We crash into the suite. I've sucessfully managed to get Brodie's shirt off!
I run my hands over every exposed inch of his chiselled chest. My mouth never leaving his.

I feel a tugging at my top, lifting my arms willingly for him... He removes it from my body. I groan as my bra is swiftly evicted next and my bare chest touches his.

My back hits the bed with Brodie on top of me, I make quick work of his belt, undoing his pants. He pauses, hovering his hands over the waistband of my leggings. I continue to kiss and suck at his neck, encouraging him to keep going.

"Stella" It's almost a growl.

"What?" I huff not stopping.

"If we do this. It's going to be hard, and fast. I won't be able to stop my wolf from marking you!" This is his only, and last warning.

Understanding registers in my brain, but I have finally managed to free him from his pants. I take a hold of him, and his whole body shudders in pleasure.I don't give a damn I want this.

"Stella!" this time he really growls, making me chuckle.

"We're doing it and I don't care. I understand! Now get inside me already!" I move my hand pushing his control to the limit.

My pants are removed or ripped off. I can't tell and don't care as Brodie enters me with a force that stops my brain from thinking about anything else. He hisses and I scream.

"Are you ok?" He says through gritted teeth, I can tell he wants to move and he's fighting hard not to. It's been a while for me and he's larger than I am used to, I squeeze my eyes shut waiting to adjust.

"I just need a minute" I manage to get out. A few seconds later, I feel myself relax and stretch around him. Opening my eyes I see him looking down at me guilty, and concerned. I touch his face and nod letting him know I'm ok.

Brodie wasn't lying when he said It would be hard and fast. A part of my brain worries that even the village will hear my cries as he pounds into me. We hit our release together and I feel Brodie's canines pierce the skin above my right collar bone. Instead of pain, my orgasm surges again making me scream out in pure ecstasy.

I hear Brodie groan like he is also enjoying my prolonged climax. He holds me tight, stilling my body, keeping me from ripping any unnecessary flesh. Waiting for me to come down from the bliss.

Retracting his canines out of me does hurt, but not too bad. He leaves briefly to get a warm washcloth.

Tenderly he applies pressure to stop the bleeding wounds from ruining the sheets further. Now I'm exhausted, he pulls us into the bed and under the sheets still applying pressure to the bite mark.

"Sleep, little mate" he breathes into my ear nuzzling me affectionately. I smile and drift off blissfully happy to oblige his command this time...

Morning arrives too soon and with a groan, I open my eyes. How can the sun be up already?

Immediately my hand jumps to the two little, already scared marks, above my right collar bone. Instead of dread, I smile, feeling excited.

He's finally marked us. Amber is in bliss and all for our mate as usual.

I can't help but laugh, my life has changed dramatically, in the last five or so weeks. It's been insane, but I wouldn't change any of it.

"Didn't think after last night you'd wake up laughing" Brodie's large arm swings over me encasing me in his stronghold. I turn to see his eyes sparkling

"I was just thinking about how much my life has changed since the night we met" I roll under his arm so we are now facing each other in the bed.

"Mmmm for the better I hope" He nibbles on my ear lobe sending pleasure waves to all the right places. I watch his eyes go dark as he smells my arousal.

"Oh no! My lady parts need a break after last night" I giggle mockingly pushing him away from me. Alarm crosses his features.

"Did I hurt you?" He looks so worried and It's adorable.

"Only in a good way" I cuddle into his chest, feeling him relax at my words. I'm definitely tender though and will need to recover.

"No more heats" he reminds me while rubbing my back affectionately.

"Really? I look up hopeful"

"Well not like before anyway you still have a cycle. Just less extreme now our bond is complete"

"No more crazy sex fiend hallelujah" I sigh truly relieved.

I feel his chest vibrate as he chuckles at my choice of words to describe what is a she-wolfs first heat.

"Now people won't think It's weird I'm unmarked"

"And I won't be the laughing stock of the pack anymore" Brodie mumbles.

"What? Why were they laughing?" I frown not understanding.

