Chapter Two

Mike tried to concentrate on the Alpha, but his attention was on the man’s daughter. She sat over in the corner next to the shifter who’d been introduced as the head of security. They sat too close for Mike’s comfort and he wondered if they were an item. He quickly dismissed that idea as he remembered how she’d checked him out. She must still feel the connection that had been present during their first meeting.

He tried to hide his reaction when they’d touched, but his cock was throbbing in need. Luckily the Alpha and other shifters in the room had been amused and not taken offense.

When the Alpha shared his concern that he or his daughter might be a target, Mike could barely hold back his growl. No one was going to hurt Becca or her family. He accepted the file that Alpha Nelson pushed across the desk at him and glanced through it. There were pictures and profiles of eight men inside. It was more detailed than the information he’d gotten from Brandon.

“These are a few Pack members who I think could be involved. Kenny worked up the files, so any questions, get on to him.”

Mike nodded. It looked to be good work.

“Kenny also has a few friends he trusts who have agreed to come here and discreetly check them out.”

Mike understood what the Alpha didn’t say—men who they probably would not see. They’d be doing their search out of the view of public.

“While you’re here, we would like you to introduce yourself to them and get your own feel.”

Mike tilted his head in acknowledgment. The Alpha was doing everything that could be done. He was thorough and organized. Mike appreciated the care he was putting into taking care of his Pack. A good Alpha was sitting before him. Mike knew many men who led well and Becca’s father was right on top of the list. It helped ease some of his tension.

“But first priority is Becca.” He waved over to his daughter and Mike finally had the chance to look at her again. Which he didn’t mind at all.

She couldn’t have been taller than five three or so. She had long black hair tied away from her face. He couldn’t say what exactly had drawn his attention to her that first time—the warm smile, the happiness in her gaze, or the way she carried herself. For whatever reason, he’d been instantly attracted. He was also aware how smooth her hands had been on his chest. The way she’d hummed while sucking on his cock. Or the tightness of her pussy when he’d been buried deep inside her.

Fuck, if he didn’t stop remembering, he was going to have to excuse himself to go jack off in the bathroom. Or find the nearest flat surface and take her again.

Becca squirmed in her seat as the attention turned to her. “And you, Dad. You’re still the biggest target.”

The Alpha smiled. Mike liked the obvious caring between daughter and father. He wanted to help the Pack and not because of his attraction to Becca. He felt comfortable here. Much like when he was in Lawton.

“I’d like to look around a little bit before it gets late,” Mike said to the Alpha.

The Alpha nodded. “Kenny will give you a tour of the property. If you have any questions, he should be able to answer them, or I’ll be working in here for a while yet.”

Mike stood and shook hands with the Alpha once again. He was glad that Kenny would be showing him around. He wanted to know more about these friends that were looking into the Pack. Plus, he seemed close to Becca. Now that he had a personal stake in this business, he’d see what he could get out of Kenny about the woman who interested him.

He followed Kenny but glanced over his shoulder at Becca and was pleased that she continued to watch him. He sent her a small smile, which she returned. Yeah, they’d have time to catch up later. She wanted it as much as he did.

Mike and Kenny walked down a long hallway, through what looked like a living room then out of a glass patio door. This Alpha residence was homey and comfortable. He’d been raised in and had visited other Alpha properties that had shown off money and prestige. Mike didn’t like those homes because they weren’t homes. a way for the Alpha to show off. Places like this were where he was at ease.

“We have more territory than a lot of communities. Everyone is pretty spread out here. It gives us more privacy and independence than some of the Packs I’ve been to. Most everyone appreciates that,” Kenny told him.

Mike understood what he was saying. Since his friends had started to settle down with their mates, he had got an up-close view of how many Packs functioned.

“There are no gates, no walls, to keep the Pack separate,” Kenny continued. “Alpha Nelson likes to stay available.”

“That also makes it more difficult to protect him,” Mike noted.

“Yeah,” Kenny agreed. “It’s been one of the biggest issues I’ve had to deal with. My Alpha is taking the threats seriously, but he still refuses to even consider staying inside or having a fence built to help with security.”

“He wants to show strength,” Mike commented.

“That, and he would actually prefer for someone to come after him than target anyone else in his Pack. The destruction of the buildings is hurting the Pack. But there are only so many buildings. When will they go after the Pack members?” Kenny added.

Mike respected that. It showed the Alpha cared about his people. He also agreed with the statement.

“We’ve had eight families move into the guest houses. All have small children we’re concerned about. What if these monsters go after the kids?”

