Chapter Five

Marissa pressed herself close to Gage. His body was strong, solid and everything she needed right now. If she just didn’t have to think then everything would be okay. She could forget the betrayal and pain from finding out that her entire adult life had been built on a lie.

Gage’s arm tightened around her as he kissed her back. The hand under her ass helped her lift her leg to wrap it around his waist. That put her in the perfect position to feel his hard-on against her. When he pulled away and looked at her, Marissa’s heart skipped. He was so attractive, and even if she didn’t know why he wanted her she’d take it for now.

She could get used to this man being there for her. And that was scary. Even if what he’d said was true, that didn’t mean her life would be any different. She was still a non-shifter in a world where she didn’t truly belong.

“Please,” she pleaded as she rubbed her hand down his chest. She needed him to make her stop thinking.

“Upstairs. I want you in my bed,” he whispered in her ear. “I want to make love to you for hours.”

Why did they have to leave the office? Didn’t he realize that she would give in to him right there? What if someone saw them together on the way to his room?

“Once I get you in my bed you’ll stay there,” he told her. “Mine to do with whatever I want.”

Marissa shivered at his declaration. No more hiding. No shame in being with a wolf. She didn’t have to hold back her needs with him. She wasn’t sure if she could give him what he wanted but she could try. “Okay, upstairs.”

Gage took her mouth again, this time with more force. Marissa gave herself to him willingly. He lifted her off her feet easily and she wrapped her arms and both legs around him.

“We’ll also talk about your punishment for talking back to me. Again.”

Marissa shuddered with excitement as she scraped her teeth over his neck. She wanted punishment even if she didn’t want to say the words. “Maybe later.”

Gage chuckled. He must have caught how much she craved it.

They barely made it up to his room without her ripping his clothes off. Luckily they didn’t run into anyone to slow them down. Marissa would have been horrified if a Pack member had seen how desperate she was for him. It wasn’t only the fact that he was taking her mind off things. She wanted to enjoy being with him without the familiar guilt she always felt. This would be the first time she gave herself to another shifter without the fear of discovery.

Gage kicked his bedroom door closed as Marissa teased him with her tongue on his neck and ear. He stumbled slightly before he caught himself, and she liked that she was affecting him so much.

When he dropped her carelessly onto the bed, Marissa bounced, laughing while looking around. “Oh wow.” It was a great bedroom. Worthy of an Alpha.

Gage already had his shirt over his head. “Yeah. Strip.”

Ignoring him, Marissa knelt on the giant bed and took in her surroundings. “This room is huge.”

Although there were no lights on, she could see clearly enough. The bed was up two steps on a platform. To her left were balcony doors with the curtains tied open and to her right a sitting area with couch, table and chairs, and a flat-screen TV. A door on the far wall would probably lead to a bathroom. The entire space was done in shades of gray.

“You’re not undressed,” Gage practically growled at her.

Marissa looked at him and took in the naked body in front of her. Lean and muscular. Tan with no lines. She made quick work of removing her clothes then scooted closer on her knees. “Your room distracted me. Now you have distracted me.” She licked a small circle on his chest.

Gage pulled her back by her hair. “You’ve been distracting me since the first moment I laid eyes on you. Now lie back.”

The urge to follow his command was strong but she needed something different this time. She hoped he understood. Marissa pressed a kiss into his chest. “Please let me do this, Gage.” She needed to feel in control. Since first arriving, she had felt like her life was spiraling around her and she was only a passenger.

His eyes softened, telling her he understood. “Okay, baby.”

She reached out and yanked him onto the bed. He let her lay him on his back then she straddled his waist. Marissa took her time kissing Gage’s lips, running her teeth over his neck and chin, before lavishing his chest with more kisses. Keeping his hands at his sides, he allowed her to explore his body. And what a body it was. She breathed in his scent. Rich, dark and male. She rubbed against him as she traveled down. She was getting his scent all over her and that was making her even hotter.

