To Tame His Mate (3 page)

“Thanks, I guess.” She shrugged.

“It’s a compliment, trust me.”

“So, now you know about why I’m running, but here’s the fun part. The guy who lost the teeth? Yeah, he is
so
, not happy with me because one was a fang. Another one needed a testicle retrieval procedure after I nailed his ass. Those are the two I’m running from.”

He was staring again. Had he even blinked? It was a little unnerving when he did that, but alphas often had to stare down challengers, so Sarah wasn’t sure why she was surprised.

“Why are you staring?”

“Because you’re beautiful.” He seemed to realize what he’d said when she stiffened. “Sorry. I won’t lie; I find you extremely attractive, but I promise that you have nothing to worry about from me. I would never force a woman into anything. Ever.” He sat up and looked pointedly at her before a wry grin lifted his sensual lips. “Besides, my momma would kick my ass royally if I even thought about it.”

She laughed and found herself relaxing a bit. “I think I like your momma already, but what about you? What’s your story?” She found herself incredibly curious about the man sitting across from her. He was attracted to her? The feeling was mutual, but she wasn’t about to admit to that.

“I’m afraid mine’s pretty boring compared to yours. I’m the second of four sons, all of whom are alphas.”

“Damn!
Four
alphas in one family?” It was rare for a pair to produce two alphas, but four? That was almost unheard of.

“Yeah, that’s pretty much what my parents said. We all live around here, but far enough apart that we can have our space,” he explained. “We get along great, for short periods of time, but much longer than a few hours and usually the fur starts to fly. There’s Abraham, the oldest, me, Ethan and Adam, the youngest.”

“Do they all farm, too?”

“No. Abraham was a Navy SEAL but honorably discharged after a sniper blew out his knee. He would have healed good as new, but he couldn’t very well tell the military. Ethan’s the pretty boy of the group and a volunteer firefighter and forest ranger. And then there’s Adam. He’s a dog trainer.”

Sarah snickered.

“He’s the best in three states and highly sought after.”

“Isn’t that cheating, though, seeing as he can communicate with them?” She arched a brow and awaited his response.

“Nah. Who’s gonna tell?” He winked at her, gaining a small chuckle.

“Good point.” Her stomach rumbled, and she was ready to die of embarrassment.

“I’ll toss your things in the laundry and fix some sandwiches. Once everything’s dry, I’m taking you to the clinic.” He stood and quickly left the room.

The man had a seriously nice ass, and she openly admired it as he left then heaved a disappointed breath when he was out of sight. She was never one to lie to herself. She was definitely attracted to him. He seemed safe, despite being an alpha. And when he’d held her…hmm, she could definitely get use to resting against that man. He smelled like the rain and the forest. He smelled…right.

He was fully respecting her space, too—that was a good thing, right? Erik was an alpha, but a gentleman as well, and for the first time she found herself tempted to claim someone herself. But what did she really have to offer? She had nothing. No car, no home, barely any money or belongings.

Yup, she was a real catch.

And
she was a twenty-four year old virgin. Not exactly the sex kitten most guys went for. She’d only been kissed once, and she had punched the bastard for it. Needless to say, seducing Erik was out.

Who am I kidding?
Sarah thought.
I’m in deep shit with two alphas. Why would he want to take that on?

* * * *

Erik was impressed. Sarah was a scrapper, and that just made him even hotter for her. Damn, just holding her in his arms had made his blood boil. His body didn’t seem to care if she was injured or not. Good God, he was so hard right now a good breeze might finish the job.

Pathetic.

Finally, a woman who was strong, independent and comfortable in a life outside of a pack, and she’d pretty much sworn off men. Maybe, just maybe, he could coax her into a nice, quiet country life.

She seemed as if she might enjoy a peaceful place akin to what he’d created for himself. Town was a few miles away, and his home was the only one at the end of his lengthy private drive. The only noises, besides that of nature, were from his tractor or lawn mower when he worked the field.

Erik had no doubt he could keep her safe. Between his brothers and himself, nobody would get to her. All he needed to do was convince her of that.

Once he had the laundry started, he headed to the kitchen and threw two sandwiches together, sliced an apple then poured two glasses of sweet iced tea. He grabbed a baking sheet to use as a serving tray then returned to the living room. Sarah was right where he’d left her, but with a picture in her hands.

