Chapter Twenty-Three
His brain was working a hundred miles a minute, making detailed lists of everything that needed to be accomplished in the coming days. But first and foremost was his awareness of the woman seated beside him in the vehicle.
Her eyes were closed, but her breathing wasn’t even. She wasn’t sleeping. Likely she was thinking about all that had happened. He was having a hell of a time processing it himself. After consuming every hour of his life for years, Solange Dupree and Charles Armstrong were no more. Their enemies had been defeated. The priority now would be to lock down their assets—information and finances—so no one else got the bright idea to take on the lone wolves.
Onyx was his mate, but she hadn’t chosen him. He’d claimed her in an act of desperation. While he had no regrets, it wasn’t how he would’ve gone about it given a choice. Since they were both alive, he wasn’t about to complain.
But there was no telling how she’d feel about it once she had time to process everything. For the first time in her life, she was free…except for being mated to him. Ending Solange hadn’t ended the blood bond between them, either. That existed and nothing would ever change it. Could he set her free if that’s what she wanted?
His chest tightened and his throat constricted. He gripped the steering wheel hard to center himself. Losing her would be like losing a vital piece of himself. His wolf gave a mournful howl, resisting the very idea.
No matter how many years he lived, he’d never forget what she’d done. In a moment of selflessness, she’d sacrificed her life to save his. He swallowed heavily and concentrated on the heavy traffic as they hit the heart of the city. The last thing he wanted was to get stopped by the cops. Luckily, he was fully dressed, having discarded his clothing before the battle. Shifting was hell on clothes.
He glanced over at Onyx, needing to assure himself she was really here. It was mind-blowing that she was alive. Magic shimmered around and through her. She’d been magnificent when she’d fought. There was no other mage in the world more powerful. Anyone else and he’d have been worried about them, but she’d already proven the lengths she’d go to protect him.
The sun was going down when he pulled in behind the warehouse. “We’re here.”
She opened her eyes and rubbed them. “Thank you for driving. Sorry I wasn’t better company.”
The stilted conversation raised his hackles. Since they’d gotten in the vehicle, they’d reverted back to the people they’d been when they’d first met, each uncertain of the other. After parking, he went around to her door and opened it. She shook her head as if coming out of a daze. “Sorry.” She gave a small laugh. “I seem to be saying that a lot.”
“Don’t worry about it.” After helping her out of the vehicle, he locked it. “You’re exhausted.” Little wonder considering she’d been dead at one point and had battled a dark mage.
She remained silent and strangely acquiescent on the way to the bunker, allowing him to lead, not asking questions or showing impatience. His worry ramped up a notch. “What’s wrong?” he asked as soon as the final door locked into place.
She blinked several times and tilted her head to the side. “That’s a loaded question.” Dumping her bag on the sofa, she slumped down beside it.
Following, he hunkered down in front of her. “Talk to me.” He had no idea what was going on in that nimble brain of hers and it worried him. He couldn’t fix a problem if he didn’t know what it was.
“Do we have to do this now? I’m tired.”
“Shit.” He dragged his hand over his face and dug deep for patience, something usually not a problem. Why was he so on edge? “You should rest. We’ll talk when you’re up to it.”
“Are you okay?” She reached out and briefly touched his face. When she withdrew, he wanted to drag her hand back. “Are you… Are you worried about the marking?” She pressed her palm against her neck.
“Are you?” Rather than answer, she bit her bottom lip, her brow furrowing. He stood and took a step back, readying himself for an emotional blow. “It’s not like you had any choice in the mating.” Shut up , a part of him yelled, but the part that needed answers pressed on. “You’re a magical powerhouse, likely the most powerful mage in the world. You can go anywhere, do anything, but you’re tied to me.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Maybe there’s some way you could reverse the mating.” It almost broke him to suggest it, but it had been thrust on her without her consent.
“Is that what you want?” Her monotone voice gave nothing away. He wished he could read her mind.
“It doesn’t matter what I want. I have to do what’s right for you.” Even if it felt like he was carving out a piece of his heart.
She pushed to her feet, her gaze steady. “You had no choice about becoming the lone wolf or about the blood link between us. The wolf is part of you, entwined with your spirit, but there might be a way to break our blood bond if that’s what you want.”
The mark on his chest throbbed, or maybe it was his heart breaking. A week ago, he would’ve sworn that was what he’d wanted, would have been on board to sever their connection once and for all. Now Onyx was as much part of him as his wolf. He swallowed his pride and shook his head. “No, I don’t want that.” His fate was in her capable and powerful hands.
She closed the distance between them. “I might have had no choice when you marked me.” His heart sank and he braced himself for rejection. “But right here, right now, I choose you.”
