The tip of his cock slipped inside. Her core fluttered around it. She pushed back, trying to take him deeper. “What are you waiting for?” If he didn’t do it soon, she was going to explode.

  “I love you.” Everything inside her stilled. “You’re my mate. Whatever it takes to make you happy, I’ll do. I’m not going into this lightly.”

  She took a deep breath and leaped. “I love you. You’re my mate.”

  He surged forward. Her inner muscles clamped down hard on his shaft. It was hot and thick, stretching her. His sac brushed her clit, making her sex flutter.

  “Now and forever.” Sharp fangs pierced her skin.

  Jesse threw her head back, emitting a sound halfway between a cry and a howl. Something inside her shifted and snapped into place.

  The mating bond.

  The orgasm hit hard and fast and was totally unexpected. The edges of her vision closed in on her.

  Aaron thrust several times, his teeth still locked onto the curve of her neck. He swelled inside her. The flood of his release followed. Fangs retracted and he licked the wound.

  She fell forward, face buried in the pillow. He landed on top of her, but turned, taking her with him so she didn’t suffocate. He was locked inside her. Aftershocks made her quiver. With his arms wrapped snugly around her, he kissed the mating mark.

  “Thank you.”

  She nodded, unable to speak. If she tried, she’d likely burst into tears. The entire world felt off kilter. Or maybe it had been that way her entire life and was finally the way it was supposed to be.

  “Did I hurt you, sweetheart?”

  She shook her head, the pillowcase rustling beneath her head.

  “I’ve got you,” he murmured. One of his hands slid up her stomach to cup a breast. The other went down between her legs. It was both erotic and comforting. Her wolf was totally relaxed and at peace.

  With him locked inside her, she closed her eyes, heightening her senses. Aaron was curled around her, a buffer between her and the world. That was what first her mother and then Lottie had done. But she was no longer a child. She was a grown woman, a wolf. She was his partner and would stand beside him, never behind him.

  Aaron withdrew, even though he was still fully erect. The stimulation sent another shudder through her. She rolled over, needing to see his beloved face. Satisfaction gleamed in his eyes. She wouldn’t hold it against him. Not since she was feeling pretty damn good herself.

  “One thing I still don’t understand.”

  His brows lowered and his lips turned down. “What?”

  She walked her fingers up his chest. “How you managed to worm your way into my heart so fast?” Part of her was teasing. Another part was deadly serious.

  He stroked the mark on her shoulder, sending an erotic shiver racing down to her breasts before heading even lower. The mark was an erogenous zone. Who knew?

  “We were meant to be together.”

  Maybe it was as simple as that. “What will your parents think?” A little late to worry about it. There was no going back. Werewolves didn’t divorce. They were together until one of them died. Even if they cheated—as her sire had done—they remained mated. For better or worse.

  “They’ll be glad they went out for the afternoon.”

  Jesse flopped onto her back and began to laugh. “I’m pretty happy about that myself.”

  Aaron dropped a quick kiss on her lips. “As much as I’d love to stay here until tomorrow, I figure we don’t have much time until someone knocks on the door. I’m surprised it hasn’t already happened.”

  There would be no hiding from the pack. Everyone would see the mark. Jesse tugged one corner of the comforter over her.

  Frowning, he rolled on top of her. “What’s wrong?”

  She tried to shrug, but between the covering and him, she was pinned down. “Everyone will know.”

  “Is that a problem?” He brushed a kiss over her lips and nose.

  “I come with a hell of a lot of baggage.” She shouldn’t have to remind him of that. “Some people might object to me being here.” If he lost his pack because of her, she would never forgive herself.

  “You still don’t get it. You’re one of us.”

  She could only pray he was right. “No regrets,” she told him.

  He rolled away from her and lifted her into his arms. “We need to shower and dress.”

  She looped her arms around his neck, checking out the gleaming white bathroom, complete with a roomy walk-in shower, when he stepped into the room. “That’s a big shower.”

