Chloe held the baby close and found her sweat pants Bruce had liberated off her. She hated to think what the twisted idiot had been thinking about when he'd been undressing her. There was no doubt in her mind that Grayson wouldn't be kicking some wolf-ass and soon, but first, she had to get the baby and herself to safety.
She looked up at the dropped off wall that lead to the outside. She had to shift to get free, but how, was the bigger question. She worked on bundling up the baby first; making a cradle for her, so she could at least carry the child in her mouth once shifted.
Tears still streamed her cheeks, but she was slowly getting it together... Slowly.
She couldn't look back at Savannah's body, finding it too disturbing. There was a big part of her that didn't want to leave the dead woman's body like that, but she had to make a choice and that choice was the baby.
Her shaking hands ran along the child's forehead, “Okay, it'll be okay. I'm going to wrap you up now.” The tiny infant pouted as she pulled the coat over her head and made a basinet.
The baby started to fuss and it agitated her nerves. She closed her eyes and concentrated. Trying to envision herself shifted, the pain in her muscles, the way she remembered it, but nothing happened. She clenched her fists as a breeze blew in and wafted Savannah's blood to her nose.
She shuddered, “I need out of here.” Her eyes pooled once more and she cringed, wrinkling her nose up to stop the smell. Once again, she tried to bring herself back to the moment she had shifted.
A loud growling erupted and the sound of wolves fighting echoed into the cave.
She tensed as she heard the long howl, it spooked her and she hoped it was a good wolf.
“Please, no more bad luck!”
She felt the abrupt breeze as a wolf flew above her head and landed behind her. Her hands darting back to the baby as she picked her up again, holding her close. Slowly, she turned towards the new invader.
“Mike!” Chloe screeched as he inspected the dead body of Savannah.
Mike looked up to from across the cave and ran at her, snorting; she wasn't sure what that meant, but she backed up.
“Mike, get us out of here!”
He looked around the cave and bowed down for her.
“You need to carry her. I won't be able to hang on to you at the same time,” she handed him the baby so she hung in a sling under his jaw.
“Is Grayson here?” her voice hitched.
Mike nodded, looking awkward with the child hanging out of his mouth.
She felt a wave of instant relief and scrambled onto his back. She wrung her arms to his neck, “Okay, go.”
She felt his muscles tense and then suddenly, he leapt from the cave and barrelled out into the snow. She dug her knees into him and hung on as they descended the steep mountain face the cave had been located on.
The low sound of growling could be heard below and Mike took off in that direction. She hoped that meant Grayson.
Mike stopped, listened, and then ran for the near wolves.
Chloe screeched as her grip began to unhinge from his neck, when he stopped – coming out into a clearing of deep snow and she tried to adjust herself.
She lifted her head and stared across where Grayson was with the lonely brown wolf form of Bruce.
Chloe's heart slammed as she jumped off Mike, into the deep snow, “Grayson!” Her feet numbed, but she still radiated some form of heat, “Gray...”
Grayson looked up, pausing, and then ran for her, leaving Bruce to stagger along.
She watched him as his long strides threw the snow all around him and finally, it was all around her. She smiled, feeling tears in her eyes, her view becoming the big, tall wolf in front of her.
Chloe reached out and he stepped up to her, nuzzling his head into her side.
She dropped her arms around him and gripped him close, “I'm okay, Gray,” she heard him licking his lips and then the baby started to cry.
Mike whimpered and Chloe parted from Grayson. She swooped over and grabbed the baby up, hushing her.
“Grayson, this is Darcy's daughter. Her mother died birthing her. They had her chained up in the cave Bruce had me in.”
Grayson leaned in and looked to the little girl as she pulled back the jacket to reveal the small squinted face of the little one.
He sniffed her and drew back, growling.
Chloe pulled her into her chest, “Can we go to warmth, please?”
Grayson looked to Mike and the albino wolf took off, tackling Bruce into the snow as he did.
Chloe got the impression Mike's attack was for fun and that he was now in charge of Bruce's fate.
Grayson laid down and let her climb on his back.
“Walk quick, Gray.” Chloe pulled the baby in close.
He headed into the forest and trotted along, stepping over fallen trees and making the trip rather easy.
Chloe held the baby tight, “She died from blood loss. They had her so weak and beaten, Grayson. It was awful.”
Grayson growled as he walked through the underbrush of the forest. She knew his reply was disgust, he wasn't happy to be hearing what she had to tell him.
