Changed

Chapter Thirteen

Declan dragged his feet up the stairs, more exhausted that he’d felt in years. So much for making it home in enough time to enjoy his mate. The males from the other pack hadn’t just demanded their attention, they’d decided to fight for it. Precisely as Jackson and Declan had thought they might. Apparently a few of them thought they were strong enough to take the pack from Jackson.

Not smart, although Declan hadn’t blamed them for trying.

He rubbed his cheek, relieved a nasty cut had started healing.

Jackson hadn’t been able to hold them off, meaning Declan had to watch the Alpha’s back. It hadn’t been pretty. For several hours they’d had to wait for the next challenger to appear. Despite their waning strength they’d pulled through. After the last asshole from Gavin’s pack had his ass handed to him, the other males had finally caved and bowed down to their new Alpha.

In a way it was for the best.

The pack didn’t need this shit during the full moon.

Jackson retrieved the key Declan kept taped to the bottom of a flowerpot on the porch, dusted it off and handed it over. “Here you go.”

Declan slid the key into the lock and tried to clear his head. Once he opened the door the alarm would go off. Even if that woke the women inside, he could make sure the annoying noise didn’t drone on forever. Before he could put his plan to action he heard someone on the other side undoing the locks. The door opened and Rachel appeared.

Her smile of happiness quickly vanished.

“What the hell happened?” She rushed forward, her fingers carefully inspecting his wounds. In a split second she directed her attention to Jackson. “What the fuck did you do to him?”

Time for damage control.

“I told you not to open the door.” Catching her hands in his, he stepped forward and forced her into the house. When her anger didn’t lessen—telling him she wasn’t up for his teasing—he tried a different tactic. “Take it easy, Rachel. He didn’t do anything.”

Jackson stepped in behind them. Before Rachel had only seen his shadow. Now she got the full deal. She shut up, no doubt embarrassed when she realized Jackson had it just as bad. Declan had made sure to keep things in order—only letting the males go at the Alpha one at a time—but Jackson hadn’t been so lucky. His cheekbone had been busted. Despite the substantial amount of healing Jackson had done, one of his eyes was almost entirely black.

“I thought you said there wouldn’t be any fighting.” Chloe didn’t sound happy, rounding the corner. “You said you’d never lie to me.”

“I didn’t lie. I didn’t think there would be.” Shooting Declan a look, Jackson swept Chloe up and headed for the door. His mate’s hands went to his eye, her expression concerned. “I’ll tell you about it in the car. I’m ready to get home.” He gave her a fast kiss and exited through the house, calling out as he went, “I’ll see you tonight. Call before you leave.”

“Close the door,” Declan requested softly. He didn’t want to fight with his mate. He was too tired, in need of a shower and sleep. “I’ll explain.”

Her lips thinned and her eyes narrowed but she left him. He discarded his jacket, tossed it onto the counter between the kitchen and the living area and removed his shirt. As a werewolf he healed quickly but these wounds would take longer. Each blow to his body had been delivered by others just like him. Rachel gasped and he turned toward her. Her mouth opened and closed, her gaze raking over his torso.

“Oh dear God,” she whispered and took a small step toward him.

“A few of the wolves decided to challenge Jackson as Alpha.” Bringing his hands to his jeans, he undid the buttons. His lust didn’t stir, his body too sore and bruised for any sort of physical activity. Even if he wanted to take Rachel to bed he wouldn’t be able to. He needed to sleep his injuries off, give his wolf time to rest. “The fuckers look worse than we do if it makes you feel any better.”

“What do you need?” Like a switch had been flipped, she went from appalled to concerned. She hurried to his side but didn’t touch him. “Tell me what I can do.”

He hoped she meant that.

“There are steaks in the back of the fridge. Can you pull out two or three and put them on a plate?” Deciding it was best not to inform her he was going to eat them raw, he said, “I’m going to get a shower and get clean.”

“I can cook a steak.” She pivoted to go the kitchen. “How do you want them?”

Shit. So much for that. “I’ll heal faster if I eat them rare.”

“How rare?”

“Completely,” he answered, too exhausted to continue the conversation.

“Oh.”

He waited until he heard the fridge open before he made the trek to the bathroom. Wasn’t this his luck? When he finally had time to be with his female he was too shitkicked to do anything about it. He peeled his pants off inside the bathroom and walked to the shower. He didn’t wait for the water to heat, thankful for the cold against his skin.

Running his hand along his side, he inspected the rib that had been cracked.

Still tender but definitely healing.

Bowing his back, he let the water drift over his head as it warmed. It felt good to get the sweat and blood off him. He didn’t bother with shampoo, scrubbing at the strands with his fingers. He tried not to think about the pain, picturing his bed instead. Once he finished off the steaks he’d curl up around his female and sleep.

