Chapter 15

CHAPTER 15

RUBY

T he air was thick with tension as Knox set Ruby down in his bedroom and closed the door behind them. Ruby’s heart was pounding with a mix of anger and arousal. She couldn’t decide if she was more aroused than angry or vice versa. The council meeting had been just this side of a disaster with heated debates and unresolved issues leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. And to top it off, Knox had decided to go all alpha male with her, declaring she would remain at the grizzly-shifter compound where he could ensure that she was safe.

Knox's bedroom, with its warm earth tones and cozy ambiance, offered a stark contrast to the tumultuous emotions swirling within Ruby. The large corner room felt like a sanctuary, a place where she had hoped to find solace and understanding. But instead, she was met with Knox's brooding presence, his tall frame leaned up against the door as he stood with his arms crossed, a silent sentinel guarding his space.

"Why did you bring me here, Knox?" Ruby asked, her voice laced with frustration. "I want to go home; I need some alone time to process everything. Reading about animal shifters in steamy novels is one thing. Finding out they actually exist, that my aunt was one, and that she was murdered is quite another. I don't need your protection."

Knox's dark eyes held hers, his gaze intense and unwavering. "That is debatable. You're my mate, Ruby. I won't let you walk away from me, nor will I allow you to put your life in danger. Whoever killed your aunt means business, as does that rogue group of shifters." His voice was low and gravelly, carrying a hint of possessiveness that sent a shiver down her spine.

Ruby's cheeks flushed at his words. A part of her believed and liked the idea of their being mates, but another was not sure she was ready to give up her old life. And she had no idea what to do with finding out her aunt had been living some secret life and had been murdered. "I need some space to think. I care about you, but you have to admit this has been a lot to handle."

Knox took a step towards her, his movements purposeful. "I'm trying to protect you, Ruby. Whoever killed Lorraine may well think you know whatever it is they think she knew. And that attack the other day was no joke. We have no idea what that means, if there are more than just the small group we battled, or if they are planning another attack. I won't let you get caught in the crossfire. You're safer here with me."

Ruby's temper flared, and she took a defiant step forward, closing the distance between them. "I'm not some fragile damsel in distress, Knox. I can take care of myself."

As she spoke, Ruby's hands found their way to Knox's chest, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt. She could feel the hard planes of his muscular body beneath, and her breath quickened at the touch. Despite her anger, her body responded to his nearness, craving his touch, his kiss.

Knox's eyes darkened, and his hands gently gripped her wrists, guiding them upwards until her arms were raised above her head. "You're right, Ruby. You're strong and capable, but that doesn't change the fact that I want to keep you safe. And right now, I need to feel you, to remind myself that you're here, with me."

Ruby's breath caught in her throat as she realized his intention. His dominance, his need to possess her, sent a rush of heat between her thighs. Her mind wanted to resist, to assert her independence, but her body wanted none of that; it yearned for his touch.

With a swift motion, Knox lifted her, his strong arms wrapping around her waist. Ruby gasped as he carried her towards the massive four-poster bed, her heart racing with anticipation. He gently laid her down, his body hovering over hers, and she felt the weight of his desire pressing against her.

"You're mine, Ruby," he growled, his voice hoarse with need. "And I'm going to make you feel it."

Before she could respond, Knox's lips claimed hers in a searing kiss. His mouth moved with purpose, demanding and insistent. Ruby's resistance melted away as she surrendered to the heat of his kiss, her lips parting to welcome his tongue. He tasted of want and need all tangled together, and she moaned softly, her hands gripping his shoulders as she arched her back, pressing her body closer to his.

Knox's hands roamed over her curves, his touch both gentle and demanding. He traced the line of her collarbone, sending shivers down her spine, before dipping lower to cup her full breasts. His thumbs brushed over her sensitive nipples, causing them to peak, and Ruby arched into his touch, craving more.

With a growl, Knox tore his mouth from hers, leaving her breathless. He kissed a path down her neck, his tongue leaving a wet trail that made her squirm with desire. His hands worked at the buttons of her blouse, his fingers deftly undoing each one until the fabric parted, revealing her lace bra and the swell of her breasts.

