The Wilder Alpha (9 page)

Knuckles slammed into gut. As the air left his lungs in a grunt, he realized he’d forgotten the redhead. Gavin held Jay tightly as the redheaded alpha continued her onslaught of punches. Dull, throbbing agony sliced into his stomach.

Cheers erupted from the stadium seats. It was useless, he shouldn’t even attempt to fight these two. They’d have their way soon enough and he’d be dead. His nose twitched, catching sandalwood and sun-baked rock on the breeze. A surge of energy plowed through his veins. He didn’t want her to see him like this.

With a roar, Jay braced himself against Gavin and brought his foot up. The ball of his foot landed smack into the redhead’s jaw. She yowled and was sent flying backwards.

“Selene!” Gavin yelled. Their audience gasped and boos howled through the air. In the miniscule opening, Jay managed to reach back. His fingers tangled into the alpha’s hair, holding his skull firmly. He slammed his head back, a satisfying crunch vibrated against his skull and Gavin screamed in pain. Jay danced backward, keeping both alphas in his line of sight. The boos from the crowd intensified, laced with snapping snarls and hisses of dissent. Gavin climbed off the ground and blood spurted from his nose while Selene stalked closer to Jay.

He danced back, warm blood oozing down his arms and from his stomach where both alphas grazed him with their claws. Both advancing lycanthropes bared their teeth and snarled. Their skulls started to transform, their nose and mouth halfway to becoming muzzles. They hunched as their bodies shuddered and groaned under the oncoming transformation.

“Enough of this!” A snarl rang through the arena. Silence blanketed the seats and every pair of eyes turned toward the source. The only one who wasn’t distracted was Selene.

With a shriek, the alpha female launched herself at Jay.

“Shit!” He hissed under his breath, his absentmindedness shattered. Jay slammed his arms up, ready to guard himself against the redhead, but the weight of her impact never came. Another figure slammed into Selene in mid-jump, pushing her off the intended trajectory.

Kristi landed in a crouch near Jay. A tsunami of emotions charged through Jay, his mental barriers momentarily disengaged from sheer shock. “Kristi!”

She only had the time to shoot him a brief smile before Gavin’s voice rang out over the silent arena, “What’s the meaning of this?”

Gavin bristled, his green eyes nearly glowing in the light of the moon. His muscles bulged, caught between mid-transformation. His nose wrinkled as he growled under his breath. Anger

“Everyone, back!” Selene ordered, waving away the betas and guards who suddenly surged onto the field. Selene turned her amber eyes to Kristi, silently demanding an answer. Kristi leered at her leaders, breathing heavily. Adrenaline and fear coursed through her veins as the wolf clawed through her thoughts. She had stifled her instincts the best she could until her resolve broke.

Waves of relief and happiness, from Jay, lapped at her body. That brief exchange smoothed Kristi’s fear. If they both died, at least they’d die together.

Gavin’s wide-eyed snarl twisted at his features. “Beta Kristi, what are you doing?”

“I’m not going to allow this,” she replied, standing straighter. Her own body reacted to the moment and the moon. Her muscles strained against her skin as they wobbled between shifting and staying in form. Despite her rebellion, Kristi didn’t want to pose a threat to her alphas. Yet. She capped her transformation, forcefully.

“You’re going to challenge our ruling?” Gavin huffed, his eyes widening.

Confusion dotted his voice and Jay couldn’t help his smirk. The alpha had lost complete control of the situation. He took a few steps forward until he and Kristi stood a few feet away. Jay tensed and made a move to step before Kristi, but his Mate waved him back with her clawed hand. Sensing this was her issue she had to address, Jay backed down. He still glared lividly at Gavin, waiting for just the wrong move.

Gavin nearly screamed as he posited his demanded inquiry, “
Why?
What is this mutt to you?”

Silence plopped down in the arena. Kristi could almost hear everyone take a deep inhale, waiting for an answer. No one could have guessed her answer. Her eyes turned to Jay, her thoughts rumbling through her head. He might hate her tomorrow when he realized what she was doing. However, the alphas would never kill them both. They needed the information they both possessed.