The door to the stall opened and Rachel—naked as the day she’d been born—stepped inside. He wasn’t sure what she was up to and felt ashamed that he might not be able to perform if she wanted him to. For her, he’d give anything a try. But he ached all over, his muscles sore and weak. She retrieved soap and a washcloth stowed on a shelf built into the wall and, all business, started washing him clean.

Her hands were just the way he liked them—soft and heavenly.

She started at his neck and worked her way down.

He was too tired to speak so he just enjoyed. She made sure to cleanse all of him, tender as she worked about his rib cage. After she’d she finished, she left the shower. He turned off the faucets and she reappeared with a towel in hand. She’d wrapped another one around her lovely body. If things had been different he’d have ripped it off and taken her to the floor. He was weak but he still had fantasies, wanting to do so many things with his mate.

“Let me help.” It wasn’t a request but an order. He stood there, letting her pat him off. When she was satisfied she backed out of the shower. “I want you to get in bed. I’ll bring your food. Come on.”

Bossy little female.

He considered swatting her ass but decided against it. Another time he’d give her that, when they both could enjoy it. He didn’t bother getting dressed, just moved to the bed. She saw his needs and reacted, pulling the covers back. He sat on the sheets and moved his back to the headboard. Once there he waited, giving his body a rest. The rusty scent of bloody meat suddenly appeared.

“I didn’t know if you needed these.” Rachel stood right beside him, holding a plate in one hand and utensils in the other. He couldn’t help but notice her towel had loosened, giving him an ample view of her nipples. Even though his body was injured, his cock rose at the sight. He wanted to curse his shitty fucking fortune.

Reaching for the plate, he clarified, “Just the steaks, baby.”

“Do you need anything to drink?” She handed it over along with a napkin.

“I’d kill for a beer.”

She didn’t run from the room but she did haul ass. In an effort to make things easier for her he called to his wolf, willing his teeth to sharpen. As soon as his canines lengthened and he knew chewing would be fast, he went at the first piece. Normally he ate slowly—even when he hunted game with the pack—but tonight food meant fuel. He’d finished the first, chomped down the second and started on the third when Rachel returned. She avoided looking at him as she walked over and placed the bottle on the nightstand.

“I had to find a bottle opener.”

He didn’t point out the lids came off with a firm twist of one’s hand. “Thank you.”

“Uh.” She glanced at his fingers clenching raw meat and looked away. “You’re welcome.”

Since he didn’t want to choke he had to make sure he gnawed the last steak properly. He’d never been more aware of his nature. And he’d never loathed it so much. He could sense Rachel’s tension, watching from the corner of his eye as she paced from one side of the room to the next. He slid the last bit into his mouth and retrieved the beer.

With food in his gut, he felt a hell of a lot better. “All finished.”

She stopped burning a strip in his carpet, gazing over at him. Her eyes darted to the plate he’d placed on the bed and she rushed to collect it. He wanted to comfort her but didn’t have a chance. The instant he lifted the beer to his mouth, she took off. He watched her—still only clad in a towel—sprint away.

Closing his eyes, he nursed the beer.

She was edgy. Nothing he could say would help that.

All he could do was wait.

The ball was in her court.

Rachel put the plate inside the dishwasher and took a deep breath.

Declan wasn’t human. He required special things. This was a part of his nature.

I just hope it’s not mine.

He could eat all the raw steak he wanted but the sight made her nauseous. She’d been fine in the shower, finding that she enjoyed taking care of him. But as soon as he dove into the meat she’d been unable to look. She hadn’t wanted to see or hear it.

Get a grip. This isn’t the end of the world. He’s hurt and needs you. She felt disgusted with herself all of a sudden. You probably hurt his feelings again. Idiot.

Drawing her shoulders back, she forced her chin up.

Declan didn’t need a weakling right now. He needed a woman who’d care for him, accepting him exactly the way he was. Instead she’d acted like a moron, unable to look at him, running from the room the minute she had the chance. That wouldn’t work. They’d come too far to hit a roadblock due to her fears and insecurities.

Adjusting the towel and covering her breasts, she marched from the kitchen. After all the care he’d shown her she refused to give him less. The hallway wasn’t as long as she thought, however, and she found herself walking into the bedroom before she felt ready. She suffocated her discomfort, meeting his gaze as she neared the bed. He hadn’t pulled the blankets up so it was easy to see his cock remained semihard.

Her eyes darted up to his torso and she wanted to wince.

Dark smudges—bruises—marred his beautiful skin. His ribs looked the worst, mottled and purple. She drew closer, her previous hesitation gone. He was in pain and he was exhausted. There was something she could do for him. It wouldn’t require any work on his part. It wouldn’t be easy—she’d certainly want more—but she could give him something he needed.