“Marissa.” Gage tried to pull her back up, moving his hands into her hair, but she continued to lower herself to the object she wanted most. His gorgeous, fully erect cock. Licking from the base up, she felt him let out a rush of breath. Then, with just the tip of her tongue, she teased the head.

“Marissa,” Gage hissed out, raising his head to look down at her.

Oh, she could definitely get used to this. She opened and took him into her mouth. Gage groaned and dropped his head back down. Adding her hand, she stroked and sucked him deeper into the back of her throat. He was salty and she loved it as his hips bucked to press him farther into her mouth.

“That’s it. Suck me, baby,” he murmured to her approvingly.

Marissa did. Tipping her head back, she took him as far as she could while sucking him hard.

“Stop,” he ordered.

She hummed and swallowed, trying to push him over the edge. To make him lose control like he seemed to manage with her.

“Stop!”

Marissa gave him one last lick before looking up. He stared down at her. His eyes glowed, showing just how close she had been to making him lose control and spill into her mouth.

“Come here,” he commanded.

She didn’t see any reason not to get what she wanted—him inside her.

She rubbed up him slowly, arousing both of them with the brush of her body on his. When she was straddling his thighs once more, he gripped her hips. Marissa took Gage’s hard cock in her hand and teased her pussy lips with it. Moaning, she continued to torment them both until he growled.

That sound traveled down her spine until she thought she might come before he even got in her. She took just the tip of him, biting her bottom lip, trying to control her need. Sliding down slowly so her body could adjust to his girth, she placed her palm on his chest. When he was fully inside, she rocked forward.

Gage moaned, or maybe it was her—she couldn’t tell anymore. He felt so good filling her. As if he was the only one who belonged there. Still gripping her, he began to thrust up to meet her every time she rocked. Marissa cried out, throwing her head back. She rode him faster as his hips lifted to meet her. Gage matched her speed, pulling her down harder each time.

“Yes.” Marissa leaned forward, her hair falling over both of them, making a curtain around them.

She was almost there. That sweet release was only a few strokes from taking her. They rocked in a rhythm that built in intensity, but it wasn’t enough.

Gage slipped an arm around her waist and she knew what was going to happen. When he flipped her onto her back, Marissa pleaded at him with her eyes to finish her off. He must have felt the need for more, too, because he slammed and pounded into her harder. She could take it, loved it. No human lover could ever match the way a shifter could move.

“Oh, oh,” Marissa panted. She was there, ready to explode.

“Stay with me,” Gage grunted out, plunging inside incredibly fast and hard.

Marissa’s body spasmed. Reaching up, she grabbed his arms. “Yes. More.”

Roaring as if his control was gone, he took her not only as a man takes a woman but also as a wolf would take his mate. She was still screaming when the first orgasm passed and another hit stronger, taking all her breath away. Gage threw his head back and yelled out his own release before collapsing on top of her.

* * * *

The day of the ceremony was busy for both Elizabeth and Marissa. Marissa took extra time to help her sister get ready—drawing Elizabeth a hot scented bath, fixing her hair and makeup before helping her dress.

“That dress is beautiful. You are beautiful,” Marissa told her sister, trying to hold back the tears. For the first time that she could ever remember the tears were good and not from pain. Elizabeth was shining and to Marissa she had never been more beautiful as she was at that moment.

Her loose white dress brought out her natural coloring and flowed around her curves. Marissa straightened one of Elizabeth’s straps before she stood back to just admire her.

Elizabeth was bouncing on her toes. “I can’t believe it’s finally here. I’m going to perform the mating ceremony.”

Marissa leaned over and kissed her sister’s cheek. “Not if you don’t hurry.”

Laughing, Elizabeth twirled around. “I’m ready.”

Taking her hand, Marissa smiled. “Then I’d better get you there.”

As she started to lead her from the room, Elizabeth pulled her back. “I’m sorry,” she said quietly.

“There’s nothing to be sorry about,” Marissa assured, and meant it. They hadn’t spoken about what Gage had revealed, instead concentrating on the ceremony and enjoying each other’s company. It had been wonderful to relax, laugh and talk without having anything hanging over their heads. She’d hoped they could get through the day without the subject being brought up.

