Emerald: Rare Gems Series - Billionaire Wolf Shapeshifter Romance (12 page)

“When her results come back let me know.” Dawn started out of the room, and Emerald called her back. “I wanted to ask you about when you were changed. I’m sort of nervous about converting Jul.”

“You really want my advice?” Emerald nodded. “Then have Blair do it. He’s stronger than you. And not nearly as close to Jul as you are. When Colby did mine it was fine and all, but…well, he took it really hard that he had to hurt me. I mean really hard. I’m not saying you’re not strong enough to do it. But you could support him while it’s happening.”

“I’m terrified of killing him.” Dawn sat down and rubbed her belly while she nodded. “What if I’m not able to do it? That’s my biggest fear. That my wolf would want to quit before it’s complete.”

“She won’t do that.” Emerald wasn’t sure if she would or not and said as much. “This is a big deal, I get it. You’re afraid, I understand that as well. But what I don’t understand, if you want the truth again, is why you, this big bad wolf, is afraid? I mean, have you heard yourself when you’re barking orders? You are right on top of things. Organized…just look at this school. All you have to worry about is the teachers and the students. I mean, there is more, but not the building being finished on time…which you made happen a full two weeks before the contractors said. The desks, yes, you might have something to do with those too, but you got them here on time and under budget. A wimp could not have done that.”

“It’s for the kids.” Dawn smiled and nodded. “It’s not the same as biting a man you love until he’s nearly dead, and hoping that he’ll live through it.”

“Why not? I mean, it’s life or death here too. If a person tried to get in here to harm anyone of the children or people who worked here, what do you think would happen?”

“I’d kill them.” Dawn nodded and stood this time. “I’d kill them. My wolf would come out and she’d fucking kill them.”

“Exactly. And you’re going to be no less brave for what is going to happen tonight. She’s going to know it’s her mate and that if she screws up, then he’s as good as dead.” Dawn snapped her fingers on Emerald’s head as she walked by. “Stop thinking so hard. It’s going to be great. And I’m going to be there cheering you all on. Maybe.”

“Maybe?” Dawn nodded and nearly doubled over. “Shit. Are you in labor? Why didn’t you say something?”

“I wanted to make sure the office was set up before I had to leave.” Emerald reached for Ruby and Diamond. Dawn kept talking, but it was labored now, pants of air accompanying each word. “I don’t think we’re going to make it anywhere soon. Colby is coming now, and he’s bringing…oh Emerald. I’m ready.”

“Ready?” Dawn nodded as she lay down on the floor. “Ready for what? Not to have this kid! You can’t have it now. I’m…I have no idea what to do. Tell me you’re kidding.”

The scream tore through the room and Emerald wanted to scream as well. The baby was coming, and she was there alone. Christ. She reached for Jul just as Dawn told her it was time right now.

She’s having the baby. Dawn is having the baby.
He told her he was on his way.
It might be too late.

I’m on my way.

When Dawn screamed again, this time bent nearly in half telling Emerald to help her, Emerald took a deep breath and let her wolf guide her. As soon as she saw the baby’s head, Emerald knew she could do anything after this.

Chapter 12

The gathering was full tonight. Blair looked out over his pack and had to smile. Who would have thought that he’d be the alpha of so many people? Hell, he didn’t believe it either. When Sapphire put her arms around him from behind, he lifted her hand and kissed it before turning her into his arms.

“There is very little food left, so your grandmother is sending out some of the pack for pizzas. I think they have been starving themselves for this.” Sapphire laughed and held onto him as he continued. “Have you talked to Em yet?” They’d all taken to calling her Em since Jul had come into their family. It suited her.

“Twice. She just threw me out of her room. I think that this is going to go very well tonight. Both of them seemed to be very calm when I left them.” Blair had thought so too, but Sapphire knew her sister better than he did. “I don’t think they’ll have any problems.”

He hoped not. Blair really liked Jul. He was calming and smart. There were times here lately that he’d gone by his office just to sit and talk about really nothing at all. And Jul had never been upset about him just showing up. Blair wanted this to work in the worst sort of way.

“We’re ready.” He turned to look at Jul and Em when she spoke. “Jul understands what he has to do, and we’re to let you do the introductions. I think that’s what we’re supposed to do, right?” Blair nodded.

When they left the shelter, a silence settled over the several hundred others that made him think of a volume being turned down in small degrees. As soon as Em came out with Jul and Sapphire, everyone cheered. This was her night.

“Tonight we’re going to welcome Julius Whitney into our pack. Emerald Whitney, his wife, will convert him in the ways of our kind.” Applause broke out, but it was over quickly. “When the ceremony begins, please be careful not to distract them. This is, as some of you know, a very dangerous and scary process. Please be considerate of them.”

