Changed: 2 (Wolf's Den) (18 page)

His wolf rose, taking form. Bones contorted, skin bled back.

He lifted his muzzle the moment he finished, searching for
his mate.

A red wolf met his gaze, her blue eyes startled. She was
small—tiny really by werewolf standards—with long limbs and a slim chest. Her
fur was as gorgeous as her hair, retaining the same lovely shade. He’d never
seen anything like her. Not in all the years of his life. Relief rushed through
him, as well as an enormous burst of pride.

That’s my beautiful fucking girl. Look at you.

She lifted one of her paws and hesitated. He watched her
lift each one, letting her grow accustomed to the changes in her form. Balance
was essential. Once she had a proper feel of things she’d understand the call
of nature. She could run faster than she ever had, see things she’d never
experience as a human. A growl crept up his throat, his wolf determined to
establish its place. It needed to claim its dominance over its mate, to show
her who she belonged to.

Her whine snapped him out of it.

She dipped her head, gazing at his feet. A sign of
submission.

He went to her but didn’t rush, taking his time. He knew she
was confused and needed reassurance. Their noses met and he brushed his muzzle
across hers. Longing pulsed through him. This was what he’d waited for. To have
a mate to run with him. A partner to share his life.

Slowly, cautiously, she returned his affection.

She moved closer, edging next to him.

That’s right. Come to me. My sweet female. My perfect
mate.

Being so much larger than her, he made sure to take things
easy. He slid his body against hers, bearing her weight when she leaned into
him. Glancing down, he noted the contrast of their coats. She’d be easy to spot
in a hunt, her coloring and size different from any of the other wolves’.

Time to run.
He nipped at her heel and she spun
around.
That’s it. Take off.

She paused, watching him. Then her ears ticked upright, her
nostrils flaring.

Her body shifted away, her paws digging into the moist
earth. She shot off, breaking into a smooth run. He watched her for several
seconds, knowing it wouldn’t be difficult to catch her. As she cleared the
trees he followed, directed by her scent.

He’d told her not to be afraid.

Now it was time to show her how amazing the change could be.

Wow.

Rachel ducked beneath an enormous fallen branch and kept
going. The earth felt firm beneath her feet, so many wonderful scents crashing
into her nose. While the change had hurt the pain had been fleeting. Once the
misery abated she was totally fine, although she wasn’t sure she liked standing
on four legs. Then she’d seen Declan and everything had clicked.

She heard him behind her and tried to fun faster. She liked
having him chase her.

Her heart beat differently, her senses so strange—in a good
way.

Despite her lead her mate didn’t seem ready to catch up. She
almost faltered thinking about that. Her mate. The man she belonged to. She
liked that and the wolf did too.

With a burst of speed she cleared more trees. She caught the
scents of smaller animals, able to hear the soft pulsing of their hearts. The
night hadn’t come yet—not fully. Her wolf wanted to feel the call of the moon.
She lifted her head and peered up. Darkness had taken over the sky. Soon she’d
feel the rush. It wouldn’t be long until she understood what she’d become.

Leaves rustled, a smaller creature making its presence
known. She followed the sound, homing in on it. The wolf caught the scent and
shared its knowledge.

Rabbit.

Her muscles bunched and she was off, racing for the sound.
The wolf basked in the sensations, wanting them to last. She found the critter
and gave chase, going after it. As she closed in—rushing closer—it barreled
into a hole beneath a tree. She made it to the small space and scented it.

Fear. Adrenaline.

Another noise gained her attention.

She glanced over her shoulder and a dark wolf appeared,
watching her.

Declan.

She rushed off again, letting him chase.

There were so many smells and places to explore.

Minutes passed, the night getting darker as she ventured
deeper into the trees. After a while she lost track, until a beam from above
drew her attention. The moon had appeared, casting light into the sky. She
slowed her movements, stepping closer to the light. When it hit her, cascading
over her fur, she closed her eyes.

Amazing.

She felt electrified, taken to a higher plane.

Everything else faded away, leaving her alone.

The wolf hummed in excitement, welcoming the overwhelming
feelings.

Why had she run from this? There wasn’t a need.

Declan had been right. Like this she felt invincible.

This time when he appeared behind her, she was ready. There
was no terror. No worry. This was what she was meant to be. Now she’d become
closer to her mate.

She took off, baiting him to follow. She wasn’t sure if she
could change back to her usual self, standing on two legs instead of four. With
the moon above it might not be possible. She should have asked Chloe, she
realized. She shouldn’t have been so afraid to learn more about her nature.

She weaved around a tree—making sure to coat it in her
scent—and made her way back.

All she wanted was to tell Declan how glorious she felt,
sharing in the experience.

She hoped she’d be able to.

