by V. A. Dold
“Hey!”
Rose rolled her eyes. “She isn’t going to club him. Where do you get these ideas?”
Emma scowled. “No, she most certainly isn’t.” She gave Simon a warning glare and then focused on Sharon and Mark again. “Mark could receive anesthesia throughout the conversion. That would keep him under for the worst part. I’ll talk to Lois, a friend of mine who is an anesthesiologist. She may be willing to assist us in obtaining the necessary equipment and general anesthetic. I think it would be wise for the healers to be available as well. I’ll ask Lois if she’s willing to monitor Mark throughout his regression. If she’s able to help us, she could wait outside on your veranda with the rest of us ladies.
“Once you’ve completed the ritual, if Mark doesn’t want a stranger to see him naked, I suggest he put something on. While he’s dressing, Sharon could signal Lois to join you in the bedroom. That way she’ll have time to prepare Mark and put him under before the conversion begins. The healers will stay outside just in case we’re needed. This is new and unknown territory for us. Anything could go wrong. It would be best if we error on the side of caution.”
Mark nodded and looked at Sharon. “That sounds like it could work. If I were under, I wouldn’t feel a thing. What do you think?”
“I agree with Emma, you need to be put under. Would you like her to arrange it for us?”
Mark turned a questioning look on Emma. “If it wouldn't be too much trouble, would you?”
“I would be happy to make all of the arrangements. You and Sharon have your relationship and mating to attend to.”
Marked rubbed the back of his neck. “Thank you.”
Emma was pleased when the tension in Mark's shoulders relaxed. She covered Mark and Sharon's entwined hands. “You're welcome.”
“This is going to be great!” Simon crowed. “You're going to love the shifter gifts. I'm so relieved I won’t have to hide this from you any more. Keeping secrets from your best friend sucks.”
Emma raised an eyebrow and cleared her throat. “Speaking of secrets, Simon and Rose have their own exciting news.”
Rose and Simon shot each other questioning looks.
“I bet they haven’t told you about the baby?” Emma continued.
The silence of the room was deafening.
Rose's jaw dropped. She stared at Emma and blinked.
Simon narrowed his eyes on his mother. “How the hell do you know about that? Rose hasn't even seen the doctor yet.”
Emma shook her head. “Simon, Simon, Simon. You know better than that. I'm your mother and the queen. There’s very little I don’t know.”
“You're a real buzz kill,” he groused. “We wanted to surprise you and Dad.”
“I'm sorry, cher. I was just so excited. When you make a formal announcement, I’ll pretend to be surprised. Are you going to use the same doctor Anna is seeing?”
“As a matter of fact, I was going to ask her for Marjorie's contact information,” Rose answered while Simon scowled.
“Good. That’s good. She’s an excellent doctor. Many of the shifter women use her.”
“I'm relieved to hear that. I figured she must be good if Anna was seeing her, but your recommendation means a lot to me.”
Mark clapped Simon on the back. “Congratulations, man.”
“Thanks,” Simon said, his scowl turning to a smile.
At the same time, Sharon leaned toward Rose. “I'm so excited for you. How are you feeling?”
“Not too bad. I’ve been drinking Emma's special tea for morning sickness and I feel much better. But I'm almost out of the mixture.”
Emma's mouth tightened. “We can’t have that. I'll make another batch today and drop it by.”
“Are you sure? I hate to be a bother,” Rose rushed to say.
“My dear Rose, you’re never a bother. I’ll have it to you in a few hours.”
Rose hugged Emma. “Thank you. You're a life saver.”
Emma hugged her back, more pleased than she could say.
“Thank you for taking care of Rose, Mom. But please promise us you won't say a word to anyone else. We want to share the news ourselves.”
Emma pretended to lock her lips and throw away the key. “I won’t breathe another word, I promise.”
Chapter 10
Sharon drained her cup and Mark felt her squeeze his hand. “Thank you again, Emma. I hate to ask for favors and dash, but we should go. I have errands to run and I promised Mark a home cook dinner.”