  “Big enough.” He set her on her feet, turned on the water, and proceeded to show her just how much he could do in a limited space.

  ****

  Aaron watched Jesse sleep. She was curled up on her side, her knees pulled close to her chest, one hand fisted in the comforter. He brushed the back of his knuckles over her cheek, but she didn’t stir.

  After making love to her in the shower, he’d brought her back to bed, loving her one final time before she’d given in to exhaustion. Moving slowly so as not to wake her, he pulled on his jeans and checked his phone. They’d been here about five hours without being disturbed.

  On bare feet, he padded across the floor to the door and eased it open. The living room and kitchen were empty. He detoured to the kitchen long enough to pour a large glass of fresh lemonade before heading to the front door. His father sat in one of the deck chairs, his feet propped on the railing.

  “I figured there was a reason no one bothered us.” Taking the chair next to him, Aaron took a long drink, enjoying the tart taste of lemons tempered by the added sweetness. The drink reminded him of Jesse.

  “Is it done?”

  Rather than answer right away, Aaron drained the glass and set it aside. “Would it bother you if it was?”

  A smile played around his father’s lips. “I saw the way you looked at her.”

  “And how is that?”

  “The way I look at your mother.”

  He leaned his head back, resting it against the chair. “That obvious?”

  “To someone who knows and loves you.” He paused. “Which would be everyone.”

  He laughed and rubbed a hand over his face. “I meant to wait. I should have asked your permission before I brought her into the pack.”

  Jacque lowered his legs. “These things happen in their own time. I’m happy for you. Not everyone is lucky enough to find their mate. Some settle. Some spend their lives searching and never finding.”

  “Doesn’t mean the problems go away.” He stood and picked up his empty glass. “Where do you want me to patrol?”

  Jacque shook his head. “After dinner is soon enough. Nicholas and your uncle are out there now.” He angled his head toward the door. “Make sure you’re at Gator’s in an hour.” He stood and reached for Aaron, pulling him into his arms and thumping him on the back. “I’m proud of you.”

  “Thanks.” That meant everything to him.

  “You will face your enemy. Don’t die. Your mother wouldn’t like it.” His piece said, Jacque sauntered down the steps and away.

  Aaron let himself back into the house. After setting his empty glass in the kitchen sink, he went back to the bedroom. Jesse hadn’t moved.

  He stripped off his jeans and crawled back into bed beside her.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Jesse tugged on the hem of her plain white T-shirt, wishing she had something dressier to wear. Most everything she owned was dirty. This was the last clean shirt she had until she did laundry.

  Not that she was a girly girl by any stretch of the imagination. She’d grown up running barefoot through the swamp. There’d been no money for extras. She’d been fed, clothed, educated, and protected. That was more than many had, and she’d forever be grateful. But sometimes, like Cinderella, she’d wished for a pretty dress. Not that there’d been anywhere to wear it, even if she’d had one.

  And being on the run meant there were no resources to waste on things like makeup or fancy clothes. Her one concession to her feminine side was the purple streak in her hair, and she’d done that herself.

  Aaron, on the other hand, looked like he just stepped out of the pages of some fancy catalog for upscale menswear. The jeans he wore were casual but fit to perfection, showcasing his muscular thighs, tight butt, and impressive package. The button-down shirt matched his eyes. He’d rolled the sleeves up, bringing attention to his thick forearms.

  She rubbed the mark at the base of her neck. It was healed, but the scar was prominent. He caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “Relax. Everyone is friendly here.”

  Easy for him to say. She tried to smile, but feared it was more a grimace when he paused in the middle of the path they were on.

  “Seriously, if you’re not up for this, we can go back to the house.”

  Her wolf whined, caught up in her nervousness, not to mention the scents of so many other wolves nearby. Voices drifted toward them. They’d already gathered and were waiting. “I’ll be fine.” She’d chosen Aaron. That meant socializing with his pack.

  “We won’t stay long,” he promised and started walking again, one hand behind her back, urging her forward.