He found an alternative route to the road and let her climb the few feet to the pull out, baby in her grip. She ran to the truck as soon as she saw it and scrambled inside. Her feet so cold, she couldn't feel them.
She scooted across the bench, unwrapping the baby and checking her for damages. The child had lulled off to sleep in the swaying of the parka but she was sure the child would need some kind of food soon.
Grayson climbed in after dressing himself and shut his door, “Is she okay?” He turned the truck on and cranked the heat as he looked across to Chloe and the child.
Chloe nodded, “I don't think there's anything wrong with her per-say. She looks fairly healthy and she was crying, but I don't know anything about babies.”
“Well, we'll go home and talk to my mom about what to do.” He looked like he was processing the situation the best he could.
Chloe wrapped her back up and cradled her in her arms, “She's so sweet, Gray.”
Grayson swallowed, “Chloe.” His voice hesitant with a warning tone to it.
She looked to him, “Savannah told me he wanted to kill her. She said, he was holding her there till she had the baby, so he could get her pregnant again and get a boy out of her. Is that all women are to him, blood-line makers?”
Grayson watched the child sleep on his mate, “It seems as far as Darcy is concerned, everyone is just a ploy to get what he wants.”
Chloe felt her skin warming from the heat of the truck, “Let's go, Grayson.”
He pulled the truck back onto the highway, “What's her name?”
“Savannah died almost right away. She didn't say a name.”
He sighed, “That's too bad. What a mess.”
“Darcy had beaten the crap out of her. She was skinny, bruised, and bloody everywhere.”
“Did Bruce hurt you?”
“No. I don't know if he was planning on it, but I think he was more concerned with looking good for Darcy by taking me.” Grayson stayed quiet and she continued, “It was scary, but I'm glad he took me. I'm sure both Savannah and the baby would be dead right now if he hadn't. I guess everything happens for a reason.”
Grayson swallowed, “Chloe, yes, this time it worked out, but next time it-”
She cut him off, “I know, Grayson. It's okay, save the speech.” The baby nuzzled her and woke. She put her to her shoulder and patted her tiny back, hushing her. They were coming up to town and she thought quick, “Go to the store! She needs formula.”
He hesitated then turned the truck off the road. Once in town, he pulled in front of the supermarket towards the back of the lot.
He looked to her, “Umm.”
She met his eyes, “Okay, we can go-”
“I'm so glad you're okay, Chloe,” he voice broke.
Their eyes locked together and Chloe smiled, “I'm glad we got out of there. I'm glad you and Mike found us.”
He leaned into her and kissed her cheek, pulling her closer, “I love you, Chloe.”
She titled her chin up and kissed him, “I won't screw up again. I promise, Gray.”
He kissed her, sinking his tongue into her mouth. His hand came her cheek and gripped her cool flesh. Then his lips dropped along her neck and bit into his mark.
She erupted with sharp, amazing warmth, “Grayson, the baby.”
He dropped his mouth from her, “I'm too young to be hearing that.”
She smiled, “Maybe you should just go in, I have no shoes. Get Formula. Read the packaging so you know it's for newborns.”
“Okay.” He got out of the truck, “Packaging. Read it.”
“Oh!” She thought, “Oh and a bottle and...”
He looked to get a bit antsy, “Yeah?”
“Diapers and...” she thought.
He huffed, a small smile on his lips at the same time, “What?”
“One of the baby things they suck on?”
“A pacifier?” He wrinkled his nose.
“Get that!” she nodded.
“I'll be back in a few minutes.” He shut the door and beeped the truck into the lock-down mode. Rocking the baby in her arms in the darkened state of the cab. She looked back down, smiling as the child opened her eyes to fuss more. Kissing her forehead, she wet her thumb to wash the blood from the baby's brow, “Hush.”
The baby softened her cries.
“We'll take care of you.” Looking down at her with smitten eyes, “Daniella, and we can call you Ella for short.” Whether or not she should have been naming her, was up for debate, but she wanted to for Savannah.
She rocked her and hoped Grayson would be quick. He was fairly fast, ten minutes or so. He got back in just as it started to get cold in the truck.
Grayson dropped the grocery bag between them, “Well, that was awkward.”
She smiled, “We need to get to your house quick. I think she's really hungry.”
“Yeah, okay.” He nodded and started the truck up.
“I named her,” Chloe said as the truck pulled out onto the highway.
