Rev leans into me, pushing me down onto the earth. Lips travel along my jaw, down to my collarbone; hands squeeze my breasts, fingers pulling at my nipples. Soft moans escape him and I can feel the swell of his desire against my stomach.

  “I want to feel you…” I choke out, my head spinning.

  Rev wastes no time burying himself inside of me, and I can’t help the moan that escapes my throat.

  He moves against me, hips grinding slowly, and it's like the world around us has fallen away.

  His fingers graze over my skin, twisting themselves in my hair as his lips find mine once more. His tongue caresses mine before he nips at my lower lip. His thrusts come faster, and I can feel my pleasure building around him as I run my hands down his body, wrapping my legs around him tightly. I need more of this. More of him. My fingers slide over his hips, settling on his ass, as his lips trace over my breasts and nipples.

  He pulls his mouth away and kisses me once more before leaning his head against mine, each thrust deeper and faster than the last.

  “Make me come. Please...” I beg.

  Something about Reverie always puts me on edge like this.

  Wanting, needing.

  His smile etches itself into my heart as he grabs me, fingers gripping my skin tightly; trailing his tongue between my breasts before taking my nipple into his mouth and sucking gently. I’m so close it’s unbearable.

  “Rev….” My voice is breathless.

  “I like it when you call my name,” he says darkly. “I should make you do it more often.” I can’t hold it in anymore, and I come undone around him.

  I grip his back, fingernails digging into his skin as he pushes me past the edge, dragging me down into a freefall of bliss.

  I am lost in Reverie.

  Chapter 51

  Jade

  I walk into the main house, Rev at my side. My legs are still trembling, but with his arm around me I know I’m not going to fall.

  Hannah and Melody are chewing on some wings, while Ranger has them piled on his plate.

  The knowing look he gives me, as he glances from me to Rev makes me smile with glee.

  My father comes over with two beers in his hand.

  He hands one to Rev, who looks terrified by the gesture.

  “I know this has been a lot for you. It’s a lot for all of us… but,” my father gestures around the room, “the shift is something to celebrate, no matter who you are. No matter when you do it.” Reverie holds his beer and I can see his shoulders loosen up.

  My dad holds his glass up, and the room silences.

  “Jade, I have always known you to march to the beat of your own drum. You are defiant, stubborn, smart, and you will make your way. I know that now. Reverie, you fell from the sky like a damn meteorite,” everyone in the room chuckles softly, “but I know one thing. I know the circumstances of your changing are nothing short of a miracle, and I can see without a doubt that you love my daughter.”

  Rev looks as if he might cry.

  “A word of advice?” My father smirks, and Rev finds his voice.

  “Yes, sir?”

  “Remember who’s boss.” He winks at Rev and the room erupts in laughter.

  “Dad!” I can’t help the mortification in my voice.

  “Enjoy the party, son. It’s for you.” My dad toasts Rev and walks away, leaving us both speechless. My mom smiles brightly in the background.

  “You must be starving, Reverie,” she says as she hands him a plate full of food.

  Rev’s eyes light up, no doubt excited about everything he sees.

  “I am a little hungry, yeah. That protein bar you left me wasn’t exactly filling, Ranger.” He raises an eyebrow at him.

  “Well, I couldn’t very well give away the big surprise, now could I?” he says through a mouthful of buffalo wings.

  The night was full of love.

  After more than a few beers and plates of food, and a decent amount of time around the bonfire, we’d finally made our way back to the guesthouse.

  Ranger takes off his shirt immediately as we enter the door, letting it drop to the floor.

  “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m in need of a damn shower. I would've washed up earlier, but,” he rubs his stomach, ”food comes first.” He lets out a laugh. Rev snatches his shirt, carefully folding it, and setting it on the armrest of the couch.

  My head's still spinning a bit, but I'm not sure if it's from the beer or if it’s just the reality of how perfect tonight was.

  Rev’s eyes darken as they rove over Ranger’s tanned back muscles.

  “Sounds good.”

