Marked Read online

  He’s not a stranger, the raging beast inside her corrected. He’s ours.

  There was no reason to argue or try to convince herself otherwise. This moment did feel right, as though it was always meant to be. Jackson’s scent slammed into her nose, making her clit throb. She’d never get enough of the way he brought her to life, of how amazing he made her feel.

  “Damn you feel good.” His voice was hoarse, the words thick with lust. He grasped her hips, holding her in place. “Hold on, baby. I’m about to make you scream.”

  Then he was moving in and out, forceful and steady. Each spear into her vagina hit a sweet spot, making heat build in her belly. Her nails scraped along his ass, urging him on as she lifted her hips to meet his thrusts. Just when she thought she’d fall over the edge he brought his hand between their bodies and found her clit, clever fingers pinching and massaging the bundle of nerves.

  He pulled out and returned—harder this time. She cried out, rotating her pelvis, reaching for the ecstasy he could give her. Two more thrusts and the expert glide of his fingers sent her soaring.

  She fought for breath, consumed by the fire that spread through her body as he moved faster. Electric prickles ventured from her pussy to her stomach, working their way up her torso. Her nipples were more sensitive now, making the pressure of his chest against hers almost unbearable.

  When the last spasms faded she sagged against the pillows. To her shock he pulled her up and rolled her over, situating her on her hands and knees.

  “Not yet,” he whispered, lining up his cock and carefully edging into her.

  He didn’t thrust into her pussy this time. He rammed his cock into her, nudging her cervix, forcing her toward the head of the bed. She grasped the rails on the headboard, using them for balance, biting her lip as the agonizing fire in her birthmark increased. Jackson moved over her, trapping her beneath him. She felt him move her hair aside, his lips whispering over her shoulder. Then she felt his tongue bathing the area, the flicks soft but insistent.

  His teeth sank deeply into her skin. The sharp, piercing pain had her crying out.

  “Mine,” Jackson growled, the word muffled by his lips against her flesh.

  One last thrust and she felt his length jerking inside her, a hot splash filling her pussy. He didn’t release her, biting harder, hammering into her with enough force that her knees started to shake. In an instant the burn in her wrist vanished. There was no ache, no horrible prickling sensation. She didn’t have time to dwell on it, trying to remain upright. Suddenly he went still, chest heaving against her back, his sweat-slicked skin rubbing against her.

  She hissed when he pulled his teeth from her shoulder, leaving behind a dull throb. He murmured something she couldn’t make out and laved the sore area with his tongue, taking his time, soothing the ravaged flesh. A part of her wanted to hide her face in the pillows when he pulled his cock from her swollen and protesting pussy. She whimpered, unprepared for how sore she felt. Her sex pulsed, aching from the rough use although she wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

  He fell to his side and took her with him, spooning her much smaller frame with his. Their labored breathing filled the silence of the room, hard exhalations slowly evening out. Now that the sexual haze that had taken her over was gone she was embarrassed by her behavior. But beneath the embarrassment there was a level of contentment and peace. The way he held her made her feel safe, the smooth brush of his fingers over her hip reassuring.

  “Rest,” Jackson ordered softly. “I’m not finished with you.”

  Closing her eyes, she basked in his touch and the heat of his body. The night belonged to them. Tomorrow she could ask questions and accept the consequences of her actions. Since she was a child she’d always done as she was told, behaving like the good girl her grandparents expected her to be. For one evening she would embrace what she’d always wanted but had never experienced.

  She’d explore everything Jackson wanted to show her.

  And she’d enjoy every minute of it.

  For the first time, she was going to know what it was like to really live.

  Chapter Three

  Jackson studied the sleeping female in his bed, stunned by the unfamiliar tightness in his chest. She was beautiful in sleep, the lashes fanning her cheeks long and lush. A ray of the rising sun broke through the curtains, heralding the dawn, making the strands of her blonde hair glow against the cream-colored pillow. She looked like an angel, peaceful and content in slumber.

  He took a deep breath, scenting the air.

