Revolting

Michael collapsed down next to Hannah, their bodies slick with sweat, both of them panting from the exertion of their lovemaking. Hannah made a whimpering sound and pulled Michael's head back toward her shoulder. Michael took a shuddering breath and put his mouth against the sensitive flesh between her neck and shoulder. He grazed her lightly with his teeth, before he closed his lips on the spot and sucked hard.

Hannah moaned, and her body arched against him. Her fingers laced through his hair and pulled him closer. She was begging him, not with her words, but with her body, to finish the mating ritual, to mark her. When he reluctantly pulled away, she growled at him. Michael rested his forehead against hers and took a deep breath to try and calm himself. "I'm sorry baby, I promised..."

Her tiny fist balled up and punched him hard on his bicep.

He rubbed at his arm ruefully. "Tell me then, Hannah. Tell me in words. Tell me what you want."

She narrowed her eyes at him, and then with a surprisingly strong shove for such a small person, she rolled him off from her body and scooted herself off the bed.

"Don't be mad Hannah," Michael ran his hands through his hair. "I'm just trying to do right by you."

She ignored him and angrily stomped toward the bathroom. Michael sighed and pulled himself off the bed to follow her, but she quickly shut the door in his face, and he heard the distinct sound of the lock being turned. He pounded his hand against the door a few times. "Hannah..."

After a moment he heard the sound of the water running in the shower. He leaned against the door and groaned. He closed his eyes and tried to calm his racing heart. Everything in him wanted to mark her. His wolf was howling in frustration. He couldn't tell her that it was more than just her lack of verbal consent that was stopping him from marking her, it was also the meeting of the Alphas that was looming in just a few days' time. It was gnawing at him like an ulcer in his mind. He could be executed. What would happen to Hannah if the Alpha's decided that Michael had to pay for his crimes with his life? The loss of a fated mate could be fatal to the partner that was left behind. More so, Michael was worried that all the progress she had made toward regaining the sovereignty of her human self would be lost forever if she lost her mate now. She wasn't nearly as attached to her brother or her friends as she was to Michael. If he marked her now, and completed the ritual, it would be even worse.

He rubbed at the mark on his own shoulder. He shouldn't have let her do it. He let his shoulders drop in defeat. He was still a selfish bastard.

He nearly fell into the bathroom when the door was jerked open again. Hannah stomped past him, her hair still wet and dripping down her t-shirt. She did not even look at him as she brushed past his naked body and headed for the door. He watched her shapely behind sway as she made her way to the back door and let herself out, slamming it behind her with a bang.

He had only one hope left... Eudora Carrole.

He'd never seen her do anything firsthand, but there were all kind of rumors about the young, female Alpha. They said she was some kind of earth witch. She was known to heal wound and sicknesses just by touching someone. They also said she had used her powers to torch her uncle, the former Alpha. Michael didn't really believe it to be true, but if it was true, he couldn't blame her. Alpha Vincent had been a cruel and crazy asshole. He'd terrorized all the northeastern packs for years, grabbing up power and money and lands wherever he could find it. Michael's own pack, the East Glade, had only survived by paying massive tributes to Vincent over the years. So, if the guy got fried by a witch, he had it coming.

But was it safe to let the woman put her hands on his mate?

The back door banged open again, and Michael jumped hopefully, thinking that Hannah had decided to return. Instead, it was William barging in with a shopping bag. He looked like a GQ model, with his hair perfectly styled, his face clean shaven, and his preppy buttoned shirt. William took one gawking look at Michael and slapped his hand over his eyes. "For the love of the full moon, man! Put some clothes on!"