Relief morphed to passion when she slid her arms around his waist. He hugged her, wanting to absorb her into his skin. “You won’t regret it.” He’d make sure of it.
“You do understand I’m still essentially human. I’ll age and eventually die. Unlike Solange, I’m not willing to sacrifice others so I can live.”
Reality was a bitch. “I’d rather have one lifetime with you than to never have you.” If someone had told him he’d open up his heart enough to let someone in, especially a mage, he would have told them they were out of their ever-loving minds. He was a mistrustful bastard. It had kept him alive. But fate had had other ideas. Now it was impossible to consider facing the future without her.
Something she’d said earlier played in his mind. “You told Devlin you could have taken my immortality. Did you mean it or were you shading the truth to make a point?” There might be no limit to what she was capable of. Instead of being concerned, he was…relieved. She could protect herself, whatever happened going forward.
She sighed against his chest before raising her head. “I think there’s a way I could share your immortality with you, but I’m not going to attempt it. It could backfire as it did on Annalisa and her husband. You might end up dead while I’d be left immortal. It’s not worth the risk.”
Her sincerity was irrefutable. Both man and wolf trusted her implicitly, unable to detect even a whiff of subterfuge. She rubbed her lips together, her uncertainty lending her an air of fragility, a reminder of her humanity. The clock was ticking on their time together.
Determination crushed the despair trying to rise within him. “There’s time yet. And you have a copy of Annalisa’s journal. Maybe we can figure something out.” It was a long shot, but they already had one miracle. Why not hope for another?
“Maybe.” She agreed readily enough, but he could see she was telling him what he wanted to hear—that she had no real belief they’d find a way to be together forever.
“It doesn’t matter. You’re my mate. I never thought I’d find you. You’re a gift.” One he’d never stop cherishing. Rather than focus on what he didn’t have, he’d be grateful for what he did have. The other lone wolves had claimed their women, understanding what they faced.
Hoping to drive out the sadness in her eyes, he switched subjects. “It’s customary to celebrate a mating.” His voice was rougher than he’d like, but his need to claim her was riding him hard and making him antsy. Once they’d completed the ritual, he’d relax. Until then, it felt as though something was missing, that she didn’t truly belong to him. It was illogical, but there was no arguing with his baser instincts.
She walked her fingers over his chest, sending heat shooting straight to his dick. “Sounds eminently sensible to me.” Like him, she was ready to trade introspection and speculation for passion.
Sweeping her into his arms, he carried her down the hall to his room. “Mmm, so big and strong.” The biting little kisses she was leaving on the side of his neck were making him crazy.
“All the better to carry you.” He set her beside the bed and went down on one knee to remove her boots. Out of her entire outfit, they were likely the only thing salvageable. She rested her hands on his shoulders as he peeled down the leggings. They were ripped in places, shredded in others. He tossed them aside.
“What big hands you have.” Her voice was breathless, her chest rising and falling rapidly. The scent of her arousal teased him, making him even harder.
“All the better to touch you.” He slid his hands up her bare legs, under the edge of her underwear, and gripped her firm ass. Her gasp was music to his ears.
“I want to touch you, too.” She threaded her fingers through his hair, massaging his scalp. He tilted his head back, taking in her shimmering beauty. Despite the ragged and bloody clothing, she was magnificent.
“You can do anything you want.”
“Promise?” Her eyes lit with a teasing glint.
A bolt of desire slammed into him. He had to get her naked. Had to see and touch her, to assure himself she truly was healed. Gripping the ragged neckline of the dress, he yanked. Rip! The fabric was stiff with dried blood. His lips peeled back in a snarl. “What the hell?”
Eyes wide, she looked down at her chest. “What?” Frowning, she shoved her necklaces aside and rubbed at the dried blood on her skin. “There’s something there.”
Had Solange managed to leave some final spell, some dark stain behind? He caught her wrist and pulled her hand away. Using the edge of the garment, he wiped the area clean. His blood ran cold.
A tattoo of a sickle, complete with curved blade and handle, was etched over her heart. It was a replica of his. She shared more than his blood. Surprisingly, it wasn’t anger that filled him, but possessive pleasure. He’d branded her not once, but twice—the mating mark and the lone wolf tattoo. None would doubt she belonged to him.
Her heart rate spiked and she began to tremble. “I didn’t do this on purpose. You have to believe me.” She yanked at his shirt. “Take it off! Is your mark still there? It was there back at the mansion. Oh God, hurry.”
“I’m fine.” To prove it, he dragged the garment over his head. Sure enough, the familiar marking was right where it always was.
“Do you feel any different?” She pressed her palm against his skin, her concern palpable.
“No. My wolf is there, same as always. I’m the lone wolf. That hasn’t changed.”
