Changed: 2 (Wolf's Den)

by Aline Hunter

  Bossy little female.

  He considered swatting her ass but decided against it. Another time he’d give her that, when they both could enjoy it. He didn’t bother getting dressed, just moved to the bed. She saw his needs and reacted, pulling the covers back. He sat on the sheets and moved his back to the headboard. Once there he waited, giving his body a rest. The rusty scent of bloody meat suddenly appeared.

  “I didn’t know if you needed these.” Rachel stood right beside him, holding a plate in one hand and utensils in the other. He couldn’t help but notice her towel had loosened, giving him an ample view of her nipples. Even though his body was injured, his cock rose at the sight. He wanted to curse his shitty fucking fortune.

  Reaching for the plate, he clarified, “Just the steaks, baby.”

  “Do you need anything to drink?” She handed it over along with a napkin.

  “I’d kill for a beer.”

  She didn’t run from the room but she did haul ass. In an effort to make things easier for her he called to his wolf, willing his teeth to sharpen. As soon as his canines lengthened and he knew chewing would be fast, he went at the first piece. Normally he ate slowly—even when he hunted game with the pack—but tonight food meant fuel. He’d finished the first, chomped down the second and started on the third when Rachel returned. She avoided looking at him as she walked over and placed the bottle on the nightstand.

  “I had to find a bottle opener.”

  He didn’t point out the lids came off with a firm twist of one’s hand. “Thank you.”

  “Uh.” She glanced at his fingers clenching raw meat and looked away. “You’re welcome.”

  Since he didn’t want to choke he had to make sure he gnawed the last steak properly. He’d never been more aware of his nature. And he’d never loathed it so much. He could sense Rachel’s tension, watching from the corner of his eye as she paced from one side of the room to the next. He slid the last bit into his mouth and retrieved the beer.

  With food in his gut, he felt a hell of a lot better. “All finished.”

  She stopped burning a strip in his carpet, gazing over at him. Her eyes darted to the plate he’d placed on the bed and she rushed to collect it. He wanted to comfort her but didn’t have a chance. The instant he lifted the beer to his mouth, she took off. He watched her—still only clad in a towel—sprint away.

  Closing his eyes, he nursed the beer.

  She was edgy. Nothing he could say would help that.

  All he could do was wait.

  The ball was in her court.

  Rachel put the plate inside the dishwasher and took a deep breath.

  Declan wasn’t human. He required special things. This was a part of his nature.

  I just hope it’s not mine.

  He could eat all the raw steak he wanted but the sight made her nauseous. She’d been fine in the shower, finding that she enjoyed taking care of him. But as soon as he dove into the meat she’d been unable to look. She hadn’t wanted to see or hear it.

  Get a grip. This isn’t the end of the world. He’s hurt and needs you. She felt disgusted with herself all of a sudden. You probably hurt his feelings again. Idiot.

  Drawing her shoulders back, she forced her chin up.

  Declan didn’t need a weakling right now. He needed a woman who’d care for him, accepting him exactly the way he was. Instead she’d acted like a moron, unable to look at him, running from the room the minute she had the chance. That wouldn’t work. They’d come too far to hit a roadblock due to her fears and insecurities.

  Adjusting the towel and covering her breasts, she marched from the kitchen. After all the care he’d shown her she refused to give him less. The hallway wasn’t as long as she thought, however, and she found herself walking into the bedroom before she felt ready. She suffocated her discomfort, meeting his gaze as she neared the bed. He hadn’t pulled the blankets up so it was easy to see his cock remained semihard.

  Her eyes darted up to his torso and she wanted to wince.

  Dark smudges—bruises—marred his beautiful skin. His ribs looked the worst, mottled and purple. She drew closer, her previous hesitation gone. He was in pain and he was exhausted. There was something she could do for him. It wouldn’t require any work on his part. It wouldn’t be easy—she’d certainly want more—but she could give him something he needed.

  “What’s going on in that beautiful head of yours?” A faint smile sweetened his features.

  She dropped the towel, meeting his eyes. “You’ll see.”

  He lowered the beer to his thigh, his irises lightening several shades. She crawled over the end of the bed, her breasts touching the comforter, her nipples hardening as they caressed the silken material. With a soft sigh she continued forward, her attention on his cock.

  “Rachel.”

  Ignoring the warning in his voice, she wrapped her fingers around the base. He hissed, bucking into her hand. “I want to do this for you.” Winding her hand up and down his length, she added, “Relax.”

  His position forced her to scoot up on her knees in order to have the right angle. She nearly teased him, lapping at the crown, then she decided it would be best to go for the kill. Over the years she’d heard men liked to hit home base and drift to sleep right after. Sexually frustrated women the world over bitched about it constantly. She took the tip into her mouth and went to work, sucking and brushing her tongue along the bottom, using her hands to make sure his entire length received attention.

  “Damn.” He rested his hand on the back of her head. “That’s good.”

