praised her. “Beautiful.”

Her motions were inexperienced, the hand at the root of his dick remaining still. To assist her he slid one of his hands from her hair and brought it to the fingers clutching the base.

“Like this.” He moved her hand up and down, timing it with the bobs of her head. She quickly caught on, following his lead as he guided her. “There you go. Fuck that feels good. You have the sweetest mouth.”

Her moan had him on the brink of orgasm. The vibrations traveled down his cock to his balls, creating a heavy weight in his lower back. Her eyes drifted shut, her lashes fluttering against her cheeks. His fangs lowered, the need to mark her shoulder pulsing through him. He fought for control, trying to stay still when all he wanted to do was thrust his hips and sink his cock into the slick, warm cavern.

Enjoy it. Don’t fuck up.

“That’s it,” he growled, his wolf slithering beneath his skin. She shifted the position of her head, taking him to the back of her throat. He held her still, instructing, “Swallow.” He waited until she did as she was told and pulled away. With another drive, he sent his cock deep into her mouth. “Again.” This time she took him more easily, her throat flexing around his cock head. “That’s right. Just like that.” He helped her settle into a rhythm so that she stroked and sucked him just the way he liked.

“You’re so perfect, baby. You have no idea what you do to me.”

Her scent had changed, telling him she was as turned on by the act as he was. The fragrant aroma of her musk tingled in his nostrils. When he flipped her over to reciprocate she’d be soaking wet. He closed his eyes and imagined sinking into her tight cunt, claiming her inch by maddening inch. He wouldn’t stop until he was balls-deep, lodged fully inside her.

His female only had to accept what was coming.

It was only a matter of time.

Rachel stopped fighting her instincts, allowing the voice that had appeared in her mind to dictate her actions. It felt foreign but right, telling her what she needed to do. There was a comfort in the presence, as though things were coming full circle.

Take him. Claim him.

He’s ours.

Her pussy clenched, a fresh burst of wetness drenching her already moist panties. Since they’d arrived at the tattoo parlor she’d been on edge, wanting to finish what they’d started in the street. Her breasts felt full, her nipples hard and aching. Each time her underwear brushed her clit she thought she’d come out of her skin.

Her skin tingled as she recalled Declan’s words.

Touch me and I’ll touch you.

She focused on the task at hand, shocked at how hard yet silken he felt. His cock was thick and long. The mushroom-shaped head was broader than the root, forcing her to widen her lips in order to take him. Considering her less than memorable sexual encounters with the opposite sex, she now only used her vibrator or fingers against her clit when she needed to let off sexual steam. Due to that she knew she wasn’t going to accommodate him easily. When he tried to enter her body he’d have to work his way inside.

The thought turned her on as much as it frightened her.

The men she’d slept with didn’t compare to Declan. They didn’t even come close.

“Fuck yes,” he groaned, carefully pumping his hips. “Don’t stop, baby.”

Opening her eyes, she peered up. His lids lifted and his gaze sought hers.

The fingers in her hair tightened, making her scalp prickle and burn. His amber-colored irises were bright in the artificial lighting. Despite the ache in her jaw she sucked harder, wanting to give this to him. For once she wanted to enjoy the moment and worry about the future later. She loved knowing she was responsible for the hunger, lust and need in his eyes.

“Shit,” he whispered, panting softly. “I’m going to come. You decide how it happens. Pull away if you don’t want me like this.”

Drink him down, the voice in her head demanded. Take it all.

Doubling her efforts, she moved faster. She stroked his shaft in tandem with her sucking mouth, drawing her lips and fingers up and down his iron-hard length. He bumped the back of her throat and it took every ounce of her will not to gag. Forcing aside the natural reaction, she focused on giving him pleasure.

“I can’t hold back,” he groaned, thrusting into her mouth. “Feels too fucking good.”

With a final plunge of his hips, he pressed the head of his cock to the back of her throat and held her head still. His semen jetted into her mouth. Thick, hot and slightly bitter. She breathed through her nose and swallowed, trying not to panic when she gagged. Women did this all the time. There wasn’t anything to be worried about. He pulled back and gave her a bit of room. She maintained a level head, using the space to her advantage. She swallowed each wave of his seed, finding it became easier as she did.

In seconds his cock stilled, no longer pulsing in her mouth. She drew a steadying breath, trying to cool the fire rushing through her veins. A part of her couldn’t believe she’d been so bold and brazen, giving him what he asked for without argument. With a quick step back, Declan slid his still-hard length from her lips and bent to pick her up. She didn’t have time to protest, ripped from her knees and lifted into his arms in the same breath.

