Chapter 8: Chapter Eight

Cassie wrapped the canvases up one more time so they could be taken to the gallery. The acrylic paint was already dry and ready to be picked up. She’d called James, confirming what time he’d to come by to set up a delivery time. He would be there any minute and she was hoping that he would be gone by the time Max returned.

Just thinking about Max brought a smile to her face.

After the night before, she found herself longing just to see him. Making love on the trip deeper into the canyon and later back in her bed should have worn them out. Still, any time that Max touched her, Cassie was ready for more of him. All she could get. They’d spent most of the morning in bed and it wasn’t until Alex had phoned asking Max to meet him at the stables that the two had managed to get up.

Max was a passionate lover and she could honestly say that she’d never been with anyone who was so intent on ravishing her. She was pleasantly sore as she moved around the studio.

Now that she was finished with the last of her series, she could enjoy a few days just to explore what was happening between her and Max. The show was coming up fast, but there wasn’t anything else for her to do except show up.

Instead of worrying about the show, the gallery or the break-in, she was making plans about showing Max everything she loved. He’d said he was sticking around, but Cassie wanted to share with him her favorite places to entice him further. They planned to ride the horses into the canyon in the late afternoon. Very, very secluded spots. She looked forward to getting Max horny and naked again.

Laughing at that thought, she squealed when someone touched her arm. She whirled around, heart beating frantically. “Shit!”

“Sorry!” James held up his hands. “You were lost in your own world.”

She blushed. Isn’t that the truth? “It’s okay. I was just thinking.”

“Good thoughts, apparently, since you’re blushing.”

She nodded. Not that she was going to tell James anything. Max might not know for sure whether James was guilty or innocent, but he’d remained suspicious of her assistant. Cassie had admitted to the weird feelings she’d had about James’s visit, but now that she had time to think about it, Cassie wanted to laugh at herself. James had always been quiet and a tad off. Just a weird little artist, much like her. There was no reason to wonder about James. One of the reasons she’d asked James to oversee the pick-up from the delivery company to the gallery was to prove to Max and her brother that James could be trusted.

“I appreciate you coming.” She changed the subject. “I’ll just feel better knowing you’re with the new work. No chance of anything else happening.”

James grinned. “I can’t believe you got so much done in just a few days.” He took in the covered pieces around the room.

“Me neither,” she confessed. “I wasn’t even sure I was going to add any more to the show. I’d only lost two pieces and we have enough to go forward, but I just…got inspired.”

James sighed. “It’s unbelievable what you can do.”

“Hey.” She didn’t like the sadness she heard in his tone. “You are just as talented. This is going to be a great first show for you.”

“No, it’s not.”

Cassie frowned, walking toward him. He’d gone from sad to anger so fast. Nerves could do that, though. This was his first big show, so it was natural to believe this would be his only chance. But Cassie had confidence in him. “James, I promise it’s going to be okay. Better than okay, actually, you’ll see.”

“Don’t,” he snapped and held up a hand to stop her. “You know, I thought this was going to be so easy.”

Unease tingled down her spine. Okay, maybe this wasn’t about the gallery show after all. He was also more than a little angry. This wasn’t good. “What? What was supposed to be easy?”

“All I needed to do was find out as much as I could about you and your family. I couldn’t believe it when you saw my work and thought it was good. And then Alex! He offered to show some of my pieces!”

“Of course,” she replied cautiously. “Because you are talented. He wanted to give you a chance.”

James shook his head as he reached behind his back. Cassie gasped at the sight of the black gun.

“Wha… What are you doing?” Shit. Max wouldn’t be back for a while. He’d been right about James—everyone had—and Cassie hadn’t wanted to see it.

“I didn’t actually think you’d do it. Be able to replace the paintings. But they are even better than the first ones you created. This is all your fault.”

Cassie knew it was stupid to argue with an armed madman, but she had to try to keep James talking. Maybe someone would come check on her. “Let’s just talk about this.”

“Don’t try to play me,” James said. “We need to go. I doubt we have much time before that man comes back.”

