Wolf Claims His Pack (Salvation Pack: The Next Generation Book 3), page 16
Voices from outside drew her attention to the window and the spectacular view beyond. Shirtless, Nicholas worked alongside Waya in the garden. Emmett had joined them. Even Henry sat on the fence, watching. He was like the damned Pied Piper from the fairy tale. All the kids eagerly followed him, wanting his attention.
She was no better.
Even now, she couldn’t look away. It was another scorcher of a day. Sweat trickled down his bronzed chest. Without complaint, he’d mucked stalls and the chicken coop. That was a nasty chore on the best of days. Now he was in the garden. Not exactly what she’d expect of an alpha wolf.
Stop comparing me to the assholes you’ve heard about or crossed paths with. His words echoed in her head. He was right. She was guilty of that. With her limited experience, she really had no idea what a real alpha wolf was like.
“Time for a clean slate.”
“Done.” Eliza skipped into the kitchen and held up her hands. “What’s next?”
Love welled up inside her. She hugged the girl, closing her eyes and appreciating the moment when thin arms hugged her back. It had taken the girl months to trust her. She’d taken to Waya, treating him like she was a duckling and he the mother duck. He’d rescued her, so she’d trusted him. Took longer for the rest of them, but she’d gotten there.
Chest tight, Bailey pulled her emotions under control and cleared the lump in her throat. “The boys look hot out there. Why don’t we take them some lemonade and cookies?”
“I’ll get the tray.” While she dug through the cupboard, Bailey pulled a tall jug of fresh lemonade out of the fridge. It didn’t take long to add plastic glasses and a plate of chocolate chip cookies.
“I’ll get the door.” Eliza held it wide.
“Thank you.” She was quick to praise everything the girl did, but equally quick to shower her with love when things went wrong or when she did something she shouldn’t. She didn’t want her to think she had to do anything to be worthy of love or that she had to “earn” her keep.
Nicholas’s head swiveled around as soon as the door opened, and a smile spread across his face. The tray in her hand shook, the glasses clinking. In one easy motion, he put one hand on the fence and vaulted over. The waistband of his jeans dipped slightly, exposing his navel and a thin trail of dark hair that disappeared beneath the material. As she watched, the bulge in his pants grew.
“Keep that up,” he softly whispered in her ear, “and I’ll need more than lemonade to cool me off.” He removed the tray from her nerveless fingers and carried it to the others. “Time to cool off,” he announced to the group.
Heat prickled her skin. Her clothing was tight and confining, yet she couldn’t help smiling. She liked this side of him, his ability to make light of himself and his obvious arousal. “We figured you boys were hot.” Oh, God, she hadn’t meant it that way, but Nicholas grinned.
“I’m always hot.”
Emmett groaned and grabbed a glass. “Is this what I have to look forward to in the future?”
Pretending to be oblivious, she tilted her head to one side. “Fresh lemonade and cookies?”
He choked on his drink and spit some of it out. “No, the smoldering hot looks.”
She pounded her brother on the back. “You mean like this?” She sent what she hoped was a smoldering look at Nicholas.
“That looks like you ate bad fish,” Waya teased.
Bailey’s giggle turned into a full-blown belly laugh that made her stomach hurt, but in a good way. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been so lighthearted, so happy. And Nicholas was the reason.
He made sure all the kids had a drink and cookies, then held the tray out to her. She wiped her damp eyes and brought herself under control. “Thanks.” The soft smile on his face, the banked heat in his eyes, brought with it a different kind of pain—an ache low in her core.
Only after everyone else had been served did he help himself. Being selfless and taking care of others came naturally to him. It wasn’t a ploy to ingratiate himself with her. It was part of the very fiber of his being.
The chatter was easy, the sharing of their day so far. Nicholas crouched down and paid attention as Eliza explained about making bread rolls. He praised Waya’s work ethic, teased Emmett, and gave Henry the space he needed while still managing to include the boy.
