Chapter Fifteen

After talking to his brother Jacques felt much better. Now he needed to talk to Catherine. He found her surrounded by her friends and family. She didn’t look happy.

“Patrick, I love you but you’re being a pain.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “I am fine. I was never in danger and if I had acted like the damsel in distress we wouldn’t have gotten her confession.”

He walked up and slipped an arm around her waist.

She turned to look at him, smiling because her brother should drop the subject now. Jacques wasn’t sure he would.

“Can we talk?” he asked her.

“Sure, it has to be better than the conversation I’m having with my pig-headed brother.” She stepped away with him. “What’s up?”

“First, you okay?”

“I’m fine.” The smile she gave him showed she was annoyed.

He bet her brother had just asked the same thing. Probably a few times.

“When I first saw Isabella pull out that knife I think my heart stopped.” He pulled her close. “I know you can take care of yourself, and I know you’ve been trained by the best. Your overprotective brother told me that several times. But it didn’t stop my mind from fearing for your life.”

“Jacques.”

“I know, but if our situation had been reversed you would have felt the same fear.” He rubbed his hands up and down her back. “That fear was primal. I wanted to rip her apart for threatening something so precious to me.”

His words affected her. Her eyes took on this shine that made him feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

“Secondly, I’m sorry.”

“You are?”

“I was an ass when I sent you back to Charlotte. I wanted you safe and was hyper-focused on finding who would try to harm you.” He brushed a few hairs away from her face. “I love you too and I should have said it the moment you said it to me.”

“I talked to Max about our situation.” She brushed her hands against his shirt, not making eye contact.

“I know.” He brushed his fingers along her jawline. “I went to talk to Max about us as well. That’s when we realized you had headed here.”

“You did?” She looked at him in surprise.

“I’ve decided to take the job he offered me.” He watched for her reaction.

“But I thought…”

“I want to be with you, cher. I want to run with you. Watch our children grow up strong and smart. Grow old with you. Will you be my mate?”

The smile she gave him as she nodded stopped his heart for a second before he felt it pounding in his chest. How he wished they were alone where they could say their vows.

Alicia stepped into the center of the hall, grabbing everyone’s attention. “Today we’re going to say goodbye to Simone’s wolf. She has decided to use the Tears so she can face the tribunal as a human.”

Soft murmurs filled the air.

“What she needs is people who support this decision to help her make the transition.”

“Has she done this before?” Jacques asked Catherine.

“Turning someone to human?” Catherine leaned into him as she pitched her voice for just him. “No. But those Tears guide her.”

Several people stepped forward. Jacques gave Catherine a kiss on the cheek then stepped forward as well. More people came forward.

“It’s good to see all of you supporting the doctor. I’m going to ask each of you to hold a Tear for a moment. You’re going to find it warm to the touch. It will also change color while you hold it.”

She handed it to a young mother and the stone became a deep red. The next person the stone turned black. Jacques wondered what color it would be in his hand. Even though the doctor did take away his ability to shift he knew that everything that happened led him to Catherine. He had to support her because she deserved the chance to live her life, even if it was as a human and away from the pack. He didn’t think killing her for what her daughter did was right.

When Alicia handed him the stone it turned a bright blue. She smiled. “The Tears accept you.”

Of the thirty people who volunteered the Tears picked six more people.

Alicia spoke to the doctor for a moment before she faced the pack. “Everyone knows the legend that the Tears can turn someone into a werewolf or turn a werewolf into a human. I’m proof that they work. Today all of you will see that proof as well.”

Max walked to her side.

“First I want to show you how the tears work. If you have the ability to use the Tears but haven’t, they are a blood red.” She handed the white diamonds to Max and he held them so everyone could see them turn blood red.

Murmurs filled the air.

“Since I have used them to become a werewolf. They turn white for me.” She took the Tears from her mate and showed them turning white. Alicia then handed the Tears back, shed her clothes and shifted into the white wolf.

A couple of gasps filled the air. Alicia sighed.

“I know,” she said and sat back on her haunches. “Believe me I wasn’t happy when I found out there is yet another legend that seems to be about me. Being the only white wolf makes me a little shy to show my wolf. My color of fur is something we’re not spreading around.

