Page 15

CHAPTER 15

L ia

The campfire flickered against the trees, casting long, shifting shadows as I crouched behind a stack of wooden crates near the edge of camp, downwind from the Alphas. The scent of burning pine wood filled the air, mingling with the crisp mountain wind, and if I closed my eyes, I could almost pretend I was just out for a late-night walk instead of eavesdropping on my mate and his new war council.

I stayed still, barely breathing, listening.

Varek’s voice carried easily over the crackling fire, that sharp, self-assured drawl of his impossible to miss. “It’s likely too dangerous to take your mates with us.”

Instantly defensive, my fingers clasped around the fabric of my sleeves.

Excuse me?

Rowan and Silas both growled at the suggestion, and some petty, self-satisfied part of me enjoyed that, at least until Silas spoke next.

“Lia stays here. Kendra too. They’ll be safest here. Jax will watch over them both.”

My stomach dropped. I didn’t need to hear anything else. I turned, slipping back into the darkness between the tents, my boots making no sound against the packed dirt.

I had known Silas was overbearing, that he liked to take charge, but I hadn’t expected him to make a decision for me without even asking what I thought about it.

By the time I reached his cabin, my pulse was still hammering, my face still heated as I eased the door open and slipped inside, kicked off my boots, and crawled under the blankets, forcing my body to relax. A few minutes passed before I heard the cabin door open again.

Silas.

I kept my breathing slow and steady, my back to him as I pretended to be asleep. The floor creaked beneath his weight, the sound of fabric rustling as he pulled off his clothes. A moment later, the mattress dipped and warmth enveloped me as he slid into bed. His arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me close, his body heat seeping into my back. I held still, keeping my breathing even.

Hopefully he thought I was asleep.

Good.

If he wasn’t going to tell me the truth, if he was going to leave me behind like I was a child or some fragile thing that needed protection, then he didn’t need to know what I was planning. If he wasn’t going to take me with him, I’d just have to follow.

The thought settled in my mind like a stone in water, rippling outward and solidifying into something certain.

Silas firmed his hold on me, like his body knew what I was thinking even if his mind didn’t.

I ignored it, and eventually, finally, I let sleep pull me under.

* * *

I woke to the scent of coffee and something warm and delicious sizzling over a fire.

For a moment, I let myself stay wrapped in the blankets, my body still heavy with sleep, the morning light filtering softly through the window. The bed was warm, and the space beside me was empty, but still held the lingering heat of Silas’s body. I stretched, yawning, and turned onto my back just as I heard movement near the hearth.

Silas stood at the stove, his broad back facing me, moving with quiet efficiency as he flipped something in a cast-iron skillet. The smell of eggs, crispy bacon, and toasted bread filled the small cabin, and my stomach growled.

Silas must have heard it because he glanced over his shoulder, his golden eyes softening when they met mine.

“Morning, Wildcat.” His gravelly morning voice was sexy, though I was holding onto my indignation from the night before.

I grumbled something unintelligible and burrowed deeper into the blankets, trying to fight off the morning chill.

Silas smiled. “I made you breakfast.”

My brows furrowed. “Why are you being nice?”

His lips twitched as he grabbed a mug from the counter, filled it with steaming black coffee, and walked over to the bed. He crouched down, holding it out to me. “Because I can be nice sometimes. Now sit up and drink this before I change my mind.”

I huffed, but took the mug anyway, inhaling the rich, dark scent. The heat seeped through my fingers, warming me instantly.

I took a sip and groaned. “Okay, fine. You can be nice.”

Silas chuckled, standing again and returning to the stove. “Eat first, then you can shower. You’ve got time to sleep in a little while longer.”

I frowned, watching him carefully. He was too calm, too soft this morning. Silas wasn’t exactly unfeeling, but I didn’t think he was usually the kind of guy to bring me coffee in bed and make sure I got extra rest.

I knew what was happening; he was softening me up before he broke his news. Maybe he was feeling guilty over the fact that he was planning to leave me behind. Maybe that’s all this was…

Two could play at that game.

