Chapter Eight

 

Garrett

 

I can’t speak the entire ride to the hotel. I’m barely staying in human form. I’ve never been so on edge, so close to losing it. No—fuck that—I already lost it. I went savage on those guys back at the warehouse when the situation called for intelligence. If the guy in the cage hadn’t given us a lead, we’d be no closer to finding Sedona right now, thanks to me.

The whole evening was a cluster-fuck. We showed up at the textile factory. Like most of the buildings in Mexico City, it was all concrete on the outside, no way to see in. I sent Jared and Trey in one direction around the building, and I went the other.

When we met up, some asshole had Trey in a headlock, a gun pointed at his head. “Manos arriba,” the motherfucker yelled.

I didn’t have to understand Spanish to know what he wanted. I had no choice but to put my hands in the air and climb into the fucking cages that lined the warehouse. A wolf can survive a gunshot wound, but not to the head.

Only shifter I know who survived a gunshot to the head is an elderly panther in Tucson, and she was extremely lucky the shots didn’t hit anything vital. I wasn’t about to risk Trey’s life.

But the second I was in the cage, I shifted, shredding my clothes. The place reeked of wolves, but I swear I picked up Sedona’s scent. I tried to bust through my cage with sheer force, but they weren’t ordinary dog cages. No, these guys knew what they were doing. The cages were made of reinforced steel. If Amber hadn’t shown up—

I growl in the backseat of the van, and Amber turns her lovely blue eyes up to me. I don’t know why the fuck she’s not afraid of me when I’m like this. She sure as hell should be.

My wolf is ready to break out and rip more throats just thinking about Amber being back there, putting herself in danger for us.

I want to turn her over my knee and smack her pretty ass red for it, but I know it’s not safe for me to touch her. Not that I’d hurt her—not that way, anyway. But I’m inches away from marking her. Between the full moon and my wolf’s desire to protect her by forever imprinting her with my scent, I’m shaking from the effort of keeping it together with her.

We get to the hotel and I head straight for the shower. Maybe if I rid myself of the scent of blood, I’ll be able to calm the fuck down. Doubtful. But it’s worth a shot.

I strip out of the too-small pants and step into the spray of water, pinching my wound to expel the bullet my body has already sent to the surface.

I remember the way my little lawyer paled when she saw the wound, the horror that streaked her face. Damn, I’ve done nothing to earn that concern, but I sure as hell am going to try to be worthy from here on out. And I have to do a better job keeping her safe. Fates, she could’ve been taken prisoner, too, and we’d all be locked up now. Or worse.

I ought to be grateful to her, but instead I’m just pissed. Pissed she had to put herself at risk to rescue me. A growl reverberates in my throat.

I turn the water to cold. It does nothing to cool my burning skin, to stomp down the wolf.

Mark her mark her mark her.

I’m burning to sink my teeth into Amber’s ripe flesh. Make her forever mine. I’m burning to sink my cock into her sweet little body, feel what it’s like to move inside her. I bet she’s tight as fuck. Like heaven. Maybe there’s some way I could fuck her without marking her.

I can’t tell if it’s my wolf or my own mind trying to talk me into doing what can’t be done, but I want her with a desperation that makes my canines pop out, dripping with the serum to mark her. I bite my own lip and draw blood.

My tough-as-nails little lawyer is all gooey soft inside. A giant heart made of soft downy feathers. I’d give anything to earn the right to call her mine. What would it be like to have Amber beneath me? I’m dying to see her look up at me with those big blue eyes, trust shining bright, her small body yielding and sweet. Fuuuuuuck.

I turn off the water and wrap a towel around my waist. My wound has already stopped bleeding, the edges starting to close.

We booked a suite, with two beds in one room and a living area in the other. Trey and Jared are in the living room, and I want to howl because Amber’s with them. Which is all kinds of stupid, because while I know they’d die for her, it’s only because they know she’s mine. And my guys are rock solid. They would never, ever fuck with what’s mine.

Still, I slam my fist down on the dresser. I want to tear the room apart.

I don’t know how I’m going to survive the night in the same hotel suite as Amber.

 

~.~

 

Amber

 

It sounds like Garrett is throwing things in the bedroom. I sense his agitation through the wall. Guilt, anger, frustration roll off him in waves. Have I always known exactly how people feel? Or is it just him?

