The Mating

  She noted that Kane was also rubbing his wrist. “We have a similar reaction to being imprisoned, I see.” He quipped watching her movements.

  “Yes.” She wasn’t sure what else to say and the silence stretched between them.

  Kane rubbed his neck and stared around the room. Elise wondered if he found the situation as unnerving as she did. Had he really wanted to be her mate, or was he too turning his back on someone he loved for the good of his pack? Before she had time to consider the idea, he addressed her again. “It’s getting late. Would you like to use the bathroom first?”

  “All right.” She opened the bedroom door and walked to the bathroom, feeling his gaze boring into her back. As she passed through the room, she noted that someone had made up the bed and her nightgown was lying near the foot. Snagging it in her hand, she entered the bathroom and closed the door, giving a sigh of relief. For a few minutes at least she would have some privacy and be free of Kane’s presence. It wasn’t that he was displeasing to look upon—in fact, in other circumstances, she would have admired his physique. His manner towards her had been polite, if a bit distant, so there was nothing she could complain about in that regard. The problem was that Kane wasn’t Bryan. He was an unknown male; an unknown male she would soon be intimately involved with.

  Her stomach clenched again and once more she thought of escaping, but where? She couldn’t survive without a pack. Wolves were social animals. To be an outcast was an unthinkable fate. Besides, she’d have nowhere to live, no means of support and then there was always the fear of detection. It hadn’t happened in years but that wasn’t to say that if a werewolf became careless, someone would put the clues together. Caution had been drilled into her head since the moment of birth and all had a fear of being hunted down… No, she couldn’t leave.

  Elise stared at her reflection in the mirror. Deep green eyes stood out in her pale face and her dark brown hair, pulled back in a high pony tail, did nothing to hide the tense muscles of her jaw. As a matter of fact, her whole person was tense. Possibly a hot shower would help. Turning on the taps, she adjusted the spray, then stripped before stepping into the stall and letting the pounding water beat onto her body. She closed her eyes as the steam rose around her and forced herself to relax, letting her mind drift back to the afternoon when she and Bryan had been running together.

  A smile drifted across her face. It had been so much fun, running like the wind; feeling her muscles stretched to the limit as she sought to outrun her companion. Bryan had tackled her to the ground and they’d rolled about, nipping at each other then bounding away, only to jump and tumble again. She’d nuzzled him and he’d licked her face, then they’d run back to the pack house, transforming into human form just inside the edge of the woods. Her hair had still had grass stuck in it and Bryan had picked it out before resting his hands on her shoulder and hinting at speaking to her father…

  Elise imagined she could feel Bryan touching her even now and sighed contentedly before realising that it wasn’t her imagination. Hands were touching her! With a squeal, she pulled away only to have strong fingers tighten their grip and pull her back.

  Kane’s voice rumbled in her ear. “It is just me. I decided to join you.” His large hands massaged her shoulders then ran up and down her arms. “You’re a slight little thing, aren’t you?”

  “I…yes.” Her muscles tensed again, all the relaxing benefits of the hot water disappearing.

  “Elise, I know this is…awkward… but try and relax and I will make it as easy on you as possible.”

  She nodded obediently, but inwardly thought he had to be kidding. Relax? He was about to invade her body with his, tearing the walls of her virginity and spilling his seed inside her… A bubble of hysterical laughter threatened to escape her throat.

  Standing frozen under the pounding water, Elise felt his lips trail down her neck while his hands encircled her waist before moving up to cup her breasts. She gasped at the feel of his rough palms caressing her. He tweaked her nipples then lowered his mouth to kiss her ear, his hot breath tickling the sensitive skin..

  “Mmm, your skin is so soft…” Kane rumbled his approval before spinning her around and capturing her mouth with his. Expertly, his lips teased hers and before she realised what she was doing, Elise opened her mouth, and his tongue slipped inside, gently stroking hers. Skilfully, his lips teased and caressed, stoking a fire within her. Involuntarily, she found herself responding, gripping his biceps as his hands ran up and down her back, drawing her closer until they were touching from chest to knee.

  Elise could feel his hot erection pressing against her stomach and a strange quiver of excitement shot through her. This was what her friends had talked about… Even as the thought passed through her mind, she felt herself being picked up and carried into the bedroom.

  Seeming not to care that they were both wet, Kane set her on the bed and then dropped down beside her. He kissed and caressed her, nipping and stroking, stimulating nerve endings until her entire body hummed with awareness. Heat was building inside of her and she squirmed restlessly. Kane was licking her belly and massaging her hips, then shockingly, he grabbed her thighs and pulled her legs apart, burying his face in her curls. Inhaling deeply, he licked at her nether lips. Elise tried to pull away but his grip tightened.

  “I can smell your arousal; taste it… It calls to me.” Kane looked up at her, his eyes dilated, his breathing uneven. He slid up and kissed her hot and hard. “You are my mate.” He muttered against her lips before move to her neck and running his teeth lightly over her skin, biting down gently but not actually breaking the surface. Trailing his lips up her neck and back to her mouth, he sucked on her lower lip before kissing her again.

