Shattered

by Kele Moon

  “No!” Katie quickly answered. “I think I broke Merl’s nose, though. Amber attacked him from behind, not understanding that it’s our version of foreplay sometimes. I have to show him I can stand up to him when he becomes too controlling, and it turns him on. So, he was bleeding, and Amber kind of tripped him or something. He accidently fell on her and she got covered in his blood.”

  “Fuck.”

  “Yeah. She got some in her mouth or nose. Probably her eyes too. He was turned on, as I said. Bea put Amber to bed but she’s burning up with fever. It’s bloodlust. It’s my fault, and I swear it was an accident! Merl took off the second he could. He didn’t hurt her at all. I was the one who made him bleed, and she’s the one who rushed into my room and attacked him.”

  “I’m on my way.”

  “Don’t hurt Merl. I’m only calling because she’s my sister, and I realize you have a past with her. I thought you’d want to come help her out if she’s in heat.”

  “I’ll be there in a few minutes.” He ended the call and shoved his phone back into his pocket.

  Jazz stood. “I heard. Want me to track down Merl?”

  “No. I’ll get Amber’s version first. Katie would lie for him, but I don’t want to assume she is. I need to go.”

  “Get to Amber. I’ll handle everything here.”

  “I’m taking your bike.”

  Jazz unclipped his keys. “Claim your mate, Des.”

  “No, I won’t let it go that far.” He shook his head, even if the wolf in him howled in protest. “I could never tie her to me without telling her first. It’s a law for a reason. Plus, she’d hate me for it later.”

  “It worked out for Jason.”

  “Brandi is much more submissive. Amber had a rough life growing up and would consider it a betrayal she could never forgive if I bit her right now. She knows what it means.”

  “Well, she needs you now.” Jazz shrugged. “So, I’d make it count, big wolf.”

  Jazz tossed his keys, and Desmon caught them deftly. He ran out of the kitchen, through the back door, and found Jazz’s motorcycle parked behind a few cars in the long driveway. He climbed on and shoved the key in. The engine vibrated to life between his thighs a second later.

  Amber needed him, and she was in bloodlust. He’d be there for her and get her through it.

  A little guilt surfaced as his dick hardened. He didn’t want to be hard for her, knowing she was likely miserable being in heat—but he was.

  He sped all the way to the old house in the woods. He’d been there twice to speak to Katie and her sister about Merl. The silver car was the one that Amber had been driving when she’d left The Barn the night before. He parked next to it, turned off the engine on Jazz’s motorcycle, and hurried up the front steps.

  Katie jerked open the door before he could knock. “It wasn’t Merl’s fault. And I called you, didn’t I? I wouldn’t do that if he had done something bad.”

  “Fuck Merl.” Desmon didn’t give a damn about him at that moment. He pushed past Katie and inhaled. He picked up Amber’s scent immediately and every muscle in his body tightened with need. He had to bite the inside of his cheek to stop himself from growling. Still, his voice was low as he told Katie, “Go somewhere, and take Bea with you.”

  “This is my house.”

  He gave her a look, knowing she understood what Amber’s scent was doing to him.

  “Fine. I think I have ten bucks so we can have an ice cream in town or something.”

  Desmon yanked out his wallet and pulled out a few twenties. “Eat real food, and take your time. I’m sorry about your mother, Katie.” He’d almost forgotten that part. “I need to take care of Amber right now.”

  Katie accepted the cash and lifted her gaze. “Don’t hurt her. Her divorce was pretty horrible. She’s already dealt with one guy screwing her over.”

  Desmon had to lock his knees. “She was married?”

  “Shit. Um, I’m going to grab Bea and leave.” Katie fled into the kitchen.

  Desmon clenched his teeth. It could be worse. At least Amber wasn’t married anymore.

  He followed her scent down a narrow hallway to an open door. She lay on a small bed, her slim body curled into a ball under an old comforter with her back to him. He stepped inside and quietly closed the door.

