Savage Desire
Chapter 16

Jeremy hadn't even heard the ping of the elevator because he was too engrossed in what he was doing...compelling Isabel to leave his mate alone. When he heard Ryan's angry growl, he felt his blood turn cold in his veins because he knew how the scene of him and the naked Isabel must have looked to his mate. F**k! But before he could even speak, Isabel was torn forcefully from his grasp so fast it was almost a blur. He heard her terrified whimper and turned his head to see Isabel, held against the wall by an invisible force. She couldn't break free. Jeremy turned his eyes on his mate. This time, his hand wasn't even up as it had been with Katie. Ryan was holding Isabel with his mind.

"Ryan, it's not what you think." Jeremy said gently. "Let her go."

"What am I thinking?" Ryan asked with dangerous softness, his eyes on Isabel.

"I...I don't know." Jeremy gasped when it finally dawned on him. Ryan had blocked him out. Though they were linked, he couldn't read Ryan's thoughts because his mate

had finally figured out how to block people out of his head. And just when he needed to know what his beautiful mate was thinking too. Just great! "I don't need to read your mind to know what you're thinking Ryan."

Isabel's whimpers turned into painful groans. "Ahh...he's crushing my bones Alpha." She cried in pain.

"Ryan let her go now." Jeremy breathed, extremely worried. "If you hurt her, you'll never yourself." He took a step towards Ryan.

"Do I look like I care?" Ryan asked quietly. All he wanted to do was destroy the woman who had dared come after his man.

"You do, Ryan." Jeremy began to panic when Isabel's cries of pain increased. "Please don't. I'll explain what you saw. But only after you trust enough, to let her go. You can do it baby. Please." The alpha didn't even notice the endearment that fell naturally from his lips.

"But I know what I saw." Ryan growled, his breath coming out harshly.

"And you know me." Jeremy answered. "Go with your gut."

Ryan suddenly looked like he couldn't catch his breath. He began to pant harshly through parted lips. Isabel fell to the ground and moaned her relief. Ryan finally turned his head to look at Jeremy with terrified eyes. He couldn't believe what he'd done. Jeremy quickly closed the distance between them, cupped Ryan's cheeks in his palms, and covered his mouth with his. The alpha's intention wasn't to kiss his mate. He breathed with him. When Ryan got his breathing back under control, Jeremy wrapped his arms around him and just held him.

"What have I become?" Ryan whispered against Jeremy's neck. "I could have killed her. I wanted to kill her. Oh my god. What's happening to me?"

"You were angry." Jeremy soothed. "She'll be fine." Then Jeremy raised his head to look at a miserable looking Isabel. He'd never thought someone like Isabel would feel compelled to attack Ryan too. She was an omega for f**k's sake. They were not violent. Besides, she was a really gentle person...nothing like Jeremy's usual preference. "Are you okay, Isabel?" At her nod, Jeremy gave a sigh of relief. "Get out of here."

"She's naked Jeremy." Ryan said, stepping out of Jeremy's embrace. He took out his keycard and opened his door. "Come in Isabel. I'll give you something to wear."

The girl looked shocked. She looked up at her alpha with wide eyes. At his encouraging nod, she stood up and followed Ryan into his room. Jeremy entered too and closed the door behind him. Then he watched as Ryan took out a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt out of his closet and handed them to Isabel who quickly pulled them on.

"Thanks." Isabel said in a small voice when she finished dressing. "I'm sorry I came to fight you." Her shaky voice was barely above a whisper. It was obvious she was close tears.

"I'm sorry I hurt you." Ryan said quietly. "But know that he's mine. And I don't want to share him with anyone."

"No one would want to if he were theirs." Isabel said quietly. Then she turned to face Jeremy but wouldn't even meet his eyes. "I'm sorry alpha."

"Take care of yourself Isabel." Jeremy said softly.

They both watched Isabel hastily leave the room. Then Ryan folded his arms across his chest and glared at Jeremy.

"Care to tell me why you were all over a naked woman?"

"What do you mean I was all over..." Jeremy sighed. "She wanted to attack you too, Ryan. I was only compelling her to forget about you and go home."

"With her naked and you in fucking boxer briefs?" Ryan stared pointedly at the ridiculously large bulge at Jeremy's groin. At least he didn't look hard. "Was that the only way you could compel her?"

"You know being naked in our world is not really a big deal Ryan."

