A Taste for a Mate (8 page)
Read A Taste for a Mate Online
Authors: Carrie Ann Ryan
No one spoke at that depressing thought. At that moment, Willow decided that, no matter what Jasper thought, she would change. She would be by his side and take care of him and be his mate. He may resent her, but she would take the lifetimes they had together to make it up to him.
“Right.” Jasper cleared his throat before continuing. “Next in line is the second son, me. At a hundred and three, I’m the Beta of the Pack. I take care of the daily tedious duties around the Pack and my main job is to ensure our existence remains a secret. I will keep my job until Kade’s second son comes of age and is prepared to take over. As Mel and Kade have only recently been mated and have no children, yet, I will be Beta for a while.”
“But what about if Kade doesn’t have a second son? Will you always be Beta?” She asked.
“If they don’t have a second son, then I’ll always be Beta. If I die, then the second son of the oldest Jamenson will be Beta. No matter what, the power will stay in our family line. We just have to hope that we have a lot of sons.”
“That sounds a bit sexist.”
Jasper laughed. “Believe me, I know. But I didn’t make it up. Maybe as time change, fate will change the way the power forms. But so far the Jamensons have been, shall we say productive.”
The others in the room laughed.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean that we all have many kids, so there usually isn’t a problem.”
“Oh.” She felt a blush rise up in her cheeks.
This was all so much to take in. Power and hierarchy so different from her own. Her head hurt.
“The third son, Adam – who’s one hundred– is the Enforcer. His job is inner Pack discipline and protecting the Pack from outside forces. Though we all do the latter, he is in charge of most of it daily. Thankfully Adam is one tough son of a bitch and is good at his job.” Adam gave them both a half smile and shook his head.
“There’s also the Omega. This position is not relegated to only the Alpha’s family, however, Maddox was lucky enough to be called on.”
This time Maddox didn’t quirk his lips or snort.
“At ninety-six, he can feel all of the emotions of the Pack.”
“But how is that different than the Alpha, Heir or you?”
“The rest of us can only feel that they are there. We don’t know if they what they are feeling – emotionally or physically. But Maddox can feel
all
the emotions. Some stronger than others and he can never fully turn them off or ignore them. Touch seems to strengthen the bond so give him space. It’s also his duty to the Pack to help with these emotions, but as anyone knows, help is sometimes not easy or welcome.”
Maddox sat in his corner with a blank face and his arms folded against his chest. Only his eyes gave away the torture and emotions he must feel. Willow inwardly winced at the everything he must have been feeling.
“Maddox,” she asked, “how can you stand all of it?”
“I have to.” He answered. “All the happiness, pain, every type of emotion is multiplied. You get used to it.” He shrugged and she didn’t believe him.
Again the room grew silent before Jasper continued.
“Last is our Healer. Their job is to heal physical wounds. They can fix most small wounds and, with only immense power, can heal stronger ones. Right now that place is vacant as our father lost his brothers in the last war. We are unsure why we don’t have one, but I can only guess that someone will come to our Pack with the ability, maybe as one of our mates.”
Well, she sure wasn’t the healer. She could barely put on a Band-Aid.
“I thought North would be your Healer?” She asked.
“He’s a medically trained doctor, but doesn’t have the magic. And he can’t feel the physical wounds that the Healer can.”
Willow’s eyes widened. “The Healer can feel
all
wounds?”
“Not the actual pain, but they can tell they’re hurt.”
“Those are the major Pack positions. But each of us do our parts. Mom is the Alpha female and aids Dad. She’s unlike Alphas most that though in that she looks like a good little housewife, but she can eliminate threats with the best of us and helps make all of Dad’s decisions. They’re a fully functioning working pair.”
He gave Mel a smile, “Mel is a chemist who has a job outside the den, but she’s working on upgrading our archaic attitudes and helping around the Pack.” The men all snorted. “But one day she will take over Mom’s job, and I’m sure she is opinionated enough that Kade won’t revert to the old ways.” Mel laughed out loud and everyone in the room joined her.
Oh, she already liked Mel.
“Too true, man. Too true.” Kade leaned in gave his mate a full-on-the-mouth kiss that seemed inappropriate outside the bedroom, but didn’t seem to faze the wolves.
Willow shrugged. Apparently, wolves weree y a little more physical and open. As long as Jasper did the same to her, she would be just dandy with that. A blush crept up her cheeks and she lowered her eyes Maddox arched his eyebrow toward her.
Darn emotions. No hiding from wolves.
“Reed is ninety-eight, an artist, and draws our Pack history. He says he doesn’t do much, but we need it, and it helps the cubs learn to shift. North, as you know, is our Pack doctor. Without him I don’t know what our Pack would do.”
Both brothers looked uncomfortable with Jasper’s praise.
“And me, Jasper? What do I do?” Cailin’s voice grew soft and seemed so sad.
