by Tia Louise
I started out on the complete opposite end of town at Fool’s Gold Cliff, and dug up a few chunks of pyrite from the cliff face for good luck. The area was too populated with families and groups of hikers for my mood, so I rounded to the north to Nightmoon Lake then followed the creek back around and into the forest.
Only once did I hesitate, when I found myself in the little clearing where I’d first encountered Koa that magical night last week. I sat on the grass and had a moment remembering everything we’d done. We hadn’t only made love, I’d told him about the town and a little about me. Not too much, of course, as I believed him when he said he was just passing through.
It’s all spoiled now. After the way I acted at the gym and at the Spare Lounge, I can’t blame him if he never wants to speak to me again. I haven’t decided if this means I’m having second thoughts. Plucking a blade of grass, I split it down the center with my fingernail and pull it apart. I would like to talk to him again.
“What are you doing out here alone?” The stern, deep voice causes me to scream, and I’m pretty sure I jumped a foot off the ground.
Standing now, I’m face to face with the devil himself. Koa is in the woods behind a small tree. At the sight of his luscious bare chest, I know he’s come out of his shifter state. Too bad the foliage hides him from the waist down.
“I’m sorry?” My voice is still a little shaken from the fright, but I’m annoyed by his overbearing tone. “Am I not allowed to hike by myself anymore?”
His brow furrows, and I can tell he’d like to confront me. Watching him stand there, glowering at me, unable to come out because he’s nude, I start to giggle.
“What’s so funny?” He growls, which makes me laugh louder. “Mercy…”
“I’m sorry!” Shaking my head, I touch the tears in my eyes with my fingertips. “I was actually thinking I’d like to talk to you, and here you are… Only, you’re shouting at me from behind a bush naked.”
It’s so ridiculous, I start to laugh again, but this time when he speaks, his tone is gentler. “You shouldn’t be in the woods alone. It’s dangerous.”
“I’m not afraid.”
Stepping a little closer to where he stands, I want to say so much to him. I want to explain why I said what I did at the gym. I want to explain my entire life and why it’s best if we don’t see each other right now—maybe when we’re in California, but not now.
It’s when I remember the feeling I had last night at the window, and a surge of warmth blooms in my chest. “Were you at my house last night?”
His chin drops, but he answers me. “Yes. I’m trying to honor your wishes and stay away, but… I can’t explain what’s happening, what I’ve encountered.”
I’m so accustomed to mysterious things happening in Woodland Creek, I’m less concerned with his experience than how his presence affects me.
“Thank you for being there last night. I slept better than I have in weeks knowing you were there.”
He blinks up at me, confusion in his green eyes.
I don’t wait for more. I grab my water bottle and run down the hillside, back in the direction of my house. I’m not sure if I’ve changed my mind about him. I need a little distance to decide what this means.
Twilight is breaking when I get back to my house. The entire way back, I felt him behind me, following me. I looked back a few times and caught the dark shadow of his panther form.
He’s watching over me, and the surge of happiness it sends through my chest forces a smile from my lips in spite of myself. I might want to resist him for fear he’ll trap me in Woodland Creek, but I can’t deny what he is. I go straight to my room and strip off my clothes before stepping into the shower.
Koa
Mercy’s safely in her parent’s mansion, and I do a quick check of the perimeter. Nothing is out of order, and I don’t scent any supernatural beings. Going back to my spot from last night, I get comfortable and wait. Once she’s settled in bed, I’ll head back to town and get some rest. If I’ve got to work tomorrow, I can’t spend the night on the cold ground again. It was bad enough losing last night and today. I have to trust she’s safe inside her home.
My eyes open about an hour later, and I realize I’m no good to her out here. I’m satisfied nothing is threatening, and I take off, running quickly back to the garage apartment. The neighborhood is quiet when I shift back and grab my church clothes from behind the steps.
Upstairs, I run a quick shower. I linger a moment under the spray, but I’m too tired even to jack off thinking about her. I shut off the water and towel dry before crossing the small space and collapsing on the double bed. I’m asleep before I even think to lock the door.
It’s so dark when I open my eyes, it takes me a moment to register the quiet hiss of rain outside. That’s not what woke me. Something is in my room. I sit up, but the moment I inhale, I know who it is.
“Where are you?” I say softly.
The faintest hint of blue-violet light shimmers at the foot of my bed, and I can just make out her form in the darkness. I know she’s nude, and I wish for moonlight. I want to see her beautiful body.
“How did you get past the door?” My voice is a rumble in the darkness.
Hers is a soft whisper. “It wasn’t locked.”
“Why did you come here?”
“To apologize for what I said.” She rounds the corner of the bed to the side where I’m lying. I can just make out the curve of her breast. “I was afraid.”
“Why?” My fingers ache to touch her.
“My entire life is focused on leaving Woodland Creek. I was afraid you’d ruin my plans.”
Fatigue gone, I’m on edge, desire tight in my stomach. “How could I do that?”
“Because I want so much to be with you again.”
It’s all I needed to hear. I rip back the covers and pull her naked body against mine as I claim her beautiful mouth. Her soft breasts smash against my chest, and I roll her so she’s under me, pinned by my huge physique.