"You're so beautiful, Ruby," he murmured against her skin, his breath hot and raspy as he removed the rest of her clothing so that she lay naked beneath him. "I can't get enough of you."

Ruby's body trembled as his lips found the sensitive hollow of her throat, his teeth gently nipping at her pulse point. His hands cupped her breasts, and she arched into his touch, her back pressing into the soft mattress. His thumbs circled her nipples, teasing them to hardness, and she moaned, her head falling back as pleasure washed over her.

"Knox," she whispered, her voice hoarse with need.

Knox's response was to kiss her again, his mouth devouring hers as he shifted his weight, settling between her thighs. Ruby felt the hard length of his erection pressing against her core, and she instinctively spread her legs, inviting him in.

With a deft movement, Knox unfastened his pants, freeing his thick shaft. Ruby's body throbbed with anticipation. He positioned himself at her entrance, his eyes holding hers as he slowly pushed forward, filling her inch by inch.

Ruby gasped as he stretched her, her body accommodating his size with a delicious burn. Knox paused, giving her a moment to adjust, before withdrawing slightly and thrusting forward again, setting a slow, relentless rhythm.

"Oh, god," she moaned, her hands gripping the sheets as she arched her back to meet his thrusts.

Knox snapped his hips forward with more force, driving into her with a primal need. Ruby's eyes closed as pleasure consumed her, her body becoming a vessel for his desire. She could feel his restraint, his determination to please her, and it only served to heighten her arousal.

"Look at me, Ruby," he commanded, his voice rough with passion.

Ruby opened her eyes, meeting his intense gaze. The deep brown of his irises seemed to swirl with heat, mirroring the desire coursing through her veins. Knox's thrusts became more urgent, his hips slamming into hers as he drove her towards the edge of ecstasy.

"That's it," he growled. "Come for me."

Knox pulled out, rolling her onto her belly. Kneeling behind her, between her spread legs, he pulled her up onto her knees and then thrust in hard, sheathing himself in her wet heat.

Her pussy closed around his hard shaft as if it were determined not to lose him again. His hands gripped her hips tighter as he paused for a momentbefore curving an arm around her to play with her clit—tugging, pinching, tapping.

He adjusted her position so that he could pound into her deeper and harder, holding her so she could do nothing other than take his relentless thrusting. She felt her orgasm rising as his cock began to twitch and swell, signaling he, too, was close. The moment before her pussy clamped down on him, his rhythm increased and his cum pulsed into her in a torrent of need and bliss.

As their orgasms subsided, Knox collapsed onto the bed beside her, pulling her close. Ruby's heart was still racing, her body humming with satisfaction. She turned her head to look at him, her hand reaching up to trace the strong line of his jaw.

"That was amazing, but I don’t know that it changes anything," she whispered, her voice soft and breathless.

“You’re wrong,” he chuckled. “It changes everything."

Ruby shook her head as her fingers gently caressed his cheek. As they lay tangled together, the world outside seemed distant and unimportant. Her aunt’s murder, the rogue clan, the council meeting—all of it faded into the background as they found a little bit of peace in each other's arms, their passion a powerful force that seemed to bind them together.

Ruby found the rhythm of life at Knox's compound compelling. It offered her something she’d never had before—a place to belong. The constant hum of shifter energy was a stark contrast to the isolation of her previous city life. In this new world, she discovered unexpected friendships with Agatha and Coco, who proved to be fiercely protective and kindred spirits.

Coco, with her sharp tongue and quick wit, matched Ruby's own penchant for sarcasm. "You'll learn to love it here," she promised, her eyes twinkling with mirth as they shared a cup of coffee one morning.

Agatha, whose soft-spoken demeanor belied her strength, nodded in agreement. "It's safe, and you're a part of that safety now, Ruby," she added, placing a reassuring hand on Ruby's shoulder.

Despite the warmth she found in these relationships, what felt like the constant thrum of activity sometimes left her craving solitude. One afternoon after her baking duties were completed, she quietly slipped away from the main compound, wanting to explore the meadow and trees that lay just beyond, seeking the quiet embrace of nature.