Emma, Simon, and Rose walked them to the door and exchanged hugs. Mark loved his friends, but he wanted to get Sharon alone again.
Glancing around, he couldn’t see anyone watching. He stopped a few feet from the car and pulled Sharon into his arms. One more second was too long. He needed to hold her. To taste her lips. To prove to himself, once again, she was his new, tangible reality.
“Mark, what are you—”
He tightened his hold, molding her much softer curves to his rigid, unyielding chest. “I have to kiss you. Right now.”
She yielded willingly to his demands. Kissed him just as hungrily.
He savored her taste, sweet and spicy. Like buttered, warm from the oven banana bread. Delicious. The urgent, all consuming kiss dampened his growing need of this woman, but only slightly. Maybe enough to manage a stop at the grocery store, and then home. But no more. She had better be quick about her errands. He figured he had maybe an hour of self-restraint. Any longer than that, and he couldn’t be responsible for public displays of uncontrolled amorous behavior.
Her delicate hands pulled him closer. Then her body began to rub sensually against his.
Of their own accord, his hands slid to her bottom and squeezed.
She turned her head and took a labored breath, giving him access to her throat.
“Mark...”
He savored the quiver in her voice. The love and desire she felt for him embellished his name. Turned her simple plea into a masterpiece of old, equivalent to the likes of Michelangelo.
A wolf whistle brought Mark to his senses. A bucket of ice water over his head would have been less effective. He eased his hold on Sharon and glanced at Emma’s house. Simon and Rose walked toward them grinning like kids.
Thank god. Who knows what kind of indecent exposure they would have provided the entire Le Beau family if someone hadn’t stopped them.
Mark expected Simon to take advantage of the situation. To his surprise and utter gratitude, Simon slapped him on the back, gave him a wink, and walked on by.
Sharon cleared her throat and straightened her clothing. “We better get going.”
“I’m sorry about that. I got a bit carried away.”
Sharon gave him a heated look as he helped her in the passenger seat of the car. “I’m not. I rather enjoyed myself.”
“I’m not, either,” Mark growled, and kissed her again. This time he limited himself to one kiss and closed her door. Once Rizzo was secured in the back, they were on their way.
“I’ve met Emma once or twice, but I haven’t had the chance to really get to know her. Has she always been such an unusual woman?” Mark asked, when the car became too quiet for comfort.
He glanced at her. She had her lips pressed together, trying to suppress a grin. Unsuccessful, she busted out laughing. “You have no idea. You don’t know it yet, but she’s trained in a variety of healing and magical arts. And she’s very smart. Wiser than anyone I’ve ever met, including Isaac. But don’t tell him I said that,” she said pointing a finger at him. “She’s eclectic, eccentric, and the best friend I’ve ever had. She’s one of a kind, and I love her to death.”
Mark’s fingers tapped out a beat on the steering wheel. “Excellent, she’s just my kind of people. I’m glad she’s helping us with the conversion. Before the meeting, I was doubtful she would be able to, but now I have the feeling she’s going to get me through this.”
“I do too. Emma’s never let me down. I honestly don’t think she kno
ws how to fail.”
“So, do you think she’ll be able to get this Lois person to cooperate?”
“Lois and Emma go way back. If she can arrange for the equipment and drugs we’ll need, I’m sure she’ll do it. My only concern is those items won’t be easy to get her hands on. Not legally anyway.”
His gaze shot to hers and back to the road. “She isn’t going to buy street drugs is she?”
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her slowly shake her head. “No. She would more likely take the stuff from the hospital she works at.”
“They’re not going to let her waltz out the front door with that kind of equipment and controlled substance,” he scoffed.
“And that’s where the illegal part may come in. I don’t know the story, but Emma did a favor for Lois years ago. Lois owes her, and she hates being indebted to anyone. She’s been searching for a way to repay Emma. I think we’re about to provide her that.”
Mark drove on in silence. He wanted Lois’s help, but stealing from the hospital went against everything in him. “I don’t like it.”
