Fourth Hope (6 page)

Chapter Nine

A whole week had passed without any word from Colt and Hope suspected it was over. She knew from Callie that he was helping her brothers finish the spa and she was pleased for him that he felt he could help out with the job. Seth and Brandon said he worked hard and finished the job they had given him on time, but didn’t ask or say anything about her.

She knew it was over.
He didn’t want her because she hadn’t been a virgin before he met her and that she’d practically shoved his past in his face when she promised she wouldn’t. She physically couldn’t eat any more cake or ice cream because, even though she had a fast metabolism, she knew she would have to take extra runs to burn it off; instead, she switched to episodes of CSI on the TV to get her through the next few hundred years without her mate.

Tears burn
t her eyes again, even though she had already promised herself she wouldn’t cry for him again. Nope, pity party was over and Nick Stokes was calling. She would drawl over him instead. This weekend, the girls were going to the spa for the opening and her brothers had promised them a full weekend of luxury. Of course, she knew that meant her brothers and their mates would be in bed most of the weekend, but she was taking full advantage of the hot tub and sauna. Her weekend was going to be an official ‘no thinking about Colt’ weekend. Well, that was the plan.

Hope thought that three hours of the crime drama was enough
, so she turned off the TV and headed towards her room. The constant crying and moping around was taking its toll on her and she was tired. As she entered her room, she saw Colt sitting on the bed, startling her.

‘
Don’t you have a fucking bell or something?’ she shouted. ‘You’re always scaring the shit out of me.’

Colt didn’t say anything
; instead, he just looked down at his hands that were clenched on his thighs. As much as she wanted to say something, she couldn’t think what, so she walked over to him slowly in case he was still cross with her. She ran her fingers through his hair and gasped as he grabbed her hips and pulled her tight against him so his head was resting on her stomach. There she went again with the tears. She could feel his emotions running through her, the sadness and fear. She didn’t know what he had to be frightened of, though.

‘
Colt, I’m sorry for what I said. I shouldn’t have said those things. I just…’ She didn’t get to finish, as he stood and smashed his mouth down onto hers. Every thought and all the pain of the last week vanished from her mind at the taste of her mate. Colt’s lips were firm and hard, pressed against hers, letting her know he was in charge. But she wasn’t one to argue. She had missed him and, judging by his reaction to her, he had missed her too. His deep growl vibrated all the way to the soles of her feet and she relished the feeling of his hot body pressed against hers.

Hope kissed Colt back
, letting him feel everything she was feeling pour into that kiss. She loved him and she didn’t care if he knew. As if he felt what she was thinking, he ended the kiss but kept her in his arms, just looking down at her.

‘
Hope, I know I fucked up and it probably won’t be the last time. But…’ He shook his head as if he needed to clear his thoughts. ‘But when I smelt that other wolf in here with you I couldn’t help but get pissed off. You’re mine, Princess. I don’t ever want to share you with anyone, but I also don’t want to keep you locked away. My wolf is snapping at me for not seeing you this last week.’ Hope pressed a finger to his lips.

‘
I love you, Colt.’ That was all she said, but when his eyes turned the brightest blue of his wolf she knew it was enough. He spun her round and threw her on the bed. However, she didn’t have time to bounce as Colt was right there on top of her, his heated body pressing her deeper into her soft mattress.

‘
Say it again,’ he growled against her throat, kissing and nipping all the way along towards her shoulder. Hope knew her panties were on fire, as she was hot and aching for him. ‘Princess, tell me again.’

‘
What?’ she replied. ‘Say what?’ Of course, she knew what he wanted, but she played innocent. Colt ripped her T-shirt down the middle, letting her breast spill out. She hadn’t been wearing a bra when she was watching TV. Colt bit her nipple, the pleasure pain causing her to dampen her panties further.

‘
Tell me. I need you to tell me.’ He took her nipple in his mouth and sucked hard, making her forget she was supposed to be answering him again. When he stopped, she opened her eyes, not realising she had closed them. Colt was staring right into her eyes, his wolf begging to hear the words. Her hands framed his face and she pulled him down to kiss him softly on the lips.

‘
I said I love you, Colt. I don’t know why, because quite frankly you’re nothing but mean to me, but somehow I’ve fallen in love with you…’ She smiled, letting him know she was teasing him about being mean. It must have worked because he gave her the most devastating smile she had ever seen. His whole face lit up, and she wished she could see him smile like that every day.