Kristi brought her gaze back to Gavin. For the first time, she and her alpha locked gazes. They didn’t meet eyes as comrades, but as enemies. A small, old part of her ached with rue as her eyebrows lowered. While keeping an eye on both alphas, Kristi’s mind formed each word into a silent howl as she spoke,
“He’s my Mate.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Darkness and silence locked into the cavern. Blindsided, the alphas threw her and Jay into his previous cell. They couldn’t execute her for standing up for the sake of her Mate. Well, they could, but the pack’s approval rating for Kristi outweighed Gavin’s and, maybe, even Selene’s. Kristi anticipated her alphas needed some time to discuss their options. After all, she and Jay were connected on a deep spiritual level. One of them should talk, now that Gavin had bargaining chips to exploit.

Kristi heaved a sigh, hoping this was the right path for them.

Beside her, Jay’s body heat shifted. Curiosity and uncertainty flitted through Kristi’s mind and she steeled herself for Jay’s question. “Why’d you do this?”

She sighed out of frustration and embarrassment. There was no use lying. “I didn’t want to see you die.”

“You’re going to die now,” Jay strained to get the words out. Something inside of his head clamped down solidly against the thought of her dying, especially at the hands of Gavin. His inner wolf bristled at the very possibility.

“Maybe,” Kristi shrugged, trying to calm the urge to jump on Jay and smother him in affection. “Maybe not. We both know stuff about Goldbridge now.”

Jay sharply inhaled. Kristi knew about his town, despite his best – if vain – efforts to disconnect from her. She waited for him to gnaw on the new information. Part of her waited for an explosion of rage from him. He sighed and closed his eyes, leaning his head back against he wall. “You’re right.”

Kristi grunted, half-curious, turning her head to find his vague profile in the dark.

Jay cracked his eyes half-open and appraised Kristi from the corner of his eye. “We’re connected on this Mate level and we can’t stop it.”

“Try not to sound so excited,” her lips twisted into a pout. She dragged her gaze away from him, a happy heat spreading from her heart to her face. A meager playfulness twanged in her head. Her gaze detoured back to him and, in the dark, she caught his slight smile.

“I’m ecstatic, Kristi.” Exhaustion kept Jay’s tone level. Aware of his conflicting messages, Jay couldn’t help but grin. Inside, his heart shuddered under the confirmation. If it didn’t hurt to move so much, he would have gathered her into his arms and ravaged those lips. He wasn’t even sure if she would appreciate the sentiment. She had just signed her death warrant. A part of him knew she craved the same, but Jay ignored it.

“Really? Couldn’t tell.” Kristi’s lips puckered into a purse as her tone drowned in sarcasm. A small part of her still hurt over his adamant denial of their connection. Jay’s intense aversion made Kristi wonder if the whole thing was in her imagination. Bitterness bubbled forth and solidified in her words, “Considering how many times you accused me of lying.”

“Can you blame me for thinking you were lying?” Jay sighed.

Kristi’s irritations leaked out of her. With her own sigh, she admitted, “Not really.”

Silence wrapped around them both. Something painful and confusing had been alleviated from their shoulders. Too little, too late. Lost moments and unattainable futures streaked through their shared consciousness.

Jay turned to Kristi, his lips twitching into a rueful smile. “Is it too late to run away together?”

Kristi let out a small, bittersweet laugh. If only Jay had listened to her sooner. The two of them could be so far into the wilds, they’d never be found. Then it’d only be the two of them and, maybe a little later, some pups. The thought made Kristi’s heart ache and Jay let out a pained grunt, rubbing at his chest.

“Yes, Jay, it’s too late to run away,” Kristi breathed, scooting closer to him. He tensed, anticipation gnawing at his thoughts. The yellow-eyed woman shifted in the dark until she straddled his lap. His hands instantly brushed up her legs, enjoying the feel of her denim under his palms. Kristi leaned close to his ear, a hot whisper splayed over his lobe, “But we can still enjoy our time together.”