“Don’t like, what?”
“Stealing from the hospital.”
“Oh, I’m sure she plans to take the equipment back. And knowing Lois and Emma, they’ll find a way to compensate the hospital for the drugs.”
A tiny ray of hope flared in his chest. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. Emma wouldn’t allow her to steal, and Lois is one of the most honest people I’ve ever met. She believes in karma, and wouldn’t take the chance of it biting her in the backside.”
“Okay. I trust your judgment.”
Sharon placed her hand on his thigh and squeezed. “Thank you.”
Just a touch and his blood pressure spiked. His thoughts turned immediately to sex. Sharon, naked on the bed. Beads of water glistening on her nipples in the tub. Her husky moans just before she called his name in ecstasy.
Mark jerked his attention back to the road, and growled. “Let’s make this quick, I need to get you home where I can touch you and not risk being arrested.”
Sharon laughed at his pained expression as they pulled into the parking lot of their first stop.
Marked pushed the cart while Sharon gathered the items.
He winced as a little girl shrieked. She wanted the latest sugar loaded cereal and wasn’t getting it. Then he covered his ears as they passed a wailing baby in a baby carrier, the child’s mother ignoring the angry infant. The last straw was the crazy ankle slayer.
“Ouch!” Mark cried as Rizzo yelped and scooted sideways.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” a woman mumbled, red faced after running her cart into the back of his legs and then rushing away.
Mark needn’t have worried about his behavior in the store. Grocery shopping was a libido assassin. Thankfully, Sharon knew exactly what she wanted, and they were in and out in short order.
Several hours later
Mark strained until a “pop” resounded. “Good lord, Sharon, what’s with the wine? I swear the cork was cemented in.”
He heard a giggle from the kitchen where she was ladling gumbo into a serving bowl.
“My friend who owns the vineyard insists the cork must be extremely tight. He swears his system improves the flavor and shelf life.”
“Holy Toledo!”
“You tasted it, didn’t you?”
“I’ll get a glass of water for you, this is mine.”
Sharon’s cell phone rang and he heard her chuckling “Think again, big guy” as she answered. Minutes later, she joined him at the table with the gumbo and a sheet of paper.
Mark took a deep breath. “Dinner smells amazing.”
Sharon smiled, pleasure evident in the twinkle in her eyes. “Thank you.”
She passed him a steaming bowl and indicated the French bread in the center of the table. “I like to dip the bread in the broth. You should try it.”
Mark took her advice and his taste buds rejoiced. “Oh, my god. Marry me. Right now.”
Sharon stilled and looked him directly in the eyes. “Be careful what you wish for.”
Mark lowered his spoon. “Are you saying you would?”
She cocked a brow. “Are you asking?”
A grin slowly softened his serious expression. “No.”
“No?” Sharon looked stricken.
“No,” he repeated. “When I ask you, and I will, I’ll be on bended knee with a diamond worthy of such an incredible woman.”
Sharon relaxed and seemed pleased with his answer. Good.
“By the way, Emma called and she has everything set for an hour from now.” Then she handed him the sheet of paper. “I wrote the ritual out for you so you’ll know what to say and do.”
He glanced at it, and then at her. “Tonight? I didn’t realize she could get things together that quickly.”
“Is that a problem?”
“Hell no. The sooner the better.” He read through the sheet and set it aside. “It seems pretty straight forward except for the biting part. I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Oh, you won’t. I’m told the bite is like hitting an erogenous zone times ten. I’m quite looking forward to the experience.”
Mark waggled his eyebrows. “Erogenous zone, huh. Maybe I should have bitten you last night.”
Sharon shook her head and laughed. “It wouldn’t have worked last night. It only becomes a sexual hot spot during the ritual. And once the mark is placed, it’ll remain an erogenous zone forever.”
“Forever? I’m going to like this biting thing.”
Throughout dinner, each time she wrapped her lips around her spoon his pants tightened. The rise and fall of her breasts under the thin material of her blouse drove him to distraction. With each breath, he was rewarded with a glimpse of soft curves. He licked his lips and chanced a glance at her face; she was looking back with heat in her eyes. When she wet her lips, his gaze jumped to her mouth.