  The night before he’d clearly identified Chloe’s wolf. The animal was strong in her, rising to the surface when he joined their bodies. Although he wanted to see just how powerful her wolf was by taking her again, he’d held his mate through the night as she’d slept, content to watch over her. There was a chance Chloe would be able to shift after all. He’d felt how strong her animal-half was, how the wolf wanted to take over and make her presence known. He’d have to wait until the moon was full to learn the truth but either way, it didn’t matter.

  Even if his mate never shifted, she’d be a force to be reckoned with.

  Despite the knowledge, he felt a flash of panic. Increased strength wouldn’t protect Chloe’s vulnerable skin from razor-sharp claws and fangs. He’d have to teach her how to defend herself. Even though he never intended to let her leave his sight, she needed to be shown how to eliminate potential threats.

  She didn’t stir when he slid from the bed, her breathing even and deep. Despite the fact it made him an utter bastard, he felt a surge of satisfaction that he was the cause of her exhaustion. She carried his scent now, her shoulder bruised from the bite he’d placed there. The result of her acceptance in their mating would scar. He wanted every male she encountered to see his bite and know to stay the fuck away. No one else would ever touch her.

  She was his female. There would never be another for her—ever.

  A smile tugged at his mouth, a surge of pride slamming into him. Chloe might be a Halfling but she’d proven her worth. She’d accepted him without complaint, as willing and eager as any shifter female would be. Now it was time to organize, learn about her past and plan for what was to come.

  He didn’t shower, wanting to carry her scent for as long as possible. He collected a pair of sweats from a drawer before leaving the bedroom. It was early, meaning he had just enough time to make important phone calls before he prepared breakfast for his female. It was the duty of a male to see to his woman after their mating. He’d feed her, pamper her and show her how important she was. He didn’t want anything interfering with the bonding that would soon occur. Now that the instincts of the wolf had taken root inside Chloe she’d need to be close to him. It was his responsibility to explain this new life to her. He alone would ease any fears she might have.

  After he retrieved the phone from its cradle he quietly opened the back door and stepped onto the patio. Frost coated the grass, shimmering beads prismatic as a new day stirred to life. He dialed Declan’s number and bit back a chuckle when his Beta answered on the second ring.

  “It’s about fucking time.”

  “You didn’t wait up for me, did you?”

  “Don’t even go there,” Declan grumbled. “You owe me.”

  “How so?”

  “Simone saw you leave. She started asking questions.”

  His elated mood took a nosedive.

  Simone.

  The pushy female had been trying to talk Jackson into a mating to strengthen the pack for weeks. Her family was well-respected, their bloodlines going back hundreds of years. Although he’d told her he wasn’t interested, she hadn’t taken no for an answer.

  “What did she want?”

  “What do you think?” Declan released an annoyed snort. “That bitch wants you and she’s not going to let you brush her off.”

  “How did you handle the situation?” If Simone suspected anything about Chloe, he’d be forced to rethink things. The female ha
d a thirst for power that refused to be quenched.

  “I managed to talk her into coloring some of her sleeve and took a break midway through to prevent an interrogation. She didn’t question me but I think she suspected something. You should probably take your female somewhere else for a few days.” Declan took a deep breath and said, “Unless you’re ready to introduce her to the pack.”

  Raking his fingers through his hair, Jackson answered, “She doesn’t understand what’s happening to her. The moon heat was riding her too hard. I didn’t have time to explain.”

  “Then I’d suggest talking fast. If the pack finds out about her from anyone but you they’ll feel betrayed. You can’t fuck with their trust on this. If you act like you have something to hide they’ll think your mate isn’t strong enough to guide the pack.”

  Tell me something I don’t know. “I’m aware of that.”

  “So what are you going to do?”

  Excellent question. He’d planned on preparing Chloe’s first meal as his mate, running a bath for her to soak in and lavishing gentle affection on her all morning. That idea was crumbling to ash, taken without his consent.

  Fuck, it pissed him off. Goddamn Simone pissed him off.

  “Chloe doesn’t know about her lineage,” he said slowly, thinking ahead. “I need to find out what I’m dealing with. I need answers.”