“I don't know if you should name her, Chloe. She's not ours.”
His words stung her, but she knew he spoke the truth, “Yeah, I know.”
“What is it?” Grayson asked.
“Daniella, but I thought we could call her Ella for short.”
“Ella, huh?” Grayson glanced at the baby, “We need to find that Alpha that turned you.”
“I haven't seen him at all.” Chloe thought about Colten, how he would take the news about Savannah and how he'd react to Ella.
“I'll be able to find him. I'll send out some of the pack.”
“So, this means Tribune is yours?”
He sighed, “As soon as Darcy shows up, I'll take care of everything.”
“Was Bruce looking for him?”
“Mike and I think he was trying to call him in. So he might not be far anymore, if he heard Collins.”
Chloe swallowed, “Great, more anxiety.”
“Just don't worry about it, Chloe. I'll keep you safe, along with the rest of the pack. Darcy's done more than enough to warrant punishment.”
“How will that go down?” she asked him.
“I'll need to talk to Mike. He's taking Bruce to Jason and Kyle to deal with him for a bit. Watch him. Lock him up. I don't know. I told Mike to do what he wants. He was upset about seeing Savannah.”
“I hope Colten never finds her.”
“He might like the closure.” Grayson pulled the truck into the drive of his family home, “I guess we should call Henry soon as well.”
“Why would you call my dad right now?” Chloe's chest tightened with anxiety.
Grayson grabbed the grocery bag as the front door opened and Beth walked out.
“He knows, Chloe. It's all out now. Let's get her inside.”
Chloe opened her door and slipped out into the snow. She walked towards Beth and the woman rushed them.
“Chloe! Are you alright?” Beth came to her and caught a glimpse of the top of the baby’s head.
“Mom, let's go inside,” Grayson pushed them into the warmth of the house.
“Is that... a baby?”
Grayson nodded, “Darcy's mate wasn't gone like he said, but she's dead now.”
Beth cupped her mouth, “What happened?”
The baby cried and Chloe got antsy, “Can we clean her up and feed her? It's been almost an hour since she was born.”
Beth nodded, her eyes wide with shock and confusion, but she led them to the kitchen where Ashton and Sherry were sitting eating supper.
Sherry let out a gasp, “A baby! A baby!”
Grayson grumbled, “Eat your food, Sherry.”
The little girl pouted as Beth retrieved a few big towels and ran some warm water, “She looks fairly healthy, but she should go see a doctor as soon as possible.”
“Well, what the heck do we say about her if we take her to a hospital? And I don't want anyone leaving this house,” Grayson snapped.
Chloe could see he was starting to get stressed out again. She turned to him, “There's no doctor in this town?”
“Oh!” Beth nodded, “I'll call Patty. She's a nurse. Wash off the blood, Chloe, with this cloth and Grayson, put some water on to boil for the formula.”
“Mom.” Grayson made a face.
“Grayson!” Chloe snapped. “Do it.”
“Fine.” He walked to the stove and grabbed a pot.
“So,” Ashton started. “This is interesting, anyone going to share the story?”
Chloe glanced at him, “This is Darcy's baby.”
“Huh?” Ashton made a face.
Grayson sighed, “Just don't worry about it, Ashton.”
The boy grumbled, “Alpha says shut up.”
Grayson gave him a look and Ashton dropped all further speech.
The baby started to cry as Chloe finished, “Kay, she really does want to eat, I think.”
Grayson picked up the formula can and stared at the instructions, “Well, all this makes no sense to me. What's an ounce mean?”
“Grayson, how do you not know what an ounce is?” Chloe snapped at him.
Ashton laughed, “Have you seen Gray's math grade?”
Grayson turned to his younger brother and sneered, “You're not helping.”
The boy smirked, “Sorry.”
Grayson looked back to the can, “No really, this makes no sense.”
She passed him the baby and took the formula, looking it over, “This makes perfect sense, you lug.”
Grayson stared down at the child as she fussed, “Chloe.”
Ashton flat out laughed at him, “It's a baby, Grayson, not an alien.”
Chloe started to unwrap the bottle from its packaging, running some hot water in the sink at the same time to wash everything clean. She looked over to Grayson as he fumbled with the child, “You need to support her neck.”
Grayson was getting frustrated, but he finally got her in a cradle hold, “Where's my mother?”
Chloe smiled at him, “Well, you're no instant father, are you?”
Grayson stared at her and paled, “You know, that's not funny.”
