Chapter 20

Chapter

Twenty

K at wasn't sure when she'd fallen asleep or for how long. What she did know was that for the first time since she'd left Italy, her sleep had been peaceful. When she woke, she slipped from the bed, pulling on Jed's shirt and walking out onto the balcony. The light was soft and just beginning to brighten the sky. Somewhere during the night she'd realized, claiming mark notwithstanding, she was his mate—and he was hers.

Stretching her body, she could remember every minute of their time together, from the moment he tossed her over his shoulder and carried her upstairs to this morning. She was sore, but in a sensuously satisfying way. He'd reached for her several times in the night and made love to her repeatedly. But now it was morning. As the song asked, would he still love her?

"Kat," Jed called from the bedroom.

She turned and went back in through the French doors. "I'm here."

"Don't do that," he growled.

"Do what?"

"Not be here when I wake up. Let me know you're leaving."

Kat pulled the shirt over her head and crawled back onto the bed. "Do you always wake up in such a bad mood?" she asked.

He grinned at her as he rolled her onto her back, straddling her naked body. "I missed you."

His cock was fully erect and the morning light did little to hide the predatory look on his face. His muscled body was strong and sculpted, as if some Renaissance master had chiseled the perfect male from stone. Leaning over, he caught her hands to trap her body beneath him, making a place for himself between her legs as his cock throbbed at the entrance of her wet heat.

"I'm right here," she purred as she wound her hands around his neck.

Jed crushed his mouth to hers, pressing her body into the mattress as he feasted on her mouth. He dominated her and acted like he was a starving man, and she was the last meal on earth. He demanded her surrender, and she willingly acquiesced. She allowed her legs to tangle with his as he settled himself onto her body.

"You're mine," he rumbled.

"I thought we settled that last night when you tore a chunk out of my neck," she teased, not completely understanding why he needed that assurance, but she was more than willing to give it to him.

He sucked her nipple into his mouth, nipping it before moving to the other. Her entire body softened and welcomed his possession. She felt safe. Even before she had been his, he'd risked his life to protect her, not just from the Darkness, but also from having to live with the memory of the things it had wanted her to do.

She drifted in a world of feeling where nothing bad could touch her. She reveled not just in his embrace but in the sensual web he wove around her. The connection between them was real and visceral. He pinched her skin again with his teeth—a fleeting pain that reignited the wildfire that burned between them.

Jed growled and murmured words of love and longing against her skin. Her savage predator was set to devour her and all she could do was writhe beneath him. He pressed his cock into her core, shoving it inside in a single hard thrust. He rolled up onto his knees and lifted her with his hands so he could control her body. He pounded into her, his balls slapping against her backside as he drove deep.

She'd woken up achy and stiff, but that didn't matter now and she responded to him without reserve. The gathering force of her impending orgasm made her gasp and reach up to hold onto his forearms. Jed leaned down, grinding his groin against her clit. He continued to pummel her pussy, lighting her up so that she cried out when he sent her flying and she tightened along his staff, still thrusting within her.

With a final brutal push, he held himself against her and poured his cum into her. He gave her all he had, and she took it in as he collapsed, allowing her to bear his weight. He settled his head in the crook of her neck.

"Jed, whatever happens, I need you to know…"

He sighed and placed his arms on either side of her, lifting himself off. "I know," he said. "I know."

He rolled away and headed into the bath, taking a quick shower and then returning. She stood up, placed her hands on his perfect pecs, and kissed him. There was so much she wanted to say, but it would have to wait.

The other thing she had figured out as she'd watched the sun bring light back to the world was that the Darkness had to be stopped. It wasn't just those it infected that they needed to find—the evil presence itself had to be destroyed once and for all. She smiled as she entered the bath and saw that he'd left the water running for her. Entering the shower enclosure, she closed the door and allowed herself to cry, her tears swirling with the warm water from the showerhead.

Later as she applied her make-up and pulled her hair up into a high ponytail, she couldn't decide whether it was better to be honest with him and tell him she knew he was right—that he was her fated mate and that she loved him—or just leave him and let him think she was a cold, callous bitch and he was better off to find another. But the thought of him with another she-wolf was almost more than she could bear. She decided that telling him the truth would be cruel, so she pasted on a bright smile and walked back into the bedroom.

Jed was sitting on the edge of the bed, a large Navy duffle bag stuffed to the hilt lying at his booted feet. He was dressed in button-up Levi's and a black shirt that she was sure had been made to suit and fit his muscular frame.

"I wasn't sure what you'd want, so I probably packed too much for you. If I packed the wrong stuff, we can just get more," he drawled.

"I—I don't understand," she stammered.

"What? I wasn't supposed to understand that you can't allow this Darkness thing to roam free to create havoc and mayhem? Come on Kat, give me credit for being smarter than that."

"You're coming with me?"

He stood up and kissed the tip of her nose. "What the hell else would I do?"

"But what about your responsibilities here?"

"I am your fated mate. You are my primary and most important responsibility. And before you think of slipping away, handcuffing me to a bed—although in the right circumstances that might be fun—or whatever else you might come up with and get yourself killed, keep in mind that if you die, I'm gone within six months. So no, my beautiful mate, we are in this together."

"You understand," she said, shocked.

He nodded. "I do indeed. Again, I am your fated mate. Marissa Storm tracked him to England. Do I remember correctly that Mariah is set to have a big opening in London?"

"Yes."

"Then we'll tell people we're going over early for that. I can get us reservations at the Savoy. Have you ever stayed there? I know there are fancier places, but I love that hotel."

