Adam poured two glasses full of whiskey before he turned around and handed one to his guest. He’d only been home twenty-four hours, but he’d been busy. No more excuses—he was going to have his inner circle in place within the next few weeks and it would all start with his new Enforcer.
“Thank you for coming,” Adam said.
“I’ll be honest, even after I’d sent you the email, I didn’t think I’d hear back from you.”
He shook his head. “I can’t think of a better Enforcer.”
Larry laughed. “Sure, after you pay off your Pack.”
“You saved my best friend’s girl and you ended the terror that was affecting all the Packs,” Adam pointed out. “You were the second in command for Riker’s Pack.”
Larry frowned. “That’s not exactly an accomplishment. You’ve heard the stories about how Riker ran his Pack.”
“I have,” Adam agreed. “But after I got your email, I started to talk to the other shifters inside Riker’s Pack, including the ones who had left.”
“You did?”
“Yes,” Adam replied with a smile. “So, I heard about how you protected the others in the Pack from Riker’s temper. Took the punishments onto yourself.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Larry lied.
“Of course,” Adam said. He hadn’t expected any other answer. “Also, several of your old Pack members told me that even when they weren’t coming to you for anything, you took care of everything. You made the decisions.”
Larry shrugged. “I did my job. That doesn’t mean anyone here will accept me. As much as I want to belong to a Pack again, I do have to warn you that I will not be a popular choice. Even your best friend hates me.”
Adam had thought about all of this. He’d spoken to the Council, Gage, Lamont, his father and Tony. The only person he hadn’t asked advice from was Cain, because Larry was right on that front. Even though Larry had in fact saved Emily from Brent, the shifter who’d been behind the attacks on the Packs’ females, Cain still didn’t trust Larry.
Instead of telling anyone what he’d suspected, Larry had followed Brent.
Larry had gotten there in time before Brent hurt Emily. Cain still believed that had Larry told them, Emily would have never been put in danger in the first place.
Both men were right.
Adam could clearly see why Larry had done what he did. But he also understood Cain’s point of view.
However, what was best for his Pack was having a strong, loyal and confident second in command. A shifter who could take on the roles of both the Beta and Enforcer. That was going to be Larry. Adam didn’t care who he’d have to convince. Every other Alpha had agreed and so had the Council. Plus, if the Council went ahead with announcing their presence to the world, then Adam was really going to need someone to help protect the Pack.
“Let me take care of Cain and anyone else,” Adam said. “Your concern will be to strengthen the security around here and bonding with the Pack.”
Larry nodded. “I can take care of our safety, no problem. The latter might be more difficult.”
“No,” Adam said. “I’m bringing back the full-moon runs and weekly gatherings. When the weather is nice, we’ll have it here in the back. During winter or if it rains, we have the community center.”
Larry looked thoughtful. Adam leaned forward and placed his hand on Larry’s arm. “What?”
“It’s been a long time since I’ve felt a sense of Pack. Even when I was with Riker, we only got together when he wanted a battle or fight.”
Adam shook his head, saddened by Larry’s life.
“But I remember when I was younger and still in my birth Pack,” Larry continued. “Every Sunday we would go to the Alpha house and eat and play. There were always games for the younger kids and the teenagers would shift and run. I loved it.”
“That’s what I want to bring back,” Adam said. “The pride in the Pack. We’ve been through so much with the attack on Mindy, then a new Alpha.”
“It’s a good idea,” Larry stated. “This is the kind of Pack that I want to belong to.”
This was working out perfectly. Not only would he get someone he could trust, but Larry could connect with his kind again. It wasn’t easy being Rogue. Adam didn’t actually know anyone who didn’t belong to a Pack, but he’d heard his father and other Alphas talk about how dangerous rogue shifters could become.
A shifter, or at least a wolf shifter, needed the Pack to keep them calm and to hold on to their humanity. The nature of the wolf was to belong, to lead or follow, and while shifters were human, they also had some wolf instincts. Adam couldn’t imagine what it was like for Larry not to belong with anyone or in a territory. He could guess that it was better than living under Riker’s rule, though.
Riker, an Alpha from one of the Colorado Packs, ran his Pack with fear and discipline. Anyone in the higher position had fought for them. That was how Larry had become Riker’s second in command. He’d beaten all others for the position. Everyone knew that Riker only accepted the strongest and meanest into the fold, so that reputation was going to make it tough to bring in Larry. But Adam had faith in his Pack.
