Page 12 of The Alpha’s Forced Plus-Size Mate (Silverfang Creek Wolves #3)

Danny hit me with the force of a meteor, and together, we both went tumbling to the forest floor, a tangled mess of a cloak, limbs, and fur. He managed to right himself first, landing on top of me. The world seemed to tilt as Danny’s weight pressed me into the earth, his chest rising and falling against my back. My robe was tangled around my legs, leaves clinging to the fabric and the strands of my hair, but I hardly noticed. My pulse pounded in my ears, drowning out the quiet hum of the forest.

He caught me. Thank God. I wouldn’t be shunned, and I would be safe.

But now, there was no way I could escape him. I wasn’t sure I wanted to.

I was caught, and I knew exactly what was coming next. My core throbbed, my nipples tightening in the cool evening air.

His body shifted against mine, the heavy weight of his wolf form lightening until I felt the heat of his skin through the thin fabric of my robe. I dared to turn my head slightly, catching a glimpse of him in my periphery. He was human again now, kneeling over me, his dark hair a disheveled mess, his eyes sharp and full of intent.

My stomach flipped, a rush of exhilaration making my fingers curl into the dirt beneath me. This was real—so real it was almost too much.

“Naomi,” he rumbled. The scent of his was so strong now, sandalwood and pine. His hands were on either side of me, pinning me in place, but he wasn’t holding me roughly. If anything, his grip felt more like an anchor.

I swallowed hard, my breath hitching as I turned onto my back, meeting his gaze fully. His eyes burned into mine, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

“You ran well,” he murmured, his lips curling into the faintest of smiles. "But you knew I’d catch you.”

My heart hammered against my ribs. Of course I knew he’d catch me. What shocked me was just how effective he was. There was no need to fake a fall—Danny caught me all on his own, even when I was at a full sprint.

“Danny—” I started, my voice trembling, but I wasn’t even sure what I wanted to say. He was blazing hot on top of me, both of us bare to the world. When he shifted, the hard length of him brushed against my leg, and all words left my head in a rush.

“You don’t need to be afraid,” he said, leaning closer, his voice oddly soft. His hand came up to cup my jaw, the warmth of his palm making my skin tingle as he swept his thumb over my lower lip. “This is what we’re meant to do.”

The words should have scared me. They should have made me fight harder, scream louder, run further. But instead, they settled into me, wrapping around the deepest part of my soul and squeezing tight.

“Who said I was afraid?”

He chuckled, nuzzling his face against mine. “Your heart rate, for one.”

I could feel his breath against my skin, warm and steady, as he dipped his head closer. I knew what was coming—the bite, the mark, the tether that would tie me to him forever. The thought sent a fresh wave of nervous energy coursing through me, but it was tangled with something else.

Excitement.

I didn’t want to admit it, not even to myself, but the idea of being his—of belonging to him—stirred something deep and primal within me. My wolf was howling in approval, practically begging me to submit. But I wasn’t just my wolf. I was Naomi, a woman with her own fears and desires, and right now, both parts of me needed to be present for this.

He brushed his nose against my neck, the movement slow and deliberate. My breath caught again, my body tensing beneath his.

“I’ll take care of you,” he whispered, his lips grazing the sensitive skin where his teeth would soon sink in. “Brave girl. My Naomi.”

I closed my eyes, letting the weight of his words settle over me. He meant it—I could feel it in the way he held me, in the steady thrum of his heartbeat against my own. This was the plan. This was what I wanted. This was what was going to protect me. All I had to do was let it happen.

But was I ready to let go? To trust him?

His teeth brushed against my neck, and I felt the tiniest nip of pressure before he pulled back slightly, giving me one last chance to stop him. My brain was scrambling, and I felt like I was hyperventilating. Not sure what else to do, I grabbed the first thing that came to mind and ran with it.

“Will you—will you kiss me first?” I knew I was jabbering, but I wanted this to be special. “All this time, and you still haven't kissed me, and if you're going to mark me, at least—”

“Oh, sweet girl,” he murmured, his fingers tangling in my hair. His eyes were full of affection, a hint of sadness behind them as he pulled back, looking down at me. “Of course. Of course I'll kiss you.”

My chest ached as he lowered his head, his lips hovering a breath away from mine. He was so close, the heat of him washing over me like the sun. The mating bite was one thing, but this, our first kiss—I could say without a single doubt that I wanted this terribly.

