“You screamed twice.”
“And if you don’t get your heavy weight off me I might just scream again.” Alicia turned her face toward his.
He laughed as he rolled off her, keeping her in his arms as he moved. She wasn’t getting away from him this time.
“That was amazing.” A sigh escaped her.
“But.” He rested his chin against her head.
“What?” She leaned up on an elbow so she could look at him.
“You didn’t say it, but it was implied.”
Alicia snuggled back in his arms. “You’re right.” She needed time to herself to think about what happened between them. This was the first time she ever gave a man a repeat performance. She looked up at him. She couldn’t lie to him. Not now. “I’m not sure I’m ready for a relationship.”
He loved her honesty. “What if we don’t look at it as an intimate relationship? The idea makes me a little nervous, too.” Especially in light of the mating. How was he going to explain this to everyone? “This way we can get used to the idea without having the pressure of being a couple.” He gave her a smile. It would also give him time to think about what he did and how to handle it properly.
“Sounds fair.” Her voice was hesitant. He was being awfully cooperative. “Can we keep it to ourselves too?”
“It’s no one else’s business.” A few of his friends would know the moment they saw her, but he knew how to keep them quiet. At least for a little while.
“Good.” She relaxed a little and snuggled deeper into his arms. “Great.”
His fingers traced the mark she now carried. How was he going to explain this? He felt the raised skin and feared she’d find it before he had a chance to. “There is something I need to tell you.”
“Um hum.” She exhaled deeply.
“Alicia?” No response. She was out like a light. “Guess great sex will do that to you.”
***
Alicia stretched. Light filtered through the windows. “Has it stopped snowing?”
“Almost.” Max turned from the window he stood near. “Coffee?”
“Please.” She wrapped the bed sheet around her, climbed out of bed and stood up to stretch again.
Max padded over to the wet bar to pour her a cup. “Cream and sugar, right?”
“Yes.” She took the cup from him and took a sip. Her eyes closed as she smiled. “Thanks.”
“Not a morning person?”
“Got to have coffee first.” She toasted him. “I’m not human ‘til I have some.”
Max choked on his coffee. “Sorry. Must have found a bone.”
Alicia laughed as she sat in a chair near the bar.
“There is something I’d like to talk to you about.” He leaned his back against the bar as well.
A rapid pounding on the door startled them. Alicia jumped out of the chair and dashed into her room.
He growled as he opened the door. “Patrick.”
“I brought you the bauble.” He held up a small leather box. “Or would you rather I just mail it to your house?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Max stepped aside to allow him into the room. “It’s just your timing couldn’t be worse.”
“You weren’t—”
“No.” He turned his back to Patrick and walked to the window. “Alicia and I have a few things to discuss.”
“I see.” Patrick smiled broadly. “Nice tattoo.”
Max frowned. “I don’t have a tattoo.”
“You do now. Nice one, too. A rearing wolf. Does Alicia have the same one?”
“Same what?” Alicia asked as she stepped back in the room dressed in her gown.
“Headache.” Max stepped toward her. “I was telling him how I seem to be getting a headache.”
Alicia picked up her coffee again. “No headache here. In fact I slept great last night.” No dream this time.
“Patrick brought the Tear.” He pointed to the box.
“Can I have that?” She stood up and walked to Patrick with her hand out. When he gave her the box she turned to head to her chair again.
Max saw the top of her mark.
“Nice—” Max bumped Patrick before he could verbalize the rest of his thought. “Dress. I never got a chance to compliment you on that dress.”
“Thanks.” Alicia smiled before she focused on the stone.
Max pushed Patrick to the door. Thank goodness, she was focused on the Tear or she would have seen through Patrick’s lame recovery. He wanted to slap him.
They stepped outside before he closed the door.
“She doesn’t know she’s bonded to you?” Patrick asked. He looked as worried as Max felt.
“No.” Max ran his fingers through his hair. “I didn’t plan this and haven’t had a chance to tell her of this mistake yet.”
“Mistake?” Pat grabbed him by the shoulders. “You know the bonding must be mutual. I don’t know how you both have the mark without her permission.”
“She repeated the words of bonding.”
“What?” Patrick’s voice raised a notch.
“Look, I don’t know how this happened. It wasn’t planned. But something compelled me to say the mating ritual.” Max looked up and down the hallway to make sure they weren’t overheard. “Now I have to fix something I know can’t be fixed easily. She’s going to freak when she finds out and I’ll be dead meat if I’m not the one to tell her.”
“You can’t just blurt it out.” Patrick rubbed his forehead. “Damn, man, you really screwed up. I think you need to speak to Catherine. She might be able to help you out.”
“Tell one woman how I messed up with another one? Are you crazy? No. I’ll figure my way out of this.” Max looked at the closed door. He didn’t even want to think about how he would explain this to the council. “I’ve got to get back in there.”