“I don’t understand.” Her brow furrowed as she inspected the distinct white lines. “There has to be a way to give it back. I’ll comb Annalisa’s journal and figure out a way to reverse this.” Her breathing increased until she was almost hyperventilating. “I didn’t mean to take anything from you.”
He skimmed his hands over her hair. “You took nothing.”
“I don’t—” She swallowed heavily. “I don’t understand. Why aren’t you angry?”
There was a time he would’ve been furious, would have accused her of using her magic for nefarious purposes, but his cynicism didn’t stand a chance in the face of all she’d sacrificed. She’d no more hurt him than he would her. “It must have happened when I saved your life.” It made an odd kind of sense. “Combined with our blood connection and your magic, the essence of the lone wolf was the final link.” He traced his finger over the symbol etched on her chest. “It’s a symbol of trust, commitment. It’s what allowed us to defeat our enemies.”
“You truly don’t mind.”
“Do you?”
“No.” She traced the tip of her index finger over the mark. “Do you—” She swallowed heavily. “Do you think that means I’m immortal?”
The answer was as clear as the wolf within him. “Yes. Our lives are intertwined.” He frowned. “We won’t outlive each other. If one of us dies, so will the other.” That was the trade-off, but it was well worth it to him.
She wrapped her hands around his wrists. “That’s the way it’s meant to be.”
A weight dropped from his shoulders and a light of hope filled his heart. “You’re mine, forever.” That was a hell of a long time. He eased the tattered remains of the dress down her shoulders.
“I liked that dress.” Her sadness seeped into him. “I know it’s not salvageable.” She stroked the velvet before shrugging out of the garment.
“I’ll buy you another.” Hell, he’d buy her a hundred more.
“But there will only be one first. That’s okay,” she hurriedly added. “I’m glad I got to wear it.”
“You’re breaking my heart.” Most wolves would argue he didn’t have one. He did, and it belonged to this special woman.
“I don’t mean to.” She offered a small smile. “I’m not sure what’s wrong with me.”
Surging to his feet, he wrapped her in his arms, loving the feel of her naked breasts pressed against his chest. To a wolf, touch was comfort. Ignoring his straining erection, he focused on giving Onyx what she needed.
Her hands clutched at his back, her nails digging lightly into his skin. When her lips skimmed over the tattoo on his chest, rivers of molten lava seeped through his veins. His balls clenched and his dick was trying to escape the confines of his jeans. It bordered on pain, but he didn’t remove them. Once he did, it was game over for him.
When she tilted her head back, it was as natural as breathing to lean down and capture her mouth. There was a slight buzz that went beyond passion. Magic or something more, he couldn’t say. It added spice to the already explosive desire burning inside him.
Lifting her off her feet, he took them down onto the bed and deepened the kiss. Their lips melded, their tongues tangled. She was as voracious as he, both eager to taste life after facing death, to solidify their bonds.
Groaning, he left her intoxicating mouth and worked his way across the proud line of her jaw before heading down the slender column of her neck. The mating mark beckoned. When he dragged his tongue over it, she moaned, her entire body arching beneath his.
“I can feel that in my core.” She rubbed her foot along the back of his leg. “It’s as though the two are connected.” Her arousal bloomed, driving him crazy.
He continued his trek downward to her breasts, cupping the plump mounds with both hands. Her nipples were tight buds. The tattoo blazed like a beacon. He traced it with his fingertip before following the curved line with his tongue. The marking on his chest began to throb. Their heartbeats synced.
Raising his head, he found her watching, her black eyes deep and fathomless. Magic sparked at the edges of them, giving her a light unlike any other. “You’re mine. My mate. My woman. My mage.” She needed to understand he accepted every part of her.
She swallowed heavily. “And you’re mine. My mate. My man. My wolf.” She licked her lips. “My lover.”
Unable to bear the clothing separating them, he rolled off the bed and rid himself of his boots and jeans. Naked, he crawled between her thighs, pausing to slide her panties off. She’d been battered by battle, but you’d never know it. Her creamy skin was flawless next to the dark comforter on his bed.
Whatever injuries she’d sustained had been healed either by magic or by the essence of the lone wolf that dwelled inside her. Her black and red hair was wild around her head, and her dark eyes were filled with untold secrets. A light blush tinted her cheeks. Her plump, full lips called to him. Snarling, his fangs dropped. His wolf was riding close to the surface.
“What big teeth you have.” There was no fear, only excitement. The pulse in her neck fluttered wildly.
He smiled and licked his lips in anticipation before dragging the sharp tip of one over the inside of her thigh. Her breath caught in her throat. Arousal seeped from her core. He zeroed right in on her clit, wrapped his lips around it, and sucked.
…
The possessiveness in his eyes made her body burn. Magic and blood pumped through her veins. The tattoo on her chest pulsed, a tangible reminder that she was changed forever.
