Mel sank slowly into the bathtub, a sigh of contentment spilling from her lips. Personally, she preferred showers. Enjoyed the feeling of water trailing down her body. Washing away every bit of dirt and grime. Cleansing her of whatever had to be done. But at that moment, she was just grateful for the tub. The hot water already helping to ease the ache between her legs. The sun was already dipping below the horizon when the pair got home. The driveway was completely bare, meaning none of the other wolves were in the residence. She was fearful they would arrive to a full house. They had wasted a good bit of time to take a little detour to the pharmacy. Which unfortunately proved quite worthless. It had been so humiliating trying to convey her needs to the pharmacist, especially when her search proved futile. There was nothing to soothe an internal ache like hers, save for the hot water she was currently using. Her humiliation only grew when she needed to hang onto Hana just to climb the stairs.
She was just grateful for the empty house. It would have been unbearable having to listen to Ruby and Saint's jokes. Another sigh escaped and her eyes fell. Catching sight of the large blue purple bruise on her thigh. Teeth indentions still barely visible. The mark. After all this time it still hadn't healed. If she understood properly, it never would. She had lost her mother too young to have had an in depth conversation, and her father had been too awkward discussing such topics with his daughter. So her education was a little splotchy when it came to the topic of mates. Most of her knowledge came from the journal her father had kept. He had told her where to find it as he pushed her away from the incoming army. She had looked through the battle tactics, pack dynamics, and the bestiary section. Barely glanced over the area concerning mates. Until they settled on the plan.
She devoured the information, poured over the words in a desperate attempt to fully understand what was going to happen. It proved very useful, chalk full of almost everything she needed to know. She had actually been a bit angry at herself. Being so embarrassed as to almost completely ignore an entire section. Especially one so interesting. The most fascinating aspect to her was the irresistible compulsion to protect ones mate. The urge was so strong; it kept the wolf from ever intentionally inflicting harm on their partner. Even if they were poisoned and out of their mind, the compulsion to keep their lover safe triumphed all. Somehow the body distinguished between wounds made from others, and those made by one's mate. Because the compulsion, it viewed those made by the mate as affectionate gestures. Hence, they were slow to heal. Or in the mark's case, not at all. To finish the bond, the mates were to bite down, announcing their claim to the world. It would never heal, the body somehow understanding its purpose. A blush spread across the girl's face as she recalled that night. Asked, no begged was more correct, for him to hide the mark. To allow her to conceal the fact she was spoken for. He had kissed and licked down her body, and she felt the sudden sharp pain. He had smiled up at her as a single drop of blood spilled from those cruel yet soft lips. Her face radiated more heat than the water as she recalled more of the night. His request that she pick the spot to leave her own mark. Her own surprising boldness as her teeth sank into his hip.
Me splashed at the water with frustration. It was all so confusing. Sapphire and Hana were mates, but theirs was a bond of love. It bore little resemblance to the pairing of convenience she was currently in. Mel buried her head in her hands, sighing in irritation. It was so frustratingly bizarre. The guy was a damn enigma. The first night they met, he had been nothing but respectful. He showed no interest in any of the females, not even his provocative beta. She knew you didn't have casual sex with a beta, but it was like he didn't even notice the girl. Even as he discussed becoming mates, there were no hints of lust. With his polite yet cool demeanor, she had assumed they would have sex once to complete the bond. After that, it would be a simple exchange of help and information. Staying out of the other's hair the rest of the time. They had never really discussed it, but there was no reason to think otherwise. They were strangers to one another. Sure he had readily agreed to be her partner, but that seemed more for power than anything else. So why was he so insistent on continuing the physical aspect of their relationship? It was made even more frustrating because she didn't know how exactly to feel about such attention. Should she be flattered? Annoyed? Happy? A laugh escaped as she thought about posing the question to her pack. Ruby would definitely drown the others out, and probably say something along the lines of enjoy the ride.
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
The sound drew her out of the thoughts, and she called out weakly. The door opened and Hana walked in a few steps. Her eyes glued to the floor.
"What's wrong?" Mel asked worriedly. The girl seemed to stare at the floor a few seconds, and the alpha could sense the hesitation. That made her rather anxious. Something was bothering the girl so much she couldn't completely hide her emotions.
"The others are back. Except gramps." She said softly.
"Thanks for the status report." Mel chuckled, trying to keep her nervousness at bay. There was no reason for Hana to barge in for something like that. And with the way she was acting.
