Hello, Ms. Wilder. Simon Two's voice is almost comical in its relief. Thank goodness. I was about to do something hasty to that oaf holding me.
"Hello, Simon," I say, smiling and not caring if people think I'm mad. "Did he try to get you to do anything particularly awful?"
Oh, yes. All kinds of ridiculous requests. Fortunately he has no magical talent whatsoever. I could ignore him with impunity.
"Good. Thank you, Maric, for returning my staff."
"You're welcome." He shifts his weight and edges back. "I'll be going now?"
Blake steps up next to me. It feels so good to have him by my side. Tall and powerful and stern. "If we see you again, Maric, we will tear out your throat. Leave this area, and never, ever return. Understood?"
Maric nods gratefully, and shifts into his wolf form. He bounds down the driveway and disappears.
I can't hold back any longer. I slide into Blake's arms and pull him close. Our lips meet and we kiss hungrily, our tongues dancing like flames over each other. He winces, then laughs, and I pull back. "Are you OK?"
"Yes." His voice is husky and low, and his eyes smolder as he looks down at me. "I'm sorry I was almost too late. I came as soon as I could."
I touch his neck. It looks mostly healed, but is still an angry red and scabbed. "What happened? This looks awful."
"Later." His smile is roguish and devastatingly handsome. I feel a pulse of heat run through my body right down to my pussy. "First you're going to tell me when you developed magic powers all your own."
"Later," I say, laughing. I curl my fingers in his. I can't explain how good it feels to have him by my side, a powerful man who loves me for who I am, who stares at me as if I were a goddess, who obviously wants to get me all alone so he can show me just how much he missed me.
"Come meet my pack." He raises my fingers to his lips. "I've already told them all about you."
"Blake," I say, pulling him back to me. "I will. I can't wait to meet them. But first I just want to say how happy I am that you came back. That you tried to help me."
His smile fades away, leaving him serious and intense. His gold eyes burn down into mine, and he runs his thumb along my jaw. "I will never leave you again." His voice is raw, sincere beyond measure. "It nearly tore me in two to leave you last night. You're the most beautiful, sexy, wonderful woman I've ever met. My wolf howls for you. I crave you. I'm back, and I'm not leaving your side again."
I can't help but smile so wide I feel almost foolish. My eyes fill with tears and when he leans down to kiss me, I thrill at his words. His lips are gentle, his kiss soft, and I melt into his arms like butter in a hot pan. Melt into his strong body, losing myself in his touch, his delicious scent, his powerful arms.
There's a polite cough, and I turn to see Anita standing close by, clearly needing to ask questions. Blake's pack stands on the other side, looking happy and amused at our affection. From inside the house I hear Hui's voice rise in admonishment, then a thwap, then a sudden whine like a wolf running behind the bed with its tail between its legs.
"Looks like we've got a lot of work to do," says Blake.
I grin and interlace my fingers with his. "Sure does. But I've got a good feeling."
His smile is smoldering hot. "Just wait. You don't even know how good that feeling's going to get."
My grin widens. "Trust me. I can't wait to find out."
Chapter Twelve
The rest of the weekend passes by in a blur. I spend half my time glowering at the Blood Moons as they tiptoe around Honeycomb Hall, followed by Hui, who doesn't hesitate to thwap them on the back of the head if they forget to wash their hands or make their beds. I escape as often as I can to spend time with Anita in the kitchen, sometimes just watching with my chin in my hand as my new favorite cook layers dough for morning croissants or whips soufflés into divine perfection. But most of all I spend my time standing at my bedroom window, watching the front gate, waiting for Blake to return.
As soon as he saw how well I had the situation in hand, he left with his pack for the Cairn. He had to present himself formally as the new alpha, attend the Cairn meeting that brought the Blood Moon pack into town, and more importantly for Honeycomb Hall, he wanted to petition the werelion elder to grant me permission to run it as the Lodge.
He left the same day he'd arrived, leaving me in a horny, frustrated mood, his light kisses and teasing laughter setting my blood burning and skin tingling. Just as I thought I'd be able to corner him, ambush him, jump his hunky bones, he announced that he was heading right back out.