A growl rumbled through Mike’s chest—his wolf wanting to protect. It was an instinct that had always helped him in the past. While most shifters only ran or changed form maybe once a week or even less often, Mike shifted almost every day. His wolf was strong and he wanted to keep in shape, in both forms.

They walked around, going over weak spots and where trouble might come from. Kenny wouldn’t say much about his friends who were working in the shadows, that they were wolf shifters and had been in the military. That they would watch out for everyone. Mike could understand why Kenny was keeping things close. He knew the brotherhood that came with a team. It was the same for him, Casey, RJ and Jesse. But Mike hated not having all the info.

When Kenny led Mike to the bedroom that would be his for the length of his stay, his bags were waiting for him on the bed. Now, he wished he’d picked up some better clothes at a mall or something. At the mating ceremony, he’d worn a suit. The days before when he’d seen Becca, he’d also been dressed up, due to so many formal gatherings. He’d only packed jeans and T-shirts for this trip, though. Nothing to impress her with.

“I’d like to shift and run later. Will that be a problem?” he asked. It was proper etiquette to ask while in another territory.

“No, the good thing about us is that you can shift anytime. We are so far from anyone who isn’t a shifter that no one will think twice about seeing a wolf. Of course, nowadays people would love to see it, but no one comes this far out. Not even lost tourists.”

“Good,” Mike responded. “It’ll help to also see the property as my wolf.”

“There might be a couple of the cottages you’ll want to check out,” Kenny said.

“Oh?”

“Becca stays in one of them.” Kenny winked.

Well, he guessed Kenny knew a little bit about them. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He wanted to ask him more about her but decided against it. At least until he knew what their relationship was. Or if she had a relationship with anyone around there. Mike was only there for a limited time and he didn’t want to mess up anything for her. Now that there was space between the two of them Mike had some control over his hormones.

“The kitchen is always open. Help yourself to anything you want. Alpha Nelson has someone come in and cook breakfast from seven to eight, lunch from eleven to one and dinner is at five. But the fridge is always stocked with sandwiches or something if you miss a meal or want a snack.”

“I appreciate it,” Mike told Kenny and they shook hands.

“Oh!” Kenny pulled out a sheet of paper from his back pocket. “Here are some phone numbers for the Pack. If you need anything, give me a holler.”

Mike closed the door after Kenny had left and walked around the room, familiarizing himself with his surroundings. It was a nice room. Deep cherrywood furniture that was both sturdy and comforting. His room had a king-sized bed, a dresser with a TV on it, and two end tables. There was an attached bathroom, so Mike picked up his small tote and set it inside the small space. He would shower after he’d shifted.

He wandered over to the window and pulled back the curtains. One thing was for sure, he had a gorgeous view of the mountains. It was colder than what he was used to, but Mike found the territory to be very welcoming. He was still itching for a run, so he decided to go ahead. Mike quietly left his room and strode down the hall to the same patio door he and Kenny had exited through earlier. In the short time he’d been inside, the temperature had dropped by several degrees. His wolf wouldn’t mind, though.

Mike went in the opposite direction of the guest houses—he didn’t want to meet up with anyone else then—past a swimming pool, a small but well-kept playground for the children, and what looked like another guest house, a little bigger than the ones he’d seen earlier.

“Nice,” he murmured. This territory was large indeed. Mike moved through the thick dense trees until he felt the calmness of the woods. It was even chillier once he was surrounded by the large foliage and he started to strip. It wouldn’t matter for long, though—his built-in fur coat would take care of any lingering coldness. He stood completely naked and took a deep breath. Faint traces of other wolves were apparent, but he didn’t sense anyone around right then. He dropped to his hands and knees and began his shift.

His transformation was effortless. One minute, he was human, and the next, wolf. His vision was different when in his animal form. It was also easier to use his other senses.

The scent of fresh foliage, the breeze that ruffled his fur, even the songs of the birds above him were louder. Mike loved nature.

He shook his entire body hard before trotting off. There was so much to explore.

Recon was his specialty. He could stalk around an area without anyone seeing him if he wanted. Mike figured that he could spend a good few hours checking things out before returning to the Alpha house to make phone calls.

Right now, it was him and the territory.

* * * *

Becca finished folding the last of her laundry, placed the shirts in a pile on top of the dryer and sighed. It had been a stressful few weeks that seemed to be catching up with her. The appearance of Mike Jackson had made it hit home that they were in trouble.

What she couldn’t figure out was, why come after her Pack? Was it the publicity they had received?