“No, I—”

“I didn’t come inside until your bodyguard left. I know we’re alone right now. Just follow my instructions and I won’t have to hurt you.”

“James, you don’t have to do any of this. We can talk to Alex. If you want more to do with the show, he can help you. I’ll help you. Please!”

“But I do. You see, the show is never going to take place. Right now, a couple of my cousins are at the gallery, and in just a little while, there will be nothing left of the building. The fire should burn pretty damn hot with all the supplies we keep in the storage room.”

Cassie started shaking. How could she have misjudged James so badly? He gazed at her with bright eyes that showed traces of a craziness she’d never witnessed before. Even the way his voice was pitched higher scared her.

“The fire here shouldn’t be as bad. Maybe there’ll be something that can be saved. I don’t figure your brother or bodyguard will be far,” James said.

Her house, the studio—everything that she had was in this man’s hands. Inside, her wolf instincts were screaming at her to fight. She could take out this threat to her and her own. If she shifted, James would know the truth and was more likely to kill her than anything else.

He waved the gun toward the doors. “But we won’t be here to find out what they can save. Start moving.”

“Where are we going?” Cassie knew better to get in a car or leave with someone attempting to take her. That was on every crime drama she’d seen.

“Some people want to talk to you. They know you’re familiar with some shifters. Hell, they even tried to convince me that you’re one. I told them that was crazy, but I can’t deny that there is something about your art that draws the monsters to you. I cataloged where all your paintings have been shipped. Several pieces have gone to known shifters.”

Of course they had. Cassie knew where every piece had ended up. The fact that James did too was unsettling. “You’re working with the Church for Humanity?”

James snorted. “I’ve been a member all my life. My uncle leads the division here in Texas. Since Bruce Carter and the California chapter have been arrested, it’s up to us to stop the madness of people accepting the shifters. I mean, can you even imagine someone being able to turn into a wolf or some other kind of animal?” He visibly shuddered. “Horrible.”

Cassie was shocked that James felt that way. On one hand, it was probably in her best interest that he didn’t believe she was a shifter, but she wanted to set him straight that they were not monsters. The more information that came to light about shifters, the more people who’d initially been scared were now accepting of them.

“Anyway, we’ll stop the show. There were going to be several shifters who have already RSVP’d, and we don’t want their kind in town. After you talk to my uncle and tell him what he needs to know, he’ll let you come back, if you promise to stop supporting the shifters. They shouldn’t be able to buy your work. They’re…they’re just animals, really. Your art is too good to be wasted on them!”

Cassie knew damn well that if the Church got hold of her, she would not be coming back home.

“And you’re going to burn my house and gallery down?”

James nodded. “It’s the only way we can ensure Alex doesn’t go on with the show. I don’t know how long you’ll be gone.” He shrugged. “But I’ll make sure they know you’re okay.”

“James—”

“Now, we really do have to go. My friends should be here any time to set the fire and we don’t want to be anywhere near here when it goes up.”

“You’re talking about burning my house down!”

“Shh!” James stomped toward her. “I know and I’m sorry, but it’s the only way! Now hurry up, we have to leave.” He grabbed her shoulder and shoved her forward. “I wasn’t kidding when I said it was time to go.”

Cassie shuffled her feet as she was propelled toward the balcony door. She knew she had to figure out a way to get Alex or Max’s attention, but her mind was racing and she couldn’t think straight.

James pressed the muzzle of the gun against her arm and she considered turning and trying to grab the weapon. Even if the gun went off, there was a good chance it wouldn’t kill her. Plus, if Max or Alex heard the shot, they would come for her.

“Don’t try anything,” James whispered. “My brother is over at your nephews’ house and we really don’t want to hurt the kids.”

Oh, God! The fight that had been building burst and she sagged. Cassie didn’t want to believe him, but what if they were prepared to get hold of the boys? She nodded and unlatched the double doors. She’d just have to play along. They didn’t know she was a shifter. Not yet, anyway. If Cassie acted like she was cooperating, maybe that meant she’d get out of this alive.