Patrick shook his head as he walked away. Max took a deep breath and reopened the door. Alicia stood there in her gown, their mark peeking out of the back of the dress.
It rested on the blade so Alicia shouldn’t be able to spot it easily. He needed time to figure a way out of this predicament.
“Um, you don’t have to wear the gown home.” Max closed the door behind him and took a few steps into the room. “Patrick stocks the closet with clothing. You should be able to find something to fit.”
“I know, but this is fine.”
“Okay.” Max went into the room to change. When he came out he wore Docker pants and a Polo shirt. “Ready?”
“We’re leaving already?” She started looking for her shoes.
“Breakfast. Patrick is serving it in the ballroom because so many ended up staying the night.” Max opened the door and held it for her.
Alicia didn’t move. “Maybe I should change.”
Max let the door close, but stayed near it. It didn’t take her long to change. She found a cute, long sleeve day dress. The sky blue color looked good on her. He hoped the mark wouldn’t peek out at the wrong moment.
He reopened the door, allowing her to exit first. A smile slid across his face when he found her back completely covered. Maybe they’d make it through this meal without any trouble.
Alicia kept a little distance between them and Max abided by it. The less they gave people to talk about the better it would be for them.
They entered a noisy, bustling room. The buffet lined one wall where people milled about. Some had food on their plates and nibbled as they conversed with other partygoers. Others wandered back to the tables and took a seat to eat their meals.
Alicia went to the buffet table and filled her plate. Spotting Catherine, she walked over to the table she was at and sat down.
Max groaned inside as he followed her. Now he was going to have to control the conversation. Catherine was far too smart not to pick up on what happened between them.
Alicia sat down next to Catherine. “Good morning.”
“Good morning, Alicia.” Catherine sat down her fork and knife. “You look radiant.”
“Thanks.” She looked down at her dress. “It must be the color.”
“That dress? Oh, no. There is a glow about you.” Catherine leaned forward. “Like you had the best sex you ever had.”
“No.” Alicia blushed.
“So what are you ladies talking about?” Max decided he needed to keep the conversation on an even keel.
“Oh, the best way to get a good night’s sleep.” Catherine gave him a bright smile.
“And how is that?” He popped a piece of a biscuit in his mouth.
“Why by doing the horizontal bop until your eyes go crossed.” Catherine picked up her cup and took a sip.
Max choked on his bread. “Sorry I asked.”
“That’s what you get when you butt in on a conversation.” Catherine winked at Alicia. “When are you two heading back to the city?”
“I’m not really sure.” Alicia looked at Max for a moment. “I’m assuming after breakfast.”
“Oh, but you mustn’t. Stay, so we can hang out. I’ll tell you some great stories about Max as a boy.” Catherine looked over at Max and wiggled her brows. “He was quite the troublemaker.”
“Thought so.” Alicia’s comment was soft and more for herself, but sharp ears picked it up.
“So he’s been giving you a hard time, huh? You’ll have to dish.”
“We really need to be getting back.” Max wrapped an arm around Alicia and knew he needed to get her out before it was too late. But, he found resistance at every turn.
“Oh, come on, Max.” Catherine gave him a toothy smile. “This afternoon will be better for traveling. The roads will be completely clear by then. Let me get to know Alicia better.”
“I’d rather get on the road.” There was no way he would let Catherine talk to Alicia before he could.
“I’ll take a cab or hitch a ride with another guest,” Alicia stated. “You don’t have to bring me back.”
“There you go.” Catherine gave Max a sharp, swift kick under the table. She did that every time she wanted her way. “I’ll make sure she gets home fine.”
Max didn’t know what to do. Backing down from Catherine couldn’t be done. He was their leader, the alpha male. It just wasn’t done. But he knew how persuasive Catherine could be and didn’t want to leave Alicia alone with her. He feared what Alicia might say to Catherine and vice versa more than what the pack would think of him.
Patrick came into the ballroom then, saving Max from having to lose face in front of his people. “Max, do you have to head back right away? I need your help with something.”
“No.” He looked at the two women. “I could hang around for a while.”
“Great.” Patrick headed back the way he came.
Max looked at Alicia. “I’ll let you know when I’m heading out.” He turned and followed Patrick out.
***
“How hard is it for him to let me make my own decisions?” Alicia asked as she turned back to Catherine. “I’m not some helpless female.”
“He’s just being protective. Max feels responsible. He brought you here and wants to make sure you make it home.” Catherine pushed her plate away and picked up her coffee. “Would you like to go outside? There are so many people in here and I’m not used to that. I know it’s a little cold, but the sun is shining now. You can borrow a coat from me.”
“Sure.” Alicia stood up and refilled her cup before following Catherine outside. The coat was warm and quite soft. The sky was bright blue. No sign of the storm that trapped her here.
“Thanks for coming out with me. I get a little claustrophobic with so many people.” Catherine walked along the garden path. “Crowds don’t get to you, do they?”
