Beta’s Virgin Bride

James Pack, Book #2

By Lacey Thorn

Supernova Indie Publishing Services, LLC

www.supernovaindie.com

Powered by Your Imagination

Contents

CONTENTS

BETA’S VIRGIN BRIDE

COPYRIGHT

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

EPILOGUE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ALSO BY LACEY THORN

Beta’s Virgin Bride

by

Lacey Thorn

Ivy…

He came out of nowhere, throwing me over his shoulder and carrying me off as if he had any right to. Then he kissed me and all the reasons that kept me saying no to sex spontaneously combusted, leaving me hot and needy for a man I didn’t know. What’s a virgin to do? I ran.

Cyan…

One look and I knew she was mine. Ivy, a clinging vine and a fitting name for the woman I planned to wrap up in for the rest of my life. One taste and she has me ready to beg. Until a diversion sends her fleeing. Once I deal with them, I’ll deal with my mate. Because that’s what she’ll be the next time I get her alone. Mated.

Copyright © 2018, Lacey Thorn

Beta’s Virgin Bride

Edited by Michele Paulin (Supernova Indie Publishing Services, LLC)

Cover Art by Supernova Indie Publishing Services, LLC

Published by Lacey Thorn Publishing

P.O. Box 924

Peru, In 46970

Electronic format ISBN:  978-0-9963032-8-6

Warning: All rights reserved. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Electronic Release: April 2018

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and occurrences are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, places or occurrences, is purely coincidental.

Dear Readers,

Thank you for your purchase of Beta’s Virgin Bride. I hope you enjoyed the story, and will consider leaving a review at the eBook retailer website where you made your purchase. Reviews are a key way to help other readers find books and authors. Please consider taking a moment to rate and review Beta’s Virgin Bride!

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Happy reading!

A super-hot, insta-love romance that will leave you breathless.

Or maybe that’s just Cyan and Ivy.

Chapter One

~ Cyan ~

“Fuck,” I muttered under my breath as the bar’s doors swung shut behind the inner circle of the James pack, and the rumble in our alpha’s, Bastion James, chest grew.

As far as I was concerned, the alpha had lost his fucking mind as soon as he’d locked eyes on a photo and agreed to mate a woman he’d never met. I understood the arrangement. The Rigton pack had been hurting since the death of their alpha, and they’d approached Bastion to offer an alliance, complete with a bride. I’d expected Bas to laugh and send them packing. Joke was on me. The alpha had accepted with one stipulation, Raina Byrd, sister of the deceased leader of the Rigton pack, would be his. Otherwise, no deal.

Which led us to this bar. Bas had received a call, telling him his intended mate might be ready to make a run for it. Why? I had no idea. Any woman would be damn lucky to have Bas as a mate. The man was hardcore, but in a good way. He was fierce, no matter the skin he wore. It was why I followed him. Why most of our newly formed pack was with him.

We’d all heard the way others sometimes referred to us as the alpha pack, and it was true. The majority of us didn’t have a subservient bone in our bodies, but Bas didn’t want that. He wanted the toughest and smartest wolves he could get, and lineage didn’t matter. Bastard son? No problem. Which was a good thing for me. I’d been stamped with the bastard badge from birth. Bas and his younger sister, Belinda, had, as well. I often considered us the pack of misfits and bastards. Your pack doesn’t want you? Come join us. As long as you follow the rules Bas had put in place, you were good. Fuck up, and I’d be coming for you.

The main thing to understand was no fighting within the pack. You had a problem, you brought it to Bas, and he dealt with that shit immediately. He’s one decisive motherfucker. If you fucked up and he had to come to you, it was almost a given you weren’t walking away when he was done. How do I know that? Because I’m the scary fucker standing beside him ready to mete out justice, as needed.

Some people call me Cyan. Some shorten it to Cy, like the breathy sound women make when I’m near. Some call me A-B, which cracks up both Bas and me now that we know what it means. Alpha-beta. Bas asked if that made him alpha-alpha. We were told he was A-P. I’d tried to convince him it was for alpha-pussy, but the others assured him it was for alpha-prime. Seemed the guys had a good sense of humor.

Anyway, back to the here and now. Smoky bar. Loud music. Potential mate shaking her ass on the dance floor, and one angry alpha male beside me. And the scent of something in the air that has my wolf sitting up ready to howl. I shook my head to clear it. My focus needed to be on Bastion since it was clear where his was.

I heard awed whispers as we moved from the entrance.

Alpha pack. Bastion James. James pack.

We’d garnered a bit of a reputation over the last few years, which was most likely what had led to the elders of the Rigton pack seeking out Bastion. Very few wolves were stupid enough to fuck with the newly formed James pack. Those who did learned the hard way what a bad idea it was. So, it didn’t surprise me that people were giving us wide berth, some even heading for the door. The woman on the dance floor merely kept dancing, though I’d seen her eye Bastion. Even a human would be able to scent the lust in the air between them. Christ, I felt as if I were choking on it.

Bas’ intended gyrated to the side, and another woman appeared. The first thing I noticed was a perfectly rounded ass that begged for a man’s hands. I planned to flex my fingers on those curves later. Caramel-colored curls stopped at her waist, and as I watched, the woman used her hands to pull the locks atop her head then bent her knees and rocked her hips back and forth in an enticing dance that screamed for me to join her. Then the mass of hair tumbled back into place, and her hands disappeared in front of her. It was too easy for me to picture her cupping her breasts, plumping and squeezing them as she offered them to a lover. No, to me. Only me.

The growl rumbled up my chest as it occurred to me how many men watched the little vixen. Thankfully, Bas spoke before I started banging heads together and gouging out eyes.

“Clear the room,” he muttered. “No one touches her.”

I agreed, though we were thinking of different women.

“You heard him,” I told the members of our inner circle who’d come with us. “Everybody out.”

I was about to ask Bas if he wanted me to escort out the woman dancing with Raina, as well, when some idiot with a death wish strutted over to dance with them. I was already moving when Bas’ growl filled the air. I felt the antagonism rolling off the punk dancing. Seemed not everyone in the Rigton pack wanted us here. Didn’t matter. I knew as far as Bas was concerned, the woman was as good as his mate already. Besides, we’d been to plenty of places where we weren’t wanted.

The guy reached out to touch Raina, and I plucked him up by the scruff of his neck like a moldy bag of garbage, chucking him away with no concern. His choice. His consequence. It would also serve as a reminder not to fuck with us. If we really took on this pack, hierarchy needed to be set right now. That began with Bas and his intended mate, Raina. Then there was me, followed by the rest of the inner circle. You wanted to join that circle, you fucking earned a spot within it.

Tension flowed through the room, fueled by lust and anger, and it wasn’t just between Bas and Raina. Things would escalate quickly if I didn’t do something. I stepped in front of the women and gave an order.

“It’s time for you to go home, Miss Byrd.”

She peered at me as if I were stupid—or at least, as if my choice of words were. Fire and challenge lit in her eyes. I reminded myself she would be my alpha’s mate as I struggled for diplomacy.

My gaze kept trying to skip to the woman still dancing beside Raina, and I noted the owner of that sexy ass and lush curls was a lot tinier than I’d realized. She wouldn’t even reach the top of my chest unless I lifted her and let her wrap around me like a vine.

“Funny,” Raina countered, regaining my attention. “I’m pretty sure it’s time to dance.”

“Your father would like you to go home,” I stated, hoping that would set her legs in motion toward the door.

“My father wants me home? Do I look twelve to you?”

That was when the woman I’d been eyeing turned around, and I encountered a set of molten, brown eyes.

“What the hell?” she demanded as she moved in front of Raina. She slammed both her palms against my chest, and I stepped back hastily as lightning seemed to skate from her palms through my chest and down to my eager dick and balls. For the first time in my life, I was afraid I might come in my jeans.

“Step off, asshole,” she finished, glaring at me, but there was something in her gaze that assured me I wasn’t the only one who’d felt that jolt. There was shock there, lust and something that had my wolf ready to howl with frustration. Fear. It had my dick under control quicker than anything else would have. She was the one person who would never have anything to fear from me.

“We’re dancing. Now, if you’ll excuse us.” Raina turned and resumed swaying to the music. She tried to bump into me, and I backed away each time, not wanting any part of her to touch me. My body belonged to the woman beside her, who’d marked me with the touch of her palms as thoroughly as her teeth would mark me later.

Bas appeared beside me, and when Raina backed toward me again, she ran into her mate. I heard them speaking but couldn’t care less what they said.

All I knew was the woman meant for me was acting as if I weren’t in the room, as if she hadn’t felt that surge of electricity between us. I knew better. Thankfully, she wasn’t that good of an actress, but it stung that she was trying.

“What kind of man do you think I am?” Bas’ words echoed my thoughts, and my woman spun back around.

“Don’t answer that,” she commanded Raina.

Bas turned his head and growled at her. Both woman responded before the rumble building in my chest made it past my throat.

“Don’t growl at her,” Raina said, smacking Bas hard in the chest.

“Don’t growl at me, wolf boy,” my woman agreed, but I noticed she didn’t try to touch him. It soothed my wolf just the slightest bit.

“Ivy,” Raina snapped. “Let me deal with this.”

“Ivy.” I purred the name as so many things about the plant filled my mind. “Perfect.”

Ivy’s gaze snapped to mine, her eyes deep, dark pools of chocolate. The woman was like a walking dessert with caramel curls, chocolate eyes, and creamy skin. It made me eager to taste her on my tongue. All of her. Repeatedly.

“Listen, beast boy. Take your pal there, and get the fuck out of our way.”

My lips twitched. I planned to show her just how much of a beast I could be. But only with her.

“Why is her name perfect?” Raina demanded, and I barely contained a laugh.

“Ivy’s a clinging vine, right?” I didn’t wait for agreement. “Which is perfect since she’s going to be wrapped around me for the rest of her life.”

Ivy’s mouth dropped open, her eyes widening at my bold proclamation. Even better, her nipples tightened and poked against her shirt in an invitation that had my mouth watering. I could scent her lust, and by the flare of her nostrils, I knew she wasn’t missing mine either. She was mine. By night’s end, I planned to explore every inch of her, and when the light of dawn came, there wouldn’t be a part of her I hadn’t claimed as mine.

“Take her,” Bas said, and I moved.

Ivy gave a sexy squeak as I bent and scooped her up, tossing her over my shoulder as I headed toward the door. I wrapped one arm around her legs and cupped that perfect ass with my other palm. I had no idea where I’d go, but one thing was certain. She was staying with me until death tore me from her side.

Chapter Two

~ Ivy ~

I nearly swallowed my tongue when the man of my dreams scooped me up and draped me over his hulking shoulder. I automatically reached out to brace myself and gripped his hips, noting his ass wasn’t flat like so many men’s were. His was firm and round, and I wanted to nip it with my teeth.

I shook my head. No nipping. Definitely no biting. Absolutely no mating. Mating wasn’t in the cards for me. Not with my family history. That was something certain members of our pack enjoyed reminding me of whenever the opportunity presented itself. I hadn’t shared their taunts with Raina since she’d been back. Besides, tonight had been about recent complications in Raina’s life. One of which held me over his shoulder.

“Put me down.” I meant for the words to be firm, authoritative, but they came out slightly breathy. I blamed it on my upside-down position.

The Neanderthal wolf carting me around like a sack of potatoes ignored me. He moved with a fluidity I refused to appreciate or imagine in other ways.

“Hey, Cyan. Where’s Bas?”

Cyan as in sigh and moan? I shook my head. There would be no sighing and moaning. I needed to get that thought out of my head right now.

“He’s inside with his mate. I need you to stay here. Watch his back while I’m gone.”

I heard the other man clear his throat at Cyan’s command.

“Um, Cy. She’s a tiny little thing. Are you sure she’s full grown?”

“Put me down,” I growled, my back arching up as I gripped Cyan’s hips and pushed away. “I’ll show you grown.”

Cyan chuckled, and I seriously considered sinking my claws into him. I wouldn’t bite, but claws were always an option. Small! I growled again as disgust hit me anew. I’d been the same height since I’d turned thirteen. When you’re small, you learn to fight any way you can, and dirty is just another way to say survival as far as I’m concerned.

“She’s just fine, Simon,” Cyan finally answered, his voice a deep, husky timbre that sent chills skating to all the wrong places.

“How long do you think you’ll be gone?” Simon asked. “In case Bas asks.”

Cyan laughed again. “The only thing he’ll ask is for everyone to steer clear while he claims his mate.” His palm cupped my ass, giving it a squeeze. “A feeling I understand.”

A feeling he…? Oh, hell no! Hell to the no!

“Yeah, that’s a big no from me. Put me down, and trot back inside to heel to your alpha. Better yet, trot back in and drag your alpha out of here. I’ll do the same with Raina, and we’ll all be on our merry way.”

His palm disappeared then fell in a brief smack that had me tensing in surprise. It didn’t hurt, but still. He’d spanked my ass.

“I said put me down!”

His fingers flexed against my bottom, and I growled again. “If you whack me one more time, I’m going to bite you.”

His fingers caressed over the spot he’d smacked, and I shook my head to dislodge the vision of him doing the same when I was naked. Shit! I needed to hold on to my anger and shut away all those goosebumps and lustful thoughts.

“We’ll both do some biting before the night’s over,” Cyan promised. “Now, behave. Simon, stay here, and wait on Bas and Raina. My mate and I will head back to base later.”

