Wolf on Board (Wolves of Willow Bend Book 14) (11 page)

Jake and Mimi shared a look, she nodded to him. His Alpha, he needed to answer. The man settled against her then adjusted his weight onto one arm while he used the other to begin running his fingers along her side. The caress tickled and soothed in the same breath. “He did,” Jake said, his eyes smiling at her though his tone reflected none of the teasing his actions demonstrated. “To be honest, neither of us have a clue what the hell a Custodian even is.”

“It’s a rare position,” Mason answered. “Brett and I were discussing some historical issues with pack wars.”

The very idea sent a shiver up Mimi’s spine and not a pleasant one. Jake slowed his caress then pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

“We haven’t needed a Custodian or a group of them since World War II. The last Custodians retired following the war and reintegrated into their packs.” Brett spoke with a deliberateness. “What they did for all of us helped prevent the wars from bleeding over into the packs here.”

“History lesson is great, my man, but the hot wolf and I are more curious about what the hell a Custodian is supposed to do.” Bless Jake’s irreverent heart. Her eyes widened at his tone, but he didn’t venture too far past playful teasing to true disrespect.

Mason chuckled. “He has a point. All right, let me clarify, but Mimi? Understand I haven’t spoken to your father or your brother. If you agree to this, it will be between the four of us, Julian, the other Alphas, and any Custodians they appoint.”

“Custodians are secret.” Mimi replied softly. “That’s why we haven’t heard of them.” The concept intrigued her.

“Yes.” Brett answered. The blending of the two alphas, neither running over the other, demonstrated how tightly their alliance reflected their friendship. On some level it made Mimi happy to know Mason had someone like Brett. Alphas had mates, and pack to look after, they had family to protect. How many had real friends? “Essentially, you work outside of the pack and assist the Enforcers. You also have the same rights as the Enforcers—to cross pack lines, to go where you have to, and to locate the enemy.”

“Dude, we’re spies.” Thrill sparked in Jake’s voice.

“Part spy. Part investigator. Part watcher. Part detective. You’re not to engage the enemy. You’re not warriors or soldiers, that’s for the Enforcers. You both have the ability to blend into the human cultures. You travel, and my understanding is that you live off the grid, Jake, but you have Hunter training.” Mason enunciated every syllable as though making sure they understood him.

“I do.”

“Mimi has an exceptional nose,” Mason continued and, though she knew her own talent, it still flooded her with pride to hear her alpha’s compliment. “A natural born tracker and one we are more than willing to let explore and spread her wings—because, Mimi, I would love to let you continue…”

“But it’s getting worse, not better, with these foreign wolves.” Her wolf wanted to let loose a mournful howl. “We didn’t locate Amelia, although we gave Mitch a good direction.”

“I know.” Her alpha’s comfort reached her even across so many state lines. “He’s on the hunt for her now, and we’re ready to move as soon as he has a location. We’ll find Amelia and, if they’ve hurt her, they’ll pay for it. This isn’t their first attack and it won’t be their last…”

“They’re mobile, Mr. Clayborne, sir.” Jake interjected. “Forgive me for stepping in, but when we were letting Mimi track today, I called in a favor on a traffic cam. It spotted a big rig. What if the reason we can’t find out where the Russians are holding up is they aren’t choosing one spot? Maybe they’re using the roads, the long stretches between our packs and populated areas.”

“That’s a terrifying prospect, Jake,” Brett mused. “It means we’re on the right track with Custodians. For now, you two are our first. We may add to your number, but ultimately we need you to work together. In particular, Jake—you’ve been roaming for months, surfing, following the wind. Find a habit that can take you on the highways and see if we can narrow the information gap about where they are.”

“I can do that.” Jake seemed already committed, but who was Mimi to complain? “I want Mini with me.”

Her eyes widened and she stared up at him, shaking her head. Jake ignored her entreaty.

