Chapter 28

ANNA

Zach and Anna continued the walk back to the den in silence, the tension between them almost palpable.

It wasn’t uncomfortable, although Anna was being tormented by images of waking up next to him in bed. It was making her overheat, her skin all flushed and sensitive.

Even the slight breeze was making goosebumps rise on her arms. Glancing up at him, her stomach was a fluttery mess, but it wasn’t anxiety. Maybe a little bit of nerves, but mostly anticipation. The moment felt right.

It was as if there was something inside her—some wild instinct—that was pushing her to fully claim Zach. The wild side wanted every person to know that this male belonged to ~her~.

“Are you hungry?”

Jumping at his voice, Anna looked up, swallowing hard as she met his glowing, hot gaze.

He’d be able to melt ice with that look, and she was filled with skepticism about whether he was actually referring to food.

Zach hadn’t let go of her hand since the meeting, and now, Anna tried to tug her palm from his grasp, knowing her hands had started to sweat.

He still wouldn’t let go, however. In fact, he tightened his hold, a devilish grin curling his lips.

He knew exactly what he was doing to her.

“No,” she finally murmured, deciding to take his question at face value. “Overwhelmed from everything but not hungry. It feels like so much has happened in such a short time.”

“You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be at this moment.” Zach stopped walking, forcing Anna to come to a halt too or lose an arm.

He pulled her around to face him. “And I’ll keep telling you that for however long you need me to.”

Anna gave him a wobbly smile, a lightness filling her like a weight was lifting off her shoulders.

There was still so much to sort out—her place in the pack, their relationship with the immortals, what the Circle had planned next—but at that moment, Anna decided then and there to put her trust in Zach…and herself.

She liked to think that even if she hadn’t come into her immortal powers—or gotten her wolf back—she’d have come to this place on her own, although it may have taken a lot longer.

Anna felt stronger, more confident, and more secure with the knowledge that Zach had her back.

Even if she was allowed to turn back the clock, to go somewhere else other than Silver River, Anna wouldn’t.

Silver River was her home now, and Zach was hers. They had a moment of quiet to regroup before everything went to hell, and Anna was going to take full advantage of it.

It meant that she and Zach had a real opportunity to explore each other, outside of the mating bond.

She knew they shared an intense attraction, a deepening connection, but Anna wanted to ensure that her feelings were her own and not part of a fated design.

The best way to start was by going somewhere quiet and getting Zach to take his shirt off again. Anna had plans to climb him like a tree, maybe nibble a little—

A low growl rumbled out of Zach’s chest, the sound jerking her gaze upward from his torso, where, apparently, she had been fixated.

His expression was tense, and if the wolf hadn’t been in charge before, he surely was now. Anna’s cheeks got impossibly hotter as she realized he had caught the gist of her thoughts.

Without saying another word, they turned to start walking back toward the den, their steps still unhurried, but an air of urgency was now enveloping them.

They were passing the boulder when someone waved, calling Zach’s name. They paused, waiting as a short female approached them.

“Clara,” Zach greeted, giving her a warm smile. She gave a small tremulous one back.

“Sorry to interrupt you,” she started quietly, twisting her fingers in front of her, her eyes darting between Zach and Anna.

Anna had the strongest urge to pull the female into a hug. Clara was so delicate-looking, like if you squeezed her too hard, she’d just crumble and break.

Her blonde hair was fashioned into a short pixie cut that framed her heart-shaped face; her large brown eyes were lined with the slightest hint of makeup.

A light dusting of freckles covered her nose, giving her a girl-next-door appearance.

“You’re not interrupting,” Zach said, raising a hand to cup Clara’s jaw. Anna watched them, wondering if she should feel jealous at that moment like Zach did when she was around other males.

Instead, it felt only right, the alpha caring for those under his care. Anna wondered if her urge to hug Clara was Zach’s influence on her.

