Chapter Eight

Emily didn’t know whether she wanted to cry or to scream in anger. Fuck that, she was not going to cry, never again, over Cain, or any man. So he didn’t want her around. That was fine with her, she wouldn’t be around then. After everything she’d given him, he still doubted her. Well, no more. Cain was going to have to come to her this time, and if she decided to forgive him then he was going to have to get this back and forth he did about their relationship over with.

It hurt so much. But she had to stand strong. Cain had been the one who had made her grow into a strong, independent woman in the first place.

He would have to live with the woman she was. When with Cain, she had a natural feeling of wanting him to take charge and protect her. Make hard decisions. That was the old her, though.

The woman who had gone to college, made friends and decided things for herself needed to make an appearance. She wasn’t a scared girl—she was a shifter, and she would not bow down any longer.

Finally, she reached her cabin and stomped up the porch stairs. She flung open the door and looked around the cabin. No one was inside so it was dark and silent. She hadn’t been back to the cabin since Cain had left. It was a nice place, fully furnished. But it was also lonely. There was no Cain.

She walked to the bedroom, kicked off her shoes then climbed to the middle of the bed before curling up and thinking.

The afternoon had made one thing glaringly obvious. The bond between her and Cain was strong. They were mated together without even having had a ceremony or doing anything. Lamont had stated that they were fated to be together. Emily didn’t know what to think about that. Sure, there were rumors or myths about the one person who completed a shifter being their fate but Emily had never really believed it. Now she wasn’t so sure.

She could remember when she’d come to live with Lamont and the Alpha’s family. She’d been scared and, even after her rescue from the cage that had been all she’d ever known, she hadn’t spoken to the shifters who had saved her. They’d given her water, food, blankets and medical care. Having no choice, like she’d never had, Emily had gone where they’d told her and followed their directions. She’d learned young that it was less painful to just go along with what people more powerful wanted.

So the first time she’d seen the Pack territory, it had been through terrified eyes.

Until one brave, or maybe cocky, teenage boy had strolled up to her and bent to look her in the eye. No one else had ever done that. Normally, people darted their gaze away, but that kid had made sure she was paying attention. Then he’d made a promise.

“No one will ever hurt you again,” Cain had said. “You’re ours now.”

She’d believed him at that moment. Hell, she still did.

Was that the moment that the fates had decided they were meant to be together? Or had she had to go through years of abuse just to end up with him and his family? It was so much to take in.

Emily didn’t even know if her feelings were truly hers. Was she attracted to Cain because he was who someone or something had decided for her?

Her heart actually hurt and Emily was tired of it.

If, and God please let it be when, Cain got his head out of his ass and came after her they were going to set some new rules. He’d promised that she’d never be hurt again and it was time that he kept his word. No more back and forth or doubt. They were going to work this out and never visit these problems again.

Starting today, they were going to have a whole new life together.

The smart thing to do was prepare for when Cain did get there. And really, she had no doubt that he would. When she thought about what had happened earlier she didn’t know whether to be happy that she could calm him when he was crazy or remain pissed off that he’d doubted her loyalty.

Emily dragged herself out of the bed before strolling toward the adjourning bathroom. She flipped on the light, her gaze catching her reflection. Yuck! Her makeup had smeared around her eyes, which were red-rimmed. Yes, she needed to clean up and that would go a long way to making her feel better.

The bathroom and shower had been done in a deep brown marble with large showerheads. It was pure luxury and decadence. When she had her own place or one for just herself and Cain, this bathroom was what she wanted. She turned on the water as hot as she’d be able to stand it. Carelessly, she undressed and tossed her clothes wherever they landed. As steam began to fill the room, she stepped inside the shower stall.

Heat pounded at her shoulders and she rolled them as her muscles relaxed. She placed both hands on the smooth wall of the shower and leaned her forehead against it. This was perfect for the day that she’d had. With one hand still braced, she grabbed the bar of soap with her other. Emily lathered up and started to wash. Once her body was slick, Emily went about washing her hair and scrubbing her face. She let the water wash away all the soap until she smelled just as clean as she could be.