‘
I love you too, Hope. I tried to keep away, knowing I hurt you that day, and I would only hurt you more. But tonight I was thinking just how much I needed you. How much you calm me. Princess, I’m so sorry for what I said. I don’t ever want you to be scared of me. I would never hurt you. Ever. No matter how mad you make me.’ He kissed her again.

‘
I’ve never seen you so angry,’ she replied. ‘And to know I gave you that anger made me upset. You knew I had been with someone else before you. I can’t help that, or change it.’

‘
Princess, I don’t want you to. The fact that I’m going to chase every single one of them down and kill them does help me a little, though.’ He winked and smiled, teasing her.

‘
There weren’t that many,’ said Hope. ‘In fact, it
was
only Alex.’ She rolled her eyes. He was baiting her and she knew it.

‘
Good, then I won’t have to travel far to find him.’ He kissed her neck again and breathed in her scent.

‘
You are not allowed to kill Alex,’ said Hope petulantly. ‘He is my friend and part of this pack. Plus, I thought you were working on getting on the better side of my brothers.’ She had heard about him working hard to finish the spa for Penn Lake Construction and she was proud he was trying to fit in.

‘
Right now, Princess, I don’t want to talk about your brothers.’ He began kissing her neck again, letting her know exactly what he wanted.

‘
What
do
you want to talk about, then?’ She could barely breathe the words out as he made his way down the long column of her throat to her shoulder.

‘
I don’t want to talk,’ he growled. ‘I want to make you come so hard that all of Penn Lake will know you belong to me. I want to rip the rest of your clothes off and sink so deep into you that I never want to come out.’ His tongue swirled around her nipple just before he sucked it into his mouth. ‘I want to make love to you all night. Then, right before you come, I’m going to sink my teeth into you to make sure everyone knows you’re mine, and then you’re going to mark me.’

H
er wolf howled at the idea of marking its mate. Hope was ready to start this next chapter in her life, but she also knew the minute she marked him as hers she would have to make some big changes. He was too alpha to stay within the pack, but could she leave her island and family behind? His head dipped lower as he kissed his way down her belly toward her moist centre. Guess she was about to find out.

Chapter Ten

Hope opened her eyes and saw it was light outside. She didn’t know what time she had finally got to sleep, but her body deliciously ached in all the right places after Colt had well and truly loved her for what felt like all night. She blushed at the thought of some of the things they’d done last night.

‘
Damn, that blush looks pretty on you. Thinking dirty thoughts this morning, Princess?’ Colt strolled into the room carrying a tray of coffee and toast. ‘You practically have no food in this house. Did the best I could.’

‘
You made me coffee and breakfast wearing nothing but what God gave you, and these?’ Hope leant over and run her fingers over the two bite marks she had given him last night, telling the world he was hers. A shiver went through his body as she touched them. They would always be together now. Nothing would change that.

‘
You look damn sexy this morning.’ He leant over and nuzzled her neck. ‘And smell so perfect that I might have to forget breakfast this morning and eat you instead.’ His hands pulled the sheet away from her body and he let his eyes roam over her naked body. She laughed as he took in the sight of her lying on the bed. She must have looked a mess, but right now Colt made her feel like the sexiest woman on earth.

‘
Well, you’re going to have to wait,’ she said, ‘as I’m hungry – and, not to mention, sore.’ His eyes dimmed slightly and he frowned.

‘
Did I hurt you last night?’ She loved how concerned he always was about her.

‘
No, you were perfect. I’m just not used to being up most of the night, plus I need a bathroom visit and a shower.’ Although his frown lessened, his eyes were still dim. ‘Honestly, Colt, I’m fine.’

‘
I think you’re better than fine,’ he replied. ‘But okay – first food, then a shower. Although I may have to have you again so my scent remains on you.’ That made her roll her eyes.

‘
Don’t you have work today?’ She grabbed a slice of toast and started eating it.

‘
Nope. We’re finished, and tomorrow night I’m going to take you to the spa and spend a weekend finding ways to help you relax.’ He picked up the coffee and started to drink.

‘
I thought it was just us girls going?’ Hope looked confused. She didn’t realise he was going with her, although she had hoped after last night.

‘
No way am I letting you out of my sight until my father is out of the picture,’ said Colt. ‘And if that means having to spend all my time right by your side, then so be it.’ He swiped his thumb across her bottom lip, then they both sat quietly whilst they finished their breakfast.

The peace and quiet of the morning was just what they needed after last night.
Once Hope finished her coffee, Colt took the cup away from her and placed it on the floor.