Jay smiled as a shiver ran down his body. As much as he’d love to take her in that cavern, yet again, he was afraid his body couldn’t handle it. Just as he opened his mouth to voice his concerns, Kristi’s lips caught his earlobe. A loud groan echoed from his lips and his cock twitched against his pants. In a sudden rush of hormones, Jay realized how soft her body felt against his bare chest and how warm her thighs were.

She could feel the waves of concern ebbing and flowing in Jay’s mind. His body heat and scent intoxicated her. Her gentle fingers massaged his sides as she pulled away from his earlobe. She breathed a hot puff of air against Jay’s ear and murmured, “Sit back and relax. I can take care of us.”

Desire surged through Jay, making Kristi smile. Even if they weren’t connected, his eager erection made his delight all the more obvious.

“Does that work for you, Jay?” she purred against his ear. She wanted to hear his eager consent. To have her partner relinquish control, ardently and with such enthusiasm, sent a thrill right to her core.

He could feel Kristi’s hungry interest mixed with her own sensual desire. As if Jay couldn’t spot that look in her eye. It was the look all formidable betas shared: hunger for dominance. Not a bad thing, and definitely sexy in Kristi’s yellow eyes. She rollicked her hips against him and a low groan sifted from Jay’s lips. In the darkness, her lips twisted into a smug smirk.

“Yes, yes, it’s completely fine,” Jay moaned, his hips giving an involuntary buck. After so many sessions of utter boredom and complete torture, he needed a little taste of sweetness.

Kristi made a pleased sound at the back of her throat. Then she dipped her head, her lips catching Jay by the throat. His jugular throbbed in excited anticipation beneath her tongue. A feral excitement trotted through her mind.

Kristi watched Jay squirm and writhe as she took his nipple into her mouth. She nipped it roughly, gaining her a surprised yelp and an even louder moan from Jay. His fingers curled against her scalp and her lips twitched into a smirk. Intoxicated with sexual power, her lips continued their southbound descent. Gently her tongue lapped over his scars, making careful detours around his fresh injuries.

Jay arched, making his pleasure known through half-words and almost verbal grunts. His jeans tightened with every passing lick and ginger nibble. His fingers tangled into Kristi’s tresses, knotting her hair around his knuckles. His fingertips massaged her scalp, encouraging her promising route. The heat from her mouth sent strands of anticipation all over his body, centralizing on his groin. For the moment, all worries took a back seat to his powerful, searing hormones.

Even if Selene and Gavin ended up deciding to kill them, they would make the most their remaining time together, however short that may be.

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PROLOGUE

The void of the darkened cavern felt less agonizing with Kristi's company. Jay wasn't entirely sure why the alphas allowed her to stay with him. Surely, there were other cells. He didn't concern himself too much over it. Why look a gift horse in the mouth, right? Jay chalked it up to compensation for Kristi's unfortunate love connection. Part of him chided him for his sheer amount of denial. Gavin had something up his sleeve.

Jay didn't dwell on his worries, especially when Kristi's mouth moved along his body. Her warm lips moved down his chest, her teeth nipping gently along his flesh. He had mostly healed, thanks to passing time and—as they had discovered—trips to the dreamscape. Something about metaphysical moonlight coupled with Kristi nursing his wounds genuinely crossed over into the physical plane.

Kristi wasn't pondering the abilities of their dream walking, though. A carnal sensation clamped down on her brain. As she moved further south, Jay's musk tickled in her nose. It was intoxicating and pleasing. Her nails trailed down his bare legs, enjoying the groans she coaxed from his lips. Both had long forgone bothering with clothing.

She glanced up at Jay, her supernatural night vision lighting him up in her gaze. He leaned against the wall, head thrown back and Adam's apple bobbing with his verbal pleasure. A thrill slipped down her spine. Her lips hovered over his erection, hot breath teasing around his head.

“You're such a tease,” Jay growled, cracking his eyes open and glaring at her.

“You love it.” Kristi smiled as his fingers knotted into her hair. She expected he'd press her face closer. However, shock ran through her thoughts as he abruptly pulled her away. She yelped as he flipped her over. Belly down on the dirt, she instinctively knew what he was setting them up for. Her knees propped her ass up as Jay positioned himself behind her. Kristi let out an appreciative groan as his thick cock bounced against her thigh.