"Well, put yourself in my shoes, darling." Ryan's sarcasm wasn't lost on Jeremy. "She's naked, you're like that, you're staring into each other's eyes like you're about to lock lips..."

"The only lips I'd like mine to be locked with are yours, Ryan." Jeremy said softly. "And the sooner you get that into your head the better for all of us." He fixed his intent gaze on Ryan for a moment before explaining; "Her brother called to tell me she was going into the woods to...deal with you." Jeremy couldn't suppress his amused smile at the thought of Isabel dealing with his mate. "Mum would have killed her, Ryan. She's an omega. Well, she has a gift of copying but she's still an omega and therefore of lower rank. And the thought of her attacking someone like you would have pissed mum o royally. Philip too would have killed her if he'd gotten wind of it. So I had to act. I opened my link to her and asked her to come here."

"So you have links with all your lovers." Ryan couldn't believe how jealous he was. It was a shitty feeling.

"I have links with everyone in my pack." Jeremy said slowly and loudly as if he was talking to someone who was dumb.

"Don't." Ryan bristled at his mate's patronizing tone. "Don't do that."

"Sorry." Jeremy had the grace to look guilty. "My plan was to meet her downstairs and compel her out of whatever plan she had. But the silly girl tricked Clara. She entered as you, making Clara think it was you coming up. I was waiting for Clara to call to tell me she was here so..." He pointed at himself, referring to his state of undress. "Then I smelt her...right out here, and rushed out. When she saw me, she panicked and shifted into her wolf, destroying the clothes she...you...she was wearing." Jeremy groaned. "Her plan was probably to wait for you to come out of the elevator directly into a full attack. I commanded her to shift back and compelled her...just as you came out and found us." He sighed. "I can never cheat on you Ryan. You should know that by now. You said it yourself. You own me."

Ryan snorted. "That just came out. I don't know why I said that."

"Because it's true and you know it." Jeremy went to stand in front of Ryan and drew his head to his chest. "Are you okay?" He pressed a kiss against his silky white hair.

"You make me crazy." Ryan growled softly, making the alpha smile. "You could have compelled her in her wolf form. She didn't have to be naked in your arms."

"Trust me, that would have been more intimate." Jeremy explained. "I didn't want that."

Ryan nodded. "We need to talk." He sighed.

"You're too tensed up. Come on, we'll sit in the Jacuzzi and talk. It will soothe your tense muscles." Jeremy started towards the connecting door.

"I'll just brush my teeth and..." He could still taste the deer he'd shared with Gloria in his mouth. "Jeremy?" Ryan called softly.

"Yes Ryan?" Jeremy stopped and turned his head to look at Ryan.

"I'll appreciate it for you stop barking orders at me." Ryan said quietly. "I'm not your servant or some troublesome kid who needs to be ordered around. We're the same age in case you've forgotten. I didn't like what you did at the hospital. It was humiliating and... annoying. I may question your directives, state my opinion...it doesn't mean I'm disrespecting you. I'm a teacher, Jeremy. I research. I ask questions. Why do we have to do it this way and not that way? I want to understand everything. That's just the way I am. Though you are the alpha and all, I expect to be accorded some respect just as I'm sure you expect to be respected. I hope that's not too much to ask."

"No it's not." Jeremy said in a low voice as he turned fully around. "I'm sorry for how I acted earlier." Jeremy didn't think it was necessary to outline his reasons. "It won't happen again."

At Ryan's nod, the alpha turned around and disappeared through the door.

Ryan sat in the Jacuzzi with his eyes closed in pleasure, listening to Jeremy's voice as he spoke to someone on phone. Jeremy was on the phone when Ryan had come in with a towel around his waist. He'd gestured for him to go

into the bathroom whilst he continued his conversation. There was an opened bottle of Krug Clos d'Ambonnay with two filled glasses on the ledge of the Jacuzzi when Ryan entered Jeremy's huge bathroom. He'd sat back in the bubbling water and helped himself to the smooth, expensive champagne although he wasn't really a fan of alcohol. But he'd been through a lot that day, Ryan thought. A little booze wouldn't hurt, he told himself. And so far, Ryan was loving both the champagne and the exquisite feel of the massaging heat against his body. He didn't even notice when Jeremy stopped talking.

"Feels good doesn't it?" Ryan heard Jeremy right beside him and opened his eyes.

