Page 21 of Wild

“She’s my fucking ma—,” I stopped because I didn’t know if Marina even knew what we were. Audrey did, but it was against pack law to reveal to humans. The existence of shifters was a closely-guarded secret. Audrey knew since my brother fucking bit her neck and claimed her. Marina would need to know before I claimed her as well, but Boyd and Audrey shouldn’t have told her. “She’s my fucking…”

Boyd laughed and exchanged an incredulous glance at Rob. “Wow.”

“Your what?” Marina demanded, hands on hips.

“Why didn’t you tell me who you were, little girl?” I tried to change the subject.

She lifted her chin. “I wasn’t sure if you had some rule against screwing little sisters.”

“Uh—” Rob began.

Audrey gasped.

Marina blushed. “I thought a one-night stand would sit better with you.”

“You think I usually fuck strangers in motel rooms?” I snarled, even though she had no idea why I actually brought her there.

“I’m sure you’ve done something like that before,” she countered.

“You knew who I was.” It dawned on me that she really had been the one doing the seducing. She might have been young and inexperienced, but she’d known what she was doing last night. Part of me was relieved that she wouldn’t have slept with a stranger, the other part was furious at being used.

For sex.

By my own mate.

My veryhumanwho didn’t know she was my mate.

“Guys—” Rob tried to cut in.

“You slept with me without even knowing my name,” she added.

“You slept with Colton?” Audrey asked, but neither of us looked her way.

“I told you last night it wasn’t necessary,” I said to Marina.

Crossing her arms over her chest, she added, “Total one-night stand move.”

“It’s not just one night. You’re—”

“Guys!” Rob said, stepping around the counter, so he stood between us. “She’s the trouble you ran into last night?”

Marina sputtered. “I’mtrouble?”

“Little girl, you’re nothing but. Let me explain all the ways.” I stalked around the counter toward her, and Rob smartly moved out of my way. I didn’t slow, only bent down and tossed her over my shoulder. It felt good to have her in my arms. Fuck, did she push my buttons. But I was relieved to know where she was, that she was safe. Whole.

Now that I did, I could take care of her. Smack her cute ass for putting me through that shit. Satisfy her. And soon, I would tell her she’s my mate. Explain it all.

It would be easier for her to swallow than I feared last night, since her sister had already been marked and brought into the pack.

As I left the kitchen and went up the back stairs, I called out, “I’m stealing your little sister, Audrey. I’ll take good care of her, though. I promise. Take care of that cake, will you?”

I heard smothered laughter from the group.

“You upset my future little sister, I’m gonna have to kill you!” Boyd called after me, but there was a chortle in his voice, too.

7

MARINA