I set the mug on the bedside table, stretching again. “Okay, what is it?”

Silas hesitated for a second. His back straightened, his shoulders tensed, like he was bracing for something. He didn’t know that I already knew.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed, setting my feet on the floor and walking to the table. “Silas…”

He sighed, flipping the eggs onto a plate. “You’re not coming with us.”

Even though I knew it was coming, the words still hit me like a slap to the face.

“You can’t seriously think you can decide that for me,” I shot back.

Silas turned, crossing the room, setting a plate of food in front of me. “It’s too dangerous. You’re staying here.”

I stared at him, my mind scrambling for a response, my heart slamming against my ribs. I forced myself to look at him; his face was calm, but his eyes were set, implacable.

“You need me,” I tried.

“I need you safe,” he countered.

Frustration burned through me, sharp and hot, but I swallowed it down. I couldn’t argue, not yet. If I pushed too hard, he’d watch me. He’d make sure I stayed. Fuck, he’d probably punish me to make sure of it.

So I inhaled deeply, frowning, forced my shoulders to relax, and nodded. “Fine,” I snapped. Silas’s brows lifted slightly, like he was surprised I wasn’t fighting harder.

I gave him my best innocent look and shrugged. “You’re right. It’s too dangerous.”

His eyes narrowed. He didn’t believe me, but he wanted to, so he left it alone.

“Good,” he said slowly, watching me for another long moment. Then he kissed the top of my head. “Eat your breakfast.”

I picked up my fork and took a bite, forcing a small, satisfied hum. “See? I can be reasonable.”

Silas grunted, but didn’t argue. Good. Because there was no way in hell I was staying behind.

Silas watched me as I ate, arms crossed, his eyes shining in the soft glow of morning light. He was still assessing me, still trying to decide if I was really going to listen to him. To be fair, I was putting on a good act. I made sure of it.

I hummed around a bite of crispy bacon, made a show of sipping my coffee slowly, letting the warmth settle in my chest. I even leaned back in my chair, stretching lazily, pretending like I wasn’t plotting ways to sneak out of camp and follow him anyway.

When I finished the last bite, Silas stepped forward, taking my plate and mug without a word. I expected him to just walk away, but instead, he lingered.

I didn’t have time to react before his fingers curled under my chin, tilting my head up, forcing me to look at him.

I swallowed hard.

His gaze was heavy, burning into me, and when he leaned down, I thought, at least for a second, that he was going to scold me again. Instead, his lips brushed over mine. Soft. Slow. A kiss that sank into me, stealing the breath right from my lungs. I was still processing his sweet kiss before he pulled back, his eyes smoldering with a darker, much more primal gleam. A low growl rumbled in his chest, deep and dangerous.

“You’re going to listen to me,” he warned. “Because if you don’t? I’ll put you over my knee and give you the spanking of a lifetime. It will make the ones you’ve gotten so far feel like love taps. You won’t sit down properly for a week.”

A piercing jolt of anxious arousal shot through me. I wanted to roll my eyes, tell him I wasn’t scared of a little spanking, but the way he said it, the threat in his tone, made me opt for caution. I forced myself to keep a neutral expression, even lowered my eyes submissively, as my pulse hammered in my ears. I had survived a trip over his knee before, and I could survive another one.

He searched my face, his thumb just glancing against my chin, then exhaled through his nose before releasing me.

“Good girl,” he muttered, as if he actually believed I was going to obey him. He really didn’t know me at all.

I offered him my sweetest smile. “Of course, Silas.”

He squinted at me, but he didn’t push. As he turned away, setting my plate aside, I let myself breathe. I had just lied straight to my mate’s face. I barely had a moment to collect myself before Silas turned back around.

His face was fierce as he stalked toward me, focused solely on me. My breath caught when he leaned down, planting one hand on the table beside me, the other taking my chin between his thumb and finger, tilting it just so. Then he kissed me again. Not soft and gentle; this time, it was hard and possessive.