She brushed him off and pushed past him, “Just hold her, Wolfboy. That's all you need to do.” She started to make the bottle, the baby fussing the whole time with him.
“Grayson, pat her back or something!”
He stared down at his mate in terror, “Chloe!”
She looked up at him, a smile creeping her, “This is hilarious. Really, Grayson. Hilarious.”
He groaned as Beth walked back in, interrupting their conversation, “Patty is coming.” She went to Chloe's side, “I'll feed her. You should go clean up. You're covered in blood.” She took the bottle from Chloe and smiled at her.
Chloe looked down at herself for the first time, she really was covered head to toe in blood and dirt, “But-” She didn't want to leave Ella.
Grayson passed the child to his mother without hesitation. “Thanks, Mom,” he said as he grabbed Chloe's wrist, hauling her from the kitchen.
She let him drag her up the stairs, “Are you going to call my dad soon or should I?”
“Yeah, I will. I'm going to wait till Mike comes back though. I want Collins in a controlled area.”
She wasn't used to his calculating mind; like he was in charge and embracing it too. He led her to the upstairs bathroom and walked her inside, pulling out some fresh towels for them.
“We're having a shower?”
He glanced at her, “Well, I'm gross too. So yeah, I thought we could.”
Chloe stared at him, “What about Ella?”
“My mother has four kids. I think she's got it under control and Patty is coming as well.”
“What about Darcy? What about Colten?”
Grayson covered her blubbering mouth, “Enough, Little. Get in the shower.”
She bit his palm in protest.
He pulled his hand back smiling down at her, “Come on, babe. A little alone time won't kill us. I worked hard to find you. I even kicked Collins' ass.” He stripped his shirt, “We deserve it. Till all hell breaks loose again.”
Chloe arched her eyebrow, “What if it breaks loose while we're having alone time?”
Grayson smirked, licking his lips, “You'll be a good luna. Always thinking about the pack.”
She stared up at him, her eyes softening. Her fingers gripped his near arm to her and then the warm aroma of her mate took her senses. She tried to control her wolf begging, but it became impossible; she wanted to get in the shower with him.
He smiled and dropped his jeans from his hips, “What's wrong?”
“Nothing,” she breathed.
His hands grabbed her shirt and pulled it up and over her head.
She turned away from him, “I want you to realize the ramifications of this, Grayson.”
“There's no ramifications, Chloe.” He came up behind her and bit into the mark on her neck, “We're mates.”
Chloe's heart began to pound from his hands on her, her thoughts drifting back to the last time they'd been close, “But your family is downstairs.”
He nibbled on her neck and pulled her pants from her small frame, “They're going to mind their own business.” He hauled her into the shower, turning it on at the same time.
She backed out of the sudden cool water, but he pulled her back under as it got warmer, “You're pushy.”
He kissed her cheek, “You like to fight me.”
She cocked an eyebrow, “Do I?”
“All the time.” He pushed her under the water.
Chloe couldn't help her smile, “Gray.”
He ran his hands through her hair and helped her get a bit wetter, warmer, more to his liking.
She grabbed the shampoo and put a huge gob in her hand. She reached up and slapped it in his hair, “Gotta get out all that grubby wolf dirt.”
He smiled and dropped his head for her, “Yeah, baby.”
She laughed, “Should I scratch you behind the ears too?”
“Funny.” He grabbed her waist and pushed them under the water.
She slipped though from his strength and smacked into the wall of the shower, “Ow!”
His reflexes were fast and he grabbed her, steadying her to her feet, “Sorry, Little.”
She grumbled and rubbed her side, “Apparently, you're still abruptly stronger than me.”
He sighed, “I'm not used to all my new strength.” He rolled his shoulders, “It's a bit annoying actually.”
Chloe nodded, still rubbing her sore side, “Be gentle.”
He kissed her, “I'm so glad you're okay.”
She put her hands to his cheeks, “Thanks for saving me, Wolfboy.” She picked up the shampoo again and poured some in her hand.
“I wasn't done washing you.”
She looked up him and pushed the shampoo throughout her hair, “You lost all privileges.” She heard him laugh deep in his chest as she turned away and scrubbing her hair clean.
“I still have soap in my hair,” he noted to her.
“Awe.” She smiled, “That's too bad, Gray-gray.”
He came up against her and stole her water.
“Hey!” she squeaked, “Wait your turn.”
“First rule; Alpha's don't have to wait.”
