Desired (Two Marks 2)

“A second male,” Gibson said.

Shit.

Nash squirmed again. “It seems so. While you were in Montana with my pack, visiting with Shelby, we never met. It was only today, here.”

Gibson nodded.

“I knew about you, your unusual match,” Nash continued. “News spread through the pack about it, and how Shelby was claimed and moving here. Others found it unusual, I found it…”

“Familiar,” I added for him.

For the first time, Nash looked at me without hostility.

“And you, Cord, have always known you didn’t have a scent match,” Gib said. “It’s been an issue for you.”

I nodded. If Nash was going to spill, I would too. Besides, Gibson knew it all anyway. “I didn’t think I would be a good mate. I'm unable to reproduce.”

I knew for a fact that I was shooting blanks because I’d intensively studied the DNA of our particular breed of wolf. The breed that spontaneously produces scent matching in males so they can mate in pairs. Our breed was close to die-out so I’d, well, tested the DNA of anyone in the pack who was willing to contribute, and that included checking my own semen.

“The fact that I didn’t have a scent match in the pack made me a poor choice for any she-wolf, fated or not. How could I claim my mate with no way to give her pups?” It had been a dilemma that haunted me. I’d become even more obsessed with the continuation of our species since I found out I couldn’t contribute. I was broken, and had nothing to offer the pack or our future descendants in hopes of long term survival.

Gibson leaned back and clapped his hands, which startled me. I’d been caught in my constant loop of disappointment.

“Now you have your scent match. You can have pups. It’s not as if matches know who the father of a pup is, or cares. Perhaps this is another reason for scent matches,” he added, now sounding more like an inquisitive scientist than alpha. “You both,” he glanced between us, “have your mate. Congratulations.”

“Just like that?” Nash asked. “I find her, and have to share her.”

Gibson narrowed his eyes. “Just like that. It’s up to the two of you to figure this shit out. And fast.”

“Because she’s human,” I added.

Gibson’s dark gaze shifted to mine. “Exactly. You can’t just fuck and bite her. She has no idea about shifters, and it’s got to stay that way until you’re sure you want to claim her.”

“We do.” Nash and I said it at the same time.

We looked at each other. We might never have met before, but we agreed on Rachel. We were claiming her.

Gibson stood. “Good. Then woo the shit out of her. Get her to fall in love with you. Then tell her what you are, and claim her. I don’t want to see the three of you again until your scent is embedded in her skin.”

He strode out, leaving us behind.

I eyed Nash. He stared at me.

“I’m not sorry I punched you,” I said.

The corner of his mouth tipped up. “Me neither.”

“What are we going to do?”

He pushed to his feet. “Find her, and never let her go.”

I stood, and we shook hands. “I like your plan.”

6

RACHEL

The front door opened and two large cowboys stalked out, each searching for, then honing in on, me.

“Here they come.” Amusement rang in Shelby’s tone. I was grateful that neither she nor Caitlyn abandoned me as the guys approached. Not that I was afraid. I just liked the female solidarity in the face of two hot-blooded men both apparently intent on me.

My heart picked up speed as they drew closer. I tried to detect whether there was still animosity between them, but I couldn’t read anything in their expressions other than determination. Determination solely focused my way.

By the time they reached me, I was breathless because two guys wanted me.

“Rachel.” Cord spoke first. “I apologize for my behavior inside. I hope you’ll forgive both of us for acting like jackasses.”

My gaze ping-ponged between the two men, who were both tall—and close enough, I had to tip my chin back to look them in the eyes. “Both of you?”

Was what Shelby and Caitlyn had suggested true? That these two men might want to share me?

Nash took off his cowboy hat. His blond hair curled, and was in need of a cut. “Yes, both of us. I was the real jackass. I just was so taken with you, I couldn’t see straight.” He winked, and my nipples tightened.

“So… the two of you worked things out?” I asked, hardly believing it. Based on the way they’d been throwing punches, I’d have thought they’d be cut up, but I didn’t see a busted lip or swelling eye on either of them.

Nash shot a glance at Cord and nodded. “Yup. We came to an agreement.”