“Stop that.” Melody squirmed in his arms and he chuckled at her feeble attempts to escape him. The sound apparently pissed her off because next thing he knew, she’d kicked him in the shins.
“Hey!” Instinctively, he moved back and she kicked at him yet again. Ryne lost his balance and fell backwards, but not before grabbing Melody and pulling her down with him. They landed on an old couch that creaked in protest at the sudden application of weight. “Why you little… !” Ignoring his throbbing leg, he wrapped his lower limbs around hers, stilling her movements. When she began hitting against his chest, he held her even tighter. Melody opened her mouth and realizing she was about to scream, he silenced her by clamping his mouth over hers.
Her struggles pleased his wolf and he began to kiss her thoroughly, plunging his tongue into her mouth while moulding her body against his with his hands. He pulled her hips into firm contact with his while holding her head in place with the other. Melody’s struggles lessened and he sensed a change in her. No longer was she fighting against him, she was struggling to get closer.
Ryne relaxed his grip and shifted so that she was on her back and he was partially on top. She ran her hands up and down his chest, tugging at the bottom of his shirt. He obliged her by sitting up and pulling off the offending piece of clothing, tossing it over his shoulder. As he leaned over her again, she used her fingers to explore the exposed skin. Melody flicked his male nipples before raising her head slightly and licking at them, eliciting a groan from deep inside him. For a moment he stilled, enjoying the sensation of her hot wet tongue lapping at him. Softly, she skittered her fingers down to his stomach, and he quivered from her gentle touch, feeling his manhood springing to life in response.
Suddenly, something inside of him roared, spurring him to take action. With quick precision, he stood and stripped off his clothing. Melody gasped as his throbbing erection was revealed and he smiled at her obvious appreciation of him. He reached down and tugged off her boots before easing her jeans over her derriere and down her long slender legs.
At his urgings, she sat up and tugged off her top, then moved to unhook her bra. Ryne noted how her hands slowed when she saw him watching her avidly. A blush of pink swept over her and she lowered her eyes.
“Ryne, I… ”
Giving her no time to think or worry, he placed on finger on her lips. “Shh… Let me.”
He sat beside her, his hips brushing hers on the narrow couch. Cupping her neck in his hand, he kissed her tenderly while brushing the curves of her breast with the back of his other hand. Obviously wanting more, Melody pushed herself against his hand and he caressed her through the silken cups of her bra. She purred her delight.
“Do you like that?” He smiled against her lips and she nodded her head enthusiastically. She clutched his shoulders tightly, her fingers digging deeper into his flesh. A rumble of approval echoed in his chest at the sensation. Yes, she is clinging to him, just as she should. Continuing to kiss her languorously, he released his grip on her neck and used his other hand to deal with the back clasp of the bra, all the while stroking and teasing her exposed flesh.
The material loosened, falling forward and Ryne drew back, ending the kiss. He watched with avid interest as the cups slid downward revealing her lush curves. Already her nipples were peaked with arousal and he longed to feel their stiffness against his palm; in his mouth. Making quick work of the bra, he palmed the soft flesh, rumbling his approval of the warm weight. He flicked the nipples with his thumbs then bent forward to suckle first one and then the other.
Melody whimpered in appreciation, digging her fingers into his hair and lifting her hips towards him in an age old invitation. A rush of pride swept through him; she wanted him. He made short work of her panties then brushed his hands over her lower curls. There was moisture seeping out, ready to receive him. Pressing between her lower lips, he flicked her sensitive flesh and she moved against him, moaning with need. Delving further, he tested her opening, finding it hot and wet, begging for his possession.
“Ryne. Please.” Melody panted her appeal, clutching at him, trying to pull him to her. Needing no further invitation, he shifted so that he was between her legs. He slid his hands under her shoulders and rested his weight on his forearms. His arousal brushed against her temptingly moist flesh. She whimpered in response.
“Do you want me?” He growled against her throat as he raked his teeth over her soft skin.
“Yes… I want you. I need you now.” Melody whimpered and squirmed under him.