He leaned in, and then his mouth was on mine, soft and warm and perfect. He kissed me gently, but there was a hunger behind it, a barely restrained need that echoed the chase we just had. I could feel the beast inside of Danny dying to be set free, but the fact that he was being so careful with me despite all that made my affection for him grow even more.

I parted my lips, letting him deepen the kiss, and it was like lightning surging through me. Danny growled, but still he was patient, his tongue swirling with mine, but with none of the feral energy that was nearly radiating off of him.

I broke the kiss long enough to murmur, “I’m not made of glass. Kiss me like you mean it, dammit.”

Before he could respond, I kissed him back with a fervor I didn't know I had, and I could feel him smile against my mouth. Then, between one heartbeat and the next, Danny unleashed himself.

His hands cupped my face, one knee moving between my legs and forcing them apart so he could get as close to me as possible. My breasts were pressed up against his hard chest, and he was kissing me like he wanted to map out every tiny detail of my mouth. It was dark, claiming, and heated. He tilted my face to just the right angle and kissed me like his life depended on it.

It was almost funny. His life didn’t exactly depend on this mating, but mine might.

He must have felt the smile on my lips. “Something funny, Mate?”

“Not funny,” I promised, grazing my lips over his jaw. “Just good.”

It was the right thing to say. Danny rumbled in appreciation, kissing down my neck while my hands explored the firm plans of his back. I closed my eyes, letting him consume me, letting the fire between us burn hot and bright. His hands were everywhere, his kisses searing my skin, and I was lost. Every nerve ending was alight, my body buzzing with anticipation. His hands roamed lower, and I arched into him, eager for his touch.

Danny swept my cloak aside, baring me to him, and rocked back onto his heels to get a full look. I expected to be self-conscious, but to my surprise, the lust-blown, awed look on Danny's face drove all the negative feelings away.

He liked what he saw. Really, really liked it, curves and all.

I'd never felt sexier in my life.

“Naomi,” he rasped, his hand sliding up my thigh. I trembled beneath his touch, my core aching for him. I watched as he slid a finger through my slick folds, his gaze darkening. “God, you're wet.”

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. I'd never been so turned on in my life, and he'd barely touched me.

He smiled, a predatory glint in his eye, and then his fingers were sliding into me, stretching and filling me. I moaned, my hips arching off the ground. It was too much and not enough, and I was suddenly desperate for more.

“You're the most beautiful thing I've ever fucking seen, Naomi, and I'm going to do a hell of a lot more than kiss you.”

I raised myself onto my elbows to get a good look at him, too, and it made my mouth go dry. I'd seen him shirtless, but now, knowing he was about to fuck me changed everything. I was sure there had never been a more perfectly crafted man on the planet.

His muscles rippled as he moved, his abs contracting with each motion, and his cock was hard and thick, standing at attention. He was every fantasy come to life, and he was mine—at least for now.

Danny curved his fingers inside of me, and my back arched when he hit a particularly sensitive spot deep inside. He chuckled, and then his mouth was on mine again, kissing me until I lost all sense of place and time.

I couldn't help the noises that were coming out of my mouth or the way my body was moving in time with his. I'd never felt anything like this—being caught, captured, and totally owned. His free hand moved up my body, cupping my breast, his thumb brushing against my nipple. The sensation sent a jolt of pleasure through me, and I cried out, my head falling back.

“You're perfect,” he breathed, his teeth nipping at my neck. “Absolutely fucking perfect.”

His words made me flush with pleasure. Danny pulled his fingers out of me, and then both of his hands were on my hips, pulling me closer to him as he moved into position. His cock was rock hard, and I was aching for him.

He took his time, dipping his dark head to tongue and suck each of my nipples in turn while his cock pushed at the entrance of my pussy. He’d thrust up, not in, the broad head of him stroking against my clit and making me moan, then back down until he was poised back at my entrance again.

It was maddening. I was aching to be filled.

“Danny—” The word came out a whine.

“Say it.”

“Take me.”

That was all he wanted to hear. The teasing stopped all at once, and Danny was suddenly serious and intent on one thing only—fucking me. With his hands locked onto my hips, he pushed into me slowly, giving me time to adjust to his size, and I gasped at the stretch. When he needed a better angle, he hitched one of my legs over his shoulder, and the fit was so perfect it made my eyes roll back in my head. It was almost too much, but he was careful and gentle, his hands rubbing soothing circles on my hips as he bottomed out.

“Fuck,” he hissed, his eyes locked on mine. “You're so tight, Naomi.”

