EnemyMine Read online

  And there would be no one to blame but herself.

  The kiss was a chaste meeting of their lips, the touch feather light. He moved his head from side to side—left, right then back again. Their noses brushed with the motion, the coarse whiskers on his chin slightly chafing her skin. She moaned at the sensation, squirming in his embrace.

  “Open for me,” he exhaled in a throaty rasp, brought his hand to her face and ran his fingers through the hair at her nape. The instant she obeyed the order his tongue plunged past her parted lips and delved inside. Everything around them became a blur. The floor felt as if it shifted beneath her feet and she clutched at Emory’s wide shoulders to remain standing. His chest vibrated as he growled and buried his fingers into her hip, his hold changing from cautious to possessive.

  This was the danger of the man before her. In his presence she didn’t care about the future, the past or the consequences of her actions. Unlike the shifters who made her wary, he created a thrill and excitement she didn’t fully comprehend. With him she felt safe—complete. Emory was like the sun, burning bright enough to chase away the shadows, until her entire focus was on him and him alone.

  Emory ended the kiss abruptly, before she could blink. Stunned, she gasped for air and looked at him. His attention was no longer on her, his whiskey-colored irises now glowing amber and aimed over his shoulder at the bedroom door that opened and closed.

  “Trey.” Emory pressed against her until she was trapped between his massive body and the wall. “I told you to wait for me downstairs.”

  “You know I’ve never been patient,” a deep, obviously male voice responded. “Did you ask her?”

  Mary was tempted to push Emory away and greet the intruder when she heard feet shuffling across the floor before coming to a stop. The soft rasp of fabric giving way informed her that the man had taken a seat in the chair across the room. Emory remained as he was, standing like a shield between her and the man he obviously viewed as some kind of threat.

  She felt the subtle tensing of his muscles beneath her fingers when he answered, “I’ve been with her less than five minutes. What do you think?”

  “I think that’s why I followed you. If I’d given you ten, you’d have taken things from the wall to the bed.”

  Mary’s face burned as shame slammed into her, and she inhaled sharply. A complete stranger had walked into the room with her half-clothed and rubbing up against Emory like a happy-go-pet-me cat. She considered shoving Emory away until she realized he’d partially blocked her humiliation from view, and she didn’t want the man who obviously had questions for her to get a full-on visual of her embarrassment.

  Oddly enough, it appeared Emory was aware of her feelings. He growled, a low, rumbling sound that was menacing enough to make her cringe. “Get out.”

  “Don’t push me. Not today.” The man returned the growl with one equally as threatening. “Ask her about the fucking bag.”

  “I’m not going to tell you again.” Emory lowered his arms, forcing Mary to let him go. “I won’t have you upsetting my female because of some cash and a tattered map. If you won’t leave the room on your own, I’ll drag your ass out.”

  The room spun, making her dizzy. They’d found the map and her stash of money. Sweet Jesus. Did they think she was a willing member of her family? Did Emory’s brother want to know if she planned to return to one of the compounds to give up the pack’s whereabouts?

  Not good. So not good.

  Would the man called Trey give her a chance to explain or would he kill her? Emory had thrust her between his massive frame and the wall—shielding her body with his—as if he knew he’d have to protect her from harm. Surely that wasn’t the case. The two men wouldn’t attack each other.

  Would they?

  Before she could contemplate her options, Trey growled—but not in a way that was at all human or normal. A chill ventured down her spine and terror froze her in place. She couldn’t see the danger she knew Trey represented but she could feel it. Tension permeated the room, palpable in its intensity.

  “You think you can threaten me, you ballsy little shit?”

  “I don’t think anything,” Emory replied. “I know.”

  Mary jerked when she heard the scrape of chair legs followed by a loud crash. Before she could question what caused the disturbance Emory was gone, leaving her so quickly she didn’t have time to cover her semi-nude body or make a mad dash for the bed.

