Free Claimed by Rebecca Zanetti

shrugged. “You’re my mate, love. Your body knows that, even if you don’t. The marking is only one part of the process.”
    The mattress dipped and she found herself on her back, her gaze held captive by his. “I told you I won’t be forced into this by fate.”
    He nodded and his lips whispered against her. “Yes, you did. But I’m not fate.” Slowly sliding inside her, he nipped her lip. “I’ll give you time, Emma. But if you think I’m letting you go, you’ve misread me.” His polite, matter of fact tone did nothing to hide the determination in each word.
    A chill wound down her spine even as a warm hum set up in her core. Her eyes rolled back in her head as he started to thrust. Gently at first, then with a strength that had her nails digging into his skin.
    She’d argue the point with him later.

Chapter 5
    C ontrolling his irritation with the two feuding leaders, Dage finished his third meeting of the day. How in the hell had these assholes become leaders? He rested his elbows on the small conference table and nodded to Felix, the head witch of the New Jersey coven who sat to his right. “You’ll agree to the new boundaries?”
    The young witch flashed black painted nails and bit his lip, his bloodshot gaze sliding to where Conn leaned against the door of the makeshift office, a muscle ticking in his large jaw. Dage fought a grin. Conn hated diplomatic shit and would probably solve the problem by shooting both jackasses.
    Dage stamped down on his own basic need to do just that, forcing diplomacy to the surface once again. He took a drink of his grape energy drink, rolled his shoulders against the feeling of being trapped in a cage, and pierced the witch with a hard gaze.
    â€œUm, yes.” Felix shifted back to face Dage. “We’ll agree to the new boundaries.”
    Ignoring the hotel’s lemon cleanser scent, Dage turned toward Niles, the shit-kicking cowboy vampire who’d been trying to retake land lost by his uncle centuries ago. “Niles?” The dumbass had sat with his back to Conn and the door. Not smart.
    Niles perched his battered Stetson farther back on his head, his dilated eyes narrowing. “Ah, I guess.”
    What a couple of morons. Dage stood. “The papers will be ready for signature after the tea today. Gentlemen”—he allowed his canines to drop—“if either of you break this contract, I’ll come after you myself.”
    Both men made a hasty exit and Conn slammed the door shut. “I hate this shit.”
    Dage ignored the shredding pain in his hand from the unused marking. “I know. But Talen’s with Cara who isn’t feeling well, Jase disappeared with some redhead, and Kane is on a jet heading this way.”
    Conn’s eyes narrowed. “Cara’s still sick?”
    Dage shrugged. “I guess she had morning sickness with Janie, so she isn’t concerned. Though Talen ...”
    Conn grimaced. “I’ll keep my distance.”
    â€œGood plan.” Dage stood and straightened his dark suit coat before striding toward the door. “We need to get to the tea. You’re sitting with the prophets.”
    Conn hissed out a breath. “Seriously? Damn it. Milner’s on me to retrieve Moira and procreate. I can’t stand that guy.”
    Dage paused. “I have a feeling you’re preparing to do just that.”
    Conn nodded. “I am. I’ve waited long enough. She’s a full witch now and it’s time—after we get things settled here.” He yanked open the door. “But why do I have to sit with him?”
    Dage stalked into the hallway. “It’s either the prophets or the Bane’s Council. Considering we’re keeping something from them, I thought I’d face that challenge.”
    â€œMaggie,” Conn breathed.
    Yeah, Maggie. A young wolf shifter who’d been infected with the virus, and