Changed: 2 (Wolf's Den) (14 page)

“But…” She couldn’t think clearly, wondered why she should
argue. Then she pictured the faces of the pack—strange men and women. “They
know,” she repeated but ground her mound against his palm.

“You wanted me to be yours, didn’t you? This is a part of
what you asked for.” His mouth came to hers, so close they nearly touched.
Their eyes met. His irises had turned amber. “You don’t know it yet but soon
you will. When your sense of smell kicks in you’ll realize I’ve been harder
than a rock all night. I’ve had a tent in my pants and everyone could see it.
They’ve been too busy laughing at me to notice you. I’ve never been this way
with anyone, Rachel. They think it’s funny as hell. But not because of you.
They think I’m the luckiest fucker alive.” His breath mingled with hers, his heat
so close she could taste it. “And they’re right.”

“I want you.” Why not? Anyone who entered the room would
know what had gone down—even if he only pleasured her with his hand—due to the
scents. She might as well enjoy the moment thoroughly. “Please.”

“Fuck,” he growled, pulling his fingers away. “You drive me
mad.”

As soon as she had room she toed her shoes off and worked
her jeans down her thighs. Declan didn’t give his own clothing as much thought.
As soon as his jeans dropped to his knees he put her on top of the chilly wood
desk. He moved between her legs and she parted her thighs, leaning back,
resting her hands behind her.

“The things you do to me,” he groaned, easing the head of
his cock into her. He was engorged, heavy and wide. Even though she’d taken him
before she had to force herself to relax, remembering how good he felt moving
inside her. “I wasn’t lying. You own me. Heart and soul. There isn’t anything I
wouldn’t do for you.”

He parted her, diving deep. She threw her head back,
accepting the invasion.

Feels so good.

“There you go, there you are,” he whispered and rested his
fingers over her clit. This time his touch was too light, a gentle tease. “Give
me that sweet pussy. Burn me up. Bring me over with you.”

It wasn’t easy to move but she did her best.

She used her arms for leverage, meeting his thrusts. His
cock glided in and out of her, rubbing sensitive places. She’d been so keyed up
it wasn’t going to take much. She wanted this. So did the animal she’d finally
started accepting—a wolf that had as much adoration for Declan as she did. He
plunged, moving perfectly, his fingers giving her clitoris the friction it
needed.

“Declan.” Targeting his mouth, she lifted herself and tried
to bring her lips to his. “Kiss me.”

He met her halfway, driving into her body as their mouths
touched.

Their tongues darted to each other’s, dancing and swirling.
It was too much yet not enough. All she needed was to hit that sweet spot in
her center, the one that made her see stars. A simple swivel of her hips and
she was right where she wanted to be.

“Yes, oh yes.”

“Give it to me,” he moaned. “Work my cock. Come for me.”

She knew he muffled her cry to ease her embarrassment,
taking it into his mouth. She came like a firecracker, barely able to remain
upright as her body thrashed. Her arms ached, her pussy sore. Yet she reveled
in it, wanting more. Anything he wanted to give her she’d be eager to take.
With him she felt centered, finally finding even ground. As the sensations
swept through her, she let them.

This was bliss. A bit of heaven on earth.

“So tight.” He quickened his movement, spearing almost
violently into her. “So hot.”

She gyrated against him, wanting him to come too. Lifting
from the desk, she wrapped her arms around him, nuzzling his neck. “Come with me.
I want to feel it.”

He groaned and his cock spasmed inside her. “Fuck yes.”

She held him as he came, basking in the wonderful fragrance
that drifted to her nose. No, she hadn’t known he was as hungry for her as
she’d been for him. But now she did. She could see it in his gaze, feel it in
the way he caressed her. He kept pumping his hips, her crease becoming wet from
their union. She welcomed the feeling, wanting it to go on and on.

When he stopped, she managed to pull away.

His hair had been mussed, the shadow lining his cheeks and
jaw sexy as hell.

“You’re beautiful too.” Never one for sentiments, she
couldn’t hold back. “I love looking at you.”

His gaze softened, no longer so intense. “I love everything
about you,” he whispered, yanking her to him. His eyes devoured hers, the amber
becoming yellow. “Everything, Rachel.”

“I hope so.” Bringing a hand from his shoulder, she breezed
the pads of her fingers over his face. “Because you might be stuck with me.”

He stopped moving, gasping for breath. “What do you mean?”