Trey looks in the direction of the bedroom then shoots a concerned glance at Jared. We’re sitting around the small table. They finished my torta in about three seconds flat and have ordered more food from room service. “I’ve never seen him this close to losing control,” Trey mutters.

“I know.”

“What’s wrong with him?” I ask.

Jared fiddles with a book of matches that were on the coffee table, spinning it on its edge. “Full moon. Sister’s missing. And you.”

“What about me?”

“He was scared for you back there. I think he’s still pissed off. He’s really got it bad for you, Amber.” The matchbook spins to a stop. He picks it up and starts it again.

My heart leaps then trips and falls. “But wolves can’t be with humans.”

“That’s a problem. But it doesn’t matter to his wolf. The animal’s claimed you. Once our wolf makes its choice, that’s it. You have to mate or—”

“Or?”

“Or your animal might go moon mad,” Trey supplies, fiddling his lip piercing with his tongue.

“What is moon mad?” I ask.

“They turn animal and can’t change back. They’re lost forever. It doesn’t happen with every wolf,” Trey explains.

“Only the most dominant ones,” Jared says.

I swallow hard. Garrett is as dominant as they come. But he doesn’t want to mate me. He already told me it can’t work. “Do wolves ever mate with humans?”

“Sometimes,” Jared says with a shrug. “But mating with humans is discouraged by most packs. And an alpha male takes an alpha female.”

I hear the subtext. Not a wimpy human.

“Garrett’s dad wouldn’t like it.” Trey snatches the book of matches from Jared’s fingers and taps it open, pulling one out.

Great. I’ve already made a bad impression.

“But there are many who believe there’s only one true mate for each wolf. And the wolf recognizes his mate when he sees her. Being near her both riles him up and calms him down.” He strikes a match against the side of the box and flicks the burning stick at Jared, who yelps and dodges it with a grin. “That’s what he’s like with you.”

Amber Drake, psychic. Tamer of werewolves. Maybe I’ll hang that shingle after all.

A thud sounds from the bedroom, like Garrett put his fist through the wall. Good thing the room’s not on my credit card. If he’s upset over me, it’s my job to defuse it. I push open the door and step inside, closing it behind me. I ought to be afraid, but I’m not. “Hey. Are you mad at me?”

“No,” he snarls, whirling. I sense his pain.

“You’re upset because I was in danger? Why don’t you talk to me about it?”

He stalks over, eyes flashing silver. Picking me up by waist, he pins me against the wall, holding me at nose level. “Baby, you scared the fuck out of me. You could’ve been captured. Or hurt. Or killed,” he growls. “Do you think I could live with myself if anything ever happened to you?”

I can’t speak. A lump forms in my throat. Has anyone ever cared so much about what happens to me?

“Well, I couldn’t. I wouldn’t be able to go on.”

“Garrett.” The extent of his anguish stuns me, cracking some hardened piece of armor that’s been around my heart for most of my life. Someone cares—about me.

“I ought to turn your cute little ass red.” He drops me to the floor and cradles my cheek. His touch is far gentler than I expected. He leans his forehead against mine. “You do not put your own safety at risk for me. I am a shifter—I heal almost instantly. You are human.”

Yeah, I got that, big guy.

“You could’ve been shot or had your throat torn out tonight,” he goes on. “What if they took you for breeding?”

“But I’m not a wolf.”

“Don’t argue with me.” He pulls me into a rough embrace, his huge arms wrapping around my waist. He drags his lips up the column of my neck. “You’re mine, dammit. I can’t let anything happen to you. Do you understand?”

“I understand,” I whisper as the words you’re mine knock around in my head, causing my brain to short circuit. For someone who never belonged, nothing could sound sweeter. And, somehow, I do belong with Garrett. Even though I am human and he is wolf. Even though we have nothing in common—I am his and he is mine. A simple equation with no basis in logic. Only in love.

Except he told me last night he can’t be with me.

He palms my ass and squeezes. “I reserve the right to punish this juicy ass later.” His voice is deep and gravelly.

I give a husky laugh. “Sorry, there’s no retrial.”

He tongues my earlobe. “I’ll have to do it now, then.” He turns me to face away from him. “Hands on the wall.” The deep command sounds like pure seduction. He slides his palms slowly down my arms to grip my wrists and lift them to the cool plaster. “Don’t move them. If you do, I’ll double your punishment.”

I waggle my ass, only excited by his threat. This man—wolf—wants me. Needs me, even. I’ve never felt so desirable in my life.