  It seems like forever until I hear the water running and Rev nudges me.

  “Thank you for tonight. For everything, Jade. I mean it.” His voice is sincere.

  “You don’t have to thank me.” I smile back at him.

  I can't shake the feeling that despite how perfect it all was, I still feel a pang of sadness that not everyone was here. But I shove the thought down.

  “Didn’t you say you owe Ranger?” I smile devilishly at him.

  Rev smiles back as he catches my drift.

  “Yeah. I do. Any ideas on how to make it up to him?” He raises an eyebrow.

  Maybe it's the alcohol.

  Maybe it's the feeling of love that washes over me.

  Maybe I just need to forget about everything for a while and lose myself in my pack.

  “I have some ideas,” I say as I slowly take off for the shower, undressing as I go.

  Rev doesn't hesitate to follow.

  In the bathroom, the steam is potent. The sounds of falling water are relaxing to my ears as I quietly creep across the beige stone flooring and open the curtain.

  Ranger turns in surprise, and I almost stop breathing at the sight of him.

  Water drips down every inch of his tan, toned body. The defined muscles of his chest, his chiseled hip bones, that delicious V… every inch of his skin pinkened from the heat of the shower.

  I pull my lip between my teeth, and can't help the sound that escapes my throat. Ranger just smirks.

  “Well, well, what do we have here?” He looks at me through long eyelashes as he slicks his hair back, water running down his face. I slide up to him, letting the water fall around me.

  I run my hands up his chest, feeling him beneath my fingers.

  Warm, wet, and solid

  “A little birdy told me they owed you a favor.” My hands slide up further, going around his neck, and I pull him to me. I can feel his erection against my thigh, and my insides clench in anticipation.

  “Is that so?” he whispers darkly.

  “Mhmmmm…” I whisper as I drag my fingers down his chest and reach my hand between us, feeling his hardness. Rev is behind Ranger in seconds.

  “Don’t tell me you’re starting without me.” His voice has taken on that teasing, alluring tone he uses in the bedroom, which I love.

  The one which would have me doing whatever he asks.

  Ranger’s eyes sparkle with amusement.

  “Did he tell you what he owes me for?” Ranger flips me around, pushing my back up against the cold stone wall, water spraying around us from the action.

  “No…” I breathe heavily. I gaze up at Ranger, his expression sexy as all hell as he leans down, his lips above my ear..

  “I took him into the woods and sucked him off until he came in my mouth.” Ranger purrs in my ear.

  “I wish I could have seen that…” I lift my leg around Ranger’s hip as his hand runs along my skin, wet and warm as he pulls me closer, cradling the underside of my thigh. The water falls on us like rain, and I can hear Rev groaning behind him.

  “What else do you want to see, baby?” Ranger’s fingers travel down below my abdomen, stopping at my aching center. I look into his eyes and see pure fire.

  I swallow, and for the first time since all of this has transpired, I feel nervous.

  Never in a million years did I think I’d be here, backed against the wall with Ranger hard and ready for me.

  He plunges a finger into me, stretching me and I can't help the breath I take in after he inserts a second. My hips tilt up in response as he moves them slowly in and out of me.

  “Tell me what you want him to do to me, Jade.” His dark voice has me rolling my eyes back in my head.

  Good lord.

  I’d heard plenty of stories about Ranger in rumors and gossip. But it was something else to be the subject of his desire, and my heart lifts at the thought.

  You belong to me.

  Rev’s lips travel over Ranger’s neck, and I don't hold back, all my nerves melting away at the sight.

  “I want him to fuck you…” I let the words out like a prayer. “While you fuck me.”

  Ranger’s smile is infectious.

  “As you wish, Alpha.” Ranger lifts my legs without hesitation, and had I not been so wet at the thought of everything, or slightly buzzed, I’m sure I would be wincing at his entrance.

  Instead, I want more.