As she walked through the dense forest, the rustle of leaves and chirping of birds surrounded her, providing a welcome reprieve from the chaos of her mind. Suddenly, a man emerged from behind a towering oak tree, his broad shoulders blocking her way. He was tall and muscular, with sharp features and dark, angry eyes that seemed to bore into her soul. Instinctively, she knew he was a shifter, but there was something different about him—something that sent a shiver down her spine.

"Who are you?" she asked, trying to sound confident despite the fear that was beginning to creep into her brain.

The man's lips curved into a smirk as he took a step closer. "You must be the new girl."

Ruby swallowed hard, her mind racing with thoughts of escape. She knew about the rogue clan; was this man one of them?

He seemed to sense her unease and chuckled darkly. "I’m not here to hurt you," he said, reaching out to try and caress her cheek. Ruby took a small step back, forcing herself to meet his intense gaze, "yet."

"What do you want then?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

The smirk never wavered as he leaned in close. "I just want to talk," he whispered, his breath hot against her skin. "What is a human like you doing wandering this far from the compound? I’m not sure they could hear you if you screamed. Tell me, what do you know about the silver?"

Ruby's heart skipped a beat, his question not what she had expected. Had the attack been about the treasure and not about trying to invade Knox’s territory? "I'm just taking a walk. I don't know what you're talking about."

The man scrutinized her more closely, a threatening edge creeping into his voice. "Don't play games with me. I think you know all too well what I’m talking about, and you’re going to tell me what I want to know."

Tension coiled in Ruby's stomach, and she knew she had to choose her next words carefully. This was not just some random shifter; this was someone with darker intentions.

"Look, I'm not sure what you want," she said, her voice steady even as her pulse raced. "I'm here at Knox’s invitation.” Command was more like it, but this guy didn’t need to know that. “That should answer all your questions."

At the mention of Knox's name, the man's expression darkened. He took a menacing step forward, his posture predatory.

"Wilder can't save you from what's coming," the man hissed, his threat hanging in the air like a toxic mist.

Ruby's mind raced, searching for an escape route, a way to defuse the situation or some way to defend herself. She knew she was in danger, and any misstep could prove fatal.

Her breath hitched in her throat as the man's eyes flared with a primal, savage light. Before she could register what was happening, a swirling mist with thunder and lightning enveloped his form. In mere moments, where the man once stood now towered a massive bear, its dark fur bristling with aggression.

Frozen by fear, Ruby cast desperate glances around the clearing, searching for any signs of help. The bear-shifter pawed at the ground, a low growl emanating from its throat as it prepared to charge. She knew that even if she ran, she would never outrun a bear.

Behind her, the air reverberated with a deafening roar as an enormous grizzly emerged from the woods, moving between Ruby and her assailant. The ground trembled beneath her feet as the two bears clashed, their growls filling the air. She stood frozen, her mind unable to process the chaos unfolding in front of her. She knew the grizzly who had appeared had to be Knox. He was a formidable opponent, his massive size and strength giving him an advantage over the rogue shifter. But the other bear was skilled in battle, and it wasn't long before he landed a devastating blow to Knox's side.

Ruby's heart clenched in fear as she watched Knox stumble, blood pouring from his wound. The rogue shifter advanced, seemingly confident that he had the upper hand. But Knox wasn't one to give up easily. With a roar that shook the very ground they stood on, Knox lunged forward and grabbed onto the rogue shifter's neck with his powerful jaws. The two bears fell to the ground, rolling and thrashing as they fought for dominance. As they split apart, they both regained their feet.

Ruby knew she needed to do something, but fear kept her rooted to the spot. She couldn't risk getting caught in the middle of their fight. Just as she was about to turn and run for help, a woman’s scream cut through the air. Ruby's head snapped towards its source, and she saw a young woman she recognized as a member of Knox’s clan standing just beyond the tree line, her body posture suggesting she was terrified. Without hesitation, Ruby ran towards her. As much as she needed to stay, she knew that getting help was more important at this moment.

"We need help!" Ruby yelled as she reached the trembling woman.

The woman nodded, turning to run back to the compound. Ruby made her way back to where Knox and his attacker were still locked in combat. As she approached, it became clear that Knox was gaining the upper hand—or in this case, paw. His powerful jaws were clamped tightly around the other bear’s throat, cutting off its oxygen supply. With one great heave of strength, he flung his enemy away from him.