  One glance back at the knob irritated him. There wasn’t a lock on it, and it terrified him, because he didn’t want to know what he was capable of if another wolf tried to break in. Amber made him feel dangerous, and he would’ve preferred to have her in a place where he felt she was protected.

  Instead, he bent, tearing off his shoes and socks.

  A low whimper came from Amber. He could detect the faint scent of pain filling the room. Bloodlust could hurt if someone tried to fight their body’s urges. She obviously was, which didn’t surprise him. She had no way of knowing what to do.

  He tore his t-shirt over his head and unfastened his jeans, shoving them down. His briefs went next. He hesitated, knowing humans probably weren’t accustomed to naked male werewolves crawling into bed with them to help out with blood heat.

  A female were would simply welcome the aid.

  Desmon bent and removed his wallet from his abandoned clothes. He opened it and pulled out a roll of three condoms he always kept there. Then he stalked closer, crouched down next to the bed, and placed the condoms on the floor. “Ams?”

  She jumped, startled, then turned her head. Tears shone in her gray eyes and she stared at him with a feverish look.

  “Hi.” Desmon reached out and brushed some of her damp blonde hair away from her face, seeing her forehead was beaded with sweat. “Katie called me,” he whispered. “She told me what happened.”

  “Wow, she really is pissed at me.”

  “She said you jumped into a fight between her and Merl. He bled on you.”

  “So, you came to see me be miserable?”

  “No. Never. I came to help you.”

  She rolled a little toward him and broke eye contact, staring at his chest instead. Her light eyes widened.

  “I know you’re suffering right now. An unplanned heat can be very painful without a partner. That’s what male wolves can do when you’re exposed to their blood. It’s actually illegal in our world, to force our blood on women, but Katie said it was an accident.”

  She fumbled with the covers to free one arm and reached out to him. He held still as she lightly brushed her fingers against his chest. He lowered his chin, watching her trace the tattoo over his heart.

  “It’s…it looks exactly like the wolf I carved for you.”

  “I made it our pack symbol.” He lifted up enough for her to see more of his chest, but not reveal he’d completely removed his clothes. The word “Nightwind” was inscribed under the wolf. “You might have left me, but I’ve always kept you with me.”

  Amber reacted as if his skin burned by yanking her hand back. “Don’t do this to me, Des.”

  “Do what?”

  “I feel like shit.” She fisted her hand. “Just leave me alone. I can’t fight you right now.”

  “Then don’t. Let me help you.”

  “Katie called you to get even with me. Mission accomplished.”

  “She’s worried about you.”

  “Right.” Amber squeezed her eyes closed and turned her face away. “She thinks I’ve come to wreck her life and steal Bea from her. I didn’t know Rich would start hitting them once I was gone. They were the only two people I ever saw him give a damn about.” She sucked in a sharp breath and writhed under the covers. “Shit!”

  “Stop fighting your body. It’s making you anxious. Try to relax.”

  “I’m burning up inside, but I’m so cold! Maybe I have the flu.”

  He’d had enough. Talking wouldn’t help her. Actions would. He gripped the comforter with both hands and lifted it, revealing she only wore a damp towel around her body. “No wonder. This has to go.”

  She struggled a little, trying to get
away, but the bed wasn’t big and the other side of it trapped her against a wall. He got ahold of the towel and tore it off her, tossing it on the floor behind him. He rose up, climbed onto the mattress with her and yanked Amber closer.

  She stiffened in shock. “You’re naked!”

  He ignored the panic in her voice as he turned her to face him. “Cuddle up to me. I’ll warm your skin.”

  “This turns you on?” She gave him a dirty look. “You’re poking me in the thigh.”

  “You turn me on. You always have, and I’m not going to apologize for it.” He adjusted her again. She wasn’t in any condition to put up a fight as she made feeble attempts to push him away. He came down on top of her, making sure he didn’t crush her with his weight. “Wrap around me.”

  She hesitated.

  “Do you want to get warm and stop hurting? Do it.”

