Changed: 2 (Wolf's Den) (15 page)

Declan had said he was going to spoil her rotten.

He hadn’t been kidding.

Rachel sank into the tub, relaxing in the hot water, letting
the bubbles rise to her chin. The bossy man had told her not to ask any
question when he woke her up, serving her breakfast in bed. Thanks to a
grumbling tummy she hadn’t argued, sinking into a plate of grits, pancakes and
sausage. He’d rushed to the bathroom just before she’d finished. She heard the
steady flow of water and thought she knew what he was up to.

What better way to seduce a woman than give her good food?

She’d been ready to reward him for his efforts, her slit
becoming wet in anticipation. To her dismay he didn’t take advantage assisting
her into the tub. She’d wondered if he hadn’t been interested until she’d seen
the large bulge in his jeans. When he saw what she had been staring at, he’d
told her Chloe and Jackson were coming over. He’d woken her early so she had
plenty of time to get ready.

It hadn’t been easy to fight her libido and watch him leave.

Even now her breasts felt unbelievably heavy, her nipples
hard and pointed. She dunked her head under the water, trying to stave off her
sexual appetite. She broke the surface and took measured breaths. If she wanted
to help Chloe she needed to get her priorities in order. She also needed to ask
serious questions, preparing herself for what she couldn’t avoid.

Tomorrow night she’d change for the first time.

Despite everything she still feared the unknown. Ice
obliterated the heat building in her stomach. Chloe had survived the shift.
Surely she would too? There were plenty of people who’d been bitten and they’d
lived. But that didn’t mean there wouldn’t be pain. Once she had time with
Chloe she’d ask about the transformation. She needed to know what to expect.

With that in mind she snagged the bottle of shampoo next to
her and got to work. She washed her hair, scrubbed her skin and put the razor
she’d found to good work. She shivered as she removed the bristles that had
formed along her crease, remembering how good it felt when Declan’s mouth
caressed her there. Shaking the image off, she climbed quietly from the tub,
toweled herself dry and put on the clothes Declan had put on the counter for
her.

He’d thought of everything, making the morning easy for her.

She couldn’t remember that last time she’d been cared for
like this.

After she ran a brush through her hair, she inspected
herself in the mirror. She froze when she saw the eyes reflected back at her.
Normally a dark shade of blue, they were now light as a summer sky. The spike
of adrenaline that went through her changed them even more, making them glow.
Telling herself to be calm, she leaned closer to inspect them. Around the edge
she could see traces of the original color, followed by the brighter hue that
swept all the way to her pupils.

Whoa.

Peering down, she pulled her lips back and inspected her
teeth.

Thankfully they hadn’t changed, looking like the normal
chompers she’d always had.

Deep laughter drew her attention. Declan was watching her
from the door. He was nearly too big for the entranceway, his shoulders almost as
broad. He’d leaned against the side, at ease in his home. He’d changed his
clothing, dressing in a snug black shirt and jeans. His tattoos were exposed,
the denim clinging to his hips worn and faded. Her body ramped up at the sight,
clit throbbing, pulse racing.

It might be cold outside but indoors it suddenly felt very,
very warm.

“Should I ask what you’re doing?” he asked, his gaze
sweeping over her.

Moving from the mirror, she met his eyes. “No.”

He shifted his weight, pushing away from the wall. Opening
his arms, he murmured, “Come here, baby.”

No way was she going to argue. She craved his strength,
aching to smell him. She wanted to immerse herself in the heat of his body,
feel the firmness of his muscles beneath her hands. In two steps he had her in
his grasp, tugging her close. She sighed, resting her cheek against his chest.

“You weren’t easy to resist, you know.” He rested his chin
on top of her head. “I had to remind myself to be a gentleman.”

Skimming her nails over his shirt, she teased him. “I
wouldn’t have complained.”

“I would have.” His chest vibrated as he growled. Fingers
suddenly wound into her hair, forcing her head back. His eyes met hers, the
golden centers fixated on her face. “The next time I take you to bed, nothing
will be able to pull me away.”

