mywolfprotector (14 page)

The other woman departed. Carole Anne turned back to her, immediately noticing the

expression on her face. “Well, well,” she said. “Looks like mischief is brewing.”

Taylor inhaled deeply, unused to planning a seduction. “Could I speak with you openly, Carole

Anne, without fear that it will leave this table?”

Carole Anne leaned forward. “Absolutely. What do you have in mind, and how can I help?”

Taylor quickly shared her thoughts, leaving out the part about leaving. It was best if none of the pack were aware of it. They were good and kind, and she had no doubts they would try to convince her to stay. Her conscience wouldn't allow her to place them at risk.

Carole Anne's green eyes gleamed with unspoken satisfaction. “I think that's an excellent idea, Taylor. I had a similar one, once, with Alexander. You're a beautiful woman, in the prime of her life.

Hot, intense, drop-dead gorgeous men like Marrok don't come twice in life, no pun intended.” She chuckled, before staring at Taylor with a solemn expression, “Don't let this opportunity pass you by.

There are no guarantees in life, and sometimes, you just have to grab onto happiness with both hands and hold on as long as possible... Even when you believe it won't last.”

Taylor smiled sadly. Her experience with Marrok would definitely end, far faster than what she would like. There wouldn't be a happy-ever-after for them. She would accept what she could get, though, and make enough memories to see her through the rest of her life. “How do I seduce him?”

Carole Anne looked at her thoughtfully. “Marrok is known throughout the pack for his self-

control. You're going to have to push that rigid control to the absolute extent of his limits, and then some. He's very noble when he wants to be. You will have to be very persistent in this, Taylor. Very persistent, and more flirtatious than you have likely ever been before.”

“Okay,” she responded, with determination. “Any suggestions?”

“Yes,” Carole Anne said, with a grin. “Lots of sexy lingerie. I know just the place. Did you

know Wolf Town had its own clothing store?”

“Perfect,” Taylor replied. For the first time in a long time, the fear and anxiety was completely pushed away. She felt like a normal woman preparing for her first date. It was fun. “I didn't know you had one, but I think we need to pay the clothing store a visit this afternoon.”

“Agreed,” Carole Anne declared, standing up and finishing off her drink. “I think I'll be doing a bit of shopping myself. I've got a big, hot stud that will be waiting for me tonight in my bed. I think he deserves a little reward for all the hard work he's been doing.”

Giggling like school girls, the two women departed from the restaurant.

* * * * *

always experienced from a long, fast ride. It was late afternoon, and he'd been gone from the settlement for the last few hours. The sun beat down on him, but the heat didn't bother him. He was used to much hotter temperatures than this.

The wind blew his hair out in a long silky sheet of black, much to the delight of the group of hopefuls returning back to the spa. They stopped to watch the powerful and sexy guardian, dressed in a black tank top that revealed his chiseled muscles. He pulled up next to the tavern and parked before sliding off of his bike.

His black jeans fit him like a glove, hugging his tightly-muscled ass. There wasn't a hopeful in that particular group that hadn't fantasized about having the wild, Native American spread out on her bed. One of the hopefuls whistled in a mixture of arousal and pure delight. He gave them a quick, dismissive glance over his shoulder before stalking into the building.

The door slammed shut behind him. Immediately his preternatural eyes adjusted to the darkness

of the room. It was lit within by a multitude of flashing neon lights and signs. Rock music blared through the speakers, but not loud enough to prevent the conversations at the tables from being heard.

He was in his element here, the tavern reminding him of the carefree days from his past.

He scanned the room, quickly finding the men he was looking for. Alexander, Ivan, and Connor

were sitting at a table by the wall, shot glasses in front of them. By the relaxed expressions on their faces, Marrok guessed it wasn't their first round.

Alexander raised his hand and beckoned him over. He walked to the table, his stance naturally

graceful and bold. “Gentleman,” he said, cordially, “Got room for one more?”

The only empty seat was next to Connor. With a sigh he took it, sending the other guardian a

look that told him not to fuck with him. He wasn't in the mood tonight. Unrequited lust and sexual frustration had a way of doing that to a man.

