Chapter Seven

Gage held Marissa in his arms and caressed her body. She hadn’t said anything since they’d finished the claiming, but she hadn’t pulled away either. Her body remained relaxed and soft.

When she rubbed along him, he felt the wetness between her thighs—evidence of the claiming and mating still running through her body. Cupping her round bottom, he lifted her up and onto his thighs.

“Ride me, baby. Fuck me.”

She did. She rode him fast, raising herself up and down, her clit rubbing against him while he played with her nipples.

“Mine.” He lifted his mouth to take one pert nub inside.

Marissa cried out, riding him faster, taking them both to a quick but powerful climax. Sweating and panting, she fell on his chest.

Gage held her close. “I love you.”

Marissa jerked and brought her head up. “What?”

Gage laughed at the expression on her face. With a hand in her hair, he brought her mouth inches from his. “You heard me.”

“But—”

Gage nipped her lip. “I’ve claimed you. Why would I do that if I didn’t love you?”

“To protect me. To keep me in your Pack.”

Gage’s stomach dropped. Was that what she really thought? Was that why she’d done it, allowed him to claim her? Gage started to pull her off him.

Marissa tightened her legs, holding Gage under her. Inside her.

“Marissa.”

Marissa just shook her head. “I’m sorry.”

Gage sighed. He’d been stupid. Thinking she would fall in love as fast as he had. But he’d known the first time he’d seen her looking defiant and angry that she was the one who would take his heart. He’d known she wasn’t ready but had let her words during passion override his senses.

Using his strength, he lifted her off of him. She growled but he ignored her and stood.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

He knew she was reaching for him but Gage really couldn’t listen to her reject him. He’d put everything on the line and his heart was breaking.

Gage didn’t even turn around. “To shower. We still have a lot to do to take care of your old Pack.” He didn’t raise his voice. It wasn’t really her fault. No, this was all on him. He’d promised himself that he wouldn’t push her but the minute he’d gotten lost in her body he’d done just that.

He’d demanded that she submit and accept him and she had. But why had he given in? Anger at himself had him striding across the room quickly.

Marissa watched his back as he stalked into the bathroom and slammed the door. Shit, that hadn’t gone well. The wolf inside her complained and demanded she go after her mate.

She should have told him that she loved him too. And she did. The first time he’d kissed her, he had taken her heart along with her soul. He was everything to her, but giving him knowledge of that was hard for her. She’d only told one other man that she’d loved him and Brandon had used that confession against her.

Huffing out an irritated breath, Marissa stood and followed. She smiled when the knob turned in her hand and she opened the door. She could see Gage, through the glass, with both hands braced on the wall and his head bent under the spray. Pulling in all her courage, she opened the glass door and stepped silently behind him.

He jumped as she touched his back. “What are you doing?”

Marissa leaned into him, pressing her naked body to his. “Helping you shower.” She reached over and picked up the soap from the dish.

Using shaking hands, afraid of rejection, she began washing his body. Running her soapy palms over his shoulders, down his strong back, to the sculpted ass she wanted to sink her teeth into, she took in his scent. Mixed with sweat, soap, and her own aroma.

It was hard to form the words that she wanted to give him but she could show him with her actions that she did love him. Needed and wanted him.

Kneeling behind him, she began to run her hands up and down his legs. She slipped her hands over his body and kneaded the flesh she washed.

When she caressed his cheeks then ran a finger between them, his body shivered. Marissa liked the reaction. Gage had introduced her to so much in the past week about what making love meant instead of fucking. Maybe, just maybe, she could do the same for him. To show him how she felt.

She wasn’t a hundred percent sure what she was doing. Her hand worked on its own as she washed and touched him. She had her fingers between his legs, teasing over his anus before slipping forward to massage his sac.

She’d had sex with lots of guys but no one had ever reached her, meant anything, like Gage did. With her experience she knew how to please a man. They all liked different things and Marissa wanted to share everything with Gage. To find out what he enjoyed.

He shuddered at her touch and she moved with more confidence. While rubbing his sac then his thick cock, she used her other hand to brush over his tight hole. Slowly and carefully, she slipped just the tip of her finger carefully in and out.

His breath rushed out and he groaned. His hands on the shower wall started to shake. Marissa continued to stroke him with one hand while she pushed her finger into the back entrance that had never been penetrated. She knew he’d never had it done before—they’d talked about all their sexual experiences and likes.