So that was why he’d left her alone. “When might that be?”

His gaze dipped, resting on her lips. “Soon.”

She sagged when he kissed her. The arms he’d snaked around
her kept her upright, holding her close. His woodsy scent lined her nose, his
warmth like a miniature heater. His tongue lashed out and she met him halfway,
deepening the kiss. He moaned, bringing a hand down to cup her ass. Lifting her
up, he thrust his hips against hers. She felt the hard ridge of his cock, aware
that
she
was the reason he was turned on.

A loud knock at the door had both of them groaning.

No wonder he’d said what he had.

The next time she got
him
alone she wasn’t letting go
either.

He whipped around and carried her from the bathroom. She
leaned against him, knowing her wouldn’t drop her. When they made it to the
door he lowered her, taking his time so she felt every last inch of his
engorged length. His lips left hers and she immediately missed the contact,
wanting to breathe him in.

“Soon,” he repeated, meeting her gaze.

She tried to collect herself when he let her go, running her
trembling fingers through her damp hair. The door opened, sending brisk autumn
air crashing into her. She stepped back to make room, relieved to see Jackson
and Chloe had come to see them alone. The members of the pack were nice but she
didn’t know them well. Not yet.

Chloe rushed through the door with open arms and Rachel
greeted her as she had in the past, wrapping her arms around her friend.
Jackson strode past them and Declan closed the door.

“You okay?” Chloe whispered.

A simple question with a complex answer.

Was
she okay?

She closed her eyes, embracing the young woman she’d always
trusted. Here—in Declan’s home—she’d been cared for and pampered. She’d also
been pleasured, adored and cherished. The wolf—her wolf—endorsed the sentiment.
She felt the creature but no longer fought it. In accepting this was going to
happen she’d gained an enormous advantage. Everything that had brought her to
this moment might have been difficult but Declan—
her mate
—had made the
rest so very easy.

“Believe it or not,” she answered, her gaze darting to
Declan’s, “I am.”

* * * * *

Declan listened to Jackson but kept his attention on Rachel.
The last few hours had given him a glimpse of how their future might be. Within
minutes of Chloe’s arrival his mate had become more relaxed than he’d ever seen
her. To his delight she’d started laughing at Jackson’s horrible attempt at
werewolf jokes. There was no fear or worry about what was to come.

“Hey, pay attention.” Jackson tapped the counter, yanking
Declan’s eyes from the female seated in the living room. “I understand how you
feel right now but she’s going to be fine.”

“If you understand how I feel, then you know I’m worried
about tomorrow night,” he said, keeping his voice down. As a beta he could
influence wolves but he didn’t have the ability to fully control them. He
couldn’t force Rachel’s shift or make it faster for her. “I’m not sure what to
do.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Jackson said, a smile tugging at the
corners of his mouth. “After we deal with pack business I’ll make sure to stay
close. Whatever path the packs take for the hunt, take the opposite. Chloe and
I won’t be far behind.”

“Are you sure you can call to her?” Declan had intended to
keep Rachel out of everyone else’s sight. She’d be horrified if she had to
change in front of anyone else. “What if we’re too far away?”

“I made sure to get a lock on her scent.” Jackson reclined
in his chair, absolutely confident when he said, “I’ll be able to find her.
When she’s ready give me a howl. I’ll make sure it’s quick.”

Give him a howl?
His anxiety changed to good humor.
“I can do that.”

Jackson’s cell phone dinged. He checked the screen, saying,
“I figured you could.”

“Any news?” Shane had promised to check in. The males were
in charge of keeping the rogue hidden. They had strict orders to deliver him to
the hunt, approximately thirty minutes before things got started.

“A bit.” Jackson rested the device on the counter. “Look,”
he said, a hint of fatigue in his voice, “this has been hard on you but I’m
afraid I need a favor.”

Declan met the alpha’s stare. “What kind of favor?”

