Changed

Chapter Fifteen

Wow.

Rachel ducked beneath an enormous fallen branch and kept going. The earth felt firm beneath her feet, so many wonderful scents crashing into her nose. While the change had hurt the pain had been fleeting. Once the misery abated she was totally fine, although she wasn’t sure she liked standing on four legs. Then she’d seen Declan and everything had clicked.

She heard him behind her and tried to fun faster. She liked having him chase her.

Her heart beat differently, her senses so strange—in a good way.

Despite her lead her mate didn’t seem ready to catch up. She almost faltered thinking about that. Her mate. The man she belonged to. She liked that and the wolf did too.

With a burst of speed she cleared more trees. She caught the scents of smaller animals, able to hear the soft pulsing of their hearts. The night hadn’t come yet—not fully. Her wolf wanted to feel the call of the moon. She lifted her head and peered up. Darkness had taken over the sky. Soon she’d feel the rush. It wouldn’t be long until she understood what she’d become.

Leaves rustled, a smaller creature making its presence known. She followed the sound, homing in on it. The wolf caught the scent and shared its knowledge.

Rabbit.

Her muscles bunched and she was off, racing for the sound. The wolf basked in the sensations, wanting them to last. She found the critter and gave chase, going after it. As she closed in—rushing closer—it barreled into a hole beneath a tree. She made it to the small space and scented it.

Fear. Adrenaline.

Another noise gained her attention.

She glanced over her shoulder and a dark wolf appeared, watching her.

Declan.

She rushed off again, letting him chase.

There were so many smells and places to explore.

Minutes passed, the night getting darker as she ventured deeper into the trees. After a while she lost track, until a beam from above drew her attention. The moon had appeared, casting light into the sky. She slowed her movements, stepping closer to the light. When it hit her, cascading over her fur, she closed her eyes.

Amazing.

She felt electrified, taken to a higher plane.

Everything else faded away, leaving her alone.

The wolf hummed in excitement, welcoming the overwhelming feelings.

Why had she run from this? There wasn’t a need.

Declan had been right. Like this she felt invincible.

This time when he appeared behind her, she was ready. There was no terror. No worry. This was what she was meant to be. Now she’d become closer to her mate.

She took off, baiting him to follow. She wasn’t sure if she could change back to her usual self, standing on two legs instead of four. With the moon above it might not be possible. She should have asked Chloe, she realized. She shouldn’t have been so afraid to learn more about her nature.

She weaved around a tree—making sure to coat it in her scent—and made her way back.

All she wanted was to tell Declan how glorious she felt, sharing in the experience.

She hoped she’d be able to.

She saw him running along the path, taking his time. Anticipation and awareness hit, a profound ache in her heart. He was giving her space, even now. Letting her explore on her own as he watched over her. Waiting until the time was right, she pounced. He spun around when he heard her, braced for impact. In a few seconds she hit him, taking him down.

Give me this. She reinforced the order with her will, ordering the wolf back. I’ve accepted you. Now you need to accept me.

Pain arose, her body shifting. Her bones cracked, muscles changing.

She braced for more pain, knowing it had to come. Amazingly it was easier to return to her human form. The wolf listened, sliding into the background. In seconds the fur covering her body receded, leaving her in her skin. She wrapped her arms around Declan and gasped when he shifted as well. He bowed his head, resting it on her shoulder. The heavy coat on his body vanished, leaving his hard and warm muscles resting against her.

“I love you,” she expelled in a rush. “I love this.” He’d given her so much. It was her turn to return the favor. “You were right. Everything is so amazing.”

His entire body went quiet above her. “What did you say?”

“This is amazing?” she repeated, not thinking of what she’d said.

“Not that.” His body lifted, his heavy and erect cock resting against her thigh. “The other part.”

The other part… Oh.

“You were right?”

His full lips pursed, eyes narrowed in warning. “Not that either.”

“I love you,” she admitted and forced herself to meet his eyes.

“It’s not the wolf talking, is it?” She shook her head. His irises flickered, light in the center and dark along the rim. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.” Bringing a hand to his face, she asked, “I know it’s too soon. I don’t understand it even now, but it’s how I feel. Do you think you’ll be able to love me?”

“I already do.” His chest heaved as he took a breath. “I think I always have.” Dipping his head, he brought his lips to hers. “Say it again.”

Her heart fluttered and the erogenous zones of her body flared to life. “I love you.”

“I love you too, sweet girl,” he growled and shifted her body, resting his weight between her thighs. “I’m going to show you just how much.”

She’d started to ask him what he meant when his face disappeared. His lips ventured over her throat, down her sternum and stopped at her stomach. He kissed her bellybutton and kept going. Parting her thighs, she waited for more. Her thighs trembled, her muscles quivering. She counted every second, holding her breath as his mouth hovered over her mound. His tongue barely flicked her clit and she felt her pussy gush.

