Fighting for her Mate: Shape Shifter Paranormal Romance (Sassy Mates Book 5) (4 page)

FIVE

Ellie stood on the back porch when she heard the men arrive. She waited, her mind going through a rollercoaster of emotions. She missed Caleb so much lately. He refused to spend more than a few hours at a time with her. She was tired of it. For so long she’d given him the chance to handle this on his own and she was done.

His scent surrounded her and she couldn’t stop the jerk of her heart and the way her animal pushed under the skin, wanting to get closer to his.
Wait your turn, girl.

She knew what he would do—hold her, kiss her, and probably be on his way. Not tonight. The moment she felt him nearing her, she started down the back porch stairs.

“Ellie?” Caleb called out behind her.

She said nothing, her wolf begging for her to turn and recognize their mate. To spend time with him. She missed him, dammit.

She shoved a strand of hair behind her ear and focused on the trees ahead of her. He was still walking behind her. She could sense his confusion, but she didn’t stop.

Far from the house, she stopped at her favorite spot—a slope that lowered to a thick grass patch around her favorite tree, facing a small pond. She stood, waiting for Caleb to catch up.

“Ellie, what’s going on?”

He stopped beside her and she finally glanced up to meet his gaze. God, how she loved this man. It killed her not to be living with him. Not to be making plans to have babies and to enjoy their life together. This had to stop.

“Why did you come tonight?” she asked softly, the words sticking to the back of her throat.

He frowned as if he didn’t get her question. “To see you. Why else? It’s been too many days and I miss you.”

She nodded but sensed he held back. “And?”

“To make sure you were safe, okay?” he added.

She turned to face him fully. “This needs to stop. This whole seeing me once every few weeks and then I have to ask my brothers how you are. I have to wonder if you’re alive.” She took in a breath to lower the anger rising with her panic. “I wonder if you’re okay. If you need help, if you need me.” She shook her head and glanced deeply into his eyes. “It’s not me you should be worried about.”

“I’m always worried about you,” he said. “You’ve been hurt before. I haven’t forgotten and I won’t let it happen again.”

She shook her head. “Caleb, let me help you. Together we can—”

“No.” He grabbed her hands in his. “I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to you while you tried to help me win this war.”

She jerked out of his hold and took a step back, hurt and anger pushing words out of her mouth. “So you’re okay with this?” she threw at him. “This half-life we’re living where I don’t see you and we barely speak?”

“Ellie.”

“No, Caleb. It’s my turn to say no.” She tried to get him to see her point. “Do you not understand that I can take care of myself? I’ve been training, I’m good. No,” she rephrased. “I’m better than good. I can kick ass.”

He shook his head. “I won’t risk it. You’re too important to me.”

“What about what I want and how I feel?” She stepped away from him. “Don’t my feelings count? You’re important to me, too.” She gulped back the lump growing in her throat. “I don’t want to sit by while you deal with this alone. I’m your wife!” She growled when she didn’t see his features soften. “Mates are supposed to handle these situations together.”

She took another step that pressed her back against a tree. He took advantage of that and shot forward, pressing himself to her front and holding her captive.

“I’m sorry, beautiful.” He raised a hand, gliding his fingers down the side of her face in a touch so soft, she almost thought she imagined it. “I love you more than my own life. I’ll never stop worrying about you.”

She opened her mouth, ready to argue, but he stopped her with a kiss. It started off fast, his mouth pressed hard on hers and his tongue dipped, curling over hers. She should fight the desire to give in, to let go and stop the argument, but she couldn’t. She’d missed him so damn much.

With a soft sigh, she opened wider for his invading kiss. The scent of the woods and earth filled her senses. She loved it when he smelled like he’d been rolling in mud. It drove her wolf wild. His hands came up to tug at her T-shirt, the material almost tearing with the force he pulled. He shoved it above her head, the immediate breeze raising goose bumps over her skin and making her nipples tight.

Their lips separated for a nanosecond while he glanced down at her breasts almost overflowing her bra.

“I will never tire of looking at your gorgeous body.”

She licked her lips, the taste of him bursting to life on her tongue. “I’m not going to be dissuaded with sex.” Who was she kidding? She’d quit the discussion for sex with him any day. His head came down, his lips attached to the base of her throat. Electric tingles raced to her pussy. She raked her nails into his hair, pressing him to her chest as he glided to her breast.

“You smell so fucking good,” he growled into her breast. The vibration from his rumble added to the desperation tensing her muscles.