“Your turn, mate.”

She gasped when he tossed her into the chair, grasping the sides to keep her balance. Since she didn’t have shoes it wasn’t difficult to pull the sweatpants down her legs. He tossed the clothing to the floor and reached for her panties. The gleam in his eyes made her nervous.

He wasn’t going to pleasure her with his fingers this time.

Somehow she knew he fully intended to return the favor—using his mouth and tongue to get her off. As much as she’d fantasized about it she’d never had anyone venture to the land below. The real thing wasn’t as enticing as she thought it might be. Licking his fingers was one thing. Once he put his face between her legs he’d find out just how wet she’d become.

What if he didn’t like it? What if she turned him off?

The voice in her head had gone strangely quiet, leaving her vulnerable and alone.

“W-wait,” she stammered, holding her hands out to ward him off.

He froze, staring her in the eye. “What’s wrong?”

“You don’t have to do that,” she blurted, turning her head so she didn’t have to look at him. Heaven help her, she felt so awkward and uncertain. “Don’t feel obligated or anything.”

“Obligated? Is that what you think?” He came at her, shoving aside her hands. “I’ve been dying to taste you, Rachel. I got a sample earlier but it wasn’t enough. I want to bury my head between your legs, lick you up like candy and watch you fall apart. I want to find out how sweet you sound when you come like this.”

“But…” She couldn’t look at him, not now. Humiliation swamped her.

“No buts,” he growled, reaching for her panties. “I want this and so do you.”

There wasn’t any reason to fight. He was right. She wanted this equally—if not more—than he did. When he grasped her panties she didn’t stop him, allowing him to slide the garment from her hips and legs. The chilly cushion beneath her ass sent a shiver up her spine. Suddenly she became aware of the cold room, the way the air seemed to breeze over her bare flesh. On a whim she’d shaved her pussy, curious to see how it would feel. As hair had grown in she’d decided to keep herself smooth.

There was nothing to protect her. Her folds were open to his gaze.

“There’ve only been two,” she blurted, changing the subject before she knew it, answering an earlier question he’d probably forgotten. “I’ve never done this before.”

“Two?” he questioned, freezing in place, fangs visible beneath his full lips.

She wanted to slap herself. He didn’t want to hear about that. Not now.

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

“Never mind,” she whispered. “It’s not important.”

“Two men?” he asked, tilting his head to the side.

If there had been a hole in the ground she’d have gratefully crawled into it. This was why she’d never tried to establish a relationship. Each time she got around a member of the opposite sex she said and did the wrong things. If she wasn’t busy snapping at them, she found herself muttering stupid shit. No wonder they had never called her the next day.

Unable to respond verbally, she nodded.

“No one has kissed you here?” He cupped her mound, his palm hot against her weeping flesh. When she didn’t answer he asked thickly, “No one has gone down on you?”

“No,” she squeaked, wanting him to touch her but afraid to ask for it.

“Good,” he growled, edging closer. “I’ll be your first and only.”

“You might not like it.” Damn it. Why did she keep talking out loud and ruining things? She rushed to fix what she might have broken and salvage a bit of her pride. “You don’t have to.”

“You’re right. I’m not going to like it.” She’d known he might not but hearing him say so broke something inside her. She started pulling away, drowning in misery. He stopped her, holding her in place. “You should hear a man out. I’m not going to like it because I know I’m going to fucking love it. I had a small taste but it didn’t even take the edge off. If anything it only made me want this even more.”

The way he’d placed her gave him more than enough room to maneuver. She couldn’t bring her legs together, trapped in place by his larger body. He forced her against the headrest, pressing her back into the chair. Bending at the waist, he dipped his head. The heat of his breath caressed her clit, his lips hovering over her vaginal lips. Another warm, wet gush from her pussy had her cheeks burning hot. She fought to breathe, clutching at the faux leather beneath her.

“You smell good,” he cooed, staring at her mound. “So hot. So damn sweet.”

His tongue lashed out and ran up her crease. As soon as he touched her clit she released a soft cry and shifted her hips. Electricity zinged up her back, spreading out through her torso. In an instant she wanted to come, hanging right over the edge. She clawed at the chair, waiting to see what he’d do next.

“Lie back and relax. I’m going to enjoy this as much as you do. I’ve been dreaming about it for weeks.”

He had? For some reason she found that hard to believe.

She was hardly the stuff of dreams.