“So what do you say?” Adam asked. “Will you be my second?”
Larry sipped his whiskey. “I really want to say yes.”
Relief flooded Adam.
“But I don’t know if I can.”
“Why not?” Adam pressed. “If it’s what you want.”
“We both know it’ll need some time for me to be accepted. You’re taking a chance of your Pack turning on you,” Larry told him.
“They wouldn’t,” Adam promised. He believed in his Pack one hundred percent.
“Maybe we should take this slow and see what kind of reception I get?” Larry sounded really concerned.
Adam didn’t know how to assure him that he was going to find a home with them. He studied Larry and saw that he nervously bounced his leg. Concentrating, Adam pulled in Larry’s scent. Not only was Larry giving off nervous tics, but he smelled almost desperate. It hit him.
“I won’t turn my back on you,” Adam said quietly.
Larry jerked up his head.
“Do you think that if this doesn’t work out, I’ll send you away?” Adam asked.
“This isn’t the first time I’ve approached an Alpha or had one come to me,” Larry told him. “At first, everyone seems to accept me, but when out of the Alpha’s sight, they gang up on me, trying to push me into some sort of conflict.”
Damn, Adam’d had no idea. He moved from the couch to sit on the coffee table right in front of Larry. Now, he determined even more to add Larry to his Pack.
“Look at me,” Adam demanded.
Larry complied and Adam could see the wariness in his gaze.
“I can’t promise you that you’ll be accepted on the first day. We both know how hard this is going to be. I will guarantee you that you will belong to this Pack, to me, until you chose to leave.”
“Right.” Larry nodded, but it was obvious he still didn’t believe Adam.
“I don’t know how the other Alphas worked, but I want you to be my second. If anything happens to me, you’ll take over until another Alpha is in place or you take the position. But you will have the support of the entire Pack, including the inner circle. One that you’re going to help me put in place.”
“You want me to pick your inner circle?” Larry questioned cautiously.
“Our inner circle,” Adam corrected.
“This sounds too good to be true,” Larry told him.
Adam nodded. “What if you stayed a few days and got to know the people inside the house? If there are any issues, we’ll take care of them jointly and see how we work together. Can you give me forty-eight hours?”
Larry leaned forward to brace his elbows on his knees. “That sounds fair.”
Adam smiled. “That will give us time to work on Pack business. We won’t announce your position until you tell me you’re ready.”
“Deal.” Larry held out his hand and Adam quickly accepted. He’d be relying on his Pack to make Larry feel welcome.
“Great.” Adam clapped his hands together. “My sister should have dinner ready. Tonight, it’ll just be a few of us. And that’s a good place to start.”
“Okay.” Larry stood and wiped his hands on his slacks in a nervous gesture.
If anyone had asked Adam if he’d have thought Larry would be anxious about a simple dinner, Adam would have laughed. Larry might have been one of the scariest shifters around, but Adam knew he still felt unease and the need to fit in. It was actually quite sweet.
Adam rose and motioned to the door before turning to lead the way. When he stepped into the hall, he spotted one of their younger guards. Hector had been the first who’d come to Adam, asking if he could apply for a position becoming available. Adam had decided that no one would fight for a place in his Pack. They could apply and be accepted or not, based on their skills. If they wanted to work on certain techniques, he’d be talking to Lamont, Cain’s father and Alpha, on some additional training. He wanted every member of his Pack to feel as though they could accomplish their dreams. Adam was there to help.
Hector nodded to first him, then Larry. Adam smiled in response. Hector knew who Larry was, since he’d been the one to let Larry in and Adam had introduced them.
Larry tilted his head back at Hector as Adam stopped in front of the young guard.
“We’re headed to dinner,” Adam said. “You’re about off shift. Would you like to join us?”
“Yes, sure.” Hector nearly bounced on the toes of his feet. “That would be great.” He glanced over at Larry. “Maybe later I can ask you for a few tips?”
“Tips?” Larry repeated.
“I’m new, not to the Pack, but as a guard. Adam is letting me work inside for now, but I really want to get out and do more. Perhaps…maybe…I could use some advice.”
Larry smiled and it brightened his entire face. “I would be honored.”
“Really?” Hector shrieked.