Relaxed, she enjoyed her drink while surrounded by her family. She paused with the glass halfway to her lips. He was part of that now, in more than name. He’d marked her with his body and his spirit. He’d changed all of them for the better. They were all more relaxed, even her.
Because a strong wolf was there to help protect and care for them.
Rather than bristle, her wolf preened, as though taking credit for attracting him. Whether half-breed or full-blooded, the kids all responded to his easy acceptance, soaked up his praise. She’d given them a home, stability, and love. He wasn’t trying to take away from that but add to it, shore it up and make it stronger.
“You okay?” the man in question asked.
“Yes.” She finished her drink. “Hand over the empties.” But rather than give her the tray when she held out her hand for it, Nicholas kept it until it was filled.
“Finish up out here,” he told the kids. “I’ll be back after I carry this into the house.”
Waya rolled his eyes and headed back to the garden, taking Eliza with him. Emmett grinned and waved. “Don’t be too long.”
Laughing and shaking her head, she led the way. The shade inside was welcome after being out in the blazing heat.
****
His gaze glued to the easy sway of her hips, Nicholas followed Bailey into the house. The heat beating down on his bare shoulders was nothing compared to the volcano of need churning inside him.
It would take more than lemonade and cookies to appease it.
The shaded coolness of the kitchen was a welcome relief. “Just put it there.” She motioned to the counter. “I’ll take care of the dishes.”
Her hair was piled on top of her head in a messy bun, exposing the slender column of her neck. Tendrils had escaped, forming a reddish halo around her head. His wolf gave a low rumble.
She glanced over her shoulder, and her dark brows lowered a second before her eyes widened. Her tongue swiped across her lower lip.
Need knifed through him, decisive and almost painful. Tossing the tray on the counter, he held her face in his hands and slammed his mouth down on hers. The little noises of pleasure she made had his balls tightening. She gripped his wrists and thrust her tongue into his mouth, teasing and giving and taking.
She was his perfect match in every way.
He backed her up against the counter and lifted her so she was seated on it. She wrapped her legs around him, canting her hips upward. It wasn’t a perfect angle, but neither of them cared. He yanked her to the edge, so her breasts were plastered against his bare chest.
He wanted her naked.
Kids outside, he reminded himself. Frustration wouldn’t kill him, even if it felt like it. She clutched at his shoulders, her rounded nails digging into his skin, the tiny bite of pain anchoring him.
He slid one hand to the back of her head and plucked out the pins in her hair. It tumbled around her shoulders. Like the fire she used in her forge, it was alive and seductive.
“You’re so fucking beautiful.”
Her nose wrinkled and her cheeks pinkened. “I’m just me.”
If it took him a lifetime, he’d convince her. He lifted her off the counter, holding her easily. “I want to take you to bed and show you just how beautiful you are to me.”
Her breath coming in short pants, she lowered her head to his shoulder and groaned. “Don’t say things like that. Not now.”
She was right. There wasn’t time for that. Didn’t mean there wasn’t time for something else. Setting her on her feet, he opened the fasteners on her shorts and pushed his hand inside the opening.
Her eyes widened before they fluttered partly closed. She bit her bottom lip to smother a groan. “What? What are you doing?”
“Showing you what you do to me.” He slipped past the lacy edge of her underwear and found her core, skating his fingers over her hot slickness. Fuck, she was already so wet, the spiciness of her arousal wafting up to tease him.
“The kids.”
“Two minutes.” Using his thumb to coax her clit out from behind its protective hood, he concentrated on bringing her to completion. Two thick fingers pushed inside her. Her sex fluttered around them. Damn, she was almost there.
Sweat rolled down his back. His internal temperature soared.
Her eyes glazed over, and her hips rocked against his hand. He covered her mouth with his, swallowing the sweet moans. She raked her nails down his spine, making his cock kick and jerk.
From outside, childish laughter reminded him that they weren’t exactly in a private place, could be interrupted at any second.