"I mean all of them." Hana repeated. She could feel her alpha's eyes boring into her, but didn't have the courage to look up. She had seen the girl at one of her most vulnerable point that afternoon, and now had to deliver more bad news. She sighed deeply, knowing the question that was coming. "By others, I mean Derek and his pack." She heard the girl's breathe hitch and used all her reserves to seal off her own emotions. It was difficult, but her sister needed the comfort only she could provide. With a perfectly even tone, she explained how Kaz didn't want to chance a repeat of the afternoon. Derek's lair had been compromised, and for the time being, his pack needed a safe place. He was not going to be in for another few days, so there was room for all of them. Mel dismissed her absentmindedly, wanting to be alone. She sat in the cooled water for another few minutes, trying to process everything.
"It's not fair." She mumbled out loud. Her pack had been very forthcoming about much of their past, their information. Yet she knew next to nothing about the man she called her mate. His betas were recent and knew very little of his past, and he wasn't exactly an open book type of guy. The exhaustion she had been holding back finally claimed her, running down her body. She would deal with it tomorrow. Right now she just wanted to crawl into her nice comfy bed. Rising out of the considerably cooled water, she gingerly sniffed the air. Was pleased with the results. Her body held no trace of blood or sweat. Or him. Quickly drying off, she moved to brush her teeth. She did her best to clear up the steam on the window. A low growl emanated from her throat at the image. Gingerly touching her throat, her fingertips traced the blotches of color. In his excitement, he seemed to have desecrated her neck. Hickeys decorated the pale flesh. That bastard. Thanks to his unrestrained urges, she had to walk down the halls with further proof of a wild sex life. Again, she pushed the thoughts from her mind. She had more important concerns than what teenage jackasses liked to gossip about. Quickly finishing her routine, she walked into her room. The bathroom had been a bit warm and the coolness of the room felt nice. Taking off the towel, she allowed the cold air to touch every bit of skin. She tossed the damp cloth into the hamper in the corner. Stretching, she felt all the kinks and strains of her muscles fade away. A sigh of contentment escaped her lips and she turned to go to her fluffy bed.
"FUCKING SHIT!" She yelled jumping back. The figure sitting on her bed glanced up from the book and cocked an eyebrow. Mel tried to force her heart to slow down. Threw her arms in front in a somewhat pathetic attempt at covering her naked form. "Um….Derek hi." She chuckled nervously.
"Hey." He answered, returning his attention to the book in his hands. It had taken considerable effort, especially considering her state of undress. But he managed. Deciding that home wasn't safe, he had gone to retrieve Boyd. On the drive here they had a little heart to heart talk. Had reiterated what Derek had been observing, Mel wasn't normal. She seemed completely awkward when it came to romantic relationships. He had been a bit surprised when the large beta weighed in on his sex life. Explained how with a girl like her it was necessary to take things a little slow. Derek figured what the hell. She pulled away considerably after they had sex; maybe a slowdown would help her get more comfortable being with him.
"So, what's up?" Mel asked, trying to conceal her nervousness.
"Just reading this book. Saint said I could borrow something from your library. You mind?" He asked, eyes glued to the pages.
"Yeah, no problem. What book you get?" She forced the question out, eyeing the dresser across the room longingly. Cursing the situation. The closet behind her was filled with her sisters' clothes that no longer fit in their own. All her coverings were in the oak dresser next to the bed.
"Dead Night. Really good book. Never thought I would be so enthralled with a zombie book." He answered turning another page.
"The author does paint a good picture." She felt like an idiot as the words left her mouth. Mumbling and hunching over like a lowly beta. But she couldn't help it. She was naked and alone with some guy in her bedroom. No, not some guy. The guy that had pushed her into sex just a few hours before. Considering the circumstances, she thought the attempts at normal conversation were going quite well. Gathering her courage, she tried to keep her voice from breaking. "Um…Derek, so why are you in my room again?"
"Sapphire put me in here." He replied nonchalantly.
"What?" Mel cringed internally as she heard the break in her voice. He looked up, keeping his eyes focused on her face. Finding that a little difficult, he dropped them back to the pages.
"The house is a little full at the moment. Boyd is still on bed rest, and he seems to take up all of your grandfather's bed. Every other bedroom already had two occupants. I guess she thought it would be rude to make an alpha sleep on the couch." He chuckled, and Mel joined in nervously. He got up from the bed, halting when he noticed her back away. "Relax. Just thought you might like some help finding your pajamas. They in the closet?" Mel shook her head, mind somewhat in a daze. She was to share the bed with him. For an entire night. The thought played in her mind, and she was somewhat perturbed to find she kind of enjoyed the idea. Sounds echoed throughout the room. Sliding, footsteps, but it all seemed so distant. "Hello, are you even on earth right now?"