Her desire pleased him, but his wolf wanted more. “Then show me. Show me how much you want my possession. Take me and guide me inside your body.” He half closed his eyes and watched as she slid her hands down his body and hesitantly touched his throbbing erection. A shudder passed through him as she caressed him, her thumb sliding over the head and then down the vein underneath. It was exquisite torture, the feel of her hand, the sight of her holding him. She spread her legs wider, bending her knees and tilting her hips before guiding him to her opening.
Ryne pressed forward until the head was buried in her. Melody’s eyes closed and her lips curved. He paused and her brow furrow. She looked up at him. “Don’t stop.”
“You want more?” He teased her with the slightest movement forward before stopping again. “Then what do you need to say?”
A needy sound arose from her throat. She slid her hands to his buttocks and tried to pull him closer. “More. Please Ryne. I need more.”
He nipped at her ear and whispered darkly. “Do you want me to take you? To fill you? To be so deep inside you that you can’t tell where you end and I start?”
“Yes!” Her head moved restlessly, her nails digging into his back. His wolf relished the erotica pain and finally gave in to the overwhelming need to possess her. He gathered himself and then thrust into her until he was buried to the hilt.
Heat and tightness surrounded him and he shuddered in pleasure. Melody felt so good, the walls of her tunnel pressing against his sensitive flesh, caressing him, holding him, as if she’d been made just for him. For a moment he stayed still, appreciating the sensation. He looked at her and saw that her lids were heavy, her lips slightly parted as she sighed in contentment. Shifting his weight to one arm, he brushed his hand across her cheek and down her neck to where a vein throbbed. Fascinated, he stared at the pulse point. With each beat, a feeling grew and thrummed inside of him. He could feel his canines lengthening and a voice in his head urged him to mark the woman he now possessed. Closing his eyes, he inhaled deeply, drawing her scent into his lungs, feeling her heat surrounding his body. Licking his lips, he bent forward and nuzzled her throat. Yes, yes, that’s it. Bite her, mark her…
He opened his mouth to comply with the instinctive demand, then hesitated, some last remnant of reason making itself known. She didn’t know; she might not be willing… Damn, she was possibly the enemy! Ryne drew his head back, feeling his ardour fade, but then she opened her eyes and smiled up at him, gently rocking her hips. His body responded and he pushed his concerns to the back of his mind; he’d deal with them later, right now there was a more urgent need. Slowly, he set the rhythm, watching her face and moving accordingly. She rewarded him with soft cries and smiles, little frowns of concentration and clutches of her fingers.
Slowly, he picked up the pace and Melody met him stroke for stroke. He went harder and deeper, his balls hitting against her bottom, her panting cries urging him onward. Sensation built within him, a tightening in the base of his shaft, a growing tingle. Knowing he couldn’t last much longer, he moved with even greater determination, the couch creaking with every thrust.
“Oh, oh… !” Melody stiffened, her limbs began to tremble, and then her back arched as her body clenched around him.
As her orgasm ripped through her, he allowed himself his own release. Grunting in pleasure, he twitched inside her, spilling his seed before collapsing on top of her.
Chapter 25
For a mome
nt they both lay still, appreciating the aftermath of great sex. Heavy limbs, a pleasantly relaxed feeling, a sheen of sweat helping to cool overheated bodies. Ryne reluctantly shifted his weight, pulling himself away from the sated woman beneath him. Resting on his side, pressed against the back of the sofa, he stared down at his companion. Melody had her eyes closed, a happy smile curving her lips.
He felt his own mouth forming a similar expression. Contentment filled him and his wolf. Good. This is how it will be from now on, the animal inside murmured. No more talk of sending her away.
No sooner had the thought passed through his mind, than he swore. Damn! He had no business smiling at the likes of Melody Greene. Whether innocent or not, he’d come here with the express intention of severing all connections with the woman. Instead he’d ended up having sex. What the hell was wrong with him? Was he ruled by his brain or his instincts?
