Page 18 of Wedding for My Werewolf (Fairhaven Falls #7)

CHAPTER 18

E ric padded quietly through the fresh snow as he made his way back from town, his thoughts focused on the information he’d uncovered about Martin and Palmer Industries. The sun filtered through bare branches, casting long shadows across his path. His wolf prowled beneath his skin, anxious to get back to Robin.

The hair on the back of his neck suddenly stood up, and his wolf surged forward, slamming against his control. He froze mid-step, every muscle tensing as he lifted his head to scent the air. The wind carried traces of Robin’s fear, mixed with Marjorie’s anger and—his blood ran cold—the acrid stench of the bounty hunter.

“No.” The word came out as a snarl. His wolf burst free, lending him supernatural speed as he sprinted through the forest. Tree branches whipped past his face, but he barely felt them. His heart thundered in his chest, not from exertion but from raw panic.

He’d left her alone. He’d promised to protect her, and he’d left her vulnerable.

The rational part of his mind tried to reassure him that his mother’s presence meant Robin wasn’t completely defenseless, but his wolf wouldn’t listen to reason. All he could think about was reaching her, claiming her, keeping her safe.

The forest blurred around him as he pushed himself faster, following the scent trail that grew stronger with each stride. His claws emerged, his bones aching with the need to shift fully, but he fought it back. Not yet. He had to know what was happening first.

He was almost there. Her scent filled his nostrils, laced with fear. The cabin was close now, just past the next stand of trees. He leapt over a fallen log, landing lightly on the balls of his feet, and the cabin came into view through the trees, the door hanging on one hinge. Thatcher’s scent hit him full force, and his vision tinged red, his wolf howling for blood.

He charged inside, claws still extended, ready to tear apart anyone who’d dared threaten what was his, and came to an abrupt halt. Robin and his mother stood in the living room, both alive and whole. Relief flooded through him, but his wolf refused to settle until he’d checked every inch of them for harm.

Robin’s face was pale, her small fists clutching the broken remains of a lamp, but she looked… triumphant.

His mother stood beside her in a protective stance, and he blinked. Gone was her usual imperial bearing—her jacket was torn and her claws dripped blood—and she looked like the fierce wolf-mother he remembered from his childhood.

“Thatcher?” he growled. His wolf demanded blood, needed to hunt down the threat and eliminate it.

“Gone,” his mother answered, and his world tilted slightly when she turned to Robin with an approving smile. “He showed up, but we sent him running.”

His claws retracted slowly as he forced down his rage, listening to Robin recount what happened.

“He kicked down the door and said I was coming with him. I told him I wasn’t going anywhere.”

“You should have seen her, Eric.” His mother’s voice held unexpected warmth. “Standing there like she owned the place. A true alpha’s mate. A true sheriff’s mate,” she added slowly and his world tilted again.

It almost sounded as if his mother had finally accepted his choice.

“But then that evil bastard tried to grab her anyway. I clawed him and when he turned on me, Robin smashed the lamp over his head. That took the fight right out of him.” His mother beamed at Robin, then looked down at her hand as her claws retracted. “I do hope I didn’t break a nail.”

“But you’re all right?” he demanded as he grabbed Robin’s shoulders, checking for injuries.

“I’m fine.”

Her voice was a little shaky but she gave him a radiant smile. She was so much stronger than she knew—surviving on her own for so long, and now facing Thatcher without backing down. His wolf preened at having chosen such a worthy mate, even as he reminded himself that they weren’t truly mated.

His mother’s eyes gleamed as she watched them. “Well, I suppose I should go. But don’t wait too long to give me grandchildren. I want at least three.”

He choked on air while Robin’s face flamed red. His mother swept towards the door with a satisfied smirk, leaving them in stunned silence. But she paused next to him for a moment, her hand settling on his shoulder.

“Keep her safe, son,” she said quietly.

His wolf basked in the moment. His mother, who’d spent years pushing suitable Pack females at him, who’d insisted on maintaining every ancient tradition, had just embraced a human as his mate.

The door clicked shut behind his other, and he turned back to his mate. Her smile had faded and she swayed slightly. He suspected the adrenaline from the fight was wearing off, and he quickly put his arms around her.

“Little bird, you scared the shit out of me.”

“I was terrified, but I wasn’t going to let him take me. And your mother was amazing.”

He stroked her hair.

“I’m so proud of you for standing up to him.”

“I’m kind of proud of myself too. Although he did get away.”

“That’s fine.” He nuzzled her cheek, breathing in her sweet scent. “As long as you’re safe.”

She leaned into his touch.

“I’m glad you came back early.”

“Me too.” He kissed the top of her head, breathing her in again.

“Did you find out anything useful?”

“I’m afraid not, but I’ll keep digging. I’ll also have Judge Baker issue a warrant for Thatcher’s arrest.”

“You can do that/”

He grinned and gestured at the broken door.

“I most certainly can. That’s breaking and entering. If you and my mother haven’t already scared him off, I’m pretty sure the thought of being arrested will. He must have known he was taking a chance.”

“He didn’t expect me to fight back.”

“But you did. You’re not a mouse, are you, little bird?”

She smiled, her whole face lighting up, and his heart stuttered in his chest. She was so brave and beautiful.

“No, I’m not. Not anymore.”

“Never again.”

“Thanks to you,” she whispered, and went up on her toes to kiss him.

Desire roared through him, strengthened by the thought of how easily he might have lost her.

“Eric,” she breathed, and the sound of his name on her lips undid him.

“We can’t do this here,” he muttered.

