Betrayed (Wolf Gatherings Book 6) Read online

  “Hardly a mutt now…” she whispered. His chest was broad and firm. He worked out. A lot. A light scattering of hair enticed her. His skin was dark against her pale complexion. His pecs freaking rock solid. “What on earth do you do all day?”

  “I work in construction.”

  “Ahh. That explains it.” She lifted her gaze to meet his. Dark brown eyes, the same color she’d watched in his wolf form, stared up at her. His hair was almost black, disheveled, and sexy as hell the way it fell across his forehead.

  His full lips were parted, and she could hear each breath he took.

  Wiggling free of his hands, she sat up straighter and grazed her fingertips down his torso until she met his cock—thick and hard, jerking to attention as she caressed one finger up its length.

  Marcus was as aroused as she was, even after claiming her so recently. The tip of his mushroom-shaped head glistened with precome. Wanting to know his taste, all of him, Heather gathered the semen on her finger and brought it to her mouth.

  She met his gaze when he moaned. “Mmm.”

  “Baby…” He reached for her, his hands cupping her breasts. The gentle touch brought her more fully to life, as if that were possible.

  Moisture pooled between her legs, spread wider than ever to encompass his thighs. She leaned forward into his palms, her clit brushing against his cock.

  Marcus pinched her nipples between his fingers enough to draw a whimper from her. Her vision blurred, needing him inside her again.

  When he released her breasts, he grazed his palms down her belly until he reached her hips, grasping her waist. His hands were large enough that he encompassed her clit with his thumbs, making her lift off him.

  “Scoot forward, baby. Lower yourself over me.”

  She inched closer to his chest on her knees until his cock lodged at her entrance. Holding her breath, she settled her palms on his chest and eased onto his girth.

  The stretch was amazing, even though it hadn’t been long since he’d last been inside her. In slow motion she settled over him until he was as deep as possible, the filling sensation making her grip at his length with the walls of her sex.

  “Lord, that’s sexy, Heather. You’re going to be the death of me.”

  She tried to smile, but her mouth wouldn’t obey any commands. Instead she spread her fingers over his pecs for leverage, and lifted up, only to impale herself once again over him on a low moan.

  Sex with Marcus was unlike anything she’d ever experienced in her life. So much more sensation. Was it because he was so mysterious and sexy? Or was it truly the mating?

  Her clit landed on his torso with every pass. She gritted her teeth, not wanting to come too soon. She wanted to enjoy the sensation of having him fill her longer.

  Marcus must have read her mind. He stilled her over him, filling her to the hilt. “Don’t come yet, baby. Wait for it.”

  She met his gaze, wondering how on earth she could comply with his words. Staring into his eyes didn’t help matters at all. Lust filled his look, his eyes soft, his face full of emotion, his brow furrowed in concentration, his lips parted.

  Heather leaned over him and met his lips with hers, melting into his chest as they joined. Her nipples pebbled harder as they brushed his. And Marcus held her hips firmly, not letting her lift off him. He didn’t want to come yet, either. The slower pace of this second phase of their mating was delicious.

  She waited several heartbeats and then couldn’t stand it any longer. When she attempted to lift up and resume the glorious friction, Marcus gripped her harder.

  One second she was battling the clutch of his fingers and then next she was flat on her back, her breath whooshing out of her with an oomph.

  Marcus managed to keep himself buried in her warmth the entire time, and he now hovered over her. “Grab the headboard with your hands, baby. Hold yourself steady.”

  She lifted her shaky arms over her head and grappled for the rungs. The second she wrapped her palms around the spindles, Marcus pulled her knees up wide and high and removed his cock, only to thrust back into her, pounding with the same intensity she craved. Every time he hit her clit, she nearly came. She turned her face to one side to gasp for oxygen, but her arousal built to a crescendo so fast she couldn’t stop it.

  In less than a minute, she was at the cusp of the mountain. “Marcus…”

  “Come, baby. Come with me.”

