As he climbed the stairs the scent of her arousal lined his nostrils, crashing into him like a coiled fist. The shift in her emotions was unexpected. He lifted is head, meeting her gaze. Her eyes were clouded with desire, darkening as he neared. There was a light in the iris he identified, the wolf within making itself known.
Double damn.
He wanted to tap into her wild side and see how untamed she would be when the animal took over and the woman held on for the ride but first he had to create a measure of understanding between them. Her lust was easily handled. It was trust he had to establish. Taking her against the wall would only reinforce the sexual nature of their relationship. He wanted more—the unique connection that brought mates together.
“Here,” he answered softly, squeezing past her smaller frame, forcing his hands to his sides so he didn’t reach out and draw her to him.
After he retrieved fresh sheets he went to work stripping the bed. Chloe stood back and watched, feet moving from side to side, revealing her restlessness. He didn’t ask for help, letting her come to him, giving her space. Eventually she walked to the other side of the bed to assist. He remained silent, studying her beneath his lashes. By the time they finished and he looked at her the glow in her irises had faded. She saw him staring and lowered her gaze. The blush creeping up her neck was sexy as hell.
“Do you like the outdoors?” he asked and walked to the closet.
“Uh…I guess. Why?”
He took a heavy duvet and down comforter from the shelf and looked over his shoulder. His female had collected the strewn sheets and was arranging them in a tidy pile. Her movements betrayed her, the motions jerky. She was as keyed up as he was, fighting sexual urges, unable to contain the excess energy her wolven half brought to the table.
Nothing Mother Nature couldn’t fix.
Thankful she’d kept her jacket on, he crossed to her and took her hand. “Leave them there.”
He tugged the sheets from her other fist and urged her toward the stairs. She didn’t protest as they returned to the living room and walked toward the sliding glass door to the patio, although he could tell she was curious. The sun broke through the chilly air, warming them as they stepped outside.
“Wow,” Chloe exhaled. He let the environment sink in, glad she approved. “It’s gorgeous here.”
“Come on.” He led the way, walking down the stairs.
“Where are we going?”
He relaxed when he felt the tension in the air slowly dissipate as Chloe drew on the natural things around her. Wolves were comforted by open spaces. Thankfully the change of scenery calmed her, even if she wasn’t fully aware of it.
“For a walk,” he answered, continuing on, noting the sound of leaves crunching beneath his boots. “I have to call Declan in a bit to bring us supplies. First I figured we could talk.”
Despite the nagging inner voice that said he should contact his Beta immediately, Jackson wanted his female settled. Once she was comfortable in her surroundings he could contact his friend and make arrangements. The rest would have to keep.
“Declan?” Her brows came together as she collected her thoughts. “Is that the man I met at the shop?”
“That’s him.” He laughed, shooting her a grin. There was only one Declan, thank God. “He’s not so bad once you get to know him. Although his sense of humor could use some work.”
“Really?” She matched his grin with a smile. “Why’s that?”
“He’s prone to speak before he thinks.” The path to the pond on his property was clear, despite the multicolored leaves that had fallen to the ground. He followed it, explaining, “It’s not his best character trait but it’s easy to overlook when you think about what he brings to the table. He’s a helluva man to have at your back. I couldn’t ask for a better Beta.”
“Oh.” Her smile faded and she looked ahead. “I forgot about that.”
“Forgot about what?”
She took a deep breath and said, “You’re an Alpha.”
“It doesn’t change anything.” He stopped, giving her a firm tug so she faced him. “As far as packs go, mine is small. I prefer to keep those I trust close to me. You don’t have anything to worry about. As soon as someone enters our fold they become family.”
When she didn’t seem convinced he invaded her space, pressing close. “They’re going to love you.”
Her gaze remained on his chest, her hand squeezing his. “You seem so sure.”
“I am sure.” Only a few of the males in his pack were unattached. The rest were happily mated. Another bonus of keeping his pack small. Paired werewolves, generally speaking, were happy werewolves. After thinking things over on the drive to the cabin, he’d come to the conclusion that the males and females who had found their other half wouldn’t question him when he brought Chloe to meet the pack. Despite any reservations, many of them were eager to start families—something that wasn’t allowed without a Lupa. As a rule, a pack relied on balance. If Alphas were the muscle, Lupas were the heart. Wolves couldn’t have one without the other. The unmated males would undoubtedly voice their concerns but he was certain the females and their mates would reinforce his status and stand behind his decision.
“When will I meet them?” The insecurity she projected tugged at his heart.
“Tomorrow,” he replied, placing a kiss on her forehead.
He resumed their walk, guiding her down the path. When she tried to stop he pulled on her hand, making sure she didn’t fall behind.
“So soon?” she asked. “I thought I’d have more time.”
Not something he really wanted to answer but then again, she deserved his honesty. “You’re going to go through changes on the full moon. Their presence will help you control your impulses. You need to recognize and accept you’re not alone. You have a pack to ground you.”
“Impulses?” She practically squeaked. He heard the panic in her voice, the fear. “Is that what happened with Gramps? I can’t piece everything together. The memory is muddled.”
For a moment he considered stopping and putting it all on the line—telling her about Gavin, his suspicions and what she should expect. Then he thought about what Chloe was going through. He considered her alarm and how she might react when she learned she’d be changing for the first time tomorrow. He wanted to make things easier for her, not more difficult.
“It’s normal.” He decided to shield her as best he could. “You’ll learn control.”
“So I’m changing.” The statement, to his surprise, sounded more confident than he was prepared for. “That’s what’s happening. I’m not going to stay human. I am becoming like you.”
“Does that scare you?” When she didn’t immediately reply he wondered if he’d pushed too hard, too fast.
“No,” she finally responded with a sigh. “It doesn’t scare me. In fact, it explains a lot.”
“It does?”
“Somehow…it’s like I know you. The dreamsharing makes sense to me in a strange way.” When he peered over at her she shrugged. “It’s almost like I can feel something coming to life inside me.”
“And that doesn’t frighten you?”
“Being scared won’t stop what’s happening.”
Strong and smart little female.
She was right. Worry wouldn’t prevent what would eventually happen. By facing the unknown with her chin held high, his mate proved she was more than capable of standing by his side.