23

"So, the Beta has been taken out of the picture," Damion told his four pack mates. "That means the blonde won't be as protected."
"You really think she could be your mate?" Vilim asked.
He narrowed his eyes. "I don’t know. I know that if she is, I'm going to rip your hands off for touching her the way you did during the training.
"Like you wouldn't have taken the opportunity," Vilim accused. "It's not like they were easy to avoid. She's rather well endowed, in case you hadn't noticed."
"Just keep your hands to yourself from now on," Damion growled
"Yes, Beta," he conceded reluctantly.
"Thad didn't say he was going to punish us for the video?" Sava asked.
Damion shook his head. "He said he didn't feel like we did anything but show our interest in the Romanian females. None of those females in the video are mated. That makes them up for grabs."

Marianna knocked on Jen's door and waited, looking around nervously. She'd gotten the information Jen asked for, although she had to make it appear that the girls weren't mad, but actually flattered by the attention from the video showing.
The door opened and Sally smiled at her. "How'd it go?" she asked.
Marianna walked in to find Jen, Jacque, Crina, and Costin all on the floor with paper spread out, holding markers. The only word she saw just at a glance was party.
She held up a piece of paper she had been holding and smiled. "Got the names."
Jen jumped up. "I knew you could do it!"
Marianna grinned, glad to have been helpful in some way. She was surprised at how much the Americans had started to grow on her. She felt a sadness settle over her at that thought, but quickly shook it off as Jen read the names out loud.
"So, Costin. You’re a guy,"
"I'm glad you noticed." Costin grinned.
Jen rolled her eyes. "Do you know who these guys are? Other than Damion and Adrian, we met them already."
He growled. "They're all Serbian pack. Damion is the Beta. Vilim is the wolf who..." Costin paused uncomfortably.
"Got a handful," Jen added helpfully.
"You do have a way with words, Jen. I know what all of them look like."
"Perfect," Jen breathed out. "Now, to invite them out to play."
"That shouldn't be hard," Costin told her. "They're always together."
"We could talk to them at breakfast tomorrow," Crina offered.
"Good call, she-wolf," Jen praised, then looked down at the floor. "I think we've got enough fliers. Let's call it a night."
They all let out a collective breath.
"Oh, come on. Ya’ll act like I've just made you sign your souls over or something."
"Might as well have," Jacque muttered.
"I heard that, Jacque Pierce. Oh, and remember not to let your fur ball slip in and pick your brain, or our plan will go to sh -"
"I've got this, Jen," Jacque interrupted as she headed to the door.
Jen held up her hands and took a step back. "Alright, I know when to back off."
"Since when?" Sally's mouth quirked up at her.
Jen gave her the finger and started gathering up the scattered fliers. Everyone filed out one by one, muttering good nights.
Costin was pulling the door closed when he stopped and turned back to Jen.
"Hey, I wanted to let you know that I scoped the outside parameter of the mansion, and even found a wheelbarrow in one of the work buildings." He grinned. "I found kerosene as well. We're going to light up the night, little dormant."
Jen laughed, "Man, when you go in, you go all in, don't you?"
"I figure I'm probably going to die for helping you girls out, might as well go out with a bang."
"A wolf after my own heart," she teased. "Thanks, Costin. Really. Decebel is going to be mad."
"Understatement," Costin added quickly.
"Of the millennium," she agreed. "But whether he's my mate or not, I don't take crap from anyone. I defend myself and those I love when I can. He'll throw a major hissy fit and beat his chest, but eventually he will understand why I had to do this."
His face was serious, his voice thick with emotion. "He's blessed to have such a mate, and Alpha in every sense of the word."
Jen grinned and winked. "Bet your hot, furry ass I am."
Costin chuckled as he shut the door.

Jacque opened the door to her and Fane's room to find him lying across their bed, reading.
"You've been quiet today," he said, referring to their bond.
Jacque hated the idea of lying to Fane, even if it was a lie of omission.