I almost told him to stay. Almost told him that all those important matters could go hang. What I wanted, what I needed, was his Adonis-like body naked and waiting for me in bed, all night, every night, from now till the end of the world.
It's dusk. The Blood Moon pack is heading out tomorrow morning at dawn, now that the meeting at the Cairn is over. They're surprisingly eager to get the hell out of dodge. With the meeting over, Blake is due back. So I ignore the dinner bell and stand by my window, arms crossed, watching the gate like some medieval maiden waiting for my knight to return from war.
Things are going to work out in Honeycomb Falls. Already I'm starting to ease into the rhythm of life in this small town. I called Maria back home and told her I'm staying, breathlessly recounting my adventures so far. Anita took me out last night to disco night at the bowling alley, a cheesy, wonderful affair with good music, awful bowling, and great wine. I marked out a pottery class I want to join, and a hiking club that looks like it might be my speed. People are starting to greet me as I walk along Bridge Street, and I'm pretty sure the Gypsy Cafe is going to be my favorite coffee shop. Which is lucky, given that there's only one in town.
I take a deep breath and stretch, then pause. Who put that envelope on the side table? I look around. The bedroom is empty. Yet it wasn't there before.
I pick it up and see my name written across the front in Mama B's elegant handwriting. A shiver moves down my back, but I open it eagerly.
Greetings, granddaughter. I write this letter with the greatest joy. The others sit beside me in a tidy pile, and while writing them has proven enjoyable, it is this letter that I have been anticipating the most. You have accepted your magical nature. You have chosen to walk the path of the witch. A wise decision, and a dangerous one! Let me caution you: do not use your power frivolously. Use it as little as you can. Respect it. In time, you will come to understand your abilities to their fullest extent, along with the costs they bring. It was one such cost that drove your mother from my side, and all the power in the world was never able to heal that rift. So remember. Use your power wisely, if at all.
Congratulations on your mating with Blake. He's a fine wolf, a fine alpha, and a fine man. Now perhaps you understand my keeping him behind for you. Not the most benevolent of actions, but what can I say? I'm a mean old witch, not long for this earth, and the thought of your happiness helps me find peace with Blake's current anger. I can see him outside the window right now, hacking at the roses. In time, I know that he will find true love. Perhaps one day he will even forgive me for the way I ushered you two together.
This will not be the last letter I write you, but you won't receive another from me for some time. I have three more to write, and they will arrive when most needed.
My dear, I love you truly. Love yourself as I wish I could have loved you, for you are magic, you are beauty, you are passion and truth. Live your life to the fullest, and remember, when Jensen, your second child -
I let out a yell and drop the letter. "Dammit, Mama B!" I glare at the darkness as if she were standing there, and I can almost hear her chuckle. Heart thumping, I pick up the letter. A shiver runs over me. My second child? Blake's second child. Oh, lord. My tummy ties itself in a knot. There is so much more still to come. I take a deep breath and finish Mama B's letter.
When Jensen, your second child, loses the staff of power, know that he is just beginning his own voyage into adulthood,
and that he will recover it in time, and all will be well. Do not turn him into a toad.
Well, that's all I've got to say in this letter. Now, on to the next. With much love, Mama B.
I sigh and hold the letter to my chest. My heart is fluttering. So much to come! So much life to live! I set the letter down and turn back to the window, and squint. Was that movement?
I straighten and stare at the gate area. My heart skips a beat, and then starts to race. A tall, strong-looking man is walking onto the property. Alone. It's Blake. He passes under one of the lamps, and I see his handsome face, his gleaming golden eyes as they catch the light, looking up at me. Need pools in my core, scorching my thoughts and driving all patience running for the exits. Oh god, I need him now. I grip the windowsill and lean out. Point at him, and then point into my room. Get over here.
He grins, a wolfish expression that sets my panties on fire. He jogs up to the front of the house and then leaps up, catching hold of a ledge. Swings up in a delicious display of athletic talent, and then finds handholds all the way up to my window. I watch his powerful shoulders as they bunch, his long fingers finding purchase. Then I step back as he fills my window and steps inside, his breath barely accelerated from the exertion.