“Head straight for my car.”

Once she’d pushed open the doors, she saw that James had parked close by. There was not a lot of room to form a plan before she would be inside his vehicle. No way for her to call for help.

James nudged her with the gun again. “Walk.”

Her bare feet didn’t make a sound when she crossed over the small deck and down the couple of steps. She looked around, hoping someone, anyone, would be close by. Instead, all she could see was the empty yard.

She’d fought against the protection and cameras and what good were they doing her now? “James, this isn’t going to work. Let me get Alex and we can talk this through.”

“Talk?” James stated. “So you or your brother can try to sway me to the side of the shifters? I don’t think so. After you talk to my uncle and hear what he has to say about them, you’ll understand. I told him you didn’t know any better. He’ll help you.”

She didn’t know what James’ uncle thought he knew, but it was obvious that James believed the man’s preaching.

The grass was cool and moist under her feet. She stopped and turned to James. “He’s wrong. Shifters are not monsters. They are not evil.”

“I know you believe that. If you knew what they were planning, how they’re going to enslave us humans, you wouldn’t defend them. There’s so much you have no idea about.”

“Listen to me!” she said desperately. “The Church—”

“Stop!” James snapped. “Just get to the car.”

Cassie dropped her hands and turned back around. She almost wept in relief as she saw Alex step into view.

“Shit,” James muttered. “Just act natural. I’ll take him with us if I have to, but my uncle will not be pleased.”

The gun was jammed harder into her and she hissed. Alex would be able to smell her fear—hell, he could probably hear the way her heart raced inside her chest. Still he strolled forward like he didn’t have a care in the world.

“Hey, sis. Hey, James,” Alex called out.

Cassie figured her brother couldn’t see the weapon as he walked toward them but didn’t know how to warn him.

“Hey, Alex!” James waved with his free hand. “We’re just going to run into town really quick.”

Come closer, Cassie mentally begged her brother.

“Cool!” Alex hollered back. “Can you stop at the gallery and pick up a box I need?”

“Uh, sure,” James replied.

“Good.” Alex started to jog over.

James stiffened. She really hoped he didn’t have his finger on the trigger. She did not want to get shot.

Cassie braced herself for whatever would happen next. Alex wasn’t giving any kind of message that he knew something was wrong. But he had to know. There was no way that her leaving with James, barefoot and in pants and a tank top, would be normal.

“Drop the gun.”

Both Cassie and James jumped when Max’s deep voice sounded behind them. Cassie whirled. Max had clamped his hand around James’s wrist. She backed up from the two men and almost squealed when she ran into another solid form.

“It’s okay.” Alex wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

“Oh, God!” She whimpered and relaxed against him.

“I won’t repeat myself again. Drop the gun.”

James yelled and released his hold on the weapon, causing it to fall to the ground.

“You okay?” Max asked, raking her up and down with his gaze.

She nodded. Cassie wished she could throw herself into his arms and have him hold her. She needed to let him take care of James first. She never wanted to see her assistant again.

“Now…” Max gave his attention back to James. “You and I are going to have a little talk.”

“Let me go! I wasn’t doing anything!”

Max gripped James’ shoulder with his free hand. “We have your buddies from the gallery.”

James paled, but Cassie didn’t have any sympathy for him. There was no telling what would have happened to her if James had delivered her to the Church. James might not believe she was a shifter, but if anyone else had suspected, she could have been in real trouble.

“I just wanted to help her. To help all of you! You don’t know what kind of monsters you’re dealing with!”

“Monsters?” Max growled.

“James thinks that the reason my art is so popular is because shifters keep buying my work. That is why the Church wanted to stop the show. They don’t want shifters in town,” Cassie told him. She prayed that Max understood the unspoken part of that sentence. If James didn’t think her family were shifters, then hopefully they could get by without having to reveal themselves.

“I see,” Max said. Anger was radiating off him, but he still sounded calm. “I think holding an innocent woman at gunpoint makes someone a monster. Not if someone has the gift to turn into an animal.”