  She hugged him around his neck, then spread her thighs and curled them around his waist. She hugged the back of his legs with her calves. “You feel feverish, too.”

  “I run hotter than you. All shifters do. Can you trust me, Ams?”

  “Nope. Not as far as I can throw you.”

  He laughed and captured her face with his hand, so she had no choice but to look at him. It put their mouths close together. “There’s that bluntness I’ve missed so much. I’m not going to hurt you.”

  “You mean again?”

  That killed his humor. “I didn’t touch Millia. I walked off into the woods with her but that’s all I did. She didn’t want to have a baby with me. Her uncle ordered her to. Once we were alone, I told her I’d rather die than get her pregnant, and she said we had that in common. We lied to Albert by swearing we’d fucked, but it never happened. She ran away to another pack before her next heat cycle, so he couldn’t order her to try again.”

  “She’s gone?”

  “She came back after Albert was killed. She mated the wolf she loved, and they have four pups. Her uncle had forbidden her from mating while he was alive because she fell for someone he didn’t approve of.”

  “Enough.” She shivered under him. “I don’t know if you’re telling me the truth or not.”

  “I wouldn’t lie to you, Angel.”

  “Don’t call me that. I don’t know you anymore, Des. I’m not sure if I ever knew you.”

  “I don’t have any pups. Ask your sisters if you don’t believe me. Millia was in heat. If I had fucked her that night, I would probably have one.” Desmon caressed her arm while trying to keep the inhuman growl out of his voice because she smelled like pure sex. “Let me help you.”

  “You are, actually. I’m warmer. I still feel like shit but I’m not shivering.”

  “It’s not going to get any better until you find an outlet. You’re suffering bloodlust, and it is agony without a partner.”

  “What does that mean? I don’t want to kill someone. Just the thought of getting up and trying to walk makes me want to cry. I hurt all over.”

  “I can make it better. Will you trust me?” He searched her beautiful eyes, hoping she’d agree.

  She didn’t look convinced, but she nodded.

  “Just go with your instincts and don’t fight them.”

  He closed his eyes and did the one thing he’d always wanted to. He kissed his Ams.

  She had a soft mouth, and she gasped, opening up to him. He took advantage of it and swept his tongue between her lips.

  He expected her to try to twist away, but Amber surprised him when she kissed him back, opened–mouthed and hungry.

  The rush of desire nearly blinded him.

  He growled when he felt her small, firm breasts pressed against his chest. She dug her fingernails into his skin, pulling him closer. She even arched her back, frantically grinding her pussy against his lower stomach, making him near savage with lust. He’d told her not to fight her instincts, and his angel had listened.

  He released her face and ran his hand down her side to cup her ass. She had a great one that perfectly filled his palm.

  Amber traced a hand up from his shoulders and fisted his hair at the back of his neck, as if she were afraid he’d stop kissing her. Hell hasn’t frozen over yet. She ran her other hand down his arm, and then tried to wiggle her fingers between their stomachs. She moaned against his tongue, kissing him with a frenzy that matched his own. He lifted his hips a little to allow her to reach her pussy, assuming she wanted to rub her clit. Most women were mindless for pleasure when consumed with bloodlust.

  She bypassed herself to find his hard shaft, and he groaned when she wrapped her fingers around him. She tried to pull him toward her pussy, bucking a little to bring them closer together, since their bodies weren’t quite lined up right.

  He ignored the pulling on his hair when he turned his head enough to free his mouth. “Condom first.”

  “Des! Now, I hurt!”

  He opened his eyes and stared into hers, realizing the moment she gave into the bloodlust, it had consumed her.

  “One second. I brought condoms.” He tried to lean a little to the left to reach where he’d left them on the floor.

  She viciously yanked on his hair to keep him in place and lifted her head, going for his throat like one of his kind might. He groaned when she bit him. It wasn’t hard enough to break skin, but her hot, wet mouth and those teeth did a number on him. His dick was rock hard, and his balls ached to the point that he could barely think straight. He wanted to be inside her as much as she wanted him there.