His lips parted mine effortlessly, his tongue sweeping in, claiming me with a ravenous hunger that sent heat rushing through my veins. He dropped his hand, wrapping his long, strong fingers around my throat, holding me in place as he kissed me deeper, like he needed to remind me who I belonged to.

I melted into him, my fingers pressing into my thighs. Aching to reach for him, to pull him closer, I didn’t dare move, not when he was like this. Not when I knew he was still waiting for me to slip up.

When he finally pulled back, I was breathless, my lips tingling, my body burning.

Silas dragged his mouth to my ear, his voice a low, dangerous murmur. “You’re going to be a good girl while I’m gone, aren’t you?”

His free hand slid over my waist, down to my hip, gripping it firmly before tracing up my thigh, his fingers teasing.

I gulped, my pulse pounding. I knew I should say yes, keep up the act, but my body reacted before my brain could, arching just slightly toward his touch.

His thumb stroked over the sensitive skin just above my knee, slow and deliberate. “Because if you’re not,” he continued, his lips brushing the shell of my ear, “I will take my time punishing you. A long, long time.”

Heat flashed through me, pooling between my traitorous legs. I should not be this turned on by the thought of him dragging me over his lap, spanking me until I was sore and spent and wrecked beneath his hands. But I was…

Silas inhaled slowly, his fingers back on my hip.

“You like that, don’t you?” His voice was rich with dark amusement, his thumb pressing just a little harder. “The thought of me turning that pretty little ass bright red all over again.”

I bit my lip, refusing to give him the satisfaction of an answer.

He chuckled knowingly. “Your body is telling me the truth, Wildcat.”

I clenched my thighs together, feeling the slow, throbbing ache between them, my mind already running ahead, imagining what it would feel like when he finally followed through on his threats.

Worse, I wanted to push him. I wanted to see just how far I could take this before he made good on every promise he’d just whispered in my ear. For now, though, I played my game. I let him believe I would behave.

Silas’s fingers skimmed up my side, grazing the bare skin beneath my shirt, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. He moved slowly, like he knew he was unraveling me, and he was enjoying every second of my building need.

“You’re trembling,” he murmured, his lips grazing the curve of my jaw.

I was. Not from fear, though, not even close.

His fingers splayed over my ribs, his touch firm, possessive. He exhaled slowly, his breath warm against my skin, and I felt the restraint in him, the careful control he was barely holding onto.

“I know exactly what’s going through that pretty little head of yours,” he said, his voice a low, dark hum in my ear.

I forced myself to keep breathing evenly, even as my pulse pounded in my throat.

“You’re thinking about how sore your ass would be if I bent you over this table right now,” he continued, his tone dripping with quiet amusement. “Aren’t you, Wildcat?”

I clenched my teeth, refusing to answer.

Silas chuckled, brushing his nose along the side of my face before nipping at my ear. “You know what the worst part is?”

I bit my lip, my fingers twitching against the wooden table. “What?”

He grinned against my skin. “You’d love it.”

Heat flared in my core, and I knew he could smell my arousal, knew he could feel the way my body had just betrayed me completely. Stupid pussy.

His thumb was stroking lazy circles over my hip. “You think I don’t know you by now, Lia?” he murmured. “I can feel you already bracing for it. Already wanting it.”

I wanted to tell him he was wrong. I needed to tell him he was wrong, but I wasn’t sure I could lie convincingly right now. So instead, I turned my head, just enough to meet his gaze.

“Then do it,” I whispered, challenging him.

Silas growled. A deep, rumbling sound that sent a shiver straight down my spine. His pupils dilated, swallowing the gold, his jaw tight like he was trying to force himself to step back. His hands flexed against me, like he was fighting every instinct screaming at him to take me.

I smirked, tilting my head. “What’s wrong, Alpha?” My voice was sweet, teasing. “Getting cold feet?”

His nostrils flared.

“You really don’t know when to shut that mouth, do you?” he murmured ominously.

I shrugged. “Seems to be a naughty habit of mine.”

Silas shook his head for the briefest of seconds and then moved.

Before I could react, he grabbed me, spun me around, and bent me over the table. My hands hit the tabletop, the wooden surface cool against my palms.

