Chapter Ten

Hannah had been correct when she’d said that they’d have a lot of visitors. Marissa couldn’t even count how many hands she’d shaken or hugs given to her. It had seemed like a long day with everyone wishing her the best and telling her she had their support.

Now that it was late into the night she finally had a minute to herself. Gage had taken her to bed earlier and showed her how much he loved and craved her. Marissa had always had a pretty active love life but Gage was insatiable. She’d never had a lover like him. He was rough yet gentle at the same time. She had no idea how that was possible but he managed it. She’d never felt more cared for than she had the last several days.

Which was what was keeping her from sleeping.

She’d slipped from bed and showered before dressing in soft sleep bottoms and a loose T-shirt. She was bare-footed and her hair was still wet but since it was past midnight she didn’t expect to run into anyone.

Gage had been telling her for days that this was her home now and she needed to be comfortable. So she was heading to the kitchen to see what she could snack on. Marissa wasn’t actually hungry but she needed to think, and being wrapped up in Gage’s arms was too distracting at the moment.

The more she relaxed inside the Alpha house and with Gage, the more Marissa was starting to wonder if she was losing her edge. She’d always taken care of herself and to have to rely on someone else was strange. Plus, she didn’t have just herself to worry about. Now she had a mate that she was putting in danger.

If Gage was hurt by this it would be all her fault. How could she live with herself?

Marissa pushed open the swinging kitchen door but paused on the threshold. Gage’s dad sat at the large island with a plate of cookies and a tall glass of milk.

“I’m sorry,” she said quietly. “I didn’t think anyone else was up.”

He waved her forward. “Come keep me company as I break my diet. I swear by the time I leave I’m going to have gained twenty pounds.”

She grinned as she strolled forward. Being a shifter, Gage’s dad would burn off the calories that he consumed. Marissa, on the other hand, had to watch what she ate. Not being able to shift affected every part of her life. She had no idea how she was going to make it inside the Pack.

“Sit,” Gage’s father told her. “I’ll get you a glass of milk. That’s the best way to enjoy some of Hannah’s chocolate chip cookies.”

“Oh no,” she said. “You don’t have to do that.”

He lifted a brow. The same way that his son did. “Are you going to make me eat these alone?”

He sounded amused but she still felt like it was a challenge. “Okay,” she agreed before she climbed up on the stool next to him.

“Good girl,” he praised.

Warmth spread through her at his approval. It was foreign to feel this way.

He went to the cabinet to pull down a glass and she watched him. He was probably in his sixties but he moved around like a young man. There was a small spring to his step as he moved around.

After he’d filled her glass he set it in front of her then sat back down. He pushed the plate closer to her. Marissa picked up one of the cookies and studied it, trying to think of something to say. She barely knew the man and was sleeping with his son. What should they talk about?

“You don’t have to say anything,” he told her as if reading her mind. “We can sit here and enjoy these freshly baked cookies then go up to our own rooms and not have to talk.”

That sounded good. “Or?”

“Or,” he said, “you can tell me what’s on your mind. What is keeping you awake while you should be asleep next to your mate?”

“Are you mad that he mated a non-shifter?” The question was out of her mouth before she’d realized what she was going to ask.

Gage’s father shook his head. “On the contrary, I couldn’t imagine a better mate for him.”

She snorted. “Yeah right.”

He grinned before he picked up a cookie for himself. “You don’t have to believe me but I think you will soon enough.”

When he didn’t elaborate Marissa fidgeted. She had to know what he meant. “Why?” she finally asked.

“My son has been a member of this Pack his entire life,” he said. “He’s a strong leader but he’s never come across a real challenge. Most shifters wouldn’t even consider challenging such a strong wolf shifter but times are changing.”

“What do you mean?” she questioned.

“The world that we’ve been living in,” he answered. “There’s been a lot of grumbling between the different shifter factions. They’re tired of hiding, sick of being hunted down when in their animal form. Something is going to have to change. I don’t know if it’ll be in a year, five, or twenty but eventually all Alphas are going to have to help protect shifters. Gage will need a strong partner by his side when the time comes.”

“He’ll be fine,” she said. “He has more compassion than anyone I’ve ever met.”

“I agree with you. And Gage won’t back down if it comes to protecting anyone. But at what cost? How long will he remain fair and compassionate with so much responsibility? If there is no one to take care of him then how can he stay strong?” he asked.