“Caleb, please,” she finally choked out. The words traveled up her sandy throat to come out a bare whisper on her dry lips.

He unzipped and yanked her jeans down, tugging the material with enough force to rip it. Luckily for her, he didn’t.

He glanced up and met her gaze. “I plan to please you, sweetheart.”

She pressed her head back against the tree, her legs going wide to fit his face between them. There was no pause or moment to prepare. One moment he was getting on his knees and the next his tongue was flicking mercilessly over her clit. A short breathless moan struggled out of her throat. Her legs started shaking, but he didn’t stop. He pressed into her sex, his tongue lapping at her clit and dipping into her channel to fuck her in quick drives.

“Oh, my god. Oh my god!”

Her hips bucked forward. He lifted one of her legs and placed it over his shoulder. She let go of his hair and grabbed the branch above her head to cling to. Then he cupped her ass and lifted her, giving her the ability to place her other leg over his shoulder and bring her body off the ground.

He licked at her with purpose, his growls and snarls making her more than a little crazy. Her animal pushed at the skin, but this was Ellie’s moment. Her time with her man and oh, how she fucking loved it.

Caleb’s tongue flickered in quick circles over her hard clit. Her pleasure center ached with her need to come.

“Jesus, Caleb, make me come already,” she groaned.

He chuckled into her pussy, the vibration sending her so close to the edge, she took a sharp breath.

His licks on her clit increased, followed by sucking motions and the grazing of his teeth. Good god! She would argue with anyone that those were the easiest ways to make a woman lose her mind. She flew. Her back bowed and she dug her nails into the branch at the same moment her channel contracted around his tongue. Fucking hell, he was good at that.

Her knees were still shaking and her breaths were coming in short gasps when he slowly and so carefully placed her on her feet. She kissed him hard, licking her own body’s juices off his lips and getting wet all over again. His hands caressed her full body, branding every bit of her flesh as his own. She was his and they both knew it.

He turned her to face the thick tree trunk. Holding on to the tree with shaky hands, she pushed her ass out and leaned forward, curving her back and offering her backside to her mate.

A soft growl sounded from behind. She smelled how much he wanted her. Fuck scenting it. She heard his need in his breathing, sensed it in the tension floating over her back. He was close to losing control of his human body and letting his animal take control.

She gave a loud gasp when his tongue trailed from her ass up her spine to her neck. He slammed a hand on the tree, his fingers turned to claws, breaking off bits of bark. Oh, yes. He was very close to losing it.

“Ellie…”

She licked her lips and held her breath, waiting and wanting. Lord, she wanted him more than her next breath. More than knowing there would be a tomorrow. She wanted to hold on to that moment and freeze it in time. The sound of his zipper sliding down and his pants hitting his shoes amped her anticipation. One breath. Two breaths.

He slid his cock between her pussy lips, using her body’s moisture as lubricant. “You’re so fucking wet, baby.”

She gripped the tree, her body practically vibrating with need. If he didn’t get on with it soon, she might disintegrate into nothing. “Do you like it?”

She knew better than to ask. He reeled back and one of his hands slapped onto her hip, digging his claws into her flesh. The bite of pain felt fucking amazing. Then he pushed forward, his cock fully embedding inside her, hot and hard, like steel on fire. She squeaked, almost slamming into the tree only to be hauled back into his body.

“I don’t like it. I fucking love it. Your,” he snarled the words by her ear, “slick little pussy is all mine, baby girl.” He licked her shoulder. A shudder raced up her spine. He propelled back and thrust hard, holding her in place so she wouldn’t slam into the tree. When he was like this, on the edge with his animal, all she wanted was more. To taunt the beast so he’d get wilder. Hungrier. So she’d get more of that passion he only gave her when he lost control.

“Fuck me!” she moaned. It wasn’t her telling him, it was an expression of how torn she felt over how he drove her slowly insane.

“Do you feel that, sweetheart?” He bit on her earlobe and sucked. “Feel my cock taking what’s mine?” He bit her. “Do you?”

She nodded.

“You. Are. Mine.”

She gulped and continued driving back into each of his plunges. Tension curled around her belly into a tight knot. “Caleb, I--”

“I’m not stopping. Not until your pussy is wrapped tightly around my cock and you’re left shaking from how hard you come. And trust me, sweetheart, you will come that hard.”

Oh, she knew that was a definite. She mumbled under her breath about him taking too long.

“You want to come, baby. I know you do.” He increased the speed of his thrusts. “You want my dick deep and far. As far as I can get. You want my mate stamp on you from the inside.” He took a rough breath. “You want me to give you the pups you’ve been secretly wanting, baby girl.” He nibbled on her shoulder. “I want them, too.”