The first laps of his tongues against her pussy didn’t ease her tension. Then slowly, as he paid attention to her inner folds, her muscles relaxed. He seemed to know when she’d given in. With a groan he increased the pressure, running his tongue from the mouth of her vagina to her clit. Using his thumbs, he parted her center. She held back a moan, biting her lip. He lifted his eyes, meeting her gaze.

Then she understood why he’d wanted her to look at him when she’d sucked his cock.

She’d never felt that level of connection with any other person. Like this she was completely open to him. There were no secrets, no barriers between them. He could see past the mask she wore, to the woman she kept tucked away. One look—a simple locking of the eyes—and he knew everything about her. Even knowing that, she didn’t dare break the connection. He studied her as he kept going, licking at her seam. The presence she’d felt earlier returned, like a shadow in the back of her mind.

Ours.

Tiny prickles danced over her skin at her torso, extending to her arms and legs. It felt as though feathers danced along the inside of her skin, tracing over every contour and crevice. The heat in her stomach returned, a strange haze of red coating her vision. She let go of the chair and placed her arms over her head. Resting back, she let her thighs fall apart.

“Hell yes,” Declan rasped, licking at her sex. “Let it happen, baby. You’re so soft here, made just for me.”

Two fingers teased her entrance, swirling outside her pussy. She tried not to tense up when Declan worked them inside her, using the wetness from his mouth and her arousal to pave the way. Running his tongue over her clit, he flexed his wrist, sending his fingers deeper. She gasped when he touched a sensitive spot inside her, bucking against his hand.

“Declan.”

“Easy,” he murmured and pushed his fingers all the way in. “Easy, baby.”

Easy? Is he insane?

It felt too good, her pussy so deliciously full. She wanted him to move those fingers and part her like a whisper. Things had progressed quickly between them, meaning it wouldn’t be long before he replaced his hand with his cock. She wasn’t sure how well she’d take him but she was already anticipating the moment, picturing the broad head stretching her wide. Declan had been considerate so far. How would he be when he ditched the tenderness? Would she be able to handle the man when he lost his carefully constructed control?

A spark of desire speared through her, the voice in her head becoming a howl.

He’d given her a sample of what he’d be like when she’d dropped to her knees in front of him. She’d seen the flare in his eyes, watched the tic in his jaw. Even then he’d done his best to be easy with her, keeping his own needs in check. Each time he handled her he did so as though she might break, keeping things slow and deliberate.

That’s not what she needed. Not anymore.

“It’s not enough.” She exhaled the words, rolling her hips. “Stop tormenting me.”

“Rachel.”

The way he said her name served as a warning of some kind. Too bad she didn’t have the patience to find out what he was trying to tell her. Grasping the top of the seat, she lifted her hips. His fingers slid deeper, thick and heavy inside her. She focused on her vaginal muscles, flexing down. If he wasn’t going to give her what she needed she’d take it for herself. Her body felt primed, ready to board the train to ecstasy. She pulled away, prepared to ride his hand to orgasm.

He prevented movement, grasping her by the hip. “Damn it. Don’t challenge me. Not now.”

Take him! The voice thundered in her head. Claim him as ours.

The itchy sensation under her skin increased, bringing on another tidal wave of lust and need. She couldn’t think clearly, driven by pure sensation. His fingers felt amazing inside her, the heat of his breath teasing her folds. She wanted to feel his tongue caressing her flesh as he moved his fingers in and out of her pussy. Then—after she climaxed—she could roll onto her knees and present herself to him.

He belonged to her. Once mated, no one could ever force them apart.

A snarl crept up her throat, an odd, itchy sensation beneath her skin spreading like wildfire. She needed this more than ever. Declan was sexy as hell. Other women would want him too. She’d been bitten, not born. That could threaten everything. They had to seal their union before it was too late. The thoughts in her head tumbled together—some of the notions her own, others the impressions of the animal inside her.

Clarity arose, a harsh realization slamming into her chest.

The wolf.

Shit.

She started to tear herself away. Declan must’ve sensed the shift. In an instant his lips surrounded her clit, his tongue rubbing against the hard nub as he sucked. The breath left her lungs, her body surrendering to his touch. He wasn’t tender any longer, slamming his hand against her, pumping his fingers in and out of her sex. Warmth bloomed over her, the pressure in her belly building.

So close… So close.

He waggled his head, moaning as he did.