Despite knowing better, she’d let this happen. She should
have warned him. “I’m on birth control but I’ve missed doses.” She put her chin
to her chest, avoiding his gaze. “I could get pregnant. I should have been
honest about that. I’m sorry.”

“Silly girl,” he chastised her gently but he sounded somber,
“it takes two, remember?”

“What if…” God, she couldn’t even say it. How weak was she?

“If you’re worried, don’t be.” He eased from her pussy, cock
still hard. A part of her ached, aware of his emotional withdrawal. “I’d know
if you could conceive. It’s part of our nature.”

“You’re upset.” He was, she could tell. Why, she didn’t
know. “Are you mad at me?”

“Not at all,” he answered and she knew for certain a part of
him was. He rested his lips against her forehead. “This is a lot to accept.
You’ve got a lot on your mind. We can address children later.”

“You think I wouldn’t want them.” Of course he’d think that.
He didn’t understand. And why should he? He barely knew her. Aside from the
strange connection they shared they hadn’t had a chance to really understand
each other. “You’re wrong.”

“Am I?” He stuffed his cock into his pants, keeping his tone
mellow.

“I’ve always wanted children, I just—” She just what? Was
too afraid to put too much stock in the father they could lose? She’d sworn
she’d never put a baby in the position she’d been in, losing both parents after
one had died. “I’m afraid.” Nothing had ever been harder to confess. “I’m so
afraid, Declan. It’s so hard to be alone. I don’t want that for any child. I
don’t want that for
my
children.”

“Rachel.” His hands swept into her hair, forcing her head
back. He didn’t look nice now, the pure intensity in his gaze almost more than
she could bear. “I’d never abandon our children. No matter what happened. It’s
true mates follow their partners into the afterlife, but it’s easier to resist
when babes are concerned.”

“It’s so much to take,” she whispered, feeling strangely
hollow. Now that her lust had been spent, her emotions were all over the place.
“I’m so confused.”

“Damn it.” He quickly adjusted his jeans, got dressed and
started to work on her. “It’s okay. I’m not mad at you. Not at all. I’m so
proud. You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. One day I’ll tell you that
and you’ll believe me when I say it.”

She let him dress her, trying to not to cry.

The wolf roared in her head, trying to get her attention.
Forcing the animal aside, she caved in on herself. All the thoughts she’d ever
had—all the doubts—nagged at her. She couldn’t drown them out, even when she
tried to. She wouldn’t survive Declan’s loss, meaning she was just as much a
danger to any children she might have.

What if she turned out like her mother?

What if she bestowed the same fate on her child?

“Rachel.” There was an order in Declan’s voice, one she
couldn’t push aside. She muddled through the fog, latching on to his voice. “I
don’t want to rush you but Chloe is coming. She needs you right now. I know
you’ve endured a lot but it’s time to pull yourself together.”

Chloe.

The wolf used the leverage, dragging her from the abyss. The
animal clawed at her insides, sliding easily into her mind. Strength returned,
filling her with energy. She could use Declan to guide her, relying on his
presence. He cradled her when she rested against him, holding her close.

“I’m sorry,” she repeated, loathing her weaknesses. “I want
to be what you need.”

“You are, sweetheart. You’re stronger than you think.” His
arms cradled her, keeping her safe as he brought her to the chair. She didn’t
want to let him go but managed to disentangle her arms. He bent at the waist
and gave her a chaste kiss. “Hold on for a little while longer. That’s all I
ask. Once everything is settled with the pack we can relax. I need you, Rachel.
Now more than ever.”

“I’m here.”

She centered her mind, relying on the negative emotions from
her youth. While toxic they were also powerful. In that moment she made a vital
choice. Although she’d welcomed the wolf she hadn’t truly made her an equal.
Doing so frightened her. But fear wouldn’t help anyone, not now. If she wanted
to do this, she had to really do this. That meant accepting everything.

Including the animal who kept begging for a slice of her
control.

She opened her mind, no longer restraining the wolf. It
responded, rushing to the surface. She jerked when it met the barrier of her
skin. Her mind opened, knowledge pouring through her. In a split second she
recognized the scent of Declan’s seed, was able to scent the sex in the room.
Her hearing changed, allowing her to hear Jackson and Chloe as they walked down
the hall.

The wolf settled within her, showing her what she needed to
see.

She wondered if Declan could sense it.

