Changed: 2 (Wolf's Den) Read online

  Stop. Just stop.

  In the last hour she’d tried not to think about it. There was too much involved. She’d avoided supernatural things but Chloe’s interest—which she understood once Chloe had changed—meant she’d heard stories. Did they really rip off their clothes and go running through the woods during full moons? How about eating animals? What if her mother had been right and they ate children too? She was sure Chloe wouldn’t do something like that, having been raised human and all. No way. She’d die first.

  You should have asked her. Chloe would have answered every question.

  Weight settled over her thigh, tearing her from her panic. She looked down, focusing on the hand Declan had placed on her leg. Heat radiated from the touch, seeping past the thin cotton sweats she’d tossed on. He’d been right, the garment didn’t fit. She’d had to roll the legs and waist up just to walk. She could feel each of his fingers, identify the flat plane of his palm. Not too long ago she’d ridden that hand, using it to send her spinning. It had felt so good too, like coming home.

  Tingles swept over her skin, a hazy shade of red covering her vision. If she hadn’t stopped him—if she hadn’t freaked out like an idiot novice—she could have had him on top of her, his body bearing hers into the bed. If she hadn’t seen Chloe and Jackson in the living room, she might have been tempted to do something else. After all, Declan was the ultimate eye candy. Just one lick wouldn’t take her to his delicious, sweet center.

  What’s wrong with me? She closed her eyes, trying to stop thinking about sex. She hadn’t been this horny since she’d decided to see what the fuss was about. To her surprise it wasn’t all that great. Just another thing the movies got wrong. It has to be a werewolf thing. What am I turning into?

  “Easy, sweet girl,” he whispered, giving her thigh a squeeze. “It’s okay.”

  “No, it’s not.” Why was it so hard to breathe? Should the world be spinning? Her stomach lurched, nausea building in her abdomen. “I’m going to be sick.”

  To her credit, she managed to get out of the car when Declan pulled over. She bent down, staring at the concrete as she gagged. Her stomach was empty due to the fact she hadn’t eaten the day before. A good thing considering she’d have decorated the road with her waste. Each heave made her want to fold in on herself, mortification sweeping through her when Declan rushed to her side. She righted herself, swiping at her mouth. Thankfully she hadn’t really thrown up anything but her pride.

  Amen for skipping dinner and breakfast.

  “Let it out,” he said, a considerable amount of understanding in his voice. Touching her shoulder, he continued, “If you want to vomit, yell and scream then do it. I won’t let anything hurt you. Do what you need to do. I’m here. I’ll always be here.”

  The world spun, everything becoming blurred.

  A horrible sound ricocheted through her skull. It took a second for her to comprehend the scream was coming from her, loud and outraged. All her life she’d been given the short end of the stick, losing what she cared for most, tossed the scraps others didn’t want. She’d been fine with that because it was the only life she knew.

  Familiar she could handle but not the unknown.

  “I’m not changing!” she shouted, slapping at his hand. “I won’t let myself.”

  “That’s right,” he repeated and closed the distance between them. “Let it out.”

  This time she was prepared, accepting she’d lost it as she released another throaty cry. Strangely it did feel good, like she’d finally managed to come to terms on some basic level with her predicament. Before it had been easy to pretend it wasn’t real, a small sliver of her mind wanting to believe she’d been dreaming. Not so much now, with the cold autumn wind seeping into her clothing and whipping around her face.

  She took in her surroundings, painfully aware of herself.

  If there was one rule she lived by it was never to let anyone see how much they’d affected you. Emotions were weapons. In the wrong hands they could be deadly. They’d stopped on a public road—parked right next to businesses and bars—but no one ventured out to see what was going on. In Atrum Hill a scream could mean a lot of things and not all of them were bad. If they were closer to her home humans would have come running.

  “Oh no,” she whispered, panting as she gazed up at Declan. “I am changing.”