  Encouraged, she kept going.

  She was able to take him deeper, swallowing when he bumped the back of her throat. Her clit throbbed, her pussy clasping. She tried not to pay attention, making sure to keep her breasts away from the sheets. Her nipples were so sensitive the smallest bit of contact got her hot.

  Declan tugged at her hair, trying to pull her away. “Come here.”

  She didn’t comply with the request, bobbing her lips up and down his shaft. He was hard and thick, making her jaw ache. Just a little longer and he’d lose control. She wanted to hear him come. He sounded so sexy, a mixture of heavy groans and deep growls.

  “I can smell how turned on you are.” The next yank—much harder this time—got her attention. “Get up here and ride me before I flip you over and fuck you like the animal I am.”

  Lifting her eyes, she peered up at him. Shit.

  He’d put the beer aside. Even if he hurt he meant what he said. She could see the tic in his jaw, the way his muscles flexed. His irises were no longer human. She glanced at his hands and noticed his nails had lengthened into claws. Shockingly, the sight didn’t scare her. Rather it appealed to her wolf, sending a wave of blistering fire along the underside of her skin.

  “I feel like shit and hurt all over,” Declan confessed. “Don’t make me ask again.”

  A pang of regret stabbed her chest but she let his cock slide from her lips. Since she was already on her hands and knees it wasn’t hard to crawl up his body. She did so cautiously, making sure not to touch bruised places. Stopping over him, she went up on her knees. He fisted the base of his cock and grasped her hip.

  “Put your hands on my shoulders,” he instructed hoarsely and glided the tip between her wet folds. She did, carefully placing them where he’d asked. He parted her pussy, the broad head spreading her wide. “Ease down on me. We’re going to take this nice and slow.”

  She sank down, taking him a bit at a time. Her eyes darted to the bruising on his ribs. “I don’t want to make things worse.”

  “Then don’t. Rock on me, sweetheart. Make us both feel good.” The hand he’d placed around the base of his cock moved and she took the last inches of him. The head bumped her deep inside and she put her chin on her chest. She felt his fingers search for and find her clit. “We’ll come together. You only need to get us there.”

  The events of the evening vanished.

  All she could think ab
out—all she could feel—was Declan.

  His nails receded and his fingers raked over the skin at her hip, the pressure on her clit teasing and not what she needed. Bringing her head up, she met his gaze. Her breath caught and fizzles built in her tummy. He was studying her, as though he wanted to know her reactions. The darkening along his jaw had faded to a soft yellow.

  They’d had sex before but this time something was different.

  Energy radiated between the two of them. There was a change in her lover she couldn’t place. A part of her wanted to ask him about it and share her feelings. If she shifted successfully, they’d be together forever. This time the idea didn’t scare her. She’d actually started liking the idea. There were so many things she could do now that she had a second chance, and she could do them with the sexy and thoughtful man who’d claimed her.

  She maintained eye contact, rocking her pelvis. “Tell me if I hurt you.”

  “You won’t.” His eyes drifted closed and she noticed how full his lashes were. “You feel so good, mate. So snug and warm all around me.”

  Making sure she didn’t bump him, she lifted away and started moving up and down. As usual he was thick enough to brush all her sweet places, the wideness parting her vaginal walls. He didn’t stop touching her, rasping his fingers over her clit. The air in the room felt thick, her breathing quickly becoming heavy.

  This was what she needed.

  The two of them together.

  “Play with your nipples.” Her eyes flew open and Declan was there, looking right at her. Clutching her hip and guiding her to a faster pace, he growled, “I want to watch. Show me what you like.”

  They’d done so much together. She wasn’t sure why that idea made her shy.

  Mustering her courage, she let go of his shoulders and brought her hands to her breasts. At first she rested her palms over her hard nipples and averted her gaze.

  “No.” His voice had thickened, his growl heavier. “Look at me.” It wasn’t easy but she did. “I want to see it when you get off. I know you enjoy nipple play. Touch them while I keep touching you. You don’t have to be embarrassed. Not with me.”

  A small drawing back of her hands and her nipples were between her fingers. She rolled them gently, moaning at the feeling. His lids lowered, hooding his eyes. The look he was giving her was more than enough to ramp up her libido. Combined with the fullness of his cock and the friction he applied to her clit, it wouldn’t take her long.

  “Do I feel good, baby?”

  “Yes,” she answered, moaning at the delicious sensations. “You feel so good.”

  They stayed like that, gazing into each other’s eyes. She didn’t stop, gliding up and down his cock. The hand at her hip made her go faster, then faster. Heat and pressure built in her abdomen, matching the pulsing between her legs. Declan didn’t look away, his irises so bright she thought they might blind her. Her muscles drew up, stomach tight.

  “Come for me,” he whispered thickly.