“I love her, Brett—Mr. Clayborne. I’m declaring my intentions to pursue her and claim her. I don’t want to take her from Willow Bend, and she doesn’t want to leave. Sorry, Brett, but I feel as strongly about Hudson River, even if I haven’t been home in a long time.” With a gentle finger, Jake pressed her lips closed and locked his gaze with hers. “I love my pack, and Mimi loves hers. We’ll work together. I’ll protect her with my last breath and, if she’ll have me, I plan to claim her. You both deserve to know it may create some political tension, but we will do our jobs.”

Mimi nipped his finger, and he grinned at her. “We will
excel
at our jobs,” she announced, because, dammit… “I love you.” The admission cost her nothing and gave her everything. Jake really did build the world he wanted to live in, and she wanted to be a part of it. His grin nearly stopped her heart then he kissed her and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Everything narrowed to the connection of his mouth on hers and the steadily increasing race of his heart in his chest.

It took all her control to keep from digging her claws into his shoulders…

“Ahem.” Mason’s voice penetrated the desire hazing her mind.

“We’re still here,” Jake answered, nuzzling the corner of her mouth. “Not for much longer, but we’re still here.”

“Uh huh.” The Hudson River Alpha’s voice carried more than a trace of humor. “Glad to hear you’re declaring your intentions. Be sure to call your mother…and tell her you’re going to be roaming a bit longer.”

Shuddering under Jake, she eased off a shoe before sliding her foot along his leg. His eyes narrowed on her as she arched her hips, the light bump and grind a definite tease. One he deserved. “So we’re keeping it all secret? Even from our families?”

Mimi wasn’t sure she wanted to lie to them.

“For now,” Mason said, his tone soothing if moderately amused. “Custodians work because no one knows what they are doing. Secrecy, in this unique case, is vital to the protection of the packs. The attacks are increasing in frequency, and I’m tired of having to bury our wolves. The Russian pack—or outsiders, or whatever the hell they are—are growing bolder. They are striking every pack and looking to weaken us.”

“They’ll fail.” Conviction flooded Mimi. Jake squeezed her gently then pressed a second kiss to her temple. “We’re not going to roll over for anyone.”

“No,” Mason agreed with her. “We aren’t. I promised you your year, Mimi, and I am happy that you found your mate. You have my blessing. We’ll sort out pack politics later. For now, though, I need to take back the freedom of your roam for this task. When it’s over, you will have your year once more.”

It was a generous offer. “Thank you Mason. I won’t let you down.”

“You’ve never let us down.”

“Jake?” Brett spoke into the poignant silence.

“Yeah, yeah…” The wolf who claimed her heart smiled at her.
Her
wolf. Yeah, she wanted Jake. Wanted him and wanted to keep him. “I’m in. Where Mimi goes, so do I.”

“Hmm…I think we should give them a couple of days before we send them on the road, Brett said.

Mason said something and, though she and her wolf both knew they should listen, Mimi couldn’t look away from Jake’s laser-focused gaze. His wolf gleamed in his eyes and hers rose to meet him.

He mouthed the words
I love you
. Her heart squeezed. From the first moment he came across her at the beach, he’d been steady and devoted. Adoring him came easily. Far too easy, and she hadn’t wanted—or at least she hadn’t thought she wanted—a relationship.

Yet, Jake was right. She didn’t want to imagine a world without him in her life. Maybe it was the attacks, or maybe it was the missing Amelia, but life was too short to run from someone who loved her. The slow, gentle capture of her lips had her sighing. Being in Jake’s arms was the right place.

“Kids, we’re hanging up now.” Brett’s voice penetrated the soft haze. “Be safe.”

If they said anything else, she didn’t hear it because then Jake swept both phones away there was only him.

I
n a little over a week
, the course and direction of his life shifted. Maybe a better description was it corrected. The press of her lips to his left a sizzle along his nerve endings. Everything about holding Mimi felt beyond right. It was perfection. Though he’d managed to keep his distance respectable during their time in her cottage, he’d begun to crave her smile, her scowl. Her mere presence more than satisfied his nomadic spirit.

“Your mind is wandering,” she said in between kisses. She freed his ponytail then began to stroke her hand through his hair. “Never cut this.”

