Free Gabriella - Alpha Marked, Book II by Celia Kyle Page B

mass
of bodies that slid around them. They created their own bubble in
the chaos after the Challenge. He released her hand and cupped her
face, both palms warm against her cheeks. “I want nothing more than
to mate you, Gabby. I made a mistake in not bonding with Berke, and
I refuse to repeat it by not mating you. The three of us belong
together. My body, my wolf, knew it. It just took some time for my
heart to accept the truth as well.” He brushed a gentle, chaste
kiss across her lips. “You’re the one, Gabby. Our Marked. Our
Mate.”
    The truth didn’t slither into her veins, but
pummeled her chest with never-ending strikes. She fought against
the tears gathering in her eyes. “Berke?”
    He stroked her back, fingers tracing her
spine. “From the moment I saw you, Gabriella. You know that. Our
Marked. Our Mate.”
    She nearly buckled under the weight of their
conviction, their assurances flowing over her like water. “Okay.
Your Marked. Your Mate.” She licked her lips. “Take me to your room
and claim me.”
    “Not the penthouse?”
    She wrinkled her nose. “I refuse to boink in
the same suite as my sister. It’s…icky.”

Chapter Five
     
    Another consciousness lingered at the back of
Berke’s mind. It drifted, thoughts of its own meandering within
him.
    Jack.
    Formerly blunted emotions coated his own.
Hints of fear overlaid with elation were present, and they could
only be attributed to his newly acquired Alpha Pair status. There
were well and truly tied together now, nothing able to tear them
apart save death. His wolf howled with joy, reveling in the
presence of the other beast. They had their other half, and it was
time for them to claim the missing part of their soul.
    Berke and Jack bracketed Gabriella as they
rode in the elevator, soft dings announcing each floor they passed.
They weren’t on the top floor like Keller, Garron and Scarlet, but
occupied the level beneath them in the event that they were needed.
They even had an inner stairwell that connected the two suites for
quick access.
    Since they’d probably be claiming Gabriella
this night, he prayed it wouldn’t be used any time soon. Like, for
the next fifty years or so.
    One last chime announced their arrival, and
the shining metal doors swooshed open to reveal a deserted hallway.
With Jack leading the way, Berke allowed Gabriella to precede him
while he covered the rear. Ever the warrior, he and his wolf were
intent on protecting their backs. It wasn’t so much the threat of
others as it was his fear of anything ever happening to their mate
that urged him to take the stance.
    Besides, it gave him the perfect opportunity
to ogle her rounded ass. Her rear mounds were plump and full, hips
swaying and butt jiggling with every step. He couldn’t wait to
nibble and nip her flesh, watch the flush of her skin as blood
accentuated his bites. He’d leave love marks all over her body,
ensuring that everyone knew she was a taken female.
    Our female. The voice was soft, his
connection to Jack too new for his friend’s voice to boom through
his mind, but he received it none the less.
    Berke followed the magical thread between
them, tracing the golden, twining strands until he was met with
Jack’s consciousness and he projected into his friend’s mind. Our mate.
    He sensed the other man’s wolf howl in
triumph and agreement. Yes, they were both on the same page when it
came to their luscious Marked.
    They paused just outside their door, and Jack
was quick to gain access to their suite. When Gabriella moved to
follow the other wolf, Berke stayed her with a gentle touch to her
arm. “One moment, mate.”
    She frowned at his light restraint, but
grinned when the word “mate” left his lips. “Mate…” She
whispered.
    “Mate.” He couldn’t withhold the pleasure
that the word caused him. “Jack just needs to ensure we’re alone
before we enter.”
    Her frown returned. “Why?”
    “We were already a target due to our ranks,
but we’re