ROMANCE: SHIFTER: Shifter to the Max Collection (Dragon, Bear, Wolf and Panther Shifter Romances) (Paranormal Fantasy Romance Collection)

by C. J. Ayers

  "I thought you were in trouble," he said, standing at the edge of her bed. She could make out his outline now. The moon shone through the window just enough to highlight his muscles... all his muscles.

  "I was dreaming," she said. Then the dream returned, and so did her sobs. "He was killing me," she said through mouthfuls of tears. Jakob was by her side in an instant.

  "No one will ever hurt you while I'm here," he said. He was so close. It was impossible not to feel his breath on her face. Sabrina's own breath flowed out of her in rapid waves, her heart struck thunder in her chest.

  "You came here because I had a bad dream?" she whispered. His massive hand reached out and stroked her neck. The covers were off her and Sabrina's curves glowed full and round as starlight passed through her open curtains.

  "I didn't know it was a dream," Jakob said. He felt silly for that. Embarrassed not to have differentiated between a dream and reality, but it was worth it to see Sabrina again. Her flesh was pale in the dark of her room, and when he touched the smoothness of her leg with tentative fingers she didn't push him away.

  "I've missed you," she said. Having him here, so close, it was impossible to deny her feelings. If she'd never seen him again, she might have stood a chance, but the second she opened her eyes she knew it was pointless to deny the truth. Jakob was her mate.

  Chapter 14

  She grew more conscious of his naked body as he sat on her bed. Even this close, he was still too far. She didn't think she could breathe without him nestled against her. There was so much of him to see, so much of him to touch.

  "Come here," she said, moving to the middle of the bed to give him room. He slid next to her, his blood running thick and hot in his body. Sabrina ran her hand up his arm and he shivered.

  "I should never have left," she said.

  "I should never have let you go."

  He leaned into her and when their lips met it was an explosion of sensations. His lips were wet and almost too hot for her to touch. It was like burying your face in a hot tub. Sabrina pressed harder against him, hoping to get burned.

  "If we start this," he said, conscious now of his own nudity and of the thin silk nightgown covering Sabrina's skin, "I don't think I can stop."

  "I don't want you to stop," she whispered back. Her lips were delicate wings floating kisses up to him. He swallowed them like a hungry man swallows his dinner. His hands wrapped around her waist and he half lifted, half swung her around so that her breasts pulled tight against his chest and her legs split down the middle, one on either side of him. She instinctively wrapped them around his body and felt his flesh harden as her core pressed against him.

  "You're not wearing panties," he whispered.

  "Neither are you," she teased.

  Their kisses grew harder. Volatile. The passion they'd both kept at bay over the last week finally surfaced and sizzled.

  Sabrina reached a hand out and touched Jakob's chest. She'd imagined this moment. His muscles were everything she'd fantasized about. Even more. They bulged from his chest in thick ripples, forming a solid six pack that she rubbed her face against, inhaling his scent. It was stronger than the ocean, laced with honey and eucalyptus. Her tongue reached out to taste him. Jakob's muscles tightened and she sensed more than saw how much her touch affected him.

  Jakob's hand slid over her thigh and down her leg. He'd always been a leg man, and Sabrina's were the best. Her skin was smooth, her thighs were firm and round, not like the stick figures models had these days. Sabrina was a real woman, and Jakob's appetite for her grew by truckloads as she took his hand and leaned back, leading him back up her legs, over her thighs, and to the soft mound that sizzled between her legs.

  "Touch me," she commanded. "Don't stop."

  Jakob moved his hand around her sex, feeling her blood pulse as his hand circled left, then right. She closed her eyes and let the fears and frustrations melt away. She had no idea what she'd been so afraid of anyway. She could barely concentrate as Jakob worked his thick fingers around her mound, but she longed to touch him back. She licked her lips and reached out. His member was even bigger than she'd thought, and for a second she pulled away. Jakob took her hand and brought it back.

  "I won't hurt you," he promised.

  Sabrina trailed her hand up and down his erection, tracing each vein that popped out as her fingers explored him. Jakob was conscious of the silk that clung to Sabrina's body like a wet tissue. The dark pink of her nipples poked through, and Jakob's mouth watered. He leaned into her, tasting her through the fabric. She moaned as he flicked his tongue over her, making her rose petal nubs stand at attention.