“A few wolves in Gavin’s pack are raising a ruckus. We need
to go over and talk to them.” Jackson peered over at Chloe. “We have to keep this
quiet, so they’re meeting us a town over. There’s a good chance you’ll be gone
most of the night.”

Fuck.
“I can’t leave.”

“As my Beta you don’t have a choice.”

“With everything that’s happened,” Declan had to beat his
wolf back, “would you really leave Chloe alone? Do you think that’s smart?”

“I’m not leaving her alone.” Jackson’s smile was that of a
smartass, with a touch of menace. “Gavin has his wolves positioned all around
your place. None one is allowed within a hundred yards of the perimeter. No more
pizza delivery. Our mates will have to eat in.”

“You son of a bitch,” Declan snarled. Rachel glanced up,
hearing the anger in his voice. He didn’t look at her, toning it down. “You
knew you were going to ask me to leave when you got here.”

“Sorry, man,” Jackson replied smoothly, not sounding
apologetic at all. “Shit happens.”

Rachel had risen from her seat. Declan closed his eyes when
her small hands pressed on his shoulders, her voice soft in his ears. “It’s
okay.” She massaged his muscles, inching closer. “Chloe’s going to stay here.
We’re going to finish the movie night we started. I’ll be fine.”

“When did she tell you?” Declan didn’t want her to stop
touching him. He loved how gentle she was, how cautiously she loosened the
tightness in his neck. Opening his eyes and staring at the Jackson, he resisted
the urge to punch the male in the nose. The Alpha was only doing his job.

“Just now,” Rachel whispered, her lips brushing his ear.
“Don’t worry about me.”

“Don’t ask him to do something he can’t,” Chloe said,
striding to Jackson. “He’ll always worry about you. It’s how they are.”

“You tell her, baby,” Jackson purred, yanking Chloe to his
side.

Declan wanted to mirror Jackson’s possessive display. Only
once he had Rachel in his arms he wouldn’t let go. He kept his hands where they
were, knowing he would only be tempting himself. “When do we have to leave?”

“As soon as possible.” Jackson stood, towering over his
mate. He wrapped an arm around Chloe’s waist and smiled at Rachel. “We’ll give
you a few minutes.”

The pair departed, leaving Declan and Rachel alone. She
didn’t stop rubbing his shoulders, her hair drifting against his neck as she
leaned over his body. Even if Jackson had indicated they had to leave soon, he
didn’t stop her. He wanted the memory of this—her touching him in a loving
way—before he left her side.

“I don’t want you to go either.” Her tongue flicked the
inner shell of his ear. “Just so you know.”

He’d finally gotten a handle on his desire and she went and
did something like that.

“It’s not smart to tease a werewolf,” he growled, his cock
growing hard.

“I think I’m safe.” She laughed and the sound changed
something inside him. One day soon he’d find out everything about her, if only
to her
that
sound.

It wasn’t easy but he placed his hands over her wrists and
turned the chair. They faced one another and he pressed a kiss to each of her
palms. Her pulse jumped to life beneath his fingers. He heard her draw a ragged
breath, smelled the delectable aroma of her desire. He took several more seconds
to lift his head, trying to gain control of his own sexual needs.

“I expect you to keep the doors closed and locked. I’ll show
you how to set my alarm. Once it’s activated don’t let anyone inside.”

“Yes, sir.”

He was certain she’d meant the jibe sarcastically but he
couldn’t help himself. “I like that.” Rubbing her wrists with his thumbs, he
lifted his chin and looked into her face. “Maybe soon I can convince you to
call me sir in the bedroom. I’ll make it worth your while.”

Her eyes widened, lips parting. He took advantage, rising to
his feet as he covered her lips with his. He loved how she went soft, shifting
closer to him, letting him bear her weight. Even though it was stupid as hell
and he knew he’d have to force himself to let go, he slid his arms around her,
placing them at the small of her back.

The kiss was what he wanted it to be—a promise of something
more to come.