“Sure, man.” Larry slapped him on the back. “After dinner, we’ll head out back and I’ll show you a few moves.” Larry turned to Adam. “I’m going to wash up real quick.”
“Last door on the right,” Adam told him.
Hector made it until Larry closed the door behind him before he grabbed Adam’s arm and shook him.
“Calm down,” Adam told him, laughing.
“I’m so excited. Everyone says that next to Cain, Larry is the best fighter. I can’t believe he’s going to show me some moves!”
Yeah, Larry was going to make it just fine. Adam grasped the back of Hector’s neck playfully and pushed him down the hall. “We’d better get to the kitchen before Laura comes looking for us.”
Hector babbled the entire time they strolled down the long hall toward the swinging doors leading into the kitchen. Adam loved the dark wood floor and matching paneling, but maybe it was time for a change. They could brighten up the path from the front door to the kitchen. His dad had always talked about making changes from the time he took over, but had never actually done so. Adam could and he would.
Laura was humming when they pushed through the door into the kitchen. The smell of roast filled the air and his mouth immediately started to water. He’d only been gone a few days, but he’d missed his sister’s cooking. She ran a small catering company in town, but it was the homemade meals she cooked for family that meant so much.
“Hi.” She glanced around. “Oh, isn’t Larry staying, too?”
“I’m right here, ma’am,” Larry said as he entered. “I’ve been smelling your dinner all night.”
Laura giggled. Holy shit, his sister actually giggled.
Adam had told Laura all about his decision regarding Larry and she’d been supportive. She knew the story of how Larry had saved Emily and automatically agreed that Larry would be a great addition to the Pack. Laura was also aware of the Council business about taking the shifters public. But Adam had never seen her blush and giggle like she was now.
“Can I help set the table?” Larry offered.
“Already done,” Laura replied shyly. “But you can take this there.” She handed Larry a large bowl of potatoes and carrots.
“Yes, ma’am.” Larry smiled and did as he’d been charged. Hector followed along, asking Larry questions.
Adam sidled up to his sister. “Larry’s very handsome, don’t you think?”
“What?” Laura fumbled with a stirring spoon. Adam laughed. “Oh, shut up.” Laura hip-bumped him. “I just didn’t expect him to be so…big.”
“Uh-huh.” Adam was really enjoying this. There had been so much stress lately that he and Laura hadn’t gotten to play and tease. It felt good. Another puzzle piece falling into place.
“So where’s Tasha?” Laura asked. “I’m surprised you could peel yourself away from her for dinner.”
Adam waved his finger in Laura’s face. “Nice attempt at changing the subject.” He picked up the large plate of homemade rolls. “And she’s on her way.”
He strolled toward the table, letting his sister off the hook, for now. “Who else is joining us?” he asked.
“Mable and James,” Laura said.
That was good. James was the head guard and Larry would have to work closely with him. James had been given the position five years ago. But since he was one of the younger shifters that worked for his father, Adam planned on keeping him. Mabel was the accountant for the Pack. Several of the members worked in businesses located in town that the Alpha financed. First his grandfather, then his dad and now him. Adam hoped they’d be able to expand even more. He knew a couple of people in his Pack who wanted to open a few small businesses. The plan was to schedule three openings in the next twelve months. It would bring revenue into the Pack while allowing his members to do what they loved. Mabel was only doing the Alpha’s books at the moment, but Adam wanted to talk to her about playing a bigger role. Bringing both her and James into the inner circle would be the second step.
A knock on the sliding glass door caught his attention. He looked over and saw Tasha standing outside. Hector was closest, so he opened the door and waved Tasha in. Adam set the rolls on the table before moving to her. He didn’t care who was in the room. He yanked Tasha close and kissed her deeply. She didn’t show any hesitation, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him back.
Someone cleared their throat and Adam pulled back to see James and Mabel behind Tasha. Adam had been so fixated on her he hadn’t seen the other two shifters.
“Evening, boss,” James said as he passed them.
Adam nodded to him, then Mabel. “Glad you could both join us.”
“As if we’d miss Laura’s roast,” James said, prior to kissing Laura on the cheek. She swatted him but laughed. The look was completely different from when she’d been flirting with Larry. Adam wondered if there was a real connection between his sister and his new Enforcer.
“What’s going on?” Tasha whispered.
“I’ll tell you later,” Adam murmured in her ear. “Let’s sit down and eat. I can’t wait to get you back in my bed.”
