Chapter 5

Mine

He'd almost lost her! Thank the goddess, he'd not listened to her, and he'd guarded her room. Even if that evil wolf had followed him to her, it would have happened eventually. This time, he was there to fight him off and escape with his mate. Tonight, he would share a room with his mate. She had finally realized that she needed the extra protection that he offered. Adam even dared hope that maybe she was softening towards him. It was hard on him to be so close and yet so far. All he wanted was to be with her and make her happy. It was his honor to protect her, and he intended to do that.

Adam felt like a king as he followed his queen down to the level where her room was. When they reached it, and she unlocked the door, he followed her in. It seemed neither of them knew how to handle things, and they awkwardly stood there looking at each other.

"I guess I should shower and get ready for bed," Mel observed.

He just nodded because he didn't know what to say. After Mel was ready for bed, he would prepare. Adam had a small bag with a few personal items. A nice shower sounded good. He smelled like chlorine from the dip in the pool he had taken. Would Mel let him sleep in the bed with her? Or would he once again be on the floor? Maybe the best plan would be to wait until he was ready for bed before asking.

Mel came out a few minutes later wearing PJs. He walked past her and entered the bathroom with his bag. It was a nice bathroom, better than expected for the odd little room in an unexpected place. The shower was twice as large as he expected and had the multiple sprays that all the bathrooms in the house had. Since he had come here to live, he had learned to enjoy his showers. The hot water hit him from several directions. It was the perfect temperature. Adam suspected if he ever took a shower with his mate, the water temperature he liked would be too hot for her.

He still ached a little from the fight he had had last night. If he hadn't been a wolf, the damage would have been much worse, and the healing much slower.

He knew he would be as good as new when he woke in the morning. Adam finished his shower, dried off, and wore shorts because he knew his mate would be upset if he came to bed naked. How long would he keep these barriers between them before she gave in and gave him the love that he desired?

Adam stood looking down at the bed where his mate pretended to be asleep. It was obvious from her breathing and heartbeat that she was still awake.

Being bold, Adam pulled the covers back and slid into bed beside her. It was the most comfortable place he had slept since coming to the room.

In seconds, he was asleep. Even though he did not expect to fall asleep so quickly, he knew his wolf wanted him to be rested for whatever might come.

It was almost certain that something was headed their way, and he needed to be prepared to deal with it. Since he was awake, he got up and dressed, then woke his mate.

"Go away," Mel responded.

"It's morning, Sweetheart," Adam informed.

"I don't care. I'm tired," Mel said.

"You can have breakfast and coffee," he told her.

"Coffee? I could use a cup of coffee," she admitted.

His mate got up and ran to the bathroom, slamming the door closed. He could only assume she was getting dressed to go to breakfast. It didn't take as long as he expected before she opened the door and walked out.

"You promised me coffee," Mel reminded him.

"I'll lead the way," he agreed, heading out with her close behind him.

When they entered the dining room, he saw that most people were already there. The food smelled good, as it always did, and his stomach growled. He got himself a cup of coffee, made one for Mel, and handed it to her. They both went to get a plate and filled the plates full. They would need energy for whatever was ahead of them today. He hoped no one would be hanging around to cause them trouble.

With their plates loaded high, they sat down and began to eat immediately. Their wolves were hungry. It was an excellent start to the day. He would be working on the cabinets in the same house he had worked in the day before, and Mel would be with him. There would also be an assistant to make things go faster. His pack only had a few skilled craftsmen who could do this kind of work or anything else involved in building. The others would work as assistants until they learned enough to do the work themselves.

"I've not seen the inside of one of these cabins yet. This is really nice, and I can't believe the kind of work you do on these cabinets. I did see one of your trunks that Joey bought. It was beautiful," Mel admitted.

"It was a talent I've always had. Once I was older, it was discouraged because I was told to concentrate on being a pack alpha someday. My family didn't seem to think I could do both," Adam admitted.

"You just do the wood portion, and then someone comes in and puts it in the counters?" She asked.