“Now those of you who were chosen need to shift to help Simone. That includes you, Simone. There is no written script. Simone say your desire from your heart. It must be true. Each of us will repeat her desire and add why we support her.”

Shocked gasps filled the air when Jacques shifted with everyone else.

Max took the stones off of the necklace and placed a diamond in front of each of the wolves helping Simone.

“Simone, why do you want to make this change?”

“I don’t belong among my wolf family anymore. As much as I love all of you, I have done things in the name of love that has tarnished my soul. It is time for me to say goodbye to my wolf and embrace my human side.”

“I am Alicia.” She walked a circle around Simone as she spoke. “I am new to the family. I am also the legend and the white wolf. I support Simone in her desire. She is a good person and a good doctor who fell off the path because she loved her daughter. She wants to become human and start a new life and I feel she deserves the chance.”

She placed the stone at Simone’s feet then turned to look at Jacques. She gave him a slight nod.

Jacques picked up his stone and did what Alicia did. As he showed his support and shared his heart Alicia gave him direction on where to place the stone. Each of the wolves helping did the same thing. Once they were done and each of the stones were in place. Simone started repeating a poem Alicia didn’t know, but the rest of the pack did. Jacques joined her then each of the people there did the same.

The blue stones surrounding Simone started to glow. They became so bright Jacques couldn’t see Simone. Then the glow was gone. Simone had shifted to human and lay on her side. When he looked at the stones, they were white.

“So how do you know if it worked?” he asked.

“Take a whiff. Her scent has changed.” Alicia turned to face their alpha. “She’s ready to face the tribunal.”

Alicia trotted back to Max’s side and shifted back to human and dressed.

“You shifted.”

That caught Jacques’ attention. He turned back to face his father. “I did. As I explained earlier Isabella was trying to take me out of the picture, when she failed Simone put a metal block to keep me from shifting. It saved my life.”

“You are the oldest and the heir,” his father reminded him.

“I know.” Jacques knew this was for the pack. He looked at Catherine and held out his hand. “I talked to Alfie, Max and Catherine. I know Alfie will be a good alpha for the pack. He stepped in and worked hard to learn what it took to be an alpha when all he really wanted was to go to college to be a lawyer.”

“So you don’t want to become alpha of this pack? It is your birthright.”

“I’d like to offer a compromise. Alfie still wants to go to college to study law. That’s where Max comes in.” He turned to Max so he could have the floor.

“The one thing I have wanted to do is create a college for our people.” Max stepped forward so he could have everyone’s attention. “I learned quickly when I went to college that being around that many humans made it very difficult to hide my wolf side. I was lucky. Patrick and I went to the same school at the same time. Catherine came a year later. The moment we could rent a house we did. Not all our people are that lucky. I’ve been working on this for several years. The college doors will open in about sixteen months, and I would like to offer Alfie a scholarship when it does open. It won’t take long for this college to become one of the most elite out there.”

“Why do you say that?” asked Jacques’ father.

“Because the best will come from this college. The goal is to cover all subjects, but we’re starting with history, science and law. I have professors ready to join us from all over the world.”

Their father turned to look at Alfie. “This is what you want?”

“Yes.” He kept eye contact with his father. “This will allow me to study with you for a little longer and still do what I’ve always dreamed of doing.”

“So, what is the compromise?” He turned back to Jacques.

“That I become Alfie’s second,” said Jacques.

“Why don’t you want to be the alpha of this pack?” His father shook his head. “If it hadn’t been for that piece of metal you would have been alpha.”

“I know but I believe everything happens for a reason.” Jacques squeezed Catherine’s hand. “I told you that I had to figure out who was trying to harm Catherine because I wanted to move forward with my life. I have found my mate in Catherine and Max has offered me a job I’d be stupid to pass up.”

“I’m happy that you two were able to work this out without killing each other.” He looked from Alfie to Jacques as laughter filled the hall. The pack had watched them fight like siblings all their life. “And you are hoping that I will go along with this? What if I demand that you be alpha?”