  Sabrina's body ached for more of him. The deep buzz that filled the room seemed to emanate from inside them. She pulled off her nightgown and Jakob finally saw the full breasts that had till now only teased him under their clothes.

  "Like what you see?" she asked.

  Jakob's answer was to lean down and taste her. Her skin was different without the silk of her nightgown, and his tongue rolled over her pink and perfect nipples, sending convulsions of heat up Sabrina's back. His tongue circled her breasts, then slowly trailed down, over her stomach, past her hips, to find the center between her thighs. Her toes curled as he moved his tongue against the soft curls of her sex, tasting her in a new place.

  "You're perfect," Jakob said. His appetite for her was insatiable. He breathed her in and each lungful of air was like a shot of passion. His body pulsed above hers. He lapped her up, trying to memorize the way her body quivered as his tongue circled her.

  Sabrina fought the impulse to let herself go; it was too soon. Her need to have him inside her was overwhelming. Jakob didn't need her to say it. The way her thighs shook as his tongue slid between them was answer enough. He climbed over her, his face inches from hers. She parted her legs for him, more than ready for his member to sneak in and ease the burn that had grown deep in her belly.

  Jakob moved his erection against her, teasing her, letting her feel the fullness of it before filling her up. Her head tilted back and she moaned at the ceiling. Jakob's mass was beginning to hurt. The need to sink into something warm and wet was almost crushing. Jakob took a deep breath and pushed into Sabrina's womanhood. He felt her clench and paused.

  "Are you alright," he whispered.

  "God yes," she screamed.

  He moved deeper into her, adjusting his tanned arms so that he wouldn't crush her with his weight. She looked up at him and smiled. "So are we mated now?" she giggled. He laughed with her, but then his blood began to swelter. Sabrina's back arched. He rocked back and forth, moving slow to let her get use to his size. Her eyes were bright and she licked her lips, leaving a shine on them that somehow made Jakob's mass throb that much harder.

  She propped herself onto her elbows and reached around Jakob, putting her hands on his ass, which was as tight and tan as the rest of him. She urged him to move faster. Her sex throbbed as he pulsed more quickly between her legs. Her breasts bounced and Jakob reached out with one hand, stroking them as his hips continued to move against her.

  Sabrina's back tightened and lifted off the bed. Lights from outside flickered on the ceiling above them. She was close, so close... Jakob's pelvis rocked into her with a deep, quaking move that made her dizzy. When he reached down and circled his thumb around her clit, the lights on the ceiling pulled together and formed a massive sun that exploded inside Sabrina's head.

  Jakob felt her go off and followed suite, ripping the covers from the bed as her body spasmed under him. His muscles melted into her and his blood boiled as the heat of their bodies almost burnt him. Sabrina felt Jakob ride the lights with her, his warmth spreading into her like a warm cup of coffee. She dug her nails into his back, knowing he could take it. Together, they reached Everest and found an ocean at the top.

  They lay limp. Panting. Exhausted. "Now will you marry me?" he asked.

  She laughed. "Now I won't think about killing you every time you ask me that."


  Chapter 15

  Sabrina's eyes fluttered under her lids. Jakob watched them, searching her face for a sign of discomfort. Her nightmare had been violent, enough to call him to here, and he was glad of it, but Jakob didn't want her feeling that frightened ever again. She turned onto her side and her eyes slowly opened. She smiled at Jakob.

  "Hi," she cooed.

  "Hi."

  The sun was just coming in and Sabrina looked at the clock on her nightstand. She still had an hour before she had to get ready for work.

  "Breakfast?" Jakob asked, reading her mind. "Latte and eggs? You never truly know someone till you've watched them eat eggs."

  Sabrina giggled. She felt like a school girl. Her body was a little sore from last night, but in a good way. Like the burn you feel after a good workout. She was eager to try it all again, but her stomach grumbled under the covers.