“You, my dear sister, at twenty-three and the Alpha’s only daughter, can be whatever you want to be.”
Cailin snorted. “Seriously? I’m not even allowed out of the den. I’m stuck here as the ‘precious princess’. No, thank you.” She turned toward Willow. “I use herbs to make medicine for North and I also make music. But I
will
find a way to be useful to the Pack, rather than just falling into a good marriage because I have the ability to breed pups.”
Pups? Yeah, Jasper needed to explain that one.
Japer let out a small growl. “You will mate who you want, when you want. Dad’s not like some of the other older wolves out there who see you for political gain.”
Cailin didn’t respond, but looked unconvinced.
Willow didn’t envy her. Though the thought of having such a large family seemed amazing, the whole overprotectiveness thing was a bit much.
“Well then.” Mel said, breaking the tension. “Kade and I made an early dinner. Let’s eat and get to know Willow. Shall we?” Mel pulled Cailin to her feet and dragged her to the kitchen. The rest of them followed.
Jasper and Willow sat alone in the room, her thoughts going in a million directions.
“Thank you, Jasper.”
“For what? Scaring you?”
“No, for telling me the truth. For not keeping secrets. I know we have a lot more to talk about but thank you for sharing with me what you did.” Boldly she reached up and pressed her lips to his in a sweet kiss.
Willow could almost feel the future with this man, this wolf. Now she only needed to make sure he felt the same way.
Chapter 7
Later that evening, her heart beating loudly in her ears, Willow clung to Jasper’s hand as he led her to the Pack circle. The Alpha planned to introduce her to the Pack and discuss her kidnapping and its ramifications with the Central Pack. Located in a valley filled with tall trees and grass, the meeting place nestled between two rock faces. Raised edges formed stadium seating in the rock worn smooth over time, and Willow was surprised they actually were comfortable. In the center lay a flat grassy plane surrounded by mud and dirt, like an archaic football field. The pulse of Pack energy coming from the circle and the weight of boundless magic and decisions over centuries danced over her skin.
“So is everyone going to be in wolf or human form?” Willow asked.
Okay, that was a stupid question. But she hated silence.
Jasper laughed. “Human form. As much as we love our wolf ones, it’s kinda hard to talk to each other on four feet.”
Willow laughed. “Oh, but how do you communicate when you are a wolf?”
“Instinct. We follow each other or move our heads to indicate where we want to go. It isn’t like we have philosophical discussions when we’re hunting. I know some myths say we can talk telepathically, and though that would be cool as hell, we don’t.”
“So, no mind readers. Good to know.”
“Well, not that I know of anyway. But it could happen I guess. Maybe it comes after mating.” Jasper smiled.
“Really? What am I thinking now?” Willow teased.
“That I look good in this shirt?” Jasper laughed.
Willow widened her eyes. “Wow. I can’t believe it. You caught me.”
They laughed, and Jasper held her close to his side. “Really? I’ll have to wear this more often.”
He leaned down and brushed his lips on her hair. Heat radiated over her skin. Thank God he couldn’t actually read her mind right now. She’d die of mortification.
As they stepped into the circle to sit with his family, Willow felt the eyes of dozens of wolves in human form home in on her and Jasper. Some looked wary of a new face; others were mildly curious. Some of the men stared at her appreciably before inhaling deeply froze. Their eyes widened and their jaws dropped. She didn’t know what that meant, but she burrowed into Jasper’s side nonetheless. He let go of her hand and wrapped a possessive arm around her. Her rapid heartbeat immediately calmed as a feeling of peace swept ove Fp nethelessr her.
When Jasper moved, the anger and disbelief from some of the women in the circle crawled over her skin. They glared, curling their lips, then scoffed. One woman snarled and looked at Willow as if she were a bug in need of being wiped from the windshield. Jasper’s arm tightened around her, and he bent down to whisper in her ear.
His warm breath tickled her neck, and she shivered as he spoke. “That’s Camille. She’s let her desire to be my mate known, but she doesn’t have the potential, nor does she make my wolf want her. Even if she did, she’s too shrewd to be worth it. I will always protect you, but be wary of her. She’s a bitch in every sense of the word.” She felt his lips brush against her temple before he straightened and led them to their places.
People milled about until Edward took his place at the stone alter. His loud booming voice echoed throughout the circle, as if magic aided it.
“Settle, Pack.”
With two words, the sounds of rustling and subtle chatter dissipated. The power of his voice as an Alpha swept over her, and a feeling of belonging settling in. Was it because of the mate mark? Or something more?
“We’re here tonight for two purposes,” Edward said. “To welcome our new Pack member, my son’s mate, Willow Delton Jamenson.” The new name startled her, and she looked at Jasper for a clue, but he merely shook his head and mouthed “Later.”
“We are also here to discuss the reasons for which she’s entered the Pack and what must be done to strengthen our resolve and protect our future.”