  She shattered, her entire body flinching with each pulse of her pussy around his cock.

  Marcus held steady deep inside her, the pulsing of his own orgasm dragging more from her body than she’d thought possible.

  When she could finally focus again, she met his gaze, his deep brown eyes penetrating into her soul. “You’re amazing. I’m the luckiest mutt on earth.”

  Chapter Five

  Marcus watched his mate rest. He’d done so several times. And he’d never tire of watching her face relaxed and at peace. He doubted she was ever as relaxed awake.

  When the sun dipped in the sky, he knew they needed to rejoin the family. He had a lot to learn, and his resolve to return home and put an end to his grandfather’s plan had not diminished with his mating.

  Marcus kissed his mate’s forehead and then trailed his lips down her cheek toward her neck. When he stopped to nibble behind her ear, she roused. “You’re insatiable,” she mumbled.

  He grinned. “Only with you. But right now we need to get up.”

  She groaned and turned toward him, her eyes blinking open. “Now?”

  “Yes.” He could hear voices coming from the rest of the house. “They’re probably getting ready to sit down to dinner. It sure smells like it.” He tipped his head back. “Roast, I’m betting.”

  “That sounds so good. I’m starving.”

  “Well, get a move on, woman.” Marcus hauled her to sitting and then stood to take her arms and lure her farther. “I need to meet with the Spencers and formulate a plan.”

  “I don’t like your so-called plan. It’s too dangerous. Too risky.” She wrapped her arms around him. “I just got you.”

  “I know. But there’s no better way.”

  She lifted her gaze to meet his, her chin resting on his chest. “Someone else can do it.” She brightened a bit. “You can tell someone all the details, and they can infiltrate the Romulus. Someone from NAR.”

  He shook his head. “I’m the one who has to go behind the scenes.” He rubbed his hands up and down her biceps, trying to soothe her. “I feel a sense of obligation even.”

  She released him to sit up straighter. “Obligation? Is that what this is about? You think you have to put your life at risk simply because you’re related to these people?” She gripped his forearms now. “Please, Marcus. Listen to yourself. That’s a horrible reason to go behind the scenes. You could be killed.”

  He smiled wanly. “That’s not the only reason. I’m the only person guaranteed to breach their front line of defense. Think about it. I’m Melvin’s grandson. He has no other. He’s salivating at the mouth to bring me in. It’s not like some random stranger could gain a similar pass. It would take too long, even if they could. I can get inside their facility in a flash.” He snapped his fingers to emphasize how important this was.

  “I don’t like it.”

  “I know, baby. And if there were any other way, I would jump on it.” He understood her pain. They were newly mated. The idea of leaving her anywhere was almost more than he could bear. But he also knew deep in his gut this plan was unavoidable.

  “Let’s not be hasty. Maybe someone can come up with a better plan.”

  “We can discuss it for days and never come up with an option that’s as viable as this one. You know that.”

  She looked down at her body. After a pause, she changed the subject. “I need a shower before dinner.”

  “Take a quick one.” He kissed her lips gently, hoping to console her, as well as himself.

  “Will you join me?” She lifted her gaze.

 
; “As enticing as that sounds, we don’t have time. And I took a shower while you slept.”

  Heather’s shoulders slumped as she trudged from the room. At the door, she paused and turned around. Her gaze was lowered. “We didn’t use any condoms. You would know if…” Her voice trailed off.

  “You’re safe, baby. You aren’t ovulating. Yes, I would know.”

  Her shoulders lowered as tension left her body. She turned, entered the bathroom, and flipped on the shower. She didn’t bother closing the door. He liked that.

  And she was fast. Impressively so. She reemerged minutes later, toweling her hair dry, her glorious body naked, drips of water clinging to her skin. Her breasts stood high and firm, and her nipples pebbled in the cooler air of the bedroom.

  He’d dressed while she showered, and now he stood rooted to his spot watching her as though she were a work of art.