"Just been with Jen and the girls. You know she's mentally exhausting. I missed you." Jacque climbed onto the bed and stretched out next to him. Hoping to distract him, she coyly added, "In more than one way."
Fane chuckled. "You won't get off the hook that easy, Luna."
Jacque nuzzled his neck as he continued to look at his book. Her hands began rubbing his back, moving up to his neck, then running through his thick dark hair.
Fane let out a deep rumble in his chest.
"Jacquelyn," he warned.
"Yes, mate?" she asked innocently.
Fane shut the book with a snap and set it aside. He rolled onto his side, propping himself up on one arm, effectively evading her roaming hands. Jacque frowned at him.
"I will admit that I am new to relationships, and obviously new to being mated. However, I've seen enough American television to understand that women think they can distract a man with sex when they are trying to avoid something."
Jacque knew her face was turning red because she could feel the heat creeping up her neck.
"So, as I spent most of the day in a semi-state of shock from the direction your thoughts have been going, which is normally not something you are super comfortable with, I came to the conclusion that you must not want me to know something." Fane narrowed his eyes. He wasn't angry, but he was slightly annoyed. "Is my assessment of the situation accurate, Jacquelyn?"
Jacque groaned and rolled onto her back, throwing her arm across her eyes.
"Luna, what's going on?" Fane asked matter-of-factly.
She took a deep breath and let it out. "I can't tell you."
He growled. “We are keeping secrets so soon?"
Jacque's head whipped over to look at him. He saw the gleam in her emerald eyes and knew he had succeeded in ticking her off.
"It's not really my secret to tell, Fane. I'm not trying to be sneaky." Okay, that wasn’t absolutely true. But still, she thought. "I promised not to tell you."
Fane held her stare, frustrated, but also understanding of the fact that she didn't want to break her promise. He admired that quality.
"Luna, I've let you -" He stopped and closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I mean, I've been willing to have you spend the majority of your time with your friends, while we've been here. Mainly because I know that I get you at night." Jacque blushed. "I understand that Jen needs you. I understand that they are very important to you. But just as my family and friends no longer come first in my life, yours do not in your life either." He reached across the space between them, hating the distance. He ran his fingers across her cheek, down her neck, shoulder, and arm, landing on her hip. He pulled her to him. "I don't mean for that to sound mean, or bossy, but your safety comes first. Jen has a tendency to throw safety out the window, along with her sense of survival."
Jacque grinned at his words, but she knew that although he was teasing, he was also telling the truth.
"I love you. I hate keeping something from you, but I need you to trust me." Jacque winced inwardly at her words, knowing she was asking him to give the trust she did not deserve at the moment.
Fane brought his hand up to the nape of her neck and pulled her face to his. He pressed his lips firmly against hers and loved that she moaned and relaxed against him. He loved that he had that effect on her. He nearly growled when he felt her tongue sweep out, seeking entrance. He opened his mouth, deepening the kiss, and listened as her heart sped up – music to his ears.
He slowed the kiss down and finally pulled away. He grazed her thoroughly loved lips with his thumb and chuckled when she nipped it. His breath caught when he saw that her canines, which only made an appearance at certain times, had descended. His eyes began to glow in reciprocation.
Fane watched in fascination as Jacque flicked her tongue against one of the sharp canines and grinned wickedly at him.
He was ready for the conversation to be finished, at least for the night. "I will trust you, love. But if something happens to you because of this secret -"
"Shhh," Jacque cut him off as she nipped his bottom lip gently. Fane growled and pulled her impossibly closer.
"It's been a while since I've had your blood," she said in response to his jest.
Fane's face sobered. "You know you don't even have to ask. It's our wolf's way of wanting to reaffirm our mark, our claim on each other."
"I know." She had dropped her eyes from his and was fidgeting with his shirt collar. "It's just...embarrassing."
Fane let out a loud laugh, throwing his head back.
Jacque looked at him, her eyes narrowed and mouth tight. "Why are you laughing at me?"
