Chapter Eight

“Would you like to repeat that?” Marissa asked even though she was certain she’d heard Gage correctly.

“You need to make arrangements to have your stuff sent here,” he told her.

He was currently prowling the bedroom floor, looking very much on the edge. He had been sweet and loving last night, and that morning when he’d woken her in the most pleasurable way. Now, fifteen minutes later, he was issuing orders. Marissa’s head spun from his abrupt change of attitude.

“My stuff?” Marissa kept herself calm, knowing one of them had to be. “I think we need to discuss this.”

“What’s to discuss? You are my mate. I can’t leave my Pack or my territory, so you have to move here,” he announced, staring at her like it didn’t even need to be said.

Marissa took in his demeanor and knew this could turn bad real fast. “Gage. I don’t know that I want to live in Pack territory.”

She saw the change in him immediately. His eyes went flat and cold, and his face hardened.

“You don’t have a choice.”

“I… I don’t have a choice?” Her voice rose. She was just as close to losing control. She was trying, really trying to remain calm but she didn’t give in to orders.

“That’s what I said. You are my mate,” he yelled.

“I may be your mate, but I don’t belong to you, Gage Wolf,” she yelled back. Forget being calm. She wasn’t going to let him dictate to her about her future. If they couldn’t discuss this like adults, maybe a good fight would do them both good.

“Actually, that is exactly what that means,” Gage hollered.

Marissa stood toe to toe with him. Even with anger burning in his eyes she didn’t fear him. “I have a life in California.”

“You have a life here with me where you’ll be safe,” Gage said. “I can’t allow you to leave until we know you’re safe.”

“Allow me?” Marissa repeated. “You’re actually going to stand there and go Alpha on me.”

He barked out a laugh. “In case you forgot, I am your Alpha.”

“Oh, how could I forget?” she snapped. “You’re sure acting like an Alpha asshole.”

Gage growled. “Don’t you dare,” he warned.

“What are you going to do?” she taunted. “Tie me to the bed?”

Gage smiled. “That’s not a bad idea.” He calmed down and was growing aroused.

“Ugh!” she screamed in frustration.

He started a fight then wanted to jump right back into bed?

“Damn it, Marissa,” Gage said at normal level before he walked over and dropped onto the bed. “I’m just trying to keep you safe.”

“I’ve been keeping myself safe for a lot of years,” she told him.

“I know,” Gage said. “But it’s my job now.”

“No.” She pointed her finger at him. “You won’t dictate how I live my life.”

“Yes I will,” he snapped back. “And you are going to listen to me on this.”

Marissa twitched in surprise. She knew that he was dominant but he’d never made her feel like she wasn’t equal until that moment.

Gage watched as Marissa’s face fell and she jerked as if he’d just struck her. Damn, this was not going the way he wanted. He hadn’t meant to bring it up at all, but he just wanted her safe in his home, in his arms.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” he said and took deep breaths to relax himself. His emotions were too high and he was making a mess of things.

She turned away from him and he had to stop himself from reaching for her. Give her the space she needed.

“I think it is what you meant, Gage. You may not be like my old Pack leader, but you are an Alpha.”

“I am in no way like your last Pack leader. This Pack is nothing like your old one. The sooner you realize that, the better off you will be.”

“Maybe,” she said softly, turning back toward him. “But how long until you start giving me orders every day? I have to be in an equal relationship.” She took a deep breath. “I’ll admit that I like it when you dominate me in bed. Hell, I more than like it. But it can’t be like that all the time.”

He could see unshed tears and it broke his heart that he’d hurt her. “Baby, I’m sorry…”

She held up a hand to stop him from approaching. “I know I have issues, Gage. You knew that coming into this. I can’t just forget everything in my past. And you can’t expect me to drop my entire life.”

He knew what she was saying and she was right but they were mates. “You actually think that you can just walk away from me, from your mate? Marissa, think about this.” He had to make her see reason.

“I am. What happens ten years from now when I become too much trouble? Hell, it could happen in one year,” she said. “I can’t let you become my entire world. I won’t go through that again.”

Ignoring the fact that she didn’t want him to touch her, Gage embraced her. “That won’t happen. I’ll never let you go.”

She tilted her head back and her eyes met his. “You don’t know that.” She moved from his arms. “I’m going for a walk, alone,” she told him as she started out of the room.

“Marissa.” Gage stopped her with words even though he wanted to use force. “Don’t—”

She sighed and interrupted him. “I won’t leave the territory, but I wasn’t asking for permission.”