"You." I try to sound cool, collected, anything but mad with desire. "Took too long."
"You miss me?" He begins to walk slowly toward me.
"Maybe. Just a little." I want him like crazy, but I turn around and look at him over my shoulder. "When I remembered you were gone."
"When you - why -" A mock growl rumbles in his chest, and he scoops me right up into his arms. I love how it feels to be held against his chest, his scent, the tickle of his stubble, all of it. In two strides he has me on the bed, caged in by his arms. My mouth is dry. My whole body is calling out to him.
"Blake." It's all I can manage, all pretense of not being interested falling away. I say his name like I'm begging. A plea. A prayer.
"You." His voice is still all growly. "Have got your claws in me. I nearly forgot what I was saying to the Cairn Elder. You know why? All I could think of was how I'm going to get to make love to you every night. How I'm going to get to know your body better than my own. How I'm going to be able to taste you now and forever."
I moan. "Too much talk. More loving, please."
He laughs and kisses me, his lips demanding, his tongue in my mouth with a new aggression I haven't experienced before. His need for me is as real as my own. My passion flares like a sun going nova, and my hands tear at his clothing. I lift my hips so he can peel my jeans off, and then he stands and tears his shirt off over his head. He falls back onto me, our lips locked, skin on skin, moaning and holding each other tight. His body is hard, burning hot, his skin smooth and his muscles taut under my touch.
In a moment his lips break away from mine and move down to my breasts, and wet heat engulfs my nipple. The sensation is deliriously hot, matching the raging fire in my blood. He licks and sucks, then grazes my hard nub with his teeth.
"Oh, Blake. Oh, my wolf. My alpha."
The words spur him on. His other hand squeezes and caresses my breast, and then he pushes them together, moving his tongue from one pebbled nipple to the other. I arch my back and bury my fingers in his hair. His hand slides down my stomach, between my thighs, and he slides a finger into my aching wetness.
He raises his head to look at me, eyes burning in the dark. "You're so wet, my love. You're so ready for me, aren't you?"
I can barely speak. He's curling his finger, making a come-hither motion with it, rubbing it just right against my folds, his thumb tapping my clit gently, caressing it in light circles. I feel like flakes of fire are falling from the heavens, as if a dark ocean is surging within my soul.
"Oh, Blake. Like that. I need you..."
He licks the valley between my breasts, then trails his lips down my body to my pussy, nibbling and nipping the whole way down. Taking his time. The anticipation is driving me crazy. I want to be filled by him, to have him match the rhythm of my body. But the delay only heightens my pleasure. His lips pass over my clit, and I feel his hot breath as he hovers just a fraction of an inch away from me.
I turn my face into the covers, my body vibrating like a plucked violin string. I think of him when we first met, his face hard, his eyes narrowed with anger. A dangerous stranger, a sinfully hot enigma. Now he's here, head between my thighs. Loving my full body. Relishing my curves. His tongue teases my clit, and he slides a second finger inside me. Oh, he knows what he's doing. I whimper and fight the urge to clench his head between my thighs. Instead I push my legs even more open, exposing myself completely to him.
He nuzzles and licks and teases, drawing his tongue in ever tighter circles around my clit, his fingers working me, pushing in deep and curling as they pull back out. I'm getting lost in these sensations of pleasure, and each time I say his name to myself, my pleasure spikes. I gasp and moan, my body undulating with a mind of its own, like an ocean before a storm. Tension builds in my core, a ball that grows larger and larger. This is the only man I want. The only man I need. And he wants me just as much.
"Come for me, Rach." His voice is raspy with desire. "I love seeing you like this. Let go. I want to see you come."
"Oh," I whimper, and as if on command, my body climaxes, shuddering and shaking as the orgasm washes through me. I shiver and feel my pussy clench at his fingers, over and over again. My whole body quivers, and when he moves up over me, I hold onto him as if I'm drowning.
Blake kisses my neck, my face, my eyelids. He's so tender, yet his erection is hard against my hip. He's holding back. Waiting for me. I fight for breath, and then smile tremulously up at him. "Welcome back," I manage. "I guess I missed you."