I couldn't form a coherent sentence, so I just nodded, biting my lip. Danny’s hands worshiped me as I adjusted, stroking every soft, curved inch of me, driving away any hesitations I may have had. Then, finally, when my muscles started to relax, he was done waiting.

Danny began to move then, his thrusts slow and deep. My hands clawed at his back, and I clung to him as he took me, giving me everything I needed and more. He knew just where to touch me, just how to move inside me. Every nerve ending was on fire. I was lost in him.

“I'm going to mark you,” he rasped, his pace picking up, his fingers digging into my hips. “You're mine, Naomi.”

Those words should have sent me running for the hills, but instead, they made something snap deep within me. A fresh wave of desire crashed over me, and I arched against him, a breathless moan escaping my lips.

He leaned forward, his mouth trailing kisses up my neck until he reached the spot where my neck and shoulder met. I trembled beneath him, knowing what was about to come, and the anticipation only heightened my pleasure.

“Do it,” I whispered. “Now, Danny.”

His teeth sank into my skin. The pain was sharp, a flash of heat that quickly dissolved into something deeper—an ache that spread through me like wildfire. My breath caught, and for a second, I couldn’t tell where the pain ended and the pleasure began.

A rush of emotions hit me all at once, like a dam breaking wide open. Fear, excitement, longing—all of it swirling together, too much and not enough. It felt as though my very soul was being split open and stitched back together, every piece of me rearranged to fit him.

I gasped, my fingers clutching at his arms as a strange warmth began to spread from the bite. It started as a spark and quickly grew, racing through my veins like liquid fire. Danny’s mouth was on mine again, and I could taste the copper of my blood as his thrusts became erratic.

He was close. Good. So was I.

I tilted my hips up until he was slamming into my G-spot with each thrust. That sensation, mingling with the soul-deep pleasure of the mating bite, was all I needed and more. In seconds, I was tumbling head-first into the strongest orgasm of my life, nearly sobbing as I gripped Danny’s arms, wave after wave rolling over me.

“Fuck,” was all he was able to say before he thrust harder than before, only a few more times. Then Danny was coming too, filling me up, hot and liquid and perfect. We collapsed against each other, our hearts beating in sync, our breaths ragged. I couldn't remember the last time I felt so utterly content, and I didn't want this moment to end.

Danny held me close, his breath warm against my skin, and I could feel the bond between us strengthening with each passing moment. It was done. We were linked now, bound together by fate, and there was no going back. I knew I should be worried, but all I felt was a sense of peace, a connection I'd never experienced before. I wasn’t foolish enough to think that things wouldn’t change once the haze of the sex and the bite had faded, but I wasn’t about to deny myself this moment of happiness.

And then I felt it—the connection between Danny and me. The fierce protectiveness, the unwavering determination, the all-consuming need to keep me safe. But beneath it all was something unexpected, something that didn’t seem to fit with the tough biker Alpha at all. It was the way he felt—for me.

He cared for me. Not just as his mate, but as Naomi.

Tears stung my eyes, unbidden and unstoppable. I pressed my hand to the mark, feeling its heat beneath my fingertips, and looked up at him. His expression softened, his thumb brushing away a stray tear as it fell.

“Do you feel it?” he breathed, unable to hide the victory on his face. He had well and truly claimed me, just like he wanted.

I nodded, though I wasn’t sure how to put everything I was feeling into words. The bond had changed something inside me, something fundamental.

“I—” My voice broke, and I swallowed hard, refusing to cry. “Yeah, I do.”

His lips curved into a smile, the kind that made my knees weak and my stomach flip. He pulled me into his arms, holding me close, his chin resting on the crown of my head. This was real. He was real. And now, we were bound together in a way that no one—not demons, not my old pack, not even fate—could tear apart.

***

The bonfire crackled with a fiery intensity, embers floating like fireflies into the warm Georgia night. Laughter and chatter filled the air, blending with the occasional howl of excitement from the gathered pack. The Red Canines surrounded us, a mix of rugged bikers and wild souls, the majority of whom I had never met before.

Danny stood at my side, his hand resting possessively on my lower back as he introduced me to what felt like every single member of his pack. Each one greeted me with curiosity and warmth, their eyes occasionally flicking to the fresh mark on my neck.

Danny and I had gone to snuff out the torch I had been running toward and pulled on the clothes that were waiting for us there. I was most thankful for the shoes—my trusty Converse. The rest of my body might have still been humming with pleasure, but my feet were still pretty pissed at me from the chase.