“Gage doesn’t need anyone to take care of him,” she said.

“That’s where you’re wrong. But I have no doubt that you’ll learn. An Alpha needs a partner more than anyone else in the Pack. He’s had and will have more tough decisions to make. He needs someone he can trust who will always be on his side.”

“Logan… Cain…” she said.

“Rely on him to make the decisions. Only you will try to protect him at all costs,” he responded.

“There have to be dozens of females who’d be better at it than me,” she confessed. “I’ve never been in a Pack like this.”

“Ah.” He grinned as he pointed at her. “That’s right. And that’s why you’re perfect.”

“I don’t understand,” she admitted.

“How many women could have withstood what you did? First the abuse in the Pack—and what you went through was abuse. Then on your own for ten years. I know strong male shifters that wouldn’t have been able to handle that. You’re going to make Gage stronger because you are a survivor.”

Was that true? Marissa didn’t know what to say so she didn’t say anything at all. Instead, she thought about what Gage’s father had said.

Marissa did believe herself strong. Of course, she’d also considered herself broken and defective. If she was to trust what Gage’s dad said then she would have to rethink everything she’d once thought was fact.

One thing that she could say for certain was that Gage’s dad was correct in saying that she would protect Gage. If he had to be strong for everyone else then she would be there for him when he had finished his duties. That was what she could do for her mate.

“I can see that you’re thinking about it already,” Gage’s father said. “That’s good.”

She glanced at him.

“You’re going to be tested during this trial. You will get through it. Let my son help you,” he said.

Marissa nodded.

“I mean it. This isn’t just about Brandon’s attack. The entire Pack, especially the inner circle, is going to have to explain their behavior toward you and your sister.”

“Elizabeth’s on her honeymoon,” Marissa said. “She doesn’t need to be involved in this.”

“I’m sorry but there’s a good chance that the Council is going to want to talk to her.”

“Damn,” she muttered. It appeared that she’d screwed up Elizabeth’s life once again.

“Logan already called Greg and they’re on the way back. Your sister was more worried about you than she cared about her trip.”

“Still,” she said. “This is supposed to be a special time for her.”

“It will be,” he assured her. “Logan already spoke to Greg and offered him the use of the family cabin up in the mountains in California. I think it’ll be nice for them.”

Oh wow, that was cool.

“Plus, after all of this is over, you and your sister will be safe and together. I believe that’s more important to her than a few days away.”

Yeah, that sounded good to Marissa too.

“Did this talk help?” he asked.

“Yes,” she admitted. “Can I ask you one more question?”

“You can ask me as many as you want,” he told her. “We’re family now.”

Marissa had to smile at that. “Family,” she repeated. Other than Elizabeth, she didn’t have anyone else who’d ever cared what happened to her. Now it appeared that Gage wasn’t the only one that she was adding to her life.

“Yes, now ask your question,” he said.

“How does a trial work? I don’t know what to expect,” she said.

“Good,” he replied. “That’s a smart question. What will happen is the Council members will act as the judges. We’ll go over the charges and the Council will talk to everyone involved.”

“Will you be there?” she questioned.

“No, since you’re family I can’t be on the judging committee. Plus, I’m a witness also. I came down here before the attack on you because there was a threat to my son and his mate. Brandon’s father called me and we spoke about Brandon leaving. I’ll tell them everything I saw and heard.”

“What do I say?” she asked.

“Tell them exactly what happened that day by the creek. Then when asked about how you were treated growing up, just be honest.”

“I can do that,” she murmured. “Especially if it will keep Brandon away from Gage.”

“I have no doubt that Brandon will be found guilty. I just want to make sure that his father and the Pack also pay for how they treated you and your sister.”

“It’s that important to you?” she asked. Why so many people cared about the way she’d been raised confused her.

“Yes.” He nodded. “Not only because it is to Gage but because when an Alpha fails to protect a Pack member he breaks his word. Our entire society is based on having an Alpha do his job. It also worries me that even more is going on there and maybe other shifters are being hurt or not taken care of.”

“I never thought about that,” she said. “I stayed away from most everyone except Brandon.”

“From what you’ve said I’m surprised that you hooked up with him.”

“I know,” she agreed. “I spent a lot of time on my own. Brandon would come around and talk to me. Eventually we spent all of our free time together.”

“If his attention had been for the good I would praise him. Now I think he was just using you.”

“Yeah,” she said. “But maybe he did me a favor.”

