Marked

Chapter Twelve

Jackson watched Chloe step into the cabin. She’d refused to put away the envelope full of letters Gavin had given her, clutching them like a lifeline. The trip to her grandparents’ property had been a quiet one. After they’d arrived, she’d exchanged a tearful farewell with her grandparents, climbed into his car, turned on the light and continued reading. The few times he’d been able to sense her emotions—fear, hurt and despair—he’d touched her, alleviating her distress in the only manner he could. Now that they’d arrived at the cabin and she’d finished reading, it was time to talk to her about the past and their future.

The heat of the moon beckoned but he forced his wolf back. He could scent Chloe’s desire to change, noted the way she’d fidgeted when she’d slid out of his car. Time wasn’t on their side but he was determined find out what she’d learned.

Surprisingly, she relinquished her tight grip on the letters, placing them on the counter as she strode toward the kitchen. Then she pivoted to face him. Her skin was flushed, her green eyes changing to a breathtaking shade of emerald. She rubbed her hands over her arms.

“My skin won’t stop itching.”

He closed the distance and put his arms around her. Drawing her close, he breathed in her luscious scent. The wolf was there, waiting to answer the call of the moon.

“I’ll take care of that shortly. Tell me about the letters.”

She trembled, resting her face against his chest. “He tried to warn her,” she murmured. He could tell she was struggling not to cry. “He told her they couldn’t be together.” Her hands came around his waist, tiny fingers digging into his jacket. “She wouldn’t listen.” She took a deep breath and slowly released it. “She didn’t listen.”

“Did he talk about the packs?”

Her head bobbed as she nodded, wisps of her curly hair brushing his chin. “He said he was mated to someone but he didn’t love her. He never loved her.”

She unexpectedly pulled away, looking up at him through eyes brimming with tears. “He was trying to protect her—to protect me. He didn’t want to hurt Mom. He only wanted to keep her safe.” Crystalline drops spilled from her lashes and her lower lip quivered. “How can I hate him now? What am I supposed to do?”

“Take things one day at a time,” he answered and slid his hand into her hair, resting his fingers against her neck. “You decide how things play out. If you want to know more, you can get to know Gavin. If you don’t, walk away.”

She seemed lost. “It’s not that easy.”

The hell it isn’t. “Yes it is.”

A tremor racked her and she muffled a cry. He wanted to roar at the full moon and tell it to go the fuck away. The scent of forest and pine caressed his nostrils, the wolf within her rising to take control.

“He loved her,” she whispered, misery apparent in her voice.

“I think he still does, Chloe.”

The way Gavin had looked at his daughter at the hunting grounds had changed Jackson’s perspective on things. The Alpha loved his child. That much was evident. The pain in his eyes indicated their meeting dredged up memories of Chloe’s mother. A woman he’d lost and would never see again. A woman he might have claimed as a mate if the circumstances had been different.

Usually Gavin was an arrogant pain in the ass. He expected his orders to be followed without question, running his pack with an iron fist. This evening he’d been cautious, humble and nervous. He’d wanted to know the daughter he’d given up. Everyone had sensed it. If Gavin did as he promised and ended his mating, he might have to give up everything he’d sacrificed so much to obtain.

Which said a helluva lot about the bastard.

“That woman. The one in the car. It was her, wasn’t it? His mate.” The animosity in her tone was impossible to miss. “She knows about me. That’s why he wanted us to leave.”

He questioned whether it was better to tell the truth or a lie. Chloe’s wolf continued struggling to the surface, the energy and power bringing his own beast to life. Anger wasn’t a good thing during the full moon, when it was difficult to keep dangerous emotions under control.

“Yes.”

“I want to hurt her.”

“I’m sure you do.” He ran his thumb over her throat, hoping to calm her, using wide, sweeping strokes. “And I don’t blame you. But maybe you should wait until you talk to Gavin before you make big decisions. He can answer all your questions. There could be other things you don’t know.”