Elizabeth stood in front of her, and Marissa knew that regardless of how long she had avoided this talk, it was going to happen now. Or her sister wouldn’t go.

“I love you,” Marissa started, going with honesty. “I will admit that over the years I’ve been jealous of you. I didn’t want to be different. I wanted to be either a were or a human.”

“Oh, honey.”

Marissa shook her head, cutting off Elizabeth’s sympathy. “No. It’s not your fault and it’s not mine. Talking with Gage and Logan, I realized we both had a bad deal. We both deserved a better Pack than we got.”

“If I’d have known…”

Marissa hugged her then cupped her cheek. “But you didn’t. Please, I want to give you this day. I want everything to be perfect for you. I’m okay.”

“But…”

“I’m okay, Elizabeth. Please believe me.” Marissa needed Elizabeth to drop it. If she kept busy and let Elizabeth’s happiness fill her she didn’t have to think of everything she’d missed out on.

“Okay.” Elizabeth took a deep breath and Marissa was glad her sister hadn’t cried. They didn’t have time to fix her makeup. They were already late.

“So, let’s go!” Marissa ushered her toward the door.

Elizabeth smiled but didn’t move. “One more question.”

She knew what was coming. Even knowing didn’t help with the answer.

“What about you and Gage?” Elizabeth asked.

“I don’t know.” Marissa could only tell her the truth. The last few days with Gage had been wonderful but also confusing. She wanted the Alpha more each time they were together. It was like she couldn’t get enough of him. For an independent woman who’d never given a thought to settling down, her relationship with Gage confused her.

“But you do care about him.”

“I do,” she admitted. “But I’m not a Pack member. I don’t belong here. I have to go home soon.” It was the first time she’d spoken the words out loud and they broke her heart. Still, the reality was that she had a home to return to. Even though Gage kept mentioning a gathering with his Pack, Marissa knew she wouldn’t be there. Couldn’t.

“You could stay. Be part of the Pack. We could be close again.” Elizabeth spoke of everything Marissa had already thought about.

“I can’t. I’m sorry, but I just can’t,” Marissa told her softly. She really didn’t want to have this conversation. “Please don’t let this ruin your day.”

Elizabeth smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. “No. I won’t let anything ruin today. I just wish you’d think about staying.”

“What if I promise to visit more?”

Finally Elizabeth’s smile reached her eyes and lit up her face. “Are you going to be coming to see me or Gage?” she teased.

Marissa laughed. “Good question.” But did she know the answer? What if after she left, Gage never wanted to see her again? Marissa couldn’t handle any more rejection. As much as she was trying to keep things light between them, she hadn’t managed to do so.

The previous night after they’d made love, Gage had wrapped his arms tight around her and she’d just gazed at him until she’d fallen asleep. The feeling of being safe and protected was so foreign that she never wanted to be without it. Still, Gage was an Alpha. He had an entire Pack to take care of and that meant one day providing cubs for a future generation.

There was no way Marissa would be able to give him children. The chance that they would be non-shifters was something she wouldn’t be able to deal with. Because of her own limited abilities, she’d never bring a baby into a world that had been so cruel to her. Gage deserved a woman that’d be able to give him and the Pack strong shifters.

As she followed Elizabeth out of the door, Marissa tried to push all her insecurities down. These worries didn’t belong. She needed to enjoy the limited time she had left. That would allow her to live the rest of her life without any regrets.

* * * *

Gage paced his office while Logan sat back comfortably on the couch.

“Nervous?”

“Of course I’m not nervous,” Gage growled. This wasn’t the first time he’d performed the mating ceremony. Almost like a human marriage ceremony, the mating forever ceremony just had more detail added by the shifters. A wolf in the wild only took one mate. That was how his Pack took their own vows. No matter what came up in the future, the mating between two shifters would hold strong.

“She sure is something.”