Immortal.
It was too much to comprehend. Then it became impossible when he sucked on her clit. They were alive, their enemies vanquished. Death left a mark, no matter that they’d killed in defense of themselves and others. Making love, joining together was life-affirming, cleansing. It was what they both needed.
“Dagen,” she gasped when he inserted a thick finger into her core.
“You’re so damn wet and ready.”
Tears filled her eyes, but she blinked them away. She wouldn’t let memories and thoughts of what might have been taint this joyous moment. “Always,” she whispered. All he had to do was walk into the room and she wanted him. She was through fighting it. There was no need. Not anymore.
“I need you.” For a fearsome wolf, a loner, it was a huge admission.
“I need you, too.” She tugged on his shoulder. Rather than sprawl on top of her, he sat back on his heels and pulled her up until she straddled his thighs.
“Put me inside you.” His skin glistened with a fine layer of sweat. The thick cords of his neck were taut. His biceps bulged, the muscles in his torso flexing and rippling.
Using his shoulders for support, she lifted herself, grasped his thick erection, and lowered herself. The broad head pressed past her opening. Gasping, she tilted her head back and pushed harder.
With a growl, he gripped her waist and pulled her down until he was buried to the hilt. Her sex quivered, the muscles relaxing and contracting to accept him. The connection went beyond the mere physical. She started to lower her head.
“Look at me.” He cupped her face between his huge hands. “I want to mate you.”
She licked her lips, confused. “You already did.”
“You had no say.”
And that worried her wolf. “I love you.” There was no turning back from that, nor did she want to. “I want to mate you.”
Sharp fangs grazed the curve of her neck. Pulse fluttering, her nails dug into his biceps. She cried out when they sank into her flesh. Her core spasmed. She cried out again as a massive orgasm blew through her. Trembling, she leaned against him, sucking in huge breaths of air. Aftershocks shot through her when he withdrew his fangs and licked the wound with the flat of his tongue.
“Mmm.” Not exactly articulate, but it was the best she could do. Every cell in her body was relaxed, her bones little better than jelly.
His wicked laugh made her core spasm. “You’re well and truly mine.” He thrust his hips upward, driving himself even deeper. Gripping his shoulders, she held on as he fucked her hard and fast. His muscles became iron beneath her hands. When he threw back his head and roared his release, she went on instinct and bit his neck. Her teeth didn’t penetrate like his fangs did, but it was her way of marking him, if only temporarily. On impulse, she sent a tiny tendril of magic weaving into the superficial wound.
“Fuck!” His entire body shook, his arms banding around her. Lowering his head, he inhaled sharply. “What was that?”
“Um, I’m not sure. I think I marked you.” Not something she should’ve done without his consent.
Breathing heavily, he stared at her in disbelief. “You what?”
The tiny red mark was barely noticeable. It had partially but not completely faded. She rubbed at it with her thumb but it remained. “It’s only fair, don’t you think? I’m wearing yours.”
Shaking his head, he brushed his lips over her forehead. “No more magic without checking with me first.”
She crossed her finger over her heart. “Promise. I didn’t plan it.” She shrugged. “Seemed like the thing to do.” He stared at her until she began to worry. “I can remove it. Maybe.”
The corners of his lips twitched. “Life with you is never going to be dull, is it?” He lifted her off him and took them both down to the mattress, pulling her against his chest.
“It was only a small nip. It’s barely noticeable.”
He snorted. “If you think the other lone wolves won’t notice, you’re mistaken.”
She chewed on her bottom lip. “Will that be a problem?” The last thing she wanted to do was undermine his authority or tarnish his image as a lone wolf.
He slid his hand down her back and cupped her behind. “They’ll be jealous.”
Snuggling closer, she rested her hand on his chest. “It’s strange not to have a mission. Defeating Solange consumed my entire life. It’s all I’ve ever known.” It was what had driven her for years. That and staying alive. She was adrift in a sea of unknown. “I’m not sure what to do now.”
“We go forward together. It will take time to dismantle their network and transfer their finances.”
She raised herself on her arm and stared down at him. “You’re taking their money?”
“Hell, yes. If I don’t, someone else will, and I guarantee they won’t use it for good.” His hair was mussed, his expression disgruntled.
“And you will?” It would be a massive fortune.
His grin was slow and wicked. “Guess you’ll have to keep me on the straight and narrow.”
Laughter bubbled up inside her. “Don’t you worry. I’m up for the job.”
“I never doubted it.” He curled a loose tendril behind one ear. “I love you.”
The words, simply spoken, were more meaningful than the most elaborate expression of devotion. They were raw and real.
“I love you, too.” She rolled on top of him. “I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling the need to solidify our bond again.”
Growling, he took her over onto her back and kissed her.