“The computers have arrived, just like you said, and I think I’ve finally finished the new surveillance system.

“I was wondering if you could come and check it before I start organizing a team to put them out on the boundaries.

“I was thinking I’d start with the far outer perimeter first to test them and then start placing them in the inner sections…”

Zach chuckled, causing Clara to slowly trail off her nervous rambling as she blinked up at him questioningly.

“I’m sure you’ve done a fantastic job, Clara. I have absolute faith in you, but I’m going to ask Alex to look over everything. Only for your peace of mind.”

“A-Alex?” Clara stuttered out, her eyes widening in alarm.

“Don’t worry, he won’t bite.”

Anna looked at Zach at his words, sensing through their bond the humor that he was keeping out of his voice. His expression didn’t give a thing away, but Anna was sure he was plotting something.

“Oh, okay, well…if you’re sure.” Clara gave him a weak smile, her face still looking tense. “You are the boss.”

“I am,” Zach said agreeably. He stroked a hand over Clara’s hair, smiling as the female leaned into his touch. “You’re looking very well, Clara.”

Clara blushed, ducking her head away before looking at Anna. “I’m sorry, I didn’t introduce myself properly. I’m Clara, tech and security.” She held a hand out for Anna to shake.

Anna took it but, giving in to her instincts, she pulled the other woman into a tight hug. It only took a second before Clara curled her arms around Anna, squeezing her just as tightly.

“It’s nice to meet you, Clara. I’m looking forward to us getting to know each other.” They pulled away from each other, and Clara gave Anna a big smile, her face looking less drawn.

Anna felt pride pulsing down the bond and glanced at Zach, who was smiling too, his eyes glinting warmly at Anna.

“I’ll let you two get back to it,” Clara said, taking a step away from the couple. “Thank you.”

“I’ll tell Alex to come and find you,” Zach said as a goodbye, neither he nor Anna missing the flinch that Clara tried to conceal.

She didn’t say anything else but gave a quick wave before turning to walk toward the shadow of the trees. They watched her go for a silent moment before continuing into the den.

“What are you planning?” Anna asked, lacing her fingers with Zach’s. It just felt too natural now.

“Not much, just a little push for two stubborn souls.” Zach gave a soft smile, his mind elsewhere. “I’ll tell you about it once I know if it works.”

Having already connected the dots, Anna gave a small laugh. “Alpha, warrior, matchmaker. You truly do it all, don’t you?”

“I have a few hidden talents you don’t know about yet,” Zach said, a smirk turning up the corner of his lip.

They reached the hallway that led to Anna’s quarters, stopping and chatting with several pack members as they walked.

Zach managed to keep each conversation short while still making sure that the person felt heard. He was a charismatic alpha, always caring and patient with those who wanted—or needed—his attention, even when there was somewhere else he wanted to be.

Anna wondered what he would have been like if Phillip hadn’t died, if Zach hadn’t become an alpha so young.

He came across as carefree, but Anna could feel the full depths of the weight that filled his heart. The fear that he would let the pack down or wouldn’t be what they needed.

At first, it couldn’t have helped that fate had tied him to someone completely ignorant of the shifter world and, apparently, was a magnet for trouble.

It didn’t matter if he regretted it. Zach had spent weeks convincing her to stay, to accept their bond. Now, he didn’t have a choice.

Anna’s eyes landed on her door just up ahead, and her stomach clenched, her fingers tightening around Zach’s.

Just as they reached it, someone called out to them, and Anna barely restrained a frustrated sigh.

She looked up. Theresa was quickly approaching, a bright smile on her face and her bangles jingling merrily. Zach paused, watching the maternal as well, when suddenly, Theresa froze in her tracks.

She stood in the middle of the hallway, blinking at them before the biggest grin appeared on her face.

She gave them a quick salute—Anna thought she even tapped her heels together—before whirling around and walking back the way she’d come.

“What?” Anna asked, mystified. “Did you say something to her?”