“You’re wrong! Let me take you to my uncle. He’ll show you how evil they are.”

“I would love to meet this uncle,” Alex spoke up.

Max nodded in agreement.

Cassie didn’t agree. She would be happy to stay away from the man. She was relieved to hear that the men from the Church who were at the gallery had been caught, but what exactly were they going to do with them?

“Damn!” she yelled. “There are more men coming! They were going to burn my house down.”

“We’ve got them, plus the ones watching Jacob’s place.”

Cassie spun and saw Jacob, Chase, Shawn and three other men joining them. She placed her palm over her racing heart. “Please, no more surprises. I can’t handle it.”

Max frowned and motioned his brother closer. After he pushed James toward Chase, he marched up to her side. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

She moved from Alex and her brother stepped away to join the other men. “I’m okay. I just don’t want anyone else sneaking up on me.”

“Well, we have the two Council representatives bringing the men from the gallery over. We should probably go meet them at the main house, so they don’t have to look for us,” Alex stated.

She bobbed her head in agreement. “Alcohol.” There will be alcohol in the main house. Cassie’s legs were barely holding her up. If she didn’t get in a chair soon, she’d fall over.

Max intertwined his fingers through hers and lifted her hand. He kissed her knuckles, smiling. “I’ll get you whatever you want. First, inside where I can keep an eye on you.”

“Okay,” she agreed. She sure could get behind that idea. “I can’t believe I was wrong about James.” They began to follow behind her brothers and the shifters as they escorted the humans to the house.

“I understand. And I really do think he believes he is helping you. If that helps,” Max said.”

“It doesn’t. He was going to burn down my place!”

Max stopped and Cassie found herself held tightly as Max dropped his mouth to hers. She opened to him and grasped at the back of his T-shirt to keep him close. The scent and flavor of him calmed her wolf. It was amazing how just his presence was helping. He pulled away and she was surprised by the stress lines on his forehead.

“I was so scared. Kurt and Clint called and said that they’d caught a couple of guys trying to break into the gallery and knew for sure James was involved, I just about lost it. Thank God for your brother. He managed to calm me down enough so I didn’t barge into the studio and waited until the two of you came out.”

Cassie cupped his face. “I was trying to figure out what to do.”

“I know. And I knew that you’d be upset that James had turned on you.”

“I am,” she admitted. “But I also know that he doesn’t understand. He’s been surrounded by hatred. I wish he could see how much being a shifter is a gift.”

“Maybe someday he will. Let’s head up to the house. Kurt and Clint will help clean up this mess. They’ll deal with the Church, so we can go on remaining hidden.”

“I’m glad we weren’t exposed. But I have to wonder how long it will last.”

Max sighed. “Me, too. But we’ll figure it out. Shawn won’t let anything bad happen to the Pack. I bet he’s already working on whatever needs to be done.”

“I know Shawn will do what he can. What if it’s not enough, though?” She didn’t normally let her worries take over, but Cassie was finding it hard to accept such hate directed at her and all the shifters.

“It will be,” he assured her.

“I’m glad this is over. But I have a feeling things aren’t quite the same anymore. Not around here.”

Max hugged her. “Yeah.”

They walked quietly to the main house, entering though the back door. The low sound of voices reached her as she and Max strolled closer to the den. Cassie paused in the doorway and watched Alpha Shawn speak with James and several others. The two Council shifters stood glaring at the other group. Apparently not everything was going well.

Alex spotted them and tilted his head forward. Max pulled her out of sight until Alex joined them in the hall.

“James and a couple of the others want us to talk to his uncle. They seem determined to make us see the light about accepting the shifters. The other group from the gallery won’t say a word. Kurt has a call in to the Council to see what exactly they want them to do next. Clint thinks they should go to the Church.”

“But they can’t!” Cassie exclaimed.

Alex shook his head. “We’re pretty sure that someone from the Church would recognize them, so I agree. But they’re right, too. We need to know more about this chapter. From what James is saying, his uncle is good friends with the senator who is trying to pass a law to make all shifters register.”

