Page 29 of Heartless Wolf (Wolf Moon Rejected #1)

CHAPTER 29 - LIV

Aaliyah’s caution stuck with me all night. “ Honey, you need to know what you’re getting into. You know that club comes first for bikers. Especially those as ambitious as Dash .”

I plucked leaves from the wild herbs we collected from the forest and mixed them in the boiling tawny stew we prepared for the men’s return. “It’s what he’s always wanted.”

Stop being the damn martyr. Take your happy ending by the damn balls.

The corners of my new jailer’s eyes pinched with each slice of meat—chorizo, steak, and sausage. Shifter men ate lots of protein. “Multiple times my men chose the club over me, burning my trust.”

What. In. The. Actual. Fuck?

Aaliyah set her hand on my shoulder, her eyes sympathetic, mouth grim. “I’d hate for you to get hurt again. Is this the life you want?”

Hell to the no. Hit my limit for rejection for a lifetime. Four years ago, I swore not to lose all sense of myself and settle for something toxic. “I want to give this a chance. I don’t want to come between Dash’s life-long dream, but I certainly won’t take a back damn seat to his club.”

Dash’s tender strokes, which hadn’t let up all night, brought me back to the present. Warm and snug, curled into my Lunar mate’s body. Warm breath dancing on my shoulder. Delirious. Grateful. Content. Horny as fuck, thanks to my mounting Lunar heat. I had to bury the last one and pretend a hard log wasn’t making friends with my ass.

Yesterday brimmed with revelations all around. Stubborn pride prevented Dash from admitting his mistakes. Chase’s accident branded Dash with doubt that he would hurt me. Bitterness stung the back of my throat at the way everything came out to Dash’s boss of all people when I deserved that honesty first. Two orgasms and an apology didn’t erase years of heartache overnight or repair broken trust. Actions spoke louder than words, and I’d hold Dash to account for each one until he rebuilt my trust.

Thumping on the door sparked Dash into an “I will kill you for waking my mate” type growl.

“It’s me!” Steele thundered from the other side of the door. The man never did anything softly.

Dash kissed my ear, tugged the blankets up to my neck, and climbed from the bed, shoving his legs into his boxers.

The rumble of his throat flattened at cracking open the door. “Playing Daddy Steele saved you from getting your jaw rearranged for waking my mate!” Paper bags crinkled in his grip.

Steele’s laugh thundered like a god’s. “Speak for yourself. Your mate will screw you up for locking her up, and I’ll finish it for lying to my Umbra.”

I laughed at their brotherhood. “I was awake anyway, no need for broken jaws. And… I’m more of a testicle collector.”

Dash’s face scrunched and he crushed his thighs together.

Steele huffed with amusement. “Umbra Hester will be here in thirty.”

Home. Family. My life. Was that my life anymore? My shewolf groaned at the prospect of separating from her mate. I too felt reluctant to leave for some reason. Restless and edgy that if I went back to my pack, I’d miss out on something. Bonding? Fun between the sheets? Love? I didn’t discount it.

Last night, I accepted his apology but remained cautious and wanted to take things slow. Test that he meant every pledge. Give us a clean slate.

Dash lifted his chin in thanks and closed the door. Paper coffee cups clicked as he set them on the bedside table. “Don’t think you’re getting away from me so easily, my mate. I’ll be over first thing tomorrow for a date.”

I almost coughed on the roll, thickened by the coffee I mixed it with. Much as the idea appealed to me, I needed a few day's space to clear my head, get retrospection, catch up on pack duties and tend to the sanctuary.

“Your dad will probably have my balls if I step one foot on his lands.” He brushed a stray lock of hair from my face, eliciting a cascade of tingles from my cheek to my neck. “Nothing’s keeping me away from you, Liv.”

I really wanted to believe that. The doubtful side haunted me with Aaliyah’s caution. “What about the club? Won’t you be busy with that?”