Gage was tight but he wasn’t stopping her. Marissa had done this before and if the man was comfortable with this kind of play they usually ended up coming harder than ever before.

His hips moved as she grew in confidence and fingered his prostate. A conversation about spanking and how much she liked it had made way to them opening up about all of their desires. He’d told her this was something he was willing to try with the right partner. And she was the right partner, the only one he would have from now on, and she was a mate who wouldn’t share.

She matched her rhythm on his shaft to the strokes in and out of his ass, finally pushing her finger all the way inside. His hips moved forward, rubbing against her hands before slamming back on her finger. Gage picked up the speed with his movements and Marissa added a second finger. He groaned and she knew he was close to climax. The hoarse cry that tore out of his throat echoed around the bathroom as his body bucked and he started to spill his seed over Marissa’s hand and the shower tile.

Once he’d released, Marissa took her hands from him and kissed her way up. When she reached his shoulder, she bit into it. Gage’s body jerked under her. She slipped between him and the shower wall, then she met his eyes.

“I love you, Gage. I have from the beginning. And you are mine too.”

Emotions broke out over his face, and he wrapped his arms around her as he kissed her all over her face.

Marissa felt perfectly at peace. The way she should after mating with him. This was it. She might have messed up earlier but she had made it up to him.

They ignored the light knock on the door. The knock came again, so he lifted his head and yelled. “Go away!”

The knock sounded again and she heard Logan’s voice. “I apologize for interrupting, Alpha.”

“Then don’t,” Gage complained, keeping contact with her.

Marissa nibbled at his jaw while she traced his cock with her fingers. If Logan would go away they could have another round before getting something substantial to eat.

“Yes, sir,” Logan said. “I wouldn’t be bothering you, except you have a visitor.”

Gage’s face shut down. He reached over and turned off the water. Grabbing a towel, he wrapped it around his waist while looking back at her with hot promise in his eyes. She could see the regret but understood. Gage was an Alpha and he had an entire Pack he needed to watch out for. As much as she wanted to lock him inside the room and keep him all to herself, she couldn’t. He handed her a large towel and waited until she’d covered herself her before yanking the door open.

“And just who did you let in without my permission?” he asked Logan.

Logan grinned. “Your father, Alpha.”

Marissa’s heart sank. That couldn’t be good news. Gage had told her that his father was one of the ex-Alphas on the Council. Since he was based in California, a surprise visit was probably bad news.

Gage laughed, confusing her. “I should have guessed. We’ll be right down.”

“Yes, Alpha.” Logan stepped away from the door.

Gage beckoned for Marissa to leave the bathroom with him. He didn’t say anything so she just followed his lead.

Gage pulled his clothes on quickly while watching her do the same. Marissa would have put on a show for him if they hadn’t had his dad waiting somewhere in the house for them. Instead, she dressed as fast as she could.

“I hate to see you cover that beautiful body,” Gage teased.

Yanking on her jeans, Marissa sent him a dirty look. “Well, I’m not meeting your father without clothes on.”

Gage stalked toward her. “Okay, how about just without the panties?”

Marissa moved out of his reach. He could have caught her, but he was trying to relax her. It was obvious she was nervous about his father being there. “Come on! It’s your house now too.”

“Absolutely not! It’s bad enough we both have wet hair so he’ll probably guess what we were doing.”

“Oh, he’ll more than guess since we smell like each other and sex.” Gage wrapped an arm around her waist as she tried to get her shirt on.

“Stop that,” Marissa ordered, but he didn’t miss the smile playing at the corner of her lips.

“Just lose the panties and I’ll be good.”

She shook her head. “I don’t know what this obsession is with my underwear but you are one kinky wolf.”

Gage laughed. “You have no idea.” Fuck, his ass was still tingling from her earlier fingering. He’d thought about it before but hadn’t been sure he’d like it. Growing up in the Pack where other shifters had no problem sharing their sex life had educated him at an early age. He had friends both straight and gay who loved anal play.

Marissa had proved she was into their sex just as much as him.

She bent over to pick up her flip-flops and he spanked her ass. Hard.

She squeaked before spinning around. “Gage!”

He winked. “Just warming you up for later.”

She bit her lip as her face flushed. He easily picked up on her arousal. Oh yeah, they were going to have more fun.