He quickened his pace, driving his fingers deep, wishing each second it was his dick pounding into her. Curling his fingers, he found the sweet spot inside. Her entire body tightened and then began to shake. Her core clenched around him as she came.
Head thrown back, hair around her shoulders, lips parted, and green eyes glittering, she was a goddess. Beautiful was too tame a word for her. He followed, claiming her mouth, swallowing her cries of release. He withdrew his fingers and cupped her mound, seeking to calm instead of arouse—the opposite of what he’d rather be doing. When it was safe to do so, he eased his head back, but couldn’t resist dropping a soft kiss on her lush lips.
She blinked and slumped against the cupboards. “I didn’t think you could do it in two minutes.” She scrubbed at her cheeks. “I went off like a rocket. What about you?” Her pointed look made his cock flex.
There was a tinge of apology to her tone that he didn’t like. “I take it back.”
Frowning, she shook her head. “Take what back?”
“You’re not beautiful.” She jerked her head back as if he’d struck her and started to turn away. He caught her chin in his hand. “That’s too tame a word for you. You’re primal and wild, like a tornado.”
“A natural disaster. Great.” When she tried to pull away, he pulled her into his arms.
“Beautiful is for princesses. You’re a goddess.” Leaning down, he brushed his mouth over hers. “Most of all, you’re all female wolf—proud and courageous and sexy as hell.”
A smile teased the corners of her lips. “All that.”
“And more.” He tucked some fiery strands of hair behind her ear. “Never doubt your worth. I don’t. I hit the jackpot with you, and my daddy didn’t raise any fools.” He paused and canted his head to one side. “We’ve run out of time.” Footsteps were getting closer.
“Oh, God.” Spinning on her heels, she hurried toward the hallway. Stopping, she turned and bolted back. Going up on her toes, she kissed him. It was quick, but hot, a promise. “Later.” Promise given, she ran.
Nicholas rubbed his face and groaned when he caught the scent of her arousal on his fingers. He needed to get out of here before he did something stupid. He was halfway to the front door when the one in the kitchen opened. “I’ll be back in a bit,” he called, knowing Bailey would hear him, too.
Outside, he bolted to the woods, shucked his clothes, and embraced his wolf. The shift was quick, the beast longing for release. He fell forward on huge paws and shook his fur into place. He couldn’t fuck Bailey, but he could run.
He had a new appreciation for all the couples back home, especially his parents. It wasn’t always easy for them to get alone time, but at least they had other couples to watch the kids occasionally. Not to mention soundproofed bedrooms.
Hurting, he ran, his strong legs eating up the distance until his arousal eased and his sense of humor caught up with him. Here he was, the big bad wolf, running in circles around the land because he didn’t want to be far from his mate and pack.
He had it bad but was past caring. His beast understood the truth and so did he. Bailey and the kids were his.
And tonight, he’d be in her bed. Just like that, his arousal was back. With a growl that was more a groan, he kept running, detouring toward the river for a dip in the cool, running water.
Chapter Seventeen
Bailey sat on the front porch, enjoying the show as the sun sank lower in the sky. It was ablaze—pink, yellow, and orange streaks painted across the horizon. After a delicious supper, Nicholas had disappeared on another run. He’d started to help with the cleanup, but she’d shooed him out the door. He was trying to act relaxed, but he was even more on edge than she was. He’d watched her during the meal, his eyes hot with promise. Her entire body tingled in anticipation.
Tonight, they’d share her bedroom, and every night going forward, at least for the foreseeable future. She turned the ring on her finger around and around, as if it could somehow tell her the future.
His words from earlier echoed in her head. All female wolf—proud and courageous and sexy as hell.
It was strange to try to see herself through his eyes. Educational, too. Initially, she’d been hurt when he’d taken back that she was beautiful. She should have known better. Nicholas would never intentionally hurt her.
They hadn’t known each other long in terms of time, but in her heart and soul, she knew him in a way she never had any other. And the explosive sex was only a part of it. That she trusted him with her life, her heart, and her kids spoke volumes to how much her attitude had changed since their first meeting.