“You are my alpha and my father. I would do whatever you decide.”

“What about you, Catherine? Are you willing to give up your life in Charlotte for my son?”

“I have already spoken to Max about my position as his second, and as the packs historian and he will work with me so I can fulfill my obligations to him and be here with my mate.”

“How did you get this done so quickly?”

“I think I had something to do with that,” said Alicia. “I got tired of seeing Catherine mope about.”

“I didn’t mope about,” Catherine countered.

“Oh my God. You either growled at people or whined at them.” Alicia put her hands on her hips. “Max was close to calling you to his office. And a couple of people at the office wanted to shake you. That’s when I intervened.”

Catherine ducked her head.

“Did you miss me?” asked Jacques as he bumped her shoulder.

“Oh you don’t get to act like you’re all alpha,” said Sally. “You were just as bad.”

That brought more laughter.

“The point is that Catherine is ready to go wherever Jacques is,” said Alicia.

“Good.” Jacques’ father thought for a moment. “What is the job you offered him, Max?”

“Head of security.”

“For you or for your company.”

“Yes.” Max smiled. “Jacques will be training all of our security forces as well as head my personal guard.”

Jacques tried to keep his composure. He didn’t realize everything the position covered. Catherine leaned into him.

“You’re right, son. That is something you can’t pass up.” He looked at his mate before addressing Jacques and Alfie.

“As much as I wish you had never been hurt, I think there is a lot of positive that came out of this.” He looked at Simone. “Explain why you helped your daughter instead of stopping her?”

“I have no real answer. She was my baby. I didn’t know what was going on until after the fact and I knew pack law. I guess I had hoped it would only happen that one time. Then when she started… I knew I was in too deep and didn’t know how to get out. I wish I had gone to you right away. I never thought she would go to the extreme that she did. Then I made it worse by helping her hide it. I don’t deserve anyone’s sympathy and understand that my life is forfeit for what happened.”

“You should have come to me. Your daughter was sick, and we might have been able to help her.”

“I’m a doctor and I was blinded by the belief that I could help her stop without anyone being the wiser. I was wrong and I’m sorry.” Tears rolled down her face, but she refused to breakdown.

“And now you’re human. You realize that if we decide to take your life the process will be more painful as a human?”

“I deserve it.”

“Jacques what happened to Isabella?” asked his father.

“She ran from me and fell. In the process she hit her head hard against some rocks. I brought her body back here after she died.” Jacques stepped forward. “I didn’t want Isabella to die. I wanted to bring her to justice.”

“And we all understand you would have brought her back if you could have. You haven’t failed.” His father stood up and approached Simone. “Several people want me to allow you to live. Why should I do that?”

“I don’t have an answer to that. All I can do is promise to never come back here and I promise to use my medical degree to help people from this point on.”

“That doesn’t give me a reason to keep you alive, Simone. I’m the one who accepted you into our pack. I told my pack to trust you, and this happened. I felt for you when I heard your story. No man should be that cruel.”

“I know, sir. I left because I feared he would blame me or my daughter for the fire. Alicia told me he didn’t survive. I had thought he gave up looking for us. Now I realize that Isabella probably set that fire. They had argued that day, but this time instead of running away and crying she just stared at him. I never thought anything of it. As long as he didn’t try to harm her I didn’t worry. If I had known. If I had paid attention none of this would have happened.” She wiped a tear off her face. “I’m not going to beg for my life. You have every right to take it.”

“Where will you go, if I decide to be lenient?”

“We can take her with us,” said Alicia. “I can make sure she goes to some little hole on the other side of the world where they desperately need a doctor. Give her a chance to do her penance for helping her daughter.”

He looked at Max before addressing Alicia. “Thank you. We need a few minutes to decide what to do.”

He stood and called his two sons to join him.

***

Alicia looked at Max. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No, sweetheart. It’s just that Jacques’ father isn’t used to women talking without him acknowledging them.”

“Neanderthal.” She pitched her voice so only Max could hear her. “But you’re still my favorite one.”

He laughed at that. “You’re pushy for a girl.”

