Marked (10 page)

Chapter Seven

Jackson led Chloe inside the small cabin he used when he
needed time alone, relaxing as he entered the space. He waited until she
stepped past the threshold to close the door, gauging her movements, scenting a
hint of nervousness. She studied her surroundings, turning slowly as her gaze
swept over the space. The living room connected to the kitchen, the bedroom and
bathroom nestled upstairs.

It wasn’t much, although he’d never intended it to be. He
visited the cabin when he needed a break from his responsibilities. The moment
he’d viewed the property, he’d known he had to have it.

Aside from Declan, no one knew about the place.

When Chloe gave a soft sneeze he immediately wished he’d
taken the time to air out the cabin during the summer. Usually he visited when
the weather was warm, keeping the back door that led to the wraparound porch
open so he could shift at his leisure and explore the ten-acre spread. To his
dismay, he realized the tension between neighboring packs hadn’t allowed him to
do much of anything. He’d only visited the cabin twice in the past year. His
life revolved around the wolves who turned to him for guidance. They were his
primary focus.

Until now.

“Let me take that,” he said and reached for the bag gripped
in his female’s fist.

The trip to the cabin had been quiet—
too quiet
. Ever
since Chloe had come downstairs with her clearly disapproving friend—who’d
given him the glare of death—she hadn’t had much to say. He knew she was trying
to cope with the things she’d learned, as well as accept what he was certain
were foreign feelings stirring to life inside her.

Their interaction had been strained, the comfortable
nearness they’d shared in Fletcher’s office replaced by nerves. His mate
allowed his touch even as she glanced at her grandparents and friend for
reassurance and acceptance. Since their approval meant so much to her, he’d
gone out of his way to be courteous. He was on his best behavior, promising to
care for Chloe, ease her into her transition and bring her back after the
weekend.

Now that he was alone with his mate, it was time to live up
to his word.

She didn’t argue as he slid the bag from her fingers. He
carried the duffel to the table near the kitchen and rested it on the top. When
he heard the stairs creak he glanced over his shoulder. Chloe had decided to
investigate, carefully making her way upstairs. She looked good enough to eat
in a snug pair of jeans and a white camisole visible beneath the thin sweater
she’d tossed on, her cozy brown leather jacket hugging her curves. He wanted to
bury his fingers in her curls, whisper his desires in her ear. Keeping a
distance had almost killed him, his fingers itching to touch her.

“We’ll have to change the linens.” He wasn’t sure why he’d
stated the obvious. Maybe it was due to his quickly swelling cock. The engorged
organ ached for the haven of her body.

“Where are they?” she asked, peering over the railing. “I
can do it.”

Damn.

The sound of her voice crept over his body, settling in his
ears. He had to draw a deep breath, trying to keep his lust in check. Tonight
he’d be able sate his needs. When the moon rose it would send his sweet little
mate into the mating heat, preparing her for the full moon that would arrive
the next day. If he was lucky he could strengthen their bond tonight. They’d
need an established connection to make her shift easier, so that the pain and
alarm she felt were minimal.

As he climbed the stairs the scent of her arousal lined his
nostrils, crashing into him like a coiled fist. The shift in her emotions was
unexpected. He lifted is head, meeting her gaze. Her eyes were clouded with
desire, darkening as he neared. There was a light in the iris he identified,
the wolf within making itself known.

Double damn.

He wanted to tap into her wild side and see how untamed she
would be when the animal took over and the woman held on for the ride but first
he had to create a measure of understanding between them. Her lust was easily
handled. It was trust he had to establish. Taking her against the wall would
only reinforce the sexual nature of their relationship. He wanted more—the
unique connection that brought mates together.

“Here,” he answered softly, squeezing past her smaller
frame, forcing his hands to his sides so he didn’t reach out and draw her to
him.