Fane's laugh finally wound down. He tugged at her ponytail to pull her hair free. He ran his hand over the wild curls and continued to grin at her. "After the thoughts you were sending me today, you little vixen, I don't see how anything can embarrass you."
Jacque rolled her eyes. "Are you going to kiss me or tease me all night?'
Fane grazed his teeth along the flesh of her neck where his mark was, his own canines descending. "Who said anything about kissing, Luna?"

Decebel stood up after finishing several hundred crunches and pushups. He was restless; his wolf was getting very edgy. He paced around the room, flexing his hands as his claws kept descending and retracting. He had been in a state of partial phase all day and knew that at the moment, he was more dangerous than ever.
All he could do was hope to the fates that Jennifer was staying out of trouble and that Vasile was keeping a close eye on her. Because he knew that when he got out of confinement, and found her in any less safety than being locked in her room with the door guarded, he was going to lose the minuscule amount of control he was grasping onto with both hands.
He was still fuming over the wolf who had dared to touch what was his. Then his mate had pulled that little stunt in the hall for every one's enjoyment. He wasn't going to lie to himself, Jennifer had a beautiful body. He just hadn't planned on seeing it along with the rest of his pack. Maybe he needed to explain to her that the Blood Rites performed after the Bonding Ceremony was generally where the clothes came off – in private. He would make sure to emphasize the private.
Her little exploit had allowed him to see the evidence of the wolf's hand on his mate's body. The bruises where his fingers had pressed hard, and the angry cuts where his claws had penetrated her flesh. To top off the day from hell, Decebel had watched – in a haze of red – a room full of unmated males lust after his mate and two of his pack mates. He snarled at all the memories, realizing that at that moment he would have killed any and all of the wolves responsible.
There was only one thing that would calm him and his wolf – Jennifer.
"Alpha," Decebel spoke into the open room. "I need to speak with you, please." His voice was guttural, so close to phasing.
Less than a minute after he spoke, the door to his room opened.
"Decebel," Vasile said his name as an Alpha in pain for one of his own's suffering.
"I need her," Decebel said honestly.
"I can't bring her to you."
"Then at least give me a phone so I can talk to her." Decebel had never been one to beg, but he was on the verge of groveling just to hear her voice.
"They will hear if you talk to her." Vasile's brow furrowed. "But...they wouldn't be able to see a text."
Decebel felt a smile spread across his face – not really a happy one, more like a “I just got away with sneaking a cookie from the cookie jar” smile. Six months ago, he wouldn't even have considered texting, but since Fane and some of the other young wolves had started to, he had sort of been forced to, and learn the lingo on top of that.
Turned out, Decebel preferred texting to talking any day. Except with his mate. But it will have to do for now, he thought.
"I'll return in a moment. I will have to get Jen's number."
"Hurry," Decebel growled, but added, "please."
Decebel paced and paced as he waited for his lifeline to be brought to him. If he'd any doubts about Jennifer being his mate, they had been abolished while he felt his rage grow at being apart from her.
Eventually Vasile walked in, holding out his phone. Decebel forced himself to retract his claws so he would be able to text unencumbered.
He didn't acknowledge Vasile as he left.
Decebel found her name in his contacts list and pressed the text button. A blank screen came up with a key board below it.
Decebel txt: Jennifer
He waited, growling when she didn't respond immediately. His phone finally vibrated as her text appeared.
Jennifer txt: Fur ball
Decebel growled, but grinned at her smart mouth. His phone vibrated again before he could respond.
Jennifer txt: r u ok?
She cared. His heart was in his throat as he read the simple text.
Decebel txt: slightly grumpy
Jennifer txt: so ur ok then
Decebel laughed, feeling his wolf settle, if only a little. It was enough to keep him sane.
Decebel txt: how r u?
Jennifer txt: miss n u
Decebel txt: I miss u 2 baby
Jennifer txt: r we agreeing?
Decebel txt: never
Jennifer txt: r u mad at me?