  She started to melt into the kiss but then felt him push a finger inside of her and stiffened. It felt…strange. “Relax, this will make it easier.” He whispered against her mouth. The finger probed her body and she felt an interesting sensation tingle down low. Of their own volition, her hips jerked against his hand and he worked another finger inside. Again she stiffened – it was uncomfortable and tight but soon the movement of his hand created more strange feelings within her and she felt herself becoming moist and relaxed.

  Kane’s fingers began to slide easily in and out of her and Elise closed her eyes, concentrating on the feelings growing within. There was tension but it felt good, exciting… Her breathing became shallow and she felt herself striving to reach some unknown place. When he stopped, she whimpered her displeasure. Suddenly, his fingers were gone. Her eyes flew open to see him rise above her and position his manhood at her entrance. For a moment he paused and looked her in the eye before thrusting himself into her.

  She gasped. It hurt. He was too big. “No!” Struggling, she tried to escape but was pinned between his arms. He pulled out and pushed into her again twice more, each time entering more deeply until he was fully sheathed.

  Tears trickled from her eyes and he bent forward, licking at them. “It will be fine. The first time can be difficult.” He reassured. “You’re slight compared to me but in a moment it will be better. Tell me when the pain subsides.”

  Some part of her brain noted that Kane trembled as he held himself still within her, but she was too consumed with what she herself was feeling to wonder why. After a few moments, the burning dissipated and she swallowed hard before nodding. “I’m all right now.” Slowly, he began to move within her and soon the pleasurable sensations returned. They seemed to grow from within her, like a bubble slowly expanding… As Kane moved his shaft within her, it stroked her female parts. Her breathing became shallow. She needed more…more of something, though exactly what, she wasn’t sure. Her fingers dug into his back and he seemed to understand.

  Kane plunged into her faster, harder, deeper… Suddenly the bubble burst and she lost control, her limbs quivering as she found her release. Vaguely, she was aware of Kane grunting in pleasure before collapsing on top of her, his chest heaving.

  After a
moment, he pulled out of her and rolled over. The room was silent except for the sound of their breathing. As the pleasurable feelings faded, Elise’s rational mind took over. It was not Bryan who had just brought her to her first orgasm. It was Kane—a virtual stranger. Feelings of shame and regret washed over her. How could she have enjoyed being with him? It all seemed so wrong but there was no going back. She was mated to him for life.

  Her thoughts had brought her full circle and now she was pressed against Kane’s chest, his arm around her waist. She felt trapped, both by his limb and the fact that her life was now bound to his. The future loomed ahead. What would it be like to spend the rest of her life with this man? To share his bed? Bear his young? To grow old beside him? Did he like to run in the forest or would he be too busy with his duties as Alpha to spend time with her? And who were the members of his pack? She’d have to leave her friends and family behind. Her new position as his mate would guarantee her respect, but would anyone be her friend or was she destined for a lonely existence?

  Fears and doubts tumbled through her mind as she fell into a restless sleep.

  Chapter 2

  In the morning, she awoke to find herself alone in bed. She stretched and winced, her body stiff from her activities the previous night. Twice Kane had awakened her. Each mating had brought her pleasure but her heart still felt heavy. There was no love between them, just sex. If it had been Bryan, they would have made a blood bond, biting each other’s necks to mark the fact that they belonged together; forging a mental connection that would grow throughout their lifetime. Kane had made no move to do this and while Elise was relieved to not bear his mark, she was also unaccountably put-out by the fact. She would have liked the opportunity to refuse and earn a small victory but somehow, in her mind, it would have allowed her to prove that she was still loyal to Bryan.

  There was no sign of Kane and she listened carefully, wondering if he was in the next room. All was silent. Well, at least she didn’t have to face him right away though in some ways, getting that first awkward greeting over with might have been nice. Rolling out of bed, she made her way across to the bathroom, her feet silent on the soft carpeting.

  The previous night, she’d been too keyed-up to take in her surroundings but now she looked around with interest. Elise seldom visited the cabins but knew her father had recently had them redecorated. The decor was simple; natural wood and colonial furnishings. Splashes of colour were found in the draperies and cushions and Elise reflected it was pleasantly welcoming. The bathroom was small but contained all the needed amenities and she made use of the shower, washing away the remnants of their nocturnal activities. She stayed in the bathroom as long as possible, delaying the moment when she would have to go find Kane. Finally, the water began to run cold and she reluctantly stepped out, drying herself off and donning the pants and T-shirt she had brought in with her.

  Taking a deep breath, she exited her temporary haven, only to pause mid-stride. The bedding had been changed in her brief absence; the Council having been quick to gather the evidence that the union was complete. Embarrassment heated her face, as she imagined Kane stripping the bed and then handing over the stained sheets. She twisted her fingers together, wondering how she would ever be able to face any of the others. It really was a ridiculous custom to cling to in this day and age.