A waitress came to take his order. “I'll have a double shot of whiskey. Neat.”

“What about you guys? Ready for another round?”

“Why not?” Ivan shrugged. “In fact, bring us two bottles. We will just serve ourselves.”

The waitress grinned. “On its way.”

Marrok looked at his friends carefully. They all looked slightly weary but highly intoxicated.

“Are you celebrating or in mourning? No offense, but you guys look like hell.”

“A little bit of both, my friend,” Ivan replied, grimacing. “In three days, nearly every pack

leader in the world will be arriving in Wolf Town. The ones that can't make it will be on a live feed through the Internet, with the ability to communicate with others here. Alonzo will be flying in the night before, with several of his council members. We are going to put everything we know about this research organization on the table, and see where it leads.”

“Are you having the meeting in the convention center at the edge of town?” Wolf Town was

fairly large, but with the extra additions it would be bursting at the seams. “Where will the visitors stay?”

Alexander nodded. “We're using the convention center. We've got cleaning teams out there now,

getting it up to par. It's been awhile since we've had to use it. We debated about advising some wolves to take a room in Nashoba, but I felt it would be best to have them all here. We don't know how long this is going to take. So the entire pack here is opening up their homes, and many of our visitors will be arriving in their own RVs. It will be a tight squeeze, but I think we can pull it off.”

The waitress brought their drinks. Marrok killed his with one long swallow before slamming it

upside down on the rough, wooden surface. “Anything I can do to help?”

Ivan refilled the glasses, including his. “The best thing you can do, son, is get your mate on board. I have a feeling she knows a lot more than she's letting on.”

Alexander stared at him, his eyes intense underneath the glow of the neon blue light. “How's

that coming along?”

He took his next shot before answering reluctantly, “It's not coming along at all.”

Connor leaned forward, his green eyes sparkling with interest, “What's that? Don't tell me the mighty Marrok can't deliver.”

“Shut up, asshole,” he told Connor, his dark eyes dangerous. “By the way, how are your balls

doing?”

Alexander and Ivan exchanged interested looks as Connor shifted uncomfortably in the chair.

“Is something wrong with your manhood, son?” Ivan asked, staring at Connor in bemusement. “Maybe we should call Doctor Sanders, and get him to have a look.”

Marrok pushed his chair back on its hind legs with a chuckle. The wood creaked, protesting the heavy weight of his large, muscular body. Marrok ignored it, enjoying the warmth from the whiskey quickly traveling through his body. “Nah, he'll be fine, but he should probably leave his hobby of bird watching alone for awhile.”

Alexander watched the exchange curiously. “I didn't know you enjoyed bird watching. My

grandmother, Elena, does too. Maybe she could go with you, the next time you go out.”

Connor choked on the shot he was taking as his eyes bulged out in horror. Marrok slapped him

on the back until he was able to breath normally again. Connor glared at him, his eyes promising great retribution. Gasping for air, he replied, “Actually I just tried it out once, but it's a little too sedate for me.”

“Oh,” Alexander replied, his eyes twinkling. Marrok knew he suspected there was more to it

than what they were telling. He was toying with Connor and enjoying it immensely. “If you change your mind, just let her know. I'm sure she'd find it interesting.”

“Sure,” Connor responded halfheartedly, his skin slightly tinged in an unattractive combination of pink, and green. He looked physically sick at the thought. Marrok chuckled again in delight.

“As to your mate,” Alexander said, not to be distracted from the subject. “What seems to be the problem? I know mating isn't always easy. God knows, I went through hell trying to get a commitment from mine. Maybe if you told us about it, we could help.”

He looked at Connor and added sternly, “As for you, keep your jokes to yourself. This is serious business. One day, you'll understand.”

“Of course,” Connor agreed, matter-of-factly. “Marrok's mate is of the utmost importance to the pack. I'll assist in any capacity needed to see to her well-being.”

