Trixie didn’t seem to know what to do, her head swinging around and only now realizing they had an audience. Her eyes sought Shade but he didn’t even blink, ignoring her as Marissa’s brown beast grew closer. As soon as his mate’s beast was within striking distance, her huge paw swung out, claws raking across Trixie’s thigh, drawing blood and a high-pitched scream that was quickly followed by Trixie backing up.
“Okay, I’m going, I’m going. Stop it. Leave me alone!”
Marissa’s Wolf snarled, growled again, and swiped at Trixie once more, although it was more for show this time, her claws a hairs-breadth from their mark as Trixie stumbled backward, crying. His mate’s beast stayed in place, keeping watch on the retreating Trixie for several more moments before her head rose, an ear-splitting howl renting the air.
Shade exhaled, his heart slowly returning to normal as Marissa’s Wolf turned around and padded toward him, a distinct swagger in her gait. He managed to hide his grin as she leaped up the steps and wandered inside. Again, he was thankful she didn’t transform in full view of his Pack. As she disappeared, he swiveled around to follow and that’s when his Pack started to whoop, holler, and whistle.
They well and truly accepted Marissa as their Alpha She-Wolf.
When he closed the door and turned around, she stood naked, her entire body flushed, eyes bright and excited. “Wow, that was . . . exhilarating.”
Shade couldn’t stop his eyes travelling up and down her exquisite body, her delectable beauty calling to his beast as the scent of her Wolf still clung to her and hung in the air between them. His Wolf whining piteously with want as she clapped her hands, dancing from foot to foot, which didn’t help Shade whatsoever. Not when it caused her perky breasts to jiggle around, drawing his eyes to her dark nipples which he dreamed of licking.
“Shade, are you listening to me?”
Shaking his head, he tried to focus. “Of course I am. You were spectacular. My feisty mate taking on that . . . well, I better not say what I think of her. But boy, you were magnificent, darling.”
“I know! It was strange because I’m not normally like that, but something just came over me and . . . wham! I saw red and I was ready to claw her eyes out.” Marissa paused, looking thoughtful for a moment. “Actually no, if I’m honest, I wanted to rip her throat out, like really rip it out. My Wolf felt powerful and strong, and, shit, it was great!”
Shade kept his feet where they were, knowing if he moved, even an inch that he’d snatch her up and carry her to his bed. “Yes, you were strong, Marissa. You’ve always been strong, baby, you’ve just never been free to be a proper Wolf.”
“Well, it freaking rocks!” Marissa whooped, running toward him and jumping up into his arms.
Oh damn, he was a goner the moment her naked body wrapped itself around him, her lips latching onto his in a searing hot kiss. Shade’s hands gripped her firmly to him, one on her tight ass, one wrapping around her body so his fingers caressed the side of her breast. Her soft moans as their tongues lashed together lost as they ran down his throat to join his rumbled growl of lust. Marissa’s legs climbing to drape around his waist, her core grinding against his throbbing manhood as Shade fought to pull back.
He was at the edge of his control as he tore his lips from hers, his forehead resting on hers as he caught his breath. “Fuck, Mari, you’re driving me insane. If we don’t stop, I’ll . . .”
Marissa shushed him by catching his bottom lip between her teeth, nibbling it playfully before looking up into his eyes. “I don’t want to stop, Shade. What I want is for us to seal our bond. Now, right now, because I feel as if I’m about to crawl right out of my skin with . . . shit, I’m not sure what to call it, but damn, whatever it is it needs attention. Your attention.”
Shade didn’t respond. The time for wasteful words was over. Right now was the time for action. He nodded, holding her firmly as he rushed upstairs, striding quickly to his room and kicking the door closed behind him. Goddess help anyone who dared interrupt them now, because he’d tear their head from their shoulders without a moment’s thought. No more thinking, no more stalling, no more putting off what he craved more than his next damn breath. He was going to claim his mate and make her his forever.
Marissa’s body quivered at his touch, responding to him in ways that had him desperate to sink deep inside her. Shade placed her gently on the bed, her groan of protest making him chuckle. “Soon,” he told her as he undressed, her eyes raking over his chest when he threw his t-shirt to the floor hastily.
He kicked his running shoes off and they landed on the other side of the room with a dull thud as he pulled down his joggers, her eyes widening when his erection popped free. That’s when his desired fogged mind cleared to remind him . . . she was a virgin. Shoot. It had been too many years to count since he’d bedded a virgin. Shade wasn’t used to being gentle or mindful of harming his sexual partners. He inhaled sharply, conscious of Marissa’s status and the fact that he couldn’t, wouldn’t hurt her in any way. He had to slow this down. Somehow.
Goddess knew he had to for Marissa. The scent of her aroused state clogged his nostrils, inflaming his desire and making it difficult for him to concentrate. Shade dug deep, harnessing his inner Alpha strength, calming himself as he joined her on the bed, kneeling between her legs. She