“I know enough.” Her voice dipped several octaves, deeper and throatier than usual. “I saw the way shelooked at me. That woman knew about my mother and father. She understood what they felt for each other and she didn’t care. The bitch is a menace.”

“It’s not always that simple.” And it wasn’t, not for wolves. When packs were involved it changed things. Desiree wasn’t likable—hell, she wasn’t even nice—but she was respected by the packs for a reason. She put her wolves before everything else, including herself. That was why she’d agreed to the arranged mating with Gavin, to make the wolves who depended on her stronger.

“I can’t believe it.” She tried to rip herself from his embrace. “You’re defending her!”

“I’m not.” Fuck it was hard to prevent his beast from responding to her anger. The bond they shared made him want to react—to destroy whatever caused his female distress. “Things are different when it comes to pack. I’m simply stating the truth.”

Again he felt the surge of energy that came from her wolf. The strength of the animal collided with his, fighting for supremacy. He felt her rage as her lips pulled back, forming into a snarl.

“Don’t lie to me.”

“I’m not.”

Instead of settling, she struggled even harder. He managed to keep her close but she got a few elbows to his chest and arms. Her tiny little snarls soon turned to growls, the presence of her wolf pouring off her in waves.

Goddamn it.

The time for discussion was over.

So much for keeping a lid on things.

He dropped his guard and let his wolf slide into the passenger seat. The beast recognized its mate, rushing to merge its force to hers. They collided in a flurry of fur and growls. Chloe tensed against him, gasping for air. He molded her body to his when she tried to move away, holding her firmly to his chest.

The first step of the shift had started.

There was no turning back.

“Let go,” he instructed, his own voice a heavy growl. “Set the wolf free. I’ve got you.”

He hurried outside, no longer able to mute the mesmerizing cry from the moon. His pulse was pounding, the rush of blood through his head deafening. A quick flick of his wrist opened the back door. He glided over the porch and down the stairs. The orb floating in the sky above blanketed them in soft white rays. Her whimper seared through him, yanking him away from the urge to change.

Focus, asshole.

Once he’d reached an open area near the tree line he carefully lowered Chloe to the ground. She was shivering, her hands bunched into fists. Teeny claws were visible at the ends. She gazed up at him and he saw her eyes were no longer human. Beautiful chartreuse rimmed the pupil, as bright as spring leaves rippling in the summer sun.

“Clothes off,” he growled and started peeling the layers away from her body.

Her clawed fingers shook as she helped him, stripping off her shirt and pulling it over her head. She trembled, no doubt due to the chilly air. Thankfully cold wouldn’t be an issue for much longer. Not when she was covered in fur. When she tugged at the button of her jeans he went to work removing his own clothing. It only took seconds but it wasn’t fast enough. His muscles were on fire, his bones starting to ache. Each garment he removed allowed the beams from the moon to caress his skin.

The wolf bristled. It was almost time.

Scents assailed him, the lure of the wooded forest taunting him. Soon he’d feel the earth beneath his paws, the way his claws sank into its cold depths. The wind would rush through his fur as he embraced his feral half.

Glorious. Pure. Unleashed.

Not yet.

Chloe sank to the ground and yanked off her shoes and socks. She was nude from the waist up, covered only in jeans twisted around her legs. Her claws tore the denim as a frustrated growl came from her. A sliver of relief surged through him. Pain would be minimal her first shift. She probably wouldn’t even remember it. The wolf wouldn’t let her think about the consequences of changing. The transformation would be quick, any fears she might experience minor.

Taking a knee, he reached out to cup her chin. “Before the moon takes you, know this. I will never lie to you, Chloe. You’re more important to me than anything. Never question it.”

Her wolf was in control but he knew the woman heard him. Her fingers wrapped around his wrist and she closed her eyes. He veered back, taking her with him. He didn’t stop until she was on her hands and knees. When she let him go, he waited, watching with his heart lodged in his throat.

