Axel Read online

  “What if we wish to find a mate outside of the pack?” Amelia asked.

  “You’re the shifter, aren’t you?” Autumn asked.

  Amelia nodded.

  “If your mate is not within the pack, I won’t force you to pick someone.” Gabriel released Autumn’s hand and took a step closer. “I would never force any of you to choose a path that isn’t right for you.”

  Amelia looked at Axel again and he wondered what she was thinking. She resumed her seat with the other women as they discussed what they wanted to do. Some wanted to join the pack while others wanted to go home. Amelia remained a mystery, stealing glances at Axel.

  His beast was practically tearing him apart inside, urging him to go to Amelia, to take her, claim her. But despite the cat’s very loud protests, he ignored the chaos within and crossed his arms over his chest, watching everything unfold.

  Chapter Two

  Amelia was torn. The alpha and his mate seemed nice, and being part of a pack would be wonderful, if they would welcome a small shifter like her. But at the same time, she was intrigued by Axel and wanted to know more about the shifter. He was doing an admirable job of hiding it, but she knew he’d felt something when they’d met. His scent had pulled her in, making her want to get closer to him, despite his big, bad biker persona. Any man who used his time to rescue women couldn’t be all bad.

  In the end, all of the women agreed to go with Gabriel, even if it was just for a night or two before they could be reunited with their families. Amelia went with them because she had no other alternative. With no money and no clothes, she couldn’t very well go off on her own. She’d secretly hoped that Axel would lay claim to her, but it hadn’t happened. Despite her ordeal, she wouldn’t mind spending some quality time in the sexy biker’s bed.

  “How are we getting there?” Amelia asked. “You only came in a small SUV; there’s no way eight people are fitting inside of it.”

  “I’ll send Whisper with the other SUV to get all of you there safely,” Axel said.

  Why not you? She wanted to ask. He looked at her, but quickly jerked his head the other way, as if it were painful to look at her. Amelia didn’t understand why he didn’t feel the same pull she felt. In the moment their gazes had clashed in that horrible basement, she’d thought she’d found her mate. Was she wrong? Or was he just being stubborn?

  “I’ll send a message to my enforcer and have six apartments ready for you when we arrive,” Gabriel said. “As for clothes, we’ll have to sort that out tomorrow. I’m afraid the apartments won’t be stocked with food tonight, but we’ll take care of that, too. Is anyone hungry? We can pick up some take-out on the way there.”

  A few hands went up and Amelia’s stomach rumbled.

  “Then that’s settled.” Gabriel rubbed his hands together. “Are we ready to move out?”

  Autumn placed her hand on his arm. “Why don’t you call one of the guys to pick up food and deliver it to the house? We can take them there first, give Ramsey time to get the apartments ready. I’m sure Kinley wouldn’t mind running to the store for some essentials for the women. And we could call Cassie to see what she can round up for them to wear. She’s excellent at that sort of thing.”

  Gabriel nodded. “Make the calls while I get everyone sorted into a vehicle.”

  As Amelia followed the alpha out to the parking lot, she cast one last glance Axel’s way and met his stormy gaze. Good god, but the man was sexy. He made her tremble with need and all it took was one look. When he’d sniffed her in that wretched basement, her beast had perked up and clamored for their mate’s attention. But despite her best effort to show him she was interested, he wasn’t picking up her signals. Maybe she wasn’t being obvious enough?

  Jerking back around, she followed the women outside and waited for the alpha to assign her to a vehicle. When she was placed in Whisper’s SUV, the biker winked at her and put her in the front seat. He lingered a moment, leaning into her space, then whispered in her ear.

  “Don’t look now, sweetheart, but you’ve caught the kitty by the tail. Axel’s busy arguing with himself right now, not sure if he wants to pummel me for being close to you, or walk away to prove you mean nothing to him.”

  His words encouraged her and she smiled at Whisper. “Thank you.”

  He winked. “Anytime, doll.”

  After everyone was loaded, the SUVs pulled out and headed to the alpha’s home. Amelia was surprised by the beautiful Victorian and felt she was nowhere near clean enough to enter the home, but she meekly followed everyone inside. They gathered in the living room, but the scent of Chinese food came from the kitchen.