He absorbed her sweet scent, lowered his hand to cup the
soft globe of her ass. He didn’t take it further, tangling his tongue with
hers. For now he was content to have her like this—a willing and trusting woman
waiting for his next move. Soon he’d get what he really wanted. He could be
greedy, taking all of her time.

He’d meant what he said to her before.

Pack business be damned.

The next time he had her alone, he wasn’t letting go.

Rachel didn’t get a chance to watch Declan leave. Chloe
ushered her to the couch the minute the men started for the door, whispering
quickly, “Hurry up and sit down. Now that they’re gone you can tell me
everything. I want to know it all.”

Rachel reluctantly walked toward the couch, trying to think
of what she’d say. Chloe had been asking about Declan all night. The questions
had started tame but took a deviant turn. At first it had been funny. After
all,
she
had been the one to ask Declan to fuck her on his desk the
night before. But when things got really personal she realized she didn’t want
Chloe to know how good Declan was in the sack. Those moments were private and
intimate.

That part of him belonged to
her
.

She sank down on the couch, giving a half-assed answer.
“He’s unlike any man I’ve ever met.”

“I told you that you needed a werewolf in your life.” Chloe
grinned and plopped down beside Rachel. “After I met Jackson I knew no other
guy would ever compare. Is that how you feel? Has the bonding started? Do you
feel your connection?”

Typical Chloe. Going straight for the throat.
“Uh.”
Rachel licked her lips, gazing at her friend. “I definitely feel something.
It’s…”
Crazy? Insane? Fantastic?
“It’s hard to put into words.”

“He’ll do anything for you, you know?” Resting back, Chloe
said, “It’s actually kind of funny. Declan used to be the smartass of the pack.
Now, with you, he’s totally different. Believe me when I tell you the pack was
happy to meet the woman who’s changed him for the better.”

Strange. It feels like it’s the other way around.
“They were nice.” Rachel had been surprised at how warm and welcoming the pack
had been. She frowned when she remembered the women in the room though. She’d
seen the livid glares they’d aimed at Declan. “Even if some of the women don’t
seem to like him much.”

“Like I said, he was a smartass. He liked picking on the
mated couples. The men ignored him most of the time but their mates weren’t as
forgiving. They were pretty relieved Declan had taken a vacation from his
duties—until they found out why. When you came along,” Chloe snickered, rocking
her head against the cushion, “it changed everything.”

One word, bringing forth a heavy dose of fear.
Changed
.

“You didn’t tell me how things went with your dad,” she
said, desperately wanting to think of something else. “Are the two of you
mending fences?”

“We are. I’m excited to learn more about him and Mom.” Chloe
sat up, her eyes going to Rachel’s face. “We’re going to have dinner after all
this mess with the pack is taken care of.” Her green eyes flashed, nostrils
flaring slightly. “You can’t hide your fear from me. I hate to be a downer but
I can sense and smell it.”

“I’m not afraid.” So she kept telling herself. “I’m
nervous.”

“It’s not as bad as you think—changing, I mean,” Chloe said.
“I was terrified when I found out I was going to shift. I worried about how
painful it’d be and I wondered if I’d even make it through. Then it happened
and I realized I’d worried for nothing.” Giving Rachel a determined stare, she
added, “Jackson has given me his word he’ll take care of you. We’ll make sure
you get to a private place in the forest and you can do your thing. It’s going
to be okay.”

“How bad is it? How long does it last?” Before she could
back into a shell and keep her worries to herself, she decided to ask serious
questions. “Are you still you when it happens? Are you different after?”

“It’s uncomfortable but bearable. And you’re always you.
Shifting will never change that. But you will be aware of your wolf in a
different way. It’s not a bad thing. I would explain it to you if I thought I
could. The truth is it’s easier to experience than to talk about.” Chloe met
Rachel’s gaze. “I would never lie to you. Even if it might be something I don’t
want you to know. You have a right to understand what’s coming. I’m not hiding
or keeping anything from you.”