Make it fast. Please make it fast.

Bones snapped in succession and fur bled from her skin. She lowered her head as it changed shape, elongating to form her muzzle. A sharp scream made the hair on his neck rise. Fear struck, changing relief to concern. The change wasn’t quick, it was slow as fuck. Even wolves facing their first change were able to accomplish the transformation in seconds.

She’d be in agony like this.

This time he couldn’t keep his wolf in check. His beast took over, reaching out to its mate. Jackson’s skin itched as he started to change. Bones popped and realigned, forcing him to brace his weight on his hands. In two beats of his heart it was done. He shook himself, orienting himself to the world around him.

He froze.

Chloe’s heartbreaking cries had stopped.

Lifting his head, he met her gaze.

Holy shit.

She’d changed with him, shifting from one form to another by drawing on the energy created by his wolf. Damn she was a tiny thing—closer to the size of a dog than a werewolf—but he’d never seen anything more beautiful. Her coat was like her hair minus the curls, thick, luxurious blonde. And her eyes were stunning emerald along the edge, shining like peridot near the center.

Perfect.

His suspicion that she was an Alpha was confirmed when she didn’t look away, keeping her stare level with his. She wouldn’t back down. Not to anyone. Even newly changed, the authority her wolf displayed was impressive.

Damn she was beautiful. Proud and untamed.

Still, he had to make his position clear, so there were no disillusions.

He growled, the rumbling sound a deep warning drone. He was the head of the pack, the absolute authority in all matters. There were no second chances. This was a lesson she had to understand and appreciate from the onset. Her safety and place as his Lupa hinged on it.

Her wolf responded, lowering her head, accepting his dominance. A low, confused whine drew him close. He couldn’t and wouldn’t deny her comfort and reassurance. Their shoulders brushed, his dark fur a stark contrast to hers. His inability to communicate telepathically had never bothered him before. A few older wolves possessed that talent—as well other unique abilities—but he wasn’t one of them. Right now, however, he wished he could slide into her head and share his thoughts. In order to communicate he had to rely on physical connection, reading her body language and scent. Right now she was anxious, but he didn’t detect fear. Likely she was acclimating to her senses, becoming accustomed to her wolven half.

Scuffling leaves just past the trees got her attention. Her head darted to the side, nostrils flaring and ears lifting to points. He heard and scented the same thing she did. A squirrel wasn’t the best game but her interest was what was important. She was past the difficult part. It was time to introduce her to the world that existed right in front of her that she’d been unable to see.

When he nudged her toward the trees she moved awkwardly, testing her legs as she swayed from side to side. He knew precisely when she found her balance. Her spine straightened and she stood tall. Wind shuffled through her blonde fur, the lush strands like waves in an ocean. She took a few hesitant steps, as though she wanted to be certain her legs would hold her.

With a soft growl, he gently nipped her flank. She shot him a look, her gaze playful. He gave her another heave with his nose, urging her forward. The gesture was greeted with a soft snort and the turning of her head. She stared into the distance, eyes alert. He felt the anticipation flowing from her, their connection growing and solidifying their bond.

As she took off in a graceful lope, he followed.

Tonight belonged to them.

Amazing.

The wind rushed over her face, forcing her to fold back her ears—her ears for goodness sake—so she didn’t have to slow down. Her vision had never been so clear, her sense of smell so strong. Although it was dark, she was able to distinguish each tree, able to locate the noisy critter she’d heard in the clearing.

The squirrel ran up a tree as she approached, taking shelter in the branches. Leaves rained down, their scent earthy and sweet. She stopped to take a deep breath, finding herself absorbed in the beauty of the world at night. The soft chorus of crickets whispered in her ears, the light from the moon covering everything in a beautiful glow.

For a moment thoughts of her mother and father intruded.

The memory of reading their letters seemed hazy now, more of an afterthought. When she tried to focus, recalling the envelope her father had given her, her wolf changed her train of thought.