After he retrieved fresh sheets he went to work stripping
the bed. Chloe stood back and watched, feet moving from side to side, revealing
her restlessness. He didn’t ask for help, letting her come to him, giving her
space. Eventually she walked to the other side of the bed to assist. He
remained silent, studying her beneath his lashes. By the time they finished and
he looked at her the glow in her irises had faded. She saw him staring and
lowered her gaze. The blush creeping up her neck was sexy as hell.

“Do you like the outdoors?” he asked and walked to the
closet.

“Uh…I guess. Why?”

He took a heavy duvet and down comforter from the shelf and
looked over his shoulder. His female had collected the strewn sheets and was
arranging them in a tidy pile. Her movements betrayed her, the motions jerky.
She was as keyed up as he was, fighting sexual urges, unable to contain the
excess energy her wolven half brought to the table.

Nothing Mother Nature couldn’t fix.

Thankful she’d kept her jacket on, he crossed to her and
took her hand. “Leave them there.”

He tugged the sheets from her other fist and urged her
toward the stairs. She didn’t protest as they returned to the living room and
walked toward the sliding glass door to the patio, although he could tell she
was curious. The sun broke through the chilly air, warming them as they stepped
outside.

“Wow,” Chloe exhaled. He let the environment sink in, glad
she approved. “It’s gorgeous here.”

“Come on.” He led the way, walking down the stairs.

“Where are we going?”

He relaxed when he felt the tension in the air slowly
dissipate as Chloe drew on the natural things around her. Wolves were comforted
by open spaces. Thankfully the change of scenery calmed her, even if she wasn’t
fully aware of it.

“For a walk,” he answered, continuing on, noting the sound
of leaves crunching beneath his boots. “I have to call Declan in a bit to bring
us supplies. First I figured we could talk.”

Despite the nagging inner voice that said he should contact
his Beta immediately, Jackson wanted his female settled. Once she was
comfortable in her surroundings he could contact his friend and make
arrangements. The rest would have to keep.

“Declan?” Her brows came together as she collected her
thoughts. “Is that the man I met at the shop?”

“That’s him.” He laughed, shooting her a grin. There was
only one Declan, thank God. “He’s not so bad once you get to know him. Although
his sense of humor could use some work.”

“Really?” She matched his grin with a smile. “Why’s that?”

“He’s prone to speak before he thinks.” The path to the pond
on his property was clear, despite the multicolored leaves that had fallen to
the ground. He followed it, explaining, “It’s not his best character trait but
it’s easy to overlook when you think about what he brings to the table. He’s a
helluva man to have at your back. I couldn’t ask for a better Beta.”

“Oh.” Her smile faded and she looked ahead. “I forgot about
that.”

“Forgot about what?”

She took a deep breath and said, “You’re an Alpha.”

“It doesn’t change anything.” He stopped, giving her a firm
tug so she faced him. “As far as packs go, mine is small. I prefer to keep
those I trust close to me. You don’t have anything to worry about. As soon as
someone enters our fold they become family.”

When she didn’t seem convinced he invaded her space,
pressing close. “They’re going to love you.”

Her gaze remained on his chest, her hand squeezing his. “You
seem so sure.”

“I
am
sure.” Only a few of the males in his pack were
unattached. The rest were happily mated. Another bonus of keeping his pack
small. Paired werewolves, generally speaking, were happy werewolves. After
thinking things over on the drive to the cabin, he’d come to the conclusion
that the males and females who had found their other half wouldn’t question him
when he brought Chloe to meet the pack. Despite any reservations, many of them
were eager to start families—something that wasn’t allowed without a Lupa. As a
rule, a pack relied on balance. If Alphas were the muscle, Lupas were the
heart. Wolves couldn’t have one without the other. The unmated males would
undoubtedly voice their concerns but he was certain the females and their mates
would reinforce his status and stand behind his decision.

“When will I meet them?” The insecurity she projected tugged
at his heart.

“Tomorrow,” he replied, placing a kiss on her forehead.

He resumed their walk, guiding her down the path. When she
tried to stop he pulled on her hand, making sure she didn’t fall behind.

“So soon?” she asked. “I thought I’d have more time.”