"Yes, each of us should specialize in the area we work so we can get it done more quickly and make sure it is done well," he explained.

"What about the finished work?" Mel wondered.

"Someone comes in and paints. Then another comes in, usually somebody younger, and they put the pulls and handles on," Adam observed.

"Maybe I will get an opportunity to see what they look like when finished," Mel mentioned. "I'm going to set my computer up over here on this little table. There doesn't seem to be any place else to do it."

Another wolf entered. "This is Jason, my assistant. He is learning to build cabinets and doing a great job." Adam introduced.

Everyone began to do their work. Before they knew it, it was lunchtime. "We'll stop for lunch and see how everyone else is doing. Maybe the alphas will know something that they can share with us." Adam observed.

They stopped and put everything away before heading to the house. Joey carried her computer in a backpack with her. She seemed very attached to it. Adam watched carefully as they closed the distance from the tent to the house. He saw a wolf come running up to the perimeter. That wolf hit and went flying backward as if picked up by a giant hand. Adam liked the little witch who came in and did the work. It would keep them safe, but he knew better than to depend on it too much. She had even told them it could be overcome if enough hit it simultaneously.

It surprised him that only one wolf had tested the perimeter, and no others were anywhere. It made no sense.

"Did you see…?" Mel asked.

"I did. I'm unsure what their plan is, but that tells us they have one," Adam explained.

"We knew they would probably come back. But we didn't know when or how they would attack," Mel pointed out.

"Let's hurry to the house and let everyone know what is going on," Adam directed.

He saw another wolf slam into the perimeter and go flying. Clearly, they were testing it. But so far, they were only feeding the perimeter shield.

What would happen when they realized that? Would they try an overwhelming attack? Did they even have the people to do that? He would die before he let them take his woman.

"Are you aware?" Adam asked.

"Our security cameras are watching their attacks. All they are doing is testing the perimeter, and some of their wolves have gotten hurt. Unless it kills one of the bastards, they won't care, and they may not even care then." Trev replied.

"How many?" Mel wondered.

"No more than 50." Janie estimated.

"Isn't that a lot?" Mel asked.

"We have nearly a hundred pack members, not counting the children," Trev declared.

"How many of them can fight?" Mel questioned.

"Trev has been working with about twenty-five males, and they can fight fairly well. If you and the females watched and worked independently, your skills would be more self-defense," Adam explained.

"That doesn't sound very good to me. If we survive this, maybe we should make fighting more of a priority," Janie observed. Everyone turned to look at her, and she emphatically added, "Hey, they're after me too, you know."

"What do we do now?" Adam asked.

"There's not much we can do. We can't go out to meet them because we have to take the perimeter down. Even if we don't, we risk it being damaged. We'll just keep a close eye on them and hope some get damaged by the perimeter. It's starting to glow. According to Harry, that means it's getting really strong. As long as they make bad decisions, we will be safe," Trev directed.

Adam hoped Trev was right. Everything he said made sense, except Harry noted anyone who belonged to the Wilde pack could move in and out of the perimeter without a problem. Did Trev think Adam would go loco, run out there, and try to fight if he admitted that?

If so, Trev was wrong.

Adam wasn't that stupid. He wanted to make some good decisions since his mate was the most important thing in his life. Maybe, given time, Trev would realize Adam wasn't stupid or reckless. When he was, he was dedicated to his mate and his pack. He would prove that no matter what he had to do.

"It's lunchtime, so why don't we all sit and eat. Anyone who wants to can hook into the security system and watch what is going on outside," Janie directed.

"That's right, they were going. They will tire themselves out and pick up some injuries their wolves must heal. That is, if they are all wolves at all. This guy tends to hire humans, too. If many of them are humans, we might have an advantage," Trev speculated.

The alpha's words gave Adam hope. Humans weren't as strong. They couldn't heal as quickly and wouldn't hold up to what was happening like a wolf would. He could plow through many humans and hardly realize they stood in his way.

The food was good. Everyone tried talking about everything except the white elephant in the corner of the room.