His fingers work the button on my jeans open, and he hooks his thumbs in the waistband of both the jeans and my panties and drags them over my hips. They drop in a puddle at my feet.

“What’s my sentence?” I say hoarsely, stepping out of them.

He lands a hard slap on my ass. “This.” He strokes both palms over my bare ass and squeezes. Slaps again. “I want you,” he says gruffly, unpinning my hair from its French twist. It falls over one shoulder. He slips his fingers under my T-shirt and glides them up until they reach my breasts. With a flick, he opens the front closure on my bra and cups my swelling girls.

“You’re so fucking beautiful, Amber. I’ve wanted you since the moment you cocked that hip and gave me attitude in the elevator. I don’t know how I’ve kept from fucking you senseless.” His voice is thick.

“What are you waiting for?” I dare.

His sharp intake of breath has me biting my lip. One quick movement and my shirt and bra fly over my head. “Hands back up.” He pins my wrists against the wall with one palm, smacks my ass with the other.

My pussy clenches, excitement coursing through me. “I’m on the pill,” I whisper.

An inhuman growl fills the room. “Why?” he roars.

I try to turn, but he keeps his hand closed over my wrists. “For heavy periods. Jeez, Garrett.”

I feel him sag behind me. “Thank fuck. Don’t ever tell me about another man unless you want me to rip his throat out.”

“Too much, Garrett.” My voice is shaky, but some part of me is thrilled with his possessiveness. His jealousy. I want him to fully claim me the way no one has.

He runs his hands up the length of my bare back, wraps them around the front to pinch my nipples between his fingers. “I need you, baby.” His teeth graze my shoulder. “I need you so fucking badly.”

I try to pry my fingers from the wall again, planning to turn and help him get on with things, but clearly, he’s the one in control. He slaps a hand over mine, pinning them back in place. A low growl of disapproval rumbles beside my ear.

His free hand slides down my fluttering belly to cup my mons.

I’m already soaked for him, my legs shaking.

He sweeps the pad of one large finger over my slit, gliding in my juices. “Tell me about this pussy, Counselor,” he rumbles in a low voice. “Has she missed me?”

“Y-yes.”

“Tell me I’m the only one who gets her wet.” He taps my clit.

“You’re the one,” I murmur. “I mean, the only one.”

“I’d love to taste her again, but I’m having a hard time dialing it back. I promise I’ll give her the best licking of her life when the moon isn’t so goddamn full.”

I realize his breath is sawing in and out like he’s running a race. Like it’s taking all his effort not to attack.

I don’t want him to hold back. With a desperation that might very well match his, I want him, to get on with it

“Take me, Garrett.” I push my ass out, hoping to tempt him.

“Fuck.” I hear the rustle of his jeans hitting the floor. “I’m not sure I can do this, baby. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You won’t,” I promise. I never thought I’d be the type to like rough sex, but at this moment, I’d give anything for a nice, hard fuck. Lawyer Amber is appalled.

Garrett growls and rubs the head of his cock over my entrance, slicking it in my juices.

“Yes,” I breathe. “Take me.”

His breath rasps in my ear. He holds my waist and presses in, filling me, stretching me wide with his enormous cock.

My pussy clenches around him, and I gasp at the intensity. My eyeballs roll back in my head. “Don’t stop, I need you in me.”

His breath stops altogether then comes hot on my ear as he eases in, filling me. He crushes my breast in his hand and begins to pump in and out, his hips slapping against my ass.

My head grows light. The pleasure is like none I’ve experienced. Wolf cock, indeed. Yeah, it’s definitely better. He pummels me, the head of his cock hitting my inner wall. It’s incredible. Miraculous, even.

I realize I’ve never, in my twenty-six years, been properly fucked. Never been taken from behind, even. Never done it standing up. Never had sex with my lover’s hot handprints burning my ass cheeks.

Yeah. Garrett has been a flurry of firsts for me and this one is coming close to blowing my ever-loving mind. And somehow I have a feeling there’s so much more. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to sex with Garrett.

His fingers tighten on my hip. “Oh God,” he mutters, and pounds harder.

“Fuck, Amber—I can’t—” An inhuman growl cuts off his speech, and he pulls out. I gasp and look over my shoulder to see him stumble back, his eyes glowing silver, fangs bared.

Fangs? He’s still in human form. Why in the hell does he have fangs?