“How’s that?” he asked.

“If I hadn’t gone through what I did maybe Elizabeth would have never left the Pack. She wouldn’t have started dating Greg and I wouldn’t have met Gage,” she explained.

He hugged her. She was so surprised she just froze. He laughed, but not unkindly.

“You’re going to be fine. Now you better get some rest. I expect the Council members here tomorrow and they’ll want to start the trial right away.”

Marissa glanced down and realized that not only had she finished her milk but she had also eaten several cookies. She stood and grabbed her glass.

“I’ll clean up,” Gage’s father told her. “You just get some sleep.”

She nodded then clearly surprised him by hugging him hard. He patted her back and Marissa could have wept with joy. This must be what it would have been like to have a dad.

“Go now,” he said then pushed her toward the door.

Marissa followed his order and made her way back to Gage.

* * * *

Gage had gotten out of bed earlier when he’d woken without Marissa. He’d panicked and had almost fallen out of the bed. As soon as he’d gotten control of himself he’d raced to the door and used his heightened senses to locate her.

She’d been in the kitchen with his father. He hadn’t been able to make out the words but the murmur of their talking had calmed him. He’d fought the urge to go to her and had crawled back into bed to wait. Now that he was lying there awake he finally had time to think about the day.

He was proud of his Pack and the support they’d shown him and his new mate. It was obvious that Marissa had been overwhelmed at times but she’d dealt with the excess of people like a champ. He hadn’t doubted she’d make a good Alpha mate and the day had proven that he was correct. Right away he’d noticed that she was most comfortable with the teenagers who had approached her. He knew Elizabeth loved children as she worked at the elementary school. Marissa seemed to hit it off with the teenagers. Gage was certain that would come in handy in the future. Most of the Pack teenagers avoided him as he was the ultimate parental figure but if they could go to his mate Gage felt secure that they’d be able to help more of the Pack.

Smiling, he reclined against the headboard and picked up his e-reader from the nightstand. He’d been looking forward to the latest novel from his favorite suspense author and as he waited for his mate he’d be able to get started.

Two chapters down and he was fully engaged in the mystery and intrigue of the spy world when the bedroom door opened.

“What are you doing?” she asked as she closed the door behind her.

Gage powered off his device. “I woke up and you weren’t here. It scared me.”

“Oh! I’m sorry,” she said while rushing to him. “I didn’t even think about that. I just couldn’t sleep.”

When she got close enough, Gage reached out and grabbed her wrist. He tugged her down onto his lap. “It’s not your fault. If you want to wander around the house in the middle of the night you have every right. Even sneak off to eat Hannah’s cookies.”

She smiled. “How’d you know that?”

“I went to find you but picked up on you and my father in the kitchen. If Dad’s up this late then he’s been in the cookie jar,” Gage told her. “That’s his weakness. I think Hannah makes fresh cookies just to tempt him.”

Marissa nodded. “Yeah, he was enjoying them.”

Gage leaned forward and sniffed. “He wasn’t the only one.”

“Well,” she said. “I might have had a couple.”

“Good,” Gage said. He settled back to get more comfortable. “Did you have a good talk with my dad?”

“Why didn’t you come down?” she asked.

“I figured if you got the chance to talk to my father it might help with whatever was keeping you up,” Gage answered. “He gives really good advice over milk and cookies.”

“He does,” she said. “And yes, we had a good talk. I’m glad he was there. You’re very lucky.”

“You don’t talk about your parents,” Gage said. Now that he thought about it, neither did Elizabeth. The only time he could recall Elizabeth mentioning her parents was when they’d first met and she’d wanted to join the Pack. He’d asked about her family and she’d told him that her parents weren’t around, then gone on to explain that her sister was rogue.

“There’s not much to say,” Marissa told him. “My dad left us and the Pack when it became obvious that something was wrong and I couldn’t shift. My mom blamed me. After that she wasn’t around a lot. When she was it wasn’t good. She stayed drunk or high. Elizabeth and I raised ourselves.”

“Do you know where they are now?” he asked.

“No,” Marissa said. “I never saw my dad again and my mom just left one night and never came back. Elizabeth went to the Alpha but there was nothing we could do. She was an adult and had already been taking care of me. My mom didn’t contribute anything to the Pack anyway. She didn’t pay the fees and Elizabeth worked two jobs so she could pay him so we’d be able to stay.”

