The Alpha's Toy(38)

She saw Max and Jane sat on the sofa talking with another couple she didn’t know. Helen and William were close as they made their way around the room.

“These people are your family?” she asked.

“Not all of them are related, but we’re all close.” His other hand sank into her hair, tilting her head back. “All wolves feel related in some way. It’s how I knew Roger and Dani had done something wrong. They no longer smelled like pack but of something corrupt and not very nice at all. They repelled me.”

“What do I smell like?” She whimpered as his lips kissed along her neck. The air between them changed. It became suddenly charged with need, sex, and something far more. Mary knew Zeke was right. She was in love with Zeke. He was the first man to ever make her feel this way. She couldn’t imagine her life without him, and that scared her.

All of her life she’d been under the impression that it took a lot longer than a couple of weeks to fall in love. Her wolf connected with his, and she found her dreams filled with images of them both together. Mary knew her future was with him, but she needed to be totally sure.

Seeing the couples together, Mary knew they were exactly the same.

“Heaven, like the best fruit or dessert on the table. You’re everything I ever wanted. I could smell you in a crowded room or in the city. They took you away from me, but I won’t let it happen again.” His lips covered hers, and Mary accepted his word and his love.

The sound of someone clearing their throat pulled Zeke away from her body.

“Son, please, we try to keep things simple a little longer,” William said.

Helen chuckled. “It’s lovely to see you both here. When William told me you were coming I couldn’t wait to see you again.”

“What’s the matter, Dad?” Zeke asked.

She sensed him tense as he took hold of her hand.

“I need to have a word with you, Zeke. Alpha to Alpha. Helen has offered to keep your mate company.”

“Is it important?”

“Very. Otherwise I wouldn’t ask at a mate gathering for a private word,” William said.

“Okay.” He turned to her. “I’m going to go, but I promise you Mom will take care of you.”

Mary nodded. What else could she do?

“Zeke, wait,” she said, wanting him to know how she felt. “I get it.” Glancing down at the floor, she tucked some of her hair behind her ear. “I love you, too.”

He paused, and then the biggest smile she’d ever seen brightened his whole face. “You pick the worst time to make me feel like the happiest man alive.” Zeke caught her up in his arms. “I love you, baby, and I promise you I’ll make this up to you.”

His lips were hard, and she melted against him. Seconds later he wandered off, and she was alone with Helen.

The other woman wrapped her arms around her. “I’m so happy.”

Laughing, Mary hugged the older woman back.

“My boy has spent so much time talking about you and how he’d find you. I didn’t doubt his effort, but I started to think he’d been taking weed and simply imagined you into existence.” Helen chuckled. “I know he’s not a young boy anymore.”

“Zeke talked about me?” Mary asked.

“Yes. He didn’t know your name, of course. Zeke told us he knew you were the one. That boy will never back down from anything.” Helen led her toward the sofas where several couples were groping or in different stages of undress.

“I, erm, I didn’t even know his name.”

“He’s a good Alpha. Zeke knows to keep his feelings close to his chest. Like his father he has a select few people close enough to him that he can trust.” Helen handed her a glass of dark liquid. “It’s scotch, my dear. It’ll keep you warm while they’re away. Business will come first.” There was a smile on her lips.

“How can you stand for the pack to come first?” Even as she said the words Mary knew she didn’t care if the pack came first.

“I know, honey, that when my man gets me alone later tonight or even tomorrow or maybe in a week, he’ll make it up to me.” Helen closed her eyes.

Feeling like an intruder, Mary glanced away.

“Honey, I know my son, and he’ll make it up to you in his own personal way. You’ll be protected, and you’ll never want for nothing.”

Sipping at the scotch Mary tried not to cough at the strong burning taste.

“I wouldn’t want anything from him. I’m happy just being around him,” Mary said.

“You’re becoming one of my favorite people.” Helen touched her hand.

They were silent for a long time as the music picked up. She noticed several couples were already naked, and things had taken a different turn.