"Feels great." He purred, pointing at the bottle of champagne. "Trying to get me drunk?"

"I have no ulterior motive here if that's what you're driving at." Jeremy drained his own glass and climbed inside, opposite Ryan without taking of his boxer briefs.

The alpha knew that those boxers could definitely not hide his erection if he got one. But he just wanted to make an efort to conceal it...when it eventually reared its head as he knew it would. Hell, he was in a Jacuzzi with the most gorgeous guy on earth. An erection was a given.

"Champagne." Ryan murmured. "Care to tell me what we're celebrating?"

"My badass mate." Jeremy grinned. "All that use of power today...you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine. I honestly thought there was something wrong with me. But Gloria says I'm fine." Ryan took a sip of his champagne. "She said because I'm your mate, these things...shouldn't be strange." Yeah right! Jeremy thought to himself. Blame it on the Ojah Alpha, Mama. "She's the elder." Jeremy shrugged. "How did it feel? Using all that power... Seeing yourself in total control like that..."

Ryan gave a deep sign. "It felt...natural. I felt like I could do anything. I was in control the whole time. I knew I could stop at any point." Ryan said. "But it also made me hate myself." He added quietly. "At least you were in control." Jeremy mumbled with a faraway look in his eyes.

Ryan couldn't help the pity he felt for Jeremy at his words. He could imagine how disturbing it would be not to be in control of your actions. "Sorry." He murmured.

"I'm used to it." Jeremy said quietly. "Just make sure you never allow it to control you okay? Hey, are you okay?" Jeremy asked with worry when he saw Ryan's eyes close and his head begin to fall back. "I think I'm getting drunk."

"No, you're not. It takes a lot for a werewolf to get drunk. You're nowhere near there." Jeremy said.

"Dude, I don't drink much. In fact I hardly do. This is sorta going straight to my head."

Jeremy turned his head to look at the bottle of champagne and let out a whistle. "You must really like this then." He chuckled. The bottle was already down to half. Ryan had obviously taken in a lot. "Oh it's good. In fact everything feels good." Ryan raised his head to take another sip. "Thanks for suggesting this."

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Jeremy relaxed and watched Ryan from beneath his lashes.

But instead of answering, Ryan slipped down into the bubbly water for about two seconds and then came out, laughing at the look on Jeremy's face.

"Oh my God, you are drunk." Jeremy watched as Ryan drained the glass. "Okay, that's it. No more champagne for you. Come here."

Jeremy leaned in and drew his mate to him, making him sit between his legs so that Ryan's back was plastered against his front. When Jeremy wrapped his arms around Ryan's waist from behind, he gave a sigh of contentment and leaned the back of his head on Jeremy's shoulder.

"Damn, you feel so fucking good against me." Ryan murmured, closing his eyes.

"Hey, don't sleep." Jeremy chuckled. "Time for you to tell...

"I want us to go through the mating ceremony." Ryan blurted out.

Jeremy froze. That was the last thing he'd expected to hear from his mate. "Is that the booze talking or..."

"Dude, I'm not that drunk." Ryan drawled. "I'm serious."

"Are you sure?" Jeremy wanted nothing more but he couldn't help but feel Ryan was not ready for it.

I thought that was what you wanted." Ryan retorted but without anger.

"I

"What do you want?" Jeremy shot back.

"I want us to do it." Ryan said simply.

"What are your reasons?"

"Why do I get the feeling you're trying to talk me out of it?"

"I'm doing no such thing." Jeremy protested firmly. "I only want to know the reason for the change of heart."

"That scene with you and that naked woman alone should make me change my mind, don't you think?"

Jeremy turned his head to look at Ryan's relaxed face. His eyes were drawn as if by magnet to Ryan's full lips. F**k he wanted to kiss those lips so bad. Jeremy looked away.

"Give me your other reasons." Jeremy insisted. Going through the mating ceremony was a huge step. And he definitely didn't want Ryan regretting it afterwards because that would be even more devastating to his wolf.

"Okay, here goes." Ryan started. "I want the attacks to stop. I don't want to make enemies with your...with pack members. I hate moving around with a bodyguard. I don't want any avoidable incidents in school. I hate not doing what's expected of me. Did I say how much I hate moving around with a bodyguard?"

"Uh-huh."

"Don't get me wrong...I love Vincent. I just want to be free to go and come as I please. Are those enough reasons or you want more?"

