Chapter Six

Blythe threw her body in front of Seth’s. No way was she going to lose the only friend she had in this place. Seth made a mistake and she had played a small part. She’d been open with him and he’d mistaken it for interest. She’d set Killian straight and they could work past this.

Killian’s eyes widened and he tried to slow himself down. He knew it wouldn’t work. He grabbed Blythe, pulled her close to him and spun them in midair. He hit the ground on his back hard, the breath flying out of him. Blythe lay on his chest and quickly rolled off of him. She got to her feet and placed herself between the two males. Killian saw red. How dare she protect Seth! She belonged to him!

“Get outta my way,” he snapped, getting to his feet.

“No! It was an accident. Please don’t hurt him,” Blythe begged.

“He kissed you,” he snarled, his tiger riding him hard to rip Seth’s throat out.

“I’m sorry, Killian,” Seth spoke up. “I got caught up in the moment. It won’t happen again.”

“You’re my brother!” Killian was furious. “How could you do this to me?”

Blythe’s mouth opened in surprise. Seth and Killian were brothers? How was that possible? They were different animals. “What?” she asked.

“We’re half-brothers. We had the same mom, but different dads,” Seth answered her. He wouldn’t meet Killian’s eyes. “I’m sorry, bro.”

“Let’s go,” Killian grabbed Blythe’s hand and started pulling her away.

“Wait, Seth was going to give me a tour!” As soon as the words left her mouth, Blythe knew it was a mistake.

Killian stopped walking and dropped her hand. He huffed and then looked at her with sadness and resolve in his eyes. “I’m done.”

“What?” Blythe asked.

“She’s yours,” he told Seth and then he threw Blythe toward him. He slammed the door on his way out, the noise echoing in the room.

“Shit,” Seth muttered. He raced toward the door and threw it open. He looked down the halls and then took off after Killian. Blythe didn’t know what to do, but she didn’t want to be left alone. She took off after them.

“Killian!” she called. “Seth!”

They were far ahead of her and seemed to be arguing. Killian pushed Seth, shoving him hard into the wall. Seth got in Killian’s face and bared his teeth. Blythe finally made it where she could hear what was being said.

“You’re an idiot!”

“Just shut up and leave me alone.”

“She’s amazing and you’re treating her like crap. Maybe you don’t deserve her. Someone else would treat her like a queen. You’re a monster,” Seth snapped. Killian recoiled like he’d been slapped, and then he seemed to notice Blythe. The flash of pain on his face was gone so quickly she thought she imagined it. His face slid into his emotionless mask and he seemed to stare right through her as if she wasn’t there.

“If you want her, she’s yours,” Killian finally spoke. Seth turned to see what Killian was looking at and saw Blythe. His face seemed pained and he reached toward his brother. Killian jerked back.

“You found her. She’s yours. You won her fair and square. I’m sorry about kissing her. It shouldn’t have happened. You saw her. She jerked away from me. Blythe doesn’t want me,” Seth told him. Killian’s face darkened.

“She told you her name,” he said, his voice giving nothing away. Blythe’s heart went out to the shifter. He seemed so lost and he was trying to give her up. Did she have a say in this? Why hadn’t he asked her if she wanted to be with someone else?

“Yes, Killian, I did. My name is Blythe,” she stepped toward them.

“It’s too late,” he snapped. He started backing away from them both. Blythe wasn’t letting him leave. They were going to work this out. She darted forward and wrapped her arms around his waist. Killian’s mask fell and his face was one of surprise. Seth looked startled also.

“Stop being so stubborn and forgive your brother,” Blythe commanded.

“No.”

“Killian! This is dumb. He said he was sorry and it didn’t mean anything to me,” Blythe snapped.

“I can’t protect you,” he said gravely.

“You can! You killed Diego for me! You kept Kip from me in the cafeteria and Hayden in the Running. All you’ve done is protect me.”

“I don’t deserve a mate,” he mumbled. “I’m a monster; even my own brother thinks so.”

“Oh, Killian,” Blythe cried. She hugged him tighter and buried her face in his chest. He was a tortured soul and she had a weakness for lost causes. Her heart went out to him and she looked up at him. “Please don’t make me leave.”