“I’m not your mate!” I yelled and slapped his ass a lot harder than he’d tapped me. I heard several snickers and realized belatedly that most of the bar’s patrons loitered in the parking lot. Wolves were interwoven with them, and I realized several of Cyan’s pack mates had shifted into their animal skins. I still read the amusement from them, as well. I bit back the rest of the angry words hovering on my tongue. The last thing I needed was to make a spectacle of myself.

“Yet,” Cyan vowed then continued talking to Simon. “Don’t call me unless it’s an emergency. Understood?”

“Sure thing.” Simon peeked around at me again. “Ma’am.”

Cyan began walking, and I swayed against his shoulder. Asphalt turned to gravel, and I knew we were headed to the back lot, which wasn’t where I’d parked.

“My car’s back there.” I pointed behind us then shook my head at my stupidity. He couldn’t see me.

“You won’t need it.”

“Of course, I’ll need it. When I head home. Which is where I’m going once you put me down and I make sure Raina’s all right.”

“She’s fine.”

“So says you, and your opinion doesn’t matter to me.”

He laughed, the sound deep and rich. I felt the vibration of it in his chest and back. And damn it! It was sexy as hell. Whatever was happening, I needed to end it soon. Very soon. Before I ended up begging him to do something that would change both our lives.

“You’re making me dizzy. Put me down. Please.” I tacked on the last word, hoping it would sway him.

“If I slide you down my body, I’m going to hold you so your only option is to wrap your legs around my waist. Once we get to that point, clothes will come off quickly, and I’ll be balls deep in your tight, little pussy. Though the outcome’s inevitable, I’d rather not put on a show for anyone else to enjoy.”

I bit back the moan ready to spill from my lips. His words shouldn’t make me hot, but they did. It was going to take every bit of my self-control to fight both him and the desire he brought to life inside me.       

“No comment to that?” Cyan questioned, but I kept my lips firmly sealed. After that comment, there was nothing I could say that wouldn’t come across as a challenge. At least, that was my assumption. I’d made a point of finding out as much as I could about the James pack as soon as I knew the Rigton elders planned to approach them. I made it a point to know anything that might impact me and my baby sister, Jasmine. Now, I tried to remind myself of several valid points.

A—I was consorting with the enemy right now. After the bullshit my best friend, Raina, had shared with me, this man and his alpha were enemies. It seemed the elders approach to obtaining new leadership for our pack had been to offer Raina on the marriage block, without consulting the woman first. Once upon a time, things like that had happened. Planned matings to form alliances. But not anymore. Not in a long fucking time. And it wasn’t happening this time, either. Raina had come to me for help, and I’d do everything I could to give it to her.

B—Though I knew things about the James pack in general, I knew nothing personal about Cyan. My sex drive was revving high, urging me to lie back, bend over, or fall to my knees, but that was sex. If my mother had taught me anything in life, it was the difference between sex and love. Cyan had mentioned the “m” word. Mate? Me? What the ever-loving hell? Who took one look at another person and decided they were the one? Not a normal person; that was for sure.

C—No matter what my body urged and he desired, I had more than myself to think of. I had Jasmine. My baby sister hadn’t had the best beginning in life, and God knew she’d turned my world upside down from the moment she’d arrived. I wouldn’t have it any other way. From the moment, I’d cradled her in my arms, I’d discovered what true love was, the kind that was unbreakable. From the moment her little hand had wrapped around my finger and held tight, Jasmine had been mine.

I’d been just shy of seventeen when Jasmine had been born, and I’d had no clue how to take care of a baby. Our mother had left shortly after bringing Jasmine home, and my baby sister had needed me. So I’d stepped up, and our alpha, Raina’s brother Rowan, and Raina had been there for me every step of the way. They’d kept me sane at a time when my life had been in complete chaos.

A year later, when Raina had gone off to college, Rowan and I had gotten even closer, mostly out of our misery over missing Raina. Though many had suspected there was more to our relationship, we’d never been anything but friends. No, that’s not true. We’d been family. He’d taken Jasmine and me into his life as if he were our big brother. He’d watched over and protected us. I hadn’t realized just how much until he was no longer there to do so.

Rowan. God, I missed him. We’d lost him far too soon in a freak accident. He’d been checking on some of our elder members when his truck’s back tires had blown. Those who’d been there said it had rolled five times before landing on the roof. Then it had caught fire. It gave me nightmares to think of him dying in such a horrific way. Those thoughts sobered me up, draining the booze and the lust out of me.

“Cyan, I—”

I stopped talking, angling my head as best I could when Raina darted across the lot, stopping at the edge of the grass and stripping. I noticed all the men who’d come with Cyan and Bastion turning their backs and making sure everyone else did, as well. I saw the smile on Raina’s face and didn’t worry when Bastion followed her.

“Doesn’t look like Raina needs you to save her.”

No, she didn’t. It looked as if Raina would be just fine. That made me smile. She deserved to be happy. She deserved a man who’d appreciate her. One who’d value her strengths. If that wasn’t Bastion, I’d help her hide the body when she killed him.

“I’m getting lightheaded here,” I mumbled when Cyan remained stationary.

I found myself maneuvered so I was cradled against his chest. I wrapped one arm around his neck and glanced up to meet his gaze. There was something in his stare that made my heart flutter. There was promise there, and I shook my head in denial even as he traced my cheek with his fingertip.

“I want to know you, Ivy. What makes your heart speed up with excitement? What’s your favorite food? Favorite color? What music do you dance to when no one’s watching? What book do you read over and over again, imaging it’s you between the pages?” His thumb brushed over my bottom lip. “How do you like to be kissed? Caressed? When I bring you to orgasm, will you scream my name or moan it?”

“Cyan.”

“God, I love my name on your lips. I want to taste you.” His head dipped toward mine. “One taste to tide us over for now. Until we can be alone.”

He brushed my lower lip with his top, rubbing it slowly along mine. His tongue brushed the bottom curve then flicked up, sliding along the seam, seeking entrance. I opened on a gasp, and he tilted his head, his mouth taking full possession of mine. He consumed me, tasting and exploring until I clung to him, my hands buried in his hair, urging him closer. My breasts were crushed against his chest, my stiff nipples poking his muscles. I wanted to rip off our shirts just so I could feel him skin-to-skin. Who was this man that he made me want him so easily?

“Would you look at that? Rowan barely gone, and she’s already spreading herself for another. Hell, Ivy, if I’d known how desperate you were, I’d have taken you to my bed.”

I tensed against Cyan. He’d achieved the impossible. For a moment, I’d forgotten who I was in our pack. I’d thought the little group of assholes who’d eyed Raina and me at the bar had dispersed after Cyan had thrown one of them into the wall. Looked like they were outside, lying in wait instead.

The snide words were followed by snickers. Then one of the others whispered, “Apple didn’t fall far from the tree.”

I stiffened immediately. I heard the censure. Even more, I heard the meaning behind the words. I wasn’t surprised by the three assholes who stood watching Cyan and me. Or the fact it was Austin Mickel who’d spoken. He’d tormented me since my teens. And with him were the Dempsey brothers, who were rarely far from his side lately. They were troublemakers. Ones Rowan had kept firmly in place while he’d been alive.

Before I could engage my brain and come up with a pithy reply, I found myself seated on the hood of an SUV with a very pissed off Cyan towering in front of me. In the blink of an eye, he had one big hand wrapped around Austin’s throat, lifting until the other man was on his tiptoes.

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t rip out your fucking throat right now?” Cyan thundered.

“Cyan—” I began, but he cut me off.

“If you even think about saying anything to defend this asshole, I’ll take you over my knee and paddle your ass,” Cyan warned.

I didn’t know what was more ludicrous, the idea of me defending Austin Mickel or that of Cyan paddling my ass. Neither would ever happen. I kept silent, crossing my arms over my chest while I watched him. I’d been ready to give in. Hell, to beg Cyan to take me. The man’s kiss had rattled my brain. I almost felt as if I should thank Austin for intervening, and if that wasn’t ludicrous after the hell he’d made my life, then nothing was.

Chapter Three

~ Cyan ~

“Nothing to say?” I sneered the question at the fool dangling from my grip. No man would ever hurt my mate and walk away. Hell, they’d be lucky to crawl. Most likely, a body bag would be needed.

I’d felt Ivy stiffen, felt her hurt as if it were my own. I’d delve into the words spoken and what they meant later. After I’d dealt with the trash, which was what these three were.

Every pack had them. Except ours. The James pack took out the trash. You didn’t follow the rules, you found somewhere else to call home or we found a permanent one for you. Six feet under. Harsh? Yes. But it was the only way to handle a wolf with a violent or mean streak. Right now, these three were idiots, but I sensed the meanness in them.

“Cyan.”

I almost groaned but managed to turn it into a growl I wasn’t sure fooled anyone. The breathy way my woman said my name turned me inside out. I couldn’t wait to hear her scream it while I pounded into her, to hear it released in a low moan while I gave her orgasm after orgasm.

“I don’t think he can breathe.”

Ivy again, sounding annoyed and maybe a little bored. I glanced back and barely suppressed a laugh at her nonchalant pose, reclined back, glancing at the nails on one of her dainty hands. Jesus, I wanted to wear the marks of those fingers on my skin.

“Fuck, dude. Put him down before you kill him.”

I turned back when one of the guy’s buddies spoke. They didn’t look so brave now that they’d been confronted by me instead of my tiny mate. The one I held really was turning a deep shade of purple. I tossed him to the ground, watching as his friends rushed to him, helping him sit up.

“You owe the lady an apology.”

I saw the meanness then. The narrowing of his eyes even as he sucked in air. The tensing of his hands and the way his gaze flicked to Ivy. I stepped over, blocking his view and freeing the rumble of displeasure from my chest.

“Apologize.”

“Ivy knows I didn’t mean anything by it. Don’t you, Ivy?”

“You don’t say her name.” I stepped in close again and almost snickered at the way the two guys with him quickly scrambled backward. “You don’t fucking speak to her.”

“Kind of hard for him to apologize to me then.”

I couldn’t help it. I grinned like a lovesick fool, which was fitting. The more I was around her, the harder I fell. And her sassy mouth. Yeah. I really liked a sassy mouth.

“He can say it to your mate.”

I heard several indrawn breaths, and though my gaze was forward, my focus was on the one behind me. My blunt statement was followed by Ivy mumbling. I heard her slide off the hood, the sound of her feet hitting the ground, then the strike of her footsteps as she walked toward me.

“For the love of God, Cyan, I’m not your mate. This.” She stopped beside me, waving one hand back and forth between us. “Isn’t happening.”

Then she turned, dismissing me as she stomped closer to the prick on the ground. My muscles tensed in preparation. One false move from the three yahoos and I would rip them apart.

“As for the three of you, go home, and sleep it off.”

“I wasn’t aware you could sleep off stupid,” I drawled, earning a snicker from my mate—and Ivy was my mate.

“I can see you don’t know the Dalton family. Daltons don’t take mates. Isn’t that right, Ivy.”

“You shut your filthy mouth, Austin Mickel, before I shut it for you.”

She vibrated with anger. So much so that I expected her to launch herself at the man still kneeling on the ground. The skin on her hands was white from how tightly they were clenched. I wanted all that pent-up emotion spent on me. Preferably while we were both naked and I was inside her. Fuck, the woman had given me a one-track mind.

“Where’s Jasmine at tonight?” the one she’d called Austin inquired. “Leaving her all alone while you go out drinking?” His gaze flicked to me. “Probably a good thing Rowan isn’t here to see how far you’ve fallen.”

“You son-of-a-bitch!”

She launched, and I barely snagged her from midair before she hit him. He’d managed to ignite her temper; so much so she’d failed to spot the glint of the blade I saw him palm. I didn’t know the history, had no clue what he alluded to, but I’d get the answers later. From the only person I consider a reliable source. Ivy. For now, blood would be shed. His. He’d sealed his fate when he’d slid a knife into his hand.

I placed Ivy carefully behind me then caught Mickel midrise with my boot. He flew across the lot, and now, the other two seemed to have found their courage. One began shifting while the other now had a blade in his palm. I could have easily called out, and any number of my pack brothers would have been there instantly. But these idiots were mine no matter the skin they were in. They’d baited my mate with words then dared to draw weapons in her presence with the intent to cause her physical harm.

I stepped forward again, my focus on them as Mickel wasn’t moving so easily this time. They attacked simultaneously, but I’d expected no less, easily engaging with them. I felt a brief burn along my right bicep but ignored it. It was a paltry injury at best and of no concern at present. I lashed out with another kick and was rewarded with a yelp of pain from the mongrel snapping at my heels. Then it was on.

I love a good fight. Revel in the adrenaline rush that takes over. I felt my wolf pressing, a merge of animal power with the strength of the man I am. I was revved to put on a display for my mate, to show her how great of a protector I’d be. It wasn’t much of demonstration though. A few punches and another well-placed kick and none of them were rising.

It had been a sad show of strength and made me understand why the Rigton pack had come looking for a new alpha. I wasn’t sure what type of force Rowan Byrd had had while he’d been in command, but I knew the majority of the group had left in the aftermath of his death. Grief did many things to people, and though I strived not to judge, leaving your pack unprotected in such a time seemed unforgivable to me.

I caught my breath and realized I awaited a pithy remark from Ivy, something filled with sarcasm and sass. Actually, I anticipated it, but one glance around told me she wasn’t there. Had there been more than these three? Had I been so focused on the battle I’d missed another enemy in hiding?