“Oh? You love me, pushy or not.”

“Very true.” He wrapped his arms around her. “Look at Catherine. She looks so lost.”

“How about I go give her a little support while you hang out with Patrick. If you don’t mind a suggestion I’d recommend having Patrick take Simone to the plane immediately if they decide to let her live.” She couldn’t stop the smile spreading across her face.

Max wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “You are my mate, but you know I can still discipline you if need be.”

“And how would you punish me?”

“I could spank you.” The intensity of his gaze showed his desire.

“Promise?” She wrapped her arm around his neck.

He laughed then placed a quick but heated kiss on her lips. “Go take care of Catherine.”

Alicia walked over to her friend.

“How are you doing?”

“This is so strange. I want to be with them. I don’t like being separated from Jacques.”

“That’s because this is all new to you. I was human when Max mated with me so I didn’t feel what you’re feeling right now, but Stacey was like this in the beginning. She would drive me crazy when she would suddenly ask me what Patrick might be doing.”

“I remember that.” Catherine laughed. “I thought she was a little too clingy in the beginning, but I blamed it on her pregnancy. But Jacques and I aren’t mated yet.”

“You two haven’t gone through the ritual yet, but you two have the same scent. The moment you two acknowledged you belonged together your souls probably saw that as the moment you mated.”

“Good, God! What will happen when we do mate?”

“It will get better. Promise. It will get better,” Alicia said. “Max used to drive me crazy with his overprotectiveness. He said it was an alpha thing, but it’s the mating that made him that way in the beginning. He’s still that way in certain circumstances.”

“How am I going to function?”

“Okay. One, calm down. This is not the end of the world. You will learn to control it. Two, be happy. You found your mate, something I know you weren’t sure would happen. Three, and this is most important, you now get to live the rest of your life with him.”

“I do, don’t I?” The smile that spread across her face was beautiful to see.

Alicia watched as Catherine’s attention was drawn to the door that Jacques walked through a few seconds later. She still found it amazing how mates could do that.

A few minutes later Simone stood before Jacques, his brother and their father.

“It has been decided,” said Jacques. He looked at Max. “She is now human and not bound by our laws. She must be removed immediately.”

Patrick stepped forward. He escorted Simone out of the hall.

“Tonight is a celebration. My oldest found his mate,” said Jacques’ father. “With that our pack grows. It might be more than we expected but we accept it with open arms.”

“We welcome Catherine into our pack and we also welcome her family and her alpha Max,” said Jacques’ mother.

***

Jacques grabbed Catherine by the hand and dragged her away as soon as he thought they could escape. They stepped out into the night. He turned her toward him. “I have missed you.”

“I have missed you too.” Catherine wrapped her arms around his neck.

“How soon do we need to meet them?”

“I don’t know. Normally I’m on standby at this point.”

“Is Max that strict?”

“Is your father?” she countered.

“Okay, you’re right. I probably have just enough time to pack my things.”

“I can help.”

“You will distract me.” He touched her face. “If you want to make sure we make the plane I better go by myself.”

“You afraid I will distract you?”

“Oh, I’m not afraid. I know you will distract me. And I’m not sure Max will appreciate it.”

“Oh, he won’t, but he would understand.”

“I want our mating to be beautiful.” He brushed a few strands of hair out of her face. “Not rushed. I’ll grab a few things and will be right back.”

Catherine sighed and nodded. She went back to Alicia’s side.

Within fifteen minutes he was back. His bags still in his truck. He put his arm around Catherine while they waited for Max who was talking to his father. Once Max was finished talking, he came to them and placed a hand on Jacques’ shoulder.

“Ready?”

“Yes, sir.” Jacques gave his father and brother a bow and his mother a hug before he turned and followed Max. He went to his truck and found his bags already moved. “Where did they go?”

“Sorry, my people, who will be your people once you’re properly trained are always around,” said Max. “They moved everything into the limo.”

“Of course.” He would have to get used to all of this.

“It’s okay.” Catherine smiled and hugged his waist. “You’ll get used to it.”

“You sure?” He followed the group.

“Promise.” Catherine took his hand and they climbed into the limo.