“Yes, she is. Everyone loves Elizabeth.” Gage knew that Logan didn’t have a thing for Elizabeth so he didn’t know what his second was getting at.

“I wasn’t talking about her.”

Gage stopped in front of him, noting the smug look Logan had. “What?” he questioned. Then he knew. Gage rolled his eyes. Logan had been on at him about getting a commitment from Marissa but Gage was trying not to push her. So he was being very careful.

“Have you talked to Marissa about staying longer?”

Gage went back to pacing. He’d tried to talk to her about Pack life. After all, committing to the Pack wasn’t committing to him. But she’d changed the subject when he’d brought it up. She was due to leave the next day. Every time they were alone together, he broached the subject. And she successfully distracted him.

“So you’re just going to let her go?” Logan shook his head.

Gage knew he was only trying to help. There was a reason Logan was his second. The Pack respected him because he was fair, and Logan was like a dog with a bone. Never giving up on something he believed in.

“Maybe you don’t deserve her then if you’re just going to let her go.”

“Watch your step, Logan,” Gage warned.

“Excuse me, Alpha, but you are more than just my leader. You’re my friend. I haven’t seen you this relaxed…this happy in years,” Logan pleaded. “And we both know it’s because of her.”

Gage walked across the room to stare out of the window onto the grounds of his territory. His home. He loved it there and knew if Marissa gave the place and him a chance she would find her own happiness.

When he’d seen her staring out at the trees behind Elizabeth’s house she’d seemed more shifter to him than human. Gage would take her either way but he wanted to give her the choice.

If he could bring her wolf close to the surface, even if she couldn’t shift, she would feel more complete. But Marissa wouldn’t be easy to convince.

Marissa gave enough of herself to be intriguing yet held back, making her a challenge. She’d spent time with him every night so far—sharing her body with him—yet she’d insisted on returning to her sister’s house to stay most of the time. She kept a distance between them and he wasn’t sure how to push the issue without sending her running.

“It would be a mistake to let her go. Not only does she need a Pack to protect her, but you’re in love with her.” The last was said quietly, but, to Gage’s ears, it might as well have been yelled.

Gage spun around, denial on the tip of his tongue, but stopped himself. There was no reason to lie to Logan or himself.

He felt the change in the house, in him. Elizabeth and Marissa had arrived. “They’re here.” The timing got him out of confessing that Logan was right. He actually felt disappointed that he hadn’t agreed out loud.

Logan nodded. “So let’s get started.”

They greeted the two women outside the door. Marissa smiled up at him and Gage’s heart swelled. He was in love with her. Even if it had only been almost a week, even if he hadn’t told her yet. The wolf inside him had chosen her and the man couldn’t have picked better.

“Hi,” Marissa greeted, looking beautiful in her short summer dress.

“Hello.” Gage leaned down and kissed her mouth.

The blush that stole over her face would have been cute if it didn’t tell him what he already knew. She was okay with what they did in private, but publicly she still shied away.

“I…um…” She nervously shifted from foot to foot. “Thanks for doing this.”

Gage nodded and hugged her to his side. “You can thank me later,” he whispered into her ear.

She gasped, and Elizabeth and Logan laughed out loud.

“Most of the guests have arrived and Greg is already outside,” Logan, ever the peacemaker, announced.

The look of relief that crossed Marissa’s face was comical. “She’s ready,” she responded, avoiding everyone’s eyes.

Gage laughed, letting go of Marissa. He knew he shouldn’t tease her in front of others, but now that he had admitted to himself that he was in love with her, he wanted to shout it from the rooftops.

First, though, he had a ceremony to perform. He released Marissa but she didn’t move away. That made him feel better. He gave her a wink before giving his attention to her sister.

“You look beautiful. Greg is very lucky,” he told Elizabeth, kissing the top of her head.

“No. No. I’m the lucky one. I know that. He has been so patient with me for all these years.” Elizabeth took a deep breath. “I love him.”