He held out his hand. “Then let’s go get this over with so we can get back to what we were doing.”

Marissa put her hand in his and he towed her from the room.

“What’s he doing here?” she asked. Nerves were obvious in her voice.

“He probably heard about the trouble. Logan called him earlier to see if your old Pack ever filed any papers releasing you from them.”

“Oh,” she whispered.

Gage tugged her to a stop and pushed her against the wall. He covered her body with his before pressing his forehead to hers. “You have nothing to worry about. My father will love you just as much as I do. As everyone who knows you does.”

She took a deep breath. “Just don’t leave me alone with him. I don’t know how to deal with fathers unless they’re assholes.”

Gage laughed. “You got it.”

He kissed her quickly then linked his fingers with hers and tugged her along.

They walked into the living room just as Logan handed Gage’s father a glass filled with brown liquid.

“Father,” Gage greeted.

He let go of Marissa’s hand and she moved behind him. He wasn’t really surprised.

His father stood and walked over quickly. “Son.”

The two men stood for a moment before laughing and embracing in a big hug. The hold lasted several minutes before his dad turned his eyes to his mate.

She looked practically ready to run. Gage knew his father would understand and put her at ease. Even before any of this had happened, Gage had told his father about her.

“You must be Marissa.”

Marissa nodded and dropped her eyes. Gage wanted to tell her that wasn’t necessary, but his father moved first.

“My daughter,” he said softly as he hugged her to him. “I welcome you into my family.”

When he pulled away, Gage noticed the surprise on her face and knew his father hadn’t missed it either.

“I am so pleased to meet my son’s chosen.”

Marissa glanced over at Gage, and he smiled at her reassuringly. She relaxed visibly and looked at his father.

“It is nice to meet you too.” Her voice was soft but strong.

Showing her strength even when she was afraid. Gage was so proud.

His father took her arm and headed for the couch. Gage followed and sat in a chair across from them. Logan remained by the door, still on watch.

“We’ll have plenty of time to get to know each other better, but first, let’s discuss this situation with the other Pack,” his father told Marissa as they sat.

She nodded even though she didn’t look excited about the conversation.

Thirty minutes later, Marissa was arguing with both men.

“There should be no challenge!” Her voice rose above the rest.

Gage shook his head. “He will challenge me. And I have to accept.” He knew she didn’t want him to, but she had to understand where he was coming from. Protecting her was his duty. As an Alpha he couldn’t refuse.

“You don’t have to do anything,” she argued.

“He must protect his mate.” His father spoke the words Gage had been thinking.

Frustrated, Marissa stomped to the window and peered out.

Gage followed her.

“I don’t want anyone getting hurt because of me,” she said more quietly.

Gage wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on the top of her head.

“Baby, even if we weren’t mated, which we are, I would accept a challenge from him for everything he put you and your sister through.” He turned her around so he could see her eyes. “I love you. I will make sure you are always protected.”

Reaching up, Marissa cupped his cheeks. “I love you.”

As their lips met in a soft kiss, all of their troubles seemed to melt away. The kiss went deeper, and someone cleared their throat from across the room. Gage and Marissa broke away, but Gage held onto her.

“Sorry,” she mumbled, embarrassed.

Gage’s father’s eyes were bright with unshed tears. “It’s understandable. I can remember—” His cell phone ringing cut him off. He shrugged before he answered.

The conversation was brief. Gage could hear what was being said on both sides of the phone. He relaxed and hoped that Marissa could feel the tension drain from him. When the phone call was over, Gage hugged her tightly.

“There will be no challenge,” Gage’s father announced.

Marissa jerked in his arms. “Really?”

Gage’s dad nodded. “Seems Brandon’s father stepped in and won’t allow him to take this any further.” He looked at Gage. “Even retired, he still has some control over his son, it seems.”

“Oh, thank God!” Marissa kissed Gage quickly. He tried to return it but his mind was whirling. This was too easy. While Gage believed that Brandon’s dad still controlled him, he’d also seen the look on Brandon’s face when he’d watched Marissa. Brandon wanted Gage’s mate and Gage was finding it hard to imagine that he would just give her up.

Gage wouldn’t. Nothing and no one could get Marissa away from him.

“What’s wrong?” she asked when he didn’t say anything.

