Page 52 of Mystic Mate
“No. They’re pretty low end and are just tracking devices.”
When Jinx left, he looked at Colby. “Want to tell me what that was about? Who the hell is the ‘master?’”
“Abraham Strode. His followers call him that. I suspect Alden is a plant. His answers were too pat.”
Cullen nodded. “And the cuts on his wrists were superficial. I take it we have no intention of a tactical assault on Strode’s place?”
“I’m sure we might have to at some point but, not in the immediate future. If it happens, it will be the final battle. No, this war will be won by inches and skirmishes. That’s why having you and the Ghost Moon Pack in the fight is so important.”
Cullen nodded. “At this point, I no longer believe we can remain apart. The Ghost Moon Pack is with you.”
CHAPTER 19
SALEM
When Salem awakened, she was surrounded by a group of she-wolves that had set up what appeared to be a kind of vigil. One of the first faces that greeted her was Jinx.
“The alpha is going to be so pissed that he wasn’t here when you woke up. He’s been meeting with Colby and Shaw and talking to some of the people that were rescued,” she said.
“How long was I out?” Salem asked.
“Not too long at all. It’s barely been two days. Normally, transitions from human to wolf are more like a week,” answered one of the she-wolves.
Nodding, another added, “Oftentimes there aren’t a lot of people present for the transition, but this pack started the tradition of the other she-wolves gathering around to lend our strength to the one transitioning.”
“Well,” said Salem, “I think it’s a lovely tradition. I can’t tell you all what it means to me to feel like I’ve been accepted by all of you.”
“Why wouldn’t we want you as mistress? You’ve proven yourself as a more than capable warrior. All of the men who have seen you have nothing but praise for your strength and courage. And other than the alpha being concerned for you, he seems so much happier and at peace,” said Jinx.
Cullen walked into the room and smiled. “Holding court already I see,” he rumbled, sending the same soothing vibrations she had experienced while she was transitioning. “I thank all of you for seeing that Salem was well looked after. Lettie has put together a kind of celebratory dinner for a little later. I’d like Salem to have time to rest and get ready to join the pack.”
He stood back, opening the door and letting the other she-wolves exit their room before stacking the chairs that they’d brought in and putting them in the hallway.
“It was nice waking up to friendly faces, but I am happier to see yours.”
He leaned down and kissed her with a restrained passion that rushed through her veins. She realized she’d missed him, even though he’d been close by and had been ensuring her needs were seen to.
“I missed you, my mate,” she said, trying out the term. She thought it would have felt weird, but it didn’t.
“As I did you. How do you feel?”
“I suppose I should say like something amazing happened, but I don’t. I mean I’m happy, and I guess I feel better, but what I really feel is aroused and wishing you’d join me in this big, lonely bed.”
Cullen chucked, the sound of his amusement and his own arousal tumbling down the bonding link to her. It made her feel as if someone had just drizzled warm, soothing honey all over her that he was more than ready and willing to lick up. She trembled with desire.
He pulled off his clothes, his cock fully engorged. Salem pressed her lips to his again as Cullen wrapped her up in his arms, pulling her close and deepening the kiss. She might have made the first overture, but she was well aware of who was the maestro.
His lips tasted of whiskey and something spicy and Salem began losing herself in the intoxicating blend. The weight of her worries about vampires, the Shadow League, and the SPU all seemed to melt away, leaving only the fiery passion that ignited between them. Cullen’s hands roamed hungrily over her body. His touch set her ablaze and reminded her that in this moment, she was no longer a lone wolf. She had a pack and a wolf who loved her deeply and completely.
“I think you should know,” she whispered as his lips left hers to trail kisses down her chin and throat, ending at the scar that marked her as his, “I think I’m falling in love with you.”
“You’ll need to catch up. I’ve been in love with you forever.”
His fingers traced the outline of her spine, leaving a trail of tingling sensation in their wake. Their bodies melded together, as if they had been split parts of a whole that was finally complete. They fit together perfectly, as if they were made to be intertwined like this. Salem surrendered completely to his touch, letting go of all past inhibitions and fears.
Cullen eased her to his side while he repositioned himself and then lifted her back up, molding himself to her and settling her on his hard cock. He cupped her breast, thumbing the nipple before suckling and teasing it. He used his other hand to toy with the other pebbled peak.
"God, that feels so good,” moaned Salem as she arched her back and allowed her head to fall back.