  I lean my head back against the marble wall, water running down my face and body, and when Ranger sucks in a breath with his cock throbbing inside me, I know the moment Rev is inside him. Ranger lets out a deep groan, as his lips find mine, and my insides twist deliciously. Ranger runs his tongue over my jaw, and I can see Rev, his hand settled on Ranger’s hip, sliding over the slick surface, and I know exactly what he is aiming for.

  The crisp sound of a slap has Ranger moaning in delight as he thrusts into me, hands fisting in my wet, tangled hair, his mouth ravaging mine.

  “Harder, Ranger.” I choke out against his lips, and he meets my desire. My legs tighten as they hold on for dear life.

  I reach my hands out, needing to feel both of them. With one hand squeezing Ranger’s hips, pulling him into me, I do the same with Reverie. My fingers dig into his flesh, pulling him forward and deeper into Ranger.

  Ranger’s eyes fall shut as he leans his head back, Reverie moving his mouth over Ranger’s neck and sucking on his flesh, causing him to groan. Rev’s dark brown eyes meet mine, filled with so many emotions. Need. Love. Excitement.

  Reverie’s hand finds mine over Ranger’s hip and grips tightly. The sounds of pleasure leaving Ranger has me on edge and ready to come just like this, with Ranger buried inside of me.

  “I’m so close,” I cry.

  “Fuck, me too,” Rev grunts.

  Ranger, in all his bliss, can’t even speak but a deep satisfied sound leaves his throat and I know he’s right there with us.

  We moved with precision, like a well oiled machine.

  I don’t know who comes first.

  I don’t think it really matters, though. Because as Ranger washes my hair, and Rev holds me tightly after, I know this is what I’m fighting for.

  My pack. A chance at a life together, with them.

  We get into bed without saying a word.

  Ranger wraps his arms around me and pulls me close. He rests his head in the crook of my neck. Reverie wraps his arms around me too, throwing a leg over me and Ranger, and as I drift to sleep in their arms, I feel a sense of sadness.

  Tomorrow is the council’s ceremony.

  And while I don’t regret my decision to challenge Dustin, I wish things could be different.

  Chapter 52

  Reverie

  I wake the next morning feeling refreshed, like a whole new person. This whole being a wolf thing has turned out much easier than I expected. The shift wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. It hurt like fuck, I don’t think I’ve ever felt a pain like that before, but it was worth it. The feeling of running through the woods with Jade and Ranger by my side, letting my wolf take over, giving into my instincts… It was exhilarating. Something I can’t wait to do again. This life suits me.

  Granted, there are still some loose ends to tie up, like dealing with my parents and even the sheriff. I hope I didn’t get my parents into trouble by not having talked to him yet. It’s a small town, I’m sure it’ll be fine, but I need to let Jade and Ranger know that it’s something I need to do. One of them will have to give me a ride into town. I also need to figure out what I’m going to do with my house… so many things and honestly, as I lie in bed, the bright morning sun flooding through the windows, the two most perfect people I’ve ever met sleeping beside me, I don’t want to think about all my problems and woes. I don’t want to plan or worry about what I have to do. I just want to lie here, and enjoy life, enjoy them.

  Unfortunately, nature calls and my stomach is growling. After last night’s events, I’m sure we could all use a good meal. I’m not feeling as energized as I was the last couple of days, and I know that was because of the full moon, but I still would enjoy making them breakfast.

  I sneak out of the bed, sliding out from under Jade’s and Ranger’s arms. As I move, Ranger pulls her closer to him and I can’t help but smile at the sight of them. So perfect and so mine.

  It’ll take her time to get over this whole Dustin fiasco, but Ranger and I will be here every step of the way. I can tell it’s already taking a toll on her, I see how she’s been lost deep in thought when she doesn’t know I’m looking. The way she zones out, chewing on her lip. I don’t think there is anything I love more than when I catch her attention and she smiles at me. The big, bright, heart stopping smile of hers. There is nothing in the world like that feeling. Knowing I do that to her.

  After staring for way too long, I pull on a pair of shorts and make my way downstairs to start breakfast. I get the pancake batter mixed, knowing how much Jade loves blueberry pancakes. They aren’t my favorite, but it’s okay. Whatever makes her happy is fine with me.