He laughs, then nips my neck. "You better have. I missed the hell out of you."
I reach down for his cock. He tenses as I wrap my fingers around it, rubbing my thumb over his crown. He shifts, and I know what he wants. It's what I want. Him buried deep within me. Taking me. Burying himself to the hilt.
I shift under him, angling my hips. Blake doesn't need prompting. He moves over me, his cock pressing against my wet passage. I feel hummingbirds in my tummy, fluttery and light. I want him. Not just sex with him. I want this man in my life. I want to see him when I open my eyes on lazy mornings. I want to look out the window and see him walking across the lawn. I want to drive into town with him, music playing, heading to a restaurant or a show. I want to learn what he loves, his idiosyncrasies. Hear about his childhood, his hopes for the future. I want him to know me, my secrets, my fears.
Blake stops, pressing against my lips. It's as if he can read my thoughts. The need is there like a fever, but his eyes are wise, tender, loving. He looks down at me and cups my cheek. "You and me, Rach. Together. I want you as my mate."
"Your mate?" My breath catches.
He nods, solemn, eyes smoldering. "My permanent mate. I want to claim you. Mark you as mine forevermore."
I can only nod, my heart in my throat. "Yes. I want that too."
He leans down and kisses me. "My mate. My love. God, I need you."
I kiss him back, and then gasp as he slides into me, one deep penetrating thrust that tears all the air from my lungs and leaves me straining against him. He props himself up with one arm, slides the other hand under my ass, and begins fucking me. Fast. Hard. The wolf in him emerges, rises right to the skin. He's growling, claiming me. It's like he's unleashed a tornado. It's all I can do to keep up, sheets clenched in my fists, gasping and crying out as he takes me. It's perfect. Amazing. Absolutely wild.
This is the kind of lovemaking I need. There's no need for words any more. No need for communication. Our bodies are doing all the talking, the whimpering screaming yelling moaning and coming. We're slicked with sweat, and the tightness in my pussy, that ache in my core that needs sweet release, is building again, rising into a furious crescendo.
"I'm going to take you every way," he growls, leaning down
over me. "Claim you. Mark you as mine. Your every hole."
"Yes," I gasp. I want him in every way. I want to experience his body completely.
"I love your pussy. Your silky sweet pussy, the way it squeezes my cock as I slide in and out of you." He releases my ass and moves his hand down over my clit, his thumb tapping it, rubbing it gently. I moan, the twin pleasures almost too much to bear. "I love fucking you hard, deep, letting go. You can take me. You can take all of me."
"More," I cry.
"But I can't wait to try your ass. Your amazing ass. That little hole. To take you from behind, filling you with my cum." He slides his hand back around my ass, cupping my cheek, and his finger finds my tight hole. He presses at it, setting off a thousand different nerves, even as his large cock continues to stretch and fill me. Nobody's ever wanted me back there, and I can't think of anything more intimate. A special night soon, I'll allow him to explore my body there. I trust him, want him in every possible way.
"Fuck," he grunts, his wild strokes pushing me further and further into delirium. Rising up onto his knees, he grabs me by the waist and pulls me onto his lap, angling my hips just right so that he slides against me in a way that drives me wild. His cock could be made from corrugated metal, it's so hard. I feel like I'm losing my mind. The new angle allows him to slide even deeper into me.
It's too much. The new friction, the power of his strokes causes my tension to shatter. "Yes!" I scream, holding onto him tight.
Blake throws his head back as my pussy clenches his dick tight, pushing him over the edge. He roars, a sound that's all wolf. I feel his hot seed splash into me, even as he brings his mouth down on my shoulder and bites. Somehow that bite drives my pleasure right over the edge, making me feel liquid, lost in a waterfall of euphoria that's pouring through me, overwhelming me completely.
My pussy is clenching his cock, milking it of the last drops of cum. He's moaning and gyrating his hips, stirring me inside, pushing my orgasm further, extending it beyond what I thought was possible. My shoulder is stinging from his bite, but in a good way. We gasp and hold onto each other, until finally I blink as he pulls back a little.
Den and Breakfast: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (Honeycomb Falls Book 1) Page 10