"It's odd for an Alphas mate to go unmarked for so long. It made people think you didn't want me or them as your pack" He states.

"I'm sorry, I did tell you to get it over with a week ago though!" I defend myself.

"Yes you did, but our situation was unique and I wanted to give you more time to make sure you were ready" he kisses my forehead.

'Well I was definitely ready last night' I giggle remembering the way It felt. I was so desperate for him, it's nothing like what I felt for Derek.

My stomach growls.

"Ahh my hungry little mate needs sustenance again" he mocks rolling on top of me. His eyes are full of amusement and adoration as he looks down at me. I feel my heart swell and the words 'I love you' sit on my tongue, but I can't say them yet, the fear of the past strangling them in my throat.

Brodie kisses me and at first, I panic about morning breath. His tongue is the first to breach my lips and I soon forget to care about it. Pulling away I see mischief in his eyes.

In one motion he rips the bed covers away leaving me totally naked and exposed underneath him. I squeal, shocked, trying to cover myself.

'What are you doing I complain" he pins my hands at my sides.

"We need to work on your prudishness. You will always be the sexiest thing I have ever seen Stella. You need to be comfortable around me. No more hiding behind trees when we shift together" He's dead serious I can tell. I squirm under his gaze.

"Now hold still while I inspect every inch of you" he laughs at the horror-filled expression that must be all over my face.

"You can't be serious?" even I can hear the panic in my voice. He's right I am a bit of a prude.

"Oh, I am more than serious Stella" he rumbles while literally starting an inspection of my breasts that a detective would be impressed with. I stare at the ceiling wishing the bed would swallow me whole.

An hour later and finally I'm showered and dressed. Brodies examination therapy worked. He inspected and worshipped every inch of me twice! In the second round, I was a lot less uncomfortable, instead, I was filled with anticipation, which pleased him and me greatly.

I walk out into the kitchen and am surprised not to find Casey but Brodie in the kitchen.

"I gave her the weekend off. It's their anniversary" He smiled.

"You know everything about everyone around here, don't you?"

"It's literally my job Stella'

Pancakes? I jump staring at him alarmed! That was Brodie's voice in my head but he didn't open his mouth.

Mind linking little mate. We can do it now. Ours is much stronger too, because of our bonds.

"How do I?" He put his hand over my mouth to stop me.

'Say it in your mind and aim it at me. Just try it.

'Ok, can you hear me?"

"Yes, well done. This is a very useful tool and can help me keep you safe'

'Noted I'll keep working on it then"

I see the pride in his eyes.

"Now pancakes?" he smiles.

'Yes as you know I'm starving" he chuckles knowingly. I am always hungry lately...

Later I find myself wandering the mansion. Brodie had some errands to run in his office and after waiting to listen to him make one boring phone call after another I found myself exploring. I turn another corner making sure not to head into anyone's personal zones and sticking to the shared space.

I walk into a room and gasp with joy. A library!

I don't have to search long to find a whole range of books on werewolf history and traditions. Parking myself on the comfy couch I start to read.

By the time Brodie finds me I have loaded my brain with useful information.

"It's a good thing I could follow your scent to here otherwise I might not have found you for days" He comments looking at the huge pile of books I've been researching through.

"Sorry, I wish someone had told me about this before though' I mumble yawning. Brodie helps me clear the pile of books away then scoops me up bridal style.

"Come little mate you're probably hungry again by now" We both laugh when yet again my stomach answers for me.

During dinner, Brodie informed me that he was once again on patrol duty. His and Josh's presence had reduced the number of rogue attacks a lot and so he wanted to keep it up for a while longer. I'm back in the library studying about the kind I never knew I belonged to until recently.

I look up at the door as I hear the familiar sounds of teenage girls giggling. Riley and Lexi stop when they see me.

"Hay what are you doing here?" Lexi frowns curiously.

"Yeah no one reads anything in here anymore" Riley agree's

"Just trying to learn as much as I can before I take on Luna's responsibilities. I hear them gasp as they spot Brodie's mark above my shoulder.

"Bout time you two got it done" Lexi giggles.