“She left.” Simon’s voice, off to my left. “While you were fighting. She said something about getting out of the cesspool of testosterone. Any idea what she meant by that?”

The laughter in his voice was hard to miss. I snorted. There was the comment I’d awaited, though the delivery left much to be desired.

“Grab a few of the others, and confine these three until I’m ready to deal with them again.”

Simon didn’t question. He merely nodded then moved to follow my order. I turned back to my SUV then paused. I wasn’t sure where Ivy had headed. Home, maybe, but I didn’t know where that was. I glanced at Mickel and his buddies, thinking I could demand the information from one of them, but they were all out cold. It appeared I’d been too efficient.

“She probably headed home.” The voice was soft, shaky, and feminine.

It took me a moment to locate the woman it belonged to. She seemed to cling to the shadows, almost as if she wanted to be absorbed by them.

“Step out, so I can see who I’m talking to,” I commanded.

Hesitantly, cautiously, she eased forward, appearing like a frightened mouse. I noticed her eyes first, mostly due to the black swelling around one of them. Still, the light blue of her irises shone bright. She had one arm wrapped around her middle. The other flat along her side, fist tightly clenched. Someone had hurt her. That was easy to see and filled me with a different type of rage.

“Who did this to you?” I only realized I’d taken a few steps toward her when she pulled back, seeming to shrink into herself. I held out my hands, palms up. “I’m not going to hurt you. I’m Cyan Richards. I’m with the James Pack.”

“I know who you are.”

“Then you have me at a disadvantage.” I tried to keep her engaged with me as I heard Simon return. I was happy to see he had Taylor, another pack mate with him. I was Bas’ right hand, and Taylor was mine. He was a massive motherfucker, scarier even than me, but he was a good man and an excellent shifter. When shit got real, he was who you wanted to watch your back. He also had a heart of gold. Many of the pack referred to him as the gentle giant, a name he hated but was very accurate.

“Cy, you good?” Taylor’s voice, sounding like a rusted blade.

“We’re good.” I waved him off for now, staying focused on the woman. She knew something. I sensed it, and though I wanted nothing more than to find my reluctant bride-to-be, obligation as Bastion’s beta kept me where I was. Ensuring the safety of our pack was one of my main duties, and this woman was now part of our pack. “What’s your name?”

“Rebel, but most people call me Rebbie.”

I was close enough now that I could gingerly touch her chin and turn her face so I could better see what damage had been done. My anger burned anew. “Who did this to you?”

She shrugged, displacing my touch but standing her ground this time. “It doesn’t matter. I heard you… Is Ivy really your mate?”

I nodded. It was only a matter of time.

“Good.” She bobbed her head as if satisfying some unspoken question. “Ivy deserves something good in her life. She deserves…happiness. It’s been hell since Rowan died.”

“What do you mean?”

Rebbie sighed wearily. “Rowan watched out for us, and everyone knew it. Ivy more so than me. They were always together. Them and Jasmine.”

“Jasmine?”

“Ivy’s…sister.” A slight hesitation. Why?

“Rowan took them under his wing when their mother left shortly after Jasmine was born,” Rebbie continued.

“What about their father?” And why the hell would a mother leave her children?

Rebbie shrugged again. “Who knows. Some women aren’t built to be mothers. They’re unable to form attachments.”

“Ivy’s?”

A nod.

“Yours?”

Another nod.

“It’s not easy being the daughter of a pack whore.”

I saw red. “Your mothers were forced—”

Her laugh cut me off, hard and brittle. “There was no coercion. Rowan never would have let that go on. It’s hard to corral a bitch in heat, who likes to spread her thighs for anyone.”

Such contempt in the words. It made my heart ache. Made me wonder what type of life my mate had endured growing up.

“Ivy had Raina, though. And Rowan. Our alpha was always hanging out with her.”

Had there been something between Rowan and Ivy? Was that why my mate was so reluctant? I’d admit the idea didn’t sit well with me. It didn’t deter me, either. Ivy was mine.

“What about you?”

“Me?” She blinked then smiled, and it softened her face, showing me how young she was. I’d bet she was barely in her twenties. “Rowan made sure I was safe.”

And now, the other man was gone. Had been for two years. Who had stepped out of the woodwork to cause trouble once he was no longer in the picture to stop them? Another reason for me to scorn those who’d left the Rigton wolves unprotected.

“I can tell you where Ivy lives. I just… I need… I…”

“What is it, Rebbie?”

“I don’t want to go home.” Her eyes pleaded with me, and something clicked.

“Did your mom do this to you?”

No reply but her lips tightened, and the hand at her side released then clenched over and over before she forced her fingers flat and patted them against her thigh. Answer enough for me.

“We’ll find you a place to stay. Somewhere safe.” Christ, I’d never wanted to hit a woman so much in my life, but I wanted to hurt the person who’d put such shadows in this young woman’s gaze.

“Ivy deserves happiness.” Rebbie made the statement again, but this time, I wondered if she wasn’t using Ivy to represent herself. I might have only recently met my mate, but I could tell she was a strong, fierce woman.

“I’ll give her the world,” I vowed.

“And Jasmine?”

“Yes.” Ivy’s family was my family.

She blurted Ivy’s address as though, if she didn’t get it out fast enough, she might change her mind. It wouldn’t have mattered. I would have tracked down my mate eventually, but I appreciated Rebbie’s help.

“Taylor,” I called and waited until the other man stepped up beside me. I watched Rebbie’s eyes widen at the sight of him. Taylor was used to it. Most didn’t know how to react to the scars that covered his throat and lower half of his face.

“Taylor, won’t hurt you,” I tried to assure Rebbie.

She nodded, but her gaze never left his face.

“Rebbie needs a safe place for a few days, until we can find more permanent arrangements.”

“Done,” Taylor rasped.

I turned back to my SUV. A lot of shit needed addressing with this pack. Things had apparently gone to shit with Rowan gone. I’d have to speak to Bastion soon. First, my priority was to find Ivy. Once we were mated, we’d deal with everything else. Together.

Chapter Four

~ Ivy ~

Jasmine was asleep when I got home. After seeing out Mrs. Celia, our neighbor and Jasmine’s sitter, I headed to the kitchen to snag a bottle of water. Normally, I’d grab a glass of wine, but the tequila from earlier in the evening still churned in my gut. Raina and I had gone through quite a bit before the James pack had shown up to break up our girls’ night.

With Raina on my mind, I picked up my phone and tapped her name, hitting call.

“Raina, it’s me. Give me a call when you get this. I want to make sure you’re okay. I’m here if you need me. One call and I’ll take out the entire James pack to get to you.” I laughed a little, knowing she’d get a kick out of that thought. “Love you. Take care of you.”

I’d just ended the call when I heard Jasmine padding toward the kitchen. She peeked around the corner then ran across the space that separated us, teddy bear clutched in her arm. I felt the impact of her body and knew from the way she shook that she’d had another nightmare. I managed to maneuver us both to a chair and dropped into it, pulling her into my lap.

Jasmine was petite, small even for her age. She was all big, brown eyes and long, caramel-colored hair. Honestly, there were times it was like looking at myself when I was her age.

“Another bad dream?” I whispered, but I already knew the answer. She’d had them on and off since Rowan’s death. He’d been the most prominent male in her life, more father or brother than family friend, and she was taking his death hard.

Her answer was lost in my chest where she’d burrowed as soon as she’d settled in my lap. I hugged her close, rocking until she calmed down enough to untuck her head. Her thumb went immediately to her mouth, a habit she’d picked back up since we’d lost Rowan. I hated to see her hurting so badly, but even I couldn’t protect her from the loss of a loved one.

“How about some hot cocoa?”

“I’ll get the chocolate,” she offered, pushing off my lap and heading toward the drawer where we kept our supply of candy. She took out a bag of milk chocolate chips and brought them to me.

“Get the milk,” I said as I pulled out a pot.

We worked in silence, falling into the familiar rhythm of making homemade cocoa. I was just pouring it into mugs when there was a knock at the door. I knew who it was. Felt it as if he were standing beside me. I glanced at Jasmine and wondered what to tell her about Cyan, because despite my best efforts, they were going to meet.

“Here. Drink your cocoa while I get rid of whoever’s at the door.” I pointed to the chair then headed toward the front door.

There was a briskness to my step, and I knew as much as I wanted to deny it, I was glad to see him. How had he managed to get under my skin so quickly? And how did I get him out?

“What do you want?” I said as I opened the door a scant few inches. He easily pushed past.

“You left.”

I shoved the door closed and turned to face him. He towered over me, and somehow, our height difference was more distinguishable this time. Perhaps because I wasn’t over his shoulder or sitting on the hood of a vehicle.

“The night was over,” I assured him.

He shook his head, and his lips tugged up at one corner. “Our night was just beginning.”

“No, it wasn’t,” I disagreed. “You need to leave.”

He crossed those massive arms over his broad chest. I’d known it wouldn’t be that easy.

“Listen, Cyan. Now, isn’t the time for whatever you have in mind. I—”

“Ivy.” My sister poked her head out of the kitchen. She took one look at Cyan and darted around him to cling to me.

I swear I felt him catch his breath as he stared at her. His glance bounced between the two of us, then he stooped down, one knee touching the floor while the other pointed toward us, sort of in a half squat. His muscles bulged, and I did a little breath catching of my own, though I’m sure it wasn’t for the same reason.

“You must be Jasmine,” he said, and I wondered how he knew my sister’s name. “Well, now, you’ve made me think I need to reconsider why I’m here.”

“Why’re you here?” Jasmine asked, tilting her head to look at him.

“Your sister’s my mate. She ran, so I had to chase her.”

Jasmine giggled, and it startled me, stopping the sharp rebuke on my tongue.

“You’re the big, bad wolf?” Jasmine asked around another giggle.

“Only when I need to be,” he vowed, and he looked far too serious to me.

Before I realized she was moving, my sister was across the room, standing in front of Cyan. She reached out and touched his forearm.

“You’re really big.”

“And strong,” he added.

She glanced at me then back to him and nodded. “Can you keep the monsters out of my dreams?”

Her words were a soft whisper, but they hit my heart with a mighty blow.

“That’s my specialty,” he assured her. He brushed a finger under her eye, and I knew he was noting the dark circles there. “Are there monsters in your dreams, Jasmine?”

She nodded. “Fire monsters.”

“I’m especially good at dealing with those,” he promised.

I hurried over to her. “Jasmine.” I pulled my sister into my arms and held her tight. I knew what those fire monsters were about.

“I’m okay,” she swore, shaking me off. “I’m okay.”

She turned to Cyan again and held out her hand. It did something to my heart when he took it and stood beside her. My dainty sister looked like a doll next to him.

“We’re having cocoa. Want some?”

“Do you have marshmallows?” he asked.

“We forgot the marshmallows!” Jasmine shouted then tugged Cyan’s hand and led him into the kitchen, jabbering the whole way.

She’d accepted him so easily I felt a bit jealous. One look and his promise to chase the monsters from her sleep, and Jasmine was ready to share her cocoa with him. That was a huge thing if you knew how much my sister loved her cocoa. How was I supposed to handle this? He’d been hard enough to walk away from earlier. This was all new territory for me, frightening territory if I were honest. I walked over and flipped the lock on the front door before following them into the kitchen. My mind scrambled. How did I deal with him now that he seemed to have an ally in my sister?

Before I even pushed into the kitchen, I heard their voices, laughing with an easy camaraderie. I had to close my eyes and lean my head against the wall for a moment. It was reminiscent of when Rowan was still alive. Did I dare let another man into her life? One who already assumed too much when it came to me? Hell, he’d even told Jasmine he was my mate.

I stepped in, and before I realized Cyan’s intent, I found myself sitting on his lap, which had Jasmine giggling again. I couldn’t hold back my smile. It was good to see her laugh.

“What were you two laughing about before I joined you?” I asked, trying to sit as straight as I could on his lap. I didn’t want to make a scene in front of my sister, but I wasn’t going to lean into him either.

“If you mate my sister, that’ll make you my brother, right?” Jasmine asked.

Cyan nodded, one hand around my waist, the other running up and down my spine.

“I’ve always wanted a brother.”

“Jasmine,” I began, not wanting to dim her smile but unable to let her believe what Cyan said.

“I’m going back to bed.” Jasmine jumped out of her chair, leaned in to give me a quick kiss, paused, then leaned in to give Cyan one, as well. “Night.”

I shook my head as she disappeared, then I tried to push off Cyan’s lap.

“I think I’ll keep you right where you are for now,” Cyan said, tugging on me until I tumbled back against his chest. I landed a sharp jab into his stomach with my elbow, but I think it hurt me more than it did him. “Settle down, Ivy. All I want to do is talk. For now.”

“It’s late, Cyan. I’m ready for bed.”

“And here, I thought you’d want to talk first.”

“What are you doing here, Cyan?” I refused to take that bait.

“I met an interesting person tonight. Had a lot to say.”

I stiffened against him. “Austin Mickel and the Dempsey brothers are far from interesting, and I wouldn’t believe any of the lies they spew.”

“I wasn’t talking about them.”

“Look, Cyan, I—” I broke off as I turned and saw his right arm where the sleeve was darkened with what looked like blood. “They hurt you?”

He looked surprised as I leaned in and eased the material out of the way. I wiggled then elbowed him again when he tried to hold onto me. “Damn it, Cyan. Let me get up, so I can clean this for you. You don’t know where those blades might have been.”