Their Pack wasn’t the biggest, the richest or the strongest. It also wasn’t the weakest. They were more in the middle. She’d met several other Packs that would have made more sense to direct the threats and attacks toward.

One of the strongest Packs was in West Texas and the Alpha Gage Wolf was one of the best-known shifters in the world. There was even talk about him joining the Alpha council when his father retired. And Alpha Wolf was mated and had a young child, who he would protect with his life—with everything he had. So maybe whoever was doing this was smart by not going after that Pack.

But then there was Lamont’s Pack. Lamont’s youngest son, Tony, was the head of the committee that had been instrumental in the shifters going public. Going after them made more sense than messing with a Pack located in the middle of nowhere and without a lot of power in the shifter world.

It frustrated her to no end that what might have saved the Pack—public knowledge of them being the first in existence—could be their downfall.

And what she was trying to avoid thinking about was how Mike had made her feel. Again. After their previous experience she’d not been able to move past like she should have been.

Becca had always thought that she’d found the man she was supposed to be with for the rest of her life. After she’d been left Becca had rarely indulged in flirting much less sex. She hadn’t been able to resist Mike, though.

Watching Mike with his best friend RJ had been fun. At times, they’d acted like a couple of teenagers, and at others, their close bond was obvious. There was no question that they’d both been military. What Becca hadn’t expected was the humor they shared.

She appreciated a man with a sense of humor.

Life was too serious most of the time. Living as a shifter was never easy. Even before they’d come out to the public.

When half a person’s soul belonged to an animal, instinct was a part of them.

Becca trusted her instincts. That was why when Mike had started flirting with her, she’d been receptive. A little alcohol for courage and bam they were hot and heavy for each other.

She grabbed the clean clothes and went to the bedroom. Putting the laundry away, she caught sight of the curtains blowing in the breeze. She’d left the window cracked, loving the smell of fresh air traveling through her house.

Becca stepped closer and gazed into the night.

It was home. Even though she didn’t live full-time on the property, she still had her own cottage. Becca rarely took long assignments or ones far away anymore and never considered living anywhere else.

Luckily, she had the support of her father. No matter what happened, she was always welcome back. It had been a hard few years after her mother had been killed, but because of that she had a supportive relationship with her father, one she knew many of her friends were envious of. When she’d been younger, she’d often wondered if her dad would still be around when she was an adult. So many wolves followed their mate in death. But her dad was a strong and wonderful leader and she was proud that his Pack always came first.

He’d always supported her career choices. When she had started out and had taken jobs in different parts of the globe, he’d worried, but always accepted her home again. Being a nature photographer and photojournalist, she spent a lot of time in isolated places surrounded by animals and living things. It was a beautiful world out there. but it could be scary, too. Over the last few years, she’d moved away from being a photojournalist and concentrated more on nature photography. She wasn’t going to let someone take that away from her or the Pack.

Inspired by the chance to spend some time in her own territory, she grabbed her camera off the desk and headed outside. She snagged the hoodie hanging on the hook by the front door. Nights always got cold quick around there.

Becca breathed in the scent of home while she traveled through the thick foliage. She knew the area like the back of her hand. She’d played in the woods as a child and had spent every summer swimming in the creek not far away. She decided she’d walk to the creek and take a few pictures of the moon reflecting from the water.

The area was alive around her. She could hear movement in the trees above her head as well as a far-off howl. She shivered with excitement, feeling free and comfortable.

As she came around the footpath leading to the creek, she picked up another scent and her body instantly went on alert. An unfamiliar wolf shifter was near. She slowed her steps and crouched once the creek came into view. She was downwind from the unknown wolf so if she didn’t make any noise, she shouldn’t be spotted.

The large animal was one of the most beautiful she had ever seen. He—and it was most definitely a he—dipped his head and lapped slowly at the water.

It was a picture that she could not resist. She raised the camera and clicked off several shots before the wolf lifted his head and looked right at her. She snapped one last picture. That picture—the wolf’s head up, shoulders back—was as close to perfect as she’d ever taken.

Now that she’d been seen, there was no point in ducking back down. She stood from her hiding place and stepped forward. The wolf dropped down to the ground, still watching her.

She didn’t feel any threat from the animal and made her way over. It wasn’t until she was several feet away that she knew for sure that the shifter in front of her was Mike Jackson. He still carried the same sensual scent but with a stronger masculine smell as a wolf.

He pawed the ground when she paused.

“Out for a run, huh?” she asked the animal.