"So do I," she said with a smile.

He kissed her—the pressing of his lips to hers was brief but intense. "Good. The rooms have thick walls, and the room service is second to none." He opened the door into the hall. "After you."

She stopped in the doorway. "Not even one threat that if I try to run, you'll spank me to within an inch of my life?"

"I figured that was a given."

She laughed and headed through the doorway, giving a little yelp as he swatted her welted backside. The welts had gone down considerably but it still stung. She almost tumbled into Chantal, who was headed down to breakfast as well.

"So the wolf has claimed his mate," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "I have often wondered why she-wolves don't mark their mates as well."

"We do, but we tend to claw up their backs instead of bite their necks," Kat quipped, dancing out of Jed's reach.

The three made their way down the stairs and Jed stowed the duffle bag out of the way by the hall leading to the back door. Kat waited for him, and they entered the dining room together, where they were greeted by good wishes from everyone. They made their way to the alpha's table and took their seats.

"I hadn't expected to see you two so soon," said Damian, eyeing the mark on Kat's neck and then looking at his son.

"What can I tell you? I'm just that good," said Jed.

There was an unexpected stillness in the room while a collective breath was held by all those in attendance.

"That's not true, sweetheart," she said nuzzling his neck. "You are so much better than that."

Everyone exhaled and started to laugh.

"I was hoping to borrow the jet to go to London. Kat fancies a visit to the city and a stay at the Savoy before we attend the gala for Mariah's new exhibit."

"Bullshit," said Damian. "You two thought you'd go chasing after this hobgoblin of Chantal's."

Jed put a hand on Kat's thigh under the table. "First, it isn't a hobgoblin. And second, it isn't Chantal's. It's an ancient evil that's found its way to the Hunters. I would appreciate you not making light of what happened to my mate."

"It's all right, Jed," she said. "He wasn't there; he doesn't understand."

"That's not it, Kat. My brother can be a cantankerous sonofabitch when he tries," said Linc.

"True enough," agreed Jed. "If you would prefer that we don't use the pack's jet, I'll rent one or we'll fly commercial. I was kind of hoping to relax and cater to my mate, but I am also licensed to fly jets."

"No. Take the jet." Damian reached across to Kat. "Forgive me. My son is right. I shouldn't have trivialized what you went through." He turned to Chantal. "My apologies to you as well."

Chantal inclined her head. "Often what we don't understand is easier to dismiss than to explain."

Damian turned back to Jed. "I can easily understand wanting to kick that thing's ass, but I would suggest you leave your mate here at Luna de Lobo while you do it."

"With all due respect, Alpha, it is not Jed's battle to fight," Kat said, her temper rising.

"Let me handle him, Kat," rumbled Jed. "I would prefer to keep my mate by my side where I can ensure her safety."

"You can do that," growled Damian, "by ordering her to stay put."

Jed laughed. "Yes, because that's worked so well for you and mother. Might I point out that had you been more inclined to back my mother's play to avenge her sister, she might not have almost gotten herself killed? While you were ordering her around, she was putting herself in danger."

Damian growled and looked as if he might challenge his eldest son.

"He has a point," said Linc. "I've been waiting years for that fact to come back and bite you in your arrogant ass."

"Enough," said Kinzie, playing peacemaker between the brothers. "Why is it the two of you only cross swords when Grace isn't at the table? Sweetheart, growling and glowering at Jed didn't work when he was a child; I very much doubt it will be any more effective now that he's a highly decorated veteran."

"We want to see if we can't locate it—maybe see what it's been up to with the Hunters," offered Jed.

"London isn't a safe place for our kind," said Damian. "Alistair Howard is a weak wastrel. His mate leads him around by his dick and rules that pack. I wouldn't mind so much, but she does it badly. Unlike your mother who leads me around by mine and does a spectacular job."

Kat could tell it was a family joke as all of those at the table laughed.

"Not to worry. Travis Nichols will be there as well as Micah Grainger, and Alistair's son, who should step up and put an end to his parents' reign. Right now, I'd just like to do a little reconnaissance along with some sightseeing."

"I will be doing more than sightseeing," said Kat.

"I know, sweetheart, but we generally don't discuss knotting and tying at breakfast," said Jed with an impish grin.

Instead of hitting him upside the head, she laughed. She realized he was trying to placate his father and needed her to play along.

Shaking her head, Kat stood and said, "I wonder if I might have everyone's attention."

People ceased their chatter and turned to listen to what she had to say.

"I probably should have asked for mimosas to be served, but I got distracted by the gorgeous male alpha who laid claim to me last night. In any event, Josiah Steele, I, Katarina Marino…" There was a collective gasp. "…declare you to be my one true fated mate and alpha for this life and those to come. What say you?"

It was a break in tradition, since the male wolf always declared his vows first and challenged his mate to take hers but given that most everyone in the pack had seen him toss her over his shoulder and take her to their room the day before, it seemed this was the right thing to do. Had that only been yesterday?

Jed stood and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close and making her feel as if she was the only person in the room. "I, Josiah Steel, declare you, Katarina Marino, to be my one true fated and most beloved mate now and for all time. And by the way, Kat, I love you."

The gathered crowd cheered loudly, and they both turned toward the kitchen as they heard champagne corks popping.

"They say I have great power," chortled Chantal, "but I must admit I didn't see that coming."

Kat leaned down and squeezed her hand. "You know what they say—in for a penny, in for a pound."