by Alexa Silver
Thank God for morning people.
Feeling a bit more human, I head to the bathroom. Breathing in the steamy air, my lungs fill with Jase’s addictive scent. Damn, does he smell good.
Putting my now empty mug on the counter, I wipe a hand over the fogged mirror and brush my teeth before joining him. The hot water feels incredible on my sore muscles as I plaster my body against his and give him a languid kiss. His cock lengthens against my belly and I flash a seductive smile as he breaks the kiss.
“No time to play this morning, sleepyhead. Hurry up and get ready. You’ve got about fifteen minutes before we head out.”
He steps out of the shower and grabs a towel, leaving me standing in place under the hot spray. I have no intention of moving any time soon. The water feels too good on my aches after our marathon of sex. No way do I want to spread my legs over a bike for the next couple of hours. I’ll stay in the shower until the hot water runs out.
A blast of freezing cold hits me and I jump out of the stall with a shrill scream to find Jase, arm reaching in to the dial, a smug smile on his handsome face. He turns off the water and tosses a towel in my face.
“Daylight’s a wasting.”
“Pain in the ass morning people,” I grumble, hissing at the sound of his laughter.
I’m a low maintenance kind of girl and it takes me little time to pull on shorts, a T-shirt, my riding gear and comfortable boots. Dragging a brush through my long auburn waves, I pull it into a ponytail and head downstairs.
Mike gives me a thorough once-over and flashes a knowing grin as I stiffly climb on my bike.
“Mornin’, jerkface.”
“Good morning, sunshine.”
Lindy’s bike rolls up next to mine. Leaning over she whispers, “I want details,” before strapping on her helmet, effectively cutting off any response I would have made. And there’s no point denying the obvious. Hell, neither of us even showed up to work yesterday.
With a sigh, I strap on my helmet. “It’s going to be a long day.”
Jase takes the lead, guiding us through Houston and onto the Bluewater Highway. I’m glad to follow and not have to think about logistics. Once we get out past the busy tourist hub of Galveston, I relax into the sedate ride, enjoying the incomparable scenery.
It’s a beautiful spring day, the air cool and barely a cloud in the vibrant blue sky. We cruise along mile after mile of green Gulf waters, lush sandy beaches and low dunes covered by wildflowers. Trees along the beach are scarce, just a smattering of swaying palms and scrub pines, while the back bays are fringed by marshes and teaming with wildlife.
We take a turn down a side street and suddenly, Jase’s voice fills my helmet. When had the devious bastard hacked into my Bluetooth?
“We’re going to drive on the sand for a short distance. Speed limit’s ten. Stay on the path within the cones, and keep an eye out for pedestrians and sunbathers.”
“So basically it’s a ‘no fun’ beach. Got it,” I mutter in a droll tone.
He may be a sex god but at the moment he’s harshing my mood. I’m tempted to pop a wheelie in the sand just to see him lose his shit.
Riding on “no fun” beach doesn’t do much for me. It’s too controlled and restrictive with the cones and puttering speed limit. I’d much rather find a deserted stretch where I can race along the edge of the waves, catch air over the dunes, power slide and kick up some sand. Now that’d be some fun beach riding.
As we head back up toward the street, I decide to show my ass and get the blood pumping. Hitting the throttle, I rocket past the others, lean into a slide and spray a bunch of sand. Popping back up onto the blacktop, I sedately wait for them to catch up while enjoying Jase’s creative cursing.
It’s the little things.
Chapter 5
On the outdoor patio of the beach restaurant we stopped at, I peel off my jacket and drape it over the back of my chair. Enjoying the warmth of the sun on my face, I tip my chair back and stare out from behind my dark sunglasses at the waves lapping at the sand.
“Hey, Haidee,” Mike says while fiddling with his tablet computer. “What’s your last name?”
Distractedly I answer, “Portman.”