Gage watched her walk away. The woman who had stolen his heart and held it in her hands. He would love her forever. He could feel it and the wolf inside him agreed. He needed to be patient with her, that she had a lot to get past, but he needed her to start making her way to him. To his Pack. He needed her with him. It was more than just sexual. He needed her like he’d never needed another person.

And he wasn’t certain he could suppress that need for long. As much he wanted to give her the space she needed, Gage wasn’t built like that. Yes, he saw her as his equal and he was going to have to find a way to prove that to her. But she was also going to have to accept him as not only her mate but an Alpha as well.

He was born and trained for the job and he couldn’t just switch it off.

There had to be a middle ground for them.

Marissa walked in the woods behind Gage’s house. The farther she got, the more peaceful she felt. It was only yesterday that her life had changed. She had seen her old lover, taken a mate, and committed herself.

She had no intention of leaving. She knew her place was here with Gage. It was the Pack she still wasn’t so certain about. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t help but compare them to the one she’d grown up in. As happy as she wanted to be, there was something in her head telling her that it wouldn’t last.

She’d hurt Gage with her words and that wasn’t something she wanted to continue to do. Maybe she needed to talk about all her conflicting emotions. Gage would be the best one to speak to but she wanted someone who wasn’t as invested as he was. Maybe Logan would have time to spend with her. He was Gage’s best friend, so he could help her understand him better.

Happy to have made a decision that would hopefully bring them closer together, Marissa decided to enjoy what Gage’s property had to offer before she went in search of her mate.

Marissa walked farther into the woods until she reached the creek that ran through the middle of the property. She sat at the edge and stared into the water. It rippled and flowed past her as she let her eyes close and felt herself drift.

It was beautiful here. Even though she couldn’t shift and run like the others, she could still feel at peace. She could be happy here, with Gage, with her sister. She was so tired of being alone. For the first time in her life, she had more than just Elizabeth. She had a future, a chance, and an opportunity to have a family. This wasn’t just Gage’s territory but would be her home as well. She could take as many walks, come to the water, and roam whenever she wanted.

She’d also be able to spend more time with her sister. Maybe she and Elizabeth could become as close as they’d been as teenagers. When it was just them against the world.

Of course, they were both mated now so they no longer had to take on anyone without help. And wasn’t that a nice thought?

A sound behind her had her opening her eyes and jumping to her feet. Marissa took in her surroundings, not seeing anything at first. When there was movement to her left, she turned and narrowed her eyes.

A man stepped out from between the trees and she tensed. He waved and Marissa recognized the guard from the first day. She’d seen him a couple of times since and he had always been friendly.

“Steve,” she greeted after he’d walked to her.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you,” he said as he smiled at her.

“No. No, it’s okay. I guess I was lost in my own world.”

“I could tell. You didn’t even hear us approach.”

“Us?” she asked, looking behind him.

“Us.” His voice was joined by several growls. Three wolves stalked toward her while Steve opened his arms as if in a welcome. “Meet my friends.”

Marissa backed as far as she could without falling into the creek. Steve and the wolves crept closer, and Marissa frantically tried to find a way out. The wolves snapped and growled at her.

“What’s going on, Steve?” Marissa asked. She hadn’t even prepared herself for an attack from one of Gage’s Pack members. She’d been so busy worrying about Brandon that she’d let her guard down.

“It’s nothing personal. I actually like you.”

“Well, I don’t think those wolves are the welcoming committee. Why are you doing this?” she demanded.

“Because I paid him.”

Marissa was so surprised when Brandon stepped from the trees Steve had come from that she almost stumbled into the water.

Brandon laughed once she had righted herself. “Easy there, Marissa. Don’t want you falling in now.”

“Wh-what are you doing here?”

“Did you really think this was over? That you were done with me?” He took a step toward her. “I decide when we are finished.”

“You already did. If I recall, you decided and then I was run out of the Pack,” Marissa reminded him.

“Yes, well, I changed my mind. Who knew that you would turn out to be such a hottie? Or that you would fall in love with another Alpha?”

Realization hit Marissa. “That’s what this is all about.” She glared at Brandon. “You don’t want me, you just don’t want anyone else to have me.”

Brandon appeared amused. His lips turned up and his eyes were shining. “Well, aren’t you just a little conceited bitch?”

“Maybe, but I know I’m right.” She looked from him to the wolves. “So what’s your plan here?”

“It’s simple. You come with me quietly or I’ll have the wolves tear you apart. After they are done with you, I will send them to your mate, and then your sister, and anyone else I think you care for.”