She saw him running along the path, taking his time.
Anticipation and awareness hit, a profound ache in her heart. He was giving her
space, even now. Letting her explore on her own as he watched over her. Waiting
until the time was right, she pounced. He spun around when he heard her, braced
for impact. In a few seconds she hit him, taking him down.

Give me this
. She reinforced the order with her will,
ordering the wolf back.
I’ve accepted you. Now you need to accept me.

Pain arose, her body shifting. Her bones cracked, muscles
changing.

She braced for more pain, knowing it had to come. Amazingly
it was easier to return to her human form. The wolf listened, sliding into the
background. In seconds the fur covering her body receded, leaving her in her
skin. She wrapped her arms around Declan and gasped when he shifted as well. He
bowed his head, resting it on her shoulder. The heavy coat on his body
vanished, leaving his hard and warm muscles resting against her.

“I love you,” she expelled in a rush. “I love this.” He’d
given her so much. It was her turn to return the favor. “You were right.
Everything is so amazing.”

His entire body went quiet above her. “What did you say?”

“This is amazing?” she repeated, not thinking of what she’d
said.

“Not that.” His body lifted, his heavy and erect cock
resting against her thigh. “The other part.”

The other part… Oh.

“You were right?”

His full lips pursed, eyes narrowed in warning. “Not that
either.”

“I love you,” she admitted and forced herself to meet his
eyes.

“It’s not the wolf talking, is it?” She shook her head. His
irises flickered, light in the center and dark along the rim. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.” Bringing a hand to his face, she asked, “I know it’s
too soon. I don’t understand it even now, but it’s how I feel. Do you think
you’ll be able to love me?”

“I already do.” His chest heaved as he took a breath. “I
think I always have.” Dipping his head, he brought his lips to hers. “Say it
again.”

Her heart fluttered and the erogenous zones of her body
flared to life. “I love you.”

“I love you too, sweet girl,” he growled and shifted her
body, resting his weight between her thighs. “I’m going to show you just how
much.”

She’d started to ask him what he meant when his face
disappeared. His lips ventured over her throat, down her sternum and stopped at
her stomach. He kissed her bellybutton and kept going. Parting her thighs, she
waited for more. Her thighs trembled, her muscles quivering. She counted every
second, holding her breath as his mouth hovered over her mound. His tongue
barely flicked her clit and she felt her pussy gush.

“I love tasting you here.”

“Please.” Grasping his hair, she tried to urge him to
continue. “Don’t stop.”

“Never, baby.”

Normally he practiced restraint, being cautious. Now he went
at her like a dying man, lapping at her slit, teasing her clit with agonizing
rasps of his tongue. On and on he went, sucking at her, licking her labia. She
groaned and panted, tugging him closer. Ripples spread over her skin, the wolf
resurfacing. This time she didn’t worry about changing. The animal simply
wanted to enjoy the pleasure. He growled against her, sucking on her clit.

Ours
, the wolf thought blissfully.
He’s ours.

Yes.

She shattered, crying out his name.

Two fingers entered and parted her. Her back arched at the
amazing fullness, the breath leaving her lungs. Fire swept through her, her sex
clasping. He groaned and started pumping, moving his mouth. His thumb caressed
her clit. The sensations kept going, driving her on. She pumped her hips,
grinding into his hand.

It wasn’t until the feelings had passed that he moved.

The sky vanished and she gazed into his face. He wrapped his
arms around her and drew her closer, his eyes finding hers. Unable to stop
herself, she leaned forward. Their mouths met and their tongues touched. Back
and forward they danced, veering from side to side.

He pulled away and fisted his fingers in her hair. “I want
your mark.”

“My mark?” She hesitated, unsure of how to give him what he
wanted.

“I want everyone to know I’m mated. I want them to see how
lucky I am.” He twisted his fingers tighter, forcing her closer, until her
mouth hovered above his shoulder. She noticed the skin was free of tattoos,
waiting just for her. “You don’t have to tonight. I want to earn it. When the
time is right, I want you to give it to me.”

She hated it when he let go, wanting his nearness.

Shifting his hips, he grasped his cock and brought her down.
She felt the head part her, pushing past her folds. One thrust, then another.
Finally he slid into her. The feeling centered her, bringing her full circle.
The scent of the woods called to her, the nature that was new to her beckoning.
She sank down, wanting him to fill her completely. The motion made him bottom
out, the head of his cock pressing against her cervix.

Tossing her head back, she let the new smells and feelings
take her over.

This was bliss.

This was heaven.

Declan.

Declan wanted to howl his content.

Rachel Gentry was more than his mate, she was his partner.
She was also courageous, strong and had transformed with ease. She humbled him,
astounded him and made him prouder than hell. Any male would be grateful to
have her but they never would.

She belonged to him in all ways. Nothing would ever change
that.