The rogue shifter landed with a thud, its body going limp as it gasped for air.

‘Get back, Ruby!’ his voice boomed in her head, a command that transcended his bestial form, clear and authoritative even without words.

Ruby stumbled backward, her heart pounding as she witnessed the raw power of the alpha. Knox grappled with the rogue, sheer strength evident in every movement. With a swift motion, he pinned the other bear to the ground, his jaws clamped on the opponent's neck in a display of dominance that made Ruby's skin prickle with awe and fear. Knox shook the attacker, forcing him to shift. Knox did the same and wrapped his hand around the man’s throat.

"Leave, and don’t return," Knox warned, the threat in his tone unmistakable. He was more interested in getting Ruby back the compound than taking his opponent into town. The rogue shifter whimpered, submitting to Knox’s order before regaining his feet and retreating into the shadows, nursing not only his wounds, but his wounded pride.

Knox turned on her, the intensity of his gaze locking onto Ruby's. There was something wild and untamed about him, a protector's resolve that promised safety yet reminded her of the dangers she had subjected them to.

"Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice a deep rumble that seemed to echo the residual adrenaline present between them.

Ruby shook her head, still processing the speed and brutality of the encounter. "No, thanks to you."

Knox's jaw tightened, and he reached out a hand to steady her, the touch sparking an unexpected warmth despite the chill of fear that lingered in the air. "You’re safe here," he vowed, the intensity of his promise enveloping her in a sense of security that was as formidable as the man himself.

Ruby felt the residual tremor of her pulse as Knox's grip tightened around her arm, his fingers firm. His face was stormy, a tempest brewing in the depth of his dark eyes.

"Dammit, Ruby, what were you thinking, wandering off alone?" His voice was a harsh whisper, charged with adrenaline and fear for her.

She bristled at his tone, the fiery streak in her igniting. "I was thinking the last time I checked, you did not have the right to order me around." The excuse sounded lame even to her.

"Think not?" he snarled as he gestured broadly at the surrounding wilderness, his sarcasm slicing through the tension. "Out here is danger, especially when we have more questions than answers."

"I can take care of myself." Ruby jerked her arm free and stepped away, her pride stung, even though part of her thrilled at his protectiveness.

"Can you?" he challenged. His presence, even with the space between them, enveloped her, the heat from his body mingling with the cool mountain air. "Because what I saw was you, frozen in place, a bear's jaws seconds away from snapping shut around your throat."

She opened her mouth to argue, but the words died on her lips as she caught the fleeting look of pain in his expression. Ruby realized then that his fury was born from a well of something deeper, something raw and vulnerable.

"Knox, I...” Her defiance wavered, disarmed by the intensity of his emotions.

"Ruby," he said, his voice low, laden with unspoken feelings. "You can’t just go wandering off alone, especially without telling someone. I don’t think I could stand it if I lost you."

The air between them crackled, charged with an energy that was more than just leftover fear. It was electric, alive with the possibility of what could happen if they closed the gap between them. And suddenly, she wanted nothing more than to erase that space, to feel the certainty of his arms around her.

"Then don't lose me," she whispered, the words slipping out before she could stop them.

In one fluid motion, Knox bridged the distance, his hands framing her face, pulling her into a kiss that was fierce and all-consuming. It was an assertion of his claim over her, a possessive act that should have sparked resistance within her independent soul, but instead, it ignited a fire that had been smoldering since the moment they'd met.

Ruby wrapped her arms around his neck, surrendering to the storm of sensations that Knox elicited within her. His touch was both a balm to her rattled nerves and a spark to her deepest desires. She kissed him back with equal intensity, her heart pounding in her chest as if trying to match the wild rhythm of his.

As their breaths mingled, the heat between them built, obliterating thoughts of danger, treasure, and rogue shifters. In the aftermath of peril, with the imprint of his alpha strength still lingering in the air, their connection felt more intense than ever—as undeniable as the primal instincts that drove them.

Finally breaking the kiss, she looked up at him. “He didn’t seem to care about you or the clan.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because he wanted to know about the treasure. Do you think it’s real? Do you think my aunt knew anything?”

Knox shook his head. “I don’t know, but I think it’s time we found out.”