“You wouldn’t…” she said but didn’t believe her own words. He was crazy. How had she never seen that before?

He smiled again and flashed his canines at her. “Oh, I would. I would.”

“All right. I’ll go with you.” Marissa could only hope that someone would see her and stop Brandon from taking her. Maybe if she got close enough to Gage he’d be able to sense that something was wrong. She had to trust that her mate would be able to help her. If she tried to take out Brandon, the wolves would attack.

Marissa strode from the creek in the direction of the house, being careful not to get too close to Brandon. The wolves followed behind her.

Brandon let her pass between him and Steve. Marissa held her breath.

“Not that way.” He grabbed her arm and yanked her to him.

“What?” She feigned ignorance.

“Not that way.” Brandon started walking and pulled Marissa with him.

Forget playing along. She tried to dig her heels in, but her strength was no match for his. He easily dragged her as he marched in the opposite direction of the house. Away from Gage. No one would see them if they continued to head this way.

“Wait! What about my stuff?” Marissa tried to stall.

“Don’t worry, you won’t need anything,” he assured her.

“What are you going to do with me?” Marissa had to fight even if it did mean an attack and possibly her death. She couldn’t go back with him. There was no way she would survive. She had to trust Gage could protect himself, to watch over her sister. She just couldn’t go with Brandon.

“Whatever I want,” he said as he continued to take her farther away.

Desperate, Marissa did the only thing she could. She screamed as loud as possible. She didn’t stop even as Brandon turned, pulled back his fist, then punched her. Her head snapped back and she tasted blood in her mouth.

“I told you to be quiet,” he yelled, striking her again, knocking her off her feet.

Marissa wasn’t going to be quiet. Screaming was the only way to let Gage know she was in trouble.

“Shut up!”

With a blow to the side of her head, Marissa’s vision blurred. She put her hands in front of her, trying to ward off more blows.

Brandon stopped hitting her but pushed his weight on top of her. “I should have known better. You never did listen.”

Marissa struggled but didn’t have much fight left in her. “Get off me.”

“I don’t think so.” He ran his hands over her body. “I should get to have a little fun with you before I feed you to the wolves.”

Marissa didn’t have the strength to stop him when his hand found its way under her shirt. Her stomach turned at the feel of his hands on her skin, but she wasn’t dead yet and she would fight him with her last breath.

“I think you’ll enjoy it too. Remember how good it was between us. How hot it was.”

Marissa shook her head. “No. It wasn’t that great. I’ve had better human lovers. And you don’t even come close to Gage.”

“You little bitch,” Brandon spat, wrapping his hands around her neck.

As he squeezed, Marissa tried to grab his arms. Her nails scratched his bare forearms but he didn’t release his hold on her.

“You need to get out of here.” Steve’s voice barely reached her from somewhere to her right. “Someone would have heard her scream. You have to leave before they come.”

“It’s too late for that.” Gage’s voice was the last thing Marissa heard before she passed out.

* * * *

Gage had been standing on his back porch with Logan, drinking a beer and staring into the woods when he’d heard Marissa’s scream.

He didn’t remember jumping off the porch or running to her. He didn’t hear Logan behind him or Sam and the other guards change into wolf form. He just ran toward his mate.

All he could think about was Marissa being alone and afraid. Someone or something was attacking her. Possibilities ran through his mind as he used his supernatural speed to get to Marissa. Dread made him push himself harder and faster than before. Deep down, he just knew that Marissa had come across Brandon. He reached her and saw Brandon on top of her with his hands around her neck. She fought him like the true soldier she was. Taunting him with words when her strength wasn’t enough. Hearing his guard Steve warn Brandon barely registered.

Brandon’s head snapped up and their eyes met. Brandon looked at him defiantly, but Gage could also see the fear. It wasn’t enough for him. He wanted the other man’s hands off his mate.

“Let her go, now!” he ordered in a low, deadly voice.

Brandon glared down one last time before removing his hands from Marissa’s neck. He stood and faced off with Gage.

“What are you going to do?” Brandon asked smugly, but his gaze flickered around. He knew he’d lost his one chance at taking Marissa and that Gage was going to make him pay.

Gage could see Logan standing by Steve, and his guards that were in wolf form had surrounded Brandon’s wolves. The other Alpha was alone. It was just him and Brandon now.

“Only what you deserve,” Gage told him.

Brandon attacked. It was the opening Gage needed. Gage leapt toward him.