  “I’m listening.”

  Time to balls-up. “I’m sure you noticed who she looks like.”

  Declan hesitated before he replied, “I noticed.”

  “I need you to find out what Gavin was up to a couple of decades ago. Everyone knows he chased pussy after he and Desiree mated. I wouldn’t be surprised if he got a human pregnant and decided to keep it secret.”

  If Gavin had gotten a human pregnant, Desiree would have had her competition destroyed. She wouldn’t take the risk of another bitch carrying a pup of her Alpha’s. It was too dangerous. In fact, if the baby was a boy there would have been a good chance Gavin would renounce Desiree and claim the female who’d given him a son as his mate. Regardless of the problems it would have caused.

  “Makes sense,” Declan mused. “If he cared for the woman he wouldn’t want to see her or his child harmed.”

  “Either way, if he’s my mate’s father he has a lot to answer for.”

  “This could change things.” There was tension in Declan’s voice, the words were strained. “Not necessarily for the better.”

  Something else Jackson already knew. If Gavin was Chloe’s father, the elder Alpha had a right to meet his offspring. Jackson could protect her as a mate but he couldn’t prevent their introduction. Not to mention he’d have to take down any potential suitors Gavin felt were worthy for his daughter. Without an official announcement of his claim before the packs, Chloe didn’t completely belong to him. Gavin could try to use pack law to his advantage. Matings had been destroyed before to strengthen the bloodlines, even if it meant tearing a mated pair apart in the process.

  Rage at the thought had him seeing red. “If anyone is stupid enough to challenge me, let them come,” Jackson snarled. “Chloe is an asset to any Alpha who takes her as a mate. She’s mine.”

  “Even if she doesn’t shift?” Declan asked quietly.

  Damn him.

  Jackson understood why his Beta asked the question, even if the inquiry stoked his temper. By showing concern, Declan reminded Jackson he was as the Alpha of the pack. Big decisions impacted everyone who trusted him to keep them safe. He couldn’t make selfish choices. The lives of others hung in the balance. Doubt surfaced, creating a dead weight in his chest. He couldn’t tell Declan he thought Chloe would be a rarity—a half-human who would be able to accept the change. Not until he knew for certain what she was capable of.

  “It doesn’t matter that she’ll never shift,” he answered cautiously. “If a pack knows about her parentage, they’ll want her. Her father’s bloodline is pure. Her children will be Alphas and Lupas.”

  Our children, his wolf snarled.

  He gripped the porch railing, feeling the wood bite into his palm. No one would take Chloe from him. They were bonded as mates. Any male foolish enough to challenge his claim would die. He’d find a way to sway the local pack Alphas if they tried to force the issue.

  “I have to drop by the parlor this morning but I’ll see what I can do,” Declan said. “In the meantime you need to clear out. Don’t stick around. Does your female have any family you can talk to? They might be able to answer some of your questions.”

  He rubbed a hand over his face, noting the thick bristles on his cheeks. His anger ebbed, replaced by the concern of a newly mated male. If he wanted to greet Chloe properly this morning he’d have to make time to shave. She needed softness against her tender skin, not prickly stubble.

  “I’ll see what I can find out when I take her to collect her things.”

  “The evening went well?” For the first time there was humor in Declan’s voice. “Did you manage to calm the hellcat down?”

  “It’s rude to kiss and tell.”

  “When has that ever stopped you?”

  “Mating changes things,” Jackson muttered, unexpectedly ashamed of his numerous sexual exploits. Before Chloe, he hadn’t cared how many women he had no-strings sex with. Now? It made him feel like an ass.

  “So I’ve heard.” Declan paused. “It’ll take time to ask questions. Since it’s early I’ll swing by the diner for breakfast. Depending on what I learn, I’ll work my way through the bars.”

  “Be careful.” The hair on Jackson’s nape rose, alarm making him wary. “If Gavin finds out you’re sniffing around he’ll want to know why.”

  “I think I can handle it. Check in tonight. Say around seven?”