  “Two of my wolves are in the kitchen with take-out,” Gabriel said. “Once you’ve eaten, we’ll introduce you to Cassie and she’ll take down your clothing and shoes sizes. Help yourself to whatever you want in the kitchen.”

  Amelia followed the crowd and fixed a plate, eyeing the two wolves on kitchen duty. They seemed friendly enough, and were respectful toward the females. Not once did they hit on anyone or flirt outrageously like Crimson had done. They were subdued, but gave off a nurturing vibe.

  The younger of the wolves leaned across the counter toward Amelia. “Are you the shifter?”

  “Yes.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “But I’m not looking to mate with a wolf.”

  He grinned and held up his hands. “Consider me warned. I’m Lucas.” He nodded toward his partner. “That’s Finn.”

  “It’s nice to meet you.”

  She pulled her plate closer and looked for a place to sit, finally wandering back to the living room and claiming an empty place on the sofa. After her belly was filled, she waited patiently to see what would happen next. It didn’t take long for the mysterious Cassie to arrive, two large shopping bags in hand. Introductions were made, each of the women eyeing her with curiosity.

  “I’ve been a friend of the pack for a long time,” Cassie said. “I even dated the alpha’s brother, Cole, for a few days. My husband comes from a wealthy family, so that allows me to help more than most people can. I’ve brought a few things that might fit some of you, but before I leave, I want everyone’s sizes so I can make sure you at least have a few changes of clothes to get you started.”

  The redhead raised her hand. “Why would you help us?”

  “A friend of mine, a member of this pack, was abused before she found her way to Ashton Grove. Ever since I helped Marin, I’ve made it my mission to help women in need. And I’d say y’all are definitely in need. I don’t know the details of what happened to you, and I don’t need to know them. But if you want to share, I’ve been told I’m a good listener.”

  The redhead nodded.

  “Now, are any of you a size eight or ten? I have some pre-baby items in these bags you can have.”

  Autumn looked startled. “You’re expecting again? Doesn’t this make number six?”

  Cassie blushed and shrugged. “I had my tubes tied after the last one, but it seems it didn’t work. So Matt has scheduled a vasectomy for early next week. We figure that’s our best bet of making sure we don’t have any more. Not that we don’t love each and every one of them!”

  Amelia’s eyes widened. “Did you say number six?”

  “Well, we wanted a large family, but we really had planned to stop at five. This little one is something of a surprise.” Cassie smoothed a hand over a belly that still looked rather flat to Amelia.

  She watched as the clothes were passed around, even nabbed a second knit dress just to have something to wear, even if it was a little bit big. Then they were escorted to the apartments. Amelia wasn’t sure what she expected, but as she looked around the small space, she realized it was far from home. It felt…cold. Impersonal. There was a perfectly serviceable couch, a full size bed, small dresser, and a kitchen table with two chairs. Amelia was grateful for a place to stay, but determined it would be temporary.

  Whisper leaned against the door, but didn’t ven
ture inside. “Not what you were expecting, is it, doll?”

  She shrugged.

  “Of course, I’m sure you’d much rather be in Axel’s nice, large bed. He’s got a rather cozy cabin on the outskirts of town, hidden back in the woods.” His lips tipped up on the corners. “Real cozy, if you know what I mean.”

  “What makes you think I want anything to do with Axel?”

  “Because with just one look, Axel Bloodmoon got under your skin. And despite his cool attitude, I can promise you got to him too. The question is, what are you going to do about it? Hide away here in this apartment? Join the pack like a good little girl? Or are you going to go after your man?”

  Go after him? “I don’t understand.”

  He shrugged. “There are two types of women at the clubhouse. The old ladies, which is what you want to be, and the party girls. And honey, you’re no party girl, but if you show up in the right attire, you can play the part.”

  “Play the part?”

  “I can guarantee that some of my brothers will come onto you, ask you for favors, and the general rule is that party girls don’t say no. But the moment Axel sees someone paying you attention, the minute he feels someone else is going to get lucky with you, he’s going to snap and come after you, and when that happens? Lord, I hope you’re holding onto something.”

