Page 33 of Rejected Sold Mate (Crystal Creek Wolves #4)

Autumn was on the way out, and winter was nipping at its heels. It was one of the last few unseasonably warm days when the Shadowbay Alpha and Luna invited everyone to a gathering hosted at the Blacktide brewery, the only place big enough to hold members from all four packs.

It was a special occasion. It was finally time for everyone to meet their new daughter, Harper.

Nayeli had gone into labor just two days after we drove the rogue wolves from our land, and it had been all hands on deck. Scott had been beside himself, but the other Alphas were there to keep him from going feral while the pack midwife and the rest of us Lunas attended to his mate.

Kiera and Gwen had had plenty of time to prepare for their fellow witch giving birth, and they lit incense, quietly chanting spells to ease her pain and keep her alert throughout the process.

I’d only had magic for a short time, so my job became supplying Nayeli with ice chips and ferrying information back and forth between the rest of the wolves waiting outside and those of us who were in the birthing suite.

Scott, of course, had been by her side as the contractions ramped up, and by the time she began to push, it was like everyone was working as a single entity to accomplish a single goal.

The witches chanted, Scott held his screaming mate’s hand, and I stood off to the side, wide-eyed, as the Shadowbay heir had come into the world.

It was an experience I would never forget, and while I wasn’t in a hurry to repeat it myself, it did show me that if I chose to have children, my support team would be enormous.

The little girl had been born a month and a half ago, and the new parents had kept her inside while they adjusted to their new lives.

Jayce and I had been welcomed into the home just a few days after she was born, as had the other Alphas and Lunas, but this would be the first time the rest of the packs were able to see the new, adorable addition.

Scott and Nayeli weren’t under any obligation to introduce their daughter to anyone and everyone in the quad-pack alliance that wanted to meet her, but the gathering was another gesture of goodwill.

Another way to broadcast to everyone in the alliance, and even those outside of it, that we were a united force.

The brewery was packed. So many wolves had been eager to get out of their homes for one last big party before the chill set in, and I thought the turnout was better than anyone had expected.

The huge roller door was open, and people mingled both outside and in, hovering around bonfires while children darted through the legs of shifters from all four packs.

Nayeli, Scott, and Harper, the guests of honor, were settled in a cozy, warm corner, Samson and Kiera’s son Kit standing guard like a miniature version of his father.

He’d taken the addition of his new cousin to the family very seriously, and he had proclaimed himself her protector, which melted everyone’s hearts.

We hadn’t seen hide nor hair of the rogues, and we’d sent out communications to other nearby packs to warn them. Those who responded reported nothing new. It was like they’d disappeared into thin air after their leader was killed.

It wasn’t that I wanted to deal with them anymore, but the longer they were out there, basically invisible, the more likely it was they would be able to recruit new members and become a thorn in our sides once more.

Or, if we were lucky, they’d disband, and the threat would be well and truly over. With so few of them left after our attack, that was the most likely outcome. But it was still difficult for me to accept the good things in life, including a simple solution to what had been such a huge problem.

My magic was another one of those good things.

Little by little, I learned control, and my magic was as radiant and beautiful as ever.

Each time I used it, I was reassured that it would never turn dark like my father’s had.

It responded to me easily, warm and glowing, as much a part of me as the blood in my veins.

I couldn’t have done it without my friends or my mate. But being part of Jayce’s pack was teaching me that it wasn't a weakness to lean on others. That was what it meant to be part of a pack.

I stood just beyond the doors, desperate for some fresh air, Gwen beside me. Her and Joe’s daughter, Rose, was in her arms, bundled up, pulling at Gwen’s hat whenever she let her guard down.

We’d all come together for this—Alphas, Betas, and everyone else who wanted to attend. Pack boundaries faded when everyone was together, new friendships and even relationships blooming the more time everyone spent with each other.

“Where is your father?” Gwen huffed at Rose, who was wiggling energetically to be put down. She’d just started to walk, and that new skill meant she loathed being held. But the party was so crowded that putting her down wasn’t an option.

“Here,” someone said, and Joe, Jayce, and Samson materialized out of the crowd. Joe handed his spiked cider to Samson and took Rose from his mate, who signed and rolled her sore neck. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be gone for so long. There are a lot of people here.”