“I know you do, honey. And it’s time to do this.” Marissa hugged her sister. She turned to Gage and offered him a smile as well.

Gage resisted the urge to kiss her once again. If he let himself, he would get all wrapped up with her and the ceremony wouldn’t get started.

Logan offered Marissa his arm. “Allow me to take you to your seat, my lady.”

Shyly, Marissa put her arm through Logan’s. She liked him. He’d never treated her differently even after the embarrassing scene in the woods. Or for her relationship with Gage.

In fact, every time that Logan spoke with her he always brought up how great Gage was. Like he actually wanted to see them together. Marissa shook her head to let her thoughts go. This was Elizabeth’s time and she needed to forget about the Alpha for a little bit.

Logan led her out of the back door to where the ceremony would take place. Gage would follow when it was time for the ceremony, escorting Elizabeth. As they headed to where the chairs had been set up, Marissa looked around, taking in the full picture. White lace and ribbons had been hung up. Her sister and Greg would stand under the arch while Gage performed the ceremony.

Lighthearted, Marissa smiled at the guests and Logan escorted her to the front. She didn’t know the Pack and they only knew her as Elizabeth’s sister. They wouldn’t know she was defective.

She felt the unsettling sensation of eyes on her before understanding who was staring at her. Turning her head, she met the pair of dark brown eyes, eyes she knew so well. Eyes that had haunted her dreams for more years than she wanted to remember.

Almost stumbling in surprise, she was glad Logan was there.

“What’s wrong?” he whispered.

“Nothing,” she lied.

He would know it was a lie. Not only would he be able to smell it, but also she had started to tremble. She didn’t know what Brandon was doing there but it couldn’t be good. She watched Logan look over also and knew she wouldn’t have a choice about telling Gage.

“Who is he?”

Tearing her gaze from Brandon’s, Marissa held onto Logan. “My old Alpha’s son,” she whispered.

Logan knew little about what she’d been through and her relationship with Brandon was something she had shared only with Gage.

Oh, God, Gage was not going to be happy. He’d asked her repeatedly if she wanted him to look into her old Pack’s action but Marissa didn’t want any more trouble. It was time to let her past go and move on knowing she hadn’t done anything wrong.

Logan got her to their seats in the front row. He would sit next to her for the ceremony—that had already been decided. She was now grateful for the arrangement as she could feel the other man’s eyes on them as they sat.

Her palms were sweating and she rubbed her hands over the skirt of her dress. Deep breaths, that was all she needed to do. Ignore everyone but Elizabeth and Greg.

The music started, announcing Gage and Elizabeth, and Logan placed his arm around the back of Marissa’s chair. Protected, that was what she felt. Logan wasn’t hitting on her. Instead, he was keeping her safe. She tried to relax, concentrating on her sister.

The ceremony was beautiful, and watching her sister commit to Greg brought tears to Marissa’s eyes. It also served to take her attention away from the other guests. She watched Gage as he stood with pride and presented Greg and Elizabeth to the Pack and guests.

Their eyes met, causing a shiver of excitement to ripple through her entire body. He was like no other man she’d ever met. While he was domineering and demanding, he still remained calm and kind. She would never have thought that all the traits he carried could be found in one man, a wolf, and a Pack Alpha.

Logan nudged her, reminding her it was time to stand and walk to the reception. Marissa purposely kept her gaze straight ahead, avoiding any guests. She didn’t know why Brandon was here and she should have no fear from him now, but years were hard to just replace. The promises and threats he’d made were still fresh in her mind.

Logan led Marissa to her sister, and while they hugged, he motioned for Gage to step aside. Marissa held Elizabeth, then Greg took her in his arms and kissed the top of her head. It felt brotherly and warm.

“I always wanted a sister. My mother had eight boys.”

Laughing through happy tears, Marissa tilted her head back. “Well, you’ve got one now. You have no idea what you’re in for.” It had only been her and Elizabeth for so long that Marissa hoped Greg really meant his words.

Also laughing, Greg kissed her cheek. “I’ll hold you to that, Marissa.”

