Chapter Thirty-Four
Madden
“Can I help you?” Madden smiled politely at the man standing before her. He was bald, and wore thick black-framed glasses and slacks. He looked like he used to play in the NFL but was now retired and did sportscasting as a hobby.
“I’m sure you can.” His eyes trailed over her body and fear started to prick along her spine. His gaze was gross, leering even.
“Are you looking for someone?” She took a step back, her unease growing when he took a step forward. Matching her like they were dancing. “A student?”
His grin was wrong on his face; it appeared menacing. “I’m looking for you, pretty girl.” He shut her office door, throwing the lock into place, his eyes never leaving hers. “If the two Feds camped out at your boyfriend’s apartment are any indication, that punk didn’t deliver my message effectively.” He took another step toward her.
Ox. This had to be Ox. Madden felt a wave of heat crash over her. She took a deep breath, tamping it down, trying to keep the inevitable from happening. Ox’s brow furrowed, like he was confused. Maybe it wouldn’t affect him like it had the kids. It hadn’t bothered Baze.
Her back hit her desk and her hands started to work behind her, searching for anything she could use as a weapon. “You picked the wrong woman. I’m not anything to any of them. I’m not Linc’s mate, I’m just some chick he’s screwing.” Ox was huge. He could easily overpower her. She was defenseless. Vulnerable wasn’t an emotion she handled well and it suddenly felt like there was lava running through her veins.
Ox sniffed the air. “Is that you? That perfectly wonderful smell?” He wagged his finger in her face, coming even closer. “You’re right little girl, you aren’t mated. But you want to be, don’t you? Your body does, at least.” He took one more step, putting his body flush against hers. “You need me to help you out? I have the time.” His mouth next to ear made her gag. His hands reached out, gripping her hips mercilessly.
He picked her up, spun her around and slammed her stomach against the edge of her desk. The pain knocked the air from her lungs. He grabbed her hair and pushed her head down, palming her behind with his free hand.
He leaned forward, pressing his hard-on against her ass and sniffing her neck. “I’ve heard about girls like you.” He moaned. “I need to tell Franklin. We could bottle up your scent and make millions.”
Madden’s eye searched the top of her desk, looking for something, anything to use as a weapon. The same time his belt clanked to the floor, she spotted her letter opener. She gripped it in her hand and swung around as hard as she could. She got him in the shoulder, and it hurt enough for him to stumble back. She kept her hold firm on the handle, the sharp edge ripping from his flesh as he stepped back.
“You stupid little cunt.”
He came at her again, and she ducked, ramming the blade into his thigh. Close enough to his dick that he screamed out in sheer terror.
Her eyes shot across the room as her door flew open. Keller and Baze rushed in, immediately jumping on Ox. They pinned him to the ground and then Baze punched him so hard Ox passed out.
Baze leapt up. “Madden, are you okay?” His hands flitted about, checking her for injuries.
She shook her head. “I’m fine.” She was fucking anything but fine. What she meant was, she was alive. She hadn’t been raped by some disgusting madman. She’d survived and she would be okay.
Baze’s hand went to her cheek. “You’re bleeding.”
“I must have hit it on something when he pushed me on the desk.” She put her hand up, touching blood. “It doesn’t even hurt.” And it didn’t. She knew it was her adrenaline. She knew that soon it would wear off and she’d start to shake. She’d start to hurt all over.
Baze grabbed a piece of gauze from a clear glass jar on one of her counters and dabbed it over her cheek. “Linc will be here so—”
Baze suddenly flew back, hitting Keller, and then the both of them fell to the ground in a tangle of limbs. Linc was standing over them. His eyes were glassy, his chest heaving. Madden grabbed his hand. “Linc, they were helping.”
“Get the fuck out. Now.” His voice was booming. His tone was unlike anything she’d ever heard before.
Keller and Baze both stood, each grabbing one of Ox’s hands and dragging him out into the hall. Baze glanced at her apologetically and started to pull her door closed. “Madden.” He ignored Linc’s low, deep snarl and continued. “The Feds will be here any second. I can hear them running down the hall. You have to calm him down. They don’t know. About shifters, about any of it. He can’t lose it in front of them.” When she nodded he pulled the door closed, wedging it with a splinter of wood so that it would stay that way.
“You smell like him.”
Madden looked around her office, her eyes settling on a case of wet wipes. She pulled a few out and wiped down her neck and arms the best she could. There was a sink in the corner, but no shower. “That help?”
He shook his head. His eyes filled with tears he didn’t let fall. “I’m so sorry, baby.” His voice was shaky, just like his body. His hands trembled as he reached for her. “Please forgive me.”
She took a deep breath, lust quickly replacing the fear in her chest. She knew what he was apologizing for. She knew he couldn’t let her walk out of here unless she was completely his. He was too far gone, too upset, too scared. The Feds would wonder what was wrong. If they tried to take her away to question her, he’d attack them. He’d blow the cover on his whole way of life.
She met his gaze, strong and unwavering. She grabbed the hem of her shirt and pulled it over her head. Then she peeled off her tight pants and stood naked in front of him.
He swallowed. “I never wanted it to be like this, you have to know that.”
“Stop.” She took a step forward, her hands cupping his face. “You promised me adventure, and you promised me passion. What’s more that than this? Claiming me up against a wall in my office? Pretty fucking hot if you ask me.” She smirked, trying like hell to erase the despair she saw in his eyes.
“Baby, you don’t have to make me feel better.”
She silenced him with a kiss then stepped over her yoga pants. She jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist. She was hot, her skin still craving cool air. She needed him in that moment as much as he needed her. She was ready. “I want you Linc. I want this. I want to be yours.” She kissed him again, her tongue sweeping into his mouth as she pushed his shorts down. “Claim. Me.” She whispered the words against his ear.
“Madden, I’m so…” His voice cracked and her heart ached in response. She was going to have to do this herself.
Linc knew what needed to be done. He knew he’d never let her walk out of here otherwise. But he was struggling. He felt guilty and ashamed and feral. She lifted herself up, her arms around his neck, and then slid down onto his waiting cock. “There is a shifter out there that wanted what was yours. He tried to take it. He almost did. He was so damn close.”
Linc let out a loud growl, pressing her back firmly against the wall and then thrusting into her so hard she lost her breath. He rested his forehead against hers, fucking her hard and fast, racing to claim what was always his. She sunk her nails into his shoulders, holding on as best she could. “Fuck, Madden.” He kissed her like he was trying to devour her. His arm muscles were taut and his hands were bruising her ass. “Look at me, baby.” He pulled back, his voice going soft again.
She didn’t hesitate, not this time. She wanted this. There was no going back. She met his gaze, biting her lip to keep herself from screaming as she came. A tear escaped as Linc stilled, emptying himself inside her.