Shared for Love (Kagan Wolves) (8 page)

“Yes.” Ethan swallowed hard. Anxiety gripped him over the reason behind the candidness. “Actually you have.”

“Few of our dominants care about our pack’s welfare, but you do. You’d give them every cent you earned if I allowed it, wouldn’t you?”

Ethan already did. At least as much as he’d been able to get away with. Everything else went into a fund for after he became alpha. “If it was best for the pack, yes.”

“Best for the pack.” Michael settled his focused glare on Ethan. “And what is it that you think is best for our pack mates?”

Nope. Ethan wouldn’t fall for the lure. The pointed question led to a trap. Most likely, their entire conversation did, but he wouldn’t jump into it. “I’m not alpha. That’s not for me to decide.”

“No, you’re not, but I’ve always wondered why you never challenged me. You’re strong. A dominant.” He tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. “What’s stopped you from taking the foolish path other males in our pack have? Surely you’ve considered it.”

Ethan inwardly cursed. So much for avoiding Michael’s trap. “I don’t want to be alpha, never have.”

“Nor do you want a mate.”

His heart skipped a beat. “No, I do not.”

Michael crossed his arms and studied him. “Why?”

He fell back on his usual answer. “Mates are too much effort. Females require attention, love, conversations. They’re only good for sex. When I get the urge to screw one, I pay for it.”

And he did. Sort of. He had a couple of hookers he visited who were known for their silence. He paid them extremely well to talk to him and keep his secret, of course. In the face of Michael’s disbelief, Ethan couldn’t help but wonder if one of them hadn’t betrayed him. He had ignored them for the past six months.

“My mate doesn’t believe you. She thinks you and Maria are in love.” Michael rubbed his chin. “I’ve come to the conclusion she’s right.”

He tensed. “I don’t—”

Michael held up a hand. “Don’t bother denying it. She already did. I don’t believe my daughter either.” He dropped his arm and leveled a hard glare at him. “You’re both well past maturity without any interest in taking a mate. You’re close too.
Friends.
”

He spat the last word.

Ethan glanced from Michael’s balled fists to his glinting eyes. Ethan’s wolf slammed into his chest. It had reached its limit. The animal wanted to rip out his opponent’s throat.

I have to wait.
Kill him too soon and Ethan’s pack mates would get hurt fighting amongst themselves while they sought to realign the pack hierarchy. It was the outcome Nic had tried to avoid. Hannah had shared the private insight and the struggle her brother had accepting his fate. Ethan had left her that night feeling closer to her than if they would’ve made love.

He raised his chin. “If you’ve already made up your mind, I’m not sure what you want me to say other than I have no plans to mate Maria.”

“But you see, I want her mated.”

Ethan’s gut twisted. The reason behind Michael’s invitation to visit him hadn’t been one Ethan suspected. He licked his lips. “Aren’t you worried I might then feel the urge to take you out?”

Michael chuckled. “You misunderstand me. I want Maria mated, just not to you.”

Ethan stared at his alpha a moment more but couldn’t read anything from him other than the fact he was up to something. “I see.”

“She won’t consider anyone until you’re off the market. At least that’s what my mate tells me.”

He sat up. “If you’re suggesting I take a mate so she will, I can’t without my wolf’s approval. You know that, and it hasn’t met any female it wants either.”

A sympathetic look passed over Michael’s face. “I understand. I felt the same when looking for a suitable partner. There are so many weak women out there. They’re barely worth our protection, let alone a piece of our souls, which, I might add, is an asinine requirement by our gods in order to reproduce.”

Ethan bit his tongue to stop his growl. A small nod was the only fake response he could muster.

“But I’m asking you to lower your standards”—Michael caught Ethan’s gaze—“for Maria’s sake.”

“For Maria’s sake? How so?”

Michael lowered his voice. “I have heard rumblings that there’s a market for dominant females, mated or unmated, and these buyers have set their sights on West Virginia.”

“A market.” Ethan leaned forward. “What kind of market?”

