Wolf's Fall (Alpha Pack #6)(56)

But the need for her mate was all she had to hold on to.

* * *

Late-afternoon shadows slanted across the porch of the cabin Nick had rented.

There had been no time to hire someone to clean, so he’d spent the last few hours scrubbing. Shirtless and dripping with sweat, he stood in the living room and surveyed his efforts with satisfaction.

Every piece of furniture shone and the fresh scent of lemon oil permeated the air. The carpets were vacuumed and everything dusted. There were fresh sheets on the bed, too. At the thought of Calla claiming him, he felt a twinge of unease, but he pushed it down, replacing his fear with thoughts of how sweet and sensual his mate was. He could do this. It was going to be fine.

A throb of pain shot through his almost-healed leg, reminding him of the basilisk, and the rogues and hunters doing their best to get rid of him and his allies. As he rubbed his thigh, his thoughts naturally drifted to their enemy—Ivan Cardenas.

“Very soon, you sick f*cker, I’ll find out where you’re hiding. Then we’ll have a whole new ball game, *.”

Glancing around, he decided the place was ready. All that was left was to fetch his mate.

Jumping in the shower, he got cleaned up quickly. After drying off and getting dressed in a pair of black pants and a blue dress shirt, he took one last look around. Satisfied, he headed out the door.

Smiling to himself, he got into the low-slung Ford GT and fired it up. The engine started with a throaty purr, and he silently thanked Tarron again for loaning him the car for tonight. He wanted everything to be perfect. A hot car, a rented cabin, and a man determined to fully give himself to his mate—an unbeatable recipe for romance.

The drive didn’t take long, and less than half an hour later he pulled up to the entrance of the coven’s grounds. Recognizing him and Tarron’s car, the sentry there waved him through the gate. Reaching the end of the road at the main entrance, Nick swung the vehicle around in the driveway and saw Calla already waiting. Her expression lit up and she seemed glad to see him.

Hurrying over, she climbed into the car and leaned over, giving him a sweet, slow kiss. “I’ve missed you, even if it was only for the day.”

“It’s not like you haven’t seen me,” he pointed out.

“I know. But I felt like we were miles apart and I hated that.”

Taking her hand, he kissed the soft skin on the back of it. “Me, too. I hated feeling like I’d let you down. That’s why I pulled away.”

“Oh, Nick. You didn’t let me down. I don’t believe you ever could, unless you gave up on us without a fight.”

“Told you, not going to happen—in spite of my big mouth.”

“Good.”

“You look beautiful, by the way,” he said, eyeing her in appreciation.

“Thanks. So do you.”

She had on a classic little black dress, sleeveless, that fell just above her pretty knees. The material hugged her curves without being too tight. Her hair was loose around her face and shoulders, and her eyes sparkled. His heart did a weird lurch. His wolf may have claimed her, but it was the man who was falling in love.

Had fallen.

The cabin was far enough away from the stronghold to feel like an escape, but close enough that she could teleport them in seconds, if necessary. As far as their safety, he wasn’t taking any chances. She’d never see the team of wolves he’d placed in the forest to stand guard for the night.

When he rounded a bend in the road and the structure came into view, Calla gasped in surprise. It was impressive, built of logs and stone, with a wall of glass facing the forest. Chuckling to himself, he made a note not to get dirty in front of the windows, or the guys would get a show.

“What?”

“Nothing. Do you like it?”

“It’s beautiful,” she breathed as he parked. Getting out of the car, she gazed at their place for the night. “Let’s go in.”

He unlocked the door and let them in, leading Calla by the hand. Once inside, she twirled around, wide-eyed, clearly delighted with the fat leather sofas, oak furniture, and soaring ceilings. A dining room had its own space next to the kitchen, and was open to the living room as well.

“Are you cooking?” she asked, looking toward the kitchen. “You did promise dinner.”

“Hungry?”

“Starved.”

“Then I suggest you open the door.”

Looking puzzled, Calla crossed the foyer, peered out the peephole, then opened the front door, where a tall, thin man dressed in a tuxedo stood regarding her down the considerable length of his hawklike nose.

“Good evening, madam,” he said, bowing gallantly. He introduced himself as the maître d’ of the Duck, the fanciest restaurant in the county. “I’m here with your dinner, and I hope you’re famished.” He gestured to a rolling cart behind him, laden with covered silver dishes.

Calla’s eyes rounded. “All that? I’m glad I’ll have help eating it. You can bring it right through here.”

“Certainly, madam.” He turned abruptly and snapped his fingers toward the open doorway. A younger waiter leapt forward from the shadows to maneuver the cart inside. They followed her to the formal dining room, where they made a great show of setting the dishes just precisely so.

As she watched in astonishment, they spread out two place settings, complete with china, crystal, and flatware. Nick grinned and took in her reaction with immense satisfaction. Calla clearly wasn’t used to being pampered, which surprised and pleased him, given her status. He was going to get used to spoiling her. The thought sent a small shiver of happiness through him.