When he stood behind her, placing one hand around her neck,
leaving the marked side bare, she had her answer. He understood. As much as he
could, anyway. She steeled herself, waiting for Chloe and Jackson’s arrival.
She’d never failed her best friend. Chloe was the only family she had left. She
would show her pack the same courtesy, making sure she proved she was worthy of
being Declan’s mate.

The door opened and Chloe stepped inside. Her friend’s
nostrils flared, her eyes going from green to peridot. Rachel met her gaze and
didn’t back down. It wasn’t the time for judgment or shyness. Each of them had
wolves beneath their skin. Declan said it was normal, so she was going to
believe him.

Chloe—to her credit—seemed to shake the scent aside.

Jackson appeared, then Shane. As the door closed behind them
Rachel recalled the way Declan had looked at her. In his eyes she felt
wanted—cherished. Funny that she’d fought it for so long yet now she wanted it
more than anything. His fingers dug into her skin and she reacted, lifting her
hand. She placed her palm over the backs of his knuckles.

“I’ve spoken to Chloe,” Jackson said, studying the two of
them. He put his arm around Chloe’s waist, keeping her near. “She’s agreed to
take on the responsibility of a larger pack but I’m going to need support.”

Declan’s fingers tightened, his grip nearly too much.
Instead of shrugging him off she stroked the back of his hand. He needed to be
calm. In order for that to happen she had to prove she was equal to the task,
ready to meet everything he had to head-on. She’d do whatever he wanted. Once
he made a choice she’d make sure to back him up.

“Ask my mate,” Declan said, shocking the hell out of her.
“It’s her choice.”

“Rachel, I know you need Declan but the pack needs him too.
All of us do. We’re weaker without him. What do you say?” Jackson asked,
gauging her response. She had to give him credit for not using Chloe as
leverage. “Will you stand with us? Are you in or are you out?”

No one spoke, the weight in the room increasing. She drew a
steadying breath.

No more whining.

No more
hiding
.

She had nothing to be ashamed of. Not anymore.

“We’re family,” she answered, her attention landing on
Chloe. She gave her friend a smile and warmth spread over her. Maybe it was
fucked up but this was where she was meant to be. “I’m in.”

Rachel’s head hurt. For the last hour she’d devised a plan
with the Jackson, Chloe, Declan and Shane. Afterward she’d had to face the
pack, who’d voiced their doubts. It seemed to go on forever—a constant back and
forth. Eventually everyone had calmed down and agreed. When the hunt came,
they’d reveal their hand. For once Rachel hadn’t shivered at the reminder of
her change, grateful everyone had managed to finally come together.

The pack had left shortly thereafter. Then Chloe had
retreated with Gavin to the kitchen.

Rachel tried to keep her eyes open, damning the call of
sleep. Again she’d nodded off, lulled to the land of dreams. She rocked her
torso, bumping her back against the cushions. Her muscles felt different, like
she’d worked out hard. She felt sore all over. A bit achy too, like she’d come
down with a cold or flu bug.

Her head dipped. She felt so foggy.

No. Not yet. Stay awake.

“Come here, sweet girl.” She gasped when Declan’s arms swept
her from the couch. “Time to put you to bed.”

“Not time,” she mumbled, opening her eyes. The room came
into a blurry focus. Chloe stood across from her with Jackson, Gavin waited
just behind them. Blinking, Rachel asked, “All done?”

“Yes,” Chloe answered and Rachel could have sworn she was
smiling. “We’re done.”

Crap.
She’d wanted to talk to Chloe too but it’d have
to wait. She was too exhausted to maintain a conversation. She wasn’t even sure
she could give Declan a mildly exciting sexual adventure if he wanted one.
Accepting she’d done more than she could, she rested against Declan. She heard
the door close and he moved, hurrying from the bedroom.

“I’m going to bust that pretty little ass of yours, Just
Rachel.” She squirmed and he hushed her, easily stilling her struggles. “Not
tonight, but soon. Your pride is going to kill you one day. I won’t allow
that.”

She wanted to cry when he walked into his dark bedroom and
placed her on the bed. Her tired eyes refused to open. The pillows cradled her
head as Declan pulled the clothing from her body. She could have sworn she
smelled that same fragrant aroma she had in the office—his arousal and a
trickle of his seed. Even then she couldn’t rise to the occasion.

“I’m sorry.” She was
really
tired of saying that.
“I’m so tired.”