“No?” The switch from gentle accusation to order pleased him more than he could stand. Mimi’s dominance was impressive; nothing about her suggested submissive and he wouldn’t have her any other way. The tiny woman with her generous curves possessed a huge spirit.

“No.” Coiling his hair in her fingers, she fisted a handful then scraped her teeth lightly over his chin. The rasp of his stubble left a faint red mark against the soft skin around her mouth. “I love your hair.”

“Then I’ll keep it at whatever length pleases you.” Acquiescing to such a simple demand was easy. “And my mind isn’t wandering off you, Lady.”

“No, Tramp?” She raised her eyebrows and he grinned, rolling his hips so he could press his erection more firmly against her. A groan escaped him. Thankfully, she matched his with a moan of her own. “You do realize the dog catcher—Lady, Tramp, it’s never going away.”

“Good.” The statement was hardly a threat. “I love you. I love your spirit. Your wild sweetness—it’s so hard to define. I can’t get enough of you, and I haven’t tasted more than your lips. Once I’ve had you…you may find that my addiction runs far deeper.”

Laughter spilled from her lips and he felt the bite of her claws on his shoulders. The cotton of his t-shirt split with almost no effort on her part. It took seconds and he was bare chested. Wide, innocent eyes gleamed up at him and a chuckle rumbled in his throat.

“I believe in equality,” he murmured, then rose slightly to grip her shirt. Light claws sliced out to destroy the fabric, and he tugged away the shredded cloth to study the simple white bra cupping her sweet breasts. “Do you like this one?” He slid a careful finger along the cup enjoying the silken heat of her skin in contrast to the plain cotton.

“Buy two get one free at a box store,” she said. “I’ve got others.”

“Lovely,” he sliced through it then rid of her the garment, baring her lush curves and beautiful nipples. They were huge, like overripe strawberries, and his mouth watered. Trailing a wet kiss over her chin, he nuzzled her throat, but continued to his descent unerringly to those breasts. “Even prettier than I expected.” The last whisper he spoke before locking his lips over one hard peak. Her sudden gasp and rigid grip delighted him.

Desire flooded him as he nipped and sucked until her breathing came in rapid pulses. When she tugged at his hair and pulled him away from the puckered and swollen bud, he growled. Her snarl matched his, then he fought for control of the kiss. Passion swarmed through him, a demanding need only she could fulfill.

Leaving his mouth, she began to kiss along his jaw, then to his throat. Keeping his claws in check, he reached for her jeans. The clothes had to go. The scrape of her teeth on his shoulder stilled him and he caught her ponytail, wrapping the length of hair around his hand and tugging her head back.

She bared her teeth in a half-grin, half-glare.

“Oh hell no, Lady. You keep those teeth in check. You get to claim me only when my cock is buried deep inside of you. Clear?” He’d been the one chasing her, dammit. He wanted the whole prize, all at once.

A huff then a laugh and she wiggled against him, going for his jeans. They wrestled and tumbled, twisting with each other. He was desperate to not lose contact with her, and she seemed to have the same thought. Finally, the jeans were gone. She ripped through his boxers, and he tore away her panties.

A swift inhale flooded him with the raw scent of her desire. The rich, decadent perfection of femininity. Leaning away, he studied her. An hourglass figure, full hips, the faintest of dimpling to her thighs, not to mention rippling muscles which served as a testament to her strength.

Curving his hand over her belly, he stroked a circle around her belly button. The roundness reminded him of the whole of her nature—a protective dominant, a skilled cook, a blossoming baker, a musician. So many facets and he found the same in her body. Softness which promised maternal gifts, more than enough curves to satisfy the hedonist in him, and an undeniable strength and capability.

“I didn’t think it possible to love you more.” The need for her surpassed everything. If he hadn’t already recognized the complexity of the passion he possessed, he would have known it then. “You’re the only one for me, Mimi.” Everything within him stilled as his wolf rose and they stared into the eyes of the woman who held their heart. “My mate. Forever. Let me be yours. Claim me.”