Marissa understood the warning. She wasn’t done with this Pack. Greg considered her family and wouldn’t let her disappear out of his and Elizabeth’s lives.

An older couple walked up and Marissa was introduced to Greg’s parents. They were sweet and loving and before she knew what was happening she was nodding as Greg’s mom talked about the holidays. Marissa had no idea if she would be returning for them but the plans sure seemed good to her.

Elizabeth caught her hand and gave her a squeeze before leaning against her new mate. Marissa pulled out her phone so that she could capture the moment. They were beautiful together.

“What is it?” Gage asked, never taking his eyes off Marissa as he saw tears sparkle in her eyes. He knew she was thrilled for her sister, but he just wanted to hold her. Just be close to her as some of the Pack began to come up to the newly mated couple.

“I believe we have an unwanted guest.” Logan kept his voice low so only his Alpha would hear.

Gage watched Greg kiss Marissa’s cheek in a brotherly gesture. “Who?” he asked, distracted.

“Marissa’s ex. The Alpha’s son.”

Shock had him giving his full attention to Logan. “Where? What did she say?” Gage had shared more with Logan than even Marissa knew. He trusted Logan with his life and in order to protect Marissa his second needed to be fully aware of the situation. He glanced around the yard, trying to spot the guy.

“She was upset, although she tried to hide it,” Logan told him. “He didn’t approach her but I could feel his gaze on us. It wasn’t a good feeling.”

“Find out what he’s doing here,” Gage ordered.

They didn’t need this trouble. Marissa deserved to have this day with her sister. It was hard but Gage was able to push down his wolf instincts that wanted to attack and protect.

This was the shifter that had hurt the woman he loved. If Gage hadn’t been an Alpha he didn’t know if he would have had enough control to stop himself from making a scene.

As he glanced about he saw his guards in position around the gathering. He always made sure that his strongest wolves were on duty during any big event.

They were a large Pack and he had to ensure that they were safe. When the entire Pack got together teenagers acted out, children could wander off, and some wolves drank too much. Gage wouldn’t take the chance of one of his Pack getting hurt.

He was never happier than at the moment that he took those precautions.

“I’ll find out,” Logan said. “But you should get over there.”

Gage nodded and turned back toward the happy couple and Marissa. A man placed his hand on Marissa’s back.

Gage didn’t hold in his growl and he stomped forward. Marissa stiffened then turned and stepped out of his reach. “Brandon,” she greeted but her eyes remained cold.

“You look beautiful, Marissa.” He placed a kiss on her cheek before he turned and shook hands with Greg. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” Greg glanced between the new man and Marissa, knowing, Gage was sure, that something wasn’t right but was unsure what to do.

“Congratulations, little wolf.” Brandon also kissed Elizabeth’s cheek.

“Thank you.” Elizabeth’s voice was soft. She sent her sister a panicked look. “Wh-what are you doing here, Brandon?”

“I escorted my cousin.”

Gage had seen enough. He moved in beside Marissa.

“Gage.” Her eyes pleaded with him as he stepped up to the small group.

She didn’t want a scene, Gage recognized that. He was also the Alpha, and if anything happened his Pack would step in and that would be a mess. His wolves would follow his lead and they didn’t need a riot.

The man turned to him. “Alpha.” He nodded in respect. “That was a wonderful ceremony. One of the best I’ve ever witnessed.”

Gage smiled and nodded back, running his hand over Marissa’s back then settling his arm around her waist.

She flushed but didn’t move away from him. Brandon’s eyes narrowed slightly. Gage didn’t smile but he wanted to.

“Uh… Gage, this is Brandon. He is the son of the Pack Alpha where we grew up.” Marissa shifted like she wanted to move away from him, but Gage tightened his grip.

“Nice to meet you.” Gage didn’t move.

“Actually, I am now the Pack Alpha of the territory. My father has retired,” Brandon said, keeping his eyes on her.