“I’ll manage.” He casually rolled his shoulders. “Father might permit me reprieve from sentinel duty to be with my betrothed.” At the last word, my shewolf howled to the stars that guided us back together. “If he doesn’t have my ass in solitary confinement or the wolf’s bane rope course for lying to him.”

I swallowed hard, doubtful Ash Lumbry would grant his son time with me after defying him.

“Maybe I might have to sneak out and meet you.” We’d done it before. Never been caught. I enjoyed the rebellion while it lasted.

Dash’s knuckles glanced along the inside of my arms and my body came alive, leaning into him. “I want you with me, Liv. Life without you was a living nightmare. I’ve punished myself for too long. Walked through hell and back. Hurt you when I swore not to.” His determination to make things right lit up my insides like the first touch of dawn on the forest floor. “If they keep me away from you for too long, I’ll go stir crazy and kidnap you again.”

I snorted, believing him. Disobedience and trouble I could count on. But after the danger he and his men brought upon both our packs, I wanted an element of safety. “Maybe call me first. You want my cell number?”

He stared me down. “I never lost it.”

Wow. I deleted his three times and readded it immediately until I said goodbye for good a month later. “I don’t have yours.”

“I’ll have your ass for deleting mine.” He slapped my thigh, then stretched over me, his amber scent invading me, drawing my nose into his neck.

He rumbled with satisfaction and removed my cell from his side table. Right. That was where he hid it. Crawling slowly back over me, he ghosted his lips over mine, and sparks exploded all over. Smiling smugly, he tapped his number into my device and handed it back.

“Mooncrack’s Delicious Man,” I read out the name he entered for himself. Smiling coyly, I retyped a more fitting one. “Ball Less.”

He huffed. “Take my balls and you won’t get a pup.” He grinned and tucked into the rest of his meal.

Pups were a looonngg way off. Trust first. Friendship second. Sex and relationship third. Then we’d talk marriage.

The ease that was always present between us emerged from where I locked it away. I could get used to the natural banter and friendship between us. Build upon that foundation into something stronger and unbreakable.

I let a claw spring out and traced it along his sharp cheekbone. “Then I guess you better be good for once.”

Coffee snorted out his nose, and he mopped it up with his napkin. “I better get used to life without my balls.”

I loved that he didn’t pretend to be anything other than his true nature. That gave me strength that I had the same rebellious fire within me to choose my own path without the direction of my father or grandfather.

Speaking of my father, his dark pickup rolled into the pebbled driveway outside, parking next to the garage. My wolf howled in protest to stay, but I wasn’t ready to take a leap yet.

Dash tensed. “Come on, Mooncrack. Remember my good looks before I lose them to a mauling for taking you without your father’s permission.”

I giggled and smacked his arm. “I’d wrestle my father for the privilege.”

He rewarded me with a sharp ass slap. “I haven’t forgotten my promise to teach that mouth a lesson.”

Thrills skittered across my skin in memory of the way he lathered me last night and treated my skin to every attention. Imagining him rough and punishing morphed the gentle heat between my thighs into a log fire.

Dash forced me into my clothes, an emptiness expanding in my heart. My hand clasped in his, he steered me out of his bedroom, into the lounge. Silly teen angst thumped under my breast at the prospect of being apart. Reservations of him changing his mind wormed under my skin and took root. Suddenly, I didn’t wish to return to my pack. Staying with Dash would be my choice for once.

Steele led my father into the clubhouse, his heavy gaze casting over the setting and Dash’s four men flanking him. Ping pong balls bounced in my heart at the sight of my sister hobbling beside him, glaring at the back of her mate’s head. Father kept a protective arm over her shoulder as if he worried the Lumbrys would take another Hester female.

Father’s body trembled with restrained rage to teach the younger wolf a lesson for kidnapping another Alpha’s daughter. Risky when surrounded by five insanely fit and very strong wolves.

Apprehension crackled beneath my skin, and I inched my body slightly in front of Dash to protect him. My mate tugged me back to his side, lowering my wolf’s agitation with a reassuring hand squeeze.