“We’re causing a scene,” Seth mumbled. Blythe looked around and saw faces peeking out of cracked doors. Her face blushed and she stepped back from Killian.

“Let’s go back to our room,” she whispered.

“Our room?” he asked. He sounded surprised.

“Oh, sorry. Your room,” she quickly changed it.

“No, it’s our room.”

Killian grabbed her hand and walked her down the hall. Seth followed them until they got to Killian’s room. Killian pulled her inside and started to close the door. Seth stuck his foot in the way and placed his hand on the door.

“Wait,” he called.

“What?” Killian growled.

“I was supposed to give Blythe the tour,” he reminded.

“I’ll do it,” Killian snapped and kicked Seth’s foot out of the way. Seth jerked his hand back, keeping it from being smashed. Killian locked the door.

“Will it be safe?” Blythe asked, sitting on the end of the bed. She was nervous now. She’d basically committed herself to Killian and was wondering what he thought that meant exactly. Would he mark her now?

“What?”

“Will it be safe for you to give me a tour since I’m not marked? I don’t want you getting into any more fights or people dying because of it.”

“I’ll protect you.”

“Killian,” she said softly. He finally looked at her, turning from the door. “Will you tell me more about the marking? Seth told me I had to ask you.”

She watched as his face darkened at the name of his half-brother. She bit her lip nervously, wondering if she shouldn’t have mentioned she’d asked him. Killian turned from the door and walked over to stand in front of her. She looked up at him, her heart racing in her chest. She was afraid of what he’d do, but she knew he’d never hurt her. He didn’t seem the type.

“It’s intimate. Something shared that brings two people closer. It's hard to explain. I'm doing terrible.” Killian turned from her.

"No, talk to me," Blythe commanded. She reached out and grabbed his hand. She pulled him toward her, scooting back on the bed. He sat at the end and stared at her, his hand tightening around hers.

"You're so innocent."

"You're changing the subject," Blythe blushed.

"When my teeth first hit your skin, there will be pain. But then the pleasure is said to be like experiencing an orgasm. Because of your innocence, you have nothing to compare it to, no way to know what's coming," he explained.

"Oh," Blythe said softly. Part of her wanted to experience that. Her mind was wondering what it would be like. But she was also scared. He'd mentioned pain, too. She was leery, and justifiably so.

"Was I your first?" he asked, grabbing her chin and meeting her eyes.

"First what?"

"Kiss," he breathed, moving closer. His eyes stared at her lips and her tongue darted out to wet them. He groaned and rested his head on hers. "Your scent is driving me crazy."

Blythe tried to move away, the blush of embarrassment on her cheeks. His hands slid to her hips, keeping her locked in place. He moved forward, forcing her to lie back on the bed. His hands moved up to rest beside her head. His knees pressed against her bare leg.

"Where are you going?" he growled, staring intently at her. She squirmed under the intensity and hidden passion in their depths. His face was a mask, but his eyes spoke wonders.

"You said I stink," Blythe mumbled.

He laughed, and the sound was beautiful. Blythe's mouth fell open and she stared up at him in shock. That had been the first time he'd laughed. He saw her expression and the laugh stopped suddenly, his face returning to stone. She immediately regretted staring and wished he'd do it again.

"I never said you stink. I said your scent was driving me crazy," he whispered, lowering his face to her ear.

"What does that mean?" she gulped. She felt trapped and completely at his mercy. She hadn't decided if that was a good or bad thing.

"Right now, you smell a little of fear and arousal. The fear is expected because of your innocence, but the arousal is calling to my tiger. He wants to claim the prize, which happens to be you. Your natural unclaimed scent is making me hard and my body aches to be in yours."

"I see," she replied, though she didn't speak the truth. She was too distracted by the thing he was doing to her ear.  

Killian's tongue swirled around her lobe and then he sucked on it. She gasped and her hands gripped his shirt. She wanted to push him away but also bring him closer. His mouth trailed down and he kissed her neck. Her breathing increased and Blythe’s hands tightened.

Killian's teeth grazed her neck and she shivered, sucking in a breath. He stopped and pulled back to look at her.