He grunted but released me. I walked over to the cabinet by the stove and knelt to grab the first-aid kit I kept there. I turned back toward him and almost swallowed my tongue as I took in the new view. He’d removed his shirt. Skin glistened. The heavy pelt of chest hair beckoning for me to run my fingers through it.

“Ivy.”

His voice broke the spell, and I hurried over, ripping open an antiseptic wipe and cleaning the cut. It wasn’t much of a wound. More like the blade had scraped then sliced, and it was already healing. Still, I put some ointment on it then moved away, putting up the kit, throwing away the trash then washing my hands.

“Aren’t you going to ask me who I met?”

“No.” I shook my head for emphasis, keeping my back to him, my palms braced on the sink. I expected him to stalk me, to pin me against the counter. He did neither.

“I met Rebbie.”

I closed my eyes as guilt hit me. I hadn’t checked on her in the last few weeks, and I should have. I knew how bad her home life could get. I’d gotten busy with my and Jasmine’s everyday life and lost track of time.

“Her face was bruised. She asked me to help her find a safe place for the night.”

“Fuck,” I growled, pushing away. “I told her to come to me. This time, I’ll beat the shit out of her mother and anyone who tries to stand in my way. What did she say? Is she all right?”

“I made sure of it. I’ll take care of her mother, too. Rebbie had some interesting things to say.”

“Such as?”

“She said Rowan Byrd watched out for the two of you.”

“Rowan watched out for the entire pack. He was our alpha.”

“She said the two of you had a close relationship,” he stated, and I finally turned to look at him again.

“We did.”

It was his turn to growl as he stood up. “How close, Ivy?”

“Rowan was family, Cyan, just as Raina is.”

“How close?”

“What do you want to know? If Rowan and I were sleeping together?”

That growl again, and I couldn’t let him think that. For some godforsaken reason, this stranger was starting to matter to me. What the hell was wrong with me?

“No, we weren’t. He was like a brother to me and Jasmine. Why do you think my sister sees fire monsters in her dreams? Rowan burned to death, Cyan. He burned to death, and no one could help him.”

Saying the words aloud brought it all back. The day the knock had come at the door and I’d been told Rowan was gone. Then I’d found out how. Seen the remains of the truck he’d been in. Glimpsed the healing burns on his father, who’d tried to battle the flames to get to him. Then I’d watched my sister fall apart as she’d grappled with losing the man who’d been a mixture of father/brother/puppy love for her.

I didn’t realize I was crying until Cyan had me in his arms again. This time, he picked me up, carrying me out of the kitchen and down the hall toward my bedroom. I wasn’t sure how he knew where it was and didn’t care. It felt so good to be held, as if there was someone to help me carry all the responsibilities on my shoulders. I wanted Cyan, and it scared me. Other than Rowan, I’d pushed away all other men. I’d been safe with Rowan, though. There’d been no desire between us. Cyan was anything but safe. He brought my body alive in ways it never had been.

Cradled against him, touching his flesh, I wanted to make love. I wanted to fuck. I wanted to strip naked and rub against him like a bitch in heat. I wanted him inside me in every way conceivable, and that want terrified me.

I’d sworn a long time ago I’d never share myself with a man, never mate. That vow had only been cemented with the birth of Jasmine. You see, our mother is what’s commonly referred to as a pack whore. She’ll spread her thighs for any man who’s willing. Shifter or not. She’s incapable of love. Jasmine and I are proof of that. Which is why I’d refused to be bedded, why I remained a virgin. My greatest fear was I’d have sex and become my mother. It gave me nightmares.

So when Cyan whispered to me, “Let me love you,” I cried harder even as I whispered back, “yes.”

Chapter Five

~ Cyan ~

I sat on the side of the bed with Ivy cradled against my chest. I wasn’t sure how my request to be allowed to love her had led to her sobbing, but that was where we were. My woman had something heavy weighing her down, and it was my job to figure out what it was.

Ivy was my mate. I’d known it from the moment I’d lain eyes on her. She was my chance for happiness, the woman I would fall in love with and spend the rest of my life worshipping. If I could only get her to stop crying and talk to me.

Right then, the best I could do was offer comfort. I held her to me, stroking one palm up and down her spine while she cried. I had no idea how much she had bottled up inside her, but it seemed as if far more than my question had brought this on. It made me wonder if she’d grieved for Rowan, if anyone had checked since he’d been gone to make sure she was okay? It certainly hadn’t seemed like it earlier, with the three idiots in the parking lot. How long had she been putting up with shit like that?

“I’ve got you, baby,” I tried to reassure her. There were few times in my life when I’d felt helpless. This was one of them. I wanted to say all the right things, do all the right things, but I was clueless when it came to crying women. All I knew was Ivy mattered.

“Oh, my God! This is stupid.” Ivy pushed her head off my chest and rubbed her face with her hands. “I don’t cry.”

“Nothing you do could ever be stupid.”

“Cyan—”

“Except kicking me out,” I interrupted. “That would be really stupid.”

Ivy laughed, her lips tipping up at the corners.

“That’s better.” I bent down, intent on kissing her lips. Her eyes widened. Her breath caught. Then she turned her head at the last moment, and I met the satiny smoothness of her cheek instead. I nuzzled her, working my way up to her ear where I gripped the lobe with my teeth, giving it a tug.

“Cyan.”

God, I loved the breathy way she called my name. I turned on the bed, placing her gently on her back and coming over her. I kissed my way to her neck, sucking at the curve there.

“This is crazy.”

“Crazy,” I agreed. The way she turned me inside out was crazy. The way she smelled so delicious was crazy. The way touching her, tasting her, made my heart beat a fast staccato was crazy.

“We have to stop.”

“No, we really don’t.” I needed her like air. Stop? Stopping was crazy, but I pulled back, meeting her gaze and seeing the uncertainty there. I lowered my head and shook it while blowing out a breath.

“Are you okay?” Her voice was small, and that gave me the impetus to push off and settle beside her on the bed. I lay on my side, chin propped on my palm as I gazed at her.

“What’s going on in that head of yours, Ivy?”

“I…” She took her bottom lip between her teeth as she sat up to face me. “This is overwhelming. I don’t do this.” She waved her hand back and forth between us.

“This?” I questioned.

“One-night stands or whatever this is.”

I lifted one brow, doing my best to hold back my growl. I’d already told her repeatedly she was my mate. Something in my gaze must have reminded her of my earlier words.

“You don’t just meet someone and decide they’re your mate.”

“Why?” I asked.

She opened her mouth and closed it. Opened it again and paused before shaking her head. “You just don’t.”

“Why?” I countered again. “Bastion saw a picture of Raina and knew she was it for him.” And yeah, I’d considered him crazy at the time, but I was onboard now. I had a completely different perspective since I’d met Ivy.

“Sharing your alpha’s insanity doesn’t make either of you sane,” she informed me. “We don’t know each other, Cyan. I don’t know anything about you except that you’re a member of the James Pack. I don’t know where you came from. How you came to be with Bastion. If you have any family. And what do you know about me? Other than you want me?”

“I know you’d do anything to help your friends. I saw that tonight with Raina Byrd. I know you’re grieving for the loss of another friend, Rowan Byrd, and I think tonight might have been the first time you’ve cried since you lost him.”

Her eyes flared at my words, enough of an acknowledgement for me to know I was right.

“I know you have a precocious little sister you love. I know you’ve probably been dealing with guys like Austin and his buddies most of your life because of something you have no control over. Your mother. Yes, I want you, but we both know it’s more than that. If you need a little more time to realize it, I’ll wait.”

“How…?”

I brushed a finger along her cheek, taking in her stunned expression. “Because I pay attention to what matters, and you matter. Do I know everything about you? No, but that’s okay. We have a lifetime. All I know is the moment I saw you, my heart recognized yours. Tell me you feel nothing. Tell me this is all in my head, and I’ll walk away.”

Her lush lips parted, but no words came out.

“I don’t know if I can do this,” she said again, and my temper had me gritting my teeth.

“I told you there’s more here than a one-night stand.” I was upset, and though I tried to hide it, I’m sure she heard the frustration in my voice.

“I know that,” she snapped, crossing her legs and glaring at me. “I meant mating. I’m not sure I’m cut out to be a mate.”

“Why?”

“Why do you keep asking that? Are you two?”

There was fire in her eyes now. It looked good on her. Better yet, it erased the sadness that had been there. I sat up, turning to ease my back against her headboard, and Ivy adjusted her position, so she sat facing me. I lifted an eyebrow at her. That question didn’t deserve an answer. She was stalling, and we both knew it.

“Why do you think you’re not cut out to be a mate?” I finally broke the silence.

“My…mother told me she tried to mate with my father when she found out she was pregnant with me, but she couldn’t. She said once she discovered the pleasure of sex, she couldn’t stop. She…” Ivy broke off, closed her eyes and shook her head.

“I’m not like that, Ivy.” I took her hands in mine. I’m sure my gaze was pleading with her. “I know you don’t know everything about me. I’ll tell you anything you want to know. All you have to do is ask.”

She shook her head again, one hand covering her mouth, so I started talking.

“My dad was alpha of our pack. My mom was his lover, but they never officially mated. He died when I was still a baby. My uncle took over as alpha. Told my mom he was happy to take care of her. I wasn’t included. Can’t have the previous alpha’s bastard kid around.”

“Where did your mom go?”

I smiled. “It says a lot about you that you’d ask that.” I reached out and brushed my fingers along her cheek again. “My mom stayed. She had an opportunity to acquire a position within the pack that she’d never had with my dad. She took it. She had more kids. Two boys and a girl. The oldest son is set to take his father’s place as alpha.”

“But that position is yours. Your family has to know that.”

“Bastion James and the James pack are my family. Not a woman who gave me away as if I had no meaning. Not an uncle who both feared and hated me when I was still an infant. And certainly not a pack that stood by and did nothing to prevent it. I know what it means to have someone walk away from you.”

“Cyan—”

“My heart’s been tangled up with you since the moment I saw you, woman. You think I’ll get a taste of you and head on to the next piece of ass that walks by? You’re wrong.”

“You don’t know that,” Ivy scoffed.

“The fuck I don’t!” I all but roared.

Ivy slapped a hand over my mouth. “Hush, you’ll wake up Jasmine.”

I tried to talk, but my words were muffled by her hand, so I flicked out my tongue and licked her palm. I felt the current run between us and knew from the way her nostrils flared that she felt it, too. Then her palm was gone, disappearing into her lap. Her nipples were hard, though. I didn’t miss the way they poked against her shirt as if begging for my touch, for the feel of my lips and tongue.

“I meant there’s no way you can know how you’ll feel in the future.”

“Should I remind you that I’m the insane man who took one look at you and saw my future?”

“Probably not. Besides, it’s not you I’m worried about.”

“Who the hell are you worried about then?”

Had she loved someone else? Was there another man in her life? Rowan had been a friend, but had she wanted something more? She’d said he’d been like a brother, but had that been his choice or hers?

“Were you in love with Rowan Byrd?”

“What? Where did that come from?”

“Answer the question.”

“We’ve already had this conversation. I told you he was like a brother to me.”

“Did you want more?”

“What? No!”

“Did you love him?”

“Yes, of course, I did. Like a brother. He was family, Cyan. We shared a laugh every now and then. Maybe a hug on occasion. I never slept with him. I never wanted to. I’ve never slept with anyone. I’m a virgin.”

My dick gave a huge salute to that. Virgin. It didn’t matter in the sense that I would have thought less of her or not wanted her as much if she were experienced. Nothing could do that. It mattered in ways I’d never considered. Knowing I’d be her first, her last, her always, it made me wish I could say the same to her.

Then it hit me. Her worry. Her fear. It wasn’t about me. She’d guarded her virginity out of fear. And there was one person to blame. Her mother.

“What are you afraid of?” I asked.

“I don’t want to be like her,” Ivy whispered. “I can’t take the risk I might be like her.”

“You’re nothing like her.”

She smiled, but it was tinged with sadness. “Something else you just know?”

“Tell me this? You love Jasmine?”

“Of course, I do.” That had her back up.

“Ever think of leaving her?”

“Never. My sister is my whole world.”

“But your mom did.”

“Ah, I see what you’re doing now. It’s not the same though.”

“Why? Because you’re a virgin? You honestly think there’s a chance you’ll want to leave her after you have sex with me?”

“No. I’ll never leave her.”

“Then you’re afraid we’ll have sex and what? You won’t be satisfied with just me?”

She paled.

“Maybe, there’s a chance you’ll become insatiable for one man. Did you ever think of that?”

She shook her head. “My mom—”

“Isn’t you. I don’t need to know her to know that’s true. She left, and you stayed. You stayed, and you loved Jasmine, and Rowan, and from what I can tell, Raina. So what do you say we put this fear of yours behind us, so we can move on.” I stood up and reached for my belt.

“What the hell are you doing?” she demanded, coming up on her knees on the bed.

God, I wanted her on her knees. Seeing her like that had my cock throbbing against my zipper. If I didn’t unzip soon, I’d bust the damn thing.

“Stripping. You can join me, or I’m happy to help you when I’m done. Then we’re going to make love on this bed for the rest of the night. I’m going to fuck all those thoughts out of your head.”

She licked her lips, but she wasn’t saying no.

“Then?”

I leaned in, bracing my shin along the mattress as I gripped her chin and tugged her face up. “I’m going to show you I’m the only man you’ll ever want or need.”