Catherine spent the trip explaining how Max’s security worked and what was expected of him. Being Max’s second allowed her to know the ins and outs of his organization and she could get him up to speed quickly. It also helped keep his mind off of what he wanted to do.

She was so close, yet he couldn’t touch her without wanting to grab her and take her breath away. Max sat just a few feet away from them. Catherine would stop and squeeze his leg every once in a while to help him stay focused.

This flight was almost as bad as the one going to rescue Catherine. He knew this was one of many tests to prove he would be the best head of security for Max. This particular time was to prove he could keep his focus in extreme situations.

The plane finally landed in Charlotte. He knew better than to assume anything. He exited the plane first which he would be doing from now on and he was going to prove that he was a good choice. Alicia and Max exited next and Catherine came out last.

Max released them as he and Alicia climbed into their Hummer.

“He gave us two days?”

“A mating present.” Catherine led him to her car.

“What? No truck? I thought it fit you.” He held out his hand to take the keys.

“Do you know where we’re going?”

“Your loft?” He knew what she was getting at. He had no clue where the loft was from the airport.

“Do you know where it is?”

“The moment I learn my way around this city I get to drive.” He opened the driver’s door for her. “I’m going to have to have my truck brought here.”

“It says sheriff on it. You think that’s a good idea?” She started the engine.

“I can have that removed.”

“A vehicle comes with your position.” She pulled out of the parking space and headed to the road that led to the highway.

“Really?”

“Max will give you a packet that will show your pay, vacation, how we handle family emergencies because ours can be a little crazy at times. It will also explain housing, and transportation.”

“Housing and transportation?”

“That’s how I learned to fly a plane.” She pulled onto the highway and set cruise control. Traffic was light enough she could use it. “My brother normally is his pilot when he’s traveling privately, but I had to know in case Patrick couldn’t fulfill his duty.”

“Privately?”

“When we go home we don’t allow anyone but family to go there. So that’s me or Patrick. Max knows how to fly as well but only does it when he and Alicia head home without us.” She looked over at him. “As his head of security, you have the right to be his pilot as well, or you can interview people to find a pilot you can trust.”

“Never thought I’d learn to fly.” He shifted in his seat so he could look at her easier with his seatbelt on.

“So you want to learn to fly?”

“I’ll try. I know Max would trust me to pick a good, trustworthy pilot, but if I can learn and feel confidant then I would feel better because it’s me.”

“That’s why Max knew you would be a perfect fit. He wants a perfectionist. He knows you’ll take the job seriously.”

“I have to. Max is my alpha now and my mate will be part of his entourage and she must be protected at all costs.”

They talked about him meeting her family, and how he would have to face everyone and prove he would be a good mate for her. She also promised him that her family would love him, but they do this to every new member. They talked until they pulled up in front of her loft.

Jacques didn’t want to do anything but drag her upstairs and feel her body take him in. Catherine was acting like they hadn’t been apart for almost a week. She grabbed a bag that he took from her.

“Can’t this wait? All I can think of is carrying you upstairs and having my way with you.”

“Maybe up against the wall?”

“If we can’t make it to the bed.” He wrapped his arms around her and started moving them.

“Then you are going to want that bag.”

He moved quickly, snagging the bag and continuing to move her toward the elevator. He had her up against the wall and had her lips captured before she could press any buttons. He felt her try to move them. Jacques broke the kiss. “Catherine, what the hell?”

“Sorry. I was trying to reach the buttons.” She eased them over to the panel and hit the buttons so the elevator would go up to the loft.

“Afraid someone would pass by and get an eyeful?” He nibbled on her throat.

“Do you want to mate in an elevator?”

“I don’t care as long as I get to mate with you.” He leaned back and looked into her eyes. “But I do want this perfect for you.”

The doors opened and Catherine pulled him into her place. “Lights.”

The lights came on.

“Would you like something to drink?” She gave him a toothy grin.

“Cher, why are you doing this? Are you trying to torture us?” He trapped her against the bar of her kitchen. “The only thing I want right now is you and if you keep this up I will have to discipline you.”