“I still don’t get that,” Max said from beside her. “How would that help?”

“I don’t know, but I don’t like it. No one believes it’ll pass. We worked with the government when all the shifters announced their presence, so we already have their support. Human and shifter leaders both agreed long ago that all shifters would be treated just like humans. I know the Shifter Coalition is involved in speaking with our government officials to make sure that nothing has changed, though.”

Cassie groaned. “I wish they would all just leave us alone.”

Alex patted her shoulder. “I don’t think that will happen. There will always be someone who fears us because we’re different.”

“You’re right. I’m just tired.”

It was taking every bit of control Max had to keep from going into the living room and ripping James’ throat out. If he could have transformed, Max was certain he’d have shifted with how angry he was.

Even at that moment he could feel the pull of his wolf.

Max had been in some serious situations. The missions he’d spent his entire life undertaking hadn’t taxed him as much as seeing Cassie in danger. That fucker James had been standing there with his gun pointed at her back. How Alex had been so calm, Max would never know.

“I still need that drink,” she whispered.

Shit. Max still had a job to do. Instead of following his Alpha’s orders, Max wanted to take care of Cassie. That was the most important job he’d ever had. “And I said I’d get it for you.” Max turned to Alex. “What are you going to do with them right now?”

“I had Kurt and Kyle take them to the stables,” Alpha Shawn said as he stepped into the hall with them. “More guards are on the way. Just in case the Church sends someone after James and his cronies.”

“Good idea,” Alex said. “Come on.” He urged Cassie into the living room. Max took her right to the couch before taking a seat with her.

“I’ll grab the good stuff,” Alex said.

Cassie cuddled into his side while their Alpha sat in the chair across from them. Shawn smiled at them.

“I didn’t see this,” Shawn waved his hand between them.

“Me, neither,” Max said.

Cassie giggled. “Could we not discuss my love life with my brother in the room?”

“Please,” Alex agreed.

Shawn grinned. “Sure.”

“As much as you probably don’t want to talk about James either, we need to know everything he told you,” Alex ordered as he joined them. He had a glass bottle and four tumblers.

Cassie sighed so Max tightened his hold around her shoulders. “Fine.” She received the first glass and had the contents downed before Alex was finished passing the drinks to the others. Max handed her his.

“Thanks,” she murmured.

Max shrugged. If Cassie needed the entire bottle, that was fine with him.

“He didn’t know I’m a shifter,” she told them. “He kept saying that after his uncle explained things to me, I’d stop the shifters from buying my art.”

“I can’t believe I let him into our lives, our family,” Alex said. He drained his glass. “I brought him into Cassie’s life. This is my fault.”

“No,” Max and Cassie said at the same time.

“It’s no one’s fault but the humans who believe we’re monsters,” Shawn stated. “Even though they don’t know better, we have to show them what we’re really made of.”

“Show them compassion,” Max whispered. He could understand what his Alpha was saying. The humans feared them, but as a shifter community they had to prove they were also human.

“I hate them,” Cassie said. “I’ve never hurt them. Not the way they hurt me—us.”

“I know.” Shawn leaned forward then placed his hand on her knee. “You’re better than that, though.”

“I don’t want to be!” she shouted.

“Shh,” Max comforted. “It’s okay.”

The tears he’d been expecting started to fall. Events had finally caught up with her and Cassie need to release the tension.

For the first time, the Alpha lost some of his composure. Max didn’t know how Shawn could live with so many people relying on him all the time. The constant stress and worry he lived with had to be hard.

As Cassie cried herself out, the Alpha paced and Alex drank and Max just watched over them. Chase stepped into the room and stood at the entrance. Max started to shift Cassie away, but Chase merely shook his head. Max settled back down.

“Alpha?” Chase approached Shawn.

“The humans?” Shawn asked.

“Secure and under guard,” Chase replied. “I’ve got the guards on shifts here and in town. Anyone not part of our Pack will be closely watched.”