Gage kept calm. That announcement changed things. If Brandon was a Pack Alpha, he couldn’t challenge Gage without permission from the Council that policed the Packs. Unless Brandon attacked his Pack directly, Gage’s hands were tied. And Marissa wasn’t part of his Pack. Damn, this was just getting more and more complicated.

“Congratulations, then,” Gage told him with no feeling.

Marissa looked from one man to the other. Gage knew she was almost desperate to get away from Brandon. They would have to talk about what had happened between the two later, but right now his main objective was to help her out of her distress.

“They’re starting the reception. We should take our seats,” Gage told her, sliding his hand to hers. “If you’ll excuse us,” he said to Brandon but didn’t wait for a response.

He walked away, taking Marissa with him while Greg and Elizabeth followed.

“I get the feeling I missed something,” Greg murmured to his mate, but Gage heard him.

“That man is responsible for almost every problem we had in our old Pack.” Elizabeth’s voice held more bitterness than Gage had ever heard from her.

Marissa shrugged a shoulder and tried to pull away from Gage. He didn’t release her. He could still feel the other man’s gaze on them. He prayed that she would just give in this once. It wasn’t easy for her and he understood that, but Gage was staking his claim. She was also still trembling slightly.

“It’s going to be okay,” he murmured to her as they reached their table.

He pulled out her chair and she looked at him.

“I don’t want anything to ruin this day,” she whispered. “Please.”

Gage lifted his hand and brushed her bangs from her face. “I won’t let anything happen. Not to upset Elizabeth or hurt you. I promise.”

Marissa nodded. “Thank you.”

She sat and Gage moved immediately to sit beside her, relieved when Logan filled the spare chair on the other side.

Seated between Gage and Logan, Marissa was safe enough for now. She’d tugged her hand away when she’d sat and he wanted to claim her once again, but he didn’t press the issue. She had enough to deal with at the moment.

He glanced around. Brandon wasn’t too far from them. The other Alpha’s eyes were still on Marissa.

He was hanging on by a thin shred of control. His heart raced and his blood boiled in anger toward Brandon for everything Marissa had been through. Plus, suspicion as to what he was even doing here.

He peered over at Logan and could see the same feelings were going through his second. Whether Marissa was part of the Pack or not, she belonged to Gage.

He had never been so close to turning because of loss of control in front of any members of his Pack. He glanced around and nodded at the Pack Enforcers. It was their job to protect their Alpha. Each one was keeping a close eye on their leader, sensing something was not right. Gage was warning them to be on alert.

Marissa scooted her chair closer to him. Under the table, she placed her hand on his knee. “Look at me, Gage,” she whispered.

He did and she smiled.

“I’m okay. Please don’t start anything.”

Not caring who was watching, Gage framed her face with both hands. “I won’t if he doesn’t.”

Marissa dropped her gaze. “Please, Gage.”

She wasn’t comfortable with public displays. He understood that even if he didn’t like it. He dropped his hands from her face. “He’s not to get near you alone. Do you understand?”

Marissa nodded.

“Marissa.” His voice was a low growl. He needed her to say the words.

“I understand,” she told him quietly.

“Make sure, Marissa. You have no idea of the consequences,” he warned.

“I promise, Gage.”

With that, he relaxed next to her. What would happen was going to depend on Brandon. Gage was Alpha of this territory and he had a lot of Pack to protect. He wouldn’t let an insult go. He had to prove he was strong. And he was. Brandon might have been named Alpha but Gage doubted that he’d earned the title.

Gage, on the other hand, had been trained since birth to take over for his father. His time in the military had given him the leadership skills that couldn’t be taught. With one of the largest territories to protect, Gage kept up with all the exercises and fighting he could.

He even depended on some of his friends from other Packs to help him maintain the safety and care of his Pack. One of the scariest Enforcers in the country was Gage’s best friend. Cain visited often and they always trained in both human and shifted form. Brandon might be an Alpha but his body was soft and he didn’t have the same power that Gage knew radiated off him.

Brandon was untrained and untested. Gage was just looking for a reason to put the pup in his place.