“And how would you do that?” she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“I’m thinking you enjoy any discipline I give you too much.” He picked her up and sat her on the counter.

“Define too much.” She wrapped her legs around his waist. “You are my alpha and discipline is part of how you protect me, isn’t it?”

“You are talking too much right now.” He picked her up again, this time he carried her into the bedroom. He laid her on the bed, shedding his clothes before he helped her out of hers. Jacques looked down at the beauty before him. “I never thought we’d mate when I first met you. You took my breath away, but I thought you were out of my league.”

“You surprised me. I thought you were more beta than alpha until you spanked me.” She brushed her fingers through his hair. “By the way, that was the best sex I ever had.”

“I think that was when I unconsciously knew I had to be your alpha.” He caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “You were so used to the way Max and Patrick treated you I wanted you to know that I would never ignore you.”

“They don’t ignore me.”

“Okay, how about you’re not the center of their world, but you are the center of mine.” He climbed on the bed with her. “Are you ready?”

She nodded.

Once they kneeled, they faced each other.

Jacques started. “My heart cried out and yours answered.”

Catherine repeated the words, her voice soft and a little unsure.

“Our hearts found each other and now beat as one.” He waited for her to repeat the words. “Cher?”

“Sorry, I just never thought I’d find you.” She brushed her fingers along his jaw. “And it’s very humbling to know if I hadn’t gone to your pack, I never would have found you.”

“I feel the same way. When we walked into your office but didn’t find you my heart stopped for a moment. When I learned you had gone back to the pack to confront Isabella chills ran down my spine. I had just found you I couldn’t lose you.”

“You said you had to find out who was trying to hurt me before you could move on with your life. The moment I thought I had figured it out I knew I had to go back. I had hoped I was part of your future and wanted it to start as soon as possible.”

“You should have called me, though, instead of putting your life in danger.”

“I’m sorry.” She looked away. “I didn’t think. It wasn’t until I was driving to the pack that I realized it was Isabella not her mother. I guess I wanted this over so much I had a knee jerk reaction when I realized that I could prove who was the killer.”

“You should have seen me trying to move your family. It was like herding cats.”

Catherine laughed at that. “Max had to clear his schedule and my brother had to make his pack aware of his departure.”

“Yep.” He linked his fingers with hers. “I wanted you safe. That was all I could think about.”

“Max never told me he offered you the job. I thought I’d be the one to give everything up, but you gave up your family for me.”

“I don’t see it that way.” He gave her hands a little tug. “My whole world has opened up and I’m going to be able to bring our pack into this world. I’m mating a beautiful, powerful woman who takes my breath away and I’m gaining her family in the process. Your brother might be a pain, but I can handle him.”

“Might be?” She laughed. “There’s no maybe about it.”

“You are my world, cher. I promise to worship you properly, love you with all my heart, and protect you from all harm.”

“Our hearts found each other and now beat as one,” said Catherine. Her smile could melt glaciers.

“I give my heart to you to protect and cherish.” He brushed his knuckles against her cheek.

She repeated the words. This time her voice nice and strong. “I will guard your heart and your love with all my being.”

He repeated the last part, smiled and added, “I bond with you now, forever.”

“I bond with you, now, forever.”

“Oh!” Catherine touched his collarbone. His mark shimmered into view. “It’s beautiful.”

“Yes, it is.” Jacques brushed his fingers against the mark that showed up on her right side. He pressed his mouth against it, filling the design with his DNA.

Catherine did the same thing. The feel of her tongue gliding across his mark as she filled it with her DNA sent a shiver through him. It also made him hard. He wanted to show her how happy he was to have her as his mate.

His hands couldn’t keep still. They slid over her skin, following the dips and curves of her body. His mouth followed his hands.

Catherine sighed as she relaxed against the mattress.

He pressed one more kiss against her shoulder then raised himself so he could look her in the eyes. “So what is in the bag?”

She gave him a sexy smile. “I think you’ll enjoy it more if I show you.”

“Does that mean you have to leave the bed?”

“Where did you leave it?” She looked up at him with those beautiful green eyes.

