Betrayal & Redemption

Chapter 18

Caroline POV 

Evelyn and I fill our plates with food and return to the boys, who seem to be having a very serious conversation. As if sensing our approach, they both look over at the same time and Jackson's eyes are fixed on me. It's as though I lose the ability to breathe- just looking at how handsome he is, it hits me like a train every time, knocking me on my ass. Growing up, they didn't teach us much of anything about mates and when I asked my mother, she would always give vague responses and change the subject. I didn't realize how...intense...it would all be. I had never imagined feeling anything like this. It's as though he has a direct connection directly to my heart. 

Just wait until WE mark HIM, Rae says, purring at the thought. 

We're supposed to that?! I -I don't think I can, I tell her and feel my face flush as I take my seat next to Jackson. 

Mmmm then allow me, she says. 

Jackson's hand runs up my leg and stops mid-thigh. 

"Relax. It's okay. It won't hurt me much," he says, flashing his dimples at me. I melt on the spot. 

But wait. 

"How did you know what I was thinking?" I ask him. 

"I'll show you later," is all he says, winking. 

Evelyn and Carter stand and head towards the front of the room with a couple of champagne glasses. Evelyn taps the side of her glass with a spoon and the quiet conversations around us come to a halt, all eyes on the Alpha and Luna. 

"I want to thank everyone for being here tonight. I know this was a tad bit last minute, but we got it all done together and everything looks amazing. As some of you may know, we are gathered here tonight to celebrate the return of a family member as well as celebrate that family member finding his True Mate," Carter says. 

Whispers are heard throughout the room, as well as a few gasps, and looking around I can see several women staring daggers at me. Jackson, completely oblivious, wraps both arms around me and buries his face in my neck, inhaling my scent. 

"I would like to propose a toast to Jackson and his gorgeous mate, Caroline. If everyone could please raise your glasses in a toast: To Jackson and Caroline- May happiness flood your lives, may your sense of adventure always be healthy, and may your love blossom in new ways every day. Congratulations!" Evelyn says. 

Everyone raises their glasses before tipping them back and draining them. 

"We hope everyone enjoys their evening, and please help yourselves to leftover food if you do not live in the pack house- otherwise the remainder will be in the fridge for those of you to enjoy. Dessert will be served in an hour and the bar and music go ALL NIGHT LONG!!" Carter says and cheers erupt. This entire pack was going to be useless in the morning. 

Evelyn and Carter join us at our table again, and the boys go and get plates of food as Evelyn and I dig into ours. It is probably the best meal I've ever had. We had steak, shrimp skewers, mashed potatoes, roasted brussels sprouts, bacon green beans, bacon wrapped scallops, a carving station with prime rib, rack of lamb, and an array of salads. 

"So was I imagining things or are some women particularly upset about Jackson's new mate?" she asks me. 

I stab a scallop and toss it in my mouth, my eyes scanning the room and meeting more than a few glares. I nod as if I don't care but I may barricade the door tonight. If looks could kill...

"Oh don't worry about it. They'll get over it. They just want him because he's rich, gorgeous, and could take over any pack in the US. And not only that, but the Alpha would probably gladly stand down for Jackson to take over," Evelyn says, taking a dainty bite of her prime rib. 

I chew my bite and swallow, then take a sip of wine. It is divine and I will have to find out the name of it. 

"Why would they stand down?" I ask her.

"Because they would fear for their lives. There is no fighting Jackson. He once took out an entire pack single handedly because they threatened Carter. Carter didn't even know until Jackson brought back the other Alpha's crest to burn in a fire. He slaughtered anyone who fought him- though most are smart enough not to. From what we heard, the warrior submitted to him willingly and led him to their Alpha. He was an awful tyrant of a man... He had it coming," she says, as if that makes murder any better. 

My face must have given away my thoughts because shortly after she continues when I can't find my voice. 

"Breathe, sweetie. It was honorable. And though we control the pack, Jackson is their Alpha. He treats them more than fairly," she says, taking a sip of the wine. I follow with a long drink of mine. 

"Why do you control the other pack?" I ask her. 

"Jackson doesn't want to be an Alpha. He's pure Alpha but he doesn't want to deal with it. I think...I think he's afraid that he won't be good at it. We obviously don't mind helping him out. And now that the horrible Alpha is out of the way, there are more peace in our lands." she smiles with pride. 

"What did he threaten Carter with?" I ask. 

"I don't think you'll want to know..." she says, and for the first time I see a glimpse of fear in her eyes. 