She turned to him as the soap in his hair ran down her body, “They do when they're my alpha.”
He smiled, “Funny, but wrong still.”
She tried not to laugh at him or show much amusement. Her heart was warming, they were almost in the clear; all they had to do was get Darcy. Everything had begun to iron out for the first time in her life.
His arms went around her and kissed her neck, pulling her closer, “I love you.”
She turned in his arms and washed the soap from her hair, “I love you too.”
Grayson sighed and drew his fingertips along her lips, “Are you clean now?”
“Yes,” she nodded, “Let's go see Ella!”
Grayson caught her as she tried to walk away, “Chloe, you can't get attached to her.”
Chloe felt her heart thump and she looked up to him with sad eyes, “I... I know...”
“I don't think you do. She's not ours.”
“I know, Grayson.” She ran a hand over her eyes, rubbing away her discontent, “But I promised Savannah, I would look after her.”
“And you have and now she's safe with the pack. We will all look after her till Colten shows up.”
“Yeah, okay,” she sighed and moved out of the shower.
“Chloe.” He followed her out of the shower.
She threw him a towel as she wrapped herself in one, “Do you think Colten will want her? What if he doesn’t?”
“I'm sure he'll want her.” He dried his face and arms, “It's his sister's child. My brother has done something awful here and that is all he has left of his sister.”
She turned away and started to brush her knotted hair, “Yeah, I guess.”
He stood and watched her as he tied the towel around his waist. With a few easy steps, he walked to her and leaned around her small frame, “You can look after her till we find Colten, but I want you to know, you will have to give her up at some point.”
She swallowed and felt him push her to the countertop.
He ducked his mouth to her neck and kissed her, “If he can't take her, then I'll allow Tribune to keep her and I'm sure my mother will be happy to raise her or another female will.”
Chloe began to ache. Her heart pumping adrenaline and it wasn't because of the baby talk, it was something else. She'd never felt a pull or want like this before, his voice was even getting to her.
“I owe Savannah.”
Grayson's hand wrapped around her hips, “Chloe.” He stopped her thoughts completely and kissed her ear, “We will have our own babies one day, but she's not ours. We're only seventeen.”
She shivered from all his warmth and heated touching, “I know.”
His fingers ran up her sides and wrapped around her, about to pull the towel free from her body. He just didn't care and she really saw that, all of it didn't matter. Grayson took things as they came and he was one-minded too, when it came to her.
She got herself back together and walked out of his arms, “Is there clothes for me?”
He sighed, “Yeah, I'll get you some.”
She grabbed his wrist and pulled him into the hall. They walked to his bedroom and Chloe's anxiety of being naked in his house took over.
Grayson turned on his radio and walked up behind her, “Alright.”
She spun into him and he stopped his words, “Grayson, clothes.”
“Five minutes, Chloe. It's like torture being around you after everything. It's calm right now and I think we deserve five minutes.” He kissed her.
She swallowed, “I'm not sure I-”
“Hush.” He picked her up, wrapping her legs around him, “I was very worried about you.”
She put her hands on his cheeks, “But you knew you'd find me, Grayson. Didn't you?”
“I wasn't going to stop till I did.” He groaned and dropped her into his bed. Kissing her mouth and inching her thighs apart with his hand, “Plus, you want me. I know it.”
She filled with adrenaline and warmth, “Grayson.”
“Say it again,” he groaned, biting into his mark on her neck, “Say my name again, Little.”
She arched back, “Grayson.”
He breathed her in, “I like these hormones, just for me.”
She stared up at him, “Don't hurt me.”
He pulled his face from her neck and pushed against her, “If it hurts, I won't continue. I promise.”
She closed her eyes, nodding, trusting him.
He kissed her, “I need you. This not coming from the hormonal seventeen year old boy side of me.”
“I see,” she breathed.
He tensed, slipping inside of her and getting rather good with the line up – she had to admit.
Her body warmed and felt her need for him become too much, almost instinctual.
“How's that?” He nibbled on her ear, his breath blowing on her and it drove her senses wild.
“It doesn’t hurt.” Her little wolf side started to take over, “It's good.”
He smiled and kissed her, then thrust into her in a strong rhythm.
“You're learning.” she breathed.
He nodded as he came in and out of her, “Good?”
“You're big.” She closed her eyes and moaned.
He deepened himself inside her, kissing her, “You can say that to me as much as you want. No complainants.”