She laughed before slipping out from his hold.
Adam glanced over and saw Larry shaking hands with James, then Mabel. Adam could see that Larry was nervous again, but James was being his usual lighthearted self and was already joking with Larry. Laura finished bringing the rest of the food to the table.
“Time to eat,” she announced.
Adam took the seat at the head of the table with Tasha on his left. Laura guided Larry to the chair to Adam’s right before sitting beside him. Hector, James and Mabel filled in the rest of the empty seats. Adam looked around at the people joining him. He hoped this would be the first of many dinners with his Pack. He reached over and covered Tasha’s hand, giving her a squeeze before smiling at the others. “Let’s eat!” They didn’t need a speech from him. Just time to enjoy one another’s company.
Laura began passing the platter of roast around. Adam filled his plate. He hoped to burn off the calories later with Tasha.
* * * *
Tasha followed Adam up the stairs toward the bedroom, keeping her hand in his. The evening had been fun and full of good conversation.
At one point Larry and James had taken Hector out into the back lawn and worked out with him, showing him different moves and tricks. Adam, her, Laura and Mabel had sat on the porch drinking coffee and discussing the future of the Pack. Mabel had been excited about the opportunity that Adam offered.
Tasha could feel the bonds of the Pack forming around Adam. She knew they existed, but even with Christian she hadn’t actually been aware of it happening. This was a new experience for her—for most of the Pack. Most everyone had been born under Christian or his dad’s reign. The ones under Christian’s father remembered when Christian had taken over, but most of them were no longer around. Christian’s Pack was becoming Adam’s and over thirty members were feeling the change.
“You okay?” Adam asked when they reached his bedroom.
Tasha turned in his arms. “I am perfect.”
“Yes, you are.” Adam lowered his head and brushed his lips over hers.
“More,” Tasha demanded when Adam tried to pull back.
He lifted her so she had no choice but to wrap her legs around his waist. Tasha’s back hit the closed door as Adam began to rut against her. She clawed at his shirt, trying to get the fabric out of the way. She wanted to be skin to skin.
He ripped his mouth from hers. “This would be more comfortable in bed.”
Tasha laughed. “Yeah? So take me to bed.”
Adam tightened his hold under her ass and hitched her up before he turned the door knob and they almost fell though the opening. Tasha clung to him to keep her balance.
“Hang on tight,” Adam ordered, slamming the door behind them.
As if she needed to be told. He carried her across the room, but instead of falling onto the mattress as she expected, Adam gently laid her down. Tasha watched him as he stepped back. “What are you doing?” she asked.
He grinned. “Stay there.”
“What if I don’t?” she teased, giving him her best pout.
“If you do what I say, you’ll really enjoy it,” he promised.
Tasha grinned this time.
Adam took several steps backward before he spun around and ran to the bathroom. The water in the tub turned on and she frowned. What was he doing? She’d thought that they were going to bed. She started to sit up.
“Stay where you are!”
Tasha dropped back down onto the mattress. There was no way that Adam could have seen her, but he’d somehow known her curiosity was getting the better of her. “If you don’t hurry up, I’ll start without you!” she called.
“Go ahead.”
That was not the answer she’d expected. Oh, well, if he wanted to tease her, then Tasha would have to hurry him along. She squirmed out of her clothes but made sure that she stayed on the bed. He’d only told her to stay where she was. He hadn’t said she couldn’t move at all.
Once she was naked, Tasha started to knead her breasts. Adam seemed to approve of them, as the evidence of the small marks made by his sucking told. Tasha laid her head back and moaned as she played with herself.
Keeping one hand where it was, she trailed the other down her stomach to her pussy. She ran her fingers through her slick folds before letting one tip tease her entrance.
Tasha closed her eyes, no longer worrying about Adam.
It felt amazing, sliding her finger into her pussy. She pumped the digit in and out before adding another. Lifting her hips off the mattress, Tasha managed to lose herself in the pleasure.
“I thought I told you not to move?” Adam said, running his hand up her leg.
“Did you?” Tasha asked, looking up at him.
Adam grinned. “Here, let me help you.”
“Oh, now you want to help?” Tasha taunted. She spread her thighs wider so that he’d have an even better view.
He growled before pulling her hand away.
“Ah,” she whined.
“Come here.” He picked her up off the bed.