Dash calmly explained the situation to my father, accepting full responsibility for his mistake, reasoning he only wanted to keep his mate safe. Father’s murderous glare lightened when my Lunar mate gave an update on the Malice’s incarceration at the Bathurst police holding cell for damage of property and common assault. The sick twist of my stomach released at the news of additional charges of rape, sexual assault, and false imprisonment relating to four unsolved cases. Karma was a bitch.

Steele’s gaze divided between his mate and Alpha, his brown eyes softening with adoration mingled with regret. Heather either pretended Steele didn’t exist, or was too wrapped up in me to notice.

“Squeaky!” She broke away and clumsily crashed into me.

Steele thundered a warning growl at me that I returned, only stopping when Heather hushed me with a light arm pat. She wanted to show him her strength when my protectiveness branded her weak and defenseless.

My first instinct was to snap back from her, but I rocked her gently, electrified to see her. “Nimble, be careful.”

The dull ache of longing in my chest eased. We never spent a night apart. Up until age thirteen, we shared a bed, and even when we slept alone, we shared everything. Secrets, clothes, hopes, and dreams.

My sister’s thumb traced the outline of my fading bruises. “I’m going to kill TJ.” Get in line. A very long line. “Did Dash hurt you?”

I pacified her flaring angry heat by skimming my palm over her face. “No.” A bold-faced lie.

Talk of iron-reinforced cages would reverse any hope of an alliance between the Lumbrys and Hesters, and we needed it to fend off upcoming strikes from the Malices. And my greedy heart needed Dash alive.

My sister picked up on it instantly and gave me a sly wink. Yeah. Not getting into that in front of Father. He ought to save his strength for defeating TJ, and not wound Dash for caging me.

“Thank you for keeping her safe here.” Father shook Dash’s hand, suggesting all was forgiven, but never forgotten. “Never lie to me or your father again. Do you hear me?”

Dash lifted his chin and brought it down in a hard nod.

Heather and I exchanged a shocked glance at Father’s leniency, my fingers crushing hers, my breath trapped. Crescent moons shadowing his eyes betrayed his restless nights and the mounting toll of solving the Malice complications. Allies were crucial to defeating our enemies, not starting another war. Diplomacy. Pacification. Peace... for now, at least.

Father gestured at Dash. “Show me around your operation here. Your father tells me it’s new.”

Dash’s brow hiked as if he expected his father to conceal the filthy biker club out of shame. “Steele, stay and watch the females while I show Joe around.”

Steele gave a pleased grunt as Dash gave Father a tour, the rest of the Lumbrys sticking close to the Alpha’s side.

Heather coyly twirled her hair, her mate’s eyes enlarging, tracking her motion. “What a crazy few days, huh?”

The Lunar goddess dropped the moon on my head, shaking me from my tense daze, alerting me to the difference in my sister’s appearance. Blow-dried curly hair starkly different from her standard ponytail secured at the back of her head with a hairclip. Mascara darkened her lashes. Soft pink blush highlighted her cheeks. Curves accentuated by her catsuit with a jacket drawn tight across her bust. Hot damn, someone dressed up to come here.

Nerves at Father’s reaction to Dash’s conduct blinded me. Was she having second thoughts about Steele? My heart did a little shimmy. Giving our mates a second chance was something we had in common to support each other through.

I breathed out all the tension carried over from the last seventy-two hours. “Yeah, I’m ready to go home.”

“Like hell you are!” Lies never got past my sister. She finally gave Steele the time of day. “Steele, if you repeat a word of this to anyone, I’ll have your balls for dinner.”

He rumbled, the corners of his mouth rising into a partial smile. “You have my word, Moonshine.”

Her eyelids fluttered at the nickname, then she steeled herself against the spell of his warm growl. “Squeaky, don’t you dare come home.”

Hackles prickled, my guard rolled up, anticipating what she had to say, and conscious of my private business aired in front of an audience again. Life as an heir stripped me of privacy when pack members knew every detail of my life. I clung to my discretion and secrets.