"Huh?" Mel broke out of the trance.
"I asked if you slept in gym shorts or something. I can't find actual pajamas." Derek repeated, rummaging around in one of the dresser drawers. Mel watched for a few moments before the daze finally broke.
"Get the hell out of my stuff." She hissed angrily. He looked up at the girl and cocked an eyebrow. What had her panties in a bunch?
"Relax. I'm not being pervy. Just trying to help you find your stuff." He was a bit shocked by the sudden outburst. The flair of anger was surprising.
"I don't need your help." She hissed. A slight hurt look passed through his eyes. "I mean right now." She added, glad when the look vanished. Even if he was a bit of a brute, she didn't like the thought of hurting him.
"I'm just trying to be nice. You don't have to be such a bitch." He said a bit irritated. Her nostrils flared. One thing led to another and the two found themselves in a full blown argument. Mel found the absurdity comical. It was utterly ridiculous, the way they were arguing over nonexistent sleeping cloths. Yet even seeing the humor, it was like she could only watch helplessly as it spiraled out of control.
"Why don't you want my help?" He all but growled. Mel was completely drained, not wanting to fight anymore.
"Because I sleep naked." She blurted out. A blush spread across her cheeks at the momentary lapse in judgment. Her hands flew to her mouth, as if trying to hold back the already loose words. His eyes briefly trailed down her body, and the blush got worse. Hands once again repositioned themselves to cover intimate parts. The fight was stopped, and now the room was silent. She preferred the argument.
"Well don't let me stop you." Her eyes widened. Derek smirked, unable to resist teasing the girl. Her innocence was strangely appealing to him. Made her very adorable. "I don't want to disrupt your habits. I could get undressed too if it would help." He pulled his shirt over his head, revealing the rigid muscles her hands had played with earlier. Mel shook her head furiously at the offer. She was a bit angry at herself, having such a hard time looking away from his body. It wasn't like she had never seen a sculpted male body before. Saint was absolutely gorgeous, and even Denver had been rather nicely toned. Both had wandered around the house shirtless more times then she could count. But part of her understood the difference. She touched them on numerous occasions, but never the sexual touches she shared with the male alpha. Derek seemed to get bored with the game. He sat back down and resumed reading the book. Mel was surprised by the sharp exhale that escaped. How long had she been holding her breath? She pushed the thought aside, just wanting to hide. Unfortunately, her mind and body clashed. Mind wanted to run into the bathroom and hide for the night, body was so tired it demanded she get into the comfy bed that minute. Regardless of who was already occupying it. Having spent the last of her energy on the argument, the body easily won. Moving as fast as possible, she slipped into the bed. Only when the comforter was pulled up to her shoulders did she relax. They may have been in the same bed, but he could see nothing and they were separated by thick cotton. Snuggling into the cool fabric, a sigh of contentment fell from her lips.
"Please take your shoes off. I don't want dirt all over my bed." She ordered, regaining her confidence. Boots were slipped off, and she couldn't stop the smile on her lips. It was time she stopped acting like a weak little beta pup around him. Her pleasant thoughts were interrupted by the familiar jangling of a zipper being undone. Impossible. There was no way he would try anything. Not after what happened that afternoon. Turning over to confirm it must have been her imagination, she noticed him step out of his pants. She rolled back quickly, eyeing the wall as a blush crept over her skin. So much for acting like an alpha. "What the hell are you doing?" Panic bled into her tone. She hated how obviously flustered she was.
"My jeans were pretty dusty. Didn't want to get anymore dirt on your bed." She could hear the smirk in his voice. Was thinking of something to retort when the lamp was clicked off, plunging the room into darkness. Feint light crept through the window. Not enough to disturb, just enough so one wouldn't trip over anything if they had to move. A perfect setting to slumber in, if she had been alone. The comforter was lifted and the tremor of the mattress felt like an earthquake. She couldn't suppress the squeak as she felt him crawl in. Without a word, he slipped one arm beneath her head and the other over her side. Pulling her into a comforting embrace. Bare skin rested against bare skin. Mel couldn't stop blushing at the realization. The bastard was as naked as she was.
"Why are you naked?" She squeaked weakly, cursing how easily he made her voice break.
"You're not the only one who's more comfortable in the buff." He whispered into her ear. She was immensely grateful the darkness hid her blush.
"Ok, but don't try anything." The darkness giving her just enough courage to bluff. She froze as he nuzzled her neck, placing a gentle kiss on her racing pulse.