While shifters did keep their human intelligence in their other form, it wasn’t like he could talk back. He tilted his head to the side and she grinned. Becca strode a little closer before sitting down close to him.

They hadn’t shifted together before, so she was cautious. Some shifters didn’t like anyone but their own Pack members seeing them changed. She didn’t think Mike would be that way, but she needed for him to make a move first.

Mike crawled closer to her and she reached toward him until she felt his soft, thick fur under her hand. She gave his head a good hard scratch. He plopped down and turned onto his side.

Oh, yeah, he was fully male. She’d already seen what a nice-sized cock he had as a human, but as a wolf he was still impressive. Becca rubbed and patted his side until he stood and shook. His dark gaze met hers in question. Then he nudged her gently. She could only guess what he wanted.

“Okay, turn around and I’ll shift,” she told him.

He sat, still looking right at her.

“Oh, no!” She waved a finger at his nose. “I know damn well you can understand me and see fine. Turn around.”

He gave what she could only describe as a wolf sigh but did turn and face the other direction. Yeah, it might be ridiculous, but she wasn’t going to undress with a wolf watching her. Even if he’d already seen everything. She stripped fast, placing her camera on top of her folded clothes before she started to transform into her wolf.

It took a minute, but eventually fur covered her body instead of skin, instantly warming her.

Becca was smaller than him. But, then again, she had expected to be. She gazed at him with her wolf eyes and felt a longing deep inside.

Mike still had his back turned, so she stretched and without warning bumped into him.

He turned, surprised.

She nipped at his flank and took off running. She loved the feeling of being able to run as a wolf. The ability to move quickly and easily. She led him around the creek and returned to the woods. This was her home. Mike would be able to follow, but he didn’t know the area like she did. That gave her an advantage.

He stayed right at her side the entire time. He could have easily overtaken her but seemed content to let her lead the way. She took a winding, curved route through the territory, running until she tired herself out. Only when she couldn’t keep up the same pace did she slow and he did the same.

Spotting a good place to rest, she plopped down, panting. Mike curled around her and she relaxed against him. The heat from his body soaked into her tired bones. Becca didn’t know why she hadn’t thought about running before. It was the best way to relax and ease some of the recent stress. Maybe the entire Pack needed a night like this.

Becca was grateful that Mike had led her to this.

Closing her eyes, she managed to relax. His presence was a comfort to her. Instead of having to be alert and on watch she could let go for a few minutes. No one was there to look at her for answers.

As the Alpha’s daughter, Becca was expected to be perfect at all times.

The pressure that was always present didn’t normally bother her. Becca had been raised knowing what she could do to help the Pack. It wasn’t always protection that they needed. Her position allowed her to care for people, to give them what they needed with a gentle touch. She didn’t have to always be tough and strong like the Alpha. Becca was available to sit and talk with.

It could be exhausting.

But there were times and a few people who helped take the burden away.

She hadn’t known that Mike would be one of them. How interesting that he’d given her exactly what she needed.

Becca didn’t know how long they rested under the moon. She’d started to drift off when he nudged her shoulder. He rose trying to push her along. She moved to her four legs and started toward the creek. The trek back took more time as they moved slow still enjoying the peaceful night.

Once they made it to the spot where she’d left her clothes, he stopped and turned around again. She shifted to her human form and dressed. She picked up her camera before walking over to him then scratched his head again. He seemed to enjoy it, with his tail swishing back and forth and his tongue hanging out of his mouth.

She wasn’t sure she’d ever met anyone who was as comfortable in the wolf form as Mike. It was nice.

Becca ended the scratching and patted his head then followed him as he started trotting toward the houses. Since they were headed in the direction of her own home, she suspected that he was escorting her.

The structure was almost in view by the time he veered off and she saw a pile of clothes. He stopped by them and glanced over at her.

“Oh, I suppose you want me to turn around since I made you?” she asked then gave an overly dramatic sigh as she did just that.

She heard movement behind her and barely resisted taking a peek.

“I actually wouldn’t have minded at all if you’d watched,” he said. “You’ve seen me naked before.”

She turned, as he pulled his T-shirt down, disappointed that she only got a short glance at his muscular chest and small glimpse of the tattoo that covered it. She laughed. “Fair is fair, I guess.”

He took a step toward her and she followed suit. “I have to say, I’m glad to see you again.”

She tilted her head back to be able to look him in the eye. “Me, too. Although I wouldn’t mind seeing even more of you. If you know what I mean.”

They moved closer still. “Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to overstep my welcome,” he responded softly.