  Fifteen minutes later Jakob handed her a plate with bacon, eggs, and his special homemade latte. "I didn't even know I had all this food in my fridge," she said. "And since when do you cook?" She sipped the latte and her taste buds exploded. Sugar licked her lips and something like lavender slid over her taste buds.

  "What is this?" she asked, astonished at the complexity of flavors in a coffee drink.

  "The first recipe that popped up on Google," he teased.

  Her stomach growled louder and she put the latte down and picked up her fork. "How am I doing?" she asked between mouthfuls of egg. "Do I pass the test?"

  Jakob nodded, entranced at the way her mouth moved as she chewed. Her whole face was like an enchantment. Her skin like satin, her hair like silk. He was so lucky.

  "Marry me," he asked again.

  Sabrina's fork paused halfway to her mouth.

  "Eat your food," she said.

  "Damn it Sabrina," he said, slapping his hand on the counter. She put her fork down and stared at him with angry eyes.

  "I love you," she said, "and I'll never leave you again. But marriage ruins everything."

  Jakob sighed. What was he going to do with this woman?

  She hesitated before speaking again. "You'll still come with me to my parents' anniversary party, right?"

  "Of course."

  She smiled and picked her fork back up. Jakob picked at his food a moment before devouring it. Arguing with Sabrina made him hungry.

  ***

  Blake was waiting for Jakob and Sabrina when they stepped outside. Blake could smell their sex on them. He tried to keep the acid from rising out of his stomach. The sun was just beginning to peak when he stepped from the shadows, hands outstretched.

  Jakob's ears perked up, alarm registering on his face.

  "What is it?" Sabrina asked. Jakob pushed her behind him. He hadn't sensed Blake's presence, and that was more alarming than his actually being there.

  "May I speak?" Blake asked before Jakob could say anything.

  "What are you doing here Blake?"

  "Did Remy accept the offer?"

  "Of course." Sabrina tried to step around him but Jakob held her back. Something about the man looked familiar.

  "What do you want?" Jakob's lips curled back, his wolf senses kicking in. He may have been having trouble reading Blake, but Jakob could smell the danger coming from him. His instincts as alpha took over and he let a low warning growl escape his throat. "I told you thirty days Blake. It hasn't even been five."

  "I want to apologize," Blake said. "And beg forgiveness. I should never have crossed you." He hoped he sounded sincere. The woman was staring at him. He thought she would look much better without those lips. And her flesh was ample enough to sink his teeth into and still have leftovers.

  "Fine, you've said your apologies. Now go. It's inappropriate for you to be here."

  "Is it inappropriate to deliver a gift?"

  "What gift?"

  "For the lovely lady. Sabrina, isn't it?"

  Sabrina had stood back, uncertain of the danger that lay with this man Jakob seemed intent on protecting her from. Now, at the sound of her name, she looked at him with interest. It was the man who'd stood next to Jakob in the online tabloid Walter had shown her. He'd looked so severe in the photo. The difference was striking. Now, he looked rather sickly. His skin was too pale, his eyes too orange. The hair he had was long and should have been lustrous, but screamed for a good shampooing and some conditioner. If this was one of Jakob's pack members, he must have been living out in the woods.

  Blake stretched his arm out, something gold and delicate dangling from it. "A necklace?" Sabrina asked, hidden behind Jakob's massive shoulders.

  "For you," Blake stepped forward. Jakob looked at the necklace, then let out a loud growl before springing forward and snatching it from him. He glared at the necklace as if it had spoken something offensive, then threw it so far into the sky it melded with the clouds and Sabrina lost sight of it. She wondered at Jakob's reaction. It had looked pretty to her.

  People walked past them in scattered droves, eyeing Blake more than her or Jakob. To him they gave a wide berth. He smelled rancid.

  "You are not to return to the pack. You are gone. Out."

  "Am I?" Blake asked. "Pity," then left them alone to their rotting selves.

  "Who the hell was that? What was that?" Sabrina asked.

  "An ex-pack member. He's angry with me. Thinks I turned my back on my brothers for you." He saw her eyes widen. "I didn't. I just added you to our circle. I can't believe he..." Jakob realized Sabrina was going to be a part of all this soon. He might as well explain as best he could. "The necklace he offered to you was the mu'qaD jInaq, a cursed stone. It brings bad luck. I can't believe he thought I wouldn't notice something like that."