"Can I leave my mark on you?" he asked, his face hard as stone. Blythe couldn't even read his eyes. He seemed to be holding his breath, awaiting her answer.

Blythe knew that her answer would probably change her life. Killian's mark on her would show she belonged to him. It would keep her safe. It would also give Killian the idea he owned her. He’d been so willing to give her away just moments before. Maybe she should say no. She barely knew this man, yet his gentleness and protective instincts spoke to her heart. Taking a deep breath, she nodded and smiled up at him. She’d give in to him. Something about him made her answer feel right.

"Yes."

Killian's eyes lit up and a smile emerged on his face. It totally transformed his looks and Blythe felt her body react. Her nipples tightened and her core throbbed. These feelings were new to her and she felt exposed and embarrassed. Was this normal?

"There you go again," he growled. "You smell good enough to eat."

Not giving her a chance to reply, his lips pressed firmly against hers. He demanded she respond by his teasing and insistence. Blythe slowly kissed him back. She felt him smirk against her lips and she closed her eyes. Letting herself go, Blythe followed his movements. When he nibbled and sucked on her lip, she gasped. His tongue took the chance to slide into her mouth and press tentatively against hers. He was gauging her reaction. She touched hers back to his and then sucked on his lower lip.

She heard him growl in response and his hips pressed against hers. Just when she was getting the hang of kissing, Killian pulled away. He kissed her jawline down to her neck, causing her to shiver. He peppered light kisses on her before grazing her gently with his teeth. Her hands slid around to his back and gripped his shirt. She pulled it up, needing to touch bare skin.

His skin was hot and she wanted to feel it against her own. Realizing her thoughts, Blythe blushed and felt wanton. She was so confused as to what was normal and forbidden in the bedroom. She had ideas and fantasies, but would Killian see them as childish or strange? She was afraid to touch him lest he reject her. Her hands slid off of him and landed softly on the bed. She gripped the sheets to keep from touching him.

Killian's teeth pressed harder against her skin. "You are mine!"

His teeth entered her skin and she cried out. The pain was sudden and intense, but transformed into the most amazing pleasure. She'd never experienced anything like it and she couldn't keep from touching him.

Her hands found their way around to his back and she ran them up until she cupped the back of his head. Her legs clamped together as a pressure built between them. Her breasts ached and she felt empty, the need to be filled was overwhelming. Her fingers dug into his hair, pulling slightly as the pleasure overtook her.

She cried his name and exploded. She heard Killian growl and his hips rammed into hers. She felt like crying, not knowing what she needed to ease her. Her body felt on fire and she shook from the intensity of the mark.

Killian pulled back and she expected to see blood dripping from his mouth, but there was nothing but passion and need on his face.

"Blythe," he moaned her name, "let me help you." His hand rested on her bare leg, slowly moving upward toward where she ached.

"I ache," she admitted aloud to him, her body alive with its own needs and desires. She was at a loss as to what she needed. She’d never felt this way, never touched herself. She just knew Killian could help. What was happening to her? Suddenly she was afraid. Had he done something to her?

Killian seemed to sense the change on her and eased back to study her. "Are you okay?"

"I'm... I'm fine," she muttered. Killian reached forward and moved a strand of hair from her face.

"Are you sure?" he genuinely seemed concerned and it warmed her heart. "Did I take things too far?"

"I'm confused. This is all new to me. I need time." Her face was flaming. It was hard to admit to him that she was a virgin. Did he understand that was what she was telling him? Would it make him upset? Had he planned on finding a girl in the Running that was as experienced as he seemed to be?

"Of course. I'm sorry," he replied, lowering his head. Blythe placed her hand on his leg.

"This is my fault. I'm so innocent and you know what you're doing. I wish I knew what to do. I’m afraid to try anything because I'm scared you'll reject my touch or I'll do something wrong. I am curious though," she admitted.

"Don't be afraid to touch me. Cats love to be touched and petted. I loved when you tugged on my hair and ran your hands over my back," he told her.

"What else do you like?" she asked, curious.

"Anything you do to me, I'll like. Don't be afraid of me. And if I ever do something to frighten you, tell me. If you say stop, even if it kills me, I will," Killian promised.

"Thank you. Most people wouldn't be so understanding."