As soon as he nodded, Jul stepped forward. He’d been told all the things that were to happen several times, and when he tossed off his robe and danced around the circle naked, everyone laughed. The man was taking this very well. When Em stepped up beside him, Jul helped her pull her own robe off, and then he kissed her. It was not passionate, but one of love. As soon as she stepped back, Em let her wolf take her.

The large stone that had been in the center of the circle since he’d taken the pack over was covered in a dark material. It wasn’t anything that had to be there, but since it was coming up on winter he’d opted for it to be covered so it wouldn’t be so cold. As Jul lay over it, he looked over at him.

You’ll help her if she needs it.
Blair nodded
. She won’t, but you be there in the event something happens. Don’t let her die.

I won’t. I promise.
Jul nodded this time and looked at Em. Her wolf was standing near the dais as she waited on him to proceed. Blair was very nervous himself. A lot of things could go wrong.

“You ready, honey?” Em nodded at him, and Blair realized how much her wolf had changed in the last weeks. She was thicker, her fur was fuller, and she no longer looked haunted. He realized then that she was happy.

As soon as he nodded to her, she lunged at Jul. The bite to his belly was harsh, and needed to be done in a way that she’d taste not just his blood, but his bowel too. Jul only moved once and settled down almost immediately. He never made a sound when she tore viciously into his body.

Time seemed to slow down for Blair as he monitored Jul. His heart rate had picked up a great deal when she bit into him, but had settled quickly. Now, twenty minutes later, it was starting to slow more. He looked at Em as she held her powerful jaws around Jul.

In another ten minutes his heart rate was barely audible, and his breathing was slowing as well. Em growled at him when he reached over to pet her, and Blair backed off. He should know better than to do that, but he needed comforting. When Jul put his hand up and settled it over Em’s head, she whimpered a little but didn’t move. It was time for her to do the most damage.

The big wolf growled and tore into his flesh again. This time Jul screamed, but he didn’t move. As Em held onto him, she climbed up on the big stone and lay her body over him. It was then that Blair thought the big man wasn’t going to make it.

His heart rate dropped again. He had to listen hard to hear it, and when he put his fingers to his throat to check, he couldn’t feel it at all. Blair called for Sloan to step in. As he moved to open his wrist, Em spoke to him.

He’s not going to die
. Blair started to tell her what he could hear and not hear.
You touch him and I will tear you apart, Blair. I don’t care what you think. He will not die by my hand.

“You can hear his heart as well as I can. He’s dying, Em. You told me to step in if things got—”

You touch him, either of you, and I will tear out your throat. I have this. He’s going to live.
She growled again when he decided the best way to handle this was to shift and take her down, but she told him again that she’d kill him. And right now, he believed her.

“Listen.” He looked over at Sloan when he spoke. “Christ, he’s getting stronger. Listen to his heart, Blair. The fucker is going to make it.”

It was getting stronger. And when Em looked up at him, her eyes full of happiness, he also knew she was as well. Blair reached out carefully and ran his fingers through her fur. Then they turned to the crowd.

“Our newest pack member.” The crowd went wild. Those that weren’t wolves already shifted and ran around with their own mates. The children came running up to the dais and threw bouquets of flowers at the couple.

Sapphire came to stand beside Blair. “She would have killed you.” He nodded. “Next time you get the urge to piss off one of my sisters, can you please make sure that I don’t have a front-row seat? I was ready to help her.”

“I love you too.” Blair kissed his mate on the nose as he moved back for the well-wishers. “I have to tell you something. Em is far and away the bravest wolf or human I’ve ever met. I don’t think…hell, I know that I would never have been able to do what she just did. Changing a mate…anyone…has got to be the hardest thing I’ve ever witnessed.”