Heather pinched her brow and got real with me. “Don’t leave it until after your nuptials to work things out. Stay here and bond. Set aside the past and forgive him. Let your wedding day be a celebration, not a war.”

The way she glanced over at Steele suggested she wasn’t just speaking for me. His hands curled at his side, his gaze dropped to the floor as if he didn’t feel worthy to look upon the mate he hurt. The part of my heart where her happiness resided kick-started like an engine jolted to life, telling me hope existed for those two.

My sister clasped my elbows. “This romantic heart won’t be content until you get your happy ending.”

I sniff-laughed and nudged her side with my hip. “You and your fairy tales, Nimble.”

She slapped me again. “Keep your scorn to yourself.”

Our guard broke away, snatching a beer from the fridge and hurrying out the back door. A little early for alcohol, but he clearly needed it to drown out the meaning behind her words.

Heather winced at the crack of wood closing.

Father was right. My sister was stronger than I gave her credit for. Fear of abandonment held her captive, and she hid away and never put herself out there. Her courage to put her heart on the line melted me. The romantic in her really wanted to forgive Steele and be his. She cracked the vault to her heart open, now it was Steele’s turn to walk through.

Heather knew how to snap me out of doubt and change my mind. Fuck taking it slow and dating. If our fathers had any say, we’d be wedded in a month, anyway. Taking inspiration from my sister and her fantasy world, I searched deep for the courage to slay my demons and stay with Dash. To hell with the consequences.

Time to let Father know of my decision. Crowded by five rivals, he returned from his tour, his brow heavy, eyes set, jaw firm.

“Come, daughter.” He beckoned me with a tick of his head.

Dash’s gaze darkened at finding Steele absent from his post by the wall. I was leaving that alone.

Tight to my side, my sister held her breath, pumping me with her tenacity.

“With your permission, Father,” I started. “I’d like to stay with my mate… where I belong.”

Frown lines sliced through his forehead. He might have put aside his differences for the sake of an alliance treaty with the Lumbrys, but he wasn’t about to reward the thief with his daughter.

Dash stepped forward to plead his case. “With all due respect, sir. My pack has the better fighters to protect her. She’ll be safer with me.”

Father’s rolling growl warned the younger male to remember his place. “If I can’t trust you to comply with an order, why would I entrust my daughter’s life to you, pup?”

The pinging balls in my chest rattled at the bottom of my ribcage.

Dash’s posture tensed at the insult. Insolent, undisciplined pack members got thrown into the pup category when they acted like young wolves.

Despite all his bite, Father teetered on the edge of granting us permission. I leaned forward, desperate for those words to fall from his lips, to breathe life back into my withered heart, loneliness and abstinence having dried it to dust.

Father delivered his reply with all teeth. “If you wish to stay with her, then you and your men can sleep on the decking of her cabin, pup.”

Realizing he wouldn’t win this contest, Dash backed down, his jaw grinding like he chewed razors. “Yes, sir. Let me get a bag and pack some things.”

Ping pong balls started bouncing in my chest again for Dash’s sacrifice for me.

My father waved him away. “Have her back by dusk, boy, or the deal is off.” At least he dropped the pup word.

Dash outstretched a hand to settle the negotiation. “Thank you, sir. I will.”

Elation tripped through me that my father afforded me this small luxury after Dash’s misdeed. “Thank you, Father.”

My shewolf tossed her head back to howl her joy at the moon. Alone time with her mate. At last.

Heather gave me a congratulatory hand crush.

Father’s hand found her back and nudged her. “Come on, daughter. Leave them to it.”

Heather threw her arms around my neck and crushed herself to me. “See you tonight, Squeaky.”

“Bye.” I pressed her tightly to me for a few beats before releasing her.

Father stroked my jaw, smiled, and flicked his gaze to Dash, threatening him with a growl that promised to hurt him if he broke my heart again.