“I’ve learned to block them out.” Because of her dreams crowds made her feel safe. But she did understand how too many people could be frightening.
“Lucky you.” Catherine stopped at a rose bush, then bent down to touch several leaves. “I miss the blooms during the winter.”
“Do you take care of these?” Alicia looked about the dormant, but lush garden. “I can’t even keep a pothos alive.”
“I love my plants. I feel most at home in the woods with all that greenery around me. This garden is my escape when I can’t get to the woods. My haven.”
“We all need that.” She rubbed her arms to help stimulate heat. The cold was biting right through the heavy coat she wore. A shiver raced through her.
“I’m sorry. When I’m with my plants I forget how cold it can be out here. Let’s go back inside.” Catherine led the way.
As heat enveloped her again Alicia sighed in pleasure. The cold had numbed her fingers and toes. They tingled as they regained feeling. She shrugged her coat off and handed it to a nearby employee. She felt Catherine’s hand on her shoulder. When she turned around she found the woman staring at her. “Problem?”
“What?” She focused on Alicia’s face. “Sorry. Floated away there for a second. No, but can you excuse me for a moment? I need to talk to Max and Patrick.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“No, go relax.” Catherine smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder. “The den has a large wonderful fireplace were you can curl up. I’ll meet you there in a few minutes.”
Alicia felt a warm sensation against her shoulder blade just before Catherine removed her hand. “Okay. I’ll warm up by the fire.”
“I shouldn’t be long.”
***
Max sat in his chair, swirling a glass of brandy when the doors behind him slammed against the walls. He looked at Patrick. “I’d say she’s angry.”
“Oh yeah.” Patrick took a sip from his glass before setting it down. “And I don’t think it’s aimed at me this time.”
Max turned in his chair and looked at Catherine. “You’re right.”
He stood and faced her. “Before you start your tirade think about who you are talking to.”
“I do this to protect an innocent.” She stood in front of him, anger snapping in the air. “From you.”
“Innocent? What are you talking about?” Max’s brow furrowed. The only person he’d been with over the last twelve hours was Alicia.
“Two words. Your mate.”
“Mate?” Patrick stood and came from behind his desk. “You took a mate? No one told me.”
“What is this? Fifth grade?” She growled at her brother. “Max mated with Alicia last night. As your third I have to think of your mate’s safety before I show honor. You left her vulnerable without any protection. Why didn’t you cover her mark?”
“Cover?”
“You know. Use your glamour?” She huffed a little when he gave her a confused look. “Didn’t you learn anything in school? Or were you too busy gawking at Mary Sue who matured before the rest of us.”
“Hey! We were pups just beginning to mature. It was hard to miss her pheromones. Made us wild.” Patrick howled for a moment before giving his sister a toothy smile.
She rolled her eyes at her brother before fixing her glare back on Max. “I covered it for now, but you need to fix this. She’s going to see it before you have a chance to tell her what it is and what it means if you don’t.”
“How did you know?”
“By the mark. She didn’t act any different than before. I placed my hand on her shoulder and felt it. Her smile told me she had great sex last night, but it wasn’t a deep profound mating ritual as it should have been.” She smacked Max on the shoulder. “Why it wasn’t must have been because of male stupidity.”
“You’ve made your point, Catherine. Let it go.” Max picked up the small leather box on Patrick’s desk. He had brought it down with him because he thought they would leave right after breakfast. Patrick wanted to see the Tear again so had taken it out. He opened the box to show Patrick that the stone he had wanted to look at was still in his hand. “I’ll fix this situation between me and Alicia as soon as I can.”
“Just make sure it’s before she kills you,” Catherine stated. “She’s not going to be happy when she finds out and if it doesn’t come from you she’ll have murder on her mind.”
“I sure don’t want to be there if that happens.” Patrick made a throwing motion. “Catch.”
Max caught the Tear. “Thanks.”
“What is that?” asked Catherine. She stepped up to Max to look at the bauble in his hand.
“One of the Tears of the Queen.”
“My God. We had one of those things?” She looked at Patrick. “Here?”
Patrick nodded.
She looked back at Max. “Can I see it?”
Max opened his hand and Catherine gasped.
“May I?”
He nodded.
She picked up the stone and held it to the light. “It’s bigger than I imagined.”
Catherine studied it for a while.
“How big did you think it would be?” Max wondered if he’d get it back. She was eyeing it strangely, like she wanted to keep it. “You done with that?”
“Oh, sorry.” She handed the stone back to him and stepped back. “Didn’t mean to keep it too long.”
“It’s okay.”
“Where was that?” She thought for a moment. “In the chandelier?”
Pat nodded.
“Hum.” Catherine rubbed her head. “This might sound a little crazy but I’ve seen this before.”
“Oh course you have. Hanging from our chandelier for I don’t know how many years.”
“No, idiot. Somewhere else.”