Ben’s Surprise for Jules

         “So, your message said you wanted to show me something?” Jules left Rose at the lake. Ty was with her. She’d be safe while Jules followed Ben’s lead.

         He smiled and gently took her down the shoreline. “Just a little farther, love. You’ll never want for anything again.” Ben’s deep voice promised so much that it sent shivers of excitement down her spine.

         “Kiss me again. Gods, your voice just fires me up.” She turned toward him, and he picked her up. He presented her back to the rough back of a tree as she wrapped her thighs about his waist. Gods, she felt so different. So free and powerful. Jules gasp when she realizes she could feel Ben respond to their now intimate embrace.

         “Be careful, little witch. You might not like where this ends. I’m not playing games.” Ben’s lips were exploring hers, demanding more each time she gave up a little more. She couldn’t help but bury her fingers at the base of his dirty blonde hair. Jules loved the soft feel of his hair. Just long enough to grip and maintain the kiss. He eventually tore his lips from hers. “That’s it, baby. I’m keeping you forever.”

         Jules gasped. His fangs had dropped. If they went any further, he might mate with her. “Ben! We can’t. You need to let me go.”

         “No, can do. You aren’t safe here. I can’t allow you to put yourself in danger. You’re coming with me, mate.” Jules couldn’t believe what she heard him say. Her body thrummed for more of this. But she feared the finality of what he said.

         His fangs glinted in the light as he spoke. “Don’t lie to me, darling. You want this as much as I do. But you’re going to have to wait. You’re no longer safe here.”

         “Why wouldn’t I be safe in my home? This is my home territory.”

         “Your father and your Alpha believe you and Rose are now liabilities to your pack. We have word they plan to get rid of you both.”

         “Get rid? Gods, must you do that? I can’t think straight.” His figures explored her core as they spoke. Jules became breathless and flustered.

         “Shh… I’ll explain later.” His fingers withdrew from her, leaving her with a longing for their return. “Now, into the SUV.” Jules didn’t see the SUV until he mentioned it. It’s dark finish masked it’s presence in the woods. His nose dipped just behind her ear, and he drew in her scent. “Don’t do anything stupid. You’ll be safe with me.” The side door opened, and he lifted her into the back. “Ty’s behind me, someone with the other. Keep an eye out for him. Then we get out of here as fast as we can go.”

         “Sure Ben. Hey, I’m Jay. You must be Jules.” The guy sitting behind the wheel smiled. “Ben, you’re a lucky guy.” He breathed in the scents within the vehicle. Jules blushed furiously.

         “I want out Ben. This is insane. You’re kidnapping me.”

         “Jules, I’ll do more than kidnap your if you don’t settle down. This is serious. You are my mate, and your home is no longer safe for you.”

         “My father doesn’t care whether I stay or leave. Why would he want to kill me?”

         Ben clearly was close to shifting. His voice was far closer to a growl than human speech. “He let Russel kill your mother, and he killed Rose’s mother. Do you truly think your being his daughter matters if he destroys his mate?”

         “What? No. She died birthing me. That’s what everyone has told me. Why wouldn’t they tell me about that?”

         “Really? How would they control you if you knew you weren’t safe with them?” Jules looked at Ben, horror-struck. Rose was right looking for a new pack for them to go to. Gods, this was worse than she expected.

         “How can I be sure I’ll be safe with you? If my father doesn’t care whether I’m alive or dead?”

         “I hold the mate bond sacred. Your life is mine. Understand. Your body and soul are mine.” Jay was hearing this.

         “Okay enough Ben. Stop before you can’t take it back if you regret it.”

         “My body and soul are yours for all time.” He finished it. It had been a witness. This was the closest thing a shifter could have to a human engagement. The documents are all but signed and sealed. They only needed to consummate it.

         “Wow. That was… fast. Congrats. I think.” Jay mumbled from the front seat. “Oh, hey. Heads up. Wolves.”

         “That’s Rose! Why is she in wolf form?” Jay must have triggered the door open again. “Rose! Here!” Jules didn’t get to say anything else before the wolf ran headfirst into the SUV followed by another enormous wolf. SUVs weren’t made for three people and two enormous wolves.

         “For crying out loud, shift!” Ben yelled as he struggled to slam the side door shut. “Go Jay. Get out of here. We’ll sort this out.”

         “Gods, we’re in so much trouble.” Jules said as she shifted in the seat behind Rose.

         “You’re both safe.” Ty stated to her as he accepted a couple of blankets from Ben. “This is all part of the plan.”

         “That’s open for debate. I assume you’re talking about what Ben said about our fathers’ planning on killing us or something. Do you have proof?” Rose had to give it to Jules for demanding proof. Rose’s brain hadn’t gotten that far.

         “Sadly, we have too much proof. There’s several people who know and they’ve been afraid to tell you. When we get back into our territory, we’ll talk about it.”

         Rose felt betrayed, but she wasn’t sure by who. Her father or her possible future mate. She didn’t know which one could put her faith and trust in. Only time would tell.

         Ty didn’t give her a choice. He put the blanket over her. Then he turned his head. “Did the others get out?”

         “Yeah, no one seemed to be around. They just walked in and got everything, then walked out. No one stopped or questioned them. I guess we need to get someone to pick up your clothes?”

         “Gods, yes. That wasn’t part of the plan. Why did you run, Rose?”

         “You weren’t being reasonable.”

         “Me? Rose, you’re the one who’s in danger from someone you should trust with your life. They shouldn’t be plotting to take it from you by force. Since I’m your mate. It’s my job to keep you well, happy, and, most importantly, alive.”

         Rose noticed Jay’s eyes on them through the rear-view mirror. He seemed extremely interested in Ty’s words. “Is there a problem, Jay?” she asked.

         “Just witnessing another wolf taking the plunge. I’m taking notes so I don’t make any mistakes.”

         “You do that. Jay, are you listening? I hold the mate bond sacred. Your life is mine. Understand. Your body and soul are mine. My body and soul are yours.” Rose couldn’t believe Ty was saying the oath. Jules protested his words. It was archaic. The other wolf didn’t get to accept or decline this. Now she understood. He’d waited to say it with witnesses. It was now binding.

         “You set this up, didn’t you? You made sure there were witnesses, so I couldn’t call you a liar.”

         “I’m not stupid. I knew on sight you’re my mate. When I got evidence handed to me, your father planned to deal with you when you were useless to him. I didn’t question it. I know your father’s ruthlessness from personal experience.” Ty wrapped the other blanket around himself as he informed them.