  She didn’t fight when he swept her into his embrace, a hand wrapped around her waist, another bringing her face to his chest. The tears that cascaded down her face were accompanied by silence, her habit of crying quietly coming in handy. As close as he was he could feel her trembling but there wasn’t much she could do about that. Deep down something else had stirred, rising in response to her despair. It replaced her fear with courage, setting fire to the rain.

  Suddenly she became aware of Declan in another way. He was so warm, blocking out the bite of the air. Her nose attuned to his scent, the glorious fragrance washing over her. It didn’t amp her desire but somehow acted like a balm, soothing her nerves. He’d offered her his leather coat earlier but she’d not put it on. That left him in a plain black T-shirt and blue jeans, his arms bare. Her gaze darted over his inked skin and she noticed names worked into the design at his forearm.

  “Who are they?” she whispered, hating how scratchy her voice sounded.

  “Hmm?” He didn’t let go but angled his head to peer down.

  Bringing her fingers to the tattooed skin, she touched his arm. “Ivy, Kellan and Gage.”

  “My mother, father and sister.”

  “You have a family?” The instant she blurted the question—as soon as she heard herself ask it—she wanted to take it back. Talk about the ultimate insult. He obviously wasn’t conceived by Immaculate Conception.

  “Of course I have a family.” Instead of sounding angry, he seemed pleased. He stroked her hair, meeting her gaze. His eyes were dark, more brown than gold. “You’ll love them and they’ll love you.”

  Love them? She hadn’t even considered there was a family to meet. What would they think about their son mating? Would they be happy or upset? A sharp stab speared through her chest. She wasn’t a werewolf—not yet. How would they feel about welcoming a bitten person into the family? Was such a thing taboo? In the human world prejudice existed. Did it in the werewolf one too? Would they even want her at all? What if they didn’t like her? She didn’t put herself in a position of being rejected for that very reason. It was easy to be dismissive and not give a shit when you didn’t take chances with people.

  Since she wasn’t comfortable with talking about that aspect of things she redirected the conversation. “Gage is a boy name.”

  “Do me a favor.” The smile he gave her made her knees weak. “Don’t tell Gage that.”

  This she could do. This was familiar.

  “Why not?” she asked, grateful for the way they eased into a playful banter. “Do you think she’ll hurt me? I thought you said you wouldn’t let that happen.”

  “I’ll never let anyone hurt you,” he murmured, moving his arm from the back of her head. He swept the backs of his knuckles over her cheek. “Never, Rachel.”

  “Never is a long time.” It was supposed to be a joke but it came out as a stark reality. Time wasn’t her enemy anymore. She didn’t have to worry about old age, arthritis or cancer. She wasn’t susceptible to those things anymore.

  “You have questions.” It wasn’t an observation but a statement of fact. “Ask them.”

  Her heart raced, the fear of what she didn’t understand suffocating her. Unable to look him in the eye, she lowered her gaze and asked, “Where does your family live?” It wasn’t even close to one of the questions she wanted to ask but it was a start.

  “Not far, just a few hundred miles away in Northridge.” He turned his hand, palming her face. She didn’t want to meet his eyes but he forced her to, waiting until their eyes met to say, “Now ask me the questions you’re afraid to. You’ll stay terrified if you don’t. It’s understanda
ble but avoidable at this point. There’s no reason for you to be scared. Not anymore.”

  “Do werewolves eat children?” She winced at the accusation in her tone. Now she sounded like a terrified child recanting the horror stories of her youth. “I mean,” she tried to explain, “I’ve heard you do. I’m not saying you do.”

  “Sunshine, no offense,” he sounded good-humored as always, curiosity shining in his eyes, “but that’s probably the stupidest question I’ve ever been asked.” She gritted her teeth, embarrassed yet again. He tempered her anger with another gentle touch. “No, we don’t eat children. What other nonsense have you heard?”

  A better question would be what nonsense hadn’t she heard. When her mother was good and smashed she took joy in sharing horror stories. Once Rachel assumed it was to keep her informed so she’d stay safe. As she’d gotten older she’d questioned her mother’s motives. It didn’t make sense, really. Not when her mom didn’t seem to care about the dangers of bringing strange men to their home.

