Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 45092 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45092 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
The feel of his fingers tormenting her folds and all the way down to her tight bottom hole was maddening. By the time he cleaned his hands and secured her diaper, she was panting.
He released her bonds, lifted her into his arms, and rocked her against his body for several minutes before lowering her into the crib. He tucked her doll, Molly, in next to her, settled the softest lavender blanket she’d ever felt over her, and put her pacifier back in her mouth.
His lips lingered on her forehead for a long time before he raised the railing. “Sleep, Little mate of mine. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Before he left the room, she lost the fight and let herself slip into a deep slumber.
Chapter Seven
“Talk to me,” Brock said to his father as soon as he stepped outside where he wouldn’t disturb his mate. He dropped onto one of the Adirondack chairs and propped the monitor on the side table next to him where he could keep a close eye on his mate.
His father took a deep breath. “We have no leads, and no one has a single clue who might have taken her. There’s been no trace of him. Two Alpha shifters were stationed at that cave for the rest of the day, but whoever abducted her did not return.”
“I’m sure he scented them anytime he got close and backed off,” Brock stated, frustration mounting. He’d hoped to hear good news and find out they had the man in custody by now.
“Though that does seem logical,” Owen agreed, “the Alpha Protectors should have scented him first. Our senses are far more heightened.”
Brock groaned. His father was right. “I couldn’t scent him at the house or the cave. The only smell was that of my mate. She was the one I tracked to that cave. In addition, it’s not logical that he was able to sneak up on Elias. No wolf could sneak up on Elias. What do you think we’re dealing with here?”
“I don’t know yet. I’m concerned, though. Somehow this man managed to creep around your mate for several days without anyone being able to identify him. It’s mind boggling that he managed to sneak up on Elias, too. Unheard of.”
Brock leaned back and ran a hand through his hair. He didn’t like this. Any of it. It was apparent from today’s insanity that whoever dared to abduct Brock’s mate was able to mask his scent somehow.
As far as Brock knew, no one had ever managed to outwit the Alpha Protectors. Was he fucking with them? Trying to prove a point? That he was a threat and no one was safe from him?
It would seem that the man’s intent was indeed far more nefarious than any of them had expected. He wasn’t a harmless peeping tom. He had used today as a warning. An example. He hadn’t laid a single hand on Suzette in a sexual or harmful way other than the bruising she sustained from being hauled up the mountain like a sack of potatoes. As a shifter, she would heal fast. There would be no lingering evidence of the bruises by tomorrow.
“I don’t like it.” Brock ran a hand down his face before he leaned back. He kept his gaze on the monitor. He was infatuated with her on a level he never could have anticipated. He was also concerned for her safety. “If her kidnapper was able to thwart the townspeople and then Elias, he’s not an ordinary shifter. But more importantly, I suspect he has powers we haven’t seen before. He’s stronger than us, which means he could be watching my place, as we speak, without my knowledge.”
His father sighed. “I’m afraid you’re right. I’m sending Elias and Damon there right now. They can stand guard outside tonight. Tomorrow we need to come up with a new plan.”
Brock drew in a deep breath, trying to calm himself. His mate was not safe. “And what about the mating ceremony? I’ve integrated my mate into my life without the blessing of the ceremony.”
“Son, you know as well as anyone the mating ceremony is nothing but a formality. Words. Promises. Claiming your mate can and occasionally does happen without the blessing of the parents.”
Brock tapped his fingers together. He hadn’t thought much about this, but now he wondered if his sweet Little doll might feel like he’d soiled her by forcing such deep intimacy with her before the ceremony had been performed.
“Brock… I can practically hear your mind racing. Don’t do this to yourself, son. She’s your Fated mate. Once you touched her, there was no going back. She’s been bound to you since the day she was born.”
“She might not feel that way,” Brock pointed out.
“Did she say anything to that effect?”
“No.” Brock sighed. “I didn’t give her a chance, though. I overwhelmed her from the moment I lifted her into my arms. I charmed her with my mark. The driving need to claim her was so strong even I couldn’t stop it. I may have pushed her too far tonight.”