“I love tasting you here.”

“Please.” Grasping his hair, she tried to urge him to continue. “Don’t stop.”

“Never, baby.”

Normally he practiced restraint, being cautious. Now he went at her like a dying man, lapping at her slit, teasing her clit with agonizing rasps of his tongue. On and on he went, sucking at her, licking her labia. She groaned and panted, tugging him closer. Ripples spread over her skin, the wolf resurfacing. This time she didn’t worry about changing. The animal simply wanted to enjoy the pleasure. He growled against her, sucking on her clit.

Ours, the wolf thought blissfully. He’s ours.

Yes.

She shattered, crying out his name.

Two fingers entered and parted her. Her back arched at the amazing fullness, the breath leaving her lungs. Fire swept through her, her sex clasping. He groaned and started pumping, moving his mouth. His thumb caressed her clit. The sensations kept going, driving her on. She pumped her hips, grinding into his hand.

It wasn’t until the feelings had passed that he moved.

The sky vanished and she gazed into his face. He wrapped his arms around her and drew her closer, his eyes finding hers. Unable to stop herself, she leaned forward. Their mouths met and their tongues touched. Back and forward they danced, veering from side to side.

He pulled away and fisted his fingers in her hair. “I want your mark.”

“My mark?” She hesitated, unsure of how to give him what he wanted.

“I want everyone to know I’m mated. I want them to see how lucky I am.” He twisted his fingers tighter, forcing her closer, until her mouth hovered above his shoulder. She noticed the skin was free of tattoos, waiting just for her. “You don’t have to tonight. I want to earn it. When the time is right, I want you to give it to me.”

She hated it when he let go, wanting his nearness.

Shifting his hips, he grasped his cock and brought her down. She felt the head part her, pushing past her folds. One thrust, then another. Finally he slid into her. The feeling centered her, bringing her full circle. The scent of the woods called to her, the nature that was new to her beckoning. She sank down, wanting him to fill her completely. The motion made him bottom out, the head of his cock pressing against her cervix.

Tossing her head back, she let the new smells and feelings take her over.

This was bliss.

This was heaven.

Declan.

Declan wanted to howl his content.

Rachel Gentry was more than his mate, she was his partner. She was also courageous, strong and had transformed with ease. She humbled him, astounded him and made him prouder than hell. Any male would be grateful to have her but they never would.

She belonged to him in all ways. Nothing would ever change that.

He bit his tongue, tempted to ask for her mark a second time.

She’d give it to him when she felt ready. He wouldn’t rush her. Nothing had been her choice so far. At the very least she could decide when she felt he was worthy of such a thing. The bright beams from the moon highlighted her hair, her skin, the curve of her neck.

He locked on to that, struck by the sight of her.

Sliding his fingers over her hips, he let her move over him. She rocked back and forth, her pussy fisting his cock, her nipples gliding over his chest. He brought his arms around her, fingers splayed over her back. Her skin felt softer, her body temperature matching his. Each of their exhalations turned into white frost, the chilly night air adding to the beauty of the moment.

Howls sounded from far away, stilling Rachel’s movements.

Pulling from him, she gazed past his shoulder. “What’s going on?”

“Jackson and Gavin announced they’re merging the packs.”

It was only a guess. No doubt those howls of solidarity would change to snarls once Shane brought the rogue forward and accused Simone of planning the attack against Chloe. He decided not to mention that part, running his fingers up and down her back.

“You’re supposed to be there.”

“They can handle it,” he whispered, bucking his pelvis.

“You’re trying to distract me, aren’t you?” She moved again, plunging her cunt up and down his length.

He groaned, clutching at her shoulders. “Of course I am. Do you mind?”

“Not at all.”

Grasping his biceps, she moved faster, bucking her hips as she came down. Her legs snaked around him, bringing them closer. He felt her locked ankles against his lower back, her nails pressing into his arms. Her mouth met his, her tongue sliding out to tease his lips. A small shift of his hand and he cupped her head. Angling her chin to the side, he advanced. She met him halfway, their tongues gliding together. Her soft growl vibrated against his mouth.

Fuck yes.

Their lips parted. He felt her tremble, her arms shaking.

“Oh God,” she panted, using the hands she’d placed on his biceps for leverage.

One day he wanted her like this, only he’d have his cock buried in her ass. He’d dominate her. Love her. Take her as none other ever had. He’d watch her face and see how he made her feel. He’d make the experience something she’d want again and again. For them the future was limitless. No more anger or resentment.

They’d grow together, learn together.

Love together.