She didn’t know how long she was in the shower, but when it started to turn cold, she unhappily turned it off. Emily pulled the towel off the hook before drying herself off. After patting her skin, she wrapped the cloth into her hair to catch the excess water. The house was still quiet but she could feel a ripple of electricity that hadn’t been there before. She dressed in pajama pants and a tank top before heading for the kitchen.

She didn’t turn on any lights, because she didn’t need to, being a shifter. She walked slowly and made it halfway into the kitchen before she saw him. Emily was not surprised. She had suspected the minute she’d stepped out of the shower that he was somewhere close.

He sat in the chair next to the lamp, watching her. Once he saw he had her attention he flipped it on then stood. The dim light in the room highlighted the agony apparent in his features.

She didn’t ask how he’d gotten in. Emily wasn’t certain she’d locked the door and Cain could get in even if she had. He looked so devastated, that she had the strong urge to soothe him even if she was still hurting. “Would you like some coffee?”

He didn’t answer immediately.

Emily waved toward the kitchen. “Or food?”

He stepped closer to her slowly. “Emily.”

She could have stopped him. The stiffness of his shoulders told her that Cain was expecting her to. One word from her mouth, and Cain would do whatever she wanted. It was obvious that she was the one in control here. But she didn’t want to punish him. He’d made a mistake, but they both knew that.

He laid his forehead on the top of her head. “I’m sorry.” He lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. “I’m so very sorry.”

“I know.” She believed him. Even as she’d been stomping out of the office earlier she’d known. But that wasn’t the issue here. Emily needed Cain to decide he wanted her and stop trying to find reasons to back off. “However, this isn’t working out the way I expected. Every time I think we’ve finally figured things out you push me away. I can’t handle that anymore.”

“I’m in a new place here. I’ve never had these feelings before. I feel out of control…like I’m sinking,” he whispered.

Emily sighed. “I understand. But, Cain, I need to know that you want me, that this thing between us is real.”

“It’s real,” he said. “And you’re the most important thing to me in the world.” Cain finally pulled back to peer into her eyes. “That’s what terrifies me.”

“I have the same fears that you do. I’ve spent so much time trying to forget you and move past how much I want you. Then you give me a taste, make my dreams come true, only to shove me aside. You’re making me crazy.”

“It won’t happen again,” Cain said. “I won’t hurt you again.”

Deep down, Emily knew that Cain couldn’t keep a promise like that, but the words were so similar to the very first he’d ever spoken to her that she simply nodded.

“I’m an asshole,” Cain said. “We both know that and, really, that’s not going to change. I wish I could say that I’ll always put your needs above everything else but I would be lying. The Pack is important, my Alpha’s needs are my responsibility, but if you give me another chance, I will love you for the rest of my life.”

Emily’s eyes started to water at his declaration, but she was not about to cry. Happy tears or not, she needed to prove to Cain that she could take whatever he dished out and stand strong beside him. “If I say yes we can never come back here again. It’ll be you and me. We have to make decisions together. You can’t go all caveman on me and make demands because you’re worried about me,” Emily said. “We talk things out.”

“Caveman?” Cain asked with a grin.

“Oh yes,” Emily said. “Me Cain, you Emily, and all the chest pounding.” She laughed and the tightness in her chest popped. Happiness and excitement bubbled up.

“Okay, but if we talk and I explain to you why I need you to do something, if it’s to keep you safe, you have to listen. No more being stubborn just to prove that you can take care of yourself,” Cain said.

Since she could admit that was one of her faults, she nodded.

“And everyone has to know you’re mine,” he declared.

Biting back a smile, she raised an eyebrow. “Am I?”

Cain narrowed his eyes at her, teasing. “Yes. Do you remember what I said to you that first day? Before I made love with you.”

She nodded.

“Say it.”

“Mine. You said I was yours.”

He cupped her face. “That was as honest as I’ve ever been to myself and I couldn’t hold back the words. I won’t hold them back anymore either. I meant it then, and I still do. You are mine, Emily. I choose you and still want you.” He kissed her gently, just a soft meeting of lips, before picking her up.

“You’re mine too,” she said. “We belong together.”

“Let me show you how right you are.” His long strides carried them into the bedroom, and she kept a tight hold on his neck.