She struggles to get her arms free. I let her, but she doesn’t push me away. She puts her hands on my cheeks and pulls me to her, kissing me harder like before, like our first night in the meadow.
Catching the top of her head, I pull her hair back, tilting her chin upward so I can dip down and pierce her skin. She trembles in my arm, letting out a little moan as I taste her blood. She’s not lying to me. She’s changed. Something very surprising has changed in her, in both of us, and I release her hair so our eyes can meet.
The clouds move apart and light filters in through the windows. It’s not a full moon, but it’s enough that I can see her eyes round and glowing blue. Neither of us speaks; we only look in each other’s eyes. Now that there’s light, I roll away onto my side so I can see her body in my bed.
She watches as I slide the back of my finger from my mark at her neck, over her collarbone, and down the soft swell of her breast. Her nipple hardens, and I pause, circling the tip of my thumb around it. Another little shiver, and her back arches, bringing her closer to my touch.
I blink back up to her eyes, and they’re darker now. Her lip is clamped hard between her teeth, and her skin glistens. My erection aches for her wet heat, but I want to go slow. I’ve been thinking about this for days, thinking I might never touch her body again. She was lost to me. Now she’s found, and I want to take my time with her.
Flattening my palm against her stomach, I spread my fingers over her torso, before sliding them down, curling my longest into her when I reach her core. Her eyes roll closed with a moan. She’s so wet. Her head drops back as she slides the length of her body against mine. Her beautiful breasts bounce along the ripples of my chest.
“You’re so beautiful,” I whisper, working my fingers in and out as my thumb circles her clit.
A slim hand fumbles to my dick, and I feel her grasp me, pumping my shaft up and down. Her fingers don’t meet around me. I’m too thick, and for a moment I think I ought to have been gentler our f
irst time. Then I remember how hard she slammed her ass against my torso once I was inside her. A little smile, and I decide it was okay.
“Koa?” It’s a soft gasp.
“Yes, beautiful thing?” I’m savoring every second of this encounter like a fine wine or an expensive dessert. I want to remember it always.
“I want you inside me,” she moans, grasping my shoulders.
I won’t make her ask again. I roll onto my back and she’s up, straddling my waist and positioning the head of my cock at her pussy. One fast drop and my eyes roll back.
“Oh, fuck,” I groan as her muscles squeeze the length of my dick, base to tip. “Jesus, Mercy, you’re so tight.”
She’s lost in her own pleasure, eyes closed as she rides me. Her small hands are against my chest and she braces herself as she bounces, pushing her breasts together in the most gorgeous way. I watch through hooded eyes as her chin drops forward, her beautiful hair falls around her shoulders, dancing in slight bends at her nipples.
Her hips move faster, rocking forward and back, and I don’t break her rhythm. I reach back to squeeze her soft ass and run my thumb along her clit.
“Oh!” She jerks when I touch her, squeezing me so hard inside I almost blow.
I touch her again, gentler this time, barely massaging her swollen clit. She’s so close it only takes a few strokes before her head falls back and she wails so loudly, I’m sure the neighbors are hearing this.
Her insides break into spasms, and I let go, pulsing into her, filling her as she continues moving over my hips. A little bead of sweat traces down the inside of her neck, slipping between her breasts, and I lean up to lick it away. Her hands immediately cup my cheeks, pulling my mouth to hers.
We kiss each other roughly and ravenously. I’ve just come, but I’m easily hard for her again. Repositioning her, I move her onto her stomach so I can slide into her from behind.
Her arms are trapped at her sides this time, and I don’t let her go, gripping them firmly as I pump into her fast and hard. Her face is in the pillow and she’s whimpering. Still, she arches her ass up to receive my dick. I keep going harder, faster. I’m not stopping until I come again, which doesn’t take long.
My orgasm breaks, and for a minute I have to hold her, hold still so I don’t shift. The pleasure is overwhelming. I’ve never felt anything like this, and I’m pretty sure I know why.
Releasing her arms, I fall to the side, gathering her limp body to my chest and kissing her head, her face, dipping down to kiss her shoulder. She only holds me, eyes closed. Her fingers trace into my hair and I feel her lips softly touching me.
“Let’s sleep now,” I whisper, and she nods, curling into my side like she did the last time. She’s my little lynx, and I curl my body behind hers, holding her to me as we surrender to sleep.
8
Sharing
Mercy
Dawn is a hazy glow when I open my eyes again. The rain has passed, and I’m in Koa’s bed with his large body around me. His arms hold my waist, and we’re curled tightly together. I’ve never felt so perfect.
Once I realized it was him who had been outside my window, he’d been the one to chase the fear away and allow me to sleep, I knew I couldn’t wait for California. I needed to be with him. Last night had been the second most incredible night of my life.
Now, however, it’s morning, and I have no clothes. I came over here in my lynx form, thinking I’d apologize hopefully get lucky, and then slip out again before anyone was the wiser. Somewhere along the way, my plans changed, and I couldn’t leave. I think it was when the moon finally appeared, and we saw the same thing reflected in each other’s eyes.