Melody stirred and of its own volition, his hand reached out to gently brush damp curls from her forehead. Slowly she opened her eyes and stared up at him. He bit back a gasp at the tender emotions evident in her eyes. She smiled up at him, then mimicked his movement, brushing his hair from his forehead before curving her hand to cup his cheek. He leaned into her caress for but a moment before hardening his resolve and pulling away with a frown. Melody opened her mouth as if to speak, then froze. The happiness drained from her expression and her hand fell to her side.
Ryne knew he was the cause of her abrupt mood change yet couldn’t bring himself to remove the scowl from his face. This was all wrong; himself and Melody, his wolf, the Keeping, new pack members. He shook his head. There was no equation that could make them work together and so he scowled both in anger and frustration at the hand fate had dealt.
“Oh crap! You’re doing it again.” With surprising speed, she slid away from him, half falling onto the floor before catching herself and stumbling to her feet. She looked around and snatched up her clothes, turning her back to him while she quickly dressed, all the while hurling accusations over her shoulder.
“What is wrong with you? What kind of a man glares at someone he’s just had sex with? And don’t tell me that it wasn’t any good, because I know you got off!”
Ryne stood as well, saying nothing to defend himself, nor offering a kind word to relieve her emotions. He reached for his pants, slowly pulling them on. Idly he noted that his nudity didn’t bother him as much as her own obviously did. As her body disappeared from sight under layers of clothing, he wanted to protest, but didn’t. It was better this way. He wouldn’t concentrate properly if her delectable body was before him.
Once she was dressed, she turned to face him, arms crossed in a defensive gesture. “What are you? Some kind of Jekyll and Hyde?” She gave a brief, dark laugh. “Do you enjoy messing with my mind this way? One minute you’re so nice and the next you’re scowling like I’m a mass murderer or something. Which is it Ryne?” When he didn’t answer, her eyes started to cloud with tears. “Do you even care a bit about me or am I just conveniently available when you want sex?”
A wave of guilt washed over him as he saw the hurt in her eyes. He didn’t enjoy treating women this way. Hell, he never treated them this way. He loved women; the way they looked and talked, the quirky way their brains worked, the scent and feel of them… Sure, he wasn’t always a roses and pretty words kind of guy, but he had his own code of chivalry towards the fairer sex and it didn’t include blowing hot and cold like this.
“Melody, I—” He stopped not sure what to say. Could he tell her that his inner wolf lusted after her, but because she might be the catalyst that brought about the destruction of his pack, he had to push her away? Not likely. Thankfully, she didn’t notice his hesitation.
“Never mind. Whatever you have to say, I wouldn’t believe anyway. After all, you can’t even give me an honest answer about a dog!”
“What?” Her comment about dogs caught his attention. It made no sense to him whatsoever.
“It doesn’t matter. I’m leaving. I’ll… I’ll talk to you later about the damn interview.” She turned on her heel, grabbed the door handle to throw the wooden panel open… or at least that’s what it looked like she’d planned on doing. Unfortunately, she hadn’t noticed the door was locked and merely succeeded in wrenching her arm by pulling on the unyielding handle. Muttering under her breath, she dealt with the lock and stormed out of the room.
Wait. She can’t leave… She just did, so deal with it, he snarled at himself. Pulling his shirt over his head, he dropped onto the couch and leaned back, exhaling loudly. Staring at the ceiling of Armand’s office, he noted the spider web in one corner and a few stained ceiling tiles. There must be a leak on the roof, he thought idly. Maybe he’d offer to fix it as a sort of a payment for using the man’s couch without asking, not that Armand probably cared. No doubt the bar tender had used the couch for similar purposes a time or two.
Damn, but he’d screwed up big time; Ryne scolded himself, not even cracking a smile at the bad pun he’d unintentionally made. Whether she knew it or not, Melody had a thing for him and it was more than just the fact that he was a sexy, handsome devil, he was sure of it. For some reason, she actually seemed to like him and now he’d hurt her feelings. The worst part was that there’d be no ‘making up.’ In fact, he had to figuratively kick her again, by cancelling the interview and sending her on her way.