Cupping his face in her hands, Mimi wiggled until she was on her knees. He rose, following her. His cock seemed to pulse in time with his heart, yet nothing mattered except for the woman gazing at him. “You’re crazy, you know that?” Affection inhabited the loving statement. “Everything about you—approaching me on the beach, stalking me, teasing me into talking to you. You can cook, you’re so flexible with everything, and you don’t want to rule me or order me around. I can feel your wolf—the strength of you—it’s in everything you do. You’re stronger than I am, but you hide it very well. You bury it down, cover it with swagger and playfulness and keeping it all chill and laidback.”

Pride swelled in his chest at every word. She caressed his cheeks seemingly enjoying the stubble. He should have shaved, but that would mean letting her go and he wasn’t ready for that.

“I see you,” she whispered to him and his wolf preened. “I see you in there. I see your strength. You faced adversity and lost hope, but you didn’t lose you. You took the time you needed to heal and that’s healthier than you know. Yes, I love you, and I want to be yours, but it’s also because I want you to be mine.” She moistened her lips, and halted his descent for a kiss with one finger. “Confession, I fled Willow Bend for this…roam so my mother would stop throwing males at me as possible mates. I could never imagine that I would find you here, but I am so glad I did.”

“You told me this already. But I’m glad you roamed…and you came here. To me.” Cupping her nape, he pressed his forehead to hers. “Mine.” He gave her neck a squeeze and she mirrored his action, sliding her hand to his nape.

“Mine.”

Heart soaring, he closed the distance between them and sealed her lips with his. The need to explore and hold her shattered the last of his control. They locked onto each other, and she pulled him down. She fisted his cock, and their play culminated swiftly as she fit him against her sex and, in one stroke, he sank into her.

Her howl rolled over him and he struck, sinking his teeth into the juncture between her neck and shoulder. They rocked together, the burning sizzle within him spreading out like wildfire. They found the perfect rhythm and every thrust drove him toward the pinnacle. Then she sank her teeth into him and they were one. The world coalesced into one exceptional moment of bliss.

She shattered, pulsing around him as she came, and dragged him over the edge. Panting, they lay in a tangle of limbs for a long moment suspended in time. It took a while to get his respiration under control then she shoved him over onto his back. With a smile, she looked him over and said, “Now that we have that out of the way…I want to play.”

“Anything you want, mate.” He ended on a groan as she kissed her way across his chest then dipped to his belly. Her mouth fastened onto his cock and he forgot how to think.

Somewhere in the house, the phone rang, but Jake and Mimi ignored it.

“Mine,” she whispered against him.

His.

T
wo days later
, they finally came up for air. Mimi was sore everywhere, but in a way she could revel in. Her mate sat at the bar, studying maps and routes on a laptop while she prepared food. The lack of word on Amelia was the only black mark on what had been a perfect pair of days. Jake reached out his hand silently and she took it. He gave her fingers a squeeze. “We’ll find her. We’ll find them all.”

Two more human members had gone missing—one from Delta Crescent as well as another from Willow Bend. Word came to them via Mason. For now, their roles as Custodians were still being defined, so the only certainty they held was they would be working together. Mimi would track; Jake would protect her and take lead in any fight. His order on that one, not hers.

“I know.” She leaned over and kissed his knuckles. “I feel guilty for being so happy.”

“No. Even in war, life has to be lived. If we let them take our happiness, the bastards win.” He would know. The terror in Hudson River had nearly taken his, and he’d had to leave to find it again.

Mated.
He was Hudson River. She was Willow Bend.

Their alphas approved.

There were worse things in life.

“I wanna go surfing one more time before we hit the road.” At her suggestion, he grinned widely.

“Deal. I want to get you a new car before we hit the road, too. Like a real one, with leg room and space for, you know…average size people.”

Mimi narrowed her eyes and glowered at him. “Are you calling me short?”

Rising, Jake swung around the bar and picked her up. “You’re bite sized and perfect.”

Laughing, she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Good answer.”

“I know, right?” He kissed her and the eggs burned, but she didn’t care. She could make more. Everything else they could figure out.

* * *

S
tay tuned
for more in the Wolves of Willow Bend. Mitch continues the hunt for Amelia Sullivan in
Shadow Wolf
, coming January 2017.

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