“Do what?”

He scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom, kicking the door closed behind him.

“I need you,” he said hoarsely.

“Please,” she whispered. “I need you too.”

Her hands fumbled at his pants and his wolf howled with need. He wanted her so badly, but he needed her to want this, not just out of gratitude or a sense of obligation.

“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice coming out as a growl.

“I’m sure.”

She managed to free his erection, then gasped as it sprang into her hand.

“It’s so big,” she whispered, and he groaned, forcing himself to hold still as she explored. “And smooth. Except for this part.”

He clamped his hand over hers when those curious little fingers found the ring of rougher skin at the base of his cock.

“That’s where my knot is. It will expand and lock us together when I come.”

“Oh. You get even bigger?” Her eyes widened again, but the scent of her arousal deepened. “Are you sure that’s going to work?”

“It will fit, little bird. If you’re ready.”

“I want to be ready,” she whispered. “Show me.”

“We’ll go slow.”

“Not too slow, I hope.” She gave him a shy little smile that sent his pulse skyrocketing.

“Impatient little bird,” he teased.

“Only because I can’t wait for you to take care of me again. But first…”

She bent over and licked the tip of his cock and he almost exploded right then and there.

“Fuck, little bird. You keep that up and I’m not going to last.”

“I can’t help it. I want to taste you.”

“Not this time.”

“But—”

He pulled her upright, silencing her with a kiss.

“I won’t last, not when I’ve wanted you for so long. Next time, I promise.”

“But—”

He kissed her again, and this time he didn’t stop until she was quivering in his arms. He tried to undress her slowly but his need was too great and he ended up using his claws to slice them away. He cupped her breasts reverently, thumbs tracing slow circles over her nipples, then lowered his head to take one stiff peak into his mouth. She moaned, arching towards him, her fingers threading through his hair.

His hands skimmed down her sides, sliding between her legs, and felt her tense. He paused, then lifted his head.

“Too much?”

“N-no. I want to do this.” She took a deep breath. “Just—go slowly.”

“Of course. We can stop any time.”

Even though it might kill him.

He lifted her onto the bed and kissed her until she sighed against his mouth, then stroked his hand gently down her body again. This time her legs parted readily and he growled his approval as he found her center.

“So fucking wet.”

He teased her until she arched into his hand.

“Please.”

He pressed his thumb gently against her clit and her whole body quivered.

“I think you’re ready for a little more, don’t you?”

She nodded frantically, and he slid a finger into her tight little pussy, pleased at how easily she accepted it. Her nail dug into his shoulders when he added a second finger but she rocked towards him.

“That’s a good girl. Are you ready for more?”

“Yes, please.”

So fucking sweet.

Despite her eagerness, it took longer for her untried body to take a third finger, but he persisted until she opened for him, then pumped his fingers slowly in and out.

“You’re doing so well, little bird. You can take a little more, can’t you?”

“More?”

Her voice was a breathy moan, but she nodded.

“A little more,” he promised. “So you’re ready for me.”

He added a fourth finger and her muscles clenched, resisting the intrusion.

“It’s too much,” she panted.

“Relax, little bird. Your body knows what to do.”

He kissed her gently, teasing her nipple until she squirmed beneath him, then lowered his mouth and sucked hard. Her head fell back, her body arching. At the same time, he curled his fingers up, stroking her sweet spot.

She came with a shocked cry, her body pulsing around his fingers. He worked her through her orgasm, his cock throbbing as she rocked against him.

When her body finally stilled, he gently removed his fingers and moved between her legs.

“Eric.”

His name was a husky sigh, filled with need, and he couldn’t hold back any longer.

“I need you, little bird. Are you ready for me?”

“Yes. Please.”

He pushed her legs further apart and positioned himself against her opening. She was so small he almost stopped, but her desire scented the air and her arousal coated his cock, reassuring him.

“Slowly,” he reminded himself.

He slid inside her, a slow, inexorable thrust that sent pleasure rippling down his spine. Her nails dug into his shoulders, but her eyes were wide and trusting. When he met resistance, he lifted her hips and plunged into her, burying himself to the hilt.

“Oh.” Her eyes flew even wider, but the smell of her arousal grew stronger.

“Are you okay?”

“I think so. You’re so big. So thick.”

She shifted slightly and her breath caught.

“Does it hurt?”

“Only a little. It feels better when you move.”

He’d promised her slow, but his control was a thread about to snap.

“Hold on, little bird.”

He withdrew, then thrust again.

She cried out again, and this time there was nothing but pleasure in her cry. She arched up towards him, her nails digging into his shoulders, and he nearly lost his mind. He drove into her, faster, harder, her small moans urging him on. His balls slapped against her ass, the base of his cock swelling rapidly, stretching her even wider as he plunged into her. She cried out, and he forced himself to pause, his muscles straining, every instinct urging him to take her.

“Fuck,” he ground out. “Little bird, tell me if I need to stop.”

“Don’t stop. Please.”

Her inner walls quivered around him, her body welcoming him, and his control snapped. He began to thrust, a rough, primitive rhythm, the pleasure of her body consuming him. He gripped her hips, holding her in place as he pounded into her. She was so wet, so hot, his mate, his woman. He’d never last.

“You’re mine, little bird.”

“Yes.”

“Say it.”

“I’m yours, Eric. All yours.”

He roared his triumph, burying his cock to the hilt as his knot swelled and he began to come, pulsing inside her and marking her with his seed. Her pussy rippled around him, milking the last of his climax from his cock as he collapsed down over her in an exhausted, satisfied heap.