There was another—more alluring—scent she needed to pay attention to.

Jackson.

Moving came naturally now, allowing her to turn and face the man-turned-wolf behind her. He was enormous and stunning.

Broad shoulders. Dark fur. Golden eyes.

Mine.

In this form her wolf was louder and more demanding. They didn’t speak to each other, rather they shared impressions of things. Right now the proud entity wanted to get closer to her mate, to rub against him so her scent mingled with his. She also wanted to mark him, burying her teeth in the fleshy portion of skin that ran from his shoulder to his neck.

A rustle from the woods beyond distracted her. She whipped her head around, homing on the sound and smell. The scent was different than the squirrels, grassier somehow. She couldn’t identify what existed out of her line of sight, but she was eager to find out.

Jackson came to her side. He was so much larger, his shoulders inches above hers. After a quick look in her direction he took off, running toward the animal in the distance. Instinct took over, guiding her feet as she followed. Trees bled past, a continuous blur in her peripheral vision. The earth was cold beneath her feet, clumps of it giving way to her claws.

Her muscles pulsed, her heart beating faster than usual. Each breath she took immersed her deeper in the night. So many things surrounded them, unique in their own special way. Even the trees seemed to come to life. The wind made the branches sway, a dance of twigs and leaves.

In seconds they came upon an open field.

Deer.

Jackson picked a target, never slowing down. She was amazed at how easy it was to keep up. Although he was larger, she seemed to be just as fast.

The herd of deer broke apart, scattering in various directions. The one her mate was intent on—a large, gorgeous doe—made a beeline for trees at the end of the clearing. It didn’t make it, unable to outrun the wolves in pursuit. The noise the doe made when Jackson pounced on her was pitiful, a mixture of a cry and a bark.

Realization slammed into Chloe, slowing her down.

When Gramps hunted, she never tagged along. She didn’t mind eating game but she didn’t think she could kill an animal. Empathy threatened to stop her dead in her tracks until her wolf raged, snarling in her head. She staggered, off balance as the beast demanded she continue. Jackson didn’t seem to notice, taking the doe down in a graceful swoop.

She stopped running and approached slowly, fighting an inner battle, unsure of what to do. The deer’s thrashing legs made her wolf giddy. She could almost taste the warmth of the animal’s blood on her tongue, the way its life would pulse into her mouth. Unfortunately the idea of the creature suffering made Chloe sick. She didn’t want to eat raw meat or devour bloody flesh. She had enough common sense to know that when she changed back she’d be digesting anything she ate in wolf form.

Yuck.

She jumped back when Jackson moved and the doe leapt to her feet. A flash of brown and the animal was gone, vanishing into the trees. He waited until the deer disappeared before he faced her.

Was that disappointment in his eyes? Confusion?

With a snort, he started toward her. She lowered her head again, embarrassed of what he must be thinking. To her surprise he pressed his muzzle to hers, their fur blending together. His nose skimmed over her ear, his heated exhale sending a tingle down her spine.

Embarrassment quickly became something else. The flutter in her stomach sent heat through her limbs. Even like this she was able to feel desire. Lust cascaded through her. Different, yes, but easily identifiable. He growled as he moved away and lifted his head. His gaze traveled to the direction they’d come from. The message was loud and clear.

Back to the cabin.

Oh boy.

A part of her didn’t want to go back. She’d only gotten a taste of things to come. Those arguments didn’t matter, however. Not when Jackson started herding her in the direction he wanted her to go. His teeth were sharp as he bit at her flanks, forcing her to shift from a slow walk to a steady lope. Her nose piloted her through the trees, the scent of the cabin becoming stronger.

She passed the expanse of trees, basking in the stretch in her muscles, finding that she wasn’t in the least bit tired. If she wanted she could keep going like this for hours. It felt glorious running wild and free, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Even the cold wasn’t a factor. She was perfectly warm, her skin radiating the same kind of heat Jackson’s did.