  She gawked in disbelief at the men who rushed each other, collided and started fighting like opponents in a cage match. Emory and the man she remembered from her apartment—Emory’s brother, apparently—shared the same coloring and build. They each had dark hair, tanned skin and stood over six feet tall. Although from what she could see through their flurry of fists and punches, Trey kept his hair shorter.

  Trey grasped Emory by the shoulder and they smashed into the wall, leaving a huge dent in the once smooth and flawless plaster. Another sudden move and they did the same thing to the wall a few feet over, creating an odd set of shapes that were almost identical.

  Heaven help her. They were so strong, so deadly. Her family had warned her about that, had drilled into her head how dangerous shifters could be. One slap from either of the men fighting across the room would likely kill her. No swelling skin or bruises to care for following a blow or punch. If they managed to get hold of her she’d be lucky to end up in the hospital on life support.

  She moved as far away from them as possible, until her back was flush against the far wall.

  “You ungrateful bastard.” Trey crouched and shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “Don’t you remember how this ended last time? No? Let’s reminisce. I kicked your ass and sent you packing.”

  “I’ve had enough of this shit.” Emory rushed forward, tackling his brother to the ground. Trey tried to roll over but before he could Emory wrapped his large hand around his brother’s throat and snarled, “I’m not the shifter I used to be.” Then he reached back with his free hand, grabbed hold of Trey’s crotch and squeezed.

  “What the fuck!” Trey howled. “Get your goddamn hand off me!”

  “Not yet. Not before you hear what I have to say. There’s something you should know, something I should have told you a long time ago.” Emory kept a grip on Trey’s throat and jewels as he leaned forward, looking his brother in the eye. “I rolled over. I let you win. Do you honestly think it would have been that easy? I made sure it was a nice show, so the pack would understand why you had to make a tough decision. I didn’t intend to kill you when I entered the fight between us, I never did. No matter how much of a danger I’d become, I’d never hurt my own blood. I was using you to end my misery.”

  “Bullshit,” Trey huffed.

  “No bullshit. Truth.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  “That’s your choice,” Emory said. “But do you really want to fight me a second time to prove you’re right? Is it worth that much to you?”

  “Shit.” Trey paused. “Truce?”

  Emory released Trey and nodded. “Truce.”

  Mary released a sigh of relief but it was short-lived. Without warning the door to the bedroom burst open, rattled on the hinges and slammed into the wall. Before she could wrap her head around that the largest man she’d ever seen entered the room. He targeted his gaze on her and she froze. His dark hair was pulled back at his nape, bringing attention to eyes that were liquid gold. The orbs practically shimmered across the distance, stark against his tan skin. But it wasn’t his eyes that held her attention, it was the large hands he’d formed into tight fists.

  Her heart sank to her stomach and she felt lightheaded.

  One hit from Emory and Trey, she might survive.

  One hit from the man staring at her and they’d be scraping her carcass off the floor.

  Fucking shit!

  Emory jumped away from Trey, ignored Diskant and strode to Mary. Fear was coming off her in waves, covering the room in the sme
ll of her terror. Her eyes remained glued to Diskant, the brown pools growing wide as saucers. When Emory reached her he yanked her into his chest, obscured her from view and covered the top of her head with his hand. She remained board stiff, her arms limp at her sides.

  Goddamn Trey!

  Mary had been receptive to his advances until his older sibling had ruined everything. Now she was as terrified as he remembered her being weeks before, after she’d seen him partially change. Carefully, he stroked her hair and murmured soft nothings to her. She didn’t fight him but she didn’t relax. He considered showing his brother the damage he’d done and demand Trey apologize but he didn’t want to make things worse. Instead he continued gentling her with his touch, keeping her close.

  “It’s okay,” he whispered. “I made a promise to you and I won’t break it. Trust me, Mary. All you have to do is trust me.”

  “Is she okay?” Diskant’s voice was softer than usual—no doubt to ease Mary’s fear—although Emory could tell the Omega was furious.

  “She’s in shock.” Emory kept his tone level as he feathered his fingers over her hair. “It’s too much too soon.”

  “I told you to give them time alone.” By the outrage in Diskant’s voice, Emory knew he was directing his attention to Trey. “What the hell did you do?”