“I might have.” Zach shrugged one shoulder casually. He pushed the door open and manhandled Anna inside as she laughed.

The sound was cut off as Zach turned to face her, giving the door a firm push to close it behind them.

Anna swallowed hard at the intensity of his expression, backing up a step until her back was against the door.

Zach matched her steps until his body was right against hers, and he showed a glimpse of his white teeth as he threw her a wolfish smile.

One of his hands moved to flick the lock on the door, the sound loud and final, before raising both his arms to rest them on either side of her head, completely caging Anna in.

“No more running,” he said, his voice soft and the smell of mint strong as his breath brushed against Anna’s face. “No more interruptions. Tell me you’re ready.”

Anna clamped her teeth down on her bottom lip, her eyelids lowering to mask her expression as she considered his words. She didn’t feel pressured.

Anna knew if she gave even the slightest hint that she wasn’t where Zach was, he would back off.

After weeks of absolute denial and refusal to accept what was happening between them, it made sense that Zach wasn’t one hundred percent sure that Anna was right there with him.

Even she could admit that there was a small, teeny tiny part of her that was still in disbelief that someone like Zach could belong to her. He was everything she wasn’t, but she was also learning that maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing.

A tug on her hair made Anna refocus. Raising her eyes to meet Zach’s, she found his eyes on her lip, which was trapped by her teeth. She released it, and his eyes rose to meet hers.

“I need words, Anna.” His voice had a hard edge now, his eyes glowing a little brighter than a few seconds ago.

Anna raised a hand and touched his face, her fingers cupping his jaw, feeling the silver stubble tickle her palm.

“You’re mine,” she said simply, giving him a soft smile.

As soon as the words left her lips, his hands lowered so that he could grip her waist and lift her until their faces were even in height.

He pressed his weight against her, holding her body against the door with his.

“I am,” he agreed, his head starting to lower toward her. Just as his lips touched hers, he murmured, “And you’re mine.”

No gentleness this time; Zach’s mouth devoured hers. He didn’t wait for her lips to part but demanded entrance, exploring every inch of her mouth.

Anna pushed back, rubbing her tongue against his and giving a sharp nip to his bottom lip, which only caused him to bite back with a small growl.

It felt like there was an electric current arcing between them, sparking wherever their bodies connected.

Anna slid a hand into his hair, tugging roughly at the strands, while his slid from her waist down so that he could cup her butt, pushing his hips into the junction between her legs.

Anna gasped, throwing her head back against the door, overwhelmed, even as her legs wrapped around his hips, giving him easier access.

Zach didn’t try and follow her lips but ducked his head down so that he could nuzzle her neck, scraping his teeth across her skin with the threat of a bite.

Anna clawed at his shoulder, desperate to remove the material barriers between them.

Zach quickly got the hint, and holding her weight with just his lower body, he leaned back and yanked the shirt off his head.

Anna sighed at the sight, watching the muscles in his arms ripple as he moved, his skin tanned from all his time outside.

But no tan lines marred his skin, comfortable as he was to be outside with the bare minimum of clothes.

She brushed her hand over his chest, enjoying the feel of the dusting of soft hair that curled all over his skin.

She leaned forward to nuzzle him, inhaling deeply before pressing soft kisses all over his chest.

“No,” he muttered harshly, tugging at her hair. When she didn’t immediately lift her head, he tugged harder until she relented. “Your turn.”

Fighting down the shyness that tried to surface, Anna gave him a come-hither smile as she gripped the bottom of her shirt, pulling it over her head to reveal the blue cotton bra that Zach had chosen for her earlier.

He let out a heavy exhale, his eyes slowly dipping down to trace over her breasts as if memorizing the moment.

“You’re exquisite.”

He reached behind her with one hand, nimbly undoing the hook of her bra before pulling the straps down her arms and removing it.

He threw it onto the floor without another glance, his palm already cupping her breast as if testing its weight.