Sapphire squeezed him to her, and he looked down. There were tear stains on her cheeks, and he could see how relieved she was. He was as well. Blair never wanted to go through this again.

~~~

Jul woke but didn’t open his eyes. It was hard enough just trying to think, much less try to see. When he heard what he swore was a bug walking on the wall, he opened one eye and looked around. Blair was sitting in the chair next to him, and Em was curled up in the other chair. Both of them appeared to be sleeping.

Sitting up slightly, he was shoved back down by a firm hand. Looking to his right, he looked into the laughing face of Allen. As he sat back down, Jul lay back too. Just that little movement had exhausted him.

Come out better than we thought.
Jul nodded. He wasn’t sure what that meant, but he was glad to know that he’d made it.
Let them sleep a bit. I’d like to talk to you a little while if you don’t mind.

No. I’m assuming that since I’m in this pack, I can talk to everyone this way.
Allen nodded.
Will everyone be able to hear us?

Not unless you invite them. What I have to say I’d rather you didn’t.
Jul nodded again.
It’s about that mom of yours. I wanted to ask you if you mind much if I took her out.

My mom?
Allen laughed and said yeah.
You want to date my mom? I don’t understand. She’s my mom.

Yeah, boy, I got that. She’s your mom. But she’s a right fine woman and she…well, I’d like to take her out once in a while. We done sort of hit it off. Not like she’s my mate or anything, but…well, to tell you the truth of the matter, I’m sort of sweet on her.

My mom?
Allen said if he said that again he was going to hit him.
Allen, please forgive me, but I don’t know why you’re asking me. I mean, she’s my mom, not my daughter.

Don’t you think I know that?
Allen scrubbed his hand over his face before continuing,
She’s special. I don’t want to kid around with her like I do other women. I want to treat her with respect, like…well, like the wonderful woman that she is.

She is very special.
Allen nodded, and Jul could see that the older man really was smitten with his mom.
But why are you asking me and not her? I would think that would be who you’d be wanting to get permission from.

You’re her son. Her only child, right?
Jul nodded, feeling like he’d been put in one of those places where they punked you or something.
As her son, I’m asking you because it’s you she’ll worry about. I’m not saying that I want to have sex with her, or—

And if you do, please, for Christ’s sake, don’t tell me.
Allen laughed and nodded.
I understand that you feel the need to ask me, but, ultimately, it’s my mom that’s going to decide. I mean, Dad has been gone for ten years now. I know she’s been out, but nothing serious. I don’t think she’s looking for serious.

I’m not either. Just a good time with a lovely lady.
Jul wanted to ask him how good a time, but didn’t. There were some things a son just did not want to know.
I’d be respectful of her and you. I’d never do anything to cause her harm, or to have you pissy with me.

Something moved along his skin, and he looked at his arm. Allen laughed again, and then told him he needed to get his strength up before letting his wolf come out to play.

“I’m a wolf.” Allen nodded and leaned back in his chair. “Holy shit, Allen. I’m a fucking wolf.”

“You know, you repeat yourself a lot. Why do you do that? Some sort of ailment?” Jul sat up. His entire body felt energized right now. “Calm him down. Tell him things are all right.”

“Jul.” He looked at Em, and he wanted her. Not soon, but right now. The low growl that escaped from him had her standing up, but she didn’t move. Blair stood as well, but when he moved to stand in front of Em, Jul growled again.

“Jul, you’re not strong enough to shift yet.” Jul felt like he could take on the world despite what Blair was saying. “Calm your wolf before you get hurt.”

Never taking his eyes from Em, he told the other two men to get out. Blair started to speak, but Allen told him it was right as rain, whatever the hell that meant. As soon as the door closed behind them, Jul sat up with his feet on the side of the bed now.

“I want you.” Em nodded but still hadn’t moved. “Strip for me. Right now, before I do it for you. I need to fuck you.”

“Your wolf wants to mark me.” Jul nodded. “He’s going to take you if you don’t calm him down. And you are very weak from what happened last night.”

“Take off your clothes, Em, or I will.” He felt the wolf run along his body again. “Christ, he wants you.”

The wolf took him. He knew the exact moment when he went from human to wolf, and moaned at the feeling. Every part of him wanted to run, leap into the air, but he needed to have Em more. When she started to pull her clothing off, he got off the bed and moved around her. Her scent, the smell that he knew was her arousal, was making him wild to have her.

He needs to taste you. Can he do that
?
Lick you until you…Christ, Em, he wants to eat you
. Em moaned, and her powerful scent nearly had him taking her to the floor.
Hurry
.

She was naked before him when he circled her again. The thought of taking her wolf had his own panting with need. But for right now he wanted to eat her pussy. He told her to lay on the bed, and she did it quickly. Jul moved to stand between her spread legs and raised his muzzle to the air to get more of her inside of him. When she moaned again, her legs trembled and he knew that he couldn’t wait any longer. Burying his nose into her curls, Jul knew what real paradise was.

His tongue felt different to him, thicker and longer. He lapped at her several times before he realized he could fuck her this way. Moving his tongue into her sheath, he nearly came when he tasted her. Every part of her was different to him.

Her first climax had his wolf growling as he lapped greedily at her. Jul thought for sure that he was going to catch hell for this, but she curled her hand into his fur and held him tightly to her as she rode his mouth. The thought of sinking his teeth into her was both arousing and frightening.

“Lick my thigh. Then when I come again, bite me. It’ll seal the bond.” Jul wanted to tell her he couldn’t hurt her, but she spread her legs wider and he licked her clit until she came again. His wolf had no such problems with biting her, and after licking her inner thigh, he bit into her hard enough that Jul tasted blood. Her scream had him tearing at her flesh. The mark, the bite-like scar, formed almost as soon as he let her go. Jul watched as she slid her fingers into her pussy and began riding her own fingers. “Fuck me, Jul. Please?”

Jul felt the wolf curl back into him. His hands, which still held Em open, were human now, and his mouth, before full of sharp canines, was again his own. Pulling her nether lips wider open, he suckled at her clit until she came twice more. She was his, all his, and he had to have all of her. Fisting his cock, he stood up over her. Christ, his cock was so painful that he was sure he’d come as soon as he entered her.