“Nothing?” Not that she didn’t Chloe but she did want to
clarify. “There’s not a single thing?”

“There is one thing.” Sadness swept over Chloe’s features,
her eyes darkening a shade. “I didn’t want it to happen the way it did. I never
wanted that for you. But I am glad I don’t have to worry about your future
anymore. You’ll be safe and cared for. You’ll have someone who’ll love you more
than anything else in the world. It’s selfish but I’m happy to have you with
me, to know you’ll be in my life. You’ll always have a family.”

From time to time Rachel had thought of how different things
might have been if she’d never been attacked. As much as she resented what had
been forced upon her, she realized she’d have kept pushing Declan away
otherwise. Of course, the man was pushy too. Eventually he
might
have
gotten his way.

“Speaking of family.” Rachel ducked her head. She didn’t
want to look her friend in the eye. Not when she talked about this. “Mom showed
up when Declan took me by the house.”

“I’m not going to ask how she reacted.” Chloe’s voice
vibrated with anger. “I’m pretty sure I can guess.”

“She didn’t take it well when Declan told her we were
selling my house.”

Chloe came closer, excitement returning to her voice.
“Please tell me he gave her hell. If anyone can insult someone in a
sarcastically polite way, it’s Declan.”

“There wasn’t any need.” The memory made her bitter, the
emotion squeezing her heart. Cindy should have been upset her daughter was
changing into a werewolf—not that she was hard-up for a buck. “She was already
pissed. If anything he only rubbed salt in her wounds.”

“Should I ask?”

“I wouldn’t give her any cash.” Rachel didn’t try to play
things cool. Chloe had been around Cindy through the years. She knew the score.
“She tried to throw a tantrum and he stepped in. He told her she could stay
until a Realtor took a look at the place. I might have let that slide but I’ve
honestly had enough. I told her to leave before I called the police.”

“You know it’s not your fault.” Resting a hand on Rachel’s
leg, Chloe said quietly, “She’s been doing this to herself for years. No one
can help her but herself.”

“I know.” Rachel rested her fingers over Chloe’s and gave
them a squeeze. “I’m glad you’re here. I’ve missed having you around.”

“Ditto.”

Enough of this sappy shit.
“So are we watching a
movie or what?” Rachel rose from the couch. “I’m not sure what kind of liquor
Declan has but we can raid the cabinets if you want a drink.”

“Trust me.” Chloe stood, an impish grin on her face. “He’s
got good stuff somewhere. We’ll find it.”

Heading into the kitchen, Rachel asked, “So what do you want
to watch?”

“No movies, not tonight.” Chloe strode past her and took a
deep breath. Pivoting, she went for a cabinet and opened it. Several bottles
were stashed inside. Collecting a bottle of vodka, she spun around and smiled
at Rachel. “I want you to take a seat,” she gestured to the kitchen table, “get
comfortable and get ready to spill the beans. I meant it when I said I wanted
to know everything.”

“Chloe…” The last thing Rachel wanted to be was a bitch. “I
hope you don’t take this the wrong way but I’d rather not discuss certain
details. It’s not that I mind sharing things with you.” Hell, over the years
they’d shared
everything
together. “It’s just,” lifting her head, she
stared into her friend’s eyes, “this is the first thing that’s ever been
completely
mine
. I want to keep it that way. At least for a little
while.”

“Oh wow.” Instead of getting angry, Chloe grinned. “You
really need to take that seat and have a drink.”

Doing as she’d been told, she questioned, “Why is that?”

“Because, dearest Rachel…” Chloe placed the bottle on the
table and went to retrieve glasses. As soon as she had them in hand, she put
them on the table and put a sizeable amount in each container. “You’ve fallen
hard.” Chloe passed a glass to Rachel and lifted the other into the air,
extending her arm so they could toast. “That’s a cause for celebration.”

Rachel almost protested. Then she thought about it.

She had fallen—
very hard
.