Adam didn't even know if Trev called for extra help. At this point, since they were having a nice lunch, he hated to ask. Mel calmed down and wasn't as nervous as previously. They were nearly done eating. He was sure they would return to work.

Regardless of what happened, they would need the housing they built for people in the pack. If they had to fight, that would already interfere with the work they were doing enough without stopping their work before it was necessary. Maybe these attacks were trying to put them on edge so they would be nervous and make mistakes. Adam wondered why somebody who had been on the wrong side of the law and had stopped his illegal activities started back up. Maybe he just couldn't stay away from being a criminal.

Criminals were awful people, weren't they? Maybe he should reconsider since he had done things that would have made him a criminal had anyone arrested him and sent him to the council prison. The only difference was that he had not done those things to make money but because he thought he would restore his family's honor. Then, he redefined what he considered his family and personal honor. He'd realized that his father was the one who had no honor and that what he had done had not reflected well on himself. He was becoming a better wolf and would continue working on that.

The meal was done, and it was time to return to work. Adam hoped to finish one of the sets of cabinets so he could finish the last part in the kitchen tomorrow. Since neither bathroom required much, Adam hoped to finish those, too. He worked fast and hard and finished the set of cabinets. Then, he went to one of the bathrooms and finished what he needed to do there. There was no denying that he felt good about what he had accomplished today.

Mel didn't seem nearly as happy with the work she was doing on her computer. She kept cussing under her breath to where only a wolf would be able to hear what she was saying. From his understanding, she had a brilliant idea but couldn't quite get it to work how she wanted. Something was missing.

It was time to quit for the day and eat supper. Mel was reluctant to stop working, but she did it anyway. She didn't want to hold up the progress of other people. He suspected she would be working on this before she went to bed.

"How are things going?" Janie asked them as they entered the dining room.

"One more day, and I will have all my share of the cabinet work done in the cabin. Everyone else seems to be progressing reasonably, too," Adam offered.

"I wish I was doing as well. I just can't seem to finish the main job that I have. Joey will be very disappointed because it is a big job and the first one with this company," Mel admitted.

"Maybe you should get away from work for one day and do something different. I've found that often helps me when I get stuck," Janie advised.

"The way things are going, I may not have a choice," Mel agreed.

"They are still targeting the perimeter but have made no progress," Trev explained. "I fear eventually it will occur to them to rush it. One of the reasons they may not be doing it is because the ones in the front will probably be killed when they hit it."

"At least that will reduce the number we have to fight," Janie advised.

"Yes, but only by one or two," Trev observed.

"It's still some help, and we will still outnumber them," Janie said. "Maybe we should call Harry back. "

"I wanted to save that as a last resort. I know the young witch is busy with her new business," Trev admitted.

The talk stopped as everyone turned their attention to their food, and it was not long before everyone had finished eating. Wolves were fast eaters and always hungry. It was time now to go to their room, and he was thrilled to be able to share it with his mate. Eventually, he hoped she would soften to him, and they could share the bed on the railway, where a male and female shared a bed. Once they entered the room, she grabbed some clothes and hurried to the shower. When she came out, she was wearing some short PJs. Was that a sign? Probably not.

She immediately pulled her computer out and set it up. Mel was probably just dressing for comfort because she intended to work until she got somewhere. Adam hurried to shower and came out wearing a pair of shorts. The look on his mate's face was good for his ego. Maybe he would try to get closer to her once she came to bed. The only reason not to was because he feared it would put him back in her estimation. Another possibility was that she was disappointed he hadn't tried. How did a man know what to do? Either possibility could be correct, but he had no way to know.

His mate began to work, and he laid back on the bed and watched her. She was clearly frustrated, but she continued trying to complete the ad. Finally, she was shutting down her computer and mumbling under her breath.

When she turned to look at the bed, she was surprised he was still awake. He had waited for her because he hadn't felt like sleeping without her. She looked nervous to come to bed when they were both awake. After a short pause, she lay down, acting like she was trying to sleep.

