“Come on, baby.” Declan extended his hand to her, his expression one of understanding. She slid her fingers through his, shivering at the contact. Pulling her close, he pressed a tender kiss to her temple. “Let’s go home.”
As they walked to the door she called over her shoulder, “If you’re not out of here in five minutes the police will be on their way. I suggest you get in your car and go. Goodbye, Mother.”
She walked away from all she’d ever known without looking back.
A new chapter in her life had started.
It was time to leave the past behind.
Chapter Eight
Declan opened the door and let Rachel step inside before he closed it behind them. A part of him remained furious at her mother’s callous treatment of her child. His parents had never been anything but supportive. His mother had always taken the time to listen to him, offering her gentle touch after he’d changed for the first time. His father had been responsible for discipline but had never so much as lifted a violent hand to his children. Instead his parent and role-model showed Declan life wasn’t easy and he had to work for what he wanted.
His female obviously hadn’t had that level of love or support.
He wanted to know more about Rachel. Certainly he had been thrilled when she’d proclaimed he was her family now. The wolf had heard her as well. The animal had slithered under his skin, its energy humming through him.
But there was more to the situation.
If he wanted to understand things, he had to ask serious questions.
With a hand at the small of her back, he guided her to the kitchen. Once she’d taken a seat he went to the refrigerator and pulled out the steaks he’d left to marinate. Placing them on the counter, he returned to get the things he’d need to make a salad. His mate had to be hungry. Sharing a meal, generally, was a welcome distraction when a serious discussion had to take place.
“Rachel,” he said softly, breaking the silence that had fallen between them. “What was your dad like? Can you tell me about him?”
He didn’t turn around, giving her a small amount of space.
Sometimes it was easier to talk when you didn’t have to look someone in the eye.
He retrieved a skillet before he started collecting plates and bowls. During that time she didn’t speak, staying quiet as he worked around the kitchen. Still he didn’t push, hoping she’d talk to him when she felt ready.
“He was my hero,” she finally answered, speaking softly. “He always made time just for us. I loved it when he’d take me out to the river. After we swam for a while we’d fish for our dinner. Sometimes we camped out.” A hesitation, then she said, “He used to tell me the most amazing stories. I’m pretty sure he made them up as he went along. I loved listening to him talk. He had this wonderful laugh. Once he started it was impossible not to start laughing with him.”
There was so much love in her voice—so much longing. “How’d he die?”
“An accident.” The way she said it indicated she didn’t care to elaborate.
“How old were you?”
“It happened right before my ninth birthday.” She sounded annoyed when she asked, “Why the sudden interest?”
“In case you haven’t figured it out,” he answered, reminding himself to be comforting and calm, “I want to know everything about you.”
“Since you met my mother, I’m sure you know all sorts of things about me now.”
He didn’t have to look at her to feel the sadness coming from her. She lowered her head and stared at the table when he spun around. He decided to go to her, wanting to shelter her in his embrace. She was hurting. If it killed him he’d make her feel better. Kneeling, he turned her chair so that she faced him and rested his hands on her knees.
“When people hurt they do stupid things. I don’t know your mother and I don’t know what she’s been through. But I can tell you’re nothing like her. That’s why I asked about your father. I’ve never met him but the way you talk about him makes me wish I could have.”
“I don’t want to fight anymore.” She lifted her head and met his gaze. Her eyes were flooded with tears. “I don’t want to keep living the way I do.”
“Then don’t.” He tried to soothe her, cupping her jaw.
“I don’t want to hurt anyone either.” She clasped her hand over his. “What happened earlier today scared the hell out of me. I heard you talking but I couldn’t see you.”
Damn it.
“You took control, Rachel. We all have to at some point. It’s natural. You’re stronger than you think.” He wasn’t sure if he should be totally honest but decided it was best. “The wolf will respect you now. She won’t try to push for control. It’s your job to keep her in her place. I saw you do it when you needed to. You’re going to be fine.”
“I don’t want to change,” she admitted, a tear winding down her cheek. “But it doesn’t matter, does it? No matter how hard I try to stop it, it’s still going to happen.”
“Yes, it is.” Even if he wanted to prevent the shift for her, he couldn’t.
“Did you mean what you told me before?” Her gaze melted into his, her heart showing through her eyes. “If we…” She blinked back tears, shaking her head. “If I let you…if you claim me…will it make things easier?”
“If you surrender completely, then yes.” Her wolf had to know she’d given him control. Otherwise he’d have to fight the woman and her beast. “My wolf will guide yours through the transformation. It doesn’t have to be scary, baby. If you let it happen, it’ll be amazing. You have no idea how wonderful it feels.”
“Will I be able to help Chloe? Once I change, I mean.”
“You will. The pack is a family. We take care of each other.”
He waited for her to speak, watching emotions wash over her face—fear, understanding and then acceptance. She swiped the tear from her face, rubbed the backs of her hands over her eyes and looked at him. The faint smell of her sorrow faded, replaced by a hint of arousal.
“Then I want you to claim me,” she whispered, bringing her face to his. “I’m so tired, Declan. I don’t want to run anymore. I’m too exhausted to hide.”
Finally. Fuck yes.
Elation and triumph rushed through him. Electricity pulsed beneath his skin, the beast at the ready to claim its mate. He pushed the wolf back, knowing this had to be done properly. Rachel had been wounded. She needed to be taken in a manner she deserved and yearned for, easing her hurt. He’d take it slow, introducing her to their mating in a way she’d accept and dream about for years to come.
Skimming his lips across hers, he murmured, “If you ran, I’d find you. And you can’t hide from me. I won’t let you.” He lifted her from the chair, rising to his full height. “I’m going to make this good for you, sweetheart. You’re not going to regret mating to me. I give you my word.”
He felt her tremble against him, heard the way her breath caught.
Blood thundered in his ears, his cock straining against his jeans. Even though he was trying to do the right thing he knew he was a selfish bastard, thinking that soon he’d finally be balls-deep in his female. Lodged so deeply inside her she wouldn’t be able to tell where he started and she ended.
Entering the bedroom, he flicked the switch on the wall with his elbow, flooding the room with light. He wanted to see every inch of his female, learning all of her curves, revealing all her secrets. When he reached the bed he stopped and lowered her, waiting until she’d found her balance to let go. The first claiming symbolized the future of a mating. He intended to make sure things started on the right foot.