  “It doesn’t matter,” she confessed, humiliated at her lack of true knowledge, “it’s probably all a lie anyway.”

  “If it scares you then it most definitely fucking matters,” he corrected, an edge of anger appearing in his voice. “I won’t have you frightened. Not when there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

  “Do you have any idea how terrifying it is to know I’m going to turn into a wolf?” Maybe she should have kept it to herself but the idea did frighten her—the mere thought of her body changing like that—more and more with each passing second. “I’m not like you. Have you thought about that? Chloe told me the first time could have been horrible if it weren’t for Jackson and she’s half of what you are. What do you think it’ll be like for me? Let me clue you in. I’m pretty sure it’ll be pure misery. And what if…” She didn’t want to say it but she had to, she’d already opened the door to the barn, freeing all the creatures inside. “What if it kills me? I’ve seen the news. Iknow that humans have been bitten, gone to hospitals and didn’t make it out alive.”

  “I’m not going to lie to you.” He didn’t falter, staring her down. “There have been humans who have died under rare circumstances. It doesn’t happen often. The people you heard about on the news went to human doctors for human medicine. We don’t work that way. I can’t describe it to you but soon you’ll feel it. The connection of the pack makes sure changed members find their way.” His faced softened, his eyes changing color, shifting from brown to amber. “That’s one reason I’d like to get to know you. If you accept me—if you’ll let me claim you before the full moon—there’s no chance anything will happen to you.”

  “How do you know that?” It wasn’t like he’d mated before…or had he? “Have you done this before?” Ouch. She sounded jealous, like a shrilling wife who’d found out her husband had another woman on the side.

  “No, I’ve never done this before. I’ve never felt this way about anyone in my life but you, Rachel.” He tugged her closer, his breath whispering over her lips. “And I know because we’ll be connected on the deepest level imaginable. I can’t tell you from personal experience, only from what I’ve seen and been told.” His gaze rested on her mouth. “I know I didn’t treat you as I should’ve the first time we met. I thought with the wrong head, even though it’s no excuse.”

  “You were an ass.” And inwardly she’d loved that about him. He didn’t waste time with idle threats. He’d told her as much. The man—love or hate him—was who he was. “I’m not sure I should forgive you.”

  His lips inched closer to hers. “Then give me another chance. That’s all I’m asking for.”

  “You’re going to kiss me now, aren’t you?” The idea suited her fine. Right now she wanted to kiss him and feel alive, viewing her future as a possibility and not a death sentence.

  “Only if you ask me to,” he murmured, his gaze locked on her lips.

  Bringing her hands up, she rested her palms on his shoulders. He was so much taller and broader than her, the outline of his muscles clear beneath his shirt. With all that strength he could cause her serious harm yet he’d only been careful with her, mindful of how frail she was in comparison. Human men were known to be far less considerate. In fact, nestled as they were, she remembered how much she’d wanted to have this kind of feeling, aching for it as a teen who only viewed it from afar. Now she didn’t have to be on the outside looking in.

  Not unless she wanted to be.

  He wanted her to come to him. He’d made that obvious. If he’d wanted to take advantage he could have in the bedroom. She’d been keyed up enough to allow it, like a lust-crazed nympho. But instead he’d pulled away and given her space, respecting her in a manner she’d never known from another man.

  “Declan…” She moved closer, their mouths almost touching. The world was a scary place but oddly enough she wasn’t afraid. Not right then. Not with him. “Will you kiss me?”

  “Of course I will.” Declan wrapped an arm under her ass, scooping his female from the ground. His other hand went to her nape, his long fingers twining in her sleek hair. He saw her need for reassurance and swore he’d give it to her. “Put those pretty little arms around my neck. Come here sweet, beautiful girl.”