The wolves murmured their welcome to her and some even smiled in her direction. She smiled back and tried not to look like an idiot with her still bruised and cut face. Jasper tightened his arm around her.
God, she was falling in love with this man! Tears welled in her eyes, but she held them back. She would not cry in front of his Pack.
“Jasper’s mate will be an asset to our Pack, and I am truly honored to have her as part of our family.” His normally harsh stare warmed when he turned toward her with a quirk of his lips. The warmth disappeared in a flash, as he turned again to address the circle.
“However, in order for her to join us, my sons had to rescue her first. The Central Pack kidnapped her from her place of business against her will.” Edward’s eyes glowed with anger as the tension level of the Pack members in the circle rose.
Chaos erupted as the Alpha relayed the events of her kidnapping. Wolves shouted and growled on her behalf. Willow looked at the faces, angry and seething. Anger for her. She was touched. Their willingness to retaliate because of her mistreatment humbled her. When her gaze reached Camille, the woman had the nerve to smirk. She sighed.
Oh well, guess she couldn’t please everyone.
“Settle down Pack.” The growling stopped immediately when Edward’s voice rose above the crowd. “My sons have already been back to the location, but found it empty. They have abandoned that part of the territory line but have violated our treaty by stepping foot on our land. We will find them and take them down, but we must protect our Pack!”
“Wait!” Willow’s voice broke through the noise and all eyes turned to her. “Do we have to attack right away? I mean can’t we make sure everyone else is safe first?” She plopped down next to Jasper and rubbed her forehead.
Stupid! Why did she have to say anything?
“Yeah? Why risk our Pack for her?” Camille said, the words spewing from her mouth like raw sewage.
Willow’s belly tightened with knots. This woman scared her.
“You will watch your tongue, Camille, before I take it from you,” Jasper growled. His eyes glowed to a bright gold, blazing in his anger.
Camille immediately lowered her gaze, but still had a smirk on her face.
“Willow, we will protect the Pack, but these cruelties cannot go unchallenged. We are a strong Pack, and we protect our own.” Edward’s voice signaled the end of that line of the conversation, and he continued to discuss how they would retaliate.
Flushed with embarrassment, Willow sat silent for the rest of the meeting, wondering what Jasper thought of her after that little outburst. She really had to try harder at keeping her mouth shut.
Jasper leaned over and whispered, “It's okay, Willow, you just don’t know Pack protocol yet. It takes time, but I will always fight for you. No matter what.” He kissed her temple and pulled her firmly against him.
When the meeting ended, Jasper led her back to his house. Something crunched on the gravel, and Willow paused.
When she looked up, she saw the man who’d given her that lewd look in the Circle. Geez, he gave her the creeps. He smiled at her, and she fought the urge to vomit.
“Franklin, remove yourself from our path. I don’t have the patience for you tonight.” Jasper’s voice cooled, and he moved her behind him.
“
Tsk tsk,
Jasper. You missed something, didn’t you? I only saw the mark against her shoulder, but the mating isn’t complete, is it? What, couldn’t take her for a ride yet? Your cock broken?”
Willow didn’t even see Jasper move before his fist connected with Franklin’s face and the other wolf was on the ground.
“Poor move, Beta. You need to finish that bitch, or I’ll take her. Watch your back.”
Jasper ignored him and picked Willow up and carried her to his home. Movement over his shoulder drew her gaze to Adam and Maddox carelessly lifting Franklin and leading him back to the circle.
He set her down in the foyer while he closed the door behind him.
“Jasper? What did he mean the mating wasn’t complete? What’s going on?” Her heart beat faster.
This was all too much. Did he have to bite her again? Mate her in public or something? Like in those romance novels? She hardly knew him, but she didn’t want to lose him.
“He meant we’ve only completed part of the mating. I have to spill my seed in your womb to bind our human halves. The mate mark only claims you as my wolf’s mate.” Jasper’s face darkened and he looked angry at the prospect.
“Oh.” What else was there to say? His wolf and had the situation forced him into biting her. Now he didn’t want to finish claiming her? He didn’t want to make love to her. Coldness crept from her heart into her veins. The loss for something she hadn’t even known she craved ached in her chest. For all her affirming and promising she would make Jasper see she was worth it, he deliberately held more of himself back to prove he didn’t want her. It hurt.
Willow had been thrown from home to home her whole life. She had no family and meeting the Jamensons had already brightened her life. No stupid mating rule could tear her away. Not now. She straightened her shoulders and prayed she didn’t make a fool of herself.
“Well then. I guess we can change that can’t we?” She looked up into his deep green eyes. Heat radiated from him, warming her body in an intimate caress.
“You want to finish the mating?” Jasper’s voice deepened to an animalistic growl. His nostrils flared as he took deep breaths.
“Please,” she whispered.
He took the space between them in two steps and crushed his mouth to hers.