“What are you doing?” I gasped.

“Don’t start.” His voice was tinged with amusement.

I twisted my head, glaring at him over my shoulder. “You could’ve just asked nicely.”

Silas smirked, his large hand pressing against the small of my back, keeping me pinned. “You like it when I ask nicely?” His fingers drummed against my spine, deliberate, teasing. “Because I don’t think you do, Wildcat.”

Heat wound through my middle.

I shrugged. “Maybe I just like giving you a hard time.”

His hand moved, dragging over my flank, then down my thigh, slow and deliberate. “And maybe I like reminding you what happens when you do.”

I shivered. I knew exactly what that meant. I arched my back slightly, pushing against his grip, daring him with my body to do his worst. He growled. A deep, low warning that sent a zing straight to my core.

His hand lifted—and then smack .

I gasped, my fingers digging into the wood as a sharp sting spread across my ass.

He did it again, harder.

My breath hitched, a mix of heat and surprise flooding through me.

“You love pushing me, don’t you?” he grumbled, his palm soothing over the heat he’d just left behind.

I caught my lip between my teeth, fighting the shiver that ran through me before I replied, “Maybe.”

Silas chuckled, shaking his head. “And here I was, trying to be sweet this morning.” His fingers took hold of me and pulled me back against him.

I felt how hard he was against my butt cheeks and pressed my thighs together.

He leaned down, his breath hot against the back of my neck. “So, tell me,” he murmured, his tone humorous, “are you still feeling feisty, my little mate?”

I exhaled slowly, hoping he couldn’t hear the rapid beat of my heart, and smiled.

“Yes,” I shot back.

Always.

Before I could say anything more, his hands slid beneath the hem of the shirt I was wearing, his shirt. The fabric was already oversized on me, hanging loose around my thighs, and it took nothing for him to lift it, baring me completely to him.

His hand left my hip for a moment, and I had just enough time to brace myself before he spanked me again. A brutal sting burst across my ass, fire blooming instantly.

I sucked in a breath and firmed my hold on the edge of the table.

Another smack, this one harder.

I bit my lip, my back arching slightly. His hand smoothed over the spot he had just punished, the contrast between the sting and his soothing touch making my pulse race.

Another smack.

He exhaled slowly, dragging his thumb over the curve of my hip. “You’re taking this so well, Wildcat,” he praised.

He bent down, his lips grazing against the sensitive skin of my right cheek, kissing the spot where his palm had just left its mark. The warmth of his mouth sent shivers racing through me, an overwhelming contrast to the sting still burning across my skin.

My thighs trembled.

Silas nipped at my hot flesh before effortlessly flipping me onto my back on top of the table. There was no time for me to even try to push myself up before his hands pushed my thighs apart, spreading me open beneath him.

Those beautiful eyes were wild now.

“You look good like this,” he crooned, his fingers tracing along my thigh, teasing.

He lowered his head, pressing a slow, torturous kiss to the inside of my thigh. Then another and another. Each one closer to where I wanted him, leaving a trail of fire. I knew what was coming next, and I’d rarely wanted anything more. Silas trailed his mouth along the inside of my thigh, slow and purposeful, each kiss a brand, a promise, a fucking taunt .

Beneath him, my pulse seemed to be beating in odd places, and my breath came faster, my body still burning from the sting of his palm. The contrast of it all—the heat of my punished skin, the cool air against my exposed flesh, the soft teasing of his lips—had me quivering.

I hated how easily he unraveled me, but I loved it too.

His hands slid higher, his thumbs stroking over the sensitive skin at the crease of my thighs. He breathed against me, and my stomach clenched.

“You’re shaking, Wildcat,” he murmured, his voice rough, teasing.

I grit my teeth. “You’re taking your damn time and I’m not a patient woman.”

Silas chuckled, the sound vibrating against my skin. “Oh, I love that sassy mouth.” He kissed higher, so close, and I felt him smirk against my inner thigh. “Even when it gets you into trouble.”

I twitched, trying to clamp my thighs together, but his hands pushed against me, holding me open, keeping me exactly where he wanted me.