She could see the desire, the want that matched her own, reflecting back at her. She reached out and ran a palm over his chest. His hand covered hers.

“This might not be the best idea in the world,” he admitted, giving her fingers a squeeze. “This is your home. I don’t want to mess anything up for you.”

She smiled and licked at her suddenly dry lips. “I guess there’s one way to find out.” Becca lifted onto her tiptoes and pressed her lips gently over his. He moaned before pushing back against her mouth harder.

Mike wrapped his arm around her waist as she opened for him and their tongues met. Oh, he tasted good. Spicy and unique. Becca remembered that flavor. She lifted her hands to dig into his shoulders as their kiss deepened and passion flowed between them.

Her head spun and she held on for dear life. Never had she been so turned on so fast. This was what she had been missing since their last encounter. This hunger that clawed at her.

He moved his hand over her body and she shuddered at his touch. Her pussy throbbed with need. She pulled him even closer, rubbed up and down, and hooked one leg up and over his hip.

He gripped her thigh, bucking against her body.

“Yes!” she hissed as their lips came apart and he continued to mouth down her neck.

“We should probably stop…slow down. Oh, God!” he murmured against her skin as she cupped his erection.

“Can’t stop!” she answered, rocking against him. “Need you.”

“Shit!” He pulled away and looked around. “There is no way in hell I want to stop.”

He grasped her hand and yanked her against a large tree trunk that would offer them a little more privacy. She attacked the button and zipper of his pants. They pulled and tugged at clothing until they were both naked. Then he took her hand, urging her to the ground.

Becca lay on her back, not able to take her eyes off him as he lowered himself over her. Their lips met once again, this time slower and with more control. She arched into his touch as he ran his hands down her sides, opened for him while he settled his hips between her legs.

He kissed and ran his tongue down her neck, across her shoulder, then stopped to tease one of her nipples.

She gasped as Mike sucked and toyed with her.

“Such a beautiful body,” he praised, moving to give the same attention to her other breast. “I’ve dreamed about this.”

Becca pressed her legs against him and tilted her hips, trying to get pressure where she needed it. So had she. Becca needed Mike inside her again. She couldn’t wait any longer.

He chuckled and moved lower, dipping his tongue into her belly button.

“Please,” she begged and bucked up again.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, he pushed her legs open and rubbed his nose over her wet mound, breathing deep.

“Can’t wait to taste you,” he stated, and taste he did.

Becca cried out as he sucked and tongued her pussy. He teased her clit with his thumb while licking between her folds with his tongue. That wonderful tension began to build and she gasped as the tingle started to grow. She rode his face and moaned as he brought her over the edge of pleasure, clawing the moist dirt while she broke apart under the sexual assault.

Mike slid up her body before nipping her chin. Becca opened her eyes and saw his need. She reached down and gripped his hips. “Inside, come inside me.”

He dropped soft kisses over her face. “I want to mark you. If I do, everyone will smell me on you. Are you okay with that?”

She puffed out a breath. “Yes, hurry.”

He caught her chin between his finger and thumb. She looked at him, surprised. “I don’t want you to regret this. Are you sure? Tell me now.”

She nodded, lost in his dark gaze. His erection pressed against her flesh. Knew he wanted to take her like she was inviting him to.

“Mike, I want you.” She gave him the words he seemed to need. “I don’t care who knows about us.”

He dropped his head and took a breath. “Thank God,” he whispered.

Then he moved. Kissing her, thrusting his tongue inside her mouth while he lifted her hips and plunged inside her body.

She screamed in delight as his hard cock went deep.

Mike dropped his mouth down to her neck, sucking. The mark that he wanted to put on her. It wasn’t a full mating. They were nowhere near that kind of commitment, but she could deal with her friends and family knowing that they’d been together.

She was proud to have Mike’s interest.

Becca pressed her flesh harder against him. She was going to accept whatever Mike was willing to give her. She needed it.

Mike pulled out before sliding back in. She planted her feet on the ground and met him in one frenzied thrust after another. Sweat dropped from his forehead and landed on her chest and he continued to drive himself hard inside her. It was crazy and fast and awesome. She scratched her nails over his back as she climaxed once again.

He plunged a couple more times before throwing his head back and growling while he came. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he collapsed down onto her, their breathing fast and labored as they lay there wrapped around each other.

She’d been marked on the inside and out.

“Wow,” she managed. “That was as good as the first time.”

“Better,” he said. Mike ran his hand down her back. “So much better.”

Becca could live with that.