Chapter Six

~ Ivy ~

His words hung in the air between us. A challenge, and I’d never been one to back down from one of those. And maybe, he was right. God knew I wanted him. I’d never wanted another man the way I did him. Not that I’d tell him that. He was too cocky as it was.

He leaned down toward me, and I knew what he intended. I caught my breath and held it while I waited. His fingers brushed my cheek then caught my jaw and tilted my face up toward his. I held his stare for a long moment. I wasn’t sure if he was giving me a chance to say no or not. The word hovered in my throat, rose to my tongue. I parted my lips, but nothing emerged. Instead, I inched closer to him.

As if Cyan had been waiting for that, he took my mouth under his, his tongue sweeping inside. He devoured me. His hands tugged my shoulders until I was pressed tightly against his chest. I wanted my shirt off, wanted to rub wantonly against his chest. I’d suspected his kiss would be enticing, but I’d had no idea. His kiss had all my lady parts screaming for more, more, more. I wanted his hands, his mouth, and yes, please, I wanted his cock.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, sliding my fingers up into his hair. We ate at each other. His big hands stroked down my back, caught the edge of my shirt and pulled it up. I released my grip on his hair and lips long enough to help him get the cloth over my head, then I crashed back into him. I heard a whimper, and I’m pretty sure it was mine.

His hands moved again, and this time, he cupped my ass. When he stood, I clung to him, wrapping my legs around his waist. Another groan. This time, I was positive it was his. He gripped my hips and rocked me along the hard ridge of his erection. The man was packing some serious length and width from what I could tell. Part of me was afraid to finish undressing and get an eyeful. The other half of me was past ready.

His lips skimmed along my jaw, heading down my throat, leaving sucking nips as he did. I felt him tugging at my bra, the give as it released, and I eagerly helped push it out of the way. I couldn’t resist leaning in so my nipples brushed along the hair on his chest. I rubbed them over him, reveling in the friction. He felt so good.

“Fuck, you feel good,” Cyan growled between kisses on my skin. I didn’t miss how his words mirrored my thoughts. Then he had me on my back on the bed, and that wicked mouth found one of my nipples. It took all I had not to cry aloud. The last thing I wanted was to wake Jasmine. So I sank my teeth into my lower lip and mewled softly.

“Cyan.” His name was a whispered moan as I arched, pressing more of my breast against his hungry mouth.

If this was what it felt like to be with a man, I understood why my mother—

I killed that thought instantly. I wasn’t my mother. I refused to be my mother. I wouldn’t go from man to man to man, always after the pleasure with none of the commitment.

Cyan bit softly on my nipple, bringing a gasp from me and gaining my full focus.

“Just you and me,” he whispered, popping the turgid point free.

I nodded, licking my lips. I wanted to taste him. Run my fingers through his chest hair, follow the trail of it to where it led to his jeans. I licked my lips again as I eyed that bulge. Cyan was quicker though. He had my pants undone and pulled them and my panties down around my knees in one quick tug. A few more tugs and I was naked, laid out before him like an offering.

“Christ, woman. You take my breath.” His hands roamed over me, teasing and pulling at my nipples before rubbing over my belly then drifting down to the inside of my thighs. He gently pressed my legs open, and it took all I had not to fight to close them again. It wasn’t that I didn’t want him there. It was that no one had ever been there before. I felt exposed, awkward on a level I’d never encountered. But the way he looked at me squashed those feelings.

He went to his knees by the bed and took my foot in his hand. I wasn’t sure what he planned, but when his lips wrapped around my toe and sucked, I felt the pull of it all the way to my core. It was embarrassing how wet I was. He christened each toe then switched to my other foot and treated it equally. By the time he began kissing and licking his way up the inside of my thighs, altering back and forth between them, my sex was clenching with anticipation. Then he was there. His breath fanning my folds.

We were both panting. My heart galloped. His gaze lifted. Held mine. And my lips parted on a gasp as he dipped a finger inside, circling my clitoris then sliding along my sex until he was there. Right there. Poised to enter. I couldn’t have moved if my life depended on it. He pushed inside, penetrating me, and I came. I soaked his finger, mine clenching in the bed covers as I took pleasure.

“Fuck, yes,” Cyan growled. “You’re going to burn me alive.”

I was still riding the wave when I felt his lips and tongue, heard the rumble of his chest as he tasted my release. After a few licks, he had my knees over his shoulder and began devouring me. At some point, one finger became two, and he drove me higher and higher. I whimpered. I keened and moaned, rolling my hips back and forth, fighting to get away, to get closer.

I think I might have gone blind for a brief moment as he wrung me dry. I was a boneless heap when he finally moved. He stood, and I heard the rustle of clothing. I imagined he was stripping, but my eyelids wouldn’t get onboard with opening so I could enjoy the show.

“Ivy,” Cyan called, and I forced my lids up and got lost in his gaze. His eyes were deep, dark-green pools that invited me to dive in. I didn’t hear the question in his voice, but I saw it in his eyes. After all he’d given me, he was still making sure I was okay with taking the next step. And I was. So ready.

I nodded, lifting my arms and beckoning to him. He growled again, sweeping me along with him as he crawled up the bed. He took my mouth, and I tasted myself on his lips, on his tongue. I felt the weight of him, pinning me down, holding me under him. I lifted my knees, clasping his hips and boosting myself so I could rub my sex along his shaft. He did that sexy growl again, reaching down with one hand to cup my ass and grind me against him. His other palm was braced by my head, holding the bulk of his weight off me. His fingers were spread wide, his muscles flexing in a way that drew my eye.

“I want…” I caught my breath as the head of his cock tapped my clit.

“What do you want, baby?”

“You,” I managed to get out. “Inside me.”

He pulled back his hips, stopping when the glans kissed my opening.

“Look at me,” Cyan demanded. He was all about visual connection. He’d captured my gaze prior to penetrating me with his finger. It sounds crazy, but because of it, there was a greater intimacy to what we shared. It was as if he wanted me to know who was touching me, taking me, claiming me.

He’d coated his length with my juices as he’d glided between my folds, and with a slight push, he began to breach me. He was big, and for a moment, I wasn’t sure my body would accept him. I felt impossibly stretched.

“Breathe, baby,” he urged and rocked his hips, pressing a little deeper inside me with each stroke.

It was too much. He was too much. I couldn’t take him.

“You can,” he whispered, making me realize I’d spoken my doubts aloud. “Every inch, baby. It all belongs to you. Take it.”

I nodded. I wanted it, wanted everything he had to offer, and he gave it. He filled me completely, his cock sliding deep and stealing what little air I’d managed to inhale. We stayed that way for a moment, staring at one another, our hips locked together and unmoving.

“We’ll take it slow,” he crooned. “Easy. Let your body adjust to me.”

He slowly eased back, his thick cock dragging along my sheath as he withdrew. He stopped when he was poised at my entrance once more, then he slid deep again. He took his time, groaning with each stroke.

“Kiss me,” I begged, and he dropped his head to mine, finding my lips and diving between them to plunder.

I curled into him, sliding my arms under his and curving my hands over his shoulders. My nipples rubbed his chest, and he settled a little more of his weight on me. He moved his hand from my ass to my hip and thrust a little faster.

The need for air broke our kiss, and Cyan tilted his head up. I couldn’t resist his throat and the pulse that beat crazily there. I ran my tongue down the strong cord, nuzzling his Adam’s apple before finding that pulse point and sucking. I let my teeth scrape his skin then nipped a little harder than I’d intended. Blood welled up in the wound I’d made, and without thought, I flicked my tongue out and caught it.

He exploded through my senses. The heat and essence of him. I lost my head, going back for more, sucking the wound then scraping my teeth over it again and again. Cyan rode me faster, each stroke harder, pounding deeper. My nails scratched his skin, the balls of my feet digging into the small of his back as I clung to him.

“Fuck me,” I pleaded. “Make me come again.”

He growled, hammering me until the room was filled with the sound of harsh breathing and slapping flesh. The scent of us and sex lingered on the air, making me hotter with every breath I dragged into my lungs. Somehow, he managed to bend so he could catch one of my nipples between his teeth. The tug was painful but in a good way. It had my sex clenching on him, squeezing hard as he fucked me the way I’d been wanting. He sucked me, rolling my nipple between his lips before kissing his way up my neck.

His hand was on the move again, gliding from my hip, brushing over my quivering belly until he forced it between us. Before I could growl with disapproval, those skilled fingers found my clit and played over it until I was a keening mess. I chanted his name with a few yeses and oh, God’s thrown in. He had me hovering on the brink of impossible pleasure very quickly. I arched my neck up, head pressing into the mattress and rolling back and forth as I fought to get there, to climb higher than I had before.

Then I felt the scratch of his teeth along the muscle at the base of my neck. I knew what he was going to do, and as much as I’d sworn I’d never take a mate, in that moment, I wanted his claim, his brand, the bite that would make me his. I should have expected his next move, should have realized what he’d demand.

“Look at me.” His voice was ragged, slurred as if he were drugged by the pleasure we shared, and I was helpless to ignore it.

Our gazes clashed, caught, and held. He pressed his thumb hard over my clit and slammed his cock deep, and I came, mouth open wide on a silent scream.

“Mine,” he rumbled, the promise there in his eyes. “You’re mine, Ivy, and I’m yours.”

He dropped his head and bit down, drawing and tasting my blood as I had his, and I was lost. I shuddered, my sex clenching so tightly around him I swear I felt his pulse inside me. His cock jerked as it seemed to grow even thicker before the first blast of seed filled me. I’d never known pleasure like this existed. I wanted more of it, but first, I needed to remember how to breathe. I swear I saw stars flickering at the edge of my vision, and I wondered how Cyan had managed to pull the sky into my bedroom. I was still trying to figure that out when they all blinked out and darkness claimed me.

Chapter Seven

~ Cyan ~

I slipped from the bed without disturbing Ivy. I’d barely closed my eyes all night, certain every time I did that I’d awake to find it was all a dream. So, I’d stayed up, watching over her, watching her. She’d snuggled against me, one leg thrown over mine, an arm lying low on my waist, and her head on my chest, the lush roundness of her breasts pressing against my side. It had been pleasure and torture all rolled into one.

I eased out of the room, softly pulling the door shut behind me. I could tell she was exhausted. I’d planned to spend the entire night making love to her, showing her how good we could be together. Instead, we’d come together once. Ivy had passed out cold on me, the smile on her lips letting me know she’d been completely satisfied. The marks on my skin brought a smile to my lips. My woman was fierce in her lovemaking. I couldn’t wait to get inside her again.

I planned to spend the day with her and Jasmine, so while they both slept, I took advantage of the time I had to make a few calls. Bas didn’t answer his phone. Hopefully, his mate was keeping him occupied. I expected a mating ceremony for the two of them soon. I hoped to have one, as well. It would depend on what Ivy would agree to. All I knew was now that I’d tasted her, I wasn’t going anywhere without her.

My next call was to Simon. He answered on the first ring.

“Report,” I ordered, wanting to know everything.

“Bas and Raina are at the main house with Bee. Haven’t seen any of them yet this morning.”

“Any trouble after I left last night?”

“No. Bas and Raina went for a run. I waited for them, brought them straight back here.”

“The three men from last night?” I wanted to know if they’d said anything.

“Three winners there. Lot of bitching and moaning. Not happy with Bas taking over as alpha, but then, they didn’t have anything good to say about the old alpha, either. From what I hear, they’re nothing but trouble.”

“Are there any others?” The idea that there were members of the pack who thought it was okay to harass Ivy or Rebbie wouldn’t fly. I wanted every one of the motherfuckers found and dealt with.

“A couple. Rebbie let us know, and Taylor took care of rounding them up last night. Trust me, they won’t be a problem.”

“Good,” I growled. “Make sure none of them were missed.”

“Michael’s following up with the elders this morning before we get with Bas and see what to do with them.”

“Don’t bother Bas with this unless he comes to check with you. Our alpha’s getting mated. He has other priorities at present. Keep them where they are for now. I’d be surprised if anyone misses them. Let the reality of what won’t be tolerated in their new pack sink in. Put Michael or Taylor in charge until Bas is free or I’m back.”

“When do you think that’ll be?” Simon asked.

“I’m not sure. I might take the week. Spend it with my new mate and her younger sister. Have one of the guys pack a bag for me and drop it off.” I rattled off the address for him. “I need to be here. Ivy and her sister were close with Rowan Byrd. I don’t think either of them have really processed him being gone. Christ, Simon. Her sister still has nightmares about Rowan burning to death in that damn truck.”

“Shit. Poor kid. That’s rough. I heard the Daltons were like family to him.”

“Yeah,” I agreed. I planned for them to be my family from now on. “Did Taylor get Rebbie to one of the houses for the night?”

“I’m assuming so,” Simon answered. “He hasn’t checked in yet today. He was pretty worked up last night, though. He might be hitting the gym. I’ll make a point to check on him later this morning.”

“Keep me posted. I’ll have my phone on in case I’m needed.” I knew Bas would text or call if he needed anything, but I wasn’t expecting to hear from him any time soon.

“Cyan.”

I glanced over and got lost in a pair of big, chocolate-brown eyes that reminded me of Ivy’s. I could easily imagine my future daughter looking just like Jasmine.

“Gotta go,” I informed Simon and hung up, oblivious to whatever he was saying. If it was important, he’d text. Or call back.