“Do you like what you see?”
The low sultry rumble of her voice made his cock twitch. “I love what I see.” He stood, shoved the sheet of paper in his pocket, and held out his hand. “I want you, Sharon. Right now.”
With a grace that he knew would always astound him, she took his hand and rose. He kissed her knuckles and stepped aside for her to precede him.
Sharon rushed to her room, laughing all the way up the stairs with Mark hot on her heels. As they topped the staircase he made a grab for her. She squealed and veered through into bedroom. Three feet into the room she was hauled back and pressed against the unyielding wood of the door.
Mark’s arms caged her in. His solid body pressed tightly to hers. The fire blazing in his eyes pebbled her nipples, and dampened her panties. Goddess, she loved this man.
He made a sound like a growl before lowering his head toward her. His lips savagely claimed her mouth, fusing lips to lips. A needy whimper escaped between the drugging kisses. But she needed more. She laced her fingers through his hair, then tilted her head to deepen the kiss. Their tongues dueled and danced until their lungs labored for breath.
He released her lips and pressed his forehead to hers. “Now I understand the expression, she took my breath away.”
Sharon grinned. “You ain’t seen nothing yet, Marine.”
She pushed against his chest and walked him backward only to stop a few feet short of the bed when he claimed her lips again.
“You…have…too…much…clothing…on,” she said between kisses.
Mark obliged by reaching between their bodies for the buttons on his shirt. One by one, his large hands worked them free. Much to slowly. Sharon’s smaller hands gripped his shirt on either side of the buttons. She fisted the cotton and pulled him closer, molding her curves to his chest. Retaining her lips, he abandoned the buttons and trailed his hands down her back and over her hips. That was when he felt a tug and heard fabric ripping. Before he could draw breath, she had his shirt off his shoulders and down his arms.
“Are you
in a hurry, darlin'? Because I planned to have my way with you, nice and slow.”
She shook her head and went for his pants. “You can have your way later. This time, I’m in charge. For the ritual, it’ll work better if I’m on top.”
“So, I get to be your sex slave?” He let out a sound she was sure was supposed to be a purr. “That’s hot.”
She popped the button and grazed his erection with her knuckles as she lowered the zipper. Holding his gaze she walked him backwards the last few feet until the back of his calves brushed the soft material of the bedding. Then she slipped her thumbs under the elastic of his briefs and pushed them along with his pants down his thighs. One last kiss and she gently pushed him down to sit on the mattress.
Without taking his eyes off her, he pulled the paper from his pocket, and then worked to remove his prosthesis and pants. After tonight, he would never have to wear it again. Enthralled, he gave no thought to sitting before her with the stump of scarred flesh that once was his leg exposed to her eyes. No, he was too busy watching her slip the silky fabric of her blouse from her arms. When she shimmied out of her slacks, the clank of metal hitting the floor rang loud in the room as the hi-tech hunk of pain joined his tongue on the floor.
She was magnificent in high heels, a red lace bra, and a thin scrap of matching panties. His brain fizzled to a halt. Every drop of blood rushed south and left him unable to breathe, much less speak.
She stood between his parted thighs and leaned down giving him an incredible view of her magnificent breasts. Mark’s hand shook with anticipation as his fingers skimmed across her shoulder, and up her neck, to cup her face. He smiled when she rumbled as he raised his lips toward hers. Then she growled when he stopped short to envelop himself in her scent. Breathing her in, he chuckled at her eagerness. Finally, he kissed her with all the desperation they were both feeling. Like a starving man, he plundered her mouth with his tongue in an all-out assault. Not to be outdone, she plundered right back. Their tongues danced in a duel of licks and caresses. He’d never been so turned-on.
Mark loved everything about Sharon. Her smile, her taste, her scent, and her incredible take charge personality. Who knew a sexually outgoing, confident woman was such a turn on.