“What’s going on in that beautiful head of yours?” A faint smile sweetened his features.

She dropped the towel, meeting his eyes. “You’ll see.”

He lowered the beer to his thigh, his irises lightening several shades. She crawled over the end of the bed, her breasts touching the comforter, her nipples hardening as they caressed the silken material. With a soft sigh she continued forward, her attention on his cock.

“Rachel.”

Ignoring the warning in his voice, she wrapped her fingers around the base. He hissed, bucking into her hand. “I want to do this for you.” Winding her hand up and down his length, she added, “Relax.”

His position forced her to scoot up on her knees in order to have the right angle. She nearly teased him, lapping at the crown, then she decided it would be best to go for the kill. Over the years she’d heard men liked to hit home base and drift to sleep right after. Sexually frustrated women the world over bitched about it constantly. She took the tip into her mouth and went to work, sucking and brushing her tongue along the bottom, using her hands to make sure his entire length received attention.

“Damn.” He rested his hand on the back of her head. “That’s good.”

Encouraged, she kept going.

She was able to take him deeper, swallowing when he bumped the back of her throat. Her clit throbbed, her pussy clasping. She tried not to pay attention, making sure to keep her breasts away from the sheets. Her nipples were so sensitive the smallest bit of contact got her hot.

Declan tugged at her hair, trying to pull her away. “Come here.”

She didn’t comply with the request, bobbing her lips up and down his shaft. He was hard and thick, making her jaw ache. Just a little longer and he’d lose control. She wanted to hear him come. He sounded so sexy, a mixture of heavy groans and deep growls.

“I can smell how turned on you are.” The next yank—much harder this time—got her attention. “Get up here and ride me before I flip you over and fuck you like the animal I am.”

Lifting her eyes, she peered up at him. Shit.

He’d put the beer aside. Even if he hurt he meant what he said. She could see the tic in his jaw, the way his muscles flexed. His irises were no longer human. She glanced at his hands and noticed his nails had lengthened into claws. Shockingly, the sight didn’t scare her. Rather it appealed to her wolf, sending a wave of blistering fire along the underside of her skin.

“I feel like shit and hurt all over,” Declan confessed. “Don’t make me ask again.”

A pang of regret stabbed her chest but she let his cock slide from her lips. Since she was already on her hands and knees it wasn’t hard to crawl up his body. She did so cautiously, making sure not to touch bruised places. Stopping over him, she went up on her knees. He fisted the base of his cock and grasped her hip.

“Put your hands on my shoulders,” he instructed hoarsely and glided the tip between her wet folds. She did, carefully placing them where he’d asked. He parted her pussy, the broad head spreading her wide. “Ease down on me. We’re going to take this nice and slow.”

She sank down, taking him a bit at a time. Her eyes darted to the bruising on his ribs. “I don’t want to make things worse.”

“Then don’t. Rock on me, sweetheart. Make us both feel good.” The hand he’d placed around the base of his cock moved and she took the last inches of him. The head bumped her deep inside and she put her chin on her chest. She felt his fingers search for and find her clit. “We’ll come together. You only need to get us there.”

The events of the evening vanished.

All she could think about—all she could feel—was Declan.

His nails receded and his fingers raked over the skin at her hip, the pressure on her clit teasing and not what she needed. Bringing her head up, she met his gaze. Her breath caught and fizzles built in her tummy. He was studying her, as though he wanted to know her reactions. The darkening along his jaw had faded to a soft yellow.

They’d had sex before but this time something was different.

Energy radiated between the two of them. There was a change in her lover she couldn’t place. A part of her wanted to ask him about it and share her feelings. If she shifted successfully, they’d be together forever. This time the idea didn’t scare her. She’d actually started liking the idea. There were so many things she could do now that she had a second chance, and she could do them with the sexy and thoughtful man who’d claimed her.

She maintained eye contact, rocking her pelvis. “Tell me if I hurt you.”

“You won’t.” His eyes drifted closed and she noticed how full his lashes were. “You feel so good, mate. So snug and warm all around me.”

Making sure she didn’t bump him, she lifted away and started moving up and down. As usual he was thick enough to brush all her sweet places, the wideness parting her vaginal walls. He didn’t stop touching her, rasping his fingers over her clit. The air in the room felt thick, her breathing quickly becoming heavy.

This was what she needed.

The two of them together.

“Play with your nipples.” Her eyes flew open and Declan was there, looking right at her. Clutching her hip and guiding her to a faster pace, he growled, “I want to watch. Show me what you like.”