Gage didn’t realize he was growling until she rubbed his chest and soothed him.

“It’s okay,” she whispered. “We made it through.”

“The more I hear, the bigger the urge to rip the throat out of your old Alpha.”

She surprised him by laughing. “I won’t say that I never had that thought because, honestly, the man’s a prick. But he’ll face the Council and they’ll decide if he should suffer a punishment.”

“You really were talking to my dad,” Gage said.

Marissa seemed just a bit different. More confident and steadier than she’d been.

“He’s a smart guy,” she said. “I can see why you make such a good Alpha with a teacher like him.”

It made him pleased and proud for Marissa to say that. His father was the best person he knew and Gage could only pray that he’d be as good an Alpha as him.

“Is there anything you want to talk about?” Gage asked her. With the way Marissa was opening up, he wanted to unlock the lines of communication.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Of course,” he replied quickly.

“What kind of mate do you expect me to be?” she asked.

Gage didn’t really need to think hard about his answer. “I want an equal partner,” he said. “Someone who accepts my dominant side but is also able to stand by their convictions and give me their opinion.”

She laughed.

“You’ve been doing it from the moment we met,” he said.

“You mean I’m a pain in the ass,” she teased.

“Yes,” he agreed with a wink. “That’s how I knew I’d never be bored. You’re strong and independent but you also care about those around you. I watched you with our Pack today. You welcomed them into your life. I don’t know if you even realize it.”

“I didn’t at the time but when I thought about it I felt like I’d made the first step to joining the Pack,” she said.

“You’re already Pack,” Gage told her.

“To you and maybe to your Pack,” she said. “But I still didn’t feel it until I saw you surrounded by the Pack and looking over at me like I was your world. That’s when I knew.”

“And made you question your place,” he guessed. “Which is why you were awake.”

“I don’t want you or the Pack to suffer because of me,” she said.

“We need you more than what we would suffer,” he said. “I need you.”

“I know,” she told him. “Your dad helped me realize that I could help you.”

“Really?” he asked. He’d have to thank his father in the morning for whatever he’d said.

“You need someone to be on your side,” she said. “Who will protect you above all else.”

Gage beamed at her. “I do.”

“So that’s my job,” she said.

“What else do you want to do?” he asked. She’d given him the perfect opportunity to bring up a subject he’d wanted to broach.

“Do?” she asked.

“What are you interested in?” he clarified. “I know you work in an office now. Do you want to work with me here or out of the house? We have several businesses that you could work at.”

“I don’t know,” she said slowly. “I need to think about it. I haven’t really had the opportunity to explore. I worked fast food, restaurants, and then started to take temp jobs in offices before I got my current position.”

“You’ll have plenty of time to decide,” he promised. “I just wanted you to know that you can do whatever it is that you want. I’ll support you. I want you to be happy.”

“I will be,” she said. Marissa leaned forward to brush her lips over his.

Gage ran his hand down her shoulder before he threaded his fingers through her hair. He held her still as he plundered her mouth with his tongue. Marissa was moaning and clawing at his chest. He hadn’t dressed so her nails dug into his flesh with a bite of pain. He lifted his hips to drag his erection against her.

“I have to have you,” he said.

“Then take me,” she replied breathlessly.

Gage rolled her onto her back then lifted enough to rip the sheets between them away.

“Arms up,” he ordered.

She complied and he pushed her T-shirt up and over her head. Gage leaned down and captured one of her pert nipples in his mouth. She arched into him while he sucked. He forgot all about the top once her beautifully smooth skin was revealed. He continued to kiss from one breast to the other, running his hands down to push off the cotton bottoms she’d put on.

Marissa raised her hips, helping him by shimmying out of them. Gage sat back to peer at her.

She was flushed and breathing hard. The T-shirt had twisted around her wrists, giving him a devious idea. Gage reached up and tangled the material tighter before he pressed her wrists against the mattress.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

Gage grinned. “Keep them there,” he ordered.

She was already nodding before he’d even finished his sentence.

“Good girl,” he praised.

Now that he had her at his mercy, Gage slid down her body and spread her thighs, opening her up for his view. She was already wet so he slipped one finger through her folds to spear into her pussy.

“Oh,” she gasped.

He wanted a better reaction than that. Gage lowered himself between her legs so that he could reach her with his tongue. He held her thighs wide, swiping at her opening. She hissed before she grabbed the back of his head and forced him down on her harder.