"I can handle it," I tell her. 

"...then I don't think I can..." she says and a tear slips down her cheek. 

The boys saunter up then, laughing about something and carrying two plates each. Carter's gaze goes to Evelyn and he rushes up, setting his plates down and taking a seat next to her. She smiles at him and waves him off. 

"What happened?!" Carter asks, his eyes on me. 

"She was telling me about...uhm.." I trail off. I don't think she told me the pack's name or the Alpha's. 

"Damian. I was telling her about Damian," Evelyn says. Her tears are all gone and she looks pretty much back to normal. 

"Why the f**k would you tell her about that?" Jackson says, anger flooding his voice. 

"She has a right to know Jackson. What? Are you not going to tell her who or what you are?" Evelyn says. 

"Don't I have the right to tell her when I'm f*****g ready?!" he counters. 

To this she just nods, defeated. Quickly, she changes the subject. 

"So what stores do you want to go to tomorrow? What things do you need?" Evelyn asks, getting excited. 

"Uhm. I don't know... A bathing suit for sure," I look at Jackson as if he's supposed to know what I need. 

"I'll just give you my card. Go nuts, I don't care. I haven't even used the thing since I bought those gaming consoles," Jackson says, digging into his food. 

"Jackson, I really don't need that much stuff.." I tell him. 

"Then go to a spa or something. Get pampered. Whatever the hell you girls like to do," he says, taking a sip of his drink. 

"I don't need that either.." I tell him, frustrated. 

"It's either you take it and use it or I'm giving it to Evelyn and she can get you what she wants to. You choice," he tells me. 

Stubborn man, I think to myself. 

Frustrating woman, he responds to me. 

I choke on my wine. I had no idea he was able to read my thoughts!! 

I can't. You're actually speaking to me- it's mind speak, sweetheart, he says to me and squeezes my hand under the table. 

So.. How much have you heard? Can you hear the conversations I have with Rae? 

No. I can only hear the thoughts you project to me. 

I thought that was a pack thing, though! 

It's a mate thing, too, especially when you're pack-less. Might I say again, by the way, how absolutely stunning you look tonight? 

I blush and look down and Evelyn looks at us exasperated. 

"So??" she asks excited. 

Shit. What is she talking about?? 

I haven't the slightest idea... 

"CAROLINE!!" she yells at me and I jump. 

"Uh. Yeah. Yes?" 

"Do you wanna go?" 

"Uh sure.." I tell her. 

She beams at me and stands, holding her hand out to me. 

Have someone put some desserts in our fridge! I mind-link Jackson. 

Will do baby. See you soon, he says. 

Jackson POV 

I watch the girls head off and my eyes trail to my mate's perfect little ass. I can't help but be mesmerized by the gentle sway of her hips. I don't realize I'm quite literally staring at her unabashedly until Carter clears his throat, bringing me out of my daze. 

"Oh little brother. You have it bad," he tells me. 

"Where are they off to?" I ask, my eyes not leaving her retreating figure. 

"Midnight stroll... I told Evelyn we would meet them out there. It's a full moon," he says, giving me a pointed look. 

"Yea? Cool." 

"A perfect night for a roll in the moonlight," he says to me wiggling his eyebrows. 

"I'm not ready for that," I tell him. 

"Oh come on, brother. What could a pup or two do?"

I groan and stand. 

"Have the staff bring some of the desserts to our room. Make sure there's a good variety. And some of the veggies and potatoes. You always did know how to throw a party, brother," I tell him. 

His eyes go misty as he mind-links the staff. He motions out the back doors. 

"Shall we?" 

"I guess..." I turn on him and grab him by the arm, "If Evelyn puts thoughts about pups in Caroline's head, I will have your ass."

"I don't think anyone needs to put the thought in her head. She is a female wolf, bro."

"Oh for f**k's sake. Whatever. I give. Where are we meeting them?" 

"No idea," he says, eyes going misty. "Evelyn suggested that we go on a hunt..." 

We make our way across the ballroom and more than a few women attempt to stop me. Heather, a beta's daughter, storms up to me, an angry look on her face. She was one of the lays I had when I first got here- one of many drunken mistakes. 

"Just who the f**k do you think you are?" she says, poking me in the chest. 

"Jackson. Did you forget already? Wouldn't be too hard considering you drag anything with a c**k and half a brain into your bed," I tell her. Carter stifles a laugh. 

"Excuse me?!" 

