Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 45092 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45092 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
She had to be starving. Nerves would have prevented her from eating before the ceremony, and it was closing in on late afternoon now. He wanted to have her in his home before dark.
His Little mate eventually fell asleep in his arms, and he was glad. Being carried up the mountain was stressful for new mates. That’s why they were usually given a potion to put them asleep for the journey.
When they finally reached his home, he rushed inside, kicked the door closed, and smiled in relief when he spotted her packed bag sitting on the kitchen table. He would thank his brother later.
Brock continued through to the master bathroom where he lowered himself onto the chaise lounge and kissed her temple. “We’re home, Little doll.”
She blinked at him when he stroked her cheek. “I fell asleep,” she whispered.
“You did. I’m glad. You needed the rest. I want to get these clothes off you and give you a bath.”
She pursed her lips and nodded. “Do I smell like him?” she murmured.
“No. He leaves no trace of his scent.”
“How is that possible?”
“I have no idea, Little one.”
She looked away. “I was unconscious. I don’t know…”
“I’m glad you were unconscious. I would hate for you to have nightmares of being held in his arms.” He shuddered at the thought. “But don’t fret, Suzette, I do not believe he touched you inappropriately.”
That wasn’t exactly true. The fact that the fucker had touched her at all infuriated Brock. However, he had not molested her.
“But, what if he did?”
Brock leaned her back, held her head in his palm, and met her gaze. “I will examine you to make sure, Little doll. But I can’t smell his essence on any part of you. It did not linger in the cave at all.”
She swallowed. “His semen, you mean.”
“Yes.” He forced himself not to grit his teeth or react strongly. He didn’t want to scare her more than she already was. Even though he could not scent the man who took her, surely Brock would know if he had taken liberties with her.
Tears fell down her pretty face again, breaking his heart. “But what if he did. What if he touched me with his fingers?”
“Then we’ll deal with it together.” It took every ounce of his strength to hold her gaze and his composure. Inside, he wanted to tear the man limb from limb for the lingering effects his actions would have on Suzette. But he would deal with that later.
Every one of the Alpha Protectors was out looking for the kidnapper. They would find him. He wasn’t cunning enough to get away with this. And when they did, Brock would deal with the man who dared touch his mate.
He needed to keep his fury under control right now, though. Suzette needed him. She needed him to be strong and calm. She needed tender-loving care.
“Do you think you can stand for a minute, Little doll?”
She nodded, though she was shaking as he lowered her to her feet between his legs.
With one hand on her hip, he cupped her face with the other and angled her head so she was looking at him. “I’m going to take your shifts off now so I can give you a bath.” He wanted to make sure she knew what he intended so she wouldn’t be shocked.
“Yes, Sir,” she whispered, her cheeks turning pink.
He stroked her chin. “Yes, Daddy.”
She swallowed. “Yes, Daddy.”
“Good girl. Lift your arms for me.” He didn’t want to drag out the unveiling, so he gripped all the layers of material at her hips and lifted, slowly revealing her body.
After tossing her shifts aside, he set his hands on her biceps and took in his mate for the first time. Jesus, she was beautiful. He was tongue-tied. Every inch of her was perfection. Perfect, smooth pale skin. High, tight breasts. Small pink nipples that had not yet known the feel of his mouth wrapped around them.
He wanted to suckle her so badly it was hard to focus. She wasn’t in a state of mind for that.
Brock tried not to react to the bruises on her arms and neck where her abductor had manhandled her. He was relieved to see there were no such marks on her breasts.
She held her breath and kept her gaze lowered as he eased his attention lower. More bruising on her thighs. The asshole probably tossed her over his shoulder and held her with a firm grip on her thighs.
“Turn around for me, Suzette.”
She shuffled to do as she was told, giving him her back.
He sucked in a breath as he observed the bruises on the backs of her thighs, some as high as her panties. Renewed anger consumed him, but he took the time to rein it in before he lowered her white lace panties to the floor. “Step out, Little doll,” he requested gently.