She padded toward me on bare feet, still in her pajamas. “Morning. I didn’t know if you’d still be here this morning?”

I grinned, translating her statement to mean she’d expected her sister to kick me out. She glanced around.

“Where’s Ivy?”

“Your sister’s still sleeping. Want to make breakfast with me?”

She nodded. “Ivy loves pancakes and bacon. Do you know how to make pancakes?”

“I know how to cook all sorts of things,” I promised. “Pull a chair up to the counter while I look around and gather ingredients. We’ll make the best pancakes you’ve ever tasted.”

I lost myself in her giggles and conversation. She had a lot to say about Ivy, telling me her sister’s favorite foods, television shows, games, flowers and anything else she thought to share. I soaked up every moment of it. I’d never had siblings while growing up. Not any that counted anyway. I found myself enthralled with Jasmine. She had an infectious humor that dared me not to join her.

I was just setting plates on the table, while Jasmine poured glasses of orange juice, when Ivy appeared in the doorway. Our gazes locked. I wanted to cross to her, snatch her up in my arms and kiss her until she was ready for an encore of last night. The guarded look in her eyes held me back. She appeared ready to flee at one wrong move on my part. It appeared I had more hurdles to overcome before my mate accepted me.

“Hungry?” I asked and enjoyed the way her gaze immediately fell to my groin. I watched color suffuse her cheeks and neck and knew she was recalling all we’d done last night. We’d do it all again as soon as we had the time.

“We made pancakes and bacon,” Jasmine gushed, carrying two cups of juice from the counter to the table.

“My favorite,” Ivy enthused, smiling at her sister. Then she turned back to me. “It smells great.”

There wasn’t much talking as we all took seats and dug in.

“You really can cook,” Jasmine gushed around a mouthful of pancakes.

“Thanks, I had a pretty good helper.” I winked at her and grinned when she pealed off into more giggles.

“What do you ladies have planned for today?” I asked, picking up another piece of bacon.

“Nothing exciting,” Ivy said and offered nothing more.

“I can’t imagine anything with the two of you being unexciting,” I countered.

More giggles from my favorite eight-year-old.

“Today’s shopping day,” Jasmine offered. “Groceries, fresh flowers, and chocolate.”

“Sounds pretty exciting to me. Mind if I tag along?”

“Jasmine, why don’t you go brush your teeth and get dressed while I clear the table,” Ivy told her sister, instead of answering. It didn’t bode well for me that she was waiting for Jasmine to leave the room. I had an ally in her younger sister, and Ivy knew it.

Jasmine was up and going like a shot, yelling something about the good chocolate this time. I rose as soon as she was gone, and when Ivy stood, too, I closed in, pulling her to me and taking her mouth. She tasted like syrup and bacon and sheer carnal bliss. She tasted like sex, or maybe, that was just my mind conjuring what I craved. She curled into me, arms winding around my neck as she pressed against me.

“I thought you’d left,” she murmured when we finally broke the kiss.

“No such luck, gorgeous. In fact, I thought we could spend the week together. Just the three of us. We don’t have to go anywhere. We can stay here. Have some downtime together. Let Jasmine get comfortable having me around.”

“I’d say you’ve already won her over.”

“And you?” I asked. “Have I won you over?”

She reached up and rubbed her neck where I’d bitten her last night. My chest rumbled with possession. She was mine. My woman. My mate. My whole world. The lost look in her eyes undid me.

“I don’t know how to do this, Cyan.”

“Do what?”

“Be mated. I… The sex was good.”

I laughed. “You passed out from the pleasure, Ivy, and good is the best you can come up with?”

She scowled at me. “I don’t really have anything to compare it to, unless you want to know how you rate against my fingers.”

I growled, backing her against the wall and pinning her there with my hips. “Jesus, woman. Keep painting pictures like that, and I’m going to come in my jeans.”

“Cyan.” My name was a throaty moan from her lips while she rocked her hot pussy against me.

“Don’t start something we can’t finish,” I admonished and forced myself to take a step back. Jasmine could walk back in at any moment. “Let me go shopping with the two of you. You get the groceries. I’ll get the flowers and the good chocolate.”

Ivy laughed. “It really isn’t exciting.”

“I don’t know. You’ve never done it with me.”

There was that lusty heat in her eyes again. “I—”

Her phone rang, and she dropped whatever she’d been about to say and answered it.

“Hey, Helen. Nothing special.” Her gaze flicked over me as she nodded to something this Helen said. “Just a minute and I’ll ask her.” She covered the phone with her hand and stepped into the other room, calling for her sister. “Angelica’s mom is on the phone. They’re camping out tonight and wanted to see if you’d like to tag along.”

All I was hearing was Jasmine might be gone for the night. Sure, I wanted to get to know Ivy’s sister better, but there was plenty of time for that. I wasn’t going anywhere. But a night alone with Ivy? Hell, yes! I could have my wicked way with her, make her shout her pleasure at the top of her lungs.

“Yes!” Jasmine yelled, bouncing around and waving her arms in the air, successfully ending my wayward thoughts. “Please, please, please!”

I clasped my hands in front of me and, catching Ivy’s gaze, mouthed the same words.

Ivy laughed and nodded. “Go pack a bag, and don’t forget your toothbrush.”

She turned back to the phone. “I’m sure you heard that.” She laughed again. “Actually, I was heading out to the grocery store. I can drop her off.” She cocked her head, scrunched up her nose and nodded. “Okay. We’ll be here.”

She thumbed her phone off. “Helen will be here in fifteen minutes. They’re already out and about, picking up stuff for the weekend.”

“The whole weekend!” Jasmine was back to bouncing, and I was hard pressed not to join her.

“If you behave,” Ivy said, and Jasmine launched herself at her sister.

“I will! I will! Promise! And I won’t have to worry about you all alone ‘cause Cyan’s here.” She turned toward me. “You’ll stay, won’t you?”

“Absolutely,” I agreed before Ivy could say anything.

“Yay!” Jasmine bellowed. “I love camping! We get to play in the woods and swim and howl at the moon! We make smores and tell scary stories and stay up as late as we want.”

“Maybe, I want to go camping instead,” I suggested. “That sounds like a lot of fun.”

“No, you have to stay with Ivy, but we can all go camping someday, if you want to. Rowan used to take us camping when he had the time. He said I reminded him of his little sister.”

“I know some really cool spots we can go,” I promised.

“Tick-tock, Jasmine,” Ivy warned, and the little girl took off to finish her packing I assumed.

“So, after shopping, how about you get all dolled up, and I take you out,” I offered.

She tilted her head again, and I wanted to lean forward and take a nip of her smooth neck. “What are you offering?”

“Dinner. Dancing. Pool if you like to play.”

She grinned. “Now, you’re talking. I love to dance, and you and your alpha did interrupt girls’ night.”

“He’s your alpha now, too.”

She blinked then slowly nodded. “I guess he is.”

I wasn’t big on dancing, but for her, I’d learn to love it. Plus, it would give me the perfect opportunity to prove her fear unfounded. By the end of the night, my virgin bride would realize the only man she wanted in her bed was me.

Chapter Eight

~ Ivy ~

Cyan spent the whole day turning me inside out with his touch. He held my hand or smoothed his palm down my back before resting his fingers at the small of my back. He patted my ass, rubbed my arm. He seduced me with his gaze, with his wicked smile that seemed to offer endless pleasure. He bought chocolate and flowers, decadent strawberries and champagne. When I questioned his purchases, he vowed we’d need them later.

He caught my fingers after we loaded the SUV, spinning me to him and bending to kiss me. It was soft and sweet but packed no less of a punch than the passionate ones we’d shared in my bed.

By the time we’d unloaded and put away stuff, I burned with need. I shut the last cabinet with a snap and turned, launching myself at him. He caught me with a chuckle that changed to a moan as I wrapped around him just as he’d sworn I would. I’d expected him to carry me to the bedroom. Instead, he seated me on the counter and pulled at my clothes.

My hands clenched in his hair as I ate hungrily at his mouth. He broke the kiss and jerked my shirt up over my shoulders, locking my arms above my head and leaving me trapped in the fabric. While I struggled to free myself, he pushed my bra above my breasts then bent with a growl to take one nipple between his lips and suck. I didn’t try to stay quiet and wasn’t sure I could have if the need had been there. I was caught in the dark and heat, caught up in the moment. God, first the man had brought the stars; now, he’d stolen the light.

Then I remembered the fabric covering my face. I tore the material as I freed myself and flung it aside. He undid the clasp on my bra, and it followed suit. He worshipped my breasts, cupping and shaping the mounds while paying homage to my nipples. He sucked greedily, and I arched into him, pressing more of my flesh into his mouth. I caught his shirt, tearing at it as I fought to touch his flesh. He released my nipple with a groan and finished removing his shirt before jerking me to him. One big hand cupped my ass while the other fisted in my hair, pulling my head back. He left sucking kisses along my throat before reaching my mouth and devouring it.

I couldn’t get enough. I needed more. I needed us both naked and him buried inside me.

“Cyan.” His name spilled from my lips as he moved his toward my ear.

“Tell me what you want,” he demanded, nipping the lobe with his teeth.

“You,” I whispered.

“Here?” he questioned, licking my neck. “Or here?” He grazed my nipple with his teeth.

“Yes,” I moaned.

“Or here?” His palm cupped the crotch of my jeans.

I cried out, rocking into his touch. He had me off the counter and on my feet before I took another breath. I grasped his shoulders for balance as he dropped to his knees and undid my pants, jerking them to mid-thigh before leaning in to place a kiss on my vulva.

“Cyan!”

He stood, taking me with him. My ass hit the table, and my pants and panties were shoved farther down until they caught on my shoes. He growled against my skin, his hands making quick work of removing my sneakers and tossing them across the kitchen. My jeans and panties followed.

Cyan took a seat and eased me forward, lifting my knees and draping them over his shoulders. I lay back, gripping the sides of the table with my hands as his breath fanned my folds. I closed my eyes. I couldn’t see him without leaning up on my elbows, and I didn’t have the strength for that right now. Besides, without sight, every touch seemed more powerful.

His fingers glided over my sex, spreading me. His tongue followed behind, pausing at my clitoris and rubbing over it.

“Please,” I begged, lifting my hips.

He wrapped his lips around my clit, sucking as he slid two fingers deep within me. He pumped those fingers, working me into a state of frenzy then bit lightly on my clit, sending me flying into orgasm. He pulled free and moved his mouth down until he was thrusting his tongue into me, tasting my pleasure, flinging me higher.

“Oh, God! Yes! Yes! Cyan!”

I wanted to reach for him, to feel his body weighing me down. As if he sensed it or needed the same, he stood, ripping his jeans wide, freeing his erection and bringing it to where I still pulsed with pleasure. He fed the length into me, pushing hard and deep. He grabbed my legs, helping me wrap them around him then bent over me, treating each breast to a sucking kiss before zeroing in on my lips.

“You feel so fucking good,” he growled then plunged his tongue into my mouth.

He rode me hard, and I reveled in every fierce possession. He owned me in that moment, and we both knew it. My nails scored his shoulders, my heels pressing into the small of his back as he pounded my sex. I came again, shuddering under him.

“That’s it, baby. Drown my cock. Squeeze it. Let me see how good I make you feel. I can still taste you on my tongue.” He licked his lips. “Like the sweetest ambrosia I’ve ever found. Your pussy’s my favorite treat, and I’m a glutton when it comes to eating what I love.” He slammed deep, his groin pressing tightly against mine. “I’m going to come. Going to fill you up with me. I’m going to pull my dick out and coat you in my cream. Rub it in your skin.”

His words painted erotic pictures. Pictures I liked. Pictures I wanted.

“Yeah, you like that,” he crooned. “I can feel how much my words excite you.”

I pulled my head up, nipping his jaw. “Do it,” I challenged.

He stood up, sliding his palms under my ass and holding me up. He took me harder, faster, growls rumbling from his chest. I lay flat, watching his face as he worked his way to orgasm. He brought his thumb to his mouth, sucked it then reached down where we were joined and pressed on my clitoris. I came again, clamping down on his pistoning cock and milking it.

He came with a roar, flooding me with his semen. True to his promise, he pulled out, gripping the shaft with his palm and jerking the rest of his release over my belly and thighs. When he was empty, he braced his palms outside my hips on the table.

“Christ, woman. The things you do to me.”

“That was all you,” I countered. He’d thoroughly ravaged me, and I’d enjoyed every moment of it. I’d gone from virgin to wanton in one fell swoop. I slid my eyelids closed, trembling in the aftermath.

Sex. I more than enjoyed it. I was already anticipating the next time he’d take me, possess me. I wanted to ride him. I wanted him to take me from behind. I wanted to take him in my mouth and suck every drop of pleasure from him as he had me. I wanted it all, and the wanting terrified me.

Cyan straightened, tucking his cock back in his jeans but leaving them unzipped and open. He picked me up, lifting me against his chest and heading back toward my bedroom.

“I need a nap,” he vowed with a groan.

“Mmm,” I agreed. I also needed a shower, but it would take me a little longer before my legs were ready to work.

He placed me gently on the bed then moved to my bathroom. I heard him running water, heard the flush of the toilet and swore I’d open my eyes any minute and head that way. The next thing I felt was a warm cloth running over my skin. I blinked my heavy eyelids open and watched Cyan clean his seed off my skin. He tossed the washcloth aside then lifted me again, jerked the covers back and slid us both underneath.