“Sex slaves. There’s a group of shifters willing to pay large sums of money for them, and”—Michael grinned—“they especially like the strong ones since they fight back. Breaking their spirit is half the fun.”

The sneer Michael wore suggested he knew it from experience. Ethan breathed slowly. Deeply. He would not lose control. Everything rested upon it. Finally, his heart rate returned to normal.

“And you’re concerned Maria might fall victim to them?” Ethan prompted.

“Yes, and I certainly wouldn’t want my precious,
loyal
daughter to suffer that fate. It’s safer if she moves away. Don’t you agree?”

Because she would be sold off if Ethan mated her. He didn’t doubt Michael’s threat, unspoken or not. Ethan inclined his head slightly. “But where exactly do you expect me to find a mate? There are no females in our pack that interest me or my wolf.”

“You’ll have to lower your standards and convince your wolf to pick one. I want you to participate in the next mating run. Your instincts will kick in once the ceremony begins. It’ll be enough to sway your wolf.”

“I can’t guarantee that. My wolf is stubborn. It won’t settle for anything less than an equal.”

“You mean Maria.”

Ethan glared at Michael, unsure what the best response would be. Michael made it for him. He chuckled. “Well, you can’t have her. I won’t allow it, but I do want you content. A submissive might do the trick, one
you
can treat as a slave. Your wolf might enjoy that.”

Hate gripped him. He not only wanted Michael’s death, he wanted him to suffer before he took his last breath. Ethan breathed through the violent thoughts. “I doubt it.”

“You won’t know unless you try. Spend some time getting to know our females. If that doesn’t work, show up at the mating run. The scent of their arousal might do the trick.” Michael walked closer, stopping at the edge of the sofa. “But remember my warning, Ethan. Choose your mate wisely. If you don’t, she might find herself targeted by that horrid trafficking ring. I’d hate to see you widowed days after being mated like poor Noah. He’s worthless now. If he wasn’t so good with flowers, I’d suggest he kill himself. At least in another life, he might learn from his mistake and be able to protect the female he mates.”

Michael’s heartless words pushed Ethan too far. He glared at Michael. “And what’s to stop me from challenging you beforehand?”

The wicked smile on Michael’s face chilled Ethan. “Do so, and Owen dies with me. I’ve already given orders to have him killed if you attempt to take me out.”

Ethan stood, muscles tensed. Apparently, they were done playing games. “Where is he?”

Michael laughed. “Come now, Ethan. Do you think me a fool? I won’t be sharing that information with you.”

“I’ve been searching for him for years. You’re going to tell me you found out something I haven’t?”

“That’s exactly what I’m telling you. If you don’t believe me, then challenge me.”

They both knew he wouldn’t. Not yet. He couldn’t take the chance.

Michael smirked. “So we have a deal, then?”

Ethan held the other male’s gaze and debated his choices, but could only come up with one. “I can’t promise you I’ll be able to mate one of our betas.”

“Then Maria will be mated off next month, and my order to eliminate Owen stands as a deterrent to any thoughts of revenge you might harbor.” Michael ambled toward the door at the far end of the room, but paused with his hand on the knob. “I know you will have them, but remain loyal to me and Owen will continue living the life he chose. It’s a win-win situation for all involved.”

Michael slipped from the room without another word.

Ethan fought his instincts that demanded Michael’s screams. The bastard had led him into a corner, thinking Ethan wouldn’t fight back. For thirty long years, he hadn’t. He’d accepted the helplessness and shame, justifying his complacency because he couldn’t get his dick to rise for a female. No longer did his excuses hold any weight.

He had to act.

But how am I supposed to find my brother before I do?
Because his goals hadn’t changed. Michael would die on the next full moon. Ethan just had to figure out how he’d live with himself if he didn’t bring Owen home in time.

Chapter Eight

Hannah found the garage door to Ethan’s house open. She parked but made no move to get out. Excitement mixed with her nerves. They would have sex tonight. She didn’t doubt it. Why else invite her to spend the night?