  “Condom,” he snarled, trying to remind them both that they needed one.

  “It’s okay,” she panted under him. “I got it.”

  It was nearly impossible to think with the scent of her arousal filling his nose. It had grown so thick in the small room that he could damn near taste how wet and needy she’d become. His lower belly, where she still rubbed her pussy, was proof enough she was ready to take him.

  Amber bit him harder and stroked his shaft, bucking under him with a greedy desperation that was forcing his wolf to the surface whether Desmon wanted him there or not.

  He lowered his hips, trapping her arm between them, and letting his weight settle over her in an attempt to pin her down. She was surprisingly strong for a human, likely from the bloodlust. He leaned to the left again but Amber clung to him, so she turned with him as he blindly reached over the side of the bed, trying to find the damn packets.

  The shift of their bodies freed her from being completely under him, and she let go of his hair to hook her arm around his shoulder. She arched her hips right as he brushed the roll of condoms with his fingers. He couldn’t get a good hold on them since they slid on the hardwood floor. He scooted more to the left, and Amber squeezed him, guiding the crown of his shaft to her pussy.

  He froze, closing his eyes as she rolled her hips.

  “Fuck,” he snarled.

  She was wet and hot. It was torture as she adjusted his dick just a bit and tried to use her grip around his hips to pull him closer with her legs. She was small, tight, but so ready to take him. She gasped loudly and rolled her hips again, still holding his dick, trying to guide it into her.

  “Condom,” he got out again.

  “Des, I got it. I’m on the shot. I can’t get pregnant.” She bit him again, moaning his name against his skin. “Please!”

  He wasn’t a hundred percent certain human birth control would work, but his hold on the beast slipped and he jerked his arm up, braced his elbow on the bed, and shoved his body to the right, centering over her. “Let go,” he ordered.

  Fuck knew, he didn’t want a stupid piece of latex between them when he finally took his mate.

  It had been so damn long, wanting her—needing her—desperately.

  She released his shaft and pulled her hand out from between them, groping his ass instead. He thrust forward slowly and threw his head back as he sank his dick into the snug confines of his Ams.

  His wolf went insane, and he almost howled.

  They were intim
ately joined, the way he’d fantasized about forever, and it was better than he’d ever imagined by a thousand times.

  Amber moaned and bucked under him. He’d told her to follow her instincts, so he did the same. He pinned her under him tightly and began to thrust, fucking his mate hard and fast. Everything inside Desmon demanded that he make Amber his and show her that she belonged to him.

  Her sharp cries and moans helped him figure out exactly what pleased her the most. Every hard thrust pushed her closer, and she climaxed quickly, her body tensing beneath his with a shuddering gasp of ecstasy. She clung to him tighter, her nails digging into his shoulders, her vaginal muscles squeezing his dick so tightly, he couldn’t hold back—he came too.

  Violently.

  A whitewash of pleasure that made his teeth grow long, but Desmon was still there somewhere. He turned his head rather than bite her, even if everything in him was screaming at him to finally tie Amber to him forever.

  5

  Amber clung to Desmon until her breathing slowed. She kept her eyes closed, with her face buried against his throat. They’d just had sex…and it had blown her mind. Parts of her body below her belly button felt a little short-circuited too, in the best way. They were practically plastered together, with her wrapped around his big body, and his cock still inside her. She’d always wondered what sex would be like between them.

  Now she knew.

  Desmon seemed determined to destroy her. Seeing him again had been hard enough. All she’d wanted was to leave town before she could make a fool of herself a second time. It had been difficult enough to pick up the pieces of her broken heart the last time Desmon hurt her. She’d worked hard at moving on, had married Jeff, then survived an ugly divorce.

  Desmon made her feel more in one night than Jeff had throughout the entire course of their marriage. It wasn’t just with her heart, either. Now he’d shown her he could do it to her body, too.

  He adjusted his weight over her a little as he slid his fingers into her hair. He gave a gentle tug but she refused to move. He might want to talk, and she had nothing to say. Not yet.