I tried to put some distance between us, rolling onto my side, facing away from him, but he followed me, pressing his bare skin against my back. One arm slid under my pillow while the other wrapped around my waist, pulling me more snugly against him. He placed a kiss against the back of head, gave a sigh and settled into the bed. I needed to think, to figure out what was happening, but exhaustion crashed over me.

When we awoke, we took a long leisurely shower together, and Cyan made love to me again against the slick tile. I was ready to crawl back in bed with him, but he insisted we were going out. I threw on my favorite pair of skinny jeans with boots and an off-the-shoulder peasant top. Cyan whistled when I joined him, and I did a doubletake at his change of clothes.

“When did you go out for those?”

“I had one of the pack drop off a bag for me,” he said, snagging my hand and pulling me to him.

“Where are you taking me?” I asked as he shepherded me out of the house toward his SUV.

“An out-of-the-way place we found when we first arrived in the area. We’ve pretty much taken it over now.”

I knew by “we” he meant the James pack. We made small talk the whole way there, with him telling me stories about everyone in his pack. I shared stories of growing up with Raina and Rowan, of when Jasmine was born, of going to school while having a newborn baby to take care of. I almost asked if he wanted children but stopped myself in time. That was a question for his mate to ask him, and as much as I craved him, as hard as I was falling for him, I still feared my inability to be the mate he deserved.

The music was loud when we stepped inside the bar, the dance floor already packed. I was practically vibrating as the bass hit me, seeming to travel from the floor into my body. A woman with long, dark hair and pale-blue eyes seemed to practically skip across the room toward us.

“You must be Ivy,” she enthused, lifting on her toes to plant a kiss on Cyan’s jaw. “I was hoping for a chance to meet you. We’re going to be the best of friends.”

I barely held back my growl. My claws wanted to come out and gouge the woman’s lips off. I glanced at Cyan then back at the other woman. Who was she? And why the hell was she acting so chummy with Cyan?

“This dynamo is Belinda James—”

“Bee,” she interrupted.

“Bas’ younger sister,” Cyan continued.

“Come dance with me,” she urged, grabbing my hand and tugging me toward the crowded floor. I glanced back at Cyan, unsure what to do. I was good with getting her away from him, though.

“Go,” Cyan urged, patting my hip. “I’ll snag drinks and a table. Beer?”

I nodded.

“Me, too,” Bee said. “And get us a bottle of tequila and some shot glasses.” She glanced at me. “You look like a tequila woman to me.”

Bee was grinning and tugging, and I quickly found myself in the middle of the crush of bodies. Something about her drew people’s attention. I watched as some of the men eyed her, but I noticed they all kept their distance. I assumed it had a lot to do with who her older brother was. She had an exotic look to her. It was the eyes, so pale a blue they appeared to glow.

“I’m ready for a drink,” I called to Bee as one song ended and the next began.

“Oh, I’m sorry!” she cried, grabbing my hand and tugging me along with her again. “I didn’t mean to keep you from your mate for so long.”

I shook my head. “We’re not mates.”

She laughed. “Of course, you are. Everyone can see that.”

“No, we’re not,” I emphasized.

She stopped and gave me a curious look. I swear it was as if she were trying to see inside my head.

“What is it?” she asked, but I wasn’t sure if she was questioning me or herself. “It’s not the old alpha. Despite what some think, you weren’t in love with him.”

“Rowan was family, just as Raina is.”

She grinned. “I’ve met Raina. She’s going to keep my brother on his toes. He couldn’t have found a woman more perfect for him.”

“She’s a hell of a woman,” I agreed.

“So are you. What is it you’re so afraid of?”

“Nothing,” I snapped. This woman was all over the place. I glanced to where I knew Cyan was. I was hyperaware of him, as if an invisible cord linked us. He was talking with a couple of other guys. My pulse immediately accelerated as I took him in. The man was eye candy. Big, buff, and bronzed. I wanted his hands on me, his lips trailing across my skin, his sex deep and heavy in mine.

“Anthony is looking incredibly sexy tonight,” Bee commented.

“Who?” I asked, not really caring as I caressed Cyan with my gaze.

“Ah, then, you must be staring at Donovan with that lusty look in your eyes. I hear he’s a fantastic lover.”

That snapped my attention back to her. “Why would I care what kind of lover he is?”

She shrugged. “You said you weren’t Cyan’s mate. I thought you might be interested in one of the others. Honestly, you could pick any guy here to take you home tonight.”

“I came here with Cyan. I’ll be leaving with him.” I knew anger had darkened my eyes and didn’t care. “What are you playing at, Bee?” Then it hit me. “Are you interested in Cyan?”

“I adore Cyan, but he’s not meant to belong to me. That honor is reserved for another. I’m just waiting for him to find me.”

“I…” I paused. I had no clue what to say to that. Once again, she’d managed to jumble my thoughts.

“Nothing against your family, but I’m glad to see you’re not like your mother.”

“What? How do you know about my mother?” I threw a glare toward Cyan.

“Cyan hasn’t said anything,” Bee offered. “I know because I made it my business to know. My brother hasn’t had an easy life, and some of that is my fault.”

Her brother. The new alpha, Bastion James.

“When your elders first contacted us about the Rigton wolves joining our pack, I began learning everything I could about all your members. I was worried when Simon said Cyan was with you. Cyan deserves better than a woman who would flit from male to male. But you’re not like her.”

“You don’t know me,” I growled and noticed several males staring our way. I didn’t care. She’d zeroed in on my biggest fear and poked at it.

“I know you better than you think,” Bee countered. “It’s my blessing and my curse.”

There she went with those ambiguous statements again.

“You enjoy pleasure, but you’re not ruled by it. I pointed out two of the pack’s sexiest males, and I bet you still have no clue who they are…because you don’t see them. You only see Cyan.”

I quickly looked around, trying to place the men she’d mentioned earlier. Anthony and Donovan? But no matter how hard I tried, my gaze always pulled back to Cyan. Bee was right. I hadn’t noticed anyone else in the room other than in a cursory way.

“I also noted that every time one of the guys on the dance floor got a little too close to you, you moved away. Not exactly the actions of a woman on the prowl for another lover.”

I blinked with surprise. I hadn’t realized I’d done that, but now that she’d pointed it out… I had. I took a closer look at the other people in the bar, forcing my gaze away from Cyan. I immediately zoned in on the two men with him. Anthony and Donavan? Had to be. They were attractive, but neither held a candle to Cyan.

I looked back toward the dance floor and the men there and felt…nothing. No interest. Normally, I’d still be out there gyrating to the music amidst the crowd, ignoring the crush of male bodies around me, into me. That had all changed.

I glanced back at Cyan, enthralled as he threw back his head and laughed at something being said to him. I wasn’t interested in anyone else in the room. Only Cyan. Holy shit!

“Plus, I’m pretty sure there was jealousy in your voice when you thought I might be interested in Cyan for myself. Which I’m not,” Bee added when my gaze flipped back to her. She grinned at me. “Don’t panic, Ivy, but I’m pretty confident you and Cyan are mates. And I’m never wrong.”

Bee would take some getting used to, but I felt the truth of her words settle inside me. I wasn’t my mother. I. Wasn’t. My. Mother.

Cyan was mine. My gaze slid back to center on him.

Mate.

Chapter Nine

~ Cyan ~

“I wish a woman would look at me the way that one can’t keep her eyes off you,” Anthony murmured, and I turned to see Ivy staring my way.

My mate was a vision. She stole my breath from across the room. It took all I had to remain where I was and not cross the distance, toss her over my shoulder and make a quick exit just as I had the first time I’d seen her. All I’d thought about since we’d left her bed earlier was getting her back in it.

“You’ve had plenty of women undress you with their eyes,” Donovan pointed out to Anthony, but I noticed his gaze was glued to my Ivy, as well. A growl rumbled up from my chest, and both men laughed.

“She’s not just undressing him,” Anthony said. “She’s practically branding him.”

I smiled. I’d like that. Wearing her brand. I ran my fingers over the spot where she’d bitten me. I wanted to feel those sharp teeth on my skin right now. I wanted her. And for more than a few days. I wanted her for the rest of our lives. I needed her to want it, too.

I forced my gaze away from her. “As I was saying, keep your eyes out for trouble on the off chance we missed a few more assholes unhappy with us taking over the Rigton pack.”

“We’ve got this,” Donovan assured me. “Besides—”

“Heads up, Cyan,” Anthony called.

I snapped my head up in time to see Ivy heading my way. No, stalking my way. I pushed the chair back, standing just as she launched herself at me. I snagged her easily out of the air, groaning as she wrapped around me like the clinging vine I’d vowed she’d be. My hands cupped the lush curves of her ass as her arms tightened around my neck, her fingers sliding into my hair.

“Good to know dancing turns you on,” I murmured in her ear, slicking the lobe with my tongue before nipping it with my teeth.

“You turn me on,” she countered then tacked on another word. One that stopped my heart before sending it into a frantic beating. “Mate.”

I pulled back my head, meeting her gaze with questioning eyes.

“You’re mine, Cyan. All mine. Now, why don’t you go all caveman on me and cart me out of here so we can spend the rest of the night making love.”

I grinned. Couldn’t have stopped it for the world. “Say it again.”

She leaned in and caught my bottom lip with her teeth before licking over it. She nuzzled her way along my jaw to my ear before I could capture her mouth with mine. Then she whispered to me, “Mate.”

“I’m holding you to that,” I vowed.

“As long as you’re holding me.”

I lifted her up enough to sink a hand in my pocket so I could drop some bills on the table, though other than a few sips from me our drinks hadn’t been touched.

I boosted her over my shoulder, and Ivy gave a shriek before bursting into laughter. I gave her ass a tap before rubbing it and leaving my hand on her sweet curves. Anchoring my other hand around her legs, I took off for the door. By the time I had her to the SUV, she had her arms wrapped around my waist and was fondling my dick through my jeans.

“Ivy,” I growled, and she laughed again. “Wait ‘til we get back to your house.”

“No. It’s too far. I want you now.”

I groaned, ripping the passenger door open and working to unwrap her so I could deposit her on the seat.

“Behave,” I warned then shut her in and headed around the hood. I had just enough time to slide into the driver’s seat when Ivy hopped into my lap.

“Push back the seat.”

The woman was naked from the waist down and already working on my pants. There was no way I wasn’t getting onboard. I complied, pushing my seat back as far as it would go then reclining it, as well.

“Lift up,” she panted, jerking at my jeans.

I helped her, moving just enough for us to push them down out of the way. Then she slid her palm along the length of my cock, her thumb slicking my pre-cum over the head. She leaned in, claimed my mouth, lifted her hips, and took me fully inside her with one slow glide.

Her palms skimmed under my shirt, rubbing across my chest, nails scraping over my nipples. I shuddered under her, forcing my cock even deeper and drawing groans from both of us.

“Let me,” Ivy pleaded when I started to thrust up into her.

I fought my need to power into her, letting her have complete control of the pace and rhythm. Instead, I let my gaze drop to her chest. I tugged her shirt up over her breasts, unsnapped the front clasp on her bra, and filled my palms with the lush mounds. Her moans intoxicated me. I leaned in, closed my lips around one tight nipple and sucked hard, plucking the other with my fingers.

Ivy made throaty sounds that had me fighting to keep from coming right then. She reached behind her, arching her breasts closer to my mouth. Her fingers gripped my thighs just above my knees, and she rode me faster. I lifted one hand to her mouth, slipping my thumb between her lips. She immediately sucked on it, which had my dick twitching inside her.

“Not yet,” I muttered, pulling the digit free. Then holding her gaze, I slipped my hand down between our bodies, zeroing in on her clitoris and pressing.

Ivy mewled, lifting and rising on me in utter abandonment. I’d carry this vision of her for the rest of my life. The way her hair tumbled around us. Her deep, chocolate-brown eyes half concealed by her eyelids. The rise of color suffusing her face. The lush mounds of her breasts topped with cherry-red nipples. The way her mouth was slightly open as she panted. She stole my breath.

“Now, baby,” I encouraged her. “Come all over my dick. Use me for your pleasure.”

She wrenched her hands up, slamming them against the ceiling of the vehicle. “Yes! Oh, God! Cyan! Yes!”

“So beautiful, baby. Ride that dick. Make it come.” I gripped her hips then and held her in place while I pounded up into her.

“Cyan!” she screamed as she came. Her pussy milked my dick, squeezing and releasing until I was joining her with a roar of my own.

“Mmm,” Ivy moaned and crashed against my chest, snuggling close while we both attempted to suck in enough oxygen.

I remained buried inside her, my cock still twitching as we both came down. Gradually, our location came back to me. In a parking lot with steamed up windows. I’d never live this down. Ivy and I had been so impatient for each other we’d barely made it out the door of the bar.

“Tell me again,” I ordered, wanting her to verbalize the bond she’d agreed to again.

“I’m claiming you,” she murmured, her tone expressing her contentment.

“Yeah,” I prompted.

She nuzzled my neck. “You’re my mate, Cyan. You wanted this, us. I’m not letting you back out.”

I chuckled. “Not planning to back out, baby. I am curious though. What made you decide to accept the fact you’re my mate?”

She nipped me. “Do you know I couldn’t tell you a single person there tonight other than you and Bee?”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” she agreed. “I was so focused on you I couldn’t see anyone else. I’ve spent my whole life afraid I’d turn out just like my mother. I thought maybe her inability to love or develop bonds was something she’d pass on to me.”