"Your heart is beating fast. You'll not be able to go to sleep until you slow it down," Adam observed.

"My work is not going well. I will relax soon," Mel said.

"I'm sure you will," Adam responded. He fluffed his pillow and then turned on his side.

"Are you asleep?" She asked.

"Not yet," he replied.

"Tell me about yourself," she persuaded.

"I come from a small pack in California. I didn't know my father as well as I thought I did. When he left, my mother died. I realize now that he left because she didn't give him more children. For some reason, he believes that the more children he has, the better he will serve our kind," Adam explained.

"Are you sure he just doesn't like to have sex?" Mel mentioned.

"I'm sure he does like to have sex, but when the children do not come as quickly, or it looks obvious that no more will, that's when he leaves," Adam explained.

"He sounds crazy," Mel observed.

"That's putting it mildly. After I was born, my father only waited five years before he left. He decided my mother would not have any more children, so staying was pointless. Had he stayed longer," Adam explained, "he would have trained me in fighting and the things I needed to know to be an alpha. My grandpa refused to teach me anything. I'm unsure if he feared I would be a failure and wanted an excuse or if he was afraid I would want his position. Neither choice reflects well on him. I am just now learning about fighting and being a pack alpha because of Trev. He says I am doing well," Adam confidently declared.

"I don't like your father much, but his children seem better than he is. I feel for your mother, and I am sorry you lost her. Your grandpa doesn't sound like he was worth a shit," Mel offered.

As they talked, Adam turned towards her. When she turned towards him, she hugged him with understanding and sympathy. He might have left it alone but felt the overwhelming urge to kiss her. Pulling her close, his lips dropped to hers. She tasted like honey–so sweet and welcoming.

His hands moved over her, feeling her soft skin and her luscious curves. The kiss that had started so sweetly was immediately filled with hunger. He'd not intended to go this far, but he soon found out he couldn't stop.

His mate moaned and pressed against him, encouraging him to take things further. Adam ripped her PJ top open and tossed it to the floor. He palmed her breasts, finding them a perfect size. He pinched her nipples and could smell her desire.

She pressed against him again, and he could feel her need and how much she wanted him. Adam hoped, at this point, she would not be able to stop. Leaning down, he wrapped his lips around one pert nipple before moving to the other one.

Moving down her body, he removed her shorts. His greatest desire was to taste her. Sliding between her legs, he did precisely that. Her dew was sweet, and he lapped it up. He would want to be inside her soon, so he needed to stretch her to prepare her. One hand slid down, and a finger slid into her channel as his tongue moved to worry her clit. Her moans began to come rapidly, and her hands dug into his hair, holding him where he was. It thrilled him that he was pleasing her, and he hoped they would soon join. His tongue moved faster as another finger, and finally, a third joined the first one, pounding into her.

She would explode soon, and as she did, he intended to enter her, sending his big cock in as far as he could. He sucked her clit as his fingers drove into her, and she exploded. His fingers slipped out, and he moved up her body, pushing his staff into her. She yelled out her climax as her body accepted him and her legs wrapped around him.

"Adam!" She screamed. "Deeper, Baby."

It was clear that she was enjoying everything he was doing to her. She was bucking almost as if she was trying to unseat him, but her legs were holding him in place. He was close, and he hoped that she was too. He licked and kissed her neck, and his human side had no intention to bite, but he didn't know about his wolf.

"I'm so close." He admitted.

"I'm going over now!"

She thrashed wildly, and he exploded. He wasn't even sure when he did it but realized he had bitten her. That set off another orgasm for both of them. He remembered thinking that she was going to kill him, but it seemed they both went out. Maybe they had both gone to sleep, but he didn't believe that. He woke later with her in his arms and decided there was no point in getting up since it was still night. Adam went back to sleep, waiting until the morning to see what would happen.