Gage licked up her juices, enjoying her flavor as it burst over his tongue. She tasted sweet. Her legs shook but Gage didn’t stop. He knew how to bring his mate pleasure. As he added a finger, Gage wrapped his arm around one of her thighs to keep her still. Marissa was trying to buck up but he wanted her to have to take what he gave her. Marissa’s arms were still over her head so he was happy she was following his directions.

He brought her to the edge of climax then backed off, removing his mouth and fingers.

“No!” she cried out, reaching for him.

Gage caught her wrists and pushed them back to the mattress. “Keep them there.”

“Please,” she begged beautifully.

Gage lowered his head so he could brush his lips over hers. When she opened for him he once again lifted away.

“Ugh,” she protested.

He just grinned down at her. She stuck her lower lip out in a pout and he laughed. It wasn’t an expression that he thought he’d see on her face.

“What?” he teased while trailing a finger down her stomach.

“I want you,” she said.

“I know,” he replied. He was throbbing with need but he also enjoyed this little game.

“So stop teasing me!” she demanded.

Gage lifted a brow. “Who’s the Alpha?”

Marissa huffed out a breath. “You.”

“And I take what I want, when I want,” he said.

“You want me,” she said, wiggling her hips.

Her body brushed over his cock and he had to clench his teeth so he didn’t groan.

“If you don’t behave I might just go take a shower and jack off on my own,” he said with a slap to her thigh.

Marissa’s eyes widened. Gage wasn’t sure if that was because of his words or the love tap. But he was going to find out.

“Roll over,” he ordered.

She didn’t waste any time turning onto her stomach, giving him the perfect view of her firm ass and flawless back and shoulders.

“Up on your hands and knees,” he said.

Marissa lifted up and gave a wiggle of her hips.

Gage smacked her butt. “Don’t get cocky,” he said. “Or this will turn into a punishment.”

When his hand had landed on her skin, she’d moaned. He didn’t know how he’d gotten so lucky to find a mate who enjoyed the same play that he did and could handle his dominant side, but Gage knew he was lucky.

“Now,” he said, raising to his knees before her. “I’m going to claim every inch of you and you’re going to remain perfectly still.”

He had no doubt that he’d given her enough time to get control of her pleasure. He wanted her to enjoy every minute and now that he’d allowed the passion to cool a little he could make her hot again.

“Do you understand?” he asked.

“Yes, Gage,” she whispered back.

“Good girl,” he praised. He lifted his hand then let it drop down. The sound echoed around the room as his palm struck her flesh.

Marissa hissed but wiggled again.

“Stay still,” he reminded her.

“Sorry.”

She didn’t sound sorry at all. He let his hand fly again, this time a little harder. He would never use his full strength against her even if she was a shifter. He had no intention of ever hurting her.

What Brandon had done was against every single thing that Gage stood for. An Alpha protected and cared for his Pack.

He couldn’t think about that. Marissa deserved every inch of his attention.

On the fifth smack, Marissa was pushing back.

He stopped.

“No!” she wailed, dropping her head, panting.

“Don’t move.” Gage waited until she nodded before he began again.

Marissa remained frozen but her moans and gasps grew in volume. His cock was so hard that it was painful. But Marissa was responding so sweetly.

After twenty swats, Gage grasped his cock and moved to press against her pussy.

Still Marissa did not move.

“Perfect,” he murmured, pushing in.

She sobbed, actually sobbed, and Gage withdrew before he slammed back in. Marissa would be able to feel him each time his hips hit her reddened ass. The pleasure-pain would keep her on the edge until he decided to let her come.

With a tight grasp of her hips, he pounded into her until it was even too much for her to follow his order and she was pushing back to accept him.

The familiar tingling at the base of his spine signaled his need for release so he reached around and fingered her clit hard.

Marissa screamed then her body clamped around his cock as they orgasmed together.

He was panting and shaking but managed to pull her gently to her side so that they could lie together. He stroked her arm basking in the afterglow. Marissa already had her eyes closed while he petted her. Gage cuddled her close, vowing to never let her go.

If he could protect her from having to ever see Brandon or his father again he would. He knew that his dad and the Council thought that facing those who’d hurt her would help Marissa overcome her past but Gage wasn’t so sure. He really wished that he could take her away.

With a heavy sigh Gage settled further into the mattress as he tugged Marissa over him. All he could do was hold her while she faced her demons.