The room that had seemed so lonely before now held such possibilities. Cain laid her gently on the bed before lying on top of her. The weight of his body pressing her down into the bed felt right. Like he was meant to be there.

She ran her hands over his back, making sure to catch the fabric of his shirt so she could touch bare skin. He leaned up enough for her to yank the material over his head. Emily placed her palm against the muscles in his chest. Her pale hand contrasted nicely with his dark, tanned tone.

“I love your body,” she said while brushing over his nipple.

He shivered, and damn she loved that reaction. Emily raised her mouth to his chest and he brought his hand up to hold her there as she laved at his nipple. Then he was pulling at her tank.

She hadn’t put on a bra so there was no other barrier between his hot hand and her skin. Lifting her head, she helped him get rid of the garment then went back to running her tongue across him.

The position didn’t allow her to move far, so she pushed at him until he was dropping down beside her on the bed. Emily threw her leg over his and attacked the button and zipper of his jeans. She got them loose then tugged them along his legs, only to run into his boots.

“Too many clothes,” she mumbled.

Cain laughed but started to lean up.

“No.” She pushed him back before working at getting him completely naked. “No underwear,” she said in delight before she tossed his stuff off the side of the bed.

“Now you,” Cain said. “Get naked.”

With her gaze on his, she knelt up on the mattress and did as he’d ordered. Once she had everything piled on the floor, Cain once again reached out. She lightly slapped his hands away. “Let me.”

“Okay,” he agreed as he lay back against the covers. “By all means.” He waved at his body.

Now that she had him right where she wanted, Emily wasn’t sure where to start. His cock stood hard away from his body and that piece of him was mouthwatering. She scooted up so she could reach him and grasped his shaft. She squeezed the base firmly then pulled.

Cain shuddered.

She did it again and again until the tip of his cock started to produce a small amount of pre-cum. Only then did she bend her head and lick at the clear liquid. The taste was bold and slightly bitter so she liked it.

With determination, she went about bobbing her head, sucking and teasing his shaft. He seemed to grow even harder under her attention.

“Em,” Cain murmured. “Oh God, yes!” He pumped his hips, which drove his cock deeper and almost down her throat.

Emily choked and lifted her mouth off him.

“Sorry, sorry,” he panted.

She didn’t even bother to answer. She hadn’t minded at all. Instead, she dropped back down then opened her mouth wider. Cain buried his hands in her hair before gently pressing in farther.

Emily hummed, encouraging him, as she slipped her hand under his ass to try to get him to thrust deeper. After several more sucks from her, he plunged out of control. She didn’t pop off his shaft this time, instead she just backed off a little and let him shove himself inside. She made her lips as tight as possible while teasing her tongue against the tip.

“Fuck!” he shouted, and just when she thought he’d come he was pulling out of her mouth.

He flipped her onto her back beside him and was kissing her so fast that she wasn’t able to catch her breath before his mouth was on hers.

The feel of his hard, wet cock against her thigh had her reaching for him, desperate to have him inside her. She needn’t have worried.

Cain’s hands bumped hers as he was also going for his shaft.

Emily moved her hands to his bare ass and let him position his cock at her pussy. She was so wet and slick that he slid in easily, filling her with one long thrust. She bowed her back, allowing him in even deeper.

Once he was buried as far as he could go, Cain hovered over her. The look on his face took her breath away.

“Are you paying attention?” he asked.

She nodded even though she wasn’t. All she could think about was the way his cock was throbbing inside her.

“This is me making you mine,” he said. “There is no doubts, no going back. We’ll not mate officially until we have a ceremony. You deserve it. But after tonight you’ll never wonder how much I love you and want you in my life.”

Emily nodded. “Yes, claim me.”

Cain slammed his mouth down on hers while at the same time he withdrew smoothly before plunging back in.

“Cain!” she yelled. He felt bigger than he ever had before as he drove his hips hard. Perfect, so fucking perfect. Emily wrapped her legs tightly around his waist, making sure to lock her ankles together as the bed started to rock.

Each time he thrust, Emily met his move. There was no slow build, no gentle touches—that would have to come later. Right then, she needed for him to be out of control and know that it was because of her.

