Rebecca (BBW Paranormal Shapeshifter Romance) (Alpha Marked Book 4) by Celia Kyle

his gaze from the man and refocused on Rebecca. Her concern was palpable and reached into his soul. “I’m fine.” He gestured to his body, encompassing himself with a sweep from head to toe. “Most of this is his.”
    Still, tears entered her eyes, gathering on her lashes and then trailing down her cheeks.
    He reached for her, extending his arm and holding his palm flat. “I’m fine.”
    She rushed to him, carefully wrapping her arms around his middle, and he returned the embrace. He’d almost lost her before he had her. Had he been a moment too late… It wasn’t worth worrying about. He had her with him, safe and sound and at his side.
    Carson leaned down to press a kiss to Rebecca’s head, risking her rejection while hoping to reassure her. Her body trembled, sniffles and sobs escaping her lips. “Shh… I’m fine.”
    “I-I-I was so scared and he… and you… You can’t do that, Carson. I can’t… I don’t know how or why I feel like this, even after… but you can’t do that to me.”
    “I’m okay. It’s the way wolves are.” He laid his cheek atop her head. “We’re bloody and violent, but I promise I’ll never hurt you and I’ll keep others from getting near you. I promise. What happened downstairs—never again.”
    Another wave of shakes overtook her, and he held her throughout, waiting for the sharp edge of fear to release her. It was wrong of him, but he reveled in the opportunity to touch her. Jealousy had nearly cost him everything and he resolved to push the emotions aside. Pride was nothing when compared to having his mate in his arms.
    It took time, minutes ticking past as they clutched each other while Aidan looked on. The man’s gaze was a heavy weight on Carson’s shoulders, but he couldn’t spare a glance for the male, and he was sure his friend’s expression wasn’t one of welcome. His entire focus needed to remain on his mate.
    Eventually, the shudders lessened, and she relaxed against him with a sigh.
    “You okay?”
    “No.” She shook her head, and he smiled.
    “You will be. I need to wash and so do you.” While he’d enjoyed their hug, the dead wolf’s blood now coated her robe. “Let Aidan comfort you and I’ll see you both in the living room.”
    Even as the pain from losing her touch speared him, Carson was heartened by her reluctance to leave his embrace, at the way her feet shuffled across the tile and rugs decorating the floor. She was just as unwilling to leave him as he was uneasy with her easing from his protection.
    Now he needed to convince her, and Aidan, that despite the pain he’d caused, they should never let him go.

Chapter Eight
     
    Carson knew he didn’t have the right to touch or hold Rebecca close and assure himself she was fine. More than fine. She was uninjured and hadn’t suffered more than a bruise from her ordeal.
    That didn’t soothe his wolf. No, it enraged the beast. The animal was furious at the wolf who’d threatened her and focused even more of its fury on Carson’s human half.
    The beast couldn’t inflict any more pain than he leveled on himself.
    Watching Rebecca and Aidan leave the bathroom hand in hand as he remained in place, covered in blood and gore, was one of the hardest things he’d ever done. The wolf needed her with him. He’d fought to save her and now he wanted her within sight. The ache was second only to allowing Aidan to thrust Carson from his life. His heart knew the truth, knew he was born to rule at Aidan’s side. But his mind only saw the twenty-year-old Alpha who was afraid to approach a woman. His friend could face down the most fearsome opponent without a blink, but a female was another story.
    At least, it had been then .
    After the first time, the tradition was carried forward through the years, Carson choosing a female, convincing them of Aidan’s worth and the pleasure they’d receive, followed by an explosive encounter that lasted hour after hour.
    And somewhere along the way, he’d