Vivian Arend - Wolf Games

Maggie licked her lips, then returned to feeding him. It was as erotic as they could get in a public place. It was a good thing they were in a public place, or he’d never have lasted. A few of the barriers she’d raised between them seemed to have slipped away. He glanced at his watch. There was just enough time to finish their meal, pick up the boys and be on their way.

He chose another piece and held it to her lips. He was going to enjoy every possible moment with his mate.

On the outskirts of Haines, Alaska, Erik turned down a long driveway. They passed a large log building Maggie assumed was the pack house. There was a meeting happening tonight, judging by the cars gathered three deep in the parking lot. Another minute down the same road Erik pulled up in front of a tidy bungalow. An older home was tucked into the trees next to it. He opened her door and helped her out, his fingers caressing hers lightly as he held her hand a little too long.

Why did he have to make her tingle?

Maggie shook her hand free and turned to admire her sister’s home. This was far quieter and more up her alley than living in a common apartment like some packs did. Being with a mess of wolves right now? Ix-nay. Not something she could handle.

Being cooped up with Erik for the past four hours made her more than ready for a little space from him as well. He’d done nothing but chat quietly to her about the Granite Lake pack, and ask polite questions. After the sensuality of the lunch they’d shared, all that danced through her brain were visions of them naked.

It had been a very long four hours.

A tall, lean figure strode down the stairs to greet them. Spiky black hair and a wicked smile flashed for a second before he snatched her up and spun her in a circle.

“Welcome. It’s about time you made it north to join us.” Tad released her, ruffling her hair. She returned his grin and simply stood next to him, relaxing into the calm his presence cast over her. It was amazing how his skills as an Omega soothed her jangled nerves. His brow shot upward and he hooted with laughter as he hugged them both.

“Erik! You old dog. Congratulations, both of you.”

Oh shit. Another side effect of being an Omega—she’d forgotten he’d sense right away the potential connection between her and Erik.

“Tad—”

“Missy is going to be so excited to know you’re mates. This is fabulous news.”

“Tad—”

“Erik, you coming in as well? Or will you come back to get her later?”

“Tad, wait.” Finally he stopped to listen, his head cocked to the side. The sensation of a cool breeze floated from him and she took a deep breath. The edge of her pain numbed as she took his hand. Omega skills ran deep in both her sister and Tad, and she’d never been more grateful for a calming touch. She had to speak quickly before she lost her nerve. “Erik’s not staying with me. Not yet.”

Tad raised a brow, concern written on his face. “Really?” He glanced between them for a few seconds before he shrugged. “Okay. Your choice. I guess we’ll see you later.”

Maggie turned to face the giant standing mere inches away. She kept her hands by her sides to stop from reaching for him and begging him to stay. “I…”

He tapped her lightly on the nose, his strong body and gorgeous features so tempting and reassuring at the same time. Love and concern poured from him. “I heard you. Right now, I’ll give you space. Say hi to Missy for me and I’ll see you at dinner. You will sit with me.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. Bossy, arrogant…

“Please.” Erik winked at her, nodded at Tad and then strode across the deck toward the larger house on the adjacent property.

Maggie suddenly felt timid standing alone next to an Omega wolf—she wasn’t scared of him, but he might be able to tell exactly what was wrong with her, and why. The reason for her attempt to return to the pack, as well as the reason she’d left in the first place. Was she ready for anyone to know it all?

For many years she’d been on her own, dealing with her fears. She still wasn’t ready to admit to anything more than she needed help healing her body. Maybe in a few weeks, or months, she could talk about the rest of the trouble. Now it was enough she was attempting to rejoin a pack on a trial basis. She pasted on a bright smile before lifting her gaze to his. The expression on his face made her drop the façade. Damn .

“You know what’s wrong with me, don’t you? And why?”

He dragged a hand through his hair, staring off into the distance. When he looked back at her the anger and indignation she’d seen was once again controlled. He nodded slowly. “It’s an Omega thing. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone, and I doubt Missy will pick it up. She’s a little distracted right now. But, Maggie, you need to understand—you’re safe here. Erik is a rock. You can share anything with him.”

Tad’s simple statement, and the lack of pity in his eyes did more to ease her fears than anything else. “Thanks.”

“Now, we’d better get inside. Missy’s a trifle…touchy these days. I’m going out of my way not to piss her off.”

The house was clean and tidy except for a few toys scattered around. Bright pictures and fabric filled the cozy rooms. Maggie admired what she saw as they moved at a quick pace through to the back of the house. There the kitchen faced the trees, and just to the side was a cheery sunroom with floor-to-ceiling windows. Missy sat curled up in one of the comfy chairs, basking in the sunlight.

“Maggie? You’re here!” Missy twisted in her chair and what Maggie thought was a pillow twisted with her. She threw her arms open wide, her eyes bright and her smile from ear to ear. “I can’t believe you’re finally here. Come and give me a hug.”

Maggie raced across the room, maneuvering as close as possible, wrapping her arms around her sister and relaxing into her embrace. The tears that had threatened earlier fell now as they held each other for the first time in what felt like forever. Finally Missy patted her on the head and kissed her forehead.

“I’m so glad to see you again.”

The heavy bulge of Missy’s baby-filled belly separating them moved and Maggie pulled away in amazement.

“Oh my goodness, you’re…” Oops . Gigantic was probably not a good thing to say to a pregnant woman.

“Huge? Damn it, I don’t feel like a wolf, I feel like a stinking whale.”

Maggie laughed. “There’s never been more of you to love than now.”

“Oh gee, good one. Like I’ve never heard that before.”

They grinned at each other. The years apart faded away. Missy was family—all the family she had left—and she desperately needed family right now.

She reached out to give Missy’s hand one more squeeze. “Thanks for letting me join you.”

“You’re going to be working for your keep, trust me. I can’t move fast enough to keep up with Jamie. I’m so glad he won’t be able to shift into a wolf until he’s a teenager. He’s hard enough to catch at eighteen months.”

Maggie glanced around the room, looking for her nephew. “Where is he?”

“Sleeping. I think. I don’t hear rockets going off, so he must still be locked in his room.”

Tad dropped a kiss on his mate’s forehead before squatting beside her. Missy glared at him. “Finally. Did you get me—?”

He thrust out a handful of brightly coloured chocolate bars. “Dark chocolate. Plus orange chocolate…with walnuts.”

Missy stared, disgruntled, her mouth twisting. She planted both hands on the sides of her chair to heave herself into a new position. Tad rushed to help her. She smiled sweetly at him and started again. “After you left, I decided I also wanted—”