Page 5 of Their Marked Mate

Alex looked at Nate, shocked and confused by her attitude. Alex no longer sensed fear, but neither did he sense desire. Why was she challenging him if she wasn’t ready for his cock?

She’s using anger to fight off her fear, Nate explained. Scan deeper. She’s terrified.

Nate’s empathic receptors were more sensitive than Alex’s, so he had no doubt that his beta was right. Fear was a useful tool, but his goal was compliance, not subjugation. His wily captive clearly understood that intimidation was mostly a bluff when it came to the females. He was not opposed to teaching his hunters lessons with his fists, but he would never harm a woman. Frustrated and unwilling to traumatize their potential mate, Alex withdrew his finger and straightened his back.

Nate nodded toward the table to their left. Alex turned his head and smiled. A large salad bowl, complete with a wooden serving spoon, had been left there after the evening meal. Alex retrieved the spoon and wiped it clean with a discarded napkin before returning to their defiant captive.

“Punishments are ineffective if the female enjoys them, and you’re eager for a good ass fucking. We’ll try this instead.” He spanked her with the makeshift paddle.

Luna gasped then stilled and sucked in a shuddering breath.

“It stings, doesn’t it?” Alex taunted as he delivered another flurry of smacks.

“Fuck you,” she whispered, but already the insolence was easing from her tone.

Alex spanked her firmly, ensuring that his point was made without causing her any lasting harm. His strokes fell steadily with little pause in between. Her ass cheeks were soon bright red, and his rebellious captive swayed from foot to foot, no longer able to stand still.

“Apologize for disrespecting the village alpha,” Nate prompted as Alex continued the spanking.

“Will he stop if I do?” The question sounded choked and desperate.

Alex paused and rubbed her abused cheeks, squeezing each side firmly. “Apologize and find out.”

“I’m sorry I was disrespectful.”

The words were barely above a whisper, but Alex understood each one.

She’s nowhere near broken, Nate warned.

Alex looked at him and nodded. Her emotions were complex and convoluted, but strong enough for Alex to identify. Hints of fear threaded through her frustration. Resentment simmered in the background, yet he also sensed desire. He desperately wanted to sink his cock inside her. Dominating her sexually was inevitable if he was going to claim her as mate, but now was not the time. She was still too filled with rage.

Knowing what her answer would be, Alex still felt the need to ask the question. “Are you ready to cooperate or does this lesson continue?”

“I’m a slow learner,” she whispered, voice trembling.

Moving behind her, Alex grasped her nape and slipped his hand between her thighs. Go print an anal trainer, he told Nate. She’s not ready for our cocks, but I don’t make idle threats.

Yes, alpha. Nate released her and headed for the utility room in the back of the clubhouse.

Alex stroked her pussy, soothing and calming her. “Defying me serves no purpose.” He teased her opening then gently stroked her clit. “Obedience will be rewarded with pleasure. Doesn’t this feel nice?”

She shook her head, but her hips began to rock. Her needy flesh slid against his fingers and a whimper escaped her lips.

“Come for me, Luna. Your defiance only hurts yourself.” His fingers circled her clit as her emotions flowed into his mind.

She wanted to come, needed it badly, but stubbornness held her back.

Her pussy was so damn soft. Alex needed to explore her with his lips, to fill his mouth with her taste and fuck her with his tongue. But that pleasure would have to wait until she was less hostile.

“Surrender to my touch,” he coaxed. “There’s no reason to resist this pleasure.”

“I hate you,” she cried, her voice trembling.

Stubborn to the bitter end. He was disappointed but not surprised.

Nate returned and handed Alex the trainer. He had already coated the tip with lube. Nate held her down while Alex eased her bottom cheeks apart.

“Wait! What are you doing?” She struggled, jerking her shoulders and bucking her hips as she tried to rise. Nate’s grip tightened, holding her firmly in place.