  “Those were the best pancakes I’ve ever had,” Jade says happily, leaning back in her seat.

  “I take offense to that,” Ranger says as he takes a sip of coffee. “I thought I made the best pancakes?”

  “Well, I kind of... lied.” Jade sinks down into her seat. Ranger’s eyes widen as he tosses a piece of toast at her.

  “How dare you!” he says with mock horror. I watch them both, trying to hold back my laughter.

  “I’m sorry, Ranger... Your cooking is just... Well, it’s not good! But I felt bad. You’re my best friend, I didn’t want you to be upset.” She looks at him pleadingly.

  “Well, I’m upset now,” he says, pouting. “How are you going to make me feel better?” He raises a brow in challenge.

  I tilt my head to the side and cross my arms, waiting for a response. This is going to be good.

  “I’m sure I could think of something,” she says, tapping her bottom lip. Her mouth curls up into an evil grin and she winks at me, but Ranger doesn't catch it. She gets up from her seat and saunters over to Ranger, leaning down and running her hands up his thighs. She leans forward and whispers something in his ear that makes him smile, his eyelashes fluttering as he chuckles darkly. Her hands slide up his abs slowly, and I can imagine exactly what it feels like. They rest on his chest as she leans in for a kiss. I sit back, getting comfortable, ready for this show.

  Only the unexpected happens. She pushes Ranger so hard the chair almost tips back and she turns around quickly.

  “You’re just going to have to catch me first!”

  “Oh, you little—” Ranger jumps up and takes off after her, the screen door slamming behind him. I get up and look out the window, watching as they both shift into their wolves and take off at a run. I look at the mess on the table and the mess of pans on the counter. I decide it can wait and jog outside, taking off after them.

  The shift goes smoothly, not hurting half as bad as it did last night. It doesn’t take me long to catch up to them, their scent is strong and like a beacon to me. I will always find them.

  As I catch up to them, I see Ranger running beside Jade, playfully nipping at her tail.

  Stop it! she shouts through this weird mindlink we have. Hearing their voices in my head as a wolf is something that may take me a while to get used to. But it’s so fucking cool.

  We come to a clearing and we all stop and sit, trying to catch our breath. I nuzzle into Jade, loving the way she feels against me, especially in this form.

  Ranger lies down beside her, looking over at us.

  How are you feeling about tonight? he asks. We both know this ceremony is weighing heavily on her. This is a big thing for her to let go of. As much as I know she’s happy, this still isn’t what she wanted.

  I’m… fine.

  I glance at Ranger. Clearly she doesn’t want to talk about it, so we don’t push her. Instead, we stay here for a little bit longer before I get up and ask them to race me. I know this isn’t a competition… but we can still have some friendly fun.

  Chapter 53

  Dustin

  My father, along with everyone else around here, has been preparing all damn day for this ceremony. I’ve tried to help set up, needing to take my mind off of all the bullshit going on, but no one would let me do a thing. All of them acting like I’m too good for hard labor. I’m the “future alpha,” therefore, I “shouldn’t be doing such things.”

  It’s ridiculous.

  When my father found out I’d been looking for something to do, he scolded me like a child.

  “Dustin, you know better. Alphas don’t take part in constructing tents.”

  The man is a nightmare.He’s going to be even worse after tonight. I know it. I don’t care though. It’ll be worth it. All of this will be worth whatever it is I get from him. Because in the end, I’ll have what I want.

  I’m lying in my bed, my hands behind my head, staring up at the ceiling as the sun goes down. My room has two full walls of windows and I can always tell the time of day without a clock. A knock sounds at my door, pulling me from my thoughts.

  “Dustin, time to go, son.” My dad’s dressed in his finest black suit, white button up with a gray tie. In the shadows of the hallway, he looks younger, but just as terrifying as ever.

  An alpha should strike fear into the hearts of his pack and his enemies. I’ve heard him say those words more than once.