The couple spoke quietly while Samson went in search of Kiera, and Jayce slid his arm around my waist. Just a few months ago, I would have considered something like this party impossible, but things had changed. Alliances had strengthened.

And I finally felt like I was home.

Held against Jayce’s body, I gazed back inside at Nayeli and Harper, feeling a pang in my chest. I’d never considered having kids, not once, but then again, I’d never imagined being a real, valued part of a pack either, let alone a Luna.

But I’d learned how to lead; maybe, in time, I could learn how to be a mother too.

“You’re staring,” Jayce whispered into my ear, amused.

“She’s just so cute.”

“She’s loud,” Jayce chuckled, “Got lungs like her mother. Or at least that’s what Samson said.”

“If Scott or Nayeli hears you guys talking like that, they’re going to knock you senseless,” I sighed, looking at the mother and baby once more. “Plus, they’re perfect. Just look at them.”

Jayce didn’t look at them. His eyes were fixed on me, instead. “You’re perfect.”

I flushed, slapping his arm playfully. “Stop flirting.”

“No,” he nuzzled against me, catching my earlobe between his teeth. “Let’s sneak out of here. I’ve already met everyone, and if I have to learn another name, I think my brain is going to start leaking out of my ears.”

“We can’t just leave,” I chided him, “We’re the pack leaders.”

“Exactly,” Jayce kissed my jaw, oblivious to everyone around us. “We’re the leaders, we make the rules. It’s one of the perks. And if an Alpha wants to take his Luna home…”

His voice had dropped to a growl, and when I turned to him to tell him to just wait a little longer, he kissed me, and all of my complaints flew away like a flock of doves.

We were off to the side of the gathering, but nowhere near hidden, and when Jayce kissed me, the world narrowed down to just the two of us.

When we finally came up for air, someone in the crowd whistled at us, and others laughed. Mortified, I hid my face in Jayce’s neck and said, “Fine, now that you've embarrassed me, get me out of here.”

When he grinned at me, it was predatory. “My plan worked perfectly, then. Let’s go.”

***

We said our goodbyes, I hugged all of my friends, and then we left...just like Jayce had schemed, apparently.

I wasn't actually annoyed with him, but it was fun to put on the act, just so he would try his darndest to make it up to me. My Alpha liked a challenge, and I liked to be catered to. I’d been lonely so much of my life that I happily drank in every little bit of love and luxury he offered me.

Once we were back at the house, I waved off his advances, but Jayce was relentless.

I went to the kitchen to get a drink, but he came up behind me as I filled the cup of water.

I giggled when he swept me up against him and sucked at the sensitive scent gland on my neck.

I gasped, shivering, and he rumbled, “I know you want me. Stop playing hard to get, Omega.”

“I'm not, but it's been a long night, and I really do need a shower,” I turned in his grasp and pushed his chest lightly. He stepped back, letting me go, but I knew he wasn’t done hunting me yet.

I'd never get used to the way his gaze trailed after me when I walked, or the hunger that shone in his eyes, but I certainly wasn't complaining.

But as much as falling into bed with him sounded amazing, my feet ached, and I wanted to be clean before things got too steamy.

I told Jayce as much, but of course, he had an alternative.

“How about a bath?” he offered, a knowing look in his eyes. There were a few things I loved as much as a long soak.

“That would be wonderful,” I agreed, and followed him to our rooms. Sharing space with Jayce had been an adjustment, but slowly, I was adding my touches to the house, making it ours instead of simply his. A home, not just a house.

While the tub filled, I stripped off my clothes. I watched as he did the same, revealing his sculpted chest and the delicious V of muscle that disappeared below the waistband of his pants. The sight always made my mouth water, and he smirked, catching me staring.

“I can give you a show if you like,” he teased, and I flushed.

“Oh, no. I'm good. Just, uh, checking you out.”

“Good,” he echoed, “You're welcome to check me out anytime.”

It was a little embarrassing how quickly I went from cool and collected to a puddle, but Jayce's gaze was heavy, and it always had the ability to turn my knees to jelly.

I stepped into the steaming water slowly, humming in contentment at the heat, but my eyes were still fixated on my husband. He was watching me too, a promise in his gaze that told me anything I'd ever want, he'd give it to me. Once I was submerged, I leaned back and looked him over.

“Actually,” I said, conjuring my courage, buoyed by desire, “I changed my mind about the show.”