"Come on come to our suite. You promised us a girls night!" Riley starts grabbing books and putting them away excitedly. I can't turn down their enthusiasm.

"Ok, sounds better than more Werewolf history books" I laugh as they practically drag me to their rooms. Once inside the twin's suite, It resembles every teenage girl's dream. Brightly coloured walls of aqua, green and pink. A huge TV, bean bags and colourful couches litter half the room. A bookshelf Is stacked with teen girl gossip magazines and lava lamps. However, the kitchen to my surprise isn't stocked full of chocolate and energy drinks. After pulling out a secret stash of treats I admired that the girls cared and looked after themselves both physically and internally.

The girls pour me a tea at my request and put on some funky music. After two hours of gossiping about all the hot wolf-boys at their school and flicking through a few magazines. I yawn exhausted.

"Oh no, you can't go already!"

"Yeah you haven't even shown us your super cool techniques"

"One day when you're older I will teach you everything I know" they frown unamused.

"Were not that young?" they both say, annoyed by my comment. They're right though they're not that young, and should know how to maneuver their way around.

"Alright, I'll teach you. As Long as Brodie is ok with it!" They both groan obviously knowing he won't be.

'What makes you think he won't approve?"

"Because he's our big brother. Until we finish school we are not even allowed on patrol, they whine.

"I'll talk him round ok, you guys should know how to defend yourselves! And how to navigate through the woods undetected."

They hug me goodbye buzzing with excitement. As I walk back to my room, I decide the girls should join me and Casey during my conversion sessions. I've been working with her to convert my skills into wolf form defence moves, ready to train the other she-wolves. We've been progressing through them easily and I have strengthened my abilities in wolf form considerably over the last couple of weeks. I collapse on the bed exhausted...

I wake to the unfamiliar movements around the suit, I don't know how but I just know it's not Brodie or Casey. I've gotten used to their footsteps and the way they move. The familiar prickles of danger creep up my spine and Amber goes on high alert pushing for us to shift and attack I push her down as whatever it is approaches the bedroom.

I roll off the bed and under it with lighting movements not making a sound. I see the door open and Big boots creep in and pause, while my intruder evaluates the scene he will smell me soon enough.

Stella mind link Brodie now! Ambers is a bloody genius at times.

Brodie, It's Stella! Nothing damn. I try again this time focusing on him as hard as I can.

Brodie, can you hear me someone in our suite where you are?

I hear a loud growl echo in my head and I jump hitting my head on the bed above with a thud.

Stella, stay hidden, I'm on my way.

Large hands wrap around my ankles and rip me from under the bed on a scream. Brodie must have heard it throughout the mind link because another loud growl thunders through my mind. Once I'm out from under the bed I twist breaking free from the intruder's grasp I land a kick to his thigh, I was aiming for his crown jewels but he dodged just in time.

A growl rips from him as I spring to my feet in a defensive position to attack. I couldn't concentrate on the mind link with Brodie anymore, and I must have lost it. I now fully understand the importance of growing that skill.

He's on his way. We just need to stay conscious and keep this guy away from us till he gets here. Amber mirrors my thoughts. My heart is pounding and the adrenaline threatens to make me clumsy as it urges every muscle to run. I stand my ground.

"Who are you, and you made a big fucking mistake coming in here!" I growl threateningly, causing my attacker to laugh.

He's a tall man scruffy and dirty looking. His brown hair is all dishevelled reminding me of the scruffy-looking rogue I encountered In the woods.

His grey eyes rake over me and a wave of revulsion washes through my skin.

"You're lucky boss wants you unharmed, after that nasty little kick. I'm feeling a lot less gentle" He snarls.

I try to ignore his words storing the information for later, if I get distracted he could use it to his advantage.

"Just get out before Brodie gets here asshole" I'm hoping the news that Brodie is on his way will scare him off. To my horror, he chuckles again.

"I see he's finally marked you. Our informant wasn't lying then, the boss will be unhappy with this news"

"What the fuck are you on about? Why would anyone want me?" I am confused and it's why I was processing this information that he made his move as suspected.