The anticipation of seeing him naked and accepting him into her body sped her pulse. She wanted him. More than that, she craved what he could give her. Her lust had gotten out of control. Horny didn’t come close to describing what gripped her.

Her anxiety, on the other hand, kept her rooted in her seat. They hadn’t even kissed. Tonight they would do that and so much more. She could satisfy him. Of that, she was positive. She’d never shied away from sex. What worried her was tomorrow.

Would he still want her? Or kick her out, claiming what they’d done a mistake?

As much as she hated to admit, her single night with Alex had broken her. His words had hurt. Sure, he’d apologized profusely. She also knew he hadn’t meant them to be so harsh. He still felt guilt over the fact that he’d made her cry. The outcome remained the same: He’d been right. She’d acted like a naive fool and confused affection with lust.

Love came in many forms. How many times had Nona told her that? The widowed shifter female, who’d raised Riley and Alex, had acted as a motherly figure to Hannah and Nic too. After her incident with Alex, Nona had told Hannah she should listen with her heart, not her body. Sure, it’d made sense. Except, Hannah thought she had read her feelings correctly. She feared making the same mistake.

And if I allow my confusion to cripple me, I’ll never find out.

She took a steadying breath and climbed out of her SUV. She made her way to the door leading into Ethan’s house and paused with her hand on the knob. A faint smell lingered in the space. She inhaled, and the familiar scent of another male filled her lungs.

Noah.

The sensory input instantly brought his image to the forefront of her mind. The memory of his arms around her left her shaky and kicked up her arousal another notch. Eyes squeezed tight, she shook her head to clear it of any inappropriate response. She did not want to remember how good his cock had felt pressed against her crotch or how tingles had skipped over her skin from the brush of his beard.

Ethan was the male she’d come to fuck, not Noah. She couldn’t deny her attraction to Noah, however. The yearning to hear his voice didn’t help.

Think with your heart, not your body.
She snorted. Easier said than done. Both were overloaded. Six months of innocent encounters with Ethan had left her crazed. Combined with her rampaging hormones and she could barely go five minutes without thinking about sex. It annoyed her but it was part of her nature. She did house an animal, after all.

And I know what I need. Ethan will give it to me tonight. He’ll dominate me. Fuck me hard. Make me scream.

Her air rushed out, and her lower belly quivered. Lust gripped her. She glanced over her shoulder. Only her black SUV sat in the large space. She hoped Ethan returned soon and didn’t expect conversation, not until tomorrow at least.

She pushed the door. Darkness met her, but the smells in the air tore a soft sigh from her lips. Ethan’s and Noah’s personal fragrance mixed with the comforting scent of flowers. Lilacs, if she had to guess. Although well dressed and refined, Ethan didn’t strike her the type to decorate his home with flowers.

Maybe he got them from Noah to give to me.
It would explain the other male’s lingering presence. She grinned and slipped inside, closing the door behind her with a soft click.

She waited a moment for her eyesight to adjust to the dimness, then made her way across the kitchen. It was the only room in the house she’d seen. Ethan had always arranged to meet her in different human establishments, far from either of their packs. Privacy had been the reason he’d given. He’d wanted to enjoy her company without the interruptions of their pack mates.

Her conversation with Sean earlier in the day stirred the uncertainty she’d chosen to ignore. She halted her steps halfway across the tiled floor. Lip caught between her teeth, she fought her doubt. She liked Ethan, not simply for his body but for his personality.

I am not wrong about him. He’s a gentleman, and he wants me. Only me. It’s why he hasn’t dated anyone else.

Chin raised, she continued forward and entered a large living room. She spun slowly and surveyed it. An expensive TV hung on the wall, but no other sign of wealth choked the room, despite the money she knew he possessed. The furniture was simple, and only a few replicas of famous paintings offered any color to the space.

With a smile on her lips, she scanned the interior once more, then shook her head in amusement. Neat and refined without being overbearing, much like the male who lived here. The bold pictures he’d chosen hinted at a part of his psyche she suspected he kept well hidden. The carnal hunger she’d sometimes caught in his eyes warned her of the lover he’d be once she broke his control. He’d be insatiable. Wild. Demanding.