What’s happening between us is more than a casual hookup. Still, I won’t say the words yet. Even though we’re shifters, it’s too soon, and I have too much at stake to follow that train of thought at this point.
Twisting slowly, I try to loosen his grip without waking him. It doesn’t work. When I start to squirm, his grip on me tightens, then he relaxes and lets me go, rolling onto his back with a deep exhale.
I’m on my stomach, propped on my elbows, and I look up at him through my hair. “I need to go now.”
For a moment, he rubs his face before pushing into a sitting position. Green eyes catch mine, and the little spark in them sizzles low in my belly.
“Come here first,” His voice is scratchy with sleep, but he reaches down and easily pulls me onto his lap.
Our chests are pressed together, and I drop my head to his shoulder, thinking about morning breath and wondering if my eyes are crusty. He catches my chin and lifts it, nipping the side of my jaw before moving his mouth into my hair.
“Good morning, beautiful.”
My eyes press closed at the humming sensation his voice triggers just below my skin. “Koa, I need to go.”
“Okay,” he whispers, kissing my ear.
I feel his erection against my thigh, and I know I can’t leave him unsatisfied. Lifting my chin, I move forward on his lap, lifting my ass so I can take him deep inside me.
“Mmm,” it’s a low rumble against my skin, and the flames in my stomach fan hotter as he grips my hips.
“I thought you had to go,” he says, but I hear the smile in his voice.
I don’t stop working him, moving my arms around his shoulders so my breasts bounce between us with each thrust.
“Oh, Mercy,” he groans, and my insides clench at the sound. “Mercy.” Again, my body responds to him. The pressure low in my stomach is tightening as he scoops my ass, grinding my clit against his pelvis.
He moves me faster, waiting for me to come. My heart beats harder until I’m sure it will fly out of my chest. The tension in my stomach is almost unbearable then I feel his teeth against my neck. He bites me, sucking hard at my skin, and I explode, my orgasm shimmering through my stomach as pleasure snakes up my thighs.
“Koa… oh, Koa.” I’m burning in his arms and he comes with a low groan.
I feel every pulse, every movement of him stretching me to the core. We finish, and he still holds me close. His arms are tight around my shoulders as his lips press against my temple. I’m holding on for dear life, my knees pressed to my chest, his cock buried deep inside me.
I’m not sure I can shift. I’m not sure I can move. I never want to leave the circle of his arms. It’s several minutes before I realize he’s still kissing my face, sliding the palm of his hand across my lower back and down, cupping my ass.
I manage to lean back and clear my throat. “What was I saying?”
His face splits with the most beautiful smile, and he actually laughs. I can’t believe the sound.
My breath catches, and I have to blink to clear the mist in my eyes. “I’ve never seen your smile. I’ve never heard you laugh.”
He leans forward to kiss my eyebrow. “I haven’t had much reason until now.”
“I like that I make you smile.”
“Me too.”
Again, our eyes meet, and I feel something… Something I don’t want to feel right now. This time, I drop my chin and move to sit beside him on the bed.
“I really do have to go before I’m caught here.”
“You know, I have clothes you can borrow.”
“They’ll be way too big.”
I stand and go to the door completely nude. When I look back, I see the gleam in his eye as he watches me. “You’re not getting any arguments here.”
I turn the knob, leaving a crack in the door, but I wiggle my naked ass at him before I shift. I’m on four paws and darting down the back stairs when I hear his laugh again and warmth fills my chest.
Koa
Weekdays are slow at the gym. Other than a few retirees and one young mother working with Mercy on losing her baby weight, it’s just Andy, Jim, Mercy, and me hanging around, working on our fitness for most of the day.
I keep my distance from Mercy when we’re working. Andy did threaten to fire me if I didn’t stay away from her, and I re
spect his position as my boss. Still, we’re pretty addicted to touching each other when we pass in the halls, and I can’t resist grabbing her slim hips and stealing a kiss whenever we’re alone.
We’re in just such a clutch when Jim rounds the corner, catching us in a deep embrace, tongues entwined.
“Hey, Mercy. Sorry, dudes.” We break apart, and she rubs her cute little nose against mine as he continues. “I was just thinking we should work on a new hold I can attack you with. You know. Something you can teach the girls to escape from?”
He gives me a mild glare, and I can’t help a laugh. It’s hilarious to have Jim reprimand us.
“Sure!” Mercy says, pulling away from me and following him to the front of the gym. I go behind the juice bar where I can pretend not to watch as I fix myself a protein shake.
Andy wanders out to where I’m standing behind the bar. “Fix one of those for me,” he says casually, and I nod. “Starting tomorrow, why don’t you do two to nine weekdays? It’s when we’re busiest.”
“Sounds good,” I say, silently hoping it doesn’t mean I’ll miss Mercy.
“Let’s see,” she says, positioning her small, tight body in front of Jim’s larger, much softer one on the mats out front. “We’ve pretty much covered attacks from the front, from behind…”
“How about I come at you from the side?”
Her pretty brow clenches over her beautiful blue eyes. “It has to be something that could happen in real life.”
“I know!” Jim is practically bouncing in place. “You know how sometimes people you least expect will try to attack you out of the blue. Like the ole switcheroo?”