Decebel txt: idk
Jennifer txt: :(
Decebel txt: ur mine
Jennifer txt: yes
Decebel txt: only mine 2 c
Jennifer txt: didn't know how 2 distract u
Decebel txt: mission accomp
Jennifer txt: lol
Decebel txt: keep ur clothes on
Jennifer txt: blunt much?
Decebel txt: keep ur clothes on
Jennifer txt: that can make things difficult
Decebel txt: Jennifer. Keep. Ur. Clothes. On.
Jennifer txt: fine, I'll keep some clothes on
Decebel txt: I need u
Jennifer txt: V said no
Decebel txt: u asked him
Jennifer txt: of course, ur mine
Decebel txt: grrr
Jennifer txt: a good grrr?
Decebel txt: definitely
Jennifer txt: excellent
Decebel txt: r u bn good
Jennifer txt: hmm more specific
Decebel txt: Jennifer
Jennifer txt: im always good at whatev I do
Decebel txt: not reassuring
Jennifer txt: do u disagree?
Decebel txt: can't
Jennifer txt: ?
Decebel txt: been on the other end of ur good
Jennifer txt: ur b n wicked bad
Decebel txt: ur fault, I was innocent b 4 met u
Jennifer txt: im sure u were squeaky clean
Decebel txt: I shld let u sleep
Jennifer txt: LET? really
Decebel knew the only way he was going to get her to go to sleep would be reverse psychology. As much as he wanted to sit and text her all night, she needed her rest.
Decebel txt: I need sleep baby
Jennifer txt: ur a quik learnr
Decebel txt: dream of me
Jennifer txt: I'll think about it
Decebel txt: mate, grrr
Jennifer txt: hmmm yummy
Decebel txt: Woman! Go 2 bed
Jennifer txt: alone?
Decebel txt: hell yes alone!
Jennifer txt: such a big bed, lonely n it
Decebel txt: Jennifer
Jennifer txt: I evr told u ur sexy when ur bossy?
Decebel txt: yes, u were drunk off ur cute ass
Jennifer txt: blushing
Decebel txt: u should b, go 2 bed
Jennifer txt: can't txt u if asleep :(
Decebel txt: ur kill n me
Jennifer txt: assure u that's not what I want 2 do 2 u
Decebel txt: blushing
Jennifer txt: LMAO!
Decebel txt: Go. To. Bed.
Jennifer txt: join me?
Decebel txt: phone will b by my heart
Jennifer txt: tears
Decebel txt: don't cry baby
Jennifer txt: why here? why now?
Decebel txt: don't know Jennifer
Jennifer txt: sucks
Decebel txt: I'm holding u
Jennifer txt: more tears
Decebel txt: wolf gettn restless
Jennifer txt: sorry, I'm ok
Decebel txt: hold me 2
Jennifer txt: all nite long
Decebel txt: nite baby xoxo
Jennifer txt: nite
Decebel txt: no lovin 4 me?
Jennifer txt: didn't want 2 get u all worked up
Decebel txt: thanks 4 ur concern
Jennifer txt: nite, deep intense kiss, hands in your hair, bodies pressed together
Decebel txt: GRRRRRRRRR
Jennifer txt: what? 2 much?
Decebel txt: i'll dream of u
Jennifer txt: I bet u will, lol, nite B
Decebel txt: nite baby

Decebel scrolled through their texts, smiling at her playfulness. It wasn't enough, but it would get him through the night.
Jennifer curled into a ball in the bed that she'd told Decebel was too big to be in by herself. All day she had kept herself busy. Now here, in the dark, she could feel the hole that was widening with every moment away from Decebel.
She had been thrilled when Vasile had told her she could text him. She smiled to herself, remembering his texts. Decebel had a sweet, romantic side. And bloody hell if it wasn't the sexiest thing ever. She closed her eyes and thought of him. His handsome face, dark hair, amber eyes.... She fell asleep to the memories of her mate's deep, soothing voice and strong body holding her.