They’d done so much together. She wasn’t sure why that idea made her shy.

Mustering her courage, she let go of his shoulders and brought her hands to her breasts. At first she rested her palms over her hard nipples and averted her gaze.

“No.” His voice had thickened, his growl heavier. “Look at me.” It wasn’t easy but she did. “I want to see it when you get off. I know you enjoy nipple play. Touch them while I keep touching you. You don’t have to be embarrassed. Not with me.”

A small drawing back of her hands and her nipples were between her fingers. She rolled them gently, moaning at the feeling. His lids lowered, hooding his eyes. The look he was giving her was more than enough to ramp up her libido. Combined with the fullness of his cock and the friction he applied to her clit, it wouldn’t take her long.

“Do I feel good, baby?”

“Yes,” she answered, moaning at the delicious sensations. “You feel so good.”

They stayed like that, gazing into each other’s eyes. She didn’t stop, gliding up and down his cock. The hand at her hip made her go faster, then faster. Heat and pressure built in her abdomen, matching the pulsing between her legs. Declan didn’t look away, his irises so bright she thought they might blind her. Her muscles drew up, stomach tight.

“Come for me,” he whispered thickly.

The pressure in her body split, coursing over her. She tried to inhale but her breath caught in her throat, the pleasure nearly too much. Declan held her gaze as she came, his lips slightly parted, his hair damp and messy around his forehead, temples and neck. She made a mental snapshot, never wanting to forget. The glorious hum spreading over her skin intensified, the pleasure so perfect she thought she might drown in it.

“My sweet girl.” Declan’s forehead creased and his teeth snapped together. “I’m right there with you.”

He stopped her movement, slamming her down his length. His cock swelled, the hand on her hip squeezed and she felt the liquid heat of his climax explode inside her. As he came he lifted his hips a bit, sending his cock deeper into her. She took it all, rocking back and forth. To keep balanced she released a breast and put her hand on his arm. His motions eased and finally stopped altogether. The fingers at her clit moved away, the hand on her hip resting limply over her skin. He panted for air, his chest rising up and down.

He’s too tired for this.

Prepared to care for him, she shrugged him off when he reached for her. “Let me pull up the blankets.”

As she lifted from his cock a trickle of his seed escaped, weaving down her thigh. She climbed from the bed and retrieved the towel she’d left there. Before she could let her nerves get the better of her, she carefully wiped herself clean and carried the plush length of fabric to the laundry basket near the closet.

Declan tracked her movements. She could feel the heaviness of his stare.

She turned out the light and returned to him, ready to pull up the covers. She’d no more than pulled everything aside when he tugged her to the center of the bed. Despite his injuries he covered their bodies with the blankets and snared her by the waist. His chest cradled her back, his still-hard cock resting in the crease of her ass. She’d been afraid to touch him—not wanting to cause him further pain—but apparently he didn’t mind so much.

His lips brushed her ear, his breath warm. “Thank you.”

“I don’t like seeing you hurt.” A small step toward a confession about her feelings but a step nonetheless. “Tell me this doesn’t happen a lot.”

“I can’t believe it. Are you worried about me?”

She thought he might be holding his breath as he waited for her answer. “Yes.”

“No, baby. This doesn’t happen often.” He rubbed his cheek against the side of her neck. “Things have been strained since Chloe and Jackson got together but eventually that’ll settle down.”

“Will it take you long to heal?” She brought her hand to his, cautious as she rested her fingers over his knuckles. “Will the food make everything better?”

“I’ll be completely healed in the morning.” Pressing a kiss to her shoulder, he whispered, “The food definitely helps but it’s not what makes me better.”

“It’s not?”

“No.”

“Is it the wolf then?”

He paused, his breath tickling her skin. “It’s you, Rachel.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “Me?”

“Yes, you.”

“I’m glad.” It wasn’t his words that made her bold, it was the way he said them. “I want to be the one who gives you what you need.”

“Am I finally starting to grow on you?”

“A little.” She smiled, welcoming his good humor. “Keep it up.”

With a gentle nip, he settled against her. “I have every intention to.”

Silence fell over them and his breathing fell into a steady rhythm. She gazed across the bedroom and tried to keep her eyes closed. Sadly a sliver of light from the moon had made it through the blinds in the window. She couldn’t stop staring at the white hue, wondering how it would feel against her skin. In less than twenty-four hours the wolf inside her would rise and everything would change.

“Don’t worry, baby. I’m here. I’ll take care of you.” Declan let go of her waist and cupped her breast, resting his elbow on her hip. “Get some sleep.”

So he knew she was tense. Not a surprise.

It seemed he was getting to know her better and better.

With a final look, she forced her lids closed.

It wasn’t like she had any other choice.