Without warning the large dark wolf beside her took off. He charged up the stairs and paused in front of the door. She stopped at the foot of the porch, aware of the annoying itchy sensation returning to her skin. Out of habit she lifted a hand to ease the itch, only to remember she couldn’t rub her arms. Not with paws.

Jackson glanced at her then bent his head. His fur glided back to reveal smooth, tanned skin. She wasn’t sure if the earlier change was responsible but her wolf retreated as Jackson’s did. There wasn’t time to be frightened. She didn’t have the opportunity to remember how horrible her first transformation had been. In the blink of an eye she went from wolf to woman.

Just like that. Easy as pie.

Wow. Just…wow.

She held out her hands and wriggled her fingers. Everything worked. Apart from being aware of her body in an odd way, she didn’t feel any different. She rose to her feet, welcoming the stretch in her muscles. She’d never felt so good. As she looked down at her body she realized why. The outline of muscles replaced areas that had once been soft. When she lifted her arm she was able to see the flex of her biceps.

No wonder werewolves were in excellent shape.

Holy shit!

Jackson opened the door and pivoted around. He started when he got a full-on view of her naked body, gawking as his eyes traveled from her toes to her face. His obvious shock made her want to laugh.

“What’s the matter?” Her voice was still deep and husky, the wolf no longer at the forefront but ever present. “Cat got your tongue?”

She closed the distance between them, slowly climbing the stairs. It occurred to her that she was outdoors and anyone could see her but she didn’t care. Perhaps it was the wolf that had become part of her. Even now she could sense the beast’s thoughts.

It wanted Jackson just as much as she did.

As soon as she was close enough he reached out and grasped her hips. Her gaze rested on his nipples, the discs a dark tan. Would he experience pleasure if she licked and sucked at each of them? Unable to resist the temptation—wanting to discover what pleased him—she leaned forward and covered one with her mouth. His skin was warm and salty, perfect to tease with her teeth and tongue.

Jackson snarled and cupped her ass, pushing his full length against her belly. “See what you do to me, baby? See what that hot little mouth of yours does to my cock?”

When he lifted her she raised her head and wrapped her legs around his waist. He slung the door open and carried her inside. Butterflies tickled her stomach. Her breath caught when he closed the door and flipped the lock into place. Deep down she’d known Jackson wanted every single thing she had to offer. Tonight he was going to take what he wanted.

His eyes glowed, the yellow-gold hue mesmerizing. He brought his head down and bit her lip, gentle so he didn’t pierce her skin.

“Fuck you smell good. I haven’t even touched your pussy but I know you’re wet as hell. If I wanted I could toss you on the counter and fuck you right now. You’d take all of me without so much as a whimper.”

“Yes please,” she whispered, her vaginal walls clenching. On the counter, against the wall, on the floor—she’d take him anywhere. So long as he eased the ache building inside her.

He squeezed her ass, grinding the hard outline of his cock against her. “We’ll save the counter for later. I have other plans.”

Before she could ask what he had in mind, he kissed her. She moaned, rubbing her hard and sensitive nipples into his chest. The friction felt incredible but it wasn’t enough.

Not nearly enough.

A part of her wanted to scream when he pulled away. If he didn’t do something soon she was going to force him to the ground and take what she wanted. To hell with his plans. He wasn’t the only one who could take control.

“I wish you’d hurry. I’m running out of patience.”

He didn’t let her go, turning in the direction of the stairs. “Be careful what you wish for, baby. I just might give it to you.”

Who was he kidding? “I hope so.”

She didn’t anticipate the growl that came from him, or the way he shifted her weight so he could hold her with one arm. His free hand tangled in the hair at her nape. With a flex of his fingers he forced her to look him in the eye. Her womb clenched, sending a rush of wetness from her pussy.

There was no mistaking the wicked gleam in his gaze.

“It’s time to play, Chloe girl.”