“Figured.” She felt the sheets around her pull tight and the stitching ripping against his unforgiving grip on them, “My big wolf.” She couldn't believe her words, but then again, it all felt right.
He growled softly in her ear, “Luna.”
Her brain sort of flipped off and she realized she could do this everyday, all day with him. It was much nicer than the mating bond. It was normal, well, sort of.
His one hand reached back and he lifted her thigh, making more room for his pelvis. He hit her deep and it messed with her brain, her eyes rolling back in her head.
He pressed into her and held himself still, rolling his hips. Pressing and rocking into her.
She whined, it may have been a bit painful, but it was still nice, “Gray.”
He came down around her, releasing her thigh and kissed her, “Did I hurt you?”
She looked up at him as her eyes opened, “A bit.”
He groaned and bit into her bottom lip, “Sorry, we need to work on that. I like being deep in you.”
She swallowed from his words, “It – It does feel good.”
He kept the depth of his thrusts milder as he continued to move, “You're really wet.”
The comment made her uncomfortable, “Oh my god. Sorry.”
He laughed, “Why?”
She swallowed, “I don't know.”
He licked his lips and came into her a bit harder, “I want to taste that.”
Her stomach tightened, “Grayson... jeez... later.”
He smirked, “I've heard things are completely different with a mate than a non-mate. I'm glad I never had to suffer before. Just got all to the good stuff first.”
She smiled, “Weirdo.” It was all blissfully nice. His stamina during the whole process impressive as well and his rhythm, accurate and well timed.
She wasn't sure what to think of his massive improvement in love making, but one thing came to mind. She opened her mouth, swallowing the thoughts, “Alpha.”
He stopped and stared down at her, “What?”
She blinked, staring back up at him, “N-nothing.”
He panted, licking his lips, “Did you call me Alpha?”
“Please, Grayson,” she panted, wishing he'd continued the nice thrusting he had been doing only moments before, instead of more talking, “Please, alpha” It was like she'd lost her Chloe Pryce-stiff filter to her wolf.
“Good god, yes,” he growled and slammed into her.
She saw the determination in his eyes and it was hot.
He bit into her neck and sucked on his mark, chomping down on her till she moaned for him, withering beneath him.
She swallowed, “More.”
His hips picked up pace and he went to lift his head, but she pressed his mouth back to the mark.Trying to breathe as a budding little warmth in her grew, she knew she needed to be fully satisfied by him and him alone. It what her and her wolf wanted.
He bit into her, his teeth biting along her neck as his hips quickened, much faster and much more accurate than she thought possible.
He nipped at her earlobe, “I want to be your alpha,” he pounded into her, “I will be your alpha.”
She broke and arched up to his well formed chest, “Grayson.”
“You're mine,” his voice hitched deep in his chest and it caused her body to burst.
“Yes.” She tried to focus, but she couldn't speak, not from the amazing-ness happening between her legs.
She slammed her eyes shut, “Mmm.” If the sheets hadn't been ripped before, they were now. He scooped up her shoulders and his hips came hard and fast into her.
Her brain numbed as her body wracked in warm tingling and then she felt herself release from the friction he was responsible for. It was the most mind-boggling thing she'd ever felt in her life, pure and addictive.
His mouth crushed against hers as he ate her loud words and whatever was left of her he took care of, making her body soar.
He stiffened, panting all over her hot cheeks and releasing himself deep in her heat, “Chloe.” His muscles bulged under her hands as he finished.
She relaxed into the ripped sheets next to her mate, as the warmth of their new experience took over every inch of her body. She had nothing else left, she was pretty sure he'd just stripped her of all possible existence.
He breathed heavily against her mouth and she enjoyed the taste of his warm breath.
That was not a human thing; she could never taste his breath like she was at that moment. His sweet, powerful taste, she swallowed it and licked her lips, “Mmm.”
Sweat ridden, clammy, and fairly exhausted, he caught his breath, “Chloe, that was...”
She gazed up at him, her body recovering as well, “Amazing?”
He licked his parched lips, “As soon as you let off those hormones from what I was doing to you.”
“I was, yeah-”
“Yeah, I realize what was happening, Little,” he smiled and kissed her, “I could smell it all.”
Her stomach muscles clenched from his honesty.
He nuzzled her, “I want more.”
She smiled, “Of course, you do. We should deal with some stuff now though.”
“Right back to business, all the time, Chloe,” he grumbled.
“Think about how long we've been gone though.”