  “Sounds good. I’ll keep my phone handy.”

  “Do that.”

  Declan hung up without saying goodbye. The Beta didn’t mince words but he was one hell of wolf to have at your back. Jackson shut off the phone and walked back inside. He returned the phone to the receiver and looked around, trying to decide if he wanted to cook breakfast for his mate or prepare her bath. He decided on the latter, making his way to the bathroom.

  Once inside he walked from cabinet to cabinet, flipping open doors. He was frustrated by what he didn’t find on the shelves. He couldn’t give her the bubble bath he’d planned. He couldn’t even sprinkle the sweet things females enjoyed into the water to relax her. All he had on hand was Dial soap and a bottle of shampoo he’d snagged the last time he’d visited the store.

  Fuck it.

  He walked to the clawed tub, plopped the cover over the drain and started the water. After he tested the temperature, he flicked his fingers dry and went to retrieve a washcloth and towel. Chloe smelled like heaven. He wanted to enjoy her just the way she was, absorbing her scent, putting it to memory. Heavy fragrances would only get in the way.

  After he’d collected the items from the closet in the hallway, he froze. Chloe’s whispered words were spoken too quickly to understand but it was his mate’s voice he heard.

  He took his time, walking slowly toward the bedroom and stopping in the doorway. The bed was empty, the sheets tossed aside. Bowing at the waist, he glanced beneath the bed and grinned. Chloe was hidden on the opposite side, trying to work the zipper of her jeans.

  “Yes!” she hissed. “I can’t talk right now. No, there’s no time to explain. Look, I’m in deep shit, okay?”

  Deep shit? That’s how she looks at this? He cracked a smile. Interesting.

  “Who’re you talking to?” he asked innocently and stepped into the room.

  “Uh…” A beep indicated she’d shut off her phone. The blonde curls around her face appeared first, followed by her bright green eyes as she rose to her knees and peered over the bed. “Wrong number.”

  “Funny,” he said, striding toward the bed. “I could have sworn you were talking to someone.”

  She flushed a bright shade of red. Even if he couldn’t scent her nervousne
ss, he could see it clearly on her face. He forced his laughter aside, wanting to put the delectable female at ease. With her anxious and uncertain, the best way to accomplish that was to take control of the situation.

  “I’m running a bath for you.” He strode around the bed in her direction. “We don’t want the water to get cold.”

  “That’s okay.” She avoided eye contact, her gaze darting around the room as she rose to her feet and edged away from him. “I need to go. Gram and Gramps must be worried sick.”

  He reached out and wrapped his fingers around her arm. “Then I suggest you hurry. We don’t want to keep them waiting.”

  “We?” She tripped over her feet but followed as he pulled her along. “What do you mean, we?”

  “We,” he repeated as he led her out of the room and down the hall. “You and me.”

  “Are you nuts?” She tried to pull free, struggling when he yanked her into the bathroom. “You have no idea who protective Gramps is. He’ll—” Words were silenced when he tossed the towels into the sink and started removing her clothes. He pulled her sweater over her head, sending her curls scattering.

  “He’ll what?”

  “S-shoot you,” she whispered, quaking when he ran a finger along her collarbone.

  He popped the button her jeans and pulled the zipper down. “Does that worry you?”

  His question snapped her out of her growing sexual stupor. “Don’t be stupid. Of course it does.”

  “I’m not so easy to kill, Chloe girl.” He reached over to stop the flow of water but remained in front of her, ready to shred the denim hiding her from view. “Your grandfather and I will come to an understanding.”

  “I think you’re missing a few marbles. Did you hit your head when you climbed out of bed?”

  He chuckled. “Not that I recall.”

  He tugged her pants off despite her protests, stripping her until she was covered only by her skimpy panties. His cock saluted the visual. There would never be a time he didn’t want and crave this woman. She did things to him he couldn’t control, bringing out instincts he’d never thought to experience. He resisted the urge to bend her over the sink, removed her panties and urged her toward the steaming bath. Her fear overrode the demands of his body, putting her first.