  He meant it, but she was realistic. His family and friends would want to check her out, especially when they caught a glimpse of the mating mark.

  “Will your parents object?” How did the saying go? Better to ask for forgiveness than permission. She wasn’t sure that counted when it came to an alpha wolf.

  “Dad knows.”

  She stumbled to a stop. “How?” She’d thought Aaron had been in bed beside her the entire time.

  “I woke and figured he or Nicholas would be waiting outside.” He ran his hands up and down her arms. “He’s fine with it. Said he expected it, given the way I looked at you.”

  Curious, she had to ask, “How do you look at me?”

  “The same way my dad looks at my mom.”

  Her insides went positively gooey. Leaning into him, she went up on her toes. He lowered his head, their lips grazing.

  “There you are.”

  She snapped back at the interruption. Aaron growled and then combed his fingers through his hair. “Yeah, here we are.”

  Her uncle strode toward them, a huge grin on his face that faded the closer he got. His gaze lasered in on her neck. “You’re mated.” His tone was flat. No way to know how he felt about it.

  She stepped in front of Aaron. “Yes.”

  The two men stared at each other. Jesse snapped her fingers, breaking the standoff. “Standing right here.”

  Gator shook his head and gave her his full attention. “You’re happy about this?” He took her hands in his. “You were not pushed into mating?” Something dangerous flashed in his eyes.

  That he was worried about her meant a lot. She was beginning to believe this uncle of hers might be the real deal. “I wasn’t pushed,” she assured him.

  He studied her a few seconds longer, then nodded and tugged her into his arms. “I’m happy for you, chère.”

  “What about me?” Aaron stood, legs parted, thumbs hooked into the front pockets of his jeans.

  “I’m happy for you, too.” Gator hugged him, slapping him on the back. “You take good care of my niece.” He turned to her. “You tell me if he makes you unhappy. I’ll deal with him.”

  It was difficult to tell if he was joking or not, so she nodded. “Yeah. Sure.”

  Aaron slung his arm over her shoulders. “I plan on making her very happy.” The sexual innuendo was unmistakable. She elbowed him in the ribs.

  Gator laughed, his blue eyes flashing. “Come. The food is ready and everyone is waiting.”

  Her stomach knotted. She rested a hand over it and nodded. With her uncle leading the way, they stepped into the clearing behind his home. A small crowd waited, chatting in groups. They sat or stood around a half-dozen picnic tables that had been pulled together to create one long one.

  They all went silent when she and Aaron stepped into view.

  Her gaze drifted over all of them, paying particular attention to the ones she hadn’t met. The men all looked tough. The women seemed friendlier, but that could be a facade. Keeping her chin up, she followed Aaron’s lead as he guided her toward his parents.

  Gwen’s welcoming smile faded, and she put her hand to her mouth. “You’re mated,” she whispered. “You’re mated.” This time louder. “You’re mated.” She screamed it this time and ran, not to Aaron but Jesse.

  The older woman threw her arms around her and hugged her tight. “I’m so happy for you both. Welcome to the family.”

  Her happiness was so genuine and unexpected, tears filled Jesse’s eyes. She dug her nails into the palms of her hands and used the small pain to center herself so she didn’t start bawling like a baby. “Thank you.” Her throat threatened to close.

  Jacque stepped over beside his mate. “Welcome to the pack.” He put his hand around the back of her neck and pulled her forward until their foreheads touched. Her wolf gave a happy whine. An emptiness deep inside her—one she’d had since the day she was born—began to close. Acceptance from a pack.

  I truly belong.

  She nodded, afraid to speak. Aaron’s smile was gentle, as if he understood how profound a moment this was for her. With him beside her, the rest of the pack came forward, one at a time. She met her aunt and cousin and his mate. The names and faces blurred. There was no way she’d remember them all. She could barely remember her own name.

  Aaron’s brother hung back until everyone else wandered off. “You move even faster than I did.” Nicholas grabbed his brother in a hug that would have crushed a regular human.

  “I don’t know about that.” He pounded Nicholas on the back. “You married Bailey within days of meeting her.”