His hand curled around her belly, sliding between her legs to play with her clit. She mewled, wiggling back into his harsh drives. More. More. More. She was so fucking close.

All it took was a few flicks of his finger on her aching pleasure center in combination with his deep plunges and she was gone. The orgasm tore through her like a category five hurricane. It left her breathless, shaking and ready to fall apart. Only with Caleb could she open up enough to lose herself in how he made her feel.

She was still riding the wave when he pressed tightly into her, his cock pulsing inside. He came with a loud howl. Loud enough everyone in the house probably heard, but at that moment, she couldn’t have cared less.

He sat on the grass with her on his lap. It allowed them a brief bonding moment without being with the others. He held her close to him, tilting her face to meet her gaze.

“No matter what happens, know this: I love you. I always have. I always will. I’d die for you.”

She inhaled hard and let her words out slowly. “It is because I love you as much as I do that I would never let you give up your life for me. I’d rather stand by your side and die together. You’re mine, Caleb. And I’m not losing you. Not now. Not ever.”

SIX

Ellie entered the kitchen with Caleb in tow. Her mother was putting rolls into a basket with a red and white checkered towel covering it. Her mother looked at her and Caleb’s joined hands and smiled. “Good, you’re just in time. Wash your hands and come sit.”

Ellie’s face flushed red on her way to the sink. While he’d diverted her attention outside with sex, her mind was set. She was helping him whether he wanted her to or not.

Caleb chuckled and squeezed her hand. “What are you blushing for?”

She turned on him with a “duh” look on her face. “Mom didn’t need to look at our hands to know we’re still together. All she had to do was breathe.” He could only smile. She rolled her eyes. Men. “I’m taking a quick shower. Be right ba—”

“No.” Caleb squeezed her hand tighter. “I want my scent on you.” Her belly fluttered. He held her captive with his dominating gaze. “Besides, it’s just your family.”

“Exactly,” Ellie huffed, “it’s my family. I’d rather be in front of strangers than listen to my brothers’ smart-ass remarks I know will be said.” Despite her words, she loved having his scent on her. Heck, if it were up to her, she’d have him mark her all over. He was hers and she was more than happy for others to know. Others she wasn’t related to.

“Nah, they wouldn’t say anything,” he growled softly, the sound shooting arousal to her pussy. Not good. Not only was she turned on again, but they’d all know she and Caleb were doing a lot more than talking on their walk.

Caleb gave her that grin that turned her knees to melted butter. It wasn’t going to work. She propped a hand on her hip. “Hello? Have you met my brothers? Obviously not, if you think that.”

He kissed her hard and fast and for a second she forgot what they were arguing about. Then he tugged her toward the dining room. “Stop being so worried. I’m hungry. Let’s eat.”

They sat and everyone bowed their heads for grace. When the words
let’s dig in
were said, hands went flying for dishes filled with mashed potatoes, candied carrots, fried chicken, and hot buttery rolls.

Ellie kept her eyes to her plate, but she noticed the glances and felt the mounting tension as she tried to ignore her shyness. What was she worried about? Sex was a natural part of life. She was married to the man! It was normal to have sex with your husband, dammit! It’s not like her brothers never smelled of it. Since the mating ritual, that’s about the only cologne they wore, Eau de Sex.

Mason looked down at his plate full of steaming food and took a deep breath, blowing it out with a long
ahhhhh
. “Smells interesting, Ellie. I mean, Mom.” The table erupted with male laughter.

She knew it! She launched a piece of her roll at Mason. “Shut it, Mase.” She tore off another piece of bread to throw at Caleb for laughing along with them. She was ready to tell him she told him so, but when she chucked the butter-covered goodness at him, he looked up and caught it in his mouth, ruining her comeback while the males applauded and cheered. And somehow all he had to do was give her a single look that told her he loved her and she turned into a teenager all over again.

Her mother smacked her dad in the arm and he covered his laugh with his napkin and cleared his throat. “Mason, apologize to your sister. You know not to tease her.”

Mason dropped his fork in his pile of mashed potatoes. “But, Dad—”

Her dad gave Mason the look. “Don’t
but Dad
me.”

“Ellie knows we’re laughing with great respect for her.” He glanced down the table at her unbelieving face. “Why should I apologize?”

Their father put his napkin on his lap. “Because I want the same thing your sister got when I go upstairs with your mother later.” The room flooded with “ewww, Dad,” “TMI, Dad,” “I can’t handle that image, Dad,” “I think I might be sick, Dad.”