  “You really think that would work?”

  Whisper nodded. “I’ll even put the word out that you’re Axel’s girl, but that the stubborn fool won’t admit it. The guys will have fun with it, so be prepared for anything.”

  “How am I supposed to dress the part when I don’t have a penny to my name?”

  Whisper’s smile grew. “You let me worry about that. In fact, I’ll not only bring you something to wear, I’ll take you to the clubhouse on my bike.”

  “Why are you helping me?”

  “Because it’s going to be fun to watch the big guy fall. He’s been mouthing off ever since Viper took an old lady, talking about how he’s never settling down. I’d love to watch him eat those words, and I think you’re just the lady to do it.”

  “I did feel a connection. My beast wanted to claim him and felt uncertain when he didn’t claim us in front of everyone at the clubhouse. I never thought I’d come here with the pack because I thought I’d be going home with my mate.”

  “Just give him a taste of what he can look forward to and everything will fall into place.” His lips twisted. “I should warn you though. You’re going to see some shit you won’t like.”

  “I’m a big girl. I think I can handle it.”

  His eyebrow cocked. “Even if it’s your man sandwiched between two party girls? Or even worse, what if he’s balls deep inside some other bitch?”

  Her olingo went berserk at the thought of their mate with another woman and she snarled. “Whoever touches him is a dead woman. He’s mine!”

  “Just what I wanted to hear. I’ll pick you up at eight tomorrow night.”

  Amelia watched him walk out and shut the door behind him. As she leaned against the wood panel, she contemplated her fate tomorrow. If anyone dared touch what was hers, she’d rip them apart limb by limb. Only question was, what would Axel think of that? Did he like a strong woman who could stand up for herself? Or did he want a damsel in distress? She’d been one of those earlier, but now that she had her freedom, the bitch was back.

  First things first. A nice long soak in the tub she’d seen during her brief tour of the apartment, then a good night’s rest so she would be prepared for tomorrow. Well, as prepared as she could get.

  Chapter Three

  Axel had spent the past twenty-four hours thinking about the sweet little blonde he’d rescued, and how he’d watched her walk away. It was better that way. What did he have to offer someone like her? She deserved moonlit walks, candlelight dinners, and some expensive piece of jewelry that showed he was devoted to her. What she’d get with him was a leather jacket that said Property of Axel, a cabin in the middle of nowhere, and a lot of rough sex. And just because his beast wanted her, it didn’t mean he’d be faithful to her. Axel wasn’t sure he was capable of such a thing. A variety of pussy was available twenty-four-seven at the clubhouse, and he certainly liked to indulge.

  So why aren’t you getting your cock wet right now? Because he couldn’t get a hard-on, that’s why. Maybe he’d imbibed a little too much. The row of shot glasses was enough proof that he’d tried to drown the thoughts of Amelia, unsuccessfully. The party girls dancing on the table in front of him didn’t even get the slightest rise out of his cock. He was starting to wonder if the damn thing was broken.

  Shelly climbed off the table and straddled his lap, pressing her naked breasts against his chest and grinding her naked pussy against the fly of his jeans. He didn’t touch her, didn’t encourage her. Of course, he didn’t shove her away either. She gyrated on top of him, her perky breasts swaying with her body, tempting him to reach out and take a taste. Except, he wasn’t all that tempted. She was a pretty woman, and her pussy was just as good as the next, but something told him Amelia’s was far superior.

  The front door opened and closed, but Axel watched the woman in his lap. There were some hoots and hollers, but Axel stared at the perky breasts in front of his face. Whatever the commotion, it couldn’t be better than a naked women, could it?

  There was a growled “hell no” a moment before he saw her. At least, he thought it was her. Amelia was decked out in a micro-mini skirt that clung to her curves, a barely-there top, and fuck me heels. He felt his jaw slacken as he took her in, completely unprepared for what she did next.

  “No way in hell are you grinding your skank ass on my mate!” Amelia snatched Shelly by the hair, dragging her off Axel’s lap. The woman shrieked and fell to her knees on the floor, but Amelia wasn’t done with her.