As much as Connor irritated him, Marrok had a great deal of like and respect for his fellow

guardian. Connor loved to have a good time, but he could always be counted on to be there when needed. Despite their constant bickering and teasing, Connor was one of his best friends. He enjoyed the bantering as much as Connor did, but he'd never let the other guardian know it.

“We know you will, son,” Ivan replied. “Mate talk calls for another round.” Refilling their

glasses, he held his up in a toast. “Here's to our mates and Connor's future mate. May God help us all.”

The men laughed. “I'll swallow to that,” Marrok told them wryly. Taylor was sure leading him

on a merry little dance, with no end in sight.

He grew serious. “I attempted to mate her a week ago. She rejected me.” He sighed, looking at

each man. “It was right before Doctor Sanders delivered her test results.”

“Shit, no wonder you were so on edge,” Alexander said in sympathy. “Have you tried again?”

Marrok shook his head. “Hell, no. I'm not sure I could take another rejection.”

Ivan jumped in. “I have no doubt your mate wants you, Marrok. I saw it for myself. She

watches you when you're not looking, and I tell you, she's burning up for you. A person would have to be blind not to see it.” He rubbed his strong chin thoughtfully. “You're going to have to figure out a way to take control without scaring her off.”

Marrok looked at him doubtfully. “I'm not sure if that's possible. I'm going crazy with the need to possess her, but she's completely calm and collected.”

“Then it's time to turn the tables on her. Doctor Sanders was clear on his belief that the mind-numbing drugs would wear off. Based off of what we know, she was given them monthly. That means that week by week she's experiencing more emotion. It's time to act now, Marrok, before she becomes to set in her ways.”

He looked at Ivan curiously. “What do you mean?”

Ivan smiled, his expression clever. “I haven't been alive for hundreds of years for nothing, son.

I've met all types in my lifetime. A great deal of ongoing tragedy, neglect, or fear can affect a woman in a funny way. It starts to wear down her self-esteem. Left unchecked, eventually she believes that she's undeserving of anything better. Your mate lived through thirty years of this. I would imagine she finds anything to do with love unattainable. Taking a walk on the moon probably seems easier to her than finding someone that could ever love, want, and desire her exactly as she is.”

“How do I overcome this?”

“You have to tease and tantalize her into coming out of her shell. Underneath it all, Taylor is strong. She had to of been to survive the research facility. Temporarily, you are going to have to put that out of your mind. Don't go easy on her just because of what she's went through. If you can make her want you bad enough, she'll come after you.”

Ivan topped off their glasses again, giving Marrok time to consider his words. Could it really be that simple? He was no novice when it came to seduction. The hard part would be denying himself the pleasure of her delectable body. He could do it, though. If it meant ensuring their future happiness, he was willing to try anything. Finally, he nodded, feeling more encouraged than he had all week.

Alexander grabbed his grandfather by the shoulder affectionately and gave it a squeeze. “You're pretty crafty for an old guy. I think you missed your calling when you were king. Instead you should have been mate therapist.”

Ivan laughed. “Wait till you've been mated hundreds of years. You'll have a few answers of your own, then.”

They all laughed, enjoying the fine whiskey and companionship. It was something they needed.

Between drinks, they discussed the pack situation. Marrok anticipated putting their plan into motion.

His mate had developed at habit of coming in late at night. Tonight he'd be ready for her.

Ivan looked at the time. “It's been fun boys, but I'd better get back home.”

Alexander did a double-take at the time, wobbling slightly in his seat. “Me, too,” he said

thickly. “Carole Anne is going to kill me.”

Connor looked disgusted. “This pack was a lot more fun before everyone got mated.”

Marrok chuckled and stood up, surprised when the room spun. “Shit,” he muttered, “I think I'm

intoxicated.”

Ivan gave him a droll look. “Not surprising considering the amount of whiskey we've consumed

tonight.”

“Looks like I'll be pushing my motorcycle home,” he said with a wry grin. “That was awful

thoughtful of you to give us a place close to the tavern, Alexander.”

Alexander grinned. “What can I say? I'm a thoughtful guy.”

The men parted outside the front door, each feeling better than they had when they walked in.