His heat licked up between her legs and along her back. Under her, her nails dug into the dirt as his calloused fingertips reverentially grazed up her thighs. Waves of warm feelings puddled into Kristi as Jay breathed, “You're beautiful.”

A flush bit at Kristi's cheeks. She pressed her face closer to the dirt and dismissed his compliment. “Liar, it's pitch black in here.”

Jay's hand came down hard against her ass. Kristi groaned and her fingers dug deeper into the dirt. It wasn't a displeasing tingle that crawled over her rump. In fact, Kristi had found she liked the swats. They added a tingle of sharp pain to the heat of passion.

His cock slid between her lower lips, her wetness pleasant and slick against his heat. Kristi rolled her hips in just the right angle and positioned him at her entrance. His member twitched eagerly against her. Jay shifted himself, rubbing the head of his dick against her entrance but offering her little penetration. He could feel her anticipation and the simple pleasure she derived from his teasing – and the bead of frustration.

His self-control slid away and Jay slammed himself into her waiting warmth. A light gasp left Kristi's lips before she rocked back against him. He grunted as her rhythm took on a harder, faster pace against his slow and easy thrusts. The heat and friction mounted inside them. Kristi growled and whimpered, wanting Jay's frenzied, wild thrusts. In the dark, he grinned. This was almost better than teasing her with non-penetration.

He slapped her ass again, gaining him a squeak from her throat. With every spank, his pace increased, just enough to be noticeable. She gasped and her back arched, her hips working against him with every swat. Heat and pressure built inside her, her pussy throbbing around his thick length. He groaned, the reverberations echoing through his body to tickle her insides.

Then everything tensed. Every sensation became full of delight and tingles. Kristi moaned, her body arching further and her hips bouncing desperately against him. She sunk her claws into Jay's lower stomach and he groaned as Kristi's body clenched tightly around him.

Their pleasure crashed over them simultaneously. Their groans echoed through the cavern as their crashing, heated release churned. They gasped and shuddered, the shared satisfaction lapping between them, tickling their innermost nerves.

The sound of rock shearing rock suddenly lit into the cavern. The alchemical lights flickered to life above them and Kristi's heart jump to her throat. She sat up, not wanting to be seen in such a submissive position. Desperation slammed through Jay's head, but he had nothing to hide. He was never a high-ranking wolf, so he had no worries about reputation. Kristi's concerns brought an amused grin to his face, though.

A partial conversation drifted in through the entryway, “…been at it since you threw them in there.”

“Smells like it,” a deep and familiar voice invaded Kristi's ears.

A shudder curled down her spine, her stomach lurching with a mixture of emotions. Jay's heavy, warm palm pressed to her shoulder, bringing her out of her uncertainties. She glanced up at him and smiled weakly as he pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

Jay didn't like how Gavin's scent invaded their cavern. He didn't like the look the alpha gave his naked Mate, either, as he eyeballed the two of them.

“I hope I'm not interrupting anything,” Gavin sniffed dryly as his nose wrinkled.

“You
are
, actually,” Jay replied, as he lounged back on his hands.

Gavin ignored Jay, turning to address Kristi. His gaze flickered—in ways Jay bristled at—over her naked body. He recalled Gavin's talk about Kristi's prospects and he scowled darkly. Still the alpha ignored him. “I do hope you aren't throwing away your status for a Sentinel, Kristi.”

“I'm not throwing anything away.” Kristi could feel Jay's irritation drifting over her as soon as Gavin's eyes met her body. She tensed under the alpha's green gaze, her stomach lurching shakily. Not so long ago, she would have been overjoyed to have Gavin look at her in such a way. Now, it brought her immense discomfort. She swallowed and steeled herself against Gavin's darkening leer. “He's my Mate; he's important to me.”

“I hope you're right,” Gavin grunted while crossing his arms. “If you're not, you could lose your life over a worthless piece of shit.”