“That’s the whole family,” he stated, and when she smiled up at him, he nearly dropped the tray. Her whole face had gone from beautiful to radiant.

“Quite a handsome group of guys. Your mom must beat the women away with sticks,” she teased.

“Not hardly. I’m afraid we’re a very picky bunch. She’s actually anxious to see us settled.” He gave her a small smile. “I think she wants grandbabies.”

“That’s sweet, though.”

“You won’t think that for much longer if she stops by,” he chuckled, “She’ll try to fix you up with one of us for sure.”

“I’m sure I could do worse. Do all of you stay clear of pack life?” She watched as he settled the tray onto the wooden coffee table before the sofa.

“Every last one of us.” He shrugged and handed her a plate before sliding the table closer. “We don’t want to deal with all the hierarchy bullshit involved with a pack. We value our freedom.”

“That’s exactly what I’ve tried to explain to the thick-headed bastards chasing me.”
Sarah sipped the tea he’d handed her before placing it on a napkin. She even held her little pinky out, and damned if Erik didn’t find that cute. “So what do you intend to do with your freedom?”

“Me? I just want to find my mate, settle down out here and enjoy life.”
And I’m really hoping you’d like to be that mate
, he thought
.

“That sounds so nice.” She had a wistful look in her eyes that made her look so incredibly feminine, and Erik longed to just sweep her up and kiss her. Whoa! Where had that come from? Luckily, she continued speaking so he was spared from exploring those thoughts. “I’d love to settle somewhere and not have to look over my shoulder constantly. A steady job would be nice, too.”

“How do you get your money if you can’t draw on your bank account? An employer would require your social security number, as well.”

His inquiry seemed to rattle her, and he watched as she averted her eyes, suddenly very interested in her half-eaten sandwich.

“You’re not into anything illegal are you?” he asked.

Her eyes bulged. “What?” She shook her head, sending her blonde tresses tumbling over her shoulders. “Nothing like drugs or anything like that.”

“But it’s still illegal,” he pushed. He needed to be sure that she wasn’t hiding from the law as well as the alphas chasing her.

“Fights.” Sarah spoke low, obviously reluctant to admit what she’d done.

“Fights? Like…?” He couldn’t wrap his head around it. She’d fought for money?

“Yeah, fight clubs, mostly. I’d take any opponent they threw in with me. They’d put me against whoever was willing to come in against a girl.” She gave an astonishingly nasty grin. “You wouldn’t believe the bastards just itching to hit a woman.”

Erik winced at the venom in her voice. “I’m sure you showed them the error of their ways.”

“You bet your sweet ass I did.” She shrugged and sipped her tea. “The fights are surprisingly easy to find. If you hang out in bars and listen enough, you’ll be amazed at all the things you can learn.”

“I can imagine.” Erik set aside his empty plate. “So you live off of the prize money?”

“Yeah. I never stay in one place long, so it’s easy to get into fights since no one in the area knows me.” Setting aside her own plate, she straightened, sucking in air through clenched teeth at the pain it caused. “I’m really grateful for everything you’re doing for me, Erik. You’re a real decent guy.”

“You’re welcome and thank you.” He rose to clear their plates. “I’ll go put the clothes in the dryer and let you rest for awhile. We’ll head to town as soon as they’re dry.”

As Erik made his way down the hall, he couldn’t help but smile. She was opening up to him. Trusting him. It was exactly what he’d been hoping for. And it would keep her comfortable enough, he hoped, to stay a while. The undeniable attraction he was feeling for this lovely she-wolf was a little concerning, since he’d never experienced it before, but he was more determined than ever to see where it could lead. After all, what were the chances of him ever meeting another female quite like her?

Chapter Three

Sarah woke up for the second time that day, knowing that she was being watched. Cracking her eyes revealed an enormous man sitting in the chair staring at her, his dark hair and deep tan making him appear somewhat intimidating—that and the scowl on his otherwise handsome face. Not that she was worried about him in the least because she was positive Erik wouldn’t allow anyone in here who meant her harm.

He was one of the brothers from the photograph, she was sure. Abraham, maybe?