“Good.” Shawn nodded. “No word from the Council?”

“No, Alpha,” Chase responded. “I don’t think it’s likely they’ll allow Kurt or Clint to go. Too big of a risk.”

“I agree,” Shawn said.

“Then we go.” Alex stood.

Max agreed.

“No!” Cassie exclaimed. “It’s not safe.”

“If we go, there’s a good chance that they’ll figure out we’re not human,” Max said. “Is that a risk you’re ready for?” He’d support his Alpha one hundred percent, always. That didn’t mean he wasn’t aware of the danger.

“That’s what I’m struggling with,” Shawn told him.

“Then I should go,” Cassie said. “He’d expect me.”

“No.” Alex, Shawn, and Max all spoke.

“But—”

“No, Cassie.” Alex leaned over and kissed her forehead. “I can’t take the chance of anything happening to you.”

“He’s right,” Shawn said. “I’ll take Alex and Chase with me.”

“The Alpha and both Betas?” Max asked. “How’s that going to work? What if something happens to you three?”

“Without your successor named we can’t all go,” Chase said.

“I’ve chosen my successor,” Shawn said. “The Council approved my choice as well.”

“Really? Who?” Alex asked.

Alpha Shawn turned his gaze to Max. Alex and Chase both turned as well.

“What?” Max questioned.

“You,” Shawn said. “I chose you.”

Max had the sudden urge to look behind him to see who his Alpha was speaking to.

“That’s brilliant.” Chase grinned.

“No,” Max blurted. “I can’t be the Alpha!”

“Yes, you can,” Shawn responded. “I’ve known since you were a teenager that you would replace me one day. Your years in the service taught you leadership and gave you confidence.”

“I can’t even shift,” Max pointed out. This was crazy. Why would Shawn even consider naming Max as his successor?

“You always saw the fact that you couldn’t shift as a weakness, when it’s the opposite. The Council agrees. All I need is you to say yes.”

Max looked from his Alpha to his brother. “I—”

“It doesn’t have to be now,” Shawn held up his hand. “I know we need to talk about this. Time to ask your questions. I wasn’t going to bring this up until later.”

“I can’t believe this,” Max admitted.

“It’s something to think about,” Cassie told him. She slipped her hand into his.

“Sure,” Max replied. “Think about it.”

“For now, I want to check on the humans,” Shawn said. “We’ll discuss a plan after.”

“Peyton is bringing the boys over. I think we should all stay in the main house,” Jacob said from the hall.

“Good idea,” Alex replied.

“I need to grab a few things,” Cassie said. “But we can stay here, too.”

Max liked the way she included him.

“Max, will you take Cassie back to her place?” Shawn asked.

“Of course,” Max agreed.

Cassie didn’t let go of his hand during the walk back. Max was still reeling at what Shawn had said, so he remained quiet. He didn’t want to think now. He suspected that his Alpha had wanted Max to feel pride in his decision, but all Max could think about was his failings. He couldn’t lead a Pack—Max couldn’t take care of himself most days.

“Stop!” Cassie demanded.

Max froze with his foot hovering over the bottom step to her house. “What?”

“I can see your emotions all over your face,” Cassie said. “You don’t think he should have chosen you.”

He laughed, a low, bitter sound. “I know he made a mistake.”

“Max. You might not believe it now, but there is a good reason why Shawn wants you to be his successor.”

“What reason?”

Cassie placed her hand over his heart. “Because you’d do anything to protect the Pack. No one else is right for the job.”

“I’m not like you,” Max told her. “Not like any of them.”

“Because you can’t shift?” she asked. “So what, you can’t change into a wolf. Is that really what makes us shifters special?”

“Of course it is,” Max responded.

“Wrong.” She gripped his hand before yanking him up the porch. Cassie pushed him into a chair before she knelt in front of him. “What makes us special is our community, our bonds. We’re special because we have each other.”

“And we can shift,” Max said. “Or most can.”

Cassie nodded. “Okay, that’s very cool. One of the best things, but it doesn’t matter how big someone’s wolf form is. Or how fast they shift. The leadership, the Alphas, are so much more than all that.”