He bit his tongue, tempted to ask for her mark a second
time.

She’d give it to him when she felt ready. He wouldn’t rush
her. Nothing had been her choice so far. At the very least she could decide
when she felt he was worthy of such a thing. The bright beams from the moon
highlighted her hair, her skin, the curve of her neck.

He locked on to that, struck by the sight of her.

Sliding his fingers over her hips, he let her move over him.
She rocked back and forth, her pussy fisting his cock, her nipples gliding over
his chest. He brought his arms around her, fingers splayed over her back. Her
skin felt softer, her body temperature matching his. Each of their exhalations
turned into white frost, the chilly night air adding to the beauty of the
moment.

Howls sounded from far away, stilling Rachel’s movements.

Pulling from him, she gazed past his shoulder. “What’s going
on?”

“Jackson and Gavin announced they’re merging the packs.”

It was only a guess. No doubt those howls of solidarity
would change to snarls once Shane brought the rogue forward and accused Simone
of planning the attack against Chloe. He decided not to mention that part,
running his fingers up and down her back.

“You’re supposed to be there.”

“They can handle it,” he whispered, bucking his pelvis.

“You’re trying to distract me, aren’t you?” She moved again,
plunging her cunt up and down his length.

He groaned, clutching at her shoulders. “Of course I am. Do
you mind?”

“Not at all.”

Grasping his biceps, she moved faster, bucking her hips as
she came down. Her legs snaked around him, bringing them closer. He felt her
locked ankles against his lower back, her nails pressing into his arms. Her
mouth met his, her tongue sliding out to tease his lips. A small shift of his
hand and he cupped her head. Angling her chin to the side, he advanced. She met
him halfway, their tongues gliding together. Her soft growl vibrated against
his mouth.

Fuck yes.

Their lips parted. He felt her tremble, her arms shaking.

“Oh God,” she panted, using the hands she’d placed on his
biceps for leverage.

One day he wanted her like this, only he’d have his cock
buried in her ass. He’d dominate her. Love her. Take her as none other ever
had. He’d watch her face and see how he made her feel. He’d make the experience
something she’d want again and again. For them the future was limitless. No
more anger or resentment.

They’d grow together, learn together.

Love together.

He swayed beneath her as best he could, making sure he sank
deep. Wind parted the trees and whistled between them. His wolf sought Rachel’s
and their senses slowly came together. He smelled her rising need, knew that
soon she’d fall apart.

Reaching between their bodies, he found and stroked her
clit.

Nothing in his life had ever compared to this moment.

Even if she didn’t take him up on the request, he turned his
head when her pussy clamped down on his dick, waiting for pleasure to consume
her. A jolt of happiness slivered through him when she moved closer, her tongue
bathing the skin between his shoulder and neck. It as hard as hell not to taunt
her when he’d wanted it so fucking much.

Mark me, Rachel. Show the world I’m a mated man.

She whimpered, her body went taut and he felt her teeth
score his skin.

The heavy ache in his balls vanished, his cock jerking. Seed
spurted into his mate’s body, a hot flood of warmth blooming where they were
connected. He came howling, thrusting up against her. Her soft cries told him
she’d found her release as well. Her pussy milked him, rippling over his
length. Their wolves rejoiced, their connection growing as they beasts embraced
their mating, elated and possessive at their newly formed bond.

Rachel was rough at his shoulder, biting down hard and
ensuring the scarring would be visible to everyone. He welcomed the burn. He’d
left that area unmarred with any tattoos. Since other designs surrounded the
smooth expanse of skin it would bring attention to the area, so everyone would
see. He fought the tingling in his gums, unwilling to bite her this time
around, nipping at her arm.

Her mouth moved away, sharp fangs and incisors sliding from
his flesh.

“Can you feel that?” she breathed, moving her pelvis in a
circle. “Is it just me?”

“My wolf is claiming yours,” Declan answered and slid his
fingers into the hair at her neck. “It’s deepening our mating. The connection
is unlike any other.”

Her gaze drifted to his shoulder and a satisfied smile
appeared. “You wanted a mark. I’d say you have one.”

“Not any mark,
yours
.” He flexed his muscles in his
torso. His torn flesh burned. The area would be slower to heal and mend. A
permanent brand to the world of her claiming. From the way she stared at it,
she’d made sure no one could mistake what she’d done. “Got me good, did you?

She nodded, biting her lower lip. “Can’t miss it.”

As he’d expected, snarls carried through the trees. He
wanted to curse Simone but found himself grateful that he’d had this time with
Rachel. They’d been alone. She’d changed for the first time without assistance.
They loved each other and those emotions would only grow stronger due to their
beasts. From here on in—as far their relationship was concerned—he hoped it
would be smooth sailing.