Bracken, a Mercury Pack enforcer, spoke. “It’s just a flesh wound.”

Ally offered, “No, dummy, that’s a dolphin fin.”

“What’s that red dot on your forehead?” said Makenna.

Amused in spite of himself—it was, after all, a completely pointless conversation—Ryan kissed her temple. He remained mostly silent while everyone talked about various things, and he noticed that his pack made a point of involving Makenna in conversations. The tension soon left her, satisfying both him and his wolf; they wanted her to be relaxed and happy here.

It pained Ryan that she had been a loner for so long. Pack should be everything to a wolf, and he wanted Makenna to have that. Wanted her to feel as secure and safe with these people as he did.

Grace clapped, getting everyone’s attention. “Right, let’s get this movie started.”

Since Kye and Willow were present, the movie had to be something “age appropriate.” So everyone munched, drank, and laughed as they watched Disney’s Toy Story. Dominic seemed to be enjoying it the most. Ryan couldn’t claim to be all that stimulated by talking toys, but then he’d never really been stimulated by normal toys. Still, he wasn’t bored; he was content to be with his mate—holding her, breathing her in, and listening to her laugh. It was a soft, melodic sound that played over his skin.

When the movie was over, the fire was put out and everyone cleaned up, packed things away, and headed back to the caves. Fingers knotted, Makenna and Ryan then walked to his room. “Tonight was a lot of fun,” she said as they reached his door. “I didn’t realize how much I needed to wind down until just now. Tha—”

“Don’t thank me,” he growled, drawing her into the room and closing the door.

“Why does my gratitude offend you?”

“I don’t need it.” He nipped her lower lip. “What I need is you beneath me.”

“I’m totally down with that plan.”

He backed her against the wall, sipping at her mouth. “Then open for me.” The second her lips parted, Ryan thrust his tongue inside, sweeping it against her own. She responded instantly, nails digging into his shoulders. The kiss was hot and hungry. He was hot and hungry. Drunk on the taste and scent of her.

Bunching the bottom of her dress in his hands, Ryan peeled it from her, revealing every luscious inch of the perfect little body that was all his. A body he’d soon be possessing. His cock was thick and full and hurting like a motherfucker. Cupping her breast a little too roughly, Ryan took her mouth again. He claimed and consumed it with his tongue and teeth as she clawed off his T-shirt.

Makenna tried to pull back, intending to tell him to take off his shoes and jeans, but he wasn’t having any of that. A growl rumbled into her mouth as one hand spanned her throat. The dominant move didn’t ruffle her wolf in the slightest. Maybe it was that the animal trusted him, or maybe it was just that she was in a good mood. Makenna, however . . . her natural defiance rose up fast.

She bit his lip, breaking the kiss. But before she could order him to release her, he snarled and reclaimed her mouth, squeezing her throat just enough to be uncomfortable but not enough to choke her. Then, his mouth still on hers, she was turned and forced to take backward steps to the bed.

“Lay down,” he rumbled.

In general, Ryan’s tone never changed. But in bed? That was a whole other matter. Right now, his tone was authoritative and brooked no argument. But she liked to argue. Another male might have engaged in a battle of wills with her. Ryan? He just pushed her down and pinned her there with his hold on her throat. She should not like the way he just maneuvered her where he wanted her.

Sliding his hand down to palm her breast, Ryan grazed her throat with his teeth. One day, he’d leave his irrevocable brand on that very spot. “I’m going to lick your pussy until you come on my tongue, Kenna. Then I’m going to fuck you. Come inside you. Mark what’s mine.”

Growling at the proprietary comment that dared her to object, she went to fight him.

“Don’t move.”

That assertive rumble made her freeze. Which pissed her off. Since when was she so submissive? Makenna bared her teeth. “For someone who doesn’t like talking, you’re awful fucking chatty in bed.” The bastard blew over her nipple, making it tighten painfully. Then he flicked it with his tongue before latching on tight. Her eyes fell closed.

Ryan licked his way down to her navel and flicked her belly button ring with his tongue. “I want your eyes, Kenna.” They opened, blazing fire at him.

“You want a lot.”

He slipped off her shoes and then snapped off her panties. “I want everything. I won’t accept anything less than everything you are and everything you have to give.” He took a step back and grabbed her thighs. “Everything, Kenna.” He tilted her hips toward him and then swiped his tongue between her slick folds. Her taste exploded on his tongue. She made that sound. God, that fucking sound. It was throaty and breathless and held a hint of demand.

Makenna fisted the sheets as he licked and ate at her pussy like it was his job. Lapping and nipping and pumping his tongue inside her. The friction built, winding her tighter and tighter. When his fingers dug into her thighs so hard she knew she’d bruise, that bit of pain sent her over. But Ryan didn’t stop. Merciless in his assault, he threw her into a second orgasm. Still, he didn’t stop. Her clit was sensitive enough to make her wince, but the friction still built once more. And when he pulled his wet finger from her pussy and pushed it into her ass, she came again. It was like her body didn’t belong to her anymore. It was giving Ryan what he wanted. She felt powerless, vulnerable. And she didn’t like it.