Jay bristled and Kristi shot him a glance. Agitation swarmed his thoughts, delving into defensive smugness. Ignoring the glare Kristi shot toward him, Jay surreptitiously eyed Gavin. “Sounds like someone is mad that her 'better' options lost out.”

“Enough,” Selene barked as she strode into the cavern. All three turned their gaze toward the scowling redhead who dragged an air of professional authority behind her. By the open doorway, two guards stood, should anyone barrel toward the exit. Both of them tried to inconspicuously peer into the cavern, whether to peep the nudity or the scenario. Selene stopped in front of Jay and Kristi, her tone softening, “Gavin and I have discussed your fates at great length.”

Not to be shoved out of the limelight, Gavin jumped in, his intent gaze on Kristi's face. “You're irreplaceable, Kristi.”

Selene shot the other alpha a dirty look before she shook her head. Jay could see Selene struggle against rolling her eyes. Her gaze flickered back to Jay and Kristi, her tone all business. “Killing the Sentinel is not a preferable option, either, considering the circumstances.”

“We're giving you both a chance,” Gavin's lips twisted into a sour scowl. His nose wrinkled in distaste, yet again, as he dragged his gaze away from the two. Jay knew exactly who pushed for this reasonable option and it wasn't the male alpha.

“We won't pressure the Sentinel to discuss Goldbridge's secrets. However, he cannot return to the town. And Kristi cannot be a Beta.” Selene's voice cut through the heaviness in the air. A gentle, yet professional, prod. “We just request you both help the pack. Hunt, watch the pups, community work.”

“You will watch over him at all times, Kristi.” Gavin's gaze flicked back to her.

Her mind was having a difficult time getting a grasp on the situation. She never imagined they would cave, granting both of them a chance. Kristi had resigned herself to a death sentence. Yet, here her alphas were being overwhelmingly generous.

“If he makes any move to runaway or betray us, we will kill him.”

Relief and frustration at the new turn of events bubbled up in Jay. Already, he could feel the itch of freedom in his limbs. Part of him didn't want to tempt himself. He pinned both alphas with a suspicious leer, “And what if I don't agree to all of this?”

“If you don't, then we'll have to kill you.” Selene's voice didn't waver. Her gaze ticked to Jay, and pinned him under intensity and sobriety. Her words were matter-of-fact, but there was an underlying sympathy. Her gaze bounced from Jay to Kristi as she softly added, “And Kristi, too, if she interferes again.”

Jay fell silent, mulling over the options. His eyes drifted to Kristi; he already knew which he'd choose. He wanted Kristi safe, even if that meant choking on his sense of honor. Plus, it sounded as if the alphas wanted him to play a pseudo part of the community. It wasn't much different than being a Sentinel, sans giving his life to protect them.

A part of him wondered how true their words were, though. Would they sincerely cease discussion of Goldbridge with him? While the town was perfectly fine without him, Jay still didn't want to have the townspeople's blood on his hands, even in the loosest of terms. If the feral alphas went back on their word, concerning the town, at least he could get Kristi and himself out of the cavern.

Kristi waited silently as emotions danced around Jay's head. She could find snippets of his thoughts trickling into her subconscious: uncertainty, relief, concurrence, her, Goldbridge. They were merely snapshots of his mental capacities, but she faintly knew what he would choose. She reached across the empty space, pressing her hand to his chest.

That gentle touch brought Jay out of his reverie. His eyes focused on Kristi, who offered him a slight smile. Then he glanced toward the alphas. Gavin sneered, but Selene waited with a hopeful glint in her eyes. Jay wondered where Selene's mercy was when he was slated to be slaughtered. It didn't matter, though. She seemed to be on their side, as much as Gavin allowed.

He shooed those thoughts away as an excitement bubbled up in him. Being part of a community, keeping Kristi safe, getting out of this blasted cavern – their option sounded like an all-around win.

“Okay, I agree.” He paused and glanced at Kristi, “What about you?”

“It sounds like our best option,” Kristi sighed. The two of them
could
run far, far away. They could outwit trackers and start their own life together. A small part of Kristi enjoyed the idea, but her loyalty to her pack screamed down the very thought. The only thing they could do was agree to the arrangement and see where it took them.

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