White speckles floated before her eyes, the tension inside her detonating like a fireball. She writhed against his hand, pushing her clit into his mouth, releasing a scream of pleasure and pain. The wolf—something she finally recognized even if she didn’t want to accept it—damned her for her insecurities, wanting her to see past her doubts to embrace the future they needed. Now that she’d gained release the creature had stopped chanting in her head. She was grateful to receive at least this much from her other half.

She went limp, boneless as she draped herself over the seat.

This couldn’t be all she had to look forward to, could it?

If she didn’t accept Declan’s claim would she ever find any measure of peace?

Although she kept her eyes closed she sensed Declan’s departure. His fingers eased from her sensitive flesh, his scent drifting from her as he walked away. She heard the rustle of clothing, knew he was adjusting his jeans and putting them back in place. It dawned on her that she should show some amount of composure. She closed her legs and brought them to her chest, wanting to cry for some strange reason she didn’t understand.

Poor Declan.

Just by wanting her he’d drawn the short end of the stick.

“It’s okay, sweet girl.” Her skin prickled at the endearment. She’d expected Declan to sound angry or annoyed. Instead he sounded almost sad. A hand wrapped around her wrist, followed by a firm tug. “Let’s get out of here. I’m going to take you to get your things and then we’ll go home. You need to rest.”

Rest? The animal within her reared its ugly head. I don’t want to rest.

She tried to fight the creature but didn’t know how. Just like that—click, click, boom—she was out of the tattoo chair. She snarled at Declan, her gums tingling. The wolf roared in her skull, the sound horrific and foreign. She brought her hands to her temples and pressed the fatty part of her palms to her face. Everything felt and looked strange, coated in that horrific shade of red. She made out Declan’s face, saw that he’d shifted from soothing to dominant.

“Stop it,” he ordered, facing her without fear. “I know you can hear me, Rachel. You control the wolf. She doesn’t control you. Put her in her place.”

Put her in her place how?

She felt the winding under her skin, could sense the animal gaining control. Reaching out, she whispered hoarsely, “Help me.”

Although he took her hand, he didn’t grant her the assistance she needed. “Only you can do that. Force her back. You can do this.”

The rage increased. The animal’s fear and needs merged together. It wanted to claim its mate before it was too late, to rise to control and take over. It didn’t want to be denied by its human counterpart.

“Stop. Right now,” Declan snarled.

Calm settled over her, Declan’s order like a comforting balm. She faced the animal that threatened to control her, screaming at it to back the fuck off. It seemed to last forever—a standoff without an end in sight. Her body trembled, her heart thundering in her chest. Then she felt the shift, the slight hesitation of the wolf. She persisted, ordering it to retreat. Sweat beaded her brow, her legs quaking as they held her weight.

Go away, she ordered. Get the hell out of my mind.

The animal retreated, taking small steps back. With each one Rachel took control, forcing the beast into a cage built in her mind. As soon as it entered—leaving her awash in her own thoughts—her legs buckled. Declan rushed toward her but he wasn’t fast enough. She cried out when her knees hit the ground, hearing a small crack.

“Motherfucker,” he snarled, pulling her against him.

She wanted to wrap her arms around his neck but she couldn’t lift them. Instead she sagged, her limbs totally useless. He swept her into his arms, cocooning her in his scent. She felt the darkness rising up to consume her and tried to fight it. The last time she’d gone under she’d woken to a new reality. She couldn’t face that again.

Don’t close your eyes. Keep them open.

Even as she thought it she felt her lashes flutter over her cheeks.

“I’ve got you,” Declan whispered, keeping her close. “Don’t be afraid.”

Unfortunately terror was the last thing that she felt before she surrendered, the horrible feeling permeating her soul. As she was swept into the tide of dreams she entered nightmares, each one more horrific than the next.

Of her father’s death.

Of her mother’s destruction.

Of the life she’d been given as a consequence.

Unable to do anything else, she accepted the inevitable. As always her desperation made things easy. It was a blessing in disguise, the one thing that gave her some measure of relief. That was the lesson she’d learned, having had it hammered into her head since youth. When you couldn’t fight it was best to give up, make yourself small and hope for a sliver of compassion.

In a blink, madness consumed her.

Suffocating pain, bringing her under.

She welcomed the dark tides, letting them do as they wished. She thought she heard Declan speaking softly to her but she couldn’t be certain. A wolf howled. The sound echoed through her head, searing into her soul. Bit by bit she sank into oblivion, lost to all reason.

A mouth skimmed over her temple.

Arms pulled her close.

She tried to hold on to the feelings, wanting to lose herself in them.

Before she could gain a hold blackness swirled, making the world dark.

Then there was nothing.