I don’t wonder about why he asked until I hear the sounds of a crowd and the whine of a dirt bike engine. Mike, Lindy and several others are hovering over the tablet; intently watching what I fear is footage of me. The announcer’s voice confirms my suspicion.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, you are in for a real treat. Next to take the track and tame it beneath her kickass bike is none other than the bad girl of supercross and motocross freestyling, four time National champion and X Games gold medalist, Haidee Portman.” He elongates my name to Haaai-deee Pooort-mannn.
Rising from his seat, meal forgotten, Jase moves around the table to watch with the others. Oh goodie. I can’t wait to hear more of his condemnation of my “balls out, reckless menace” riding style.
Soon as the video ends they all begin enthusiastically praising my riding. Everyone except Jase, who remains stoically silent. I listen to them gush until I can’t stand it anymore, casually shrugging off the appreciation. “It’s no big deal.”
Excusing myself, I hear another video being played as I head for the restroom.
I’ve never been comfortable with the rock star treatment gained from my riding in competitions and shows. Fame and adulation is not why I do it. I ride because it’s under my skin, in my blood, an integral part of me. And I’m damn good at it.
I eventually gave up professional riding because I just wanted to be me, a girl who rides for the love of it, not some idolized heroine to be fawned over. For some reason, people think that if you’re famous you don’t mind them touching you, interrupting when you’re having a meal in a restaurant or out with friends. After all, stars don’t need personal space.
I shudder over the memories of brash crowds fighting to get close to me, grabbing at me, shoving things in my face to sign while camera flashes blind me.
In the bathroom, I splash water on my face and stare into the mirror. All I see is me, not a superstar. I’m an accountant, for crying out loud. Hell, it still surprises me when one promoter or another calls and begs me to ride in their show.
I dry my hands and sigh. “Can’t hide out in the bathroom forever. Time to face the music.”
Stepping back out into the hallway, I come face to face with Jase. I close my eyes and sigh. I’d enjoyed just being the Davenport Darling’s sister while it lasted. Knowing that has changed leaves me feeling sad and exhausted. Too bad I still have another week before Lorelei comes back and I can leave.
“They won’t make a big deal about your riding. I took care of it.”
My eyes snap open wide, meeting Jase’s vivid blue ones. “You took care of it? How? Did you make them forget who I am? Or you turned back time so they’ll still treat me as a boring accountant, Lorelei’s annoying little sister?”
Leaning against the wall, I cross my arms over my chest and my legs at the ankles. See, this is me, casual and unaffected.
“Do tell, Jase? I can’t wait to hear this.” Well, somewhat unaffected.
He rakes a hand through his hair, which flops right back over his eyes, making my fingers itch to brush it back for him. Instead, I keep my arms and ankles crossed and stay in place.
A wild look spreads over his face as he glances around then grabs me by the arms and drags me into an office, slamming and locking the door. As I push him away, Jase lets out a heavy sigh and holds up his hands in surrender. “I’ve been there. I get it, Haidee.”
Oh, this is going to be priceless.
His hand rakes through his hair again. “I didn’t just go to mechanics school and take a job working on restos for the hell of it. I’ve lived and breathed cars since I was a kid. I worked Bush series and NASCAR racing. Was a head mechanic and then crew chief for a championship race team with a famous driver. So I’ve done the interviews, had the cameras shoved in my face while I f
ielded tough questions and struggled for an intelligent response when all I wanted to do was work on the cars and win races.”
I stand up straighter and Jase holds up a hand to stop me from saying anything.
“Oh, I know. It’s not the same. I wasn’t the big shot in the spotlight. Nobody wanted my autograph, picture or a piece of me.”
He does know because that’s exactly how I am treated.
“I ran interference for my driver when I could. I know the pressure he dealt with when all he wanted to do was drive. So yeah, I get it. And I went through an awkward phase when the staff at Davenport’s found out but they still treated me the same.”
Okay, so he does have a clue.
He waves a hand toward the door. “They’re not groupies. They don’t want to snap your picture or have you sign anything. They’re a great, down-to-earth group of people who love what they do. Many of them have been around fame before; they know the downfalls. Yes, they are excited that they know you but they won’t go crazy or treat you any different.”