“What are we doing?”
“Taking a bath,” Adam said.
“A bath?” Tasha echoed.
“A nice, long hot bath,” Adam said.
“Together?”
He didn’t respond as he carried her into the bathroom. Adam had filled the large whirlpool-style tub with water and had even added bubbles. Several candles were lit along a shelf across the room. Adam hit the switch to turn off the lights.
“This is so romantic,” she whispered. Tasha hadn’t expected all of this. All she’d wanted was to spend a little time with Adam before sleeping in his arms. Tasha was glad Adam had invited her over. She didn’t want to ever spend another night without him. It was too soon for them to commit in that way, but Tasha wasn’t going to worry.
“It’s a good thing you’ve already got undressed,” Adam said. He bent and tested the water with his hand before lowering her in.
She couldn’t hold back a moan of delight as the hot water flowed over her. It was the absolute perfect temperature. Once she was fully emerged, Adam stepped back, then started to undress. Tasha watched him slowly expose every inch of his fantastic body. The candlelight gave her just enough brightness to see him without having to use her shifter eyesight.
“You’re gorgeous,” she murmured.
Adam grinned before he pulled off his final piece of clothing. His entire body was hard but especially his cock.
Tasha slid over and motioned him closer. “Come join me,” she pleaded.
“I am,” he told her. Adam dipped his toe in the water before climbing in behind her.
Tasha leaned back against his strong chest. “This is nice.”
“It is,” he agreed. Adam cupped a handful of bubbles, then spread them over her breasts. Yeah, she knew his favorite parts of her body. “So soft.”
“Hmm,” Tasha hummed. She moved her legs under the water as he slid his other hand down. “Touch me.”
“Yes,” he whispered while dragging his fingers over her clit, before he plunged two in deep.
She arched in pleasure.
“That’s it,” he encouraged.
Tasha lifted so that each time he thrust his fingers, she was getting them as deep as possible. With his free hand, he plucked at one nipple. “Adam.”
“Yes,” he hissed, pumping his cock up against her lower back.
She reached behind with one arm while tilting her head so that she could bring his mouth to hers. Tasha sucked on his tongue until he was bucking quickly against her. She tore her mouth away.
“Inside me,” she panted.
“Lift up for me.”
Tasha braced her palms at the bottom of the tub while raising her ass. Adam gripped her hips and pulled her back until she hovered over his erection.
“Come down slowly.”
His hand brushed her pussy as he held himself. Once she felt the tip of his cock inside her, she carefully began to lower herself.
“Oh, God,” she whispered.
“You’re so tight,” Adam said. “Hurry.”
Tasha dropped her head back onto his shoulder as she finished taking him in. Adam cupped her breasts and pulled at her nipples.
“Ride me.”
She loved the huskiness in his voice. “Hang on,” she warned. Tasha pulled her legs back until she was on her knees. “I’m going to take what I want.”
“Go for it.”
Tasha closed her eyes as she started rocking her hips. Lowering herself up and down while adding a small circle gave her the perfect amount of friction. It didn’t hurt that Adam kept manipulating her nipple with one hand and her clit with the other. Water came dangerously close to splashing over the rim of the tub, but she didn’t care. She doubted that Adam did, either, by the way he was panting against her neck.
This time might not be as hot or passionate as the other, but Tasha loved the soft and sweet rhythm of their lovemaking. She was all for hard and fast, but sometimes she wanted to be romanced and Adam had more than given her that.
The bubbly water, fragrant candles and gentle coupling were perfect.
As her body began to tremble, she knew her climax was building. Her clit tingled and her toes curled. “Oh,” she moaned low.
“That’s it, baby,” Adam encouraged.
Tasha kept riding him until she was completely spent. She sank down against him.
Adam was still pumping his hips.
“What do you need?” she asked. She wasn’t a selfish lover, even when she was absolutely exhausted.
“Just stay still,” he said.
“Okay,” she agreed.
Adam was doing all the work now. He held her legs up and open so he could thrust inside.
“Almost there,” he murmured.
Tasha grasped the sides of the tub. “Harder.”
Adam kept plunging, until he groaned and came. Tasha grinned. “Perfect.”
He wrapped his arms around her and she settled back with his cock still half-hard. “Oh, don’t worry,” she whispered. “I still have enough for another round once I get us into bed.”
“Hmm.”
That sounded good to her.