Gage smiled and kissed her back. “Nothing, baby. This is good. Why don’t you go upstairs and change, and we’ll take my father to town for a steak dinner?” He needed a minute to talk to his father and Logan.

Marissa nodded even while she peered suspiciously at him. He knew she would still worry, but he didn’t want her involved in the next discussion. She glanced over her shoulder then opened the door and he sent her what he hoped was a relaxed smile.

Gage waited until he heard the bedroom door open before speaking. He looked at his father then his Beta.

“This isn’t over. No matter what they say, they are up to something,” Gage said.

Logan took a few steps from his post by the door. “I saw his face when he said Marissa belonged with him. It doesn’t matter what his father told him,” Logan added.

Gage’s father rubbed a hand over his face. “I agree with both of you. And since he is Alpha now, he doesn’t have to follow what his father says.”

Gage thought of when Marissa had told him that she loved him. He hadn’t cared about the other Pack. He’d only cared about having her in his arms for the rest of his life. He wasn’t about to give that up.

“From everything I’ve read and what Marissa’s told me, I don’t think he’ll come at me through proper channels.”

“An ambush, maybe?” Logan suggested.

“Or they may just try to take her,” Gage’s dad mused.

“They won’t get her,” Gage assured the men. “They would have to get through me first.”

His dad nodded, but worry was etched on his face. “That doesn’t mean that they won’t try. You need to get more guards. Call in for some help. Brandon will try to kill you if he can and he won’t do it alone. ”

“Let them try. I would love a chance to go after that entire Pack for what they did to Marissa.” He fisted his hands in anger just thinking about what his mate had gone through. He slowly unclenched them and ran a frustrated hand over his face.

“You need to keep a calm head,” his father advised, walking over to refill his glass.

“And what would you do?” Getting angry, Gage began to pace the room. He’d earned his rank as Alpha and he wasn’t going to let some still-wet-behind-the-ears pup challenge him. Marissa would not live in fear for the rest of her life.

His father took his time refilling his drink and sipping before responding. “I’m no longer the Alpha of the Pack, so it doesn’t matter. What does is how you handle this threat to your Pack.”

Gage nodded. His father had always run the Pack fairly, and they’d thrived under his leadership. “I understand I can’t go looking for trouble. But if they bring it to me, I will be ready for them. The only way they’ll get to her is to come into my territory.”

Logan cleared his throat and drew both men’s attention. “So she’s not leaving?”

“Of course not!” Gage shouted.

Logan nodded and dropped his eyes in a submissive gesture.

“Damn! I’m sorry, Logan. I didn’t mean to take it out on you,” Gage said sincerely. There was no reason to get angry at his best friend.

“It’s okay.” Logan grinned at him. “I would be worried if you weren’t on edge.”

His father walked over then threw his arm around Gage’s shoulder. “I think I’ll take a rain check on dinner. Logan can keep me company. You need to go see your mate. Calm down and spend some quality time with her.”

Gage went without looking at either man. Who would have thought falling in love and claiming a mate would make him feel so out of control? His dad was right—he needed to bond with Marissa. That would calm both him and his wolf down.

He reached the bedroom door and opened it quietly. Marissa sat on the bed with her hands in her lap.

“Are you done discussing whatever you didn’t want me to hear?” she asked.

Gage sighed as he closed the door before he leaned against it. “How much did you listen to?”

“None of it,” she admitted. “But I can read you, Gage. You wanted to talk to your dad and Logan alone.”

“You’re right,” he admitted. He wouldn’t lie to her. That was not the way he wanted their relationship to start.

“So what’s going on?” she questioned while she stood.

“I think that Brandon is still coming after you,” he said.

“No.” Marissa shook her head. “His dad told him to stay away.”

Gage cupped her face. “He wants you and I find it difficult to believe that just a word from his dad will stop you. What do you think?”

Marissa’s opinion was going to be the most helpful. She had known Brandon for a long time.

“I wish I knew,” she said. “But I can honestly say that I never expected to see him again. After I was kicked out of the Pack I waited around town for weeks but he never came and found me.”

Gage nodded for her to continue.

“I’ve been on my own for over ten years, why now?” she said.

That was a very good question. If Brandon hadn’t been looking for her, why’d he just shown up now?

“Can we just…” Marissa waved her hand around.

He knew what she needed. Gage pulled her toward the bed. “Yeah we can.”