  "Oh," Sabrina said, a little freaked out that someone she didn't even know might want to curse her.

  "It's fine," Jakob said. "He won't be back."

  Sabrina did not fail to notice, however, that Jakob walked her to work and would not leave until he saw her safely inside.

  ***

  Blake walked away, his heart light. Out of the pack. For good. He felt the last of Jakob's control leave him like melted ice. Now he could do whatever he wanted, and Jakob could not stop him.

  Chapter 16

  Sabrina's parents opened the door and failed to hide their shock. Her mother started to bow, thought better of it, and switched to a handshake. Halfway through the handshake she changed her mind again and threw her arms around Jakob.

  "Mom," Sabrina said, her cheeks going red. She pulled her mother off Jakob and her father introduced himself.

  "Nice to meet you both," Jakob said. "I've heard a lot about you."

  Her mother burst into a fit of giggles and grabbed champagne off a tray as a waiter scooted by. She handed it to Jakob, who handed it to Sabrina. "Thank you," Jakob said, "but ladies first."

  Sabrina's mother nearly swooned. Sabrina threw Jakob a look that she hoped translated to I'm so sorry, then grabbed her mother's arm and led her away from Jakob. "Come on Mom. Party guests are waiting."

  Her mother turned her head back towards Jakob and reluctantly walked backwards to greet her other guests. Sabrina's father smiled at Jakob and shrugged. "Women get crazy when you marry them," he said, and shuffled off after his wife.

  The house was large, a mid-size mansion, and Sabrina's parents had decorated it with museum quality taste. Their furniture was richly colored and expensive artwork hung on the walls. For the event, they had hired the best caterers and florists in the city. A table, spread with foie gras, Beluga caviar, and a variety of French cheeses, stood against a backdrop of golden lights and a live orchestra set up on stage in the backyard.

  Jakob wandered through the house to the yard. The crowd was made up mostly of rich men and women. Jakob knew a few of them, or at least, was acquainted with them. He said hello at the right times, then found a spot by a tree and hunkered down with a drink in his hand.

  Sabrina came up to him a few minutes later.

  "There you are!" she shouted, kissing him.
Jakob saw Sabrina's mother watching them and decided to put on a little show for her. He pulled Sabrina into him, so close she felt his arousal under his pants. His breath was fire on her skin. Then he touched his lips to hers. It was the opposite of a church kiss, this was raw and raged with lust. His hands ran over Sabrina's curves, the fullness of her hips rounding out to give him a nice handful that he grabbed onto before delivering one last flick of his tongue over the delicate pink of her lips.

  When he looked back at Sabrina's mom, her jaw was hanging open. Jakob smiled.

  A microphone rang out with a loud squeal and Sabrina's father jumped on stage.

  "I'd just like to thank you all for coming to help celebrate this very special day with us. I met my wife thirty years ago at a bar. A friend of mine poked me in the ribs and pointed to her and asked, 'What do you think of her? She's kind of cute. Maybe I should go talk to her.' I told my friend she was the ugliest woman I'd ever seen, then when he went for another beer I went and talked to her myself."

  The crowd chuckled and Sabrina thought her mother actually looked happy. Sabrina knew better though. She'd grown up with her parents fighting and hating each other. The root cause was almost always money. It made this whole party seem that much phonier.

  She missed something else her father said, but now Sabrina's mom was on stage with him. She took the microphone and said. "I've always hated this guy." Sabrina's heart thumped in her chest. Oh God, she's drunk. She's gonna ruin Dad's toast. "Which is probably why our marriage has lasted so long. He challenges me. He won't just tell me what I want to hear. And sometimes, I hate him so much I want to punch his lights out." The crowd was laughing. "Then it passes, and I remember I love him. The next time I hate him, I remember the hate is the reason I love him in the first place."

  She put the mic down and kissed Sabrina's father. The crowd clapped, Jakob along with them, but Sabrina stood confused. What kind of toast was that? Sabrina unwrapped Jakob's arms from around her waist, pained the slightest bit at having to withdraw from his warmth, and told him she'd be right back.