The Beta's Human Mate

New Home

  The ride had been awkward until Melissa turned in her seat and started up a conversation with Serenity. She described how beautiful the forest around the pack was, and the nearby town she would be happy to show Serenity around. Serenity didn’t have to contribute much except a comment now and then about how great it all sounded, but the more Melissa talked the more curious Serenity was about her new home. She had grown to used to the mansion beside the ocean she’d never really thought of living next to a forest.

  She remembered the last forest she had been in was the one where her family was murdered. The thought made her shiver slightly. She jumped when, right after she shivered, Damien reached over and took her small hand in his own. The warmth from his hand quickly spread through her whole body and she could feel her cheeks turn red. She looked over and saw him gazing at her with concern. She forced a grin onto her face and gave his hand a squeeze, without trying to let go this time. This seemed to make him happy and he squeezed hers back and then went back to staring out the window as Melissa started describing her favorite hike around the territory.

  Serenity couldn’t tell when the trees started getting ridiculously thick, but at one point she realized she hadn’t seen the sky for a few minutes. On either side of the road were thick walls of green and brown. She couldn’t imagine trying to run through those trees and was surprised that wolves as big as Peter and Damien surely were could fit.

  Finally, Peter pulled off to a gravel road that was unmarked and easily missed. Serenity leaned forward, her curiosity in the pack-house peaked. Damien had kept her hand for the last hour and he leaned forward with her but kept his eyes on her face. His expression was stoic; Serenity again wondered if he ever smiled.

  There was a small village paved with cobblestones Peter drove right to the center and turned right before a large park area with a covered pavilion in the center. There was something in the center, but Serenity couldn’t quite make it out and lost sight of it when Peter made the turn. Then she had to duck her head to take it the pack-house in front of her.

  “That’s a pack-house!?” She had thought the mansion was big, but this building was twice the size of the mansion and included what she could only describe as a tower on one side.

  “We had to make sure it was easily defendable and could house everyone in the pack if needed.” Peter explained.

  “So, it’s custom built too?”

  “For the most part. Peter’s father chose architecture as a hobby, and his mother was an amazing decorator. They spent years on this place. I still haven’t figured out where they found the time.” Melissa laughed lightly.

  Peter parked in front of the stone steps and both guys hopped out to open the doors for the ladies. Serenity couldn’t help but blush as Damien took her hand again. She wasn’t sure she would ever get used to being treated like a lady. Damien wouldn’t even let her grab her own bag. He picked it up, and raised an eyebrow at her, no doubt surprised at how light it was. Without a word he took her waist in his free hand and led her up the steps.

  Melissa was quick to say she’d come check on her later, then her and Peter disappeared into the house. Damien waited a moment for Serenity to take in everything. Where the mansion had been dark and foreboding this place had the feel of letting in as much light and space as possible. There were giant stained windows from ceiling to floor, but Serenity noticed that there were spaces in the ceiling where she assumed a steel wall could be dropped to fortify the whole place if needed. The flooring was a beautiful brown mosaic, every stone feeling like a masterpiece she could fall into.

  When she was done admiring Damien led her up to a service elevator. They stepped out onto the fourth floor and she followed him to a large oak door. He pulled out a keycard and opened the door before motioning for her to go in first.

  She stepped into the largest bedroom she had ever seen. She had never seen a king bed before, but she was sure that this was one. It would have taken up her entire room. She suddenly realized that it would have to be big, because she was meant to share it with someone.

  Damien placed her bag gently next to the door and walked up behind her. He put his large hands on her shoulders and she noticed they were heavy, without meaning to be. “We can redecorate if you like.” He murmured in her ear. The feeling of his breath on her neck made her spine tingle. She wanted to lean back into him. It would be like leaning on a large cloud. She was very aware of how close he was to her, and how the bed was only a few feet away.

  She turned before any more thoughts could enter her mind. “No, I like it.” She said, meeting his eye. He seemed surprised at her sudden movement. She kind of liked the look of shock on his face and decided to push it. She leaned into him and placed her hands on his chest. She was too small compared to him to reach for a kiss, so she settled on pressing her lips into his collarbone. She felt him shudder under her lips and that made her grin. It was nice to know she had an effect.

  She moved her lips a little higher and grazed his skin with her teeth. He hissed and grasped her hips roughly, pulling her closer. She moved to put her arms around his neck, and he took the hint and picked her up easily, once again wrapping her legs around his waist. She could tell he was already hard. She was finally able to see his eyes and noticed they had gone to pure black. For a moment she wondered if that was a bad thing for her, until he pressed his lips to hers. This was not like their kiss on the beach. He took his time, and she felt herself melt into him.

  He stepped forward and set her down gently on the bed, all while their lips danced against each other. She wrapped her fingers in his hair, instantly obsessed with how soft it was. Damien held himself above her, not wanting to settle his weight on her, but also not wanting to pull away.

  Finally, he groaned and pulled his face away from hers, only then to press it into her neck. “Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for you?” He whispered. She barely heard him, but she could feel the longing in his voice.

  “Since last night?” She forced a chuckle. He met her eyes again and they were back to silver. He didn’t seem amused at her humor. Then again, he didn’t look like he would be amused by anything. Before she could say anything his eyes suddenly glazed over. She had seen this happen with the rogues but had never been this close. She used to opportunity to look over his features. Up close he was even more handsome than she had thought. Everything about him screamed warrior. He would be tough to take down.

  His eyes went back to normal and he groaned again. “I have to go. Alpha Peter wants to discuss what the council proposed with the elders.” He pushed himself away from her as she reluctantly let go of his hair. “Go ahead and unpack, I’ll be back as soon as possible.” He turned and exited the room quickly, giving her a last glance before he shut the door.

  Serenity took a moment to recollect herself. She knew she had to keep emotionally distant, but when he made comments like that it just made her want to fall into him and hold him forever. How could such a monster be so cuddly? It wasn’t fair. She glared at her suitcase before pushing herself from the bed. Before she could take a step four quick raps sounded on the door.

  Quickly she walked over, thinking Damien must have forgotten something. She was surprised when Melissa walked in immediately when she opened the door and turned on her. “We need to talk about you and Damien. Now.” She said in a deeper and more serious voice than Serenity thought she could muster. Oh f**k.