He smiled, “You worry too much.”
She swallowed and looked up at him, “I know.”
He slipped off the side of her and relaxed into his bed, “You don't need to though. We're about to have all the respect and no questions asked position in this pack. So, us disappearing for forty minutes won't matter much.” Grayson got up, “I'll get you some clothes.”
Chloe nodded as he dressed and walked from the room. She could hear the soft cries of Ella and wanted near her. She knew Grayson was telling her not to grow an attachment to the child, but she couldn't help it. She'd had one from the moment she'd held her.
Grayson returned minutes later and put some of his mother's clothes next to her on the bed. She was quick to scramble out and dress.
He waited for her and they made their way out of the room and down the stairs.
Chloe leaned into him as she looked into the living room, she could see the baby in Beth's arms and she walked straight for her.
“Is she alright?”
Beth looked to her and smiled, “Yes, she's perfect.”
Chloe looked down at the child and sat next to Beth. Ella was neatly wrapped and now asleep.
Beth looked up the middle-aged woman standing beside her, “Patty, this is Chloe.”
The woman smiled at her, “Nice to meet you, Chloe.” The woman packed her little bag up, “I'll stop by tomorrow and check in.”
“Want to hold her?” Beth asked Chloe.
She nodded, holding out her hands to take the wee-one.
Grayson walked over as Beth handed Chloe the baby. She pulled her into her chest and laid back on the couch, hugging her and rubbing her back with tender hands.
Beth and Patty left the room and Grayson sat down where his mother had been.
He leaned back in the couch and put his feet on the near coffee table, closing his eyes with his hands behind his head.
Chloe looked to him, “You look different.”
He opened one eye, “Its calm for once. I have my mate with me. I'm at home and no one is ticking me off, right now.”
Chloe giggled and leaned into him, “That's right; it's only a matter of time before someone comes around, making you angry.”
Grayson sighed, “Unfortunately. How was upstairs?”
“You need my reassurance?” she smiled, “I liked it.”
“Do I get a free pass again?” he chuckled.
“You may.” She smiled, leaning in to kiss him.
He glanced down at the sleeping baby, “She is pretty cute.”
“Awe,” Chloe gushed, “Admittance for poor Ella. How sweet of you, Gray.”
He smirked and leaned back, “I knew I shouldn't have said anything.”
“Are you going to beat Darcy black and blue?”
Grayson raised an eyebrow, “I'm going to do something, but first I'm going to challenge him and make him feel like dirt.”
His words made her fill with pride.
She smiled from it, “Good.”
Grayson nodded as Beth's voice broke though the living room.
“Oh, hello.”
Grayson got up and Chloe smelled the faint smell as well of approaching wolf, “Smells like-”
“It’s Colten!” Chloe burst.
Grayson grunted, “Finally, this guy shows up.”
Chloe got up and Grayson helped her before he moved towards the door. They walked into the hall as Beth let Colten in the house.
The cowboy removed his hat and nodded to the older woman and then he looked to them. His dark hair flat against his forehead, he looked tired and worn. His hazel eyes met Chloe right away, and then to Grayson.
“Colten Turner,” He moved his hand out to shake Grayson's hand.
Grayson took the gesture, “Grayson Holtz.”
“Good to finally meet you,” Colten nodded to him and looked to Chloe, “I'm glad to see you're okay, Chloe.”
She nodded, swallowing or trying to hold back Savannah's information. It would have to be dealt with tenderly.
Colten sighed, “I've just come by to say goodbye. I have to return home. I've been gone long enough and I hope you would give me a call if Savannah-”
Grayson cut him off, “Can we talk a minute?”
Chloe swallowed, starting to internally freak out.
Colten paused a moment, “Well, sure.”
Grayson motioned to the living room and let the man make his way in first, “Take a seat.”
Chloe met her mate's gaze and she decided to sit next to Colten, hoping Ella would take some of the pain out of what they were about to tell him.
The man looked to the child, “Cute baby.”
His words stung Chloe's heart and all of a sudden, she knew what to do. How to break it to him. She cut off Grayson as he went to open his mouth, “Colten, this is your sister's baby.”
Colten creased his brow and looked to the child. His face washed over with confusion, then it turned to distraught. He met Chloe's eyes and stared at her point blank, “Pardon me?”
His voice was a bit harsh and she knew he was figuring out his sister’s fate because in that moment, all she saw was Colten eye's softening and his heart breaking.