‘
Time for that shower, Princess.’ He picked her up and carried her to the bathroom, placing her gently on the tiled counter and leant over to start the shower. ‘I’m going to give you two minutes to get any private moments out of the way, then I’m going to come back here and make sure every inch of you is clean. Okay?’ He kissed her gently on the lips, then left her alone. Hope quickly relieved her bladder and brushed her teeth before stepping into the warm shower spray. God, she loved him so much.

Colt managed to put the breakfast dishes in the sink before he made his way slowly back to the shower.
He had sensed Hope’s discomfort at him being in the bathroom when she needed a moment to herself. He could sense her relax and knew she had got into the shower. Oh, if only this had been his life from the start. How many times had he wished, since meeting Hope, that he’d had a normal life, with loving parents like she did? Could he really take her away from all this to rule over his own pack? He knew he couldn’t stay once his father had been taken care of, because he needed to go home and take care of the pack. His old pack had been poisoned to the ways of his father’s ruling, but he knew he had a few good wolves that would help him when he needed it. Would Hope go with him and rule by his side?

He walked back to the shower and listened to her humming along to a song off
-key. She was perfect in every way, but her singing sucked. He chuckled, making her pull back the curtain and look over his naked body thoroughly. He felt himself go hard the second her eyes met his; his little she-wolf was making him forget all his troubles and, if only for this morning, he could forget and happily take what she gave. He stepped in beside her and ran his hands over her perfect, wet, soapy body.

‘
I thought I told you I was going to clean you.’ He couldn’t stop his hands from moulding to her breasts even if he wanted to.

‘
I had a better idea.’ Hope smiled at him and then fell to her knees. She looked up at him with her innocent eyes. ‘I thought maybe I could get
you
clean.’ He closed his eyes the moment her hot tongue traced his hard erection.

‘
Hope, Princess… you don’t... oh God... please... don’t stop.’ He felt Hope smile against him, knowing he couldn’t form a straight sentence if his life depended on it. He glanced down to see her eyes pinned on him. He touched her face and watched once again as her tongue traced the tip of his cock, lapping up the bead of moisture that had spilled out. She swept her tongue around her lips and hummed.

‘
I think breakfast in the shower is much better,’ she smiled at him and Colt couldn’t help his hips as he pressed towards her open mouth. The instant Hope took him inside her mouth he had to lock his knees in case he fell over. His heart pounded in his chest as her hot, wet mouth sucked all of him deep down her throat and, when she finally moved back up, he knew he wasn’t going to last long.

Her hand came up to circle him around the base of his cock as
her mouth worked his hard length together, sucking harder and faster. When he felt her tongue twist at the end of his cock he couldn’t help but place a hand into her hair to steady her movements, while his other hand hit the shower wall to steady himself.

‘
Fuck, Princess, that feels fucking amazing. I’m not going to last…’ He felt his balls tighten up and the hot rush down his spine as he knew he was going to come any minute. As much as he wanted to fill that pretty mouth, he knew it was her choice. Colt pumped his hips gently as he watched his throbbing cock move in and out of her mouth. When she looked up into his eyes he couldn’t stop himself.

‘
Hope, baby, I’m going to come... Stop now if you...’ He couldn’t help but roar as she did the twisty thing with her tongue again and he felt his hot seed spill into her mouth. ‘Argh.... Fuck, Hope…’

She didn’t let up as she sucked harder, swallowing every last drop he spilled.
He moved his other hand to the side of her face to still her movements.

‘
Hope, you have to stop. I think I’m going to pass out.’ She let him go with a soft ‘pop’ and stood up to kiss him. He delved into the kiss, loving the taste of himself in her mouth. ‘That was amazing, Princess.’

‘
I love you, Colt.’

‘
I love you too, Hope.’ He couldn’t help but kiss her again.

***

Hope had agreed to help Maggie at the bakery
whilst Callie and Sarah were at home packing for their weekend away. Colt didn’t like to see her go, but understood this was her life. He also needed to go and speak to Seth before they left about what was going to happen when they finally destroyed his father. He needed assurance from someone close to Hope that, if she decided to follow him to the mainland, then she would be happy. He stood outside the alpha’s home and knocked. When Sarah opened the door, she looked confused.

‘
Oh, hey Colt. Everything okay?’ He liked how everyone looked out for everyone else on this island, even if he wasn’t used to it himself. He knew Hope would always have a family here.

‘
Yeah,’ he replied, ‘I left her at the bakery about ten minutes ago. I actually needed to talk to Seth, if he is free.’ He put his hands in his pockets, not knowing what else to do with them. In such a short space of time, his little princess had made him become more aware of others around him and he could feel the pack connection floating around him.