“Oh yeah?” Jayce asked, and the smirk on his face was absolutely feral. He undid the button on his pants and pulled the zipper down. “I don't have to tell you what happens next, do I?”

“God no,” I sighed, and then giggled, “I'm not that innocent, you know.”

“I do know,” he growled, and pulled his pants down his thighs, letting them fall and leaving him completely bare. “I’ve seen just how not-innocent you can be, mate.”

It was far from the first time I'd seen him nude, but every single time, the sight took my breath away. I swallowed, feeling heat curl between my legs, and he noticed. He always noticed, nostrils flaring as he scented me even through the water.

He took himself in his fist, lazily, because we had all the time in the world. The sight had me squirming, and when he pumped himself once, I couldn't take my eyes off his hand, hypnotized. Seeing his rock-hard length being stroked while he watched me had me lightheaded.

“Touch yourself, Rhie,” he instructed, and the low growl in his tone sent goosebumps racing across my skin.

I slid a hand between my thighs, sighing as my fingertips dipped into my folds, slick and wet for him. When his eyes followed my movements, he started moving his fist a little faster, grip a little tighter.

I was breathing hard, watching him, and the air was thick with crackling energy. Jayce stepped closer, and I parted my legs, the water sloshing, wanting to make sure he had a good view. He was right there, so close, and I wanted him to touch me.

“Please,” I begged. He loved it when I begged, and I loved to see his face when I did. “Get in here with me.”

He didn't argue.

Instead, he climbed into the tub, and the water spilled over the sides, making a mess of the floor, but I didn't care, because Jayce's strong hands were lifting me and settling me in his lap, straddling him.

His cock pressed against me, hot and insistent, and my fingers threaded through his now-damp hair.

“Do you want this?” He asked, his tone teasing, but I knew he meant it.

“Yes, yes,” I sighed, rolling my hips, awash in the sensation of him.

“How badly?”

“Jayce,” I pleaded, and he chuckled, kissing me, his tongue licking into my mouth and silencing the whimpers in my throat.

“Okay,” he murmured, “Since you're so eager.”

I cried out when he pulled me down, impaling me on his length.

It was too much, almost too full, and my hands scrambled at his shoulders for purchase, but Jayce had no intention of stopping.

I adjusted quickly, the stretch going from overwhelming to delicious in a matter of seconds, and I let my head fall back, the tips of my hair touching the water as I gave myself over to his control.

He bounced me on his cock, and the water sloshed again, but he held me tight, his mouth seeking mine and his teeth scraping over the gland at my neck.

My entire body was alive, every nerve singing, our bond alight between us.

Thoughts of the party we had left, the rogues that had haunted our borders, and even the magic glowing in my soul dissipated until there was nothing but me, Jayce, and the connection of our bodies.

“Yes, Alpha,” I panted, “Just like that.”

“So good,” he growled, and then his fingers were on my clit, rubbing and stroking, sending sparks flying behind my eyelids. “You feel so fucking good, Rhie.”

The coil inside me tightened, and his thrusts were harder, deeper, as his own pleasure built.

He was losing control, but my mate always hung on until I was satisfied.

He dipped his head, sucking one of my nipples between his lips, rolling the other between his thumb and forefinger before returning to my swollen clit.

He had me burning, from head to toe, and I was helpless in the face of all the sensations.

I was going to shatter. It was inevitable, just like it always was. I threw my arms around Jayce’s neck, slanting my mouth over his, and let him send my body careening over the edge into ecstasy.

My orgasm started in my core and rolled over me until every muscle was tensing and relaxing, over and over with the force of it. I could feel my pussy milking his cock, and when Jayce knew I’d found my pleasure, he let himself fall, too.

The bond blazed, and Jayce's teeth sank into the scent gland on my shoulder, starting my climax anew.

We held each other through it, gasping and shaking, the pleasure rolling through us.

By the time we came down, the water had gone cold, but neither of us could find the strength to do anything about it.

“You're amazing,” I murmured, nuzzling against his jaw, my nose filling with his scent. “But I think I need a shower all over again. Both of us.”

“Hmm,” Jayce sighed, “Sounds good. Just give me a minute.”

I was happy to give him whatever he needed. For the rest of our lives, if he wanted. And I knew he felt the same.

*****

THE END