"Want something to drink?"
"Water, please."
He nodded and filled two glasses, handing one to her. "So this is what we call the pack house. It's where we all gather for anything big. It's the only place big enough for all of us."
She gulped. "Large family?"
"Yes, we're a very tight-knit group. We spend a lot of time together."
"That would be nice." Skye only had Joey, and he wasn't much to be desired by way of family.
"It can be."
Skye slid her shoes off, pushed them against the wall, and sat in the chair. She tried to lean back, but the stitches rubbed against the wood and she sucked in a breath.
Chase looked like he wanted to help her but seemed to sense her need to do it on her own.
"I need to call Jesse and let him know we made it safely. He'll come by and get your brother's shirt, and Shawn should be able to find him easy."
She was too tired to question, so she nodded.
"You can go lie down if you want, baby. There's a couch in the living room."
"Thanks," she replied, and stood up. A wave of lust shot through her body and sweat beaded her skin.
What the hell?
It seemed like the longer she was around him, the more turned on she became. She licked her lips and walked slowly by him, careful not to touch him, but his arm shot out and he grabbed her hand.
"You okay?"
She licked her lips and her body quivered. All it took was the one touch. "I think I need to lie down."
Heat flared in his eyes and he pulled her against him, careful of her back. "When you wake up, we'll talk, okay?"
"Yes."
Chase cupped her jaw and brought his lips to hers in a soft brush of lips. She felt it to her toes and moaned. She added pressure kissing him back, but before it progressed he pulled back and smiled. "Later," he said with a gruff voice. The look in his eyes promised her all sorts of erotic delight.
Skye backed away from him and turned, walking into the large family room. She saw a couch that was bigger than her bed and smiled. She made her way to the couch and sat down. Her body sunk into the cushion and she sighed before lying down. She didn't want to sleep, but her body needed rest. From the kitchen, she heard Chase on the phone.
"Yeah, we made it."
Then, "She's lying down."
And, "It was her brother."
Skye didn't want to stress over her brother anymore. She had a feeling he was the one in her house. He still had a key and she hadn't changed the lock. But why would he destroy her house like that? It hurt and she vowed to cut ties with him.
Skye woke up to the feeling of fingers running through her hair. She opened her eyes and smiled. Chase.
"Hey, baby. Jesse wants to talk to you, okay?"
"What time is it?"
"It's late, after two."
"Okay." She went to sit up and Chase helped her balance. "What is it?"
Jesse came in the room and smiled at her. It was amazing how much alike they looked, yet so different. "Hi sweetheart. How are you feeling?"
Skye stretched. "Better. Still a little sore though."
Jesse sat in the chair and Chase sat next to her. "We have some news, and you're not going to like it."
She nodded, urging him to continue.
"It was your brother who destroyed your house."
Skye gasped. "Why would he do that?"
"Looking for anything to sell, or any cash you might have."
"I don't have a lot. It would have done him no good."
"But you have some."
"Well- it's not mine any longer."
"What do you mean?"
She rolled her eyes. "I'm using it as my payment for your help. I hope it's enough."
Jesse laughed. "I told you not to worry about it."
"And I told you I don't take handouts."
"It's not a hand out when you're family."
Chase froze next to her and she glanced between them. Jesse smiled without a care and Chase was tense next to her.
"I don't have any family. Not anymore."
"Well, now you do. You have a giant family, and we're going to take care of you." Then he looked at Chase. "Haven't you told her yet?"
"I hadn't gotten that far, brother," he replied low.
"Oh, well shit, I'll tell her." Jesse scooted to the edge of his seat and peered at her. "I hope you like animals, sweetheart."
And then just like that he was gone, and in his place was a wolf. A freaking wolf. Skye gasped and her eyes widened. The wolf, Jesse, padded toward her and sat on his haunches.
"I guess you had a pretty huge secret," she said to Chase while watching Jesse. It was amazing. There was intelligence behind his eyes. She could tell he was still there completely. It was unreal, yet she wasn't scared or disbelieving.
"How do you feel about it?"
She looked at him when she heard his tone. He was scared she wouldn't accept him. She smiled and brought her hand to his cheek. "I think it's pretty damn cool," she said. "Is that how you will be able to find my brother? Wolf senses and all?"
"Yes," he replied, as if he wasn't sure of what she said.
"I told you I'm open-minded."
"You're not running," he replied, surprised.
"No, I'm not."
She wasn't sure why it mattered what she thought, why he seemed to be hanging on a thread, waiting to see her reaction. Jesse changed back and sat back on the chair like he was before he turned into a wolf. "So that's the big secret. We are a large pack who also runs a security business. Our abilities do come in handy."
"I see that. So my question is, do you normally tell your clients about your other half?"
"No, we don't."
"Then why tell me?"
"Because you're my true mate," Chase said in a thick voice.
Skye froze. Okay, she didn't see that coming. She was a wolf's mate.
Chapter 6
Skye sat back against the couch and sighed. Her brother had sunk low and now someone named Shawn, who was a part of their pack, was using his shirt to track him down. He would fight dirty and she was worried about Shawn. "He'll fight back."
Chase chuckled. "Shawn knows what he's doing, baby."
She nibbled her lip. "At least warn him, please. I don't want him getting hurt because my brother is a dick."
Jesse nodded. "I'll call him if that will make you feel better." He left the room, leaving her and Chase alone.
Chase leaned back against the couch. "So you're really okay with this? Do you want to see my wolf?"
She turned and adjusted comfortably. "I've got a lot of questions eventually, and I think I'm good right now. What I do want to know..." She pushed her hair behind her ears and blushed. Leaning forward, she whispered, " … is why I feel so damn turned on?"
Chase's laugh made her jump and she glared. "Hey, it's a serious question."
He nodded. "I know, but it wasn't the one I was expecting. Out of everything, that's the one thing on your mind?"
Getting on to her knees she scooted closer. "Yes, I'm a ball of sexual energy, and I need to release it."
"Yes, it's normal," he replied, and gulped when she climbed over him, straddling his lap. She saw his hands ball into a fist and she sighed. Reaching down, she lifted one hand and put it on her hip. He unclenched his fist and gripped her hip bringing the other one to the other side without her help.
"So it's normal that I want to rip your clothes off and ride you until I pass out from pleasure." She rubbed against him and moaned when she felt him harden.
"Yes," he said, and tightened his hold. "It's exactly how I feel. How I've felt since you ran into me."
"You have good control."
Jesse walked in and laughed. "Well, I suppose I should get going. I told Shawn about your brother and he sent his thanks for caring about his wellbeing."
Chase growled. "Okay, now get out."
"Thank you, Jesse," Skye said, and then gasped when Chase cupped her ample breasts rubbing his thumb over her nipples, hardening the tips. She groaned and rolled her hips against him.
She wasn't aware when Jesse left, nor did she care. All that mattered was the man touching her, and how much more she wanted.
"Touch me," she said, and he massaged her breast. It wasn't enough; she needed to feel his skin against hers. Reaching down, she pulled her shirt off and threw it on the couch. Chase got the hint and unclasped her bra. She slid it down her arms.
He groaned when she shoved her bare, plump breasts into his hands. "Touch me," she said, and didn't recognize her own voice.
He ran his thumb over her nipple and pinched it. She gasped when he did it a second time.