  Axel stood and followed as Amelia dragged a shrieking Shelly by her hair through the clubhouse. She kicked open the door, threw Shelly onto the porch, then planted her foot on the woman’s ass and sent her rolling down the steps. Turning to face him, she folded her arms over her chest, set her jaw, and proceeded to glare at him. And damned if he didn’t find that to be the hottest thing he’d ever seen.

  “Mind telling me what crawled up your ass?” Axel asked, tamping down his excitement.

  She whipped out her hand and poked him in the chest with her long, slender finger. “You. Belong. To. Me.”

  He arched a brow and stared down at her. “And what makes you think I belong to anyone? I’m a free man, Amelia. I can fuck whatever pussy I want, whenever I want.” He scanned her from head to toe. “Maybe you need a lesson in how a relationship works with a biker. You’re either an old lady or a party girl, and baby, I don’t recall making you my old lady.”

  Sparks flared in her eyes as she stepped closer, her body nearly touching his. “Then maybe I should take up some of the men on their offers?”

  Like hell! With a growl, he bent and pressed his shoulder into her abdomen, then stood, bracing her on his shoulder. As he strode through the clubhouse toward the rooms in back, oblivious to the catcalls surrounding them, he couldn’t help but notice how great she smelled, how soft she felt….and how she wasn’t struggling. He had to wonder if he hadn’t just played directly into her delicate little hands.

  Fuck! Score: 1 Amelia, 0 Axel. He had to hand it to her; she’d played her part perfectly, and played him like a damn fiddle.

  He kicked open the door to his room then slammed it shut. No way in hell he wanted an audience for his first time with Amelia. All this soft, white skin was his and only his. The last thing he wanted was for one of his brothers to stand in the hallway jacking off as he fucked her up against the wall, over the bed, in the chair, or anywhere else he could find.

  “Are you quite finished with the caveman routine?” she asked in a muffled voice, her face pressed against his back. He could feel her hands gripping his belt and his cock surged to life at the thought of them
wrapped around his shaft.

  No, fuck that! He wanted to see those luscious lips wrapped around him. He’d fuck her mouth well, show her who was boss, and then he’d have her begging for him to fuck that sweet pussy of hers. By the time he was finished with her, she wouldn’t be able to walk the next day.

  He dropped her to her feet and then practically ripped her shirt from her body. The fact she wasn’t wearing a bra made him even hotter.

  She took his hand and placed it on her hip. “No panties either.”

  Holy fuck!

  With a growl, he shoved her to her knees. “You want to be a party girl? Then you’re going to open your mouth like a good little slut.”

  Her eyes narrowed a moment and he wondered if she was going to say no. And fuck if he wouldn’t stop if she did. He’d never forced a woman and he wasn’t about to start with Amelia. Instead of protesting, she reached for his belt, unfastened it and then unzipped his jeans. His cock sprang free, aching and ready for her. She eyed him in curiosity and then fastened her gaze on his as she leaned forward and took a long, slow lick of his shaft.

  He shuddered and groaned, not willing to admit that something monumental was about to happen. This would be a fuck just like any other, despite her words claiming him as her mate. Hell, if he let that fly, he’d never be able to show his face around the clubhouse again, much less hold the office of Sergeant at Arms. He might as well sign away his man card and start picking out china and curtains if he let that happen. No, it was time to show her who was boss, and make sure everyone in the fucking clubhouse heard every damn moan, every scream, and her complete submission to him.

  “Open your mouth.”

  Her jaw dropped and her tongue snaked out for another taste, licking the pre-cum from the head before taking him in her mouth. That wicked tongue of hers danced along his shaft until he hit the back of her throat, then she sucked long and hard as she pulled back. She did it again, exactly the same, and he threaded his fingers through her silky hair. When she would have stopped him, he forced his cock further down her throat, feeling her nails bite into his hips before he withdrew and then sank into her again. He fucked her mouth with long, easy strokes, going a little deeper each time, until she was taking all of him. Axel felt himself getting close, knew he was going to blow at any moment, so he pulled out and wrapped his hand around the base of his dick, forcing back the orgasm.