Both men changed in mid-air, coming down in wolf form, biting and fighting. Gage easily got the upper hand and had Brandon by the throat.

Brandon used his hind legs to claw at his stomach, but Gage held on tightly with his teeth. He could taste Brandon’s blood gushing into his mouth and it was a heavenly victory. He shook his head, tearing the vulnerable throat even more.

A red haze clouded his mind as Brandon whimpered in his hold. Gage wanted to let all of his humanity go. To release himself fully to the wolf and allow the animal inside to have free rein. It was an instinct that he never fully gave in to. At that moment he couldn’t come up with a reason to deny his wolf.

This was the one that had caused Marissa so much pain. The man who had put the fear and distrust into her eyes. He would rip out his throat for doing it to any female, but the fact that he’d done it to Gage’s mate made him want to savor the moment.

That’s when Gage felt the touch to his own neck and Marissa’s sweet voice next to his ear. He froze as she crouched beside him.

“That’s enough, Gage.” She stroked his fur. “He’s not worth it. Let him go and face the Council.”

Gage growled, voicing his displeasure at her suggestion.

“Come on, baby. It will be more humiliating for him to have to face everyone than you killing him. He tried to take me against my will, he lost a fight with you, he will be finished as an Alpha. As well as being in any Pack.”

Marissa continued to stroke his neck and legs. It was hard to keep his anger when his mate was so close to him. Gage wanted to turn into her embrace but he still had his enemy to deal with. Brandon had gone limp, the fight having gone out of him, but that wasn’t enough for Gage. He wanted the other shifter to suffer.

“I need you…my mate,” Marissa said. “Let Logan deal with Brandon.”

Marissa needed him. That helped him make up his mind. Gage dropped the other wolf, whose head landed on the hard ground with a loud bang. He was unconscious but alive.

Gage nuzzled Marissa and she wrapped her arms around him. He had to make sure that she was uninjured. He sniffed her neck where that bastard had been choking her. He whimpered as he ran his tongue around her abused skin.

“It’s okay,” she whispered to him. “I’m okay.”

Her words helped but Gage still needed to be certain. He pushed against her a little harder. Not enough to hurt but where she would know he wanted her to lie back.

“Okay,” she agreed. She released him then laid on the cool grass.

Movement beside had him snapping his head over, but it was just Logan taking possession of Brandon. That was fine. Gage had other things to worry about. He crawled over to Marissa and laid his furry cheek along hers before he started his inspection.

He sniffed, licked, and rubbed her from head to toe before he was satisfied that his mate was unharmed. As soon as he sat back on his haunches, Marissa lifted up.

“Happy now?” she asked.

Gage shook his entire body before he stretched his front legs out and rested his chin on them. He stared up at Marissa, just taking in her beauty. Since he couldn’t communicate with her in his shifted form, it was nice to be able to look at her.

“Oh, Gage.” She laughed, then it was her crawling over to him.

Gage rolled onto his back and enjoyed her running her fingers through his fur and over his stomach. It wasn’t a position he’d found himself in, ever. He wouldn’t show submission to anyone other than his mate. But even in his wolf form he knew who Marissa was and wanted her touch.

He didn’t know how long he lay there until Marissa finally patted his snout and stood.

“It’s getting chilly and we need to deal with the fallout from Brandon’s attack. You’d better shift back,” she said.

Gage easily rose to his feet. He started his transformation. Just picturing himself as a human and he was changing. It was an easy process for him since he’d been shifting as long as he could remember.

He was a little shaky as he stood but Marissa was right there with her arms around him. Gage lowered his forehead to hers embracing her back.

“You’re sure you’re okay?” he asked her.

She tilted her head back and smiled. “Already healing. And you got here before he could really hurt me.”

Gage was so fucking thankful for that. “I’m sorry he caught you alone. If I hadn’t been acting like an ass it wouldn’t have happened.”

“I’m just as much to blame,” she said. “I had no intention of leaving. I just let my anger get the better of me.”

He smiled. “I guess we still have a few things to work on.”

“Yes.” She placed her hand in his and squeezed. “But I’m not going anywhere so we have plenty of time to figure things out.”

Gage glanced around the empty clearing. Everyone else had left and it was only the two of them. He peered at Marissa with lust. He was already naked and it would be so easy to lose himself inside her body.

“Don’t even think about it,” she told him. “We have got to get back to the house and be responsible.”

He grumbled even though he knew she was right.

“Come on.” She tugged on his hand so they could start the walk back to the house.