"Relax. Just thought it might do us both some good to fall asleep cuddling. Maybe it would finally help us get a good night's sleep." He answered. Mel's body relaxed as her mind raced. How did he know she didn't sleep well? He had also just revealed a bit of his own troubles, and she didn't know exactly what to do with the information. Vulnerabilities are more easily exposed under darkness. A little saying Zen picked up from one of her damn romance novels. There was definitely some truth to it; she just never thought it would play out like this. The male's breathing evened out, providing a very comforting white noise. Mel found herself drifting off to sleep, finding a strange sense of peace in his arms. One she hadn't felt in years.
The girl stirred, unaware of what had broken her tranquil sleep. For the first time in a year, her body finally felt rested. It took her eyes a moment to adjust. According to the blinding glare of her clock, it was just after two in the morning. When the final dredges of sleep unclouded her mind, she recalled the fact she wasn't alone. Curled up against the male alpha in a tender embrace. Had an outsider witnessed the scene, they would have assumed a very loving couple. Not the two head strong slightly antagonizing alphas that made up this union. Still, it had been nice to fall asleep like that. Held in strong arms, drifting off to the sound of his soft breathing. Comforted. Protected. Safe. Even as her mind wanted to tense up, her body felt soothed by the interaction. Despite not being tired, Mel closed her eyes. The bed, not to mention his body, felt so warm and soft. Her eyes shot open. When had she gone crazy? This union was in name only. A means of achieving power. He also had some interest in using her body as a toy. Satisfying a primal urge. Nothing more. They were mates, not lovers. She needed to remember that, or else she would end up as another Maris. Laughing at the thought, she moved to sit up. Wanting to get the new kinks out of her muscles. The arms tightened around her, pulling her back.
"Don't move." He murmured sleepily, nuzzling into the nape of her neck. The female wolf squirmed, trying to defy his order. A blush spread across her skin as something prodded her hip. It grew worse as heat pooled in her lower abdomen. She was furious at her body's betrayal. Becoming excited by the mere fact he was ready. It was beyond humiliating, she just hoped he wasn't conscious enough to notice her reaction. The nuzzling continued, a small yip escaping her lips as he bit down. His tongue lapped up the droplets of blood, taking away some of the sting in her neck. "You smell good." His voice was drowsy, and she silently pleaded for him to fall asleep. To wake up in the morning assuming this entire interaction was a dream. As usual when he was involved, her wishes were ignored. She could feel more nips, teeth sinking in but not quite hard enough to break skin. The arm she had been using as a pillow moved, and she felt the hand grope her chest. The other hand traced intricate patterns on her bare stomach. His hands explored her body, one fondling her chest, the other running across her stomach and hip. The heat became unbearable, and it became more difficult to suppress the whimpers in her throat. His movements belayed expertise, and for a moment she wondered exactly how many partners he had been with. She mentally laughed at how insecure the thought had been. She had never been a jealous girl; even now she didn't care if he had slept with the entire town. Her curiosity was more wondering how many failed attempts and awkward fondlings had it taken for him to reach this impressive skill level. She was very tempted to ask.
All thoughts were halted when he playfully ran his finger along her moist slit. He found her slight whimper at the action kind of cute. She gasped harshly as a finger slid inside. Acting of its own accord, her body responded to his touches. Thighs parting to give him better access, and he slipped a second finger inside. She cursed the treachery as her hips bucked forward in an attempt to get him deeper. Even the sound his fingers made as they played with her flesh seemed to turn her on. A small moan escaped as the familiar heat began to build.
Derek smiled against her neck as he continued to mark his claim. She never initiated, but was incredibly receptive to his touches. He had never known any girl to have such reactions. Being drenched in a matter of moments, matching her hips movements to his. He even found it strangely adorable the way she tried to suppress her sounds of enjoyment. Becoming so flustered when even the slightest whimper escaped. She seemed so embarrassed by it, but her body held nothing back from him. She was easily the best partner he ever had. Even if she was inexperienced. Not only did she work her body amazingly, she was safe. Even without the bond, he got the impression she wasn't the treacherous type. Never had a thought of betrayal in her mind. Unlike that bitch. He frowned, displeased with the path his mind had taken. He withdrew his fingers. In moment she was on her back, him towering over her. Mel gasped as she felt him glide in. A mix of pain and pleasure filled her senses. Without hesitation, he began ravaging her. Plunging into her depths, with low growls emanating from his throat. With every thrust he tried to draw himself into the pleasure her body created, away from the pain of his memories.