Emily tried to hold back, she didn’t want to climax so fast, but she was helpless to avoid it. She cried out her pleasure as Cain raised his head and howled his own release.

As he filled her with his seed, all she was missing was the bite of mating. They hadn’t taken things that far this time, but according to Lamont they were already mated, so she knew soon it would happen.

Cain wrapped his arms around her before he rolled onto his back and laid her on his chest. She rubbed her face against his chest, knowing that her sweat would make her scent on him even stronger. When he began to stroke her hair gently, she smiled. He was just as invested as she was. The next time he forgot it, Emily was going to knock him on his ass just the way he’d taught her.

“I love you,” he whispered.

She snuggled in then closed her eyes in contentment. “I love you too.”

* * * *

Lamont hung up the phone with a feeling of dread.

There had been another attack. This time in Montana, more brutal, and on Pack territory. Shaking his head, he looked out of the window into the darkness.

A meeting had been called for all the Packs. It would take place in Colorado, in Riker’s territory. The Alpha was still recovering himself but he’d agreed to host the other Packs. Lamont wanted to call the Alpha Council and use his contacts to get advanced information. Lamont wanted to know what the others were working on. He just didn’t know if he should. Maybe starting with some of the Alphas he was close to would be better. Gage Wolf in Texas would be on top of things.

They’d been friends a long time and always were the first to send aid to one another. Yes, he’d start with other Alphas before he resorted to calling in favors.

Lamont worried what he was sending Cain into. The attacker had to know that the Packs were banding together and he would be caught soon. What if the person responsible went after the ones hunting him?

As much as he didn’t want to send Cain, he didn’t have a choice. This was Cain’s job and what he was best at. This wasn’t a good time for Cain either. Lamont didn’t know how his son was faring with Emily, but he hoped that the two would work things out.

Lamont had suspected for a while now that they might be fated to mate. No two had ever fought it as hard as they had, but one couldn’t miss the emotions when the two were together.

Cain had more control of his emotions than any wolf he’d known, including himself. It had been when Lamont had heard her scream on the stairs that he’d known something was wrong.

He hadn’t punished Cain. Cain would be doing that to himself. Sometimes being a father was harder than being an Alpha. He had to protect them both, even if that meant protecting Cain from himself. Lamont was sure that Cain would punish himself ten times worse than Lamont would have.

He glanced at his watch. It was ten-thirty, and he didn’t expect Cain back tonight. If they worked things out, Cain would be an idiot to leave her tonight. If they didn’t work it out, Cain still wouldn’t return. He would be off torturing himself. Lamont wanted to reach out to his son. He wanted to offer his reassurances, but he knew Cain wouldn’t accept them. Cain had to figure out his own feelings.

He looked up as the knock came on the study door. Ah, he’d wondered when his eldest son would make an appearance. Cain wasn’t the only one of his boys that he knew well. “Come in.”

Tony walked in and nodded politely. “You got a minute?”

Nodding, Lamont gestured to the chair in front of him. Tony’s timbre indicted he was talking to his Alpha, not his father. He wasn’t sure how they’d gotten to where Tony spoke to him more for his position than his dad. It made Lamont sad, but he understood why Tony did it.

His oldest liked to keep his feelings and thoughts to himself. Still, Lamont knew more than Tony was aware of. He’d start trying to save Cain now. If there was anything Tony could do to protect Cain, that would be his mission. Tony’s best trait was his love for his family.

Tony rubbed his hands on his pants and took a deep breath. “What are you going to do about Cain?”

Lifting his eyebrow at his son, Lamont did not answer.

“I mean. If you see fit to punish him, well, I’d understand, but…”

“Just say it, Tony.”

“I should probably be punished too,” Tony finished quietly.

Lamont sat back in his chair. This he hadn’t been expecting. “Want to tell me why?”

Tony sighed heavily. “I knew about the first time they…were together. I was eating in the kitchen when they came up from the gym. I also knew how Cain would react to her friendship with Kyle. I didn’t warn Kyle. I thought… I just wanted to give him a nudge. You know, to make a move. I don’t know two more perfect…”

“Mates?” Lamont finished, and Tony nodded.

“So should I punish Toby?”

Tony’s eyes widened. “No, that’s not what I meant.”