  “If I’d given them anymore time alone he’d be indisposed until they were fully bloodbonded.” To his credit, Trey had the decency to sound uncomfortable. “I only wanted an answer to my question. Emory flew off the handle.”

  “He’s just been reunited with his female, dipfuck. I allowed you to stay so long as you didn’t interfere with his personal shit.” Diskant paused and Emory felt the weight of the Omega’s gaze on his back. “And from where I’m standing you not only interfered, you inserted yourself right in the fucking middle.”

  “It wasn’t like that, D.”

  “Get out.”

  Emory didn’t have to turn to see the look Diskant was aiming at Trey, he could visualize it. Despite the fact that Trey was older than Diskant and had been his Alpha once upon a time, Diskant wasn’t someone any shifter wanted to fuck with. It wasn’t any wonder Mary had been terrified. At six feet, six inches and well over two hundred and fifty pounds, Diskant Black stood taller than most men inside a room. And he didn’t ask anyone to do anything, he told them to. If you were unlucky enough to receive negative attention from the bastard, it was best to do what he said and move the fuck along.

  “And my answer?” Trey asked, continuing to tempt disaster.

  “Go down to the basement and make yourself a drink or five. Ava invited a few females over to welcome all of you home so do yourself a favor and take a load off. You need to get your shit straight and mellow out. Answers from my guest are my problem to deal with. The pack is no longer yours, it’s mine. You’re crossing the line with me and I won’t have it. If you don’t prioritize, I will.”

  This time Trey didn’t respond.

  Emory heard the crackle of wood as someone stepped on a piece of the shattered door and exited the room. As Trey’s scent faded, Emory stepped back and looked at Mary. It felt like something squeezed his heart, applying pressure until it was difficult to draw in air. Poor thing was trying not to panic, taking shallow breaths. She wouldn’t look at him and kept her face forward so that her gaze remained on his chest.

  “Ava mine,” Diskant called to his mate. “We need you, baby.”

  “I’m here,” Ava said softly and Emory waited as she approached.

  It was hard to believe Diskant had mated a female who could read human thoughts and manipulate emotion. A few of the older pack mates believed it was a blessing, a way to keep the pack safe from those who were unaware of their existence. Personally Emory hadn’t given it much thought.

  Until now.

  If Ava could ease Mary’s fear, he’d gladly accept any help she offered.

  When he started to step aside Mary suddenly came to life and grasped his arms. Her nails scraped and pierced his skin as she buried them in his biceps and pulled him close.

  “Stay where you are, Emory,” Ava instructed, reaching out and placing her fingers on Mary’s forehead. “She doesn’t want you to go. She’s just got a lot running through her head.” Ava sighed after a moment and glanced over her shoulder. “Diskant managed to scare the poor thing. Next time I’ll have to remind him that we don’t break down doors to greet guests.”

  Diskant strode over and placed his hands on Ava’s shoulders. “I thought I should break the fight up sooner rather than later.”

  “Neanderthal,” Ava scolded.

  “And you love it.”

  Ava ignored him and concentrated on Mary. The tiny female stared at his mate for well over a minute, her irises shifting from light to dark blue. After a moment Mary blinked several times, as if shaking off a haze, and looked at Ava.

  “We were just talking, but we didn’t speak.”

  “You’re right,” Ava said encouragingly. “We were talking but we didn’t speak.”

  “How…” Mary reached for the neatly stitched wound near her temple. “It’s head trauma, isn’t it? I’ve lost my marbles. I’m in La La Land.”

  “You’re fine.” Ava lowered her hand. “It’s a gift I have—telepathy. I use it when I need to.”

  “Telepathy?” Mary echoed disbelievingly.

  “Telepathy,” Ava confirmed. “Watch.”

  Mary’s eyes flared wide and she gaped at Ava. They gazed at each other, eyes locked and focused. After several seconds the alarm in Mary’s expression changed to one of wonder. Her eyes drifted to Diskant.

  “Really?” she asked, watching the Omega. “You can?”