“And what about you?” I hold my ground, outwardly calm but inside I’m quaking. We have something special and I don’t want to see it end. I want to see where it leads and how amazing it becomes.
“Me?” His lopsided grin makes my knees feel weak. “Oh, hellcat.” He moves closer, crowding me between his big body and the wall without touching me. “I’ll still go crazy over you riding fast and doing stunts because the idea of you getting hurt scares the hell out of me. I know how fast things can go critically wrong with deadly consequences.” Jase leans in, getting right in my face, almost close enough to kiss. “You haven’t accepted it yet, hellcat, but you’re mine. My mate.”
Holy shit, he said the words out loud. Called me his mate.
My heart speeds up, beating triple time, pounding against my ribs. Cold sweat breaks out over my torso and my palms feel sweaty.
“True mates.”
I sway on my feet, would have fallen if Jase didn’t take me into his strong arms.
“You haven’t clued in to it yet and I didn’t want to rush you, but think about it. What’s it take to get a female feline off?”
He rubs his nose against mine and presses a sweet kiss to my lips, making my head swim. I can’t think when my brain is sloshing around drunkenly in my skull.
“Takes a barb or a true mate, right?”
I nod my agreement.
“Well think back to all those orgasms I gave you with my fingers and mouth, no barb involved. We’re true mates.”
“B-but…you’re canine.”
His wicked grin has my toes curling in my boots.
“I’m hybrid. Black wolf and black jaguar. And we’re totally compatible.”
Oh. My. God!
“True mates, hellcat. When you take a close look at your right inner thigh, you’ll see my mark.”
I’m true mated? Marked?
My entire body is trembling and it feels as if my heart is going to burst right out of my chest.
“Breathe, Haidee. I’ve got you.”
Yeah, he’s got me all right. Mated me without my consent.
Placing both hands on his chest I shove him away, crank back my arm, ball my hand in a fist and hit him with an uppercut to the jaw. Jase staggers back a step and I am right there with him, staying in his face.
“You low-down, no-good, dirty dog.”
Shock fills his expression and he appears genuinely worried about my reaction. Good, let him sweat. Serves him right because holy crap, I’m mated. To Jase. And I didn’t know it. Jerkface!
“You marked me without my acceptance. Made me your mate without telling me first?”
I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing over his hangdog expression. He knows what he did is wrong and he deserves to squirm even though I’m squealing inside with excitement. In complete agreement, my lioness is doing backflips.
He’s perfect for both parts of me. Gorgeous and doesn’t know it, wicked good with a motor, likes to have his hands covered in engine oil, and a sex god. He’s definitely my kind of lover. Truth be told, I’m head over heels for him and have been struggling not to let it show.
“Haidee,” he implores. “Hellcat, I couldn’t help it. Lying between your legs, watching you quake with pleasure as you orgasmed again and again under my hands and mouth, going higher and higher each time, knowing you’re my true mate. I meant to kiss your thigh but when my lips touched your skin and you went wild, my wolf took control.”
Oh yeah, I remember the exact moment. It’s the same moment I first realized there’s more than lust between us. When I thought about going back to San Antonio when Lorelei comes home and not having him in my life. My heart stopped beating and my lioness went crazy, clawing and fighting to get free and claim her mate. He’s snuck past my guard and is under my skin. I can’t live without him.
“Well, understand this, Jase Wesgate.” I smirk at him, unable to keep my humor in check. Oh, poor baby. He looks absolutely terrified. Time to put my male out of his misery. He’s suffered enough for doing exactly what I want and making me his.
“You’re mine! My male. And there’s no going back. My lioness claims your wolf, just as I claim you. So there. What do you think about—?”
I don’t even finish speaking before he has me in his arms, mouth on mine, kissing the breath out of me. We are both out of control, ripping at clothes, desperate to get inside each other. Material tears, boots fly and then my back is against the wall, ankles locked over that incredible ass, pussy impaled on his cock.