‘
Sure, come on in,’ said Sarah. ‘Callie and Logan are in the kitchen. If it’s private, then I’m sure Seth can find somewhere more secluded.’ She was searching for a hint of what he wished to discuss and he smiled at the alpha female. He liked Sarah – no bullshit, and fiercely protective of her pack members.

‘
No, nothing like that. I’ll probably need to see Callie, anyway, as this will involve her as well.’

He knew his cryptic message was making her go nuts with curiosity.
He followed her into the kitchen and saw the others sitting at the breakfast table. He declined a coffee, hoping to get straight to business, but Callie beat him to it. She got up and wrapped him in her arms. He hesitated for a moment, but then he felt the need to hug her back. She was his sister, after all. Family. Logan growled, but Sarah gave him a look and he just sat, his eyes narrowed, watching every movement Colt made. He couldn’t blame the man, as it wasn’t long ago Colt was threatening to kill all of them. His heart suddenly felt heavy at the thought of it. He couldn’t imagine his life without them now, as they had worked their way into his once frozen heart.

‘
I’m glad you’re here,’ said Callie, ‘and I’m really glad you’re coming this weekend.’ She leant further in and whispered in his ear. ‘And I’m glad Hope finally marked you as hers.’ Releasing him, she gave him a wink and went to sit back down next to Logan.

‘
I
can
hear you when you whisper.’ Logan pulled her onto his lap and held her tight, protecting her. It showed Colt that he still didn’t trust him, but that was okay. Trust was a big issue to these guys and he was going to have to earn it. ‘So, guess this means you and Hope made up?’

‘
Judging by those two marks on his neck, I’d say they more than made up,’ said Sarah. ‘Welcome to the family, Colt.’ She smiled at him as she sat down next to Seth. However, Colt could still feel the hostility coming from both brothers, in contrast to the warm, welcoming vibes the girls were sending out.

‘
Well, that’s kind of why I’m here,’ he replied. ‘Hope and I became mates last night, but I don’t think she fully understands what my position is within your pack.’ He held his hand up before Seth could speak. ‘No, I don’t want to challenge you for the alpha role, if that’s what you’re thinking, Seth. I know your role here will only enrich the Penn Lake pack. I, however, need to let my alpha wolf rein free and lead a pack, hopefully the pack my father will leave behind when I kill him.’

‘
You won’t be alone in that,’ said Callie angrily. ‘I for one want to see the sick fucker die.’ Logan pulled her closer, as if to sooth her sudden outbursts. He pulled her in closer and kissed her lips.

‘
Now, baby, you won’t be killing anyone,’ said Logan, as if placating a small child. ‘At the end of the day, he is still your blood and I don’t want that on your hands for ever. Seth and I will deal with it.’ He kissed Callie again and settled back to the conversation. ‘So, you’re saying you’re going to take our baby sister away from everything she knows and loves to run a pack she has spent her life running and hiding from?’

‘
Logan Penn, don’t you dare make Colt feel bad,’ Sarah snapped at him. ‘He has come here to talk to you in good faith, so don’t piss him off – or me, for that matter.’

‘
Now, sweetness, I think Logan was…’ Seth was cut off by Sarah before he could finish.

‘
Don’t call me sweetness! I mean it. I...’ Seth stood and silenced her with a kiss. Colt understood the need for the constant touching of their mates and he knew, if Hope was here, he would also be kissing and touching her in the same way.

‘
I think Logan was being sarcastic, but he has a point,’ said Seth. He turned to Colt with a face that meant business. ‘Hope is our sister and has lived her entire life on this island. She knows nothing different, but I also know she will do whatever she wants and nothing will stop her once she makes her mind up. If she has agreed to go with you, then she will and, knowing Hope, she won’t stop until she has fixed whatever needs fixing. She will always have a home here, as will you, but I understand the need to fix your father’s mistakes.’ He held his hand out for Colt to shake.

‘
I love you, Seth.’ Sarah took her husband’s other hand and kissed the inside of his palm, whilst he cupped her face.

‘
I love you too, sweetness,’ he cooed. ‘Are we finished here? I want to get packed ready for our trip. I can’t wait to show you ladies what we created.’

‘
I will protect Hope with my life,’ replied Colt, ‘but I wanted to talk to you first before I asked her. If she wants to stay here, then we will cross that bridge at the time, but do know I will never challenge you for your role as alpha.’

‘
Thank you, Colt.’ Seth picked Sarah up in his arms and walked towards the door. ‘Right now I’m going to take my wife and unborn baby upstairs and pack.’ Logan stood up and took Callie’s hand in his as if to leave as well.