"I didn't stutter, did I?" I ask Carter. 

He shakes his head no. 

"I didn't think so. I think you heard me. Now, if you'll excuse us we have a hunt to get back to." 

"This isn't over, Jackson. I'll f*****g kill her if I have to. You are MINE," she yells after we start walking away. 

I turn on her and grab her by her throat, lifting her off the ground. Arlo takes control and as my claws extend, they dig into her flesh. 

"If you ever threaten her again, I will make sure you are nothing more than a steaming pile of ash," Arlo spits through gritted teeth. "You remember what happened to Damian Louvre, and he didn't even threaten my mate- that was my brother's. I will not hesitate to rip you to shreds and piss on your remains. I will f**k my mate on your grave." 

He releases her bleeding throat and pins, leaving the room in a rush. 

"Okay, that was a bit dark," Carter says, coming up behind me. 

"Arlo doesn't f**k around, man," I tell him. 

"Let's get him to Caroline. I think he needs a bit of a release." 

We go separate ways, changing in the trees and shifting. In a quick snap of bones and stretching of my skin, I go from two feet to four massive paws and run up behind where Carter is taking his sweet time. As soon as he takes off his underwear and lays them over the tree, I take them in my mouth and dash off. 

"WHAT THE HELL YOU f*****g MUTT!! I WILL GET YOU BACK FOR THAT!" I hear a quick snap as he shifts and bounds after me. 

What goes around comes around, brother! 

What's that supposed to mean? 

Instead of beating your ass for embarrassing me, I'll just make you walk through your crowd of guests in your birthday suit. 

They'll hopefully be gone by the time we get back. 

Oh no no no. Need I remind you that the bar and music go "ALL NIGHT LONG"? 

GIVE MY CLOTHES BACK! 

I shake my head, shredding his clothes slightly. 

Fine, here. 

I spit them out and keep running. Soon I'm hit by Caroline's incredible smell... But it's stronger this time. The wolfsbane must be almost completely out of her system. I stop and sniff around, looking for her. Suddenly, something falls on top of me, bringing me to the ground. By the smell, I know it's her. Arlo fights for control and I give it to him. We stand and I look over at her. Her wolf is gorgeous- completely white on top with a red underbelly that matches her hair color, and of course those eyes that I love. Her ears, though, are black. She looks like an uh-oh fox whose colors got mixed up. 

Nice to finally meet you, Mate, she says, rubbing up against us. 

A-Arlo. I am Arlo, Arlo stutters out. 

I am Rae, she rubs against us again, purring slightly in the back of her throat. 

Rae. Beautiful, Arlo says. 

"Smooth, buddy," I tell him

"Shut up!" 

Rae gently nips Arlo on the neck and then runs off towards the lake. Not even a second later, the mutt runs after her. When we get there, we don't expect the view in front of us. Caroline is naked, standing in the water up to her waist, her back to us as she stares up at the moon. The moon is directly overhead and I can tell by her shadow that it's almost midnight. She turns in the water and I shift back to my human form and walk down the beach to her. She meets me on the sand and the sight of her makes me instantly erect. Her eyes meet mine and  she kneels in front of me, taking me in her mouth. She pumps me with her mouth and I pull away. 

"I don't want to c*m in your mouth, baby," I tell her, getting to my knees in front of her. 

She says nothing but pushes me down so I'm laying on my back in the sand. She climbs on top of me, positioning her opening directly over my throbbing d**k. Looking me in the eye, she lowers herself on me slowly, taking one inch at a time. Then she rises back up and lowers herself on me again. She begins a steady pace, moving on top of me and I can feel her release building, so I grab onto her hips and pump into her p***y over and over again until she cums hard, squirting all over my c**k. She collapses on top of me and I continue pumping in and out of her until I feel my own release building and building. Just as I am about to c*m, she licks my marking spot and then sinks her teeth into it. I roar louder than ever as the most spectacular orgasm washes over me. I can feel my c**k shooting thick ropes of seed into her womb, and her tight little p***y is milking me. She licks the spot and then looks down at me. 

"Mmm that was fun," it sounds like Caroline but a bit huskier. 

"Rae?" I ask. 

"You got it, babe. Caroline was scared about marking you- so I told her that I would do it myself. She will be back soon, don't fret," she says and leans down to kiss me. 

Fuck. That was the hottest thing I've ever experienced in my life. She lays down on me and snuggles into my neck, and I stroke her hair. My mind drifts to the thought of Caroline with a swollen belly. 

Shit.