Free Claiming His Witch by Ellis Leigh

guts than I had, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to mine. Softly, a brush of a touch, but enough to set my world on end. The spirit of the wolf inside of me roared under the weight of his desires. I wanted her. In my bed and my arms. I wanted to cover her with my body and protect her from the world. I wanted to feed her, bathe her, and make her laugh. I wanted everything with her—I just had to convince her to want me, too.
    Our kiss stayed chaste, sweet and closed-mouth. Eventually, she drew back, her eyes meeting mine and her tongue flashing as she licked her bottom lip. Her smile grew in time with mine, both of us breathless and flushed. With a glance down, she opened her mouth as if she were about to say something, but a loud bang outside made us both jerk. I jumped and spun, landing on the balls of my feet as I put myself between my mate and the door.
    “Yo, Pup,” Beast yelled from outside. “I think you and Glinda better get your asses out here.”
    “Glinda?” I whispered, practically to myself.
    “The good witch from Oz. Your friend thinks he’s got jokes.” Azurine rose to her feet. I crowded her against the wall, needing her safe, fighting the urge to shift to my wolf form.  
    “It’s okay,” she said as she tried to push past me. “I can protect myself.”
    I growled and boxed her in until her back touched the wall, my body surrounding hers.  
    “Pup, calm down.” She ran her hands over my head, through my hair, and down my back. Her touch was comforting, settling my wolf in a way words never would. She was safe. She was with me and she was safe.  
    I swallowed hard and closed my eyes, fighting to stop the rumble in my chest. “I’m trying.”
    Holding me close, she shushed me and kept her hands moving over my body. Eventually, I settled enough to reopen my eyes, meeting hers as my growl finally cut off.
    “Sorry.”
    She shook her head. “Never apologize for your instincts or for wanting to protect me. I kind of like knowing I won’t ever have to fight alone.”
    “Definitely not.”
    “Good.” She smiled, her hands settling on my arms.  
    “You should wait inside. Let me go see what’s happening out there.”
    Without warning, a green light lit up the window and a large boom shook the walls. Dust floated in the air as the cabin settled back onto its foundation. My wolf practically ripped himself from inside of me, forcing fur and claws to appear where skin and fingers had been seconds before. I growled and tried to push Azurine back against the wall, but she shook her head and grabbed my face, pinning me with her stare.
    “I already know what’s happening. My coven is here, and they’re pissed, but they’re also my family. Do not, under any circumstances, attack them.” She brought her lips to my chin, kissing the gray fur that had appeared there. “Please.”
    I swallowed and nodded, not really sure if that was a promise I could keep.

SIX

Azurine  
    “Animals! Release the girl this instant.”
    I walked out of the cabin, letting Pup lead me. He was still struggling with his wolf, gray fur growing and receding with each breath. While I didn’t mind the thought of his protectiveness, I knew he’d put himself in danger if he went up against my coven unprepared. There were some powerful witches in my group, and I had no doubts any one of them could take down a wolf shifter if they felt threatened.  
    Once Pup surveyed the area, he stepped out of my way, though still hovering and on guard. I walked to the edge of the porch, nearly rolling my eyes at the scene before me. Bethesda stood, hands up and long hair flowing, a bevy of gold bangle bracelets around her arms, appearing more carnival gypsy than witch born of the powerful Marrin line.  
    Scarlett leaned against the railing at the bottom of the steps with her arms crossed. She nodded her head when I looked her way. “I tried to tell her.”
    “What is she doing?” I asked.
    “Saving you, apparently.”