Afterward, we returned to the bonfire hand in hand, barely speaking. What was there to say? Everything had changed so fundamentally that I thought we were both still processing it. But Danny was an Alpha, which meant he had to make an appearance at the celebration being held in honor of his mating.

“This is Naomi,” he told each wolf, his voice carrying over the noise. “My mate.”

The way he said it, like it was the most natural thing in the world, made me happy in a way I hadn’t realized I was craving. To Danny, I was special. Not normal at all. Special and wanted.

A wiry man with scruffy hair and a leather jacket stepped forward, clapping Danny on the shoulder. “About damn time you found yourself someone, Boss. We were startin’ to think you’d go gray alone.”

Danny smirked, his steely eyes flickering in the firelight. “Told you I’d surprise you one day, Buck.”

It was infectious, the way his pack looked at him, the respect that radiated from every glance and word. I watched as he moved through the crowd, shaking hands, exchanging jokes, and slapping backs. He was magnetic, a man who carried the weight of leadership with an ease that only came from years of practice.

And yet, beneath the rough charm, I could see something else—a man who’d been forced to survive. The patches on his leather jacket told stories of loyalty and sacrifice, the scars on his knuckles spoke of battles fought and won, and the faint lines at the corners of his eyes hinted at sleepless nights spent protecting these people.

“He hasn’t smiled like this in years,” a soft voice said beside me. I turned to find Penny, her hands wrapped around a steaming mug. “You’ve done something none of us could, Naomi. You’ve made him happy.”

I didn’t know how to respond to that. Had I really done that? I glanced at Danny again, watching as he ruffled a young pup’s hair, his laughter loud and genuine. It was the first time I’d seen him like this, too. Not just the intense, brooding Alpha who seemed to dominate every room he walked into, but a man who deeply loved his pack. A man who would sacrifice anything to keep them safe.

“He loves this pack,” I murmured, almost to myself.

Penny nodded. “They’re his family.”

The Red Canines were more or less what I had expected—almost every one of them dressed the part of the rough and tumble biker, many of them with black bandanas tied around their heads. It was almost all men of varying ages, which surprised me, but explained why there was so much joy to be found in their Alpha taking a mate. Danny being mated would make other females feel safer with the pack, who, in all honestly, still had a pretty shit reputation. I knew Danny was trying to fix it, but those things took time. It could still be some time before the other packs nearby saw them as anything but trouble.

As the night wore on, I found myself softening, my guard slipping inch by inch. Maybe it was the warmth of the fire or the way the pack welcomed me like I belonged, but I felt content in Danny’s orbit. His attention, his constant hovering, might have felt suffocating to some, but I found myself soaking it in happily. After all, Danny was gorgeous and an Alpha. Reputation or no, he was a hell of a catch, and having all his attention focused on me made me feel like I was glowing.

Maybe I was home. I’d have to check with myself again once the good-time sex hormones had faded, but damn, it did feel right being there with my mate.

When Danny slipped his hand down to take mine, it was a strange comfort, one I didn’t expect to welcome so easily. His fingers were rough, calloused from years of work and fighting, but his touch was steady, grounding. It was like he needed the connection as much as I did—or maybe more.

I didn’t pull away when he tugged me closer, wrapping an arm around my waist and holding me against his side. Normally, I would have bristled at the possessive gesture, but tonight—I didn’t mind. His body was solid and warm, a shield against the crisp night air that had started to settle over the clearing. We stood near the fire, its glow casting shadows across his sharp features.

“You’re quiet tonight,” he murmured, his voice just low enough for me to hear over the crackling flames and the pack’s chatter.

I tilted my head up to meet his gaze. His iron eyes were softer now, less intense, but no less focused on me. “I’m just—taking it all in.”

His arm tightened around me briefly, like he was afraid I might slip away. “You fit here, you know,” he said, his tone almost reverent. “With them. With me.”

“You’re awfully sure of yourself.”

“Always.” His grin was wolfish, but there was a sincerity behind it. “Plus, the way you were screaming—”

I reached up and laid a finger across his lips, the flush I was feeling not from the fire but from his smart mouth. “Hush, you. We’re in public.”

Danny laughed and kissed my silencing finger. As the night stretched on, Danny stayed glued to my side, introducing me to pack members who hadn’t yet approached and making sure my plate was always full when food was passed around.

He was a good mate, I realized. We might have a lot of things to figure out between each other, but Danny’s quality as a partner wasn’t going to be one of them.