  He didn’t close his eyes as he kissed her, wanting to look at her face. To his ultimate satisfaction, she didn’t shut hers either. Their gazes locked, lips pressed together. He waited for her to take things further, digging his fingers into her hip. Her mouth opened and he felt the wet flick of her tongue against his lips. With a groan he followed her lead, letting her guide the dance. Her irises had changed color again, bright near her pupils. He felt the pull of her wolf, the beast inside her growing stronger.

  Only one thing could have possibly made him close his eyes—the memory of her question, her fear that she might die. He didn’t want her to see his own anxiety, the notion she could be lost something he couldn’t bear. So he let his lids drift closed. Even in death he’d follow her. She was too important to him now. Perhaps if he’d never touched her—learning firsthand how lost he’d feel without her in his life—he could have moved on if she died.

  But not now.

  She thought her life would never be the same. What she hadn’t thought about was how much she had changed his. He’d often wondered how mated pairs placed their male or female above everything including their children. Now he got it, crystal fucking clear. He might be able to exist without her but it wouldn’t be a life. The world would lose color, the foods he loved lose flavor.

  Nothing will ever mean as much to me. Not even close.

  He’d known others were watching, feeling the weight of their stares. Personally he didn’t give a shit. He wanted them to know he’d found his mate, sending out a threat far and wide to stay the fuck away from the female meant for him. But he knew Rachel probably didn’t feel the same. To be safe he carried her to his vehicle, stopping once he was hidden behind the opened passenger door and length of the SUV.

  Pulling away, she rasped, “Are we leaving?”

  “Not yet,” he answered, leaning back in.

  Their mouths met again, eager tongues touching and darting away. He loved her like this—eager and responsive, wanting him as much as he wanted her. Through his shirt he felt the sharpness of her nails. They’d obviously grown—a small sign of her impending change. If he got lucky he’d get to feel those hands on his bare shoulders, finally experiencing the contact of her fingers against his uncovered skin. He knew for a fact she needed guidance, having little experience. It might have made him an egotistical asshole but he loved knowing that he’d be the man to introduce her to so many wonderful things.

  Dimly he recognized the hum of a motor in the distance. He didn’t think too much about it, deepening the kiss, thrusting his hips against Rachel’s. Then he heard the crunch of gravel behind him. His wolf had already come up for air, scenting its mate, feeling her call. Man and beast merged, coming together. Every instinct told him to protect his
female and make sure she was safe. He couldn’t do that with his back turned.

  “One minute, baby.” Tearing his mouth away and depositing Rachel in the seat, he growled, “Hold that thought.”

  Whoever had pulled up behind them was stupid as fuck. He had a raging hard-on—his cock tenting his jeans—and his mate was equally geared up. Only a moron would interrupt a werewolf couple locked in a heated embrace. Whipping around, he faced the unwelcome interruption. His fury intensified, the fucking bitch walking over to him someone he was not in the mood to deal with.

  “What the fuck do you want?” he snarled at Simone, hating the sight of her.

  As usual she was dressed in skintight clothing, leaving little or nothing to the imagination. Thankfully she’d covered her tits today, sparing him the visual. Compared to Rachel, Simone looked like a cheap whore who’d been ridden hard and put up wet one too many times. If the pack’s suspicions were true the bitch was the reason Chloe had been attacked and Rachel had been bitten. That only made his wolf more deadly, wanting revenge for its mate.

  Not fucking good.

  “I’m warning you,” he threatened, growling, “I’m not feeling very social right now.”

  “That’s obviously not true,” Simone countered, arching a brow at Rachel. With a glance down at Declan’s crotch—her eyes hovering over his erection—she added, “You seem to be very social right now.”

  “Who the fuck are you?” Rachel, love her, apparently didn’t give a shit about her attire. She slid out of the seat, her livid gaze homed on Simone.

  “The better question would be,” Simone inhaled, nostrils flaring as she scented the air, “who the fuck are you?”

  “My mate,” Declan answered, snaking an arm around Rachel’s waist. “And as you can see we’re busy. So piss off.”