Wolf's Fall (Alpha Pack #6)(40)

Lowering her bottom, he covered her body with his and gathered her to his chest, wanting this closeness when they came together. The sense of completeness. He f*cked her hard and fast, their breaths mingling. Drove them higher.

“Claim me,” she gasped. “Make me yours!”

His wolf roared at the words they’d both been waiting to hear. “Are you sure?”

“Yes!”

She offered her neck, and his fangs lengthened faster than they ever had.

“Ah, f*ck!” he yelled, every muscle locking down as he pumped his load inside her. He could stand it no longer, and struck, clamping his jaws onto the curve of her neck and shoulder, burying his fangs deep. She cried out and clung to his shoulders, riding out the wave, milking his cock. Bathing him with heat.

Suddenly, he felt them being enveloped in a brilliant white light. It grew, swelled, so intense he thought his body might explode. And then the light burst into a million stars, wringing a fresh orgasm from him, which he pumped into her channel.

From the stardust, an invisible golden thread spanned between them from Nick to his new mate, wound itself tightly between their two souls. Bound them as one in the way of his kind.

“I feel that,” she gasped. “It’s incredible.”

“Me, too. And, yes, it is.” He kissed her face, any part of her in reach.

When the last of their spasms subsided, he carefully released her shoulder and collapsed over her, sweaty and panting. And more satisfied than he’d been in decades. “Thank you,” he whispered. “So much.”

“It felt right.”

“Yes, and it was right.”

She gazed up at him, and there was such raw emotion on her face as she asked the question he’d known was coming. “Can I claim you, too? I want that so much.”

A vampire’s fangs. In my flesh.

A cold chill seized his heart, but he took a deep breath and said, “I want that, too.”

Excited, hopeful, she rose up a bit and leaned over him. He closed his eyes, just letting himself feel as she began to place soft kisses on his face and neck. She stroked his chest, playing with a hard nipple, something he loved. The touches sent tiny little shocks of pleasure through his body, and he thought maybe he could do this. For Calla, and himself.

Pleasure warred against the fear. Nick cocked his head, presenting his neck, and tried to ignore how his blood pressure shot through the roof.

“Relax,” she said, smoothing a palm over his chest. “Your heart is racing and I can practically scent your fear.”

“I’m all right. Just do it.”

A frown creased her brow. “My claiming you shouldn’t be something you have to endure.”

“I know, and I’m fine. Go ahead.” He gave her a half smile.

She smoothed a finger over his jaw, her expression so tender he could’ve wept. “Nick, I can’t do this when you’re obviously not ready. My claiming should be done with joy on both our parts—”

“Calla, I said I’m fine—”

“No, Nick. This isn’t the time.”

Oh, God. Did she have any idea how emasculated he felt right now? How ashamed? He kissed her gently and slid from the bed. “I’m going to see Tarron, check on any progress with catching the vampire who took you. I’ll see you later.”

Disappointment clouded her pretty features. “How much later?”

“I don’t know.”

“Stay, please? Just for a while?”

She knew he was lying. It was there in her eyes, the hurt he’d caused. He could stand anything except being the cause of her pain.

“I have to go.”

With efficient movements, he dressed and left before he could change his mind. He needed time and space to figure out how to get past his fear.

Dammit, Nick, you stupid *.

He’d ruined a perfect morning. He’d make this up to his mate. Somehow.

* * *

Nick stalked to Tarron’s office and knocked sharply. He waited for permission to enter before striding inside to find the prince in a meeting with two men—Teague and a vampire Nick had never met before.

“Glad you’re here,” Tarron said with a genuine smile. He indicated the new vampire. “Nick, I’d like you to meet Ian Lockwood, my best friend and right hand for more years than I care to remember. He’s been in England for the past few months, taking care of some personal business, and I for one am pleased to have him back. Ian, this is Nick Westfall, commander of the Alpha Pack.”

“Years? Try a couple of centuries.” The vampire stuck out his hand. “It’s good to meet you. I’ve met some of your team as well and they seem like first-rate warriors.”

Nick couldn’t help but puff his chest out a little as he shook the offered hand. “They are, every single one. They make me look good.”

“The best of men always do,” Ian acknowledged.

Nick sized up Ian. The big vampire seemed openly friendly, and yet Nick sensed a strength about him. A steely determination that hinted he’d protect what was his. Nick didn’t get any visions, but he didn’t have to in order to know the vampire would need that strength in the days to come.

Tarron leaned back in his chair and addressed Nick. “Speaking of our men, some of them went back to the cabin where Calla was held. They’re searching for more clues and will bring us anything more they find.”