“Well, if I punish you for knowing Cain would be jealous of Kyle, then shouldn’t I punish Toby for telling Cain about it?”

Tony would know where his father was going with this. He frowned before he sighed. “No.”

Lamont nodded at him. “Honorable for you to feel guilty, but unnecessary. Cain is responsible for his own actions.”

Tony nodded again. “He wouldn’t have hurt her. Not like that. He doesn’t have it in him. He loves her. I can feel it when he’s with her.”

“Yes.” Lamont wasn’t sure what Tony needed to hear. It seemed that the situation was affecting more than just Cain and Emily.

“I just don’t understand what happened.”

Lamont reached over and tried to give his son the only help he could. “I believe that Cain and Emily mated.”

Tony jumped up to come to his brother’s rescue. His mouth opened and closed as he sputtered out an argument. It was a crime to mate or bond without the Alpha’s permission.

Lamont gestured him back down. “I don’t believe they knew.”

It took a moment, but the realization at what Lamont was saying came through.

“You think they were fated?”

Lamont only nodded.

Tony digested that information for a minute. “It would make sense.”

They sat there for a moment.

“So what else is bothering you?” Lamont asked him.

“I don’t have as much control as Cain does,” Tony said.

“Very few people do,” Lamont said.

“So, if Cain can lose control should I worry?” Tony asked. “Is it something in our family?”

“No,” Lamont assured him. “I believe that Cain and Emily are in a very unique situation that we’ll probably never see again.”

“Fated mates,” Tony said after a few moments. “I’ve read the books you gave me. I understand why the Council wants us to keep things quiet. I can’t believe we get to witness it, though.”

“I’ve suspected for a while,” Lamont said.

Tony nodded. “It will be a story that everyone will talk about.”

“Your brother will hate that,” Lamont said with a smile.

“Oh yeah,” Tony said then laughed. “And I’ll have plenty of ammo to use against him for many years to come.”

“Be careful,” Lamont said. “You’ll fall in love too one day.”

“Nah.” Tony waved his hand. “I’ll stay happily single. If Cain and Emily have shown me anything it’s that falling in love is messy.”

“And still worth it.”

A wistful look crossed Tony’s face quickly before his eldest managed to clear his features. “So what else is going on?”

All amusement disappeared. “There was another attack. A special meeting has been called. I have to send Cain.”

Tony nodded. “He just got back today. He’s with Emily right now.”

“I know. I’ll give him tonight with her. He’ll have to be back in Colorado the day after tomorrow. I don’t have a choice,” Lamont said.

“Is there anything I can do?” Tony asked. “I know I’m not trained like Cain, but I want to help.”

It had always been Lamont’s plan to leave his Pack to Tony. His oldest had a gift that would serve the Pack well. He was a good man, all his kids were, but Tony could charm anyone. A sudden thought struck. Lamont grinned at his son. “How would you like to take the Council up on the offer to study with them?” he asked Tony.

Tony tilted his head but smiled. “You want me to accept? I thought we were going to wait.”

“I’m going to call Gage, Christian and a few other Alphas, but I think now might be a good time for you to go to California.”

When the Alpha Council had offered Tony the chance to go up to their compound so Tony could learn more about heading a Pack, they’d been surprised. It had turned out that Lamont wasn’t the only one who believed that Tony was going to lead a Pack in the future.

The small group of old Alphas who served as the Council to all Packs around the United States made the laws and carried out punishments. Lamont knew the other Alphas well and was proud that his son had been chosen for the great honor.

Now it seemed that he would also be able to help his Pack as well as begin to prepare Tony.

All in all, a pretty good position to be in.

“I’ll phone Alpha Babcock and find out when I can go,” Tony told him.

Lamont nodded. “Thank you.”

Tony shrugged. “Maybe I can do a little more research into fated mates while I’m there. The book you gave me was pretty vague on what we can expect.”

“I’ll make sure that Cain keeps you updated as well. I don’t know how much the Council is aware of the attacks, but any information you can learn will help.”

“Of course,” Tony agreed.

“I’ll let you know what the other Alphas say at breakfast.”

“Okay,” Tony said. “I’m going to head to bed then. I’ll call Babcock after we talk in the morning.”