He pinched her nipple between two fingers, giving an experimental tug, a smug grin curling his lips when Anna moaned, arching into his touch.

“Zach…” Anna trailed off, not entirely sure what she was going to ask for. There was a deep knowing in her that whatever it was, it was something only he could give her.

Wrapping both arms around her, Zach straightened and carried Anna over to the bed, throwing her down on it hard enough that she bounced.

He stood at the side of the bed, his eyes taking in her flushed skin that started in her cheeks and trailed down to her neck, shoulders, and chest.

Anna didn’t even have a chance to feel embarrassed at his perusal because, in the next second, his hands were at his waist, undoing the button of his jeans.

Without taking his eyes off her, he pushed the denim down his legs with quick movements before standing in front of her completely naked, obviously having gone commando.

Anna swallowed hard, her mouth dry as she took in the sight of him. As shifters, they were used to nudity in the pack, but there was just something different about this.

Her eyes were drawn to his erection, her first real glimpse of an aroused male, and her tongue darted out, flicking over her lips.

Zach leaned forward, grabbing hold of her pants at the ankles and tugging them off her legs.

He didn’t say anything, and once they were gone, he made quick work of the blue panties, leaving her as naked as him.

“I know I should take this slow”—his voice was guttural—“but I’m finding that impossible right this second.”

He stroked a hand up one of her legs before following that path with his body, completely covering her with his own. The weight wasn’t restrictive, but comforting.

Anna used the opportunity to wrap her legs around his hips, her hands stroking him everywhere that she could reach.

Leaning up on one elbow, his eyes on hers, Zach moved a hand down her body until he could slip it in between her legs.

Gently parting her folds, he stroked her with his fingers and found her already wet. Anna gave a sharp inhale at the sensation, no fingers ever having touched her there before—except her own.

“You feel so good,” Zach murmured, leaning down to nuzzle her cheek even as his fingers continued to explore, circling that bundle of nerves before going down to dip inside.

He added another finger, using them to stretch her, and Anna clenched her thighs, trapping his hand between them. She tried to stop herself from pumping her hips against his arm but failed.

“Zach, please—”

“I want to make this good for you.”

“Please, I don’t want to wait anymore. I can’t!” Anna cried out. Zach watched her for a silent second, debating with himself before determination filled his eyes.

“We’ll take it slow next time. I’ll taste every inch of you, worship you, but this time…” He trailed off, removing his fingers from inside her.

Anna’s eyes widened as he stuck the glistening fingers into his mouth, sucking them clean with relish.

Before she could say anything, he moved so that his erection was against her, grinding against her to coat himself in her natural lubricant.

He reached down and fit himself to her entrance, and before either of them could give it a second thought, plunged himself deep inside.

Even as Anna tensed up, pain shooting through her as he broke through that natural barrier, Zach groaned, his head dropping down against her shoulder.

He froze, his breath sawing in and out of his chest, waiting for the stiffness to leave Anna’s muscles, even as her body clenched around him.

“I’m sorry,” he muttered. “I thought it’d be better this way, but I hate that you’re hurting.”

“It’s okay,” Anna replied breathlessly, the pain gradually fading into something else and her body starting to move against his. “Can you move? I think it might help.”

Zach gave a strained laugh, and his hips gave an experimental pump against hers.

The feeling of him inside, the friction of his skin against hers, had Anna’s heartbeat increasing; sweat started to dot her brow.

She wrapped her arms as tightly as she could around his shoulders, digging the heels of her feet into his butt to try and force him to move.

Zach wasn’t playing ball, however, giving only shallow, little thrusts that barely whetted Anna’s appetite.

“Stop teasing me!” Anna demanded, raking her nails down his back.

The pain didn’t have the desired effect. Zach raised his head, his eyes glinting down at her as he pulled almost completely out and paused.