“Ivy, you’ve already developed some pretty intense bonds. Look at you and Jasmine. Or you and Raina. And I know you cared for Rowan. Just watching you with your sister and with Raina the other night, I’ve seen a woman who loves fiercely. You seem so fearless, Ivy. As if you’d take on the whole world if you needed to.”

She nodded against my chest. “Mm-hmm.”

I laughed. “You know you can’t fall asleep like this? We have to get you back in your seat, pants on, so we can head back to the house.”

“Are you going to move in with me?” She perked up a little at that.

“I’d like to,” I offered. “Unless you have bad memories in the house. We can look for another one. I’ll live wherever you want. As long as we’re together.”

“I like my house. Plus, Jasmine is already settled in the neighborhood. And since it’s right in the middle of our pack territory, it’s the perfect place for the new beta to live.”

“Okay,” I agreed. Honestly, I’d do anything in my power for her happiness.

“What about kids? Do you want kids?”

I blinked, her question taking me by surprise, but the answer was a no-brainer. “Yeah, I do. I’ve always wanted a big family.”

She smiled. “Good.”

I cupped her chin and tipped it up so I could see her face. “Does that mean you do, too?”

“I know I’m not Jasmine’s mom, but I’ve felt like it most of our lives. I love her as if she were my daughter instead of my sister. Raina worried I was pushing my dreams aside by staying here with Jasmine instead of going off to college. But I didn’t give up anything. My dreams changed the moment I held my perfect, little sister in my arms. I knew then I wanted to be a mom.”

“Then how in the world would you ever worry you could be like your mother?”

She blinked then shrugged, burrowing her face back into my neck. She was the exact opposite of her mother. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever have the opportunity to meet Ivy’s mother or not. Part of me wanted to, so I could put the bitch in her place for what she’d done to Ivy. Part of me thought it would be in everyone’s best interest if our paths never crossed.

While I’d contemplated what I’d do, my mate had fallen asleep. I grinned. It was nice to know I wore her out so thoroughly she conked out. I ended up tugging her shirt back down and lifting her into the passenger seat. She mumbled, but her eyes stayed closed. I wasn’t attempting the pants, so I snagged a blanket from the back seat and covered her with it.

After snapping her seatbelt, I adjusted my own clothing and put the seat back into place. I took my time driving back to her house—no. Our house—then carried her inside. It didn’t take long to strip us both down and get under the covers. I planned to talk her into a new bed, a much larger one to better accommodate my size.

I lay awake for a long time with Ivy draped over my chest, one leg thrown over mine as she clung to me. I easily recalled thinking my best friend, Bas, was insane for looking at a picture and deciding the woman was his. I’d basically laughed at him. Now, I understood completely. Maybe, it was the animal part of us, but when we found our mates, there was no questioning.

I glanced down at the woman in my arms. Ivy was mine, and no matter what life threw at us, I was never letting her go.

Epilogue

~ Ivy ~

Six Years Later

“Cyan!” I bellowed, staring in horror at the mess in my kitchen.

My mate barreled around the corner with our youngest son in his arms, stopping in his tracks as he took in the chaos. Noah bounced against his father’s arm, reaching for me. It was hard to believe we’d just celebrated his first birthday a few months ago.

“I thought you were watching them,” I said.

“I, uh, went to change Noah.” He passed Noah to me and waded into the kitchen, trying unsuccessfully to look serious. I saw his lips twitching with amusement. I’m sure our sons did, too. “So…who wants to explain what’s going on here?”

“I make pancake!” Parker clapped his hands, and a cloud of white rose from him. He was coated in flour from head to toe. In fact, I didn’t see a single spot in the kitchen that wasn’t covered. I didn’t think it was possible for us to have that much flour in the house.

“We helped!” Our five-year-old twins, Liam and Lucas, hurried to stand next to their brother.

I shook my head as Cyan fought hard not to laugh. “Pancakes?”

“For your birthday,” Liam said.

“It’s not her birthday,” Cyan corrected. “It’s our anniversary.”

Just like that, my heart melted. Six years later and the man still remembered the day we’d met…and celebrated it. Six years and four boys later. Which reminded me, I had something to tell my husband.

“What in the world?” Jasmine said, finally joining us. At fourteen, she was turning into a beautiful young woman, inside and out. We’d snuck out for some girl time earlier, which was rare with the boys and might be even rarer if what I suspected was true.

“Hey, kiddo,” Cyan replied. “Want to help your sister clean up the boys while I tackle this mess?”

Jasmine laughed. “Why don’t you help clean up the little rascals while I start on this?”

Cyan shrugged and swooped in, scooping up all three giggling boys in his arms. Noah, feeding off his brothers’ laughter, joined in.

“Where did all this flour come from?” I heard Jasmine mutter as I trooped down the hall behind my boys.

We ended up putting all four of them in the garden tub and letting them play. I washed off my youngest two while Cyan helped the twins. Looking at them made my heart swell with love. To think, once upon a time, I’d been scared I’d be incapable of mating. Now, my worries seemed silly. I couldn’t imagine my life without Cyan in it. My boys were my whole world. All five of them.

“Want to go out tonight, get a little drunk on tequila and let me cart you out over my shoulder?” Cyan leaned over to whisper.

I laughed. “How about dinner out then back home early to put the boys to bed?”

He winked at me. “Sounds perfect.”

He brushed his lips over mine, and I sank into him. That was all it ever took. One touch and I was his for the taking, which explained our four sons.

“Mama! Kiss!”

Cyan and I parted, both glancing back at the boys. Parker held up his arms, demanding a kiss, so I leaned in to give him one. That led to all the boys wanting kisses. That led to blowing raspberries. That led to giggles and sloshing water. And that led to the bathroom getting drenched.

I sent Cyan to help the kids get dressed while I worked on cleaning up. I was just finishing when I looked up to see him leaning in the doorway.

“Have I told you lately how lucky I am to have you as my mate?”

“I think it’s been at least a few hours,” I informed him.

“Very remiss of me,” Cyan stated, moving toward me. He scooped me up into his arms and carried me down the hall.

“What are we doing?” I whispered, glancing around for the boys.

“I took the boys to get dressed. Now, I’m taking you to get undressed.”

I laughed. “Undressed? Feeling a little frisky, are you?”

“Am I breathing?” he quipped.

“As much as I’m tempted, we can’t leave the boys alone. There’s no telling what they’ll get up to? Or in to?”

“Noah fell asleep as soon as I put him in his crib. Parker is out, too, but you know it won’t last long. Liam and Lucas are watching a movie in the front room. Jasmine has them.”

“Well, then,” I purred. “What do you plan to do with me once you have me undressed?”

He grinned. “Everything.”

He tossed me on the bed then turned to lock our door. We both tugged off our clothes. We’d learned to take advantage of every moment we had. And my mate, much to his chagrin, had become a master of the quickie.

Ten minutes later, we were still recovering from our orgasms when we heard the pitter-patter of feet going past our door.

“Sounds like Parker’s up,” Cyan said, tensing to push himself out of bed. Our three-year-old had always been a power napper. He’d drop off for ten minutes then be up and full of energy. I’d learned to make the most of those ten-minute naps.

I rolled so I draped over Cyan’s chest.

“Stay a little longer,” I pleaded. We both knew Parker would head toward the television and his brothers. He’d curl up on the couch with his Aunt Jassy and be happy as a lark. At least, for a little bit. There was a slim chance he might fall back asleep, as well.

“Have something to tell me?” Cyan asked, and I glanced up at him.

“How do you always know?”

He cupped my belly with one palm, something he did every time I shared I was pregnant.

“You get this look in your eyes,” he said. “I call it your mommy look. It’s very sexy.”

I laughed. “Must be why you see it so often.”

“Think you’re ready for five boys?”

“This one’s a girl,” I vowed, placing my hand over his. “I can feel it.”

“You said that with Parker,” he reminded me. “And Noah.”

I smacked him, but Cyan only laughed, rolling us over until he loomed over me.

“Would having another boy be so bad?”

“Of course not. I love our sons.”

“What about their dad?” he asked, leaning down to trail kisses up my throat.

“Mmm,” I moaned. “I’m pretty fond of him, too.”

“Fond? Let’s see if I can do better than that.”

I’m not sure how many times he had me moaning how much I loved him, but I meant it every time.

About the Author

Lacey is a hyper blonde, bouncing through life with her magical bracelets of positivity. A die-hard gamer (she refuses to call it an addiction), she resides in the Midwest, mom to three awesome children, one demanding dog, and two crazy cats. She has a passion for life and tends to leap long before she checks for safety exits. She writes possessive, alpha heroes who demand everything from the women they love. Believing sex is an integral part of a healthy romantic relationship, she doesn’t believe in closed doors, or even confining things to the indoors. Her stories reflect her strong family ties, friendships that showcase how some family consists of those we choose, and a goofy sense of humor that helps keep her laughing through all life’s ups and downs.

She loves to chat with anyone and often does to the annoyance of her children who are always in a hurry. If you want to talk books, television, movies, actors, World of Warcraft, prepping for the zombie apocalypse, or music (she loves music!), drop her a line at lcy_thrn1@yahoo.com.

Also by Lacey Thorn

Don’t miss the exciting first book in the James Pack!

Alpha’s Unwilling Mate, James Pack Book 1

Raina

I refuse to mate a man I don’t know. My father’s dictate has me ready to run and never look back. I won’t be the virgin sacrifice used to entice Bastion James to accept my community as part of his pack. Nothing will change my mind. Especially not the man himself. Not the way he looks at me, the way he touches me, or the heat of his kiss.

Bastion

From the moment I saw her, I knew she was mine. Raina Byrd belonged in my arms. More importantly, she belonged in my bed. One glimpse at the fire in her eyes and I knew we’d burn the world around us until nothing else existed. One touch of her skin and I was lost to anyone else. One taste of her lips and I knew I’d kill to possess her.

I warned her what would happen if she tried to run. Now, I won’t be satisfied until I’m buried inside her and she’s screaming my name.

* * * *

Have you met the men and women of the pride?

Waking the Beast, Awakening Pride Book 1

The legend of the Paka Watu...

Ever since she was a young girl, Abby Lane can’t resist the allure of a cat shifter tribe forced to repress their beasts. On a trip to Africa, she discovers a coveted piece of information—the name the pride leader assumed when he left his home—and she traces his lineage to his descendent.

The sleeping lion...

Utah Pearce can’t keep his gaze off the woman who slips into the bar every night. Though not his usual type, she brings out the possessive instinct in him, making him battle with himself as he tries to stay away.

Mine...

Abby’s research never prepared her for the reality in front of her. The beast is waking, and Utah is changing in ways both exciting and terrifying. He is possessive and dominant, and when he finally claims her, neither of them will ever be the same.

Tempting the Tiger, Awakening Pride Book 2

Legend awakened…

Reno has known there was more to him since he awoke in the hospital, alive when he should have died. Only one thought consumed him. Find Tah. Watch over him. Protect him. Then everything changed.

A tempted tiger…

A mission gone wrong brings him face to face with a woman who tempts his tiger from hiding. He wants her with a fierce hunger that consumes him and shocks him with the possessive nature she awakens.

Mine…

Amia belongs nowhere. Not with the Blane family of hunters she was born into, and not with the dominant man who kidnaps her and turns her world upside down. She runs. She fights. And when the time comes, she pays the price. Running isn’t an option, and there’s no fighting a man who turns her inside out with unquenchable lust. Maybe, just maybe, she’s found where she belongs.

Lacey’s Booklist

Knight's Watch Series

Prequel: Beautiful Dreamer

1. Jagged Hearts

2. Craving Sin

Contemporary Western

1. Chaps and Lace  (previously published in Men of Calder County as Rayne)

Contemporary Ménage

1. Finding Home

Something More Series (Previously Girls Night Out Series)

1. More Than One Night (Previously Jack's Dee-Light)

2. More Than Friends (Previously What Friends Are For)

3. More Than I Do (Previously Marital Bliss)

Awakening Pride Series

1. Waking the Beast

2. Tempting the Tiger

3. Freeing The Feline

4. Saving the Beast

5. A Jaguar's Touch

6. The Liger's Mark

7. Unleashing the Beast

8. Eyes on the Pride

9. Cry of the Pride

Awakening Pride: The Holloways

1. His to Bear (comes between The Liger's Mark and Unleashing the Beast)

2. Claimed by the Grizzly

3. Rumble and Growl

Pleasures Series

1. Cuffed for Pleasure

2. Heated for Pleasure

3. SEALed for Pleasure

4. Guarded for Pleasure

5. Roped for Pleasure

6. Arranged for Pleasure

7. Cured by Pleasure

8. Faithful in Pleasure

9. Agents of Pleasure

10. Bewitched for Pleasure

11. Hammered with Pleasure

James Pack Series

1. Alpha's Unwilling Mate

2. Beta's Virgin Bride

Demon Chronicles Series

1. Bound By Fire (previously published as Serephin)

2. Driven by Flame (previously published as Carami)

3. Embraced by Heat (previously published as Brahman)

Alpha Enforcer Squad Series

1.  Enforced Love 

2.  Love by Command 

3.  Breaking Into Love 

Bare Love Series

1.  His Bare Obsession 

2.  Bare Confessions 

Urban Fantasy Standalone Book

1. Finders Keepers

Table of Contents

Contents

Beta’s Virgin Bride

Copyright

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Epilogue

About the Author

Also by Lacey Thorn