“I know,” Declan soothed, stripping her bare. “You’ve
accepted a mating, a pack and a huge responsibility in one night. You’ve had a
busy day. But your body is going through hell right now and needs to recharge.
You have to listen to it and give it what it needs before you shift.”

“Don’t want to shift.” Even if she was tired she felt she
needed to argue. Declan couldn’t see her weak and think her mind had faltered
as well. “I want to be me.”

“You’ll always be you.” Raking her panties down her legs, he
lifted her again. His body shifted and she felt the air breeze against her. The
next second he placed her in his bed. The sheets felt so soft, his scent
calling to her.

Sleep.
Her wolf reassured her, sending the impression
through her head.
Rest.

She’d be safe here. Secure and warm.

“That’s it.” Declan shifted her body and started tucking her
in. “I’ll be watching over you. When you open those pretty eyes of yours I’ll
be here.”

The abyss beckoned, drawing her under.

“Declan.” She reached out, not wanting him to leave. His
hand met hers, his palm warm and solid. “Don’t go.”

“I’m right here, sweet girl.”

She shivered, nestling into the covers. While she hated him
calling her Just Rachel, sweet girl made her warm and fuzzy. She got hot and
bothered when he called her that.

“Shh,” he quieted her, stroking her hair. “Get some sleep.
You’ll feel better.”

With each brush of his hand she settled. His pillows were so
soft, his linens so sleek. This was nothing like her bed—a place to crash but
not a haven to rest in. As the seconds passed, she relaxed. She drew his scent
deep, wishing she could keep a part of it inside her.

Home,
the wolf told her.
Home.

For once she couldn’t find a reason to argue.

Wave after wave of fatigue took her under, pulling her to
sleep. She slid into dreams, the darkness sweeping her below. It felt glorious,
no longer frightening. Each breath drew her deeper, stealing her thoughts.

Until there was nothing but peace.

Declan waited until Rachel’s breathing had settled before he
pulled way. His chest ached, her desperation beating at him. She’d been through
so much yet she refused to be weak. He considered giving her a parting kiss but
didn’t, unwilling to disturb her. Reaching down, he righted his hard cock. He
still wanted her like hell on fire but she didn’t need his physicality right
now.

Slowly, he moved away. The mattress lifted, no longer bearing
his weight.

He held his breath and paused.

His mate slept, pulling in deep breaths. He gazed at her
relaxed face. Her plush lips parted, a sigh sliding free. She was finally
lifted away from it all, coasting in the valley of sleep.

Thank fucking God.

He’d loathed her tension, hated how hard she’d fought to
stay awake. She hadn’t understood why she felt so tired either. He could have
told her but he didn’t. She didn’t need to worry about the changes that were
taking place in her body, preparing her for her first shift. As much as he
wanted to touch her he didn’t, taking a small level of solace as he brushed his
fingers through the dark fall of silky hair cascading over his pillow.

“Sweet dreams.”

His acute sense of hearing caught Shane’s voice, a rush of
words as he whispered into a phone. The temporary Beta had already gotten to
work, making sure everything was in place for the big reveal during the hunt.
Preferably Declan wanted Rachel away from it all, thinking she’d prefer privacy
for her first shift.

I’ll still give her that. No matter what it takes.

The hunting grounds were large. He could move her before the
powerful beams from the moon hit her skin. Even at a distance the pack would
assist her, their nearness bringing her wolf forth. Hopefully—if things went
well—her first shift wouldn’t be too slow or painful. With changed werewolves
it usually hit fast, the animal within ready to literally burst free of its
human skin.

He exited the room and carefully closed the bedroom door.
Again he paused, listening for any sound. When he didn’t hear anything he
walked down the hall, ready to get down to business. It was time to get up to
speed on pack dealings. Since he’d agreed to resume the beta role he needed to
know about everything he’d missed in the last few weeks. Cracking the front
door open, he saw Shane standing near the stairs.

“Come inside. We can talk in the kitchen.”

Shane turned his head, uttered something into the phone and
ended his call. Declan kept his eyes on the male, studying him. He’d chosen
Shane because he’d sensed the man was more than strong enough to handle the
pack but he wasn’t absolutely certain about him. There was too much he didn’t
know about Shane’s past.