It was for her own good, as well as his pack’s. There was some alternative agenda associated with the interview, he was sure of it. And whatever it was, it would likely endanger her, as well as his people, if he let this continue. He was being cruel to be kind, he told himself. Sure she’d be angry, but if she left, everyone would be safer and that was more important than her hurt feelings.
Well, sitting here wasn’t solving anything and the ambiance wasn’t going to improve his mood. Ryne took in the dark panelling, over-filled filing cabinets, and truly bad paintings on the wall. He chuckled wryly as he studied the landscapes. Armand might have the soul of an artist, but his talent was better suited to serving beer. Heaving himself to his feet, Ryne went in search of just that.
*****
Back into the main part of the building, Ryne immediately headed for the bar. He leaned against the wooden structure and stared at himself in the cracked mirror that backed the liquor shelves. His face appeared to be set in stone, cold and unfeeling. It wasn’t how he felt inside, not even close, but it was a suitable mask to present to the world. Allowing anyone to know how he really felt at this moment was unacceptable. Alphas did not show weakness.
Armand set a beer in front of him and quirked an eyebrow. “What gives my friend? You came in looking happy enough and in less than five minutes you were taking the little lady out back. That usually results in a happier expression than the one I see. Was she not cooperative?”
Ryne gave a dry laugh. “No, she cooperated. We had a… falling out afterwards.”
“Ah, clingy was she? She didn’t listen to your warnings beforehand.” Armand nodded wisely. The bar keeper and he had shared numerous conversations about women, so the man knew Ryne’s policy. It wasn’t the case this time, but Ryne wasn’t about to correct him.
“Something like that.” Glumly, he took a swig of beer and turned to face the room. Near the pool table, Bryan and Daniel were racking the balls, preparing to play another game. They were showing no ill effects from his earlier growling. In the far corner, a few men were playing darts while half watching a rerun of last week’s hockey game. There was nothing to hold his interest, so he returned to brooding. Was Melody still here? He really should tell her the interview was off. That way she could pack up her things tonight and leave first thing in the morning. A quick break would be safer for everyone involved. He closed his eyes and discreetly sniffed the air. Her scent lingered, indicating she was probably still in the building. Good, he could say his piece here rather than driving out to her cabin. Scanning the length of the bar, he searched for signs of her.
Ar
mand gave him a nudge. “The little lady is at the far end of the bar, if that’s who you are looking for.”
Nodding his thanks, Ryne started to get to his feet, but Armand placed a restraining hand on him. “What?”
“It might be best if you gave her some time to cool down. She looked angry when she came back from your little encounter and, my friend, I do not believe her mood has improved substantially. This might not be the best time to approach. An upset woman is not to be taken lightly.”
“Normally, I’d agree with you, but the sooner I make this break, the better.” He glanced at the bar keeper then looked away. Armand was studying him with a puzzled expression.
“You are brushing her off so quickly? Why?”
Sighing heavily, Ryne tried to avoid the question. “Armand, maybe I’ll be able to later, but not now. It’s too damned complicated.”
The large man scowled at him before shrugging. “It is your choice. It is wrong, but it is your choice.” With that, he grabbed a bottle of whiskey and went to serve another customer.
Huh! Armand had certainly made his feelings known. Shit, the bar keeper didn’t know all the facts and had no right to judge.
Ryne turned his attention back to the spot where Melody sat. She was tracing rings in the spots of water on the bar, occasionally nodding in agreement to the men who stood around her chatting. Obviously, her success at the pool table had made her a bit of a local celebrity. For a moment, he pondered the irony of the fact that getting tipsy had probably improved her game.
A light was almost directly over her head and the beam illuminated the gold in her hair. It seemed to glow as did her skin, giving her an almost ethereal quality. With his keen sight, he was able to detect how her lashes swept down over her cheeks. They appeared a bit darker and spikier than normal as if tears had recently pooled in her eyes. An ache in the region of his heart was accompanied by a wave of regret. While the logical part of his brain told him that the present situation was no cause for guilt, the other half was heaping chastisements on his head.
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