Lunging with canines extended and a fist aiming for my head. I realize he wants to knock me out and take me to this boss. Panic re-ignites my instincts and I dodge his punch landing another blow to his rib cage.

He snarls snapping his canines at me, I feel them graze my arm. I steal a quick look to confirm the cut is not too deep. The blood oozes and trickles down my arm.

"Nasty little bitch aren't you"

It's as he's insulting me that I manage to sneak a metal pen into my hand from the night stand. Now I have a makeshift weapon at least.

'I've had enough of this shit! We've wasted too much time already" He moves fast launching an ornament at my head. I move but not enough to fully dodge the blow to my head, I hesitate from the impact and he lands on me pinning me to the ground, once again my head hits the floor and this time I see stars. I dodge a fist aimed for my temple and ram the pen into his unguarded throat. Once again he underestimated me.

Blood pours out of the wound down my arms and soaks over my body. I scream horrified. The man gurgles and spits a mouthful of blood into my face. I scream again throwing him off me with the pen still rammed in his neck. So much blood there's just so much blood!

I scramble away until my back hits the bed. I hear the suite door crash open and then Brodie followed by Josh burst into the room.

"Try and keep him alive" Brodie instructs looking at the man's body on the floor. Josh immediately runs over applying pressure to the wound with blood still spurting out of it.

My hands are shaking uncontrollably as Brodie takes them in his hands.

"Hey, hey it's ok we're here now. Are you hurt?" The fear is written all over his face as he examines me. I hand him my arm no longer sure if it's my own blood that's coating it or not.

Brodie growls as he sees the slice through my tricep.

"I need the blood off of me" my voice is shaky and weak.

Understanding crosses Brodie's features.

"You've never killed anyone before, have you" I shake my head and my hands start trembling again. He scoops me up bridal style and carries me away from Josh and the body of my attacker. He looks dead, despite Josh's efforts to stop the bleeding and revive him. Why they want to save him I don't understand, he attacked me.

Brodie places me on the countertop and goes to the bath running the water. He comes back to me immediately. I focus on every little thing he's doing to take my mind away from everything else. He runs a cloth under the tap then faces me he looks at me, then back at the cloth and sighs. Scooping me up again he walks us towards the shower. I see myself in the mirror and scream I'm just red, even my hair is soaked with the blood of the man I just murdered.

"Shh Stella It's ok, Stella" Brodie puts his hand over my mouth to stop my screams. I hadn't even realised I was still doing it. I nod to let him know I'm back in control. He turns the shower on and I yelp at the cold water, thankful for its distraction.

"Close your eyes and don't look at the water" I nod closing my eyes not wanting to see the sea of crimson that will be the shower floor.

Brodie rinses us both removing our clothes. Carrying me into the now half full bath he lets me know I can open my eyes. Normal skin colour greets me and finally, my hands stop shaking. He gets in behind me and just holds me while I cry. Once the waters cold and I can barely keep my eyes open, he wraps me in a huge fluffy towel. Keeping my eyes on the ceiling as he walks us through the bedroom and into what was once my bedroom. He sits me on the bed.

I'm going to leave you and get some clothes. He gives me a hard assessing stare.

"I'm ok" My voice is still shaky making him concerned. I clear my throat and try again.

"I'm good, go!" I manage more firmly satisfying him for the moment.

He's only gone for a moment and I hear him barking orders but I can't make out the words. I hear multiple footsteps thumping around the suit now.

Flashbacks play in my mind.

'Someones after us Amber" I say out loud

I know Stella. He can't have us, we need rest.

"We need to find out who his boss is and why he wants me!' I almost yell at her.

The growl from Brodie rips across the room and I hear everyone's footsteps stop in the entire suite.

"Knowone Is taking you anywhere!' he snarls and Josh runs in covered in blood. I look away from him not wanting to see anymore red.

"Brodie I"

"Tomorrow" Brodie commands and I hear Josh retreat closing the door behind him.

Silently Brodie removes my towel and puts one of his massive t-shirts over me. He holds me tightly to his chest in the bed until the darkness claims me.