  Married? Jesse tilted her head to one side, curious but too polite to ask. Wolves mated, but marriage was rarer. If it happened, it was usually more for government documentation than anything else. There was definitely a story there. She’d get Aaron to tell her when they were alone.

  “Welcome, little sister.” Nicholas was more restrained in his hug. “This is my mate, Bailey.” The woman was only a few inches shorter than the men. Her red hair gleamed and her eyes missed nothing. Like Jesse, she wore jeans and a T-shirt.

  “It’s good to meet you. I hear we have a lot in common.”

  “We do?” That was news to her.

  Bailey’s smile was grim. “My grandfather tried to kill me and my brother. We’re half-breeds.”

  She left the last word hanging, as if she expected Jesse to make some sort of disapproving comment. Not only was bigotry of that kind stupid and unfounded, she wasn’t exactly in a place to throw stones. Not with her upbringing. In her experience, a person’s actions spoke much louder than their lineage. “Ah, I’m a bastard.”

  Bailey’s lips twitched. Then she laughed. “We should talk.”

  Jesse had never had a female friend before. It was an intriguing idea. One that she was actually looking forward to. “I’d like that.”

  Aaron rolled his eyes. “Not sure that’s such a good idea. The two of you against the two of us. We don’t stand a chance.”

  The teasing put her at ease. For the first time in her life, she was accepted for who and what she was. She might not be Cinderella, but she sure as hell had a fairy godmother out there somewhere. There was no other way to explain Aaron’s appearance in her life.

  Jesse’s head snapped around, her wolf alerting, sensing danger. A deadly undercurrent rolled across the group. Jacque and his brother, Louis, had their heads together talking. Both of them looked grim. “Something’s happened.”

  And it had to do with her. She headed toward them. Aaron kept step beside her, his hand on her back, connecting them. Jacque saw her coming and waved her forward. Gator joined them just as they reached the alpha.

  He held up a phone. “This is the pack business line. There’s a message on it. Your father is demanding your return.”

  ****

  His wolf was frantic, howling and clawing, wanting to get at the threat. Aaron’s skin rippled, but he contained the beast, needing to be calm. Not easy in a killing mood. Fists clenched at his sides, he took a deep breath. Beside him, Jesse could have been carved from stone, she was so still.

  He wanted to howl in fury. She’d retreated behind her walls, yet again. Every time things seemed to be going her way, something happened to mar her happiness. She’d been settling in, relaxing and enjoying herself. Her sire had stolen that from her with a single phone call.

  “What will you do?” She sounded calm, almost disinterested.

  Screw their audience. He spun her around, grabbed her upper arms, and yanked her up on her toes. “If you think I’m letting you go, you’re sadly mistaken.”

  Relief, along with fear, flickered in her eyes before it disappeared.

  “You’re my mate. Mine.” He brushed his lips over the mark, a reminder to her and the others. A shudder ran through her, and she gave a reluctant nod. “What exactly did he say?” he asked his father.

  “He’s claiming the right to take his daughter.”

  “He’s no father,” she snapped. “He’s never made a claim before. Why now? What is he trying to accomplish?”

  Aaron followed the reasoning. “By claiming family kinship, he’s trying to avoid conflict with the pack. It’s actually smart.”

  “He is many things—most of them not admirable—but he isn’t totally stupid.” Gator scratched his chin. “Alain was never satisfied with what he had, always wanting more. That is not a bad thing when a man is trying to better himself. For my brother, it is all about greed and power.”

  “He’s right.” Jesse tried to step away from him, but Aaron wasn’t letting her distance herself. Locking his arm around her waist, he kept her anchored to his side. She made a half-hearted attempt to get him to release her, without being too obvious about it, and then subsided, leaning into him. “If he could find a way to get rid of the alpha and take his place, he would.”

  Jacque growled. “Jean Paul Dupointe should have dealt with this problem.” He glanced at Jesse. “He should have done so when you were born. The pack should never have abandoned you.”