“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.
Chapter Twelve
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.”