A small chime echoed somewhere downstairs. Completely focused in his attempts, Derek paid little attention. But the sound was not lost on his partner. Mel identified it as the cuckoo clock in the kitchen. Something her grandfather had built years ago as a wedding gift to her grandmother. Pain clutched at her heart. She knew he wasn't with her at the moment. The faraway look in his eyes, his reactions. They were not together; he was using her body to escape something. Somehow, she found it worse than when he used her for pleasure. It was simply satisfying a lust, but at least as a toy his eyes were focused on her. Even though it embarrassed her, she didn't mind swapping favors with him. He bound himself to her. Willing put his life and pack in danger. The least she could do was help him get his rocks off. But this. The fact that they were locked in the most intimate act, yet he didn't even see her. It hurt worse then she could have imagined.
"Stop." She ordered, pushing him off forcefully. Before he could react, she was already out of the bed. Threw on a bra and pair of gym shorts, not even caring about her state of undress. Just eager to get the hell out of there. "Dick." She muttered as she practically stormed out of the room. Wiping the moisture from her eyes, she raced to a bit of safety. Saint's room. Crawling into the crowded bed, she made herself comfortable. Zen rolled over and cuddled against the new bedmate. She sniffed the air a moment, crinkling her nose.
"You smell funny." She complained groggily.
"You're just smelling Derek. Go back to sleep." Saint muttered. He had known the scent instantly, but wanted to spare his already flustered sister. He may need to have a bit of a heart to heart with the male alpha.
Mel blushed, grateful for her brother's help. Despite being rested, she felt strangely drained. A single thought constantly running through her mind. So much for not becoming a Maris.
Derek watched as his mate stormed away, completely perplexed. Where had that anger come from? One moment she was beneath him, enjoying another joining. The next moment she flew off in a rage. He wasn't used to such behavior from his partners. Then again, he had never actually been with a female wolf. Let alone an alpha. Such a strange girl. Seemed very uncertain about continuing the physical relationship, but let it happen all the same. Very sweet with an almost never ending supply of patience. But any one of her passions could easily burn down a city. Swept up in his idle musings, he almost missed the soft footsteps on the wood. The figure crept closer, crawling into the bed. A soft hand touched his chest, a smile wide on her face. Her hand trailed down, brushing teasingly against muscle. He grabbed her wrist, halting the movement.
"What the hell are you doing Erica?" He growled at the impudent female. Even in such dim light, he could make out all the details. Wearing what had to be a new lingerie set. Bra and panties a matching satin pink with black lace ruffles. Makeup done to perfection. Like something that had stepped out of a Victoria Secret catalogue. Picture of temptation.
"I can smell the sexual frustration down the hall." She laughed softly, using her free hand to lovingly touch his face. "I just can't stand to see my poor alpha suffer." She leaned down, gazing into his eyes. Eyes she wanted to look at her as they did at the other female. Affection. Tenderness. Desire. She tried to kiss him. Moments before their lips met, he pulled her down. In an instant, he had her pinned. Even without seeing it, she knew how desirable she must look. Hair splayed perfectly around her head, constrained chest rising and falling with every breath. She flashed a sexy smirk to complete the picture. Even his mate couldn't look half as seductive as her. His hand slid across her shoulder, stopping at her neck. The smirk vanished as she felt the hand wrap around her throat and squeeze.
Derek growled at the beta. So annoyingly arrogant. Attempting to seduce a mated wolf in his mate's own bed. That type of low was unacceptable. Her eyes bulged up at him as her breathing became labored. She tried clawing, only to have his other hand pin her own to the bed. All traces of seduction were now gone, replaced by an overwhelming fear. The beta finally understanding how truly terrifying her alpha really was. The air was thick with emotions. Fear dominating, but other scents still on the periphery. Once such scent gave him pause. His mate. There were still traces of her and her arousal still in the room. His hand loosened and he rolled off. She had given patience to the girl. Had made clear that was her policy. It was not his place to administer punishment. He hadn't been the betrayed party.
"Christ." Erica gasped jumping out of the bed. She held her throat gingerly, all too aware of her brush with death. The male simple pulled up the comforter and rolled over. She gave him a look equal parts disappointment and disbelief. "Fuck man, I was just trying to help." She hissed angrily.
"If you want to help then go fetch my mate." He growled. Erica pouted at the cruelty, then fled the room still sulking. Partially forgetting the almost deadly end to her little attempt. Derek caught sight of the figure once more before she left. Very pretty and incredibly sexy. But he already had the perfect little enchantress.