“I’ve no doubt you can, mate,” he said with a sly grin. “However, I like to make sure you’re nice and safe. Precious cargo, ya know?” He closed the door before she could respond to his sweet, albeit flirty, comment.
As they drove, Gage rested his hand on her thigh while Katy kept her arms tightly folded against her chest. For some reason, she felt this existential need to maintain control of her urges. Katy was sure that if she gave in to touching him, she might never stop. Pretty sure that could get all kinds of awkward in public situations. She couldn’t even look at him. Her eyes took in the surrounding scenery, the lush green forest and deep brown bark of the trees. It was beautiful. And so very different from the concrete jungle she came from.
When they reached Nox’s house, Katy’s nerves kicked into high gear. Nox was an alpha male, dominant like her own mate. Considering Gage had been a bit of an ass when she’d met him, she wondered if Nox would be an ass, too. Did that just go hand in hand with dominance? Guess she’d find out. She took a deep breath and pushed her worries aside. Katy wanted to make a good impression, though considering the wolf’s superior senses, it would be quite obvious to Nox and his mate what she was dealing with.
“Somebody kill me now and just put me out of my complete and utter abashment,” she muttered under her breath before her door opened and she slipped out. Katy ignored her mate’s outstretched hand. “No touching,” she said, attempting to keep the bite out of her tone, and failing miserably.
Irritation fluttered across his face as he narrowed his eyes at her. She knew Gage would never hurt her, no matter how much she’d no doubt frustrate him. She also knew that he didn’t appreciate her denying him anything, which was why he simply snatched her hand and entwined their fingers. He tugged her close to his body until their shoulders brushed as they walked toward the massive front doors of the beautiful home.
“You can touch me whenever you want or need to,” he said, his voice low. “I expect you to extend me the same courtesy.” The words weren’t said in a cruel tone, but he sure as hell wasn’t tiptoeing around her feelings. Not that Gage would ever tiptoe in any capacity, figuratively or literally.
They barely made it through the door before a beautiful woman swept Katy into a hug. “It is so good to finally meet you,” she said in a warm, raspy voice. “I was sure Gage would keep you all to himself.” When she stepped back from Katy, Everly looked at Gage. “Which would be all kinds of wrong because she’s new to this and you’re not the only one who can give her guidance.”
Katy could practically feel Gage’s hackles rise. “I can take care of my mate.” His voice dropped into that low, less than friendly tone.
“I didn’t say you couldn’t,” the woman said, her chin lifted high and her posture dripping with confidence. “But one way to take care of your mate is to make sure every need is met, including the need for her to have females to talk to about her new circumstances.”
That seemed to shut her mate up.
“I’m Everly,” the alpha female turned her warm, brown eyes back on Katy. She had long, shiny, brunette hair, cheekbones most women would pay for, and full lips that gave her a bit of a pouty look. She was stunning and tall, though Katy was quite short, so everyone was tall to her, but she thought Everly was above the normal height for a woman.
“It’s very nice to meet you,” Katy said, one hand still held tightly in Gage’s and the other slipped into her back pocket as she rocked back on her heels. “Thank you for the warm salutation.”
Everly’s brow rose as her lips tipped up slightly. “Salutation?”
Katy shrugged. “I like words. The less commonly used in everyday conversation, the better. Also, it usually helps calm my nerves. Although right now, I don’t think even a bottle of whiskey would help.”
“I’m sure we could find you a glass,” Everly offered.
“No alcohol,” Gage interrupted. “She’s not even legal.”
Katy glanced up at him, her lips pursing briefly. “Anyone ever tell you you’re a killjoy?”
“Only every chance I get,” a deep voice said from behind them.
Katy turned to see two men walking into the room from a hallway. One was young, maybe a little older than her, while the other seemed to be closer to his forties. Both were incredibly handsome and walked with an air of authority.
“Justice,” the older male growled. “I’ve told you one of these days he’s going to challenge you just to kick your ass, and I’m not going to step in.”
The younger one, Justice, simply grinned and then looked at her and winked. “I’m up for a good fight. Especially if it puts a smile on this beauty.”
The older man sighed. “Hello, Katy,” he held out a hand to her. “I’m Nox, the alpha of Kingdom of Fangs and mate to this beauty.” He motioned to his mate. “This is Justice, my beta.”
“For now,” Gage muttered. “Hope you have a backup.”
Katy looked up at him. His face was blank, unreadable as he looked at Justice with complete indifference. As if the male wasn’t even worthy of his attention. But Katy could feel his irritation and jealousy. She nearly rolled her eyes. Did he honestly think anyone else could turn her head? Especially with the pheromones she’d been throwing off like Halloween candy?
“It’s nice to meet you,” she said, turning her attention back to Nox. “You as well,” she said to Justice. The beta held out his hand but Gage casually batted it away.
“Okay,” Everly said, rubbing her hands together. “Introductions have been made. I’d like to steal Katy away and spend some time with our new pack female. Nox, you said you had some things to discuss with Gage. I’m sure he can fill Katy in later.”
Gage’s hand tightened around hers as if he loathed the idea of letting her out of his sight. Katy looked up at him again. She locked up the rampant lust that seemed to rage in her and raised up on her tip toes, pressing a chaste kiss to his lips. “I’ll see you in a bit.” Before he could pull her tighter to him and demand a deeper kiss, which she knew he would attempt, she deftly slipped away from him and walked beside Everly, leaving the three males behind.
“You’ll start to feel a little more clearheaded when we get out of his immediate vicinity,” Everly said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Katy blinked back sudden tears. “Is it that obvious?”
The alpha female looked at her with a tenderness that Katy usually only saw on her dad’s face and she suddenly had a deep longing to talk to her dad. “This is all new, and it’s intense.Mating is intense, but you’re mated to a Dire wolf, and that comes with its own bag of crazy.”