He swayed beneath her as best he could, making sure he sank deep. Wind parted the trees and whistled between them. His wolf sought Rachel’s and their senses slowly came together. He smelled her rising need, knew that soon she’d fall apart.

Reaching between their bodies, he found and stroked her clit.

Nothing in his life had ever compared to this moment.

Even if she didn’t take him up on the request, he turned his head when her pussy clamped down on his dick, waiting for pleasure to consume her. A jolt of happiness slivered through him when she moved closer, her tongue bathing the skin between his shoulder and neck. It as hard as hell not to taunt her when he’d wanted it so fucking much.

Mark me, Rachel. Show the world I’m a mated man.

She whimpered, her body went taut and he felt her teeth score his skin.

The heavy ache in his balls vanished, his cock jerking. Seed spurted into his mate’s body, a hot flood of warmth blooming where they were connected. He came howling, thrusting up against her. Her soft cries told him she’d found her release as well. Her pussy milked him, rippling over his length. Their wolves rejoiced, their connection growing as they beasts embraced their mating, elated and possessive at their newly formed bond.

Rachel was rough at his shoulder, biting down hard and ensuring the scarring would be visible to everyone. He welcomed the burn. He’d left that area unmarred with any tattoos. Since other designs surrounded the smooth expanse of skin it would bring attention to the area, so everyone would see. He fought the tingling in his gums, unwilling to bite her this time around, nipping at her arm.

Her mouth moved away, sharp fangs and incisors sliding from his flesh.

“Can you feel that?” she breathed, moving her pelvis in a circle. “Is it just me?”

“My wolf is claiming yours,” Declan answered and slid his fingers into the hair at her neck. “It’s deepening our mating. The connection is unlike any other.”

Her gaze drifted to his shoulder and a satisfied smile appeared. “You wanted a mark. I’d say you have one.”

“Not any mark, yours.” He flexed his muscles in his torso. His torn flesh burned. The area would be slower to heal and mend. A permanent brand to the world of her claiming. From the way she stared at it, she’d made sure no one could mistake what she’d done. “Got me good, did you?

She nodded, biting her lower lip. “Can’t miss it.”

As he’d expected, snarls carried through the trees. He wanted to curse Simone but found himself grateful that he’d had this time with Rachel. They’d been alone. She’d changed for the first time without assistance. They loved each other and those emotions would only grow stronger due to their beasts. From here on in—as far their relationship was concerned—he hoped it would be smooth sailing.

“What should we do?” His female didn’t sound mousey or afraid, she sounded pissed. “I don’t want to leave Chloe with that woman.”

“There’s a good chance you won’t have to. If the pack Alphas think the evidence is compelling, Wade will have to put his daughter on lockdown. There’s not enough to ask for her death but containment is understandable, unless he can prove she’s innocent.”

“I don’t want to leave,” she confessed, leaning forward to run her lips over his cheek. “But we should go to them, shouldn’t we?”

Shane had things under control but Declan was the Beta. Still, he wanted to take care of Rachel, consumed by the desire to see to her needs. “Tonight’s about you. Everything else can wait.”

With a soft sweep of her hand, she combed his hair from his temple. “Can you find your way back?”

“Yes, I can. And so can you.” He didn’t want her to stop touching and talking to him. He dreaded going back, worried it would end their night too soon. Trying to be honorable, he told her the truth. “If you pay attention you can follow the path we took. Our scents are all over it.”

She kissed him quickly, giving her hips one last twist. “Show me.”

“I’ll show you everything.” He pulled her back down, wanting one more kiss. His fingers were hard against her neck, making her bend toward him. “Tell me you love me.”

The lines in her face smoothed, her lips curving at the corners. “I love you.”

One more time. “Again.”

“I love you.”

A tug had their mouths touching. He didn’t take it further, letting the seconds pass. Their connection increased, growing ever stronger. Finally he let her go, making sure she was gazing into his eyes when he professed his own feelings.

“I love you too, Just Rachel.”

She scowled, shooting him a glare. “Stop calling me that.”

“Okay.” Although he’d never stop, he’d give her what she asked for tonight. “How’s this? I love you, sweet girl.”

Her eyes flickered, tears filling them. “That’s better.”

“You like that?” He knew she did.

With a small nod, she murmured, “I do.”

“Then come with me, sweet girl.” He rose, easily bearing her weight. Once he was on his feet he let her find her footing. “I’m going to show you everything I know. After I introduce you to the packs, we can go for another run if you like.”

“That sounds nice.” The tips of her nails tickled his skin. “Then what will you do?”

“I’m going to take you home, spoil you rotten and love you so hard you can’t breathe.”

She inched closer, fingers drifting into the hair along his nape. “Promise?”

“I give you my fucking word.”

It was the easiest vow he’d ever made.