He shakes his head like a dog shakes off water. “Amber.” His voice is so guttural, I barely understand him. “Get your clothes on and get out.”

“What? No.”

The cords in his neck pop out. His muscles ripple and strain. “Now, Amber.” The hurt must show on my face, because he looks stricken. “I’m sorry,” he mutters. “I’m sorry, Amber. But I need you to get out. For your own good. Please. Get out.” He stalks to the bathroom and shuts himself in.

Reeling, I pick up my clothing and put it on with shaking hands. Let the record reflect: I have no fucking clue what just happened.

I don’t want to leave, but I have to honor Garrett’s request, so I open the bedroom door and walk out.

Trey is still at the table, eating the food that’s been delivered. He glances at me then does a double take. “Are you all right?”

Dammit. Tears streak freely down my cheeks.

He stands and opens his arms. “Come here.”

I stumble forward, leaning into his lanky frame as he wraps me in a hug.

“Are you okay?” he repeats.

I don’t mean to tell him anything. But I hadn’t meant to let them see me cry, either. “His teeth got long, and his eyes changed color,” I blurt on a sob. “He told me to get out.”

Trey shares a glance with Jared across the room.

“Damn,” Jared mutters.

“What?”

Trey blows his breath out. “He wants to mark you, Amber. Do you know what that means?”

I shake my head. No idea.

“It’s the way wolves mate—the male sinks his teeth into the female to permanently leave his scent. We’re quite territorial with our females. Once you’re marked, you’re mated for life. But he can’t mark you, because you’re human. At best, it can cause terrible scarring. At worse, it could kill you. He can’t control himself right now, so he’s trying to protect you.”

A vision flickers before my eyes: I’m standing in front of a mirror, lifting my hair away from my shoulder to examine a scar.

The bedroom door opens with a bang, and Garrett looms in the doorway, brows tight around his silver eyes.

Trey shoves me away from his body and holds up his hands. “Not touching h—”

A flash of movement and a snarl and Garrett flies through the air and knocks Trey to the floor.

“A little help,” Trey gasps as he rolls away, not fighting back but moving quickly to extricate himself.

Garrett pins Trey down with his forearm across the wolf’s windpipe.

“Garrett, stop!” I scream.

He turns his glittering gaze on me and lunges, grasping my waist and pulling me down on top of him. His hands burn like brands; heat suffusing my skin everywhere he touches. He yanks my shirt up as if he intends to pull it off me, his fangs bared and gleaming.

Clearly, he’s more beast than man, now, and considering how cautious his friends are, I admit I’m scared.

I scream. Jared seizes me from behind, pulling me back off Garrett.

He roars his displeasure and leaps to his feet after me. Trey catches him from behind before he reaches me, and Jared puts his body in front of mine, joining Trey in the fight against Garrett. The two younger wolves push Garrett backward, pinning him to a wall, leaning their full weight against him to hold him there.

“Go into the bedroom and lock the door, hon,” Trey says.

Garrett roars again, pulling free of the wall, only to be slammed back by the two younger wolves.

“Sorry! I didn’t mean to call her hon. Amber, get in the bedroom. Now,” Trey barks.

But I can’t let this go on. Garrett is suffering because of his need for me, and his friends are risking their lives to protect me from him. I ignore the directive, and walk, instead, to Garrett. I lay my palm flat on his bulging chest. “I’m not afraid of him.” I keep my eyes glued to Garrett’s silver ones.

I swear I see the spark of recognition, the flicker of blue in his silver eyes.

“You’d better be,” Jared grits, obviously struggling with all his might to hold Garrett back.

I ignore Trey and Jared and catch Garrett’s gaze, holding it. “Mark me.”

He lunges forward again, but when the boys throw him back against the wall, he gives his head a shake. “I’ll tear you apart, Counselor. Get. Out of here. Please.”

“No. I’ve seen how this one ends. I want you to mark me.”

Garrett stills, his breath rasping in his chest. “What?”

I nod. “You need to mark me.” I turn to the younger wolves. “Let him go.”

They look to Garrett, who stares at me a long time before nodding. The boys ease their weight back from his shoulders, appearing ready to tackle him again at a moment’s notice.

He picks me up, and I straddle his waist, looping my arms around his thick neck. He looks up into my face. “Are you sure?”

I nod. Even though my heart thunders, I trust him. He would never hurt me if he could help it.