In the cold light of day, Adam still couldn't regret anything he'd done. She was his now, and she would never be able to escape him. He knew there would be hell to pay once she discovered what had happened. He would have to deal with it and take her anger until it eased. Last night had been amazing, and nothing could take that away from him. She was still sleeping, and he let her since they had been up all night making love. He went upstairs, got two cups of coffee, and brought them down so they could enjoy them together. Few people were eating breakfast upstairs yet, and they would make it before the good stuff was gone if he woke her soon.

"Hey," Mel said as he came through the door.

"I brought you a cup of coffee." It was an extra-large cup in one of those to-go cups.

"Thank you." She took the coffee and looked down, blushing.

Did she remember last night? Oh, goddess, he hoped she was. He certainly remembered it, and he wanted to do it again. Did she realize yet that he had bitten her? Probably not, since she was being pleasant and not showing any signs of anger yet. Adam's new life was about to get interesting, and he hoped that would be in a good way. Mel was his, but he wasn't sure she knew it yet. A feeling that he would know as soon as she did. Once they went upstairs, people would comment on the mating. That's when she would remember what happened and what it meant. His wolf seemed very proud of himself, which was easy enough since he left his human side to deal with the fallout.

"Ready to go to breakfast now?" He asked when he saw that her coffee was gone.

"Yes, I have to have several cups of coffee to get going in the morning," Mel admitted.

They headed upstairs, and the room was beginning to fill up. They got their plates and another cup of coffee and sat near the alpha pair.

"Those trying to get through the perimeter have left, but I imagine they will be back eventually. The alpha probably tried magic this time. I hope Harry is right about how it will react," Trev informed.

"I hope it holds up to whatever they throw at it. We have enough daily concerns without them adding more." Mel explained.

"Still having trouble with your ad?" Janie asked.

"I am. It's weird because this is a child's toy, and I'm doing a cartoon, so it should be straightforward," Mel observed.

"What kind of toy?" Janie wondered.

"It's a bubble machine. I look at it and think it should be so easy," Mel admitted.

"What have you done so far?" Janie asked.

"I have a cartoon of a bunch of kids on the playground. The bubble machine is going crazy, and they're all having fun," Mel explained.

"What more do you need?" Janie asked.

"I need something to go with that to explain how they're having fun because of the bubble machine," Mel offered.

"Bubbles are fun for everyone?" Janie said.

"Not bad, but not quite there," Mel observed. "I'll think on it more."

Everyone grew quiet as they began to eat and turned their attention to their food. It was a relief that the bad guys weren't trying to break in, at least for now. Adam hoped that would give them time to devise another plan for defending themselves. When they finished eating, it was time to go to the cabin, and he would get to work while his mate worked on her computer. He was relieved that no one had pointed out the mating because it would give him more time to get closer to his mate. Maybe she would accept him and not care that he had gone ahead and bitten her last night.

His work was going well. When he looked up and watched Mel, she seemed to be happier and not quite as stressed. He could only believe she found the answer she had been looking for. Adam hoped for another repeat of last night, tonight. He hoped they would do it often and began to wonder what kind of life they would have. He hoped it would be good.

Lunchtime came quickly, which was always good when he worked hard. He assessed what was left to complete and found he was halfway done.

"Come on, Sweetheart. It's time for lunch," he informed.

"That was fast. I'm ready, and my campaign is going a bit better," Mel said.

"What did you decide on?" He asked.

"The bubble factory will blow you away! I will have a cartoon of kids riding the bubbles and flying away," Mel explained.

"That sounds nice. I'm glad you solved your difficulty," Adam responded.

"Not all my problems," Mel said softly.

He decided that didn't require a response because he was sure he was one of her problems. That was okay because he hoped to solve the problems between them. Maybe last night hadn't been enough, but he hoped she was beginning to feel differently towards him. She was all he wanted, and he hoped she wanted him, too.

It was time for lunch, and he was sure everyone would be hungry. This was also an excellent time to get an update and see if anything new had occurred from those bad guys who were always trying to bag a red or a white wolf. If they knew she was taken now, would they leave her alone? They said a mated wolf could be taken, too, but that was when they thought they had a single one as well. Would two mated wolves be worth their trouble?