Oh, who the hell cared? He was being rude.

“It’s not polite to stare,” she grumbled.

“Who are you?” His voice was a deep, thunderous rumble that told her that this guy didn’t play around…but
she
did.

“Who are you?” she countered.

“Nobody you need to concern your pretty little head about. Now, where’s my brother, and why is an alpha bitch sleeping on his couch?” He spoke through clenched teeth.

Sarah simply couldn’t resist goading him—he just seemed too uptight!—so she parroted everything he’d said right back to him and watched as his face darkened, a large vein ticking on his forehead.

Luckily, Erik entered the room at that moment with a laundry basket in tow.

“Abraham,” Well, that didn’t sound like a very friendly greeting, “Get away from her. Now.” His voice dropped low with a hint of a growl.

His brother was still glaring at her as if he wanted to throttle her ass. She would have welcomed the brawl with open arms if she were able to stand on her own two feet.

“Sorry, Erik,” she began, “it’s my fault. I was picking at him.” Her gaze moved over Abraham slowly. “I do hope that your other brothers aren’t this uptight.”

Erik snorted, rolling his eyes. “We’re all very different, personality-wise. Abraham’s the most intense sibling.”

“Someone has to be the serious one. Now,” he jabbed his finger in her face, “who the hell is she?”

Sarah absolutely detested having people get in her face. She looked up from her place on the couch and purred, sweet as honey, “
She
is about to bite off your fucking finger if you don’t get it out of my face, pretty boy.”

He looked startled, and she was glad. Erik just covered his mouth, but appeared to stifle more laughter.

“Your finger hasn’t moved yet.” Sarah snapped her teeth at his finger, just missing the tip when he pulled back.

“She tried to bite me!”
he
roared, pointing.
Again!
“Argh!”

This time she did give him a nip. When he turned his murderous gaze back to her, Sarah felt the first twinge of apprehension.

“Stop it!” Erik yelled. “You’re scaring her.”

Both heads swiveled toward Erik, who appeared equally startled. Sarah knew she’d shown no signs of fear. Hell, she prided herself on her poker face and her ability to mask any scent of fear or anger. Most people never knew she was pissed off until she laid them flat.

“What the hell are you talking about?” she demanded. Erik was upset and confused, as was evident by his facial expressions and the mixed fragrance wafting from his side of the room.

Aw, poor guy.

“She’s psychotic, not scared,” Abraham snarled at his brother.

Sarah watched Abraham take in the scene, his eyes narrowed. Sarah, asleep on the sofa, in Erik’s robe, and Erik bringing in a laundry basket filled with her clothes, all neatly folded. And were those her panties on top?

Oh, somebody just kill me now.

“Holy shit!” Abraham spoke in a near whisper, forcing Sarah to pay attention lest she lose track of the conversation. “She’s your mate. You
felt
her fear.”

“No, I…”

“You had to have,” he accused, “because she hasn’t shown an ounce of fear yet.”

An odd ringing started in Sarah’s ears. Her heart racing, she couldn’t catch her breath. Oh, God. That was why she’d kept picking at Abraham even after he’d gotten mad. Her amusement was there, but it was Erik’s she’d felt as well, egging her on.

The two men were still arguing, over whether or not she could be his mate, but Sarah wasn’t quite as slow as Erik seemed to be. She knew the signs of a bonding, and once she took a second to look back, she could see that they were indeed present.

While the two were deep in their own discussion, Sarah decided now was the perfect time to dip out. She struggled up onto her shaking legs to leave, thinking that if the room would quit tilting it would be great. With an odd sort of detachment, she realized the room wasn’t tilting.
She
was. Then the darkness came.

* * * *

“What the fuck?” Erik lunged and caught Sarah just before she hit the coffee table then hugged her close.

“What’s wrong with her?” Now, that was a good question.

“I’m not sure. I felt a surge of panic then nothing.” He lifted her gently and settled her back onto the couch. The movement caused the robe to fall open, revealing the nasty swelling and bruising of her knee.

“Christ! What happened to her leg?” Abraham came closer and reached out, only to snatch back his hand when Erik let loose a fierce snarl. “Possessive bastard, aren’t you?”