  Marcus thought about her last statement before she’d entered the bathroom. It was true he hadn’t used a condom. And he hoped he never had to. Just staring at her naked body made him long to see her round with his child. Since when did he visualize anything like that? After the childhood he’d suffered, he’d never considered bringing a child into this world. But now that he met Heather, his opinion had changed. He wouldn’t impregnate her without her consent, but the idea no longer brought forth the same emotions as it had two days ago.

  He watched her while she opened drawers and pulled out panties, a bra, another tank top, and shorts. He would never tire of watching her move around. Even the sway of her hips made him lick his lips. It would be a long time before he had enough of her to sate his appetite.

  “If you don’t put something on fast, we’re going to be right back where we started.”

  She turned toward him. “And this would be a bad thing?”

  He narrowed his gaze, but he smirked at the same time. “Don’t tempt me.”

  Finally, she buttoned her shorts and smiled at him. “Ready.”

  Marcus opened the door and took her hand. He held her close to his side as they entered the great room.

  The family was gathering. Natalie saw them first. “Oh, good. You’re here. I was thinking you two might starve in there.” She smiled huge as she winked at them. “Dinner’s ready.”

  Marcus returned her warm smile. “I’m starved. Thank you so much again.” He glanced around. Drake and his mate weren’t there. And for that small concession, Marcus was relieved. He could face that problem later.

  “Please. Sit. Let’s eat. We can talk again after our stomachs are full.” Natalie nodded toward the table as she returned to the kitchen.

  Everyone took a seat quickly. An immense amount of food was piled on the table. Indeed there was a roast with all the vegetables, but there were other side dishes scattered around the table also.

  “I’m so grateful for your hospitality,” Marcus said as he scooted his chair in. “To be honest, it’s been a while since I’ve eaten.”

  “I figured.” Natalie smiled at him as she took her own seat.

  Heather set her hand on Marcus’s thigh under the table and squeezed.

  He nearly spilled the glass of water he’d picked up. He set the drink down, reached under the table, and squeezed her fingers. The imp.

  Heather giggled, not so subtly.

  No one commented. Of course they all knew newly mated couples were prone to unusual antics. Marcus wouldn’t have believed he’d be in such a position someday, lured by the wiles of a sexy woman, but here he was. And her hand on his thigh hardened his cock with a force that punched him in the gut. Everything they said about mating was true. His ardor didn’t lessen after claiming his mate. If anything, it was stronger. How was he ever going to leave her?

  Marcus piled his plate with several dishes of the best food he’d ever seen. His own mother never cooked a meal like this even for Thanksgiving. Natalie was clearly a fantastic cook.

  They ate mostly in silence. Marcus was glad for the reprieve. He really was starving. When he was finished, he felt much better, and he turned to find Heather watching him with a smile on her face.

  He lifted a brow.

  “Need more?”

  “I think I’m good.” He kissed her briefly on the lips, unable to resist.

  Chapter Six

  Heather awoke the following morning to the smell of coffee. The sun was high in the sky. She’d slept late. She was burrowed under the covers, but she knew immediately she was alone. The scent of her mate was faint.

  Voices from the rest of the house told her he was undoubtedly already working hard with the Spencers to formulate a plan against the Romulus.

  Heather took a deep breath and rolled out of bed. Her ankle hit the floor and gave very little protest. Good. At least I don’t have to hobble around all day.

  When she entered the bathroom, she stared at herself in the mirror for a few moments in horror. She looked tired and…well fucked. Embarrassment jerked her awake, and she flipped on the shower immediately, glancing down at her body, her skin covered with a pink flush.

  As soon as the water heated, she stepped into the steam and closed her eyes, luxuriating in the cascade of water. When she finally inhaled slowly and reached for the soap, she took her time.

  After the shower, she felt somewhat alive and headed out to find her mate. Her body still tingled at the idea of getting close to him. Even if he was preoccupied all day, at least she would be near.

  When she entered the great room, she found Jerome and Scott standing at the table, maps and documents spread out in front of them.