"I'm not most people," he answered.

"No, you're definitely not," she muttered. Killian moved back and held out his hand.

"How about that tour?"

"Sure," Blythe placed her hand in his. Part of her hated stopping after the pleasure she’d just felt, but she really did need more time to actually consider what had just happened. She was now marked by Killian. She’d been afraid of it, but had he just explained it, maybe she wouldn’t have been so against it. She shivered as she remembered the pleasure she’d felt. Killian looked at her and smiled. She wondered if he knew where her thoughts had been.

As they walked toward the door, a knock sounded. Killian stopped and motioned for her to stay back. He opened the door a crack and looked out.

"Yes?"

"I have the belongings of Blythe Hobbs," the guard said, handing Killian a suitcase. Killian pulled the suitcase into the room and closed the door. He held it out toward Blythe.

"Finally! I feel so naked!"

Blythe grabbed her bag and ran straight to the bathroom, slamming the door in her enthusiasm.

Killian shook his head, a small smile on his face. Personally, he liked her wearing his shirt. It provided easy access and showed off her legs. He shifted on his feet, trying to hide how hard he was. Earlier had left him aching and wanting more. His little mate was definitely a virgin and scared of her reactions toward him. He sighed and wondered how he was going to survive. His tiger demanded he mate her, but Blythe needed him to be gentle.

The bathroom door opened and Blythe stepped out wearing tight-fitting pants that showed off her firm ass and shapely legs. Killian bit his tongue to keep from groaning. Her red shirt peppered with flowers hugged her curves. Her entire outfit left little to the imagination and this time he did growl.

Blythe looked up, suddenly finding Killian inches from her. He looked angry and she gulped in fear. Had she done something wrong?

"What's wrong?"

"Change!"

"What? Why?" Blythe was confused. What was wrong with her outfit? She liked how the red complimented her green eyes and dark hair. The flowers made it seem gentle and feminine. The pants were a little snug, but still fit. So why was Killian demanding she change?

"That outfit shows too much," he snapped. "Change now!"

"What are you talking about? It's very modest and covers a lot of my skin! What is wrong with you?" she asked, feeling hurt. Honestly, she'd chosen the outfit for him, feeling a little daring because of how it showed her curves.

"It will bring attention to you. It shows your curves and every man that sees you will be imagining what's under it."

"You can't dictate what I wear," she stuck her lip out.

"Fine, we’re not leaving this room until you change." Killian moved to stand in front of the door. He crossed his arms and glared at her. Blythe's mouth fell open in shock. Surely he wasn't serious?

"Killian, I want a tour," Blythe whined.

"Change. I'll kill any man that looks at you."

Seeing how serious he was, Blythe swallowed and turned back into the bathroom. She'd left her bag open on the sink and started digging through it. She kicked the door shut with her foot, not caring that it slammed.

"There is nothing wrong with my outfit," she mumbled.

After finally finding something else, she dressed quickly and stepped back into the bedroom. She crossed her arms and dared him to make her change again.

This time she'd chosen jeans and a solid green tee that hung off one shoulder. She wore a tank top to hide her bra strap. It just happened to fall on the side where he'd marked her.

She'd studied it in the bathroom, out from under his scrutiny. She ran her fingers over it and wondered how this love mark would change her life. Even now it seemed to burn with his gaze.

"Better, but still tempts."

"I'm not changing again," Blythe snapped.

"You would if I told you to," Killian growled, taking a step toward her. Blythe didn't answer. She wasn't in the mood to argue.

"Let's go."

She moved toward the door, stepping around him. He grabbed her arm and opened the door himself. He was the first one in the hall.

"Stay behind me," he growled.

"Whatever, boss," she mumbled, hoping he didn't hear. She was growing braver with him now and it surprised her. He didn't say anything, so she smiled and walked straight into him. "What's the big idea?"

When he didn't answer or move, she peeked around him and gasped. A huge grizzly was blocking the way. It snarled and Killian tensed. Blythe didn't want him to fight, but why was the bear there? Killian moved forward, his hands morphing into claws.

"Killian, wait!"

He didn't stop and Blythe bit her nails, wondering if maybe they should've just stayed inside his room.