Not something he really wanted to answer but then again, she
deserved his honesty. “You’re going to go through changes on the full moon.
Their presence will help you control your impulses. You need to recognize and
accept you’re not alone. You have a pack to ground you.”

“Impulses?” She practically squeaked. He heard the panic in
her voice, the fear. “Is that what happened with Gramps? I can’t piece
everything together. The memory is muddled.”

For a moment he considered stopping and putting it all on
the line—telling her about Gavin, his suspicions and what she should expect.
Then he thought about what Chloe was going through. He considered her alarm and
how she might react when she learned she’d be changing for the first time tomorrow.
He wanted to make things easier for her, not more difficult.

“It’s normal.” He decided to shield her as best he could.
“You’ll learn control.”

“So I’m changing.” The statement, to his surprise, sounded
more confident than he was prepared for. “That’s what’s happening. I’m not
going to stay human. I
am
becoming like you.”

“Does that scare you?” When she didn’t immediately reply he
wondered if he’d pushed too hard, too fast.

“No,” she finally responded with a sigh. “It doesn’t scare
me. In fact, it explains a lot.”

“It does?”

“Somehow…it’s like I
know
you. The dreamsharing makes
sense to me in a strange way.” When he peered over at her she shrugged. “It’s
almost like I can feel something coming to life inside me.”

“And that doesn’t frighten you?”

“Being scared won’t stop what’s happening.”

Strong and smart little female.

She was right. Worry wouldn’t prevent what would eventually
happen. By facing the unknown with her chin held high, his mate proved she was
more than capable of standing by his side.

“What’s it like?” she asked softly. “Changing, I mean.”

As though there could be anything else she was referring to.

His phone buzzed against his ass, more than likely Declan
contacting him with news. He let the call roll to voice mail. Right now there
were more pressing matters that needed his attention.

“Exhilarating.” His answer was as natural as breathing.

There was nothing like changing forms, shifting into a
stronger, more capable shape. The first transformation would be painful for
Chloe but after the initial shock she’d learn how to manipulate her body. She’d
be a beautiful wolf. Even without her tantalizing scent he’d be able to locate
her by her blonde coat and green eyes.

“You’ll be able to do things you’ve never imagined,” he
added. “The world will be entirely new.”

And he’d be the one to introduce her to her life.

They’d run together, hunt together and make love together.
The thought of having her at his side made his heart race, blood thundering in
his ears. He’d wanted a female to share the night with for so long. Now he’d
have that and so much more.

“Liking jumping out of a plane?” she asked.

“Even better.”

She seemed to weigh the words. “Will it hurt?”

The question brought him crashing down to reality.

“You’re going to be fine.” His vow to keep his hands to
himself was broken by her uneasiness. He spun his mate around, looking into her
eyes. Releasing her hand, he cupped her face in his palms. “Everything’s going
to be perfect. You and me? We’re going to be beautiful together.”

His cell started humming again but he ignored it, lowering
his head, brushing his lips across hers. She moaned into his mouth, sagging
against him. And he was lost. Swept away by a female who made the world
disappear. Nothing was more important than her well-being and happiness. He’d
see to it that she had no reason to fear or worry. He would be the one to keep
the bad things away, the man she turned to when she needed a shoulder to lean
on.

No one would ever harm her.

He’d kill whoever tried.

The brush of her fingers across his chest combined with the
scent of her desire nearly undid him. He pulled her closer, bringing his hands
to her hips. A breeze drifted off the nearby water, hovering in the air,
merging with her arousal. He let himself go, trapped by the taste and feel of
his female, growling when her hand skimmed down his torso and whispered over
his stomach.

“Chloe,” he groaned, fighting a losing battle, his lust
warring with his determination to do things properly. Taking her on the ground,
cradled by fall leaves, wasn’t the right thing. She deserved the softness of a
mattress, resting against clean sheets and fluffy pillows.

“Hmm?” She cupped his cock, pushing her hand against his
length.