Ellie couldn’t believe he said that, but had a hard time not laughing along with the other women. Her parents were priceless.

Desperate to change the topic, Ellie asked if any plans had been made concerning Caleb’s uncle. With the serious issue, the room quieted.

Her mother added her bit. “I think that discussion can wait until after dinner. I think the boys would be more interested in knowing their little sister is now a married woman.” Ellie didn’t think the room could’ve been quieter. The proverbial pin drop had nothing on this.

Aric cocked his head and looked at their mother. “
Our
little sister, here?”

Their mother settled her eyes on him. “No, your little sister who lives with the neighbors.”

Jake gasped. “We have another sister?” Nicole tagged his arm.

“No, idiot. She’s being facetious.”

He looked around at the staring faces. “I knew that. I was trying to be funny.”

Nate snorted. “I agree with your mate. Idiot.”

“Hey,” Jake puffed up his chest, “my mate is always right, but I’m not an idiot.”

Mason coughed up a sliced carrot. “Dude, you can’t have it both ways.”

“I disagree,” his mother added with authority. “He got it right. And you boys would do good to learn what he just got away with.” She grinned at the faces her sons made. “Interesting that your mates didn’t tell you anything about it.”

Every man turned to look at his mate, but the women continued eating as if nothing had happened. The smiles the women shared with Ellie told her they were more than happy to deal with the questions that would come their way.

An hour later, Ellie and the other women put away the last of the dishes from dinner. Karla, Jordan, and Emma each held a bottle for one of the triplets in their arms.

Ellie looked toward the doorway, then to Karla feeding one of her babies. “Karla, may I ask a personal question that’s plagued me forever?”

Karla made a fish face at the baby. “Sure.”

“I thought you were on the pill before you got pregnant.”

“I was. Have been since graduating.” She bent down and kissed the baby’s forehead.

Ellie frowned. “Doesn’t that make you wonder how you got pregnant? And on top of that, you had
three
.”

Karla snorted. “Yeah, I wondered about that starting the day Jordan and I did the double dip.”

Ellie glanced at Jordan. “You what? Went for ice cream?”

Jordan laughed. “No, silly. After thinking about the symptoms she’d been going through, I thought she could be pregnant. Heck, I knew she’d freak if I told her to take a test. So I said I’d do it, too. She came to the house with about ten different tests.”

Everyone at the table laughed.

Karla scoffed. “It’s not like I’d done it before. I didn’t know which one worked the best. The boxes all said they were the number one choice. Besides, I was wound up tighter than a rubber band at the time.”

“Ha! I knew you would be.” She grinned. “I’d do a happy dance if I didn’t have the little one here. Woohoo.” Jordan bounced in her seat, making her arm load giggle.

“That tells me,” Barbara started, “my grandchildren were destined to be born and they thought now was a great time to do it. They’ll make great alphas, if the packs survive.”

Ellie jerked her head sideways to stare at her mother. “Mom, what do you mean by that? You sound as if the end of the world is coming.”

Her mom’s features appeared strained. “Of course not. But with all the corruption and killing for power and money, I’m not sure how much longer the hierarchy tradition will remain as one alpha to one pack. Who knows? Fifty years from now, all could be united under one leader.”

Ellie shook her head and dismissed that idea. “I doubt that, Mom. But I do see a pack that keeps up with the times to finally let a female be the main alpha and not the husband.”

Nicole snorted. “That’ll be the day. Men are so arrogant; they’ll never give up their ‘right’ to lead to a female. I’d like to see that.”

Michael’s bottle bounced on the floor. “Hey, little baby man.” Karla looked down at the baby’s innocent eyes staring back with a toothless smile thrown in for fun. “Guess you’re done, then.”

Ellie picked up the breast milk container that had rolled against a counter. She handed it back to Karla after washing the nipple. “Did you lose your grip on the bottle?”

Karla propped Michael over her shoulder and patted against his back. “I’m not sure. His little arms started flailing and I guess he got his hands on the plastic and flung it away. I’ve never seen that before.”

Barbara joined the ladies at the table. “Looks like he’s going to be a strong alpha already.” A loud burp came from the infant.

“That’s a good boy.” Two other burps soon followed.

Ellie stood at the table. “Are you guys ready to meet with the men to talk about what we’re going to do?”

Karla set the bottle on the table. “Go ahead and gather the men. We’ll put the babies down, Matthew’s already asleep. Then we’ll join you all.”