She couldn’t wait to be at his mercy.

The thought spurred her forward. She slipped off her heels, set them neatly next to wall, then climbed the stairs, gaze locked on the door at the end of the hall—Ethan’s bedroom. She knew it was his. It was the only room facing the meadow where he’d found her undressing. He told her how he’d watched her and had been instantly drawn to her. She’d loved knowing he too experienced the same immediate connection she had.

“Then why doesn’t anyone know he’s seeing you? I’ve asked Noah. He said Ethan doesn’t want a mate, never had.”
Sean’s words fed her doubt, making her stomach churn.

She gritted her teeth and turned the doorknob. Another dark room greeted her. The sudden alertness of her wolf froze her in place. Fear didn’t radiate from it, though. She couldn’t tell what set it on edge exactly. Anticipation, maybe?

A deep breath told her nothing. The same scents she’d noted earlier drifted from the room—Ethan, lilacs, and Noah. Twined into them were more fragrant smells. She couldn’t name the flowers, but the combination urged her to close her eyes and relax. Body tensed, she scanned the room instead.

She made out the shapes of chairs in the back corner, a fireplace, and a dresser near a large window, likely the same one Ethan had spied out the night they’d met. The urge to walk toward it and view the open area from above grew into a compulsion. She ignored it for the moment and finished her survey.

A strip of moonlight from another window cut across the bed. The covers were turned down, exposing green sheets. Nothing else caught her eye. She stood there another moment in silence, but her wolf’s eagerness beat at her. She could come up with only one reason it would be excited. One person, actually.

“Ethan?”

No answer. She took a step forward. Movement caught her eye. She froze but didn’t get the chance to do more. A muscled arm hooked around her waist. She sucked in a breath. Noah’s strong and rich fragrance seeped into her lungs. Confusion surfaced. He yanked her against him and kicked the door shut with his foot before she could process more.

The warmth of his body radiated along her back, and his heated breath stirred her hair. He nuzzled against her, using his chin to brush her hair from her neck. Lust gripped her hard, not fear. She shivered and barely stopped herself from leaning into him.

He tightened his hold on her. “Hannah.”

Her name held all the hunger she’d seen in his eyes the last time she’d spoken to him, but the possessive spread of his fingers over her lower belly and the long length of his arousal pressed against her back didn’t match the brush-off he’d given her then.

Her confusion skyrocketed over his presence in Ethan’s bedroom. The commanding way he held her didn’t help her think. Primal instincts to submit surfaced. They surprised her as much as finding the male in Ethan’s home. She ignored the excitement Noah’s touch offered and focused on the practicalities of her situation.

An aroused male had her at his mercy. If it had been Ethan who’d grabbed her, she’d be ripping his clothes off. It wasn’t. A male who had no business in his bedroom held her.

She grasped Noah’s forearms and pushed. Her shove did nothing to break his grip. He continued to skim his lips along the length of her throat, back and forth as if savoring the taste of her. The reverent caress did crazy things to her heart and mind. She didn’t want to enjoy his chaste kiss, but couldn’t help it. Ethan had conditioned her to react to the slightest stimulation.

Noah tentatively dragged the tip of his tongue over her wildly beating vein, following the path his lips had taken. A shudder ran through her, and her knees weakened. Guilt rushed up, even though she knew it wasn’t entirely her fault that his embrace sent her up in flames. It was her hormones. Nothing more. The rationalization steadied her. She rammed her elbow into his stomach. He gasped, and she slipped from his arms.

She scooted farther into the room and waited, hands loose at her sides and stance widened, for him to rush her. He made no move toward her. He stood where she’d left him, partially in the strip of light from the parted curtains, and swept his gaze over her. After a slow, heated perusal from her face to her feet, he grinned. She glared at him, refusing to be swayed by the mix of lust and respect in his expression.

She curled her fingers. The bite of her nails dimmed her excitement. She concentrated on the pain until her heart rate slowed. No fear. No lust. Both would urge him to act on his instincts. “What are you doing in Ethan’s house?”