"That makes sense." Jeremy said. "But I..."

"I'm ready to do this with you, Jeremy." Ryan said quietly. "I...you're a part of me now. I might as well have it all. I want to know how it feels like to be really mated to you."

"You can't take it back if you decide you don't like it after going through it."

"I don't plan on changing my mind. I want this." He whispered, wincing when Jeremy's arms suddenly tightened around him. "Oooh ease up." Ryan murmured, tapping Jeremy's arm to get him to loosen his hold. "Sorry." Jeremy whispered throatily as he turned his head and buried his face in Ryan's wet hair. He began to lightly rub Ryan's flesh to soothe the pain his squeezing had caused.

Ryan could feel Jeremy shaking against him, knew how overwhelming his acceptance had been to the alpha, and remained quiet to enable Jeremy process the news. They sat that way...in silence, for a long moment, with Jeremy absentmindedly rubbing Ryan's skin. But the fact that Jeremy was only trying to soothe the flesh he'd squeezed didn't register in Ryan's brain. Each languid stroke, rather than soothe Ryan, was beginning to arouse him unbearably. He knew that the bubbling water wouldn't hide his growing arousal for long. Shit!

Jeremy finally broke the silence. "Do you know what the ceremony entails?" He asked, raising his head from where it had been buried in Ryan's head.

"Gloria told me all about it this evening. She's going to set up a meeting with the council so that you can oficially introduce me tomorrow. Hopefully they'll allow us to do it tomorrow."

"Are you sure you want this?" Jeremy asked shakily. "The pack will...see you."

Ryan knew exactly what Jeremy was talking about. He turned his head and looked up at the side of Jeremy's face. "I know." He said quietly. "It's okay. Just try not to hurt me too much." He said in a small voice.

Jeremy turned his head to look at his mate's face. "You have my word." Came his hoarse whisper.

"I'll hold you to it." Ryan answered in a voice as smoky as the look in his eyes. "So...do we shake or kiss on it?" He asked huskily, his heavy-lidded eyes hot on Jeremy's mouth.

"What do you want?" The alpha husked, the blatant arousal in his mate's eyes stirring a deep craving inside him.

"I want to kiss you so f*****g bad right now." Ryan whispered, swallowing hard.

"What's stopping you?" Jeremy breathed.

That was all the encouragement Ryan needed. He turned around and straddled Jeremy. There was no time for words. He cupped the alpha's face and slanted his lips over his. The kiss started out soft and slow, with Jeremy allowing Ryan to lead. But when Ryan slid his hot, wet tongue between Jeremy's lips, the kiss became something else. Boy did he kiss the alpha. Ryan probed deep, running his tongue along the ridge of Jeremy's teeth, the roof of his mouth and then finally sucking erotically on Jeremy's tongue. Jeremy was so shocked at the intense ripple of delight that streaked down his spine he moaned hoarsely into the kiss. His senses reeled as desire pumped through him.

"Fuck!" Jeremy growled, tearing his lips from Ryan's. Deep blue eyes stared into lust-glazed green ones, both men breathing hard. Jeremy didn't know what to think. For an inexperienced person, Ryan was hotter than hell. The man's mouth set fire to his senses. Jeremy had never wanted anyone as much as he wanted Ryan that very moment. "Damn Ryan..." With that husky whisper, Jeremy

leaned forward to claim and devour his mate's moist mouth. He kissed Ryan senseless.

Maybe it was because skin was touching skin, or it was the excitement brought on by their upcoming mating ceremony... But that kiss was more intimate, intense and explosive than any of their previously shared kisses. They both wanted it...wanted that rush that kissing each other never failed to bring. It was wild and mind-numbingly good. When Ryan began to unconsciously gyrate against the rock hard cock beneath his arse, Jeremy groaned as though he was in pain. The alpha tore his mouth away with a gasp, his eyes wild. "Don't do that." Jeremy gasped breathlessly against Ryan's swollen lips. "I don't want to lose control."

"I'm sorry." Ryan whimpered, his eyes fluttering shut. "But I need to..." Even as he spoke his hand slipped between them to grasp his hard throbbing dicks. "I..." He trailed of when Jeremy pulled his hand of his dicks. "Jer, please..." Ryan sounded desperate. "I can go to my room if..." "You're not going anywhere Ryan." Jeremy rasped. "You..."