“I thought you said slow next time.” Anna’s voice was a whine, and she wasn’t proud of it. She bit her lips closed to stop any more unattractive sounds from coming out.

Zach gave a rough chuckle, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her lips. She kissed him back, deepening the kiss and sweeping her tongue across his lips just as he sank deep inside her again.

This time, he didn’t pause. Instead, Zach withdrew and immediately plunged back in, repeating the motion again and again.

It felt like he was setting her on fire from the inside, and Anna couldn’t meet his fast, rough movements, only capable of holding onto him.

Stars flickered in Anna’s vision, and she worried for a moment that she might pass out.

She could feel the edge of that cliff just out of her reach, but right then, when his hips were flush with hers, Zach swiveled his hips hard, rubbing against her clit. She imploded. She arched up against him with a silent scream in her throat.

Zach’s thrusts only prolonged the orgasm, and his movements increased to a frenzied pace.

Anna blinked her eyes open to see his neck arched above her. Before she could question the instinct, she reached up and sank her teeth into the skin where his neck met his collarbone, her incisors piercing his flesh.

Zach groaned in pleasure, even as the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth. Before she could draw away, Zach’s chest vibrated with a loud growl that Anna felt in her bones.

With jerky thrusts, he emptied himself inside her, his head moving down toward her.

There was a sharp pain as his teeth bit into her skin on the opposite side of where she had marked him, but the pain only increased Anna’s pleasure, setting off another small orgasm that made her whimper as she released her grip on his neck.

Zach became still, releasing Anna’s neck, and a shock wave surged through her.

She stiffened underneath him as the psychic link that had been between them from the beginning became an almost corporal thing, a glittery link that connected them and that she could see when she closed her eyes.

Images of his memories flickered through her mind, his feelings traveling down the bond with force until she could no longer tell what was her pleasure or his.

The one thing that stuck out was his amazement, his true joy at having found her and at their bond finally being completed.

Zach had told her that she would know when the bond was fully completed, and he was right. They had been connected before, but it was weak compared to the power surging through her now.

The bond was a continuous wave between them, sending information constantly.

Anna could feel his connection to all the pack members and the lieutenants and the love he had for every single one of them.

She could feel the love he felt for her, the absolute certainty that those feelings had nothing to do with the bond and everything to do with just them.

Anna knew she’d never need to be insecure about her relationship with Zach. They were a completely open book to each other, incapable of keeping secrets from each other. Two halves of a whole.

“I told you,” Zach finally murmured after a long moment of quiet, during which they had just held each other, both contemplating the new shift in their mating.

Anna snuggled into him, loving the feel of his weight on top of her. She eyed the bite mark on his neck, noting the wound was already beginning to fade into a permanent scar.

It looked like a crescent moon, and Anna wondered if hers looked the same.

“Told me what?” she finally asked, skating her fingers over his back. It was her new favorite thing to do.

“That you’d know when the bond was complete.” He leaned up so he could smile down at her before pressing a kiss to each of her eyelids. “I can feel you, all of you.”

Anna swallowed as she considered the implications of his words. Knowing that she could see his past was one thing, but him seeing hers?

That was something altogether different and not something she was proud of.

“You should be proud.” Zach brushed her hair away from her forehead, already demonstrating that there was no hiding in a true mating. “You survived. That makes you strong.”

Anna could feel the sincerity behind his words, the bond reassuring her that everything he said was true. She smiled up at him.

“Theresa will be pleased we finally completed it.”

Zach moved to lie on his side, still cuddling Anna. He rolled his eyes, muttering, “Theresa can mind her own business.”

Anna could feel that there wasn’t any heat behind those words, just a wry affection for the maternal.

“Maybe you should sic her on Alex.”

Zach turned his head to look at her, a gleam in his eyes. “I knew there was a reason the fates put us together.”

He jumped off the bed, gathering Anna into his arms. “C’mon, you smell. Let’s go shower, and then, we have plans to make.”