  That she’d been a virgin wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone in her pack. Her father was very traditional and had guarded her closely. While her friends had been off on dates, it had been well-known that she only went out in groups. Bryan had been the only male she was ever allowed to run with. Even he admitted that her father had given him stern warnings that there had better be no inappropriate behaviour if he valued his life. At the time, Elise had thought her father was just over protective, but now she was coming to realise that she had just been an object, a pawn to be used in political manoeuvring.

  At that moment, the bedroom door opened and Kane appeared. “Elise. I heard you in the shower when I came in, so I made some breakfast for us.” Briefly she made eye contact with him and he must have noted her flushed countenance for his eyes darted to the fresh sheets on the bed and then back to her. “Yes, the Council has been here to check on our union.” He spoke the fact blandly as if it was of no more importance than the weather and Elise forced her feelings down, trying to match his nonchalant attitude.

  He extended his arm, ushering her into the kitchenette. The table was set. Bacon and eggs, juice and toast were waiting. “I wasn’t sure what you liked to eat first thing, but this is what I can cook. I hope it’s suitable.”

  Elise looked at him in surprise. Her father had never set foot in the kitchen, always too busy with his work as Alpha. “You… You cooked this?”

  “Yes. I am capable of fending for myself, you know.” He chuckled at her expression and helped her into a chair. “Also, I can’t have my mate undernourished. We used up a lot of energy last night.” This final remark was accompanied by a kiss on her cheek and a hand running casually over her breast to her waist. Elise momentarily froze, but Kane sat down opposite her as if nothing had happened and began serving. “We’ll need to take a few days to get used to each other—acquainted with various likes and dislikes. Is there anything you aren’t fond of eating?” He paused in the middle of spooning up some egg and looked at her enquiringly.

  “Um…not really.”

  “Good. I’ll eat almost anything myself. Do you like to read? Watch movies?” The meal progressed with Kane asking her questions and Elise supplying answers. When she didn’t question him back, he would fill in his own preferences. Elise had to admire him for the effort he was making. He was being friendly and polite, showing an interest in her… Apparently he was committed to making their union work.

  After awhile, she relaxed a bit and found herself expanding on her answers. Kane smiled over at her, obviously pleased that she too was making an effort.

  “Our territories adjoin to the east, and with our packs under an alliance, we technically have miles and miles of forest to roam in now,” he explained, leaning back and sipping his coffee. “Personally, I love a good run over rugged terrain. How about you? When I first saw you, it was apparent that you’d just come in from exercising.”

  “Yes, I’d been out with…a friend.” The smile that had been on her face during their meal, faded as she recalled her last run—the last time she would ever be with Bryan.

  “And this…friend. Would he be the young male who was looking daggers at me yesterday? Tall with sandy hair and about twenty years of age?”

  Elise hesitated, but knew Kane could find out from anyone in her pack. Her friendship with Bryan had been no secret. “Yes. That was Bryan. He had hoped to speak to my father about being my…mate.” She looked away, her eyes misting a bit as she thought of him.

  “And you?” Kane prodded softly. “How did you feel about that?”

  Staring at her hands, Elise whispered her answer. “I…I was hoping for the same thing.”

  Kane was silent for a moment, and then answered slowly. “I see…but I’m not surprised. You are a beautiful female and it would be strange if no one in your pack had wanted to mate you.” He sighed heavily. “You know, Elise, sometimes our lives have moments of great disappointment. It’s difficult at the time, but we have to move beyond.” He reached across the table and put a finger under her chin, forcing her to look at him. “Our being mated was of great importance to the well-being of both our packs. It’s our duty to them, to make this work, agreed?”

  His amber eyes bore into hers, the authority of his position evident and after a moment she nodded in agreement. He was right. Duty to her pack, and duty to his, necessitated making this union work. He stood and extended his hand to her. Hesitantly she reached out, placing hers in his. Warmth enveloped her hand and slowly worked its way up her arm. Smiling encouragingly, he pulled her to her feet.

  *****

  Standing at the edge of the woods, Elise waited for Kane. After clean
ing up from their morning meal, he’d headed up to the pack house to deal with a few pressing matters, saying he’d meet her in half an hour. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to run with him—that had been an activity that she and Bryan had enjoyed together—but knew that she needed to make their bonding work. Running could turn out to be one of the few things they had in common.

  It was another lovely fall day. The trees were painted with orange, red, and gold while the sky was a bright clear blue. Heat from the rising sun was slowly burning off the morning fog, but wisps still swirled low to the ground giving everything a faintly magical appearance. She loved this land and knew every square inch by heart. Closing her eyes, she visualised running down the twisting paths, leaping over fallen logs, splashing through streams… It really was the best place in the world and she couldn’t imagine ever being this comfortable or at peace anywhere else.