Declan wasn’t like anyone she’d ever met. She knew she’d
never get tired of looking at him, listening to him or letting him care for
her. Each day seemed to bring them closer. Even now, with him gone only for
minutes, she kept glancing at the door. She missed his smile, woodsy scent and
gentle touch. She wanted the time to pass quickly so that he was back at her
side. In his presence she felt protected in a way she’d never expected to be.

To hell with it.

“To the future?” she asked, looking at Chloe.

“To the future,” Chloe parroted, giving her a smile.

They dinged glasses and tossed the drinks back.

Out with the old and in with the new
.

* * * * *

Jackson parked outside the club and turned off the engine.
The bar was hopping, the parking lot crammed with cars and trucks. “Are you
ready?”

“Yep.” It hadn’t been easy leaving Rachel but he’d managed
to get a grip on things. The sooner they got this shit over, the better. “All
set.”

“Gavin has your place covered,” Jackson repeated—something
he’d done the entire drive over. “Rachel’s in good hands. I need you
here
.”

“I told you.” Facing the Alpha, he growled, “I’m all set.”

Seemingly satisfied, Jackson climbed from the car. Declan
did the same. Facing testosterone-laden males wasn’t his idea of a good time.
The men wouldn’t show up as an idle threat. They had to know Jackson meant
business. Due to the nature of things they’d chosen neutral ground—a biker bar
that catered to humans and immortals.

“I hate these places,” Jackson grumbled, adjusting his coat.

“I feel you.”

Most mortals came to bars like these to get their
supernatural groove on. Others were curious but became terrified if a werewolf,
vampire or other such being approached them. Since heavy drinking was often
involved, crazy shit usually happened. Declan had heard many a horror story
through the years. Despite the police leaving their kind alone, they still had
to respond to disturbance calls.

“It’s still early,” he offered, glancing out of the corner
of his eye at Jackson. “Maybe we’ll miss the deadbeats who trickle in.”

“We’re not that fucking lucky.”

The loud shuffling of feet got their attention. Jackson
froze and so did Declan.

The male standing to the left of the building, just beside
the parking lot, let his wolf show through his eyes. The male’s dark eyes
brightened to orange, his fangs reflecting the glow from a nearby streetlight.
He’d dressed in black, his hoodie keeping his face somewhat hidden.

“Jackson Donovan?”

“Who wants to know?” Jackson snarled.

“I’m just the middleman. I don’t have a dog in this fight.”
The male’s eyes returned to normal and his fangs retracted. “Everyone’s waiting
for you in an area in the back. It’s private and exclusive. You can’t get in
without the password.”

“Which is?”

The male strode across the distance, holding out a piece of
paper to Jackson. “Talk to the man behind the bar. He’ll take you where you
need to be.” The werewolf didn’t stick around, spinning on his heel. He hurried
off and faded into the night.

“Something smells shitty,” Declan muttered. While they were
meeting in a public place, the area they’d be taken to was hidden. That meant
the males could very well be itching for an ass kicking. “I don’t like it.”

“I don’t either.”

“So what’s our move?”

Jackson pulled his cell from his coat and pressed a button.
He placed the device to his ear and after several seconds said, “Gavin, I’m
meeting your guys at the back of the bar like we discussed. They want a fucking
password in order for us to enter some super-secret room.” Opening the paper,
Jackson snorted. “It’s Cinderella. Figures. If you don’t hear back from me by
the morning you’ll know who’s responsible. I’ll be sure to tell them we chatted
as soon as I get inside. Just so they know their asses are grass if they fuck
this up. Keep our girl safe. I’ll be in touch.”

“Nice.” Declan grinned and cracked his neck. The males had
the right to challenge Jackson but killing him would earn them Gavin’s eternal
wrath. He was the male’s father-in-law. If Jackson died Chloe might not
survive. “Can we get this over with?”

“Absolutely.” Jackson put his cell away and strode to the
door, the loud boom of music nearly drowning out his voice. “The sooner the
better.”