“Oh, Jase. Yesss.” It’s too good. Within minutes I’m close, hanging on the edge as he pounds into me, driving me insane with his cock, the barb raking my walls, his thickness stretching me so good.
He growls, “Say it.”
I know what he wants to hear. And I’m ready to give him the words.
“Jase. I’m yours,” I pant. “Your true mate. And you’re mine.”
I cry out as he swells even bigger, knotting inside me. Angling my head to the side, I bare my neck. His hot breath wafts over my skin but he doesn’t make a move.
“Yes. Do it,” I hiss. “Mark me where everyone can see.”
His lips close over the curve of my neck, teeth holding me in place yet not penetrating. He’s holding back.
“Jase, dammit. Do it.”
As his teeth puncture my skin an orgasm blasts through me, shooting me high and then I’m crashing under tidal waves of pure bliss. My mate is in me. I’m knotted and barbed. Claimed and marked.
“Fuck yeah!”
His teeth withdraw and he tenderly kisses my mark, then bares his neck demanding, “Do it. Mark me.”
I’m nervous and excited all at once. I’ve never even considered claiming a male. Didn’t want a male to keep and never found one worth having. Until Jase.
I open my mouth wide and natural instinct takes over, my lioness leading the way. Clamping down on his neck, tasting his blood, making him mine has the most mind-blowing ecstasy washing over me.
Jase hisses, rocks his hips and howls his pleasure as hot jets of cum fill me. We are locked together in primal rapture that goes on and on until we’re sated and exhausted, hanging on to each other in order to stay upright.
We haven’t been together long but this is right. True. And wherever this road leads, we’ll make it work and enjoy the thrill ride, together.
About the Author
Nicole Austin
Colorado: The new frontier. This is the voyage of Nicole Austin. It’s been a lifelong mission. To explore awe-inspiring vistas. To get out of the rut, seek new experiences. To boldly go where she’s dreamed of being.
And she’s not taking this crazy journey alone. With some arm-twisting, kicking and screaming, she stuffed her best friend and co-author in the trunk of her muscle car, traded tropical beaches for snowcapped mountains and headed off into the great unknown.
A passion for erotic romance, along with the voices in her head that ref
use to be silenced, have led to the creation of provocative stories that push boundaries and release inhibitions, resulting in extreme reader satisfaction. Scandalous!
Now she lives in an incredible world where fantasy comes to life in bold, vivid detail. Well, until real life intrudes, but Nicole fights a valiant battle to keep reality moments at a minimum and hold on to the dream.
Visit Nicole’s website at: www.nicoleaustin.net
Email Nicole at: [email protected]
Hot As Hades
Regina Kammer
Hot As Hades
Persephone stumbled behind Hermes as he led her out of Hell, her soot-dusted, thin-soled sandals no match for the messenger god’s winged boots. Mr. Fleet-of-Foot practically hovered over the ground while Persephone endured the trek out of Earth’s molten core as a mortal might. She winced at every jab of jagged rock and squawked as she skidded on slick mud, all the while attempting to ignore her guide’s smarmy and suggestive offers of assistance. There had been legions of suitors for Persephone’s hand, each one of them rejected by Mama, but only Hermes continued to act like a jerk.
Surely they were almost at the top? Persephone’s calves burned, her back ached, her hands bled from grasping at cracks and crevices. At the very moment she thought her body would give out, she caught a peek of gray sky through the fissure in the ground. Relief flooded through her. Mama would be there, waiting to take her home. A burst of energy propelled her to mount the final craggy steps toward the fields of Enna, to the very spot near Lake Pergusa where Hades had captured her in a fever of lust four months ago.
Hermes climbed through the fissure first. He looked around, then brushed clumps of mud off his shoulders. “Well, my fiery queen, we’re here.” He reached down to her. “I’d offer my rod, but I fear your grip is far too small to encompass its girth.”
Persephone swallowed a retort as she grasped his proffered hand. She needed his help as she negotiated the final steps.