“I, ah…” He grinned. “I have no clue. Could be in the elevator. All I could think of was making you my mate.”

Her laughter was like music to him. “Before we move why don’t you check beside the bed. I don’t remember you dropping it.”

He looked around. “I don’t see it, but you cannot move from this bed. I’ll go find it and will be right back.”

“Yes, sir.”

That made him smile. He captured her lips for a quick heated kiss. He couldn’t help himself and went for a second one.

“Jacques, go so you can come back, and we can enjoy the rest of the night.”

“Right.” He looked at her for a moment longer before taking off. He went to the elevator first and grinned when he spotted the bag on the floor. Grabbing it he sprinted back to the bedroom. “Here you go. Now you have my curiosity piqued so you have to show me what was so important in that bag.”

“Ah.” She smiled. Pulling the bag toward her. “After our time at Max’s, I realized that certain toys were good. Don’t get me wrong I have a few toys I used from time to time when I’ve been without for too long, but you opened a whole new world for me.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it, cher.” He watched as she opened the bag and pulled out a set of handcuffs. That made him grin. she also brought out two masks, a few feathers, a paddle and another set of handcuffs. He picked up the paddle. “This is new.”

“Yeah, I asked the saleslady what she would recommend for a little stimulation and she recommended that.”

“Have you tried it?” He slapped it against his hand.

“Best I could.” She handed him a mask. “She also told me that both of us wearing this at the same time converts all sensation to touch, smell and taste.”

“And since you enjoyed it so much when you wore the mask you thought I would too?”

“Oh, I know you would.” She pulled out a fur glove next and after slipping it on her hand she wrapped it around his member.

“Okay, now you have my undivided attention.”

“Thought I would.” She gave him a heart stopping smile. “I wanted tonight to be memorable too. I wasn’t sure where or when we would mate but I knew it would happen and wanted to make sure you enjoyed it as much as I did.”

“You know we make magic every time we’re together. Do you think this will make it better?”

“It did for me.” She set the glove on the bed, placed the blindfold over her eyes and lay back. “You have to trust me that it will do the same for you.”

He held the soft cloth in his hands for a moment. That fur mitt had his attention. Catherine needed to feel it like he did. Jacques slipped the mitt on his hands before he put on the mask. It took a few seconds before his sense of hearing and smell took over. He could hear her softly breathing. He slid his fingers across the sheets until he came into contact with her thigh, then shifted his weight so he could use both hands easily. Jacques placed his gloved hand on her leg and heard a sharp intake of breath.

“You like, cher?” His gloved hand glided over a breast.

“Very much.” Her voice soft.

“Good.” The glove slid over her breasts, down across her stomach, and across her thighs. Goosebumps followed the touch of the glove. Jacques moved it all around her body. Everywhere but where he knew she wanted it. The goal was to bring her to the edge without letting her reach her release.

Her legs started moving but he was proud she was forcing herself to not take control. A few more brushes along her skin and his mouth replaced the glove. First he started pressing kisses against the inside of her thigh, slowly making his way to her core.

She moaned when she felt the heat of his mouth where she wanted it. He brought her to the edge, then backed off so she wouldn’t climax.

“You are being cruel.”

“No, cher.” He pressed a kiss against her abdomen. “I want you to have the best orgasm of your life. Our mating is supposed to be mind-blowing and I want to make sure it is for you.”

“And you?”

“Every time I’m with you is mind-blowing.” He captured a nipple with his mouth, circling it with his tongue before he moved up her body. “You are my mate, and I am lucky I found you.”

“I feel the same way.” She slid a leg up his hip. “By the way there are silk stockings in that bag.”

“Oh, oh, oh, oh, cher, you make me hard just thinking about how that would feel.” He brushed his fingers up and around her cheek. “But right now I want to feel your body take me in.”

His hands slid over her so he could place them on either side of her body. He centered himself and slid in as deep as she could take him.

He filled her completely. Catherine sighed.

“You okay?”

“Oh yes.” She smiled at him. “I feel like I’m finally home.”

“Me too.”

The End.

The series continues in ALPHA SHE WOLF...