“And you really think I have it in me?” Max knew he didn’t.

“I believe it with all my heart,” she replied. “And it’s not just my life I’d willingly place in your hands. My brothers’, Peyton’s and my nephews’ too. The ones that mean the most to me. I trust you to protect them.”

“I… I still need to think about it,” Max said. Was he seriously even considering saying yes? He gazed at Cassie, who seemed sure enough for him.

“That’s smart,” Cassie said. “Talk to Shawn and your brother. Hell, talk to me. Just give it time.”

“I am so incredibly lucky,” he murmured. “I will never understand what you see in me.”

“Oh, Max,” she crooned. “So much.”

He’d had enough thinking, not knowing and questioning himself. Max leaned forward until he could press his lips against hers. Cassie hummed then climbed into his lap. As she ground down on his erection, Max grasped her hips while rocking up.

She tasted sweet like candy. He drank in her flavor, almost growing drunk from the connection that sparked between them.

He pulled back. “We should not do this outside here.”

“But I want you,” she argued. “Now.”

Shit. Max had to do the right thing and get them both inside. He stood, using his shifter strength to pick her up easily. Okay, so maybe there was more to being a shifter than just transforming. Like being able to carry his lover into the house at an increased speed, Cassie chuckling in his ear the entire time.

“Where to?” he asked.

“My bedroom,” she said. “I want you in my bed.”

Well, he wasn’t going to argue with that. Max stomped through the house until he laid her on her mattress. She propped herself onto her elbows as he went back and closed the door behind them. Even with the curtains shut tight, he could admire her from where he stood across the room.

“Take off your shirt,” he ordered. As she complied, he did the same.

Cassie grinned back at him before he removed her bra.

Max licked his lips, wanting to taste the flawless skin she’d revealed. But first, she was wearing too many clothes. He ran his finger down the zipper of his jeans. Cassie nodded then lifted her hips before removing her cotton pants and panties.

“Beautiful,” he said. She was gloriously naked and obviously aroused.

“You’re not so bad yourself.”

Max bent over and untied his boots before shucking them and his socks. Only then could he shove his pants off. He straightened to find Cassie had crawled to the end of the bed.

He stroked his cock, bringing himself fully hard. “Whatcha want?” he teased.

“You.” She crooked her finger at him. “Come closer.”

“Sure.” Max took two steps forward.

“Closer,” she said.

Another step.

“You’re still too far away,” she complained.

“Sorry.” Max walked in front of her until he could slide his fingers into her silky hair. He liked the way she kept her hair looking both sassy and hip, the color and shades bringing out the emotions in her eyes.

She was peering up at him with want and need.

“You want to suck me?” he asked.

Cassie nodded.

“Do it.”

Cassie wrapped her hand around the base of his shaft before taking the tip into her mouth.

He closed his eyes and let his head fall back. Cassie sucked gently, playing with him.

Max tightened his grip on her hair then thrust deep. Cassie didn’t pull back, but instead seemed to welcome every inch of him. Only the hand around his cock kept him from hitting the back of her throat.

“Yes.” He groaned showing her his appreciation.

She bobbed her head in time with his hips. It wasn’t long until Max was close to falling over the edge. He didn’t want to come in her mouth, though. Max wanted to claim her from the instead out.

“Stop.” He pulled back even when she attempted to chase him.

Max urged her onto her back with her legs over the side of the mattress. He ran the tip of his fingers up her thighs to find her pussy wet.

“In me,” she pleaded. “Now.”

One night he was going to spend every second tasting her and driving her crazy, but he needed to lose himself tonight. To just let go and feel.

He spread her thighs open before teasing his shaft between her slick folds.

Cassie pressed down, trying to take him inside.

Max grinned. He watched her as he began to fill her.

“Max!” Cassie arched her back as he slid inside.

The feeling of home and right flooded him. This was where he belonged. He might not know what the future held for him or the Pack, but in that moment, everything was perfect.