“Take a seat.” Declan waited until Shane got comfortable before
he sat in the chair across from him, resting his arms on the table. “Before we
talk about the pack, I’m going to have to ask you a few questions.” Shane’s
eyes narrowed and Declan said, “I should have questioned you a long time ago. I
didn’t because I trust Jackson. But circumstances are changing. I have to know
a lot of things. Once we join the packs and our numbers increase I can’t have
any surprises. Not from our people.”

Shane absorbed what Declan said before he asked, “What do
you want to know?”

“Two things. Why did you leave your pack and why did you
decide to come here?”

“Going right for the throat, aren’t you?” Shane’s eyes—a
shade of blue so dark they appeared nearly black—started glowing gray. “I left
my pack because I had to. My female initiated dreamsharing.”

That made no sense whatsoever. In leaving Shane had made it
more difficult for his female to track him down. “Why didn’t you wait for her?”

“I
did
wait,” Shane corrected, sounding annoyed.
“When she didn’t come to me I decided to find her.”

“She’s here?” He didn’t accept Shane’s dismissive shrug,
growling, “Either she is or she isn’t.”

“I don’t know where she is.”

“Tell me why you’re here.” Declan knew the male was nearing
the end of his patience but he had to understand Shane as well as he did the
other members of the pack. “Then I’ll know I can trust you.”

“
Then
you’ll know?” Shane snorted and glared at
Declan. “A little late to be worrying about that now, isn’t it?”

“Jackson accepted your reasons. That was enough for me. But
as I said, things have changed.” Taking a gamble, he decided to level with the
obstinate male. “You were an Alpha, weren’t you? If you hadn’t left your people
behind you’d still be one. I sensed it the first time I met you. You’re hiding
your nature.” Shane’s body language—shoulders tense, face drawn tight—gave
Declan his answer. “As an Alpha you have to understand what’s happening here.
You know why I’m asking questions.”

“My female is in this area,” Shane snapped, although Declan
could tell the male didn’t like sharing the information. “I’m not sure where.
I’ve tried to find her without success.”

Poor bastard.

Declan stood and went to a cabinet. He retrieved the whiskey
he kept on hand for special occasions and two glasses. Placing everything on
the table, he said, “Once we get through this shit I’ll help you find her.”

Shane opened the bottle and poured their drinks. “I’m not
sure you can.”

“We’ll see.” He didn’t know why Shane’s mate hadn’t sought
him out. Perhaps—if he could get invitations to other hunts outside their
area—he could help Shane strike gold. “I appreciate your honesty.”

“Whatever,” Shane muttered. “So you’re taking the weight off
my back. Good. I need the break. There’s not much to tell you. Things have been
fine since you left. Cole and Wyatt have been squaring off but it wasn’t
anything I couldn’t handle.”

Not a big shock. The cousins argued often. “What are they
fighting over now?”

“A piece of pussy.” Shane took a swig of his whiskey and
continued, “Some witch they met at The Divide. I told them to leave her the
fuck alone. We don’t need the drama.”

“Good choice.” Werewolves and witches didn’t mix. “Are they
cool now?”

“For the most part.”

A small relief but a relief nonetheless. “Thank you for
keeping things under control.” Grasping his own drink, he focused on the
upcoming hunt and big reveal. “You still have our snitch underground? How’s he
holding up?”

“He’ll make it to the full moon. It didn’t take much to get
the information I needed.”

“I’m not sure how things will go from here.” Usually he took
his time drinking. Under the current strain he tossed the alcohol back. It
burned a direct path to his gut. He covered his mouth, releasing a cough. “Even
if we expose Simone she won’t man up in front of the packs. Uniting with
Gavin’s wolves will probably scare her enough to keep her in line. But then
again she’s fairly stupid. She might try something again.”

“How many wolves is Jackson taking on?”

“Including us?” Shane nodded and Declan answered, “There’ll
be fifty-six if Gavin sticks around.”

“He’d be an asset.”

Yes, he would. The man had money and power. “That part’s up
to Chloe.”

“She’ll make the right choice. That female is a force to be
reckoned with.”

Declan’s thoughts drifted to his own force of nature—the
female resting in his bed. Rachel had shown him just how dangerous she could
be. She didn’t back down. In the face of adversity she stepped up, even if she
was the underdog.

As the Lupa of the packs, Chloe needed a strong supporter.

She now had it in her best friend turned packmate.

Light eclipsed darkness, giving him hope.

Things were finally looking up for a change. Time to get
serious.

Declan poured himself another drink, smiling. “You ain’t
seen nothing yet.”