“Waiting for you.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re late, by the way. It doesn’t give us much time to talk before Ethan returns home.”

His words punched her in the gut. She straightened her spine, refusing to let him see her hurt. “You invited me over, not Ethan. Didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

She studied him as intently as he had her. Shirtless, he stood before her looking every bit as delicious as she’d imagined. Although not naked, he might as well have been. Every magnificent inch of him was set on display, even those parts hidden by the gray sweats that hung low on his hips.

His muscled chest drew her eye but didn’t hold her attention. She skimmed her gaze lower to perfectly sculpted abs and finally to his groin. The cotton outlined the long line of his cock.

Her lower belly quivered. She ignored the demands of her body and focused on his face. Mouth opened slightly and eyes hazed with desire, he watched her with barely controlled hunger. He dragged the tip of his tongue along his upper lip, drawing her attention. The tips of his fangs lowered, and his eyes took on a faint glow.

The sign of his excitement stirred hers. Her breathing quickened. She clenched her hands tighter.

Wrong, wrong, wrong. Ethan’s the male I want to mate. I should not be drooling over anyone else.

More guilt choked her. She took a step forward and welcomed her anger. “Does Ethan know you tricked me into coming over here?”

“No. He’ll be furious that I went behind his back.” He smirked. “But he’ll approve once he sees the two of us here waiting for him.”

She took a backward step. “Approve? What are you talking about?”

He glanced from her balled fist to her face. His amusement faded. “I’m sorry, Hannah. I hadn’t meant to frighten you.”

She forced her fingers to unclench. “I’m not afraid. Cautious and confused, yes. I expected to find Ethan waiting for me, not you. I want to know why.”

“Ethan wants to mate you.”

His words should’ve made her happy. The sadness twined into them stopped the warm feeling from taking root. “He told you this?”

A single nod answered her.

“And his choice matters to you because…?”

“For more reasons than you would ever guess.”

He approached her but stopped before she was forced to choose between holding her ground and retreating. The male stirred her uncertainty and left her off-balance. The confident aura she prided herself in maintaining around people slipped through her fingers. Only with her loved ones and Ethan had she ever let her vulnerable side show.

She straightened her spine, refusing to allow Noah to see it too. “Well, how about you enlighten me, then? Why does Ethan’s plan to mate me matter to you?”

“How long has Ethan been stringing you along?”

“Stringing me along? I thought you said…” She pressed her lips together and berated herself for the slip. She might as well have told him how Ethan’s actions, or lack of them, had stirred her doubt and left her wary.

“That he plans to claim you as his mate?” He closed the distance between them, slowly, cautiously. Giving her a chance to run? Or testing her?

“Yes, Ethan wants me.” She squared her jaw. He did, dammit. She wasn’t misreading him.

Another step brought him into her personal space. The heat radiating from him tempted her to move closer. She locked her knees and tipped her head back to hold his gaze.

“And you want him.”

The slight growl to his tone gave her pause, but still she felt no fear. Neither did her wolf. It sat, watching Noah through her eyes. Though she’d been born with the animal, she didn’t exactly understand its motives half the time. She dismissed it and focused on Noah’s green eyes. “I wouldn’t be in his bedroom if I didn’t.”

He made a noncommittal sound.

She huffed. “You didn’t answer me. Why do you care?”

“And you didn’t answer me. How long has Ethan been”—he skimmed the tips of his fingers over her loose hair—“seeing you?”

Although spoken softly, the question demanded an answer. She thought about resisting but couldn’t bring herself to deny him. “Six months.”

He nodded. “And what have you done together in that time?”

“I’m not discussing that with you.”

He slid his hand to the back of her neck. “Has he fucked you?”

She shot him a hard look. “That’s none of your business.”

“I don’t enjoy repeating myself, Hannah. It wastes time and because you had to use so much of it struggling with your instincts, ours is limited.” He leaned closer. His breath heated her cheek and warmed a path to her ear. “Has he fucked you?”