The door pushed open and Emmett stepped outside. “Up for company?”
“Absolutely. Can you tell the others to come outside? I want a pack meeting.” Things were going to change, not only for her, but all of them. They needed to be told, their opinions taken into consideration.
What if they don’t want Nicholas to stay? Her wolf howled inside her, voicing her objection. But she was alpha, responsible for the well-being of her pack. That had to take precedence over her personal needs. They’d all taken to him, but that didn’t mean they’d want him around forever. They might see him as a temporary means to an end.
A shout from Emmett brought them all stampeding out of the house. Bailey rolled her eyes. “I could have done that,” she muttered.
Eliza arrived first, came straight to her side, and squeezed into the chair beside her. Emmett leaned against the railing. Waya stepped outside, a frown on his face. Henry slipped out the door and sat on the steps in the shadows, his head down.
“Nicholas and I are married,” she began.
“We were there.” Emmett gave her a pointed look. “That’s not news.”
“No, it’s not. It was supposed to be a temporary thing.”
“He lied. He said he wasn’t leaving.” Waya started to stomp off.
“Come back here.” She surged up out of her chair, hands fisted on her waist. She didn’t raise her voice, but kept the tone level and firm. “First off, I’m not done talking. Secondly, don’t jump to conclusions.”
As alpha, she demanded respect. It was the only way to keep a bunch of young wolves on the straight and narrow, the only way they’d follow her. It wasn’t always easy, especially with Waya. Unlike the other males, he wasn’t a half-breed and was close to making his first shift. If he decided to ignore her request, she’d have to take tougher action, something she was loathe to do. Heart thumping in her chest, palms sweaty, she prayed he’d make the right choice.
Shoulders stiff, he stomped back, glaring at her all the way. She met his defiant gaze until he dropped his. It was important for the young wolf to respect her as alpha.
“As I was saying,” she continued, “Nicholas and I have discussed things. We’ve made a connection beyond that of a human contract. We want to see where it goes.” Saying it out loud to the kids made it real.
Waya’s shoulders eased. The expression in his eyes was way older than his age. “Like mating?” He said the words slowly, as though testing them out.
This was the tricky part. Taking a deep breath, she laid it all out there. “That remains to be seen, but it’s a possibility.” One she’d never allowed herself to even fantasize about before. “It’s early days yet, but he’s committed to me, to all of you, to this pack.” She looked at them all, one by one. “We’re the Smith Pack. This affects all of you. What do you say?”
“I want him to stay.” Eliza was the first to pipe up. “I like him.”
“I like him, too.” Bailey ruffled the girl’s hair. “Waya?”
“I like him well enough.”
High praise from the teen. “Henry?” The boy had been quiet, but that wasn’t unusual. When he nodded, she went to his side and crouched beside him. “I need you to say it so there’s no misunderstanding.”
He glanced at her from beneath thick eyelashes and nodded again. “Stay.”
Three down and one to go, and this one would be the hardest. Emmett was her brother, had known her the longest. The older he got, the more responsible he felt for her, even though she was older. “Emmett?”
He pushed away from the house. “Does that mean he’s moving into your room, into your bed?” It was impossible to read his expression. Was he for it? Against it?
“It does. It’s my decision. He slept on the sofa last night because I didn’t invite him to share my room.” It was healthy for all of them to see an example of a good male, something most of them weren’t familiar with. And Emmett had only been eleven when their parents had died, the memory a traumatic one. She wasn’t sure how much he remembered about their family life before the attack. It wasn’t something they discussed. In hindsight, probably not a good idea.
They’d never had a grown male live with them, let alone a full-blooded wolf. It was one thing when they thought he wouldn’t be permanent. Was Emmett feeling threatened by his presence?
They were the same height, but her brother’s shoulders were broader and he was quickly filling out, becoming more muscular. He was only weeks away from turning eighteen, becoming a man.