  “Oh yeah.” Ava nodded and grinned.

  “Can what?” Emory asked.

  “She said she can control him.” Mary continued staring at Diskant, a frown forming on her expressive face. “I’m not sure I believe her.”

  “She controls me, huh?” Diskant purred and slid the hand resting on Ava’s shoulder down her back and placed it on her ass. “Is that what you told her, mate?”

  Ava cleared her throat and Emory saw her squirm against Diskant’s hand. “Drop to a knee and show Mary you’re as gentle as a kitten,” Ava murmured thickly. “I’ll make it worth your while.”

  Just like that, the Omega was on his knees. He rubbed his chin on his mate’s arm and winked at Mary. “See?” he said in a low timbre that Emory knew had everything to do with the sexual promise in Ava’s request. “Harmless as a newborn.”

  Then, like the sun parting the clouds and sucking up all the gloom from the day, Mary smiled. It was a small gesture, the slight lifting of her lips at the corners, nothing at all like the full-fledged grins she’d given him in the past. But damn it, it was a fucking smile. In light of how terrified she’d been, he’d take it.

  “Are you satisfied now?” Diskant smiled at Mary and cocked his head to the side. “Or do I have to debase myself more than I already have?”

  “I’m s-satisfied,” Mary stammered.

  “You sure?”

  Mary didn’t struggle to respond this time, more confident when she answered, “I’m sure.”

  “Good. Since that’s settled,” Diskant rose and wrapped an arm around Ava’s waist, “we’ll leave you two alone. I’m going to take this little minx up on her offer to make things worth my while. Make yourselves at home.” The desire in his face faded as he glanced down at Ava, met his mate’s gaze and then looked at Mary. “You’re more than our guest,” he informed her, ever the Alpha, firm yet gentle, “you’re family. If anyone gives you trouble, come to me. They’ll never bother you again. You have my word.”

  Before she could reply Diskant swung Ava up in his arms, stomped toward the door and called over his shoulder, “You’d best move Mary into your room, Emory. I’ll get a new door installed tomorrow.”

  Ava’s shrills of laughter and Diskant’s chuckles faded as the mated pair vanished around the corner. Emory heard the pair’s bed
room door down the hall rattle open and close with a snick. Mary lifted her chin and met his gaze. He knew then that he was neck deep in the shit. Ava’s lighthearted attempt to corral Diskant and gain Mary’s trust had worked, but it had also done something he was certain his Omega’s female didn’t intend. As Mary had watched the couple together—their mutual attraction and affection obvious—a spark of arousal had struck Emory’s nose.

  Mary’s arousal to be precise, and the scent wasn’t fading.

  Fuck.

  He wanted to do the right thing but he was only capable of so much. The beast inside was pushing him to take things further, to give her the first mark. Once done she couldn’t tell him no. Hell, she wouldn’t want to tell him no. She’d experience the same fever in her veins, the same desire to mate. Nothing would alleviate the burn aside from the final bloodbonding phase. Once she passed that crucial step in their pairing, she’d never be able to leave him.

  Never.

  “Are you afraid of me, Mary?” Damn the wolf for making the question so gruff, for taking away his reason. They had to talk. They did not need to take things into the other bedroom, where they would be completely alone. His fingers trembled as the wolf within howled at Mary’s nearness, demanding he run his tongue along her throat, taste her tender skin for the first time and strip the clothes from her body.

  He’d waited too long, damn it, and pushed the animal inside further than it would go. Christ, he was weaker than he’d thought. The urge to plant her ass up in the air, fuck her from behind and pin her in place with his teeth was almost more than he could stand.

  “No,” she breathed, resting her palms against his chest.

  “Are you certain?” He had to know, had to hear her say it. “You ran from me before. I need to know that you understand who I am—what I am.”

  “I’m not scared of you.” She opened her little hands and spread her fingers across his pectoral muscles. Her lids lowered and her brown eyes became cloudy. “I know who you are,” she continued and pressed the tips of her fingers into his chest, “and what you are.”