  Jerome nodded. “Hey, Heather. Marcus went into town with Drake to get some things. The poor guy has nothing of his own.” He glanced at his watch. “I’m sure they’ll be back soon.”

  She crossed to the kitchen counter at the lure of coffee, deflated that her mate was not in the house or even on the property. She blew out a breath. “I’m sure. Nothing like traveling halfway across the country without a single item, including clothes.” Her hands shook as she tipped the coffee pot to fill her mug.

  Her heart beat faster as she turned back toward the table. “You guys don’t waste any time, do you?”

  “We can’t. We need to act fast.” Jerome took a seat in front of a huge map of Minnesota. “Lives are at stake. Marcus feels guilty for waiting as long as he did to come forward. Not that he should, mind you. But he does. And he wants to put an end to whatever his grandfather is up to as much as anyone. I urged him to take a few days, but he’s adamant.”

  “What have you done so far?” Heather asked, glancing at the array of papers, unease creeping up her spine.

  Jerome pointed to the stacks of files. “We filled Marcus in on all the details of the last two months. Evan, the private investigator who spearheaded all this, is coming from St. Louis. And Ralph Jerard, the head elder, is coming from Seattle. He’ll have his right-hand man with him, Alex Marshall. We will all meet to discuss the next steps.”

  “And you’re certain it has to be Marcus who infiltrates the Romulus?”

  Jerome nodded. “As much as I wish there was another way, this seems like the best option. Melvin Cunningham has no other grandchildren, so he’s obviously intent on using his only heir to secure his family line, and not in a good way.”

  Heather swallowed the bad taste this arrangement gave her. The only thing she could picture was the enormous risk involved in sending the mate she finally joined with yesterday to fake his way behind the scenes of the enemy.

  A chill raced down her spine as she sipped her coffee.

  Natalie came in through the back door. She smiled and hugged Heather. “I didn’t get a chance to properly congratulate you yesterday.” She held Heather at arm’s length and looked her in the eye. “Happy?”

  “Worried is more like it.”

  Natalie pursed her lips for a second. “Understandable.” She turned toward the oven and pulled out a plate. “I saved you some breakfast from the savages. Eat. You’ll feel better after a meal.”
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  “Bless you.” Heather took the plate and followed Natalie outside to the back porch. When the door shut behind them, blocking out the men’s voices and the ominous papers, she felt instant relief. “I can’t fathom what this all means.”

  “I’m sure. Last month, when all of you arrived and my son Daniel realized Allison was his mate, I thought they would both have a coronary sorting through the mess of his involvement with NAR and her precarious safety issues. But they survived, and you will too. It’s a bump in the road. When this is all over, you can relax with your mate and live happily ever after.”

  Heather lifted her gaze. “Do you believe that? I mean that good will prevail in this case? What if the Romulus wins, and we all end up living in a new world?” She shivered. “We may not even be a secret from the general human population by the time this fight is over.”

  “It’s a possibility. But we can only hope it doesn’t happen. Now that we know more about who’s behind everything, we have the upper hand again. Thanks to Marcus.”

  “Is it selfish of me to wish he’d never come here?”

  Natalie smiled warmly. “Not at all. It’s normal. But then you wouldn’t have met him, and we wouldn’t be sitting here now.”

  “I could be dead.” Heather looked out toward the field where she’d collapsed when the diamondback had bitten her. Had it been just two days ago?

  Natalie set a hand on Heather’s leg. “But you aren’t.”

  Just as Heather finished eating, having no idea what she’d consumed or how it tasted over the lump in her throat, a truck pulled up and Drake and Marcus headed toward the porch. Marcus’s face lit with a smile when he saw her. “Hey, sleepy. I tried to hurry. Have you been up long?” He stepped onto the porch and immediately leaned down to kiss Heather, straddling her with his palms on the arms of her chair.

  He had nothing in his hands. She wondered what he’d bought in town and where it was.