“Not this time,” he murmured, dragging his nose up the inside of my thigh, his breath hot against me. “You don’t get to run from me.”

I wasn’t sure if it was a threat or a promise; maybe it was both.

His lips brushed higher, closer, his teeth scraping ever so lightly against my sensitive skin, and I felt my clit throbbing between my legs.

Then his kisses trailed closer to the apex of my thighs and then, at last, his mouth closed over my clit.

I arched clean off the tabletop.

A strangled moan ripped out of me as his tongue moved in long, slow strokes. It was like my body came alive, pleasure rushing through me.

His hold on me was a vise, his tongue ruthless until I was falling apart beneath him, writhing, panting his name, a prayer, a plea. The wet warmth of his tongue on my pussy was almost more than I could bear, but there was nothing I could do other than just lie there and take it.

A low growl rumbled through his chest. I gripped the edge of the table, squirming beneath him, pleasure building, spiraling, tightening.

My breath came in quick pants, my body tensing, and then he shifted. His fingers joined his mouth, two pushing inside me, curling, stroking, filling me. Pleasure pulsed through me, sharp and hot, and I knew I was close, knew that I couldn’t hold on much longer.

He worked me relentlessly with his tongue, his fingers, his touch, and I couldn’t catch my breath, couldn’t hold still. I was falling, the pleasure inside me burning, the pressure building.

When he sucked my clit between his teeth, I keened high and long, my fingers knotting in his hair, tugging hard.

My orgasm tore through me, a blinding rush of pleasure that would have swept me off my feet if I had been standing.

I cried out and Silas groaned against me, working me through it, his tongue drawing it out, sending aftershocks shuddering through me until I collapsed, panting and boneless.

Silas wasn’t done, of course.

His fingers kept stroking, his tongue kept licking me, his touch demanding more.

I moaned, the sound breathless. My thighs clenched around his head. He chuckled, but didn’t stop.

Another orgasm hit me like a fucking hurricane, stealing the breath right from my lungs, making me writhe. My toes curled, and I was mewling his name.

It was too much, and not enough, and I needed him, needed all of him.

When Silas finally pulled away, I was shaking, my entire body still humming, heat still surging through me.

He rose from his knees, leaning over me, his golden eyes burning. He was hard, his cock straining against his pants, and I reached for him. He caught my wrist, pressing a slow kiss to the inside of it, but his expression was serious, like he was holding onto his control by a thread.

“If you’re thinking about following us,” he warned, his tone a quiet threat, “stop.”

I stared at him, my breath still uneven, my body still reeling from the aftermath of what he had just done to me.

“I’m not,” I lied.

He just stared at me. “Good.”

Then he leaned down and kissed me, and the taste of myself on his tongue made me ache all over again.

He pulled away slowly. Reluctantly.

“I need to go,” he rasped.

I nodded.

He hesitated, running his gaze over me from head to toe. He sighed, shoved a hand through his hair, then cursed under his breath.

“Fuck,” he muttered, reaching down and picking me up effortlessly, possessively.

And then his mouth crashed against mine.

The kiss was a raw, desperate thing, a kiss that demanded everything and promised nothing. His hands roamed my body, like he couldn’t decide what to touch first, what part of me he wanted most.

I clung to him, pulling him close, wrapping my arms around his neck, pressing my bare chest against him.

His hands moved to my ass, squeezing, his grip firm.

I whimpered, my body still aching for him.

His lips trailed down my jaw, my neck, his canines scraping against the tender skin, making me shiver.

“When I get back,” he growled, his hold on me urgent and needy, “we’re finishing this.”

His hands squeezed my sore, sensitive ass again, and a thrill raced through me at his words.

“Promise?” I whispered, my voice raspy.

Silas growled, nipping at the shell of my ear. “Fuck, yes.”

Heat flashed through me. Fuck, yes.

Before I could say anything else, Silas released me and stepped back. His eyes burned with a need all of his own, his nostrils flaring, like it was taking everything in him to leave.

Without another word, he turned and stalked out the door.