  The pressure in her body split, coursing over her. She tried to inhale but her breath caught in her throat, the pleasure nearly too much. Declan held her gaze as she came, his lips slightly parted, his hair damp and messy around his forehead, temples and neck. She made a mental snapshot, never wanting to forget. The glorious hum spreading over her skin intensified, the pleasure so perfect she thought she might drown in it.

  “My sweet girl.” Declan’s forehead creased and his teeth snapped together. “I’m right there with you.”

  He stopped her movement, slamming her down his length. His cock swelled, the hand on her hip squeezed and she felt the liquid heat of his climax explode inside her. As he came he lifted his hips a bit, sending his cock deeper into her. She took it all, rocking back and forth. To keep balanced she released a breast and put her hand on his arm. His motions eased and finally stopped altogether. The fingers at her clit moved away, the hand on her hip resting limply over her skin. He panted for air, his chest rising up and down.

  He’s too tired for this.

  Prepared to care for him, she shrugged him off when he reached for her. “Let me pull up the blankets.”

  As she lifted from his cock a trickle of his seed escaped, weaving down her thigh. She climbed from the bed and retrieved the towel she’d left there. Before she could let her nerves get the better of her, she carefully wiped herself clean and carried the plush length of fabric to the laundry basket near the closet.

  Declan tracked her movements. She could feel the heaviness of his stare.

  She turned out the light and returned to him, ready to pull up the covers. She’d no more than pulled everything aside when he tugged her to the center of the bed. Despite his injuries he covered their bodies with the blankets and snared her by the waist. His chest cradled her back, his still-hard cock resting in the crease of her ass. She’d been afraid to touch him—not wanting to cause him further pain—but apparently he didn’t mind so much.

  His lips brushed her ear, his breath warm. “Thank you.”

  “I don’t like seeing you hurt.” A small step toward a confession about her feelings but a step nonetheless. “Tell me this doesn’t happen a lot.”

  “I can’t believe it. Are you worried about me?”

  She thought he might be holding his breath as he waited for her answer. “Yes.”

  “No, baby. This doesn’t happen often.” He rubbed his cheek against the side of her neck. “Things have been strained since Chloe and Jackson got together but eventually that’ll settle down.”

  “Will it take you long to heal?” She brought her hand to his, cautious as she rested her fingers over his knuckles. “Will the food make everything better?”

  “I’ll be completely healed in the morning.” Pressing a kiss to her shoulder, he whispered, “The food definitely helps but it’s not what makes me better.”

  “It’s not?”

  “No.”

  “Is it the wolf then?”

  He paused, his breath tickling her skin. “It’s you, Rachel.”

  Her heart skipped a beat. “Me?”

  “Yes, you.”

  “I’m glad.” It wasn’t his words that made her bold, it was the way he said them. “I want to be the one who gives you what you need.”

  “Am I finally starting to grow on you?”

  “A little.” She smiled, welcoming his good humor. “Keep it up.”

  With a gentle nip, he settled against her. “I have every intention to.”

  Silence fell over them and his breathing fell into a steady rhythm. She gazed across the bedroom and tried to keep her eyes closed. Sadly a sliver of light from the moon had made it through the blinds in the window. She couldn’t stop staring at the white hue, wondering how it would feel against her skin. In less than twenty-four hours the wolf inside her would rise and everything would change.

  “Don’t worry, baby. I’m here. I’ll take care of you.” Declan let go of her waist and cupped her breast, resting his elbow on her hip. “Get some sleep.”

  So he knew she was tense. Not a surprise.

  It seemed he was getting to know her better and better.

  With a final look, she forced her lids closed.

  It wasn’t like she had any other choice.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Rachel thought she shouldn’t have kept thinking about the lack of time she had left.

  Doing so had only made the minutes tick by quicker.

  To make the suck-factor worse, Declan had been on the phone all day.

  They’d gotten hot and heavy more than once only to have Jackson, Gavin or Shane call and interrupt them. He hadn’t been able to let the answering machine do the work, promising he’d return as soon as he could. His sly smile and grumbling about his job as Beta had lightened her mood a bit. She’d waited, and waited, and waited…

  Then she decided she wasn’t staying in the bed all day.

  He hadn’t returned after she’d taken a shower so she’d used several minutes to dry her hair
. Time passed, each second rushing by. She’d cleaned up her mess. Paced the room. Eventually she’d decided to find him if she had to. He’d been in his office, looking through a Rolodex. He’d given her an apologetic look but hadn’t stopped sharing information with Jackson and asking questions. He said goodbye and she’d expected him to end the call when he hit the button on the receiver and went to the other line.

  His stomach had growled, the sound loud in the office.

  Always the one to receive breakfast, she’d then found herself the cook.

  After she fed him he still didn’t budge from his chair, answering calls on his cell and his office phone. She’d waited, trying to give him space. Yet the calls kept coming. Once she’d slipped her head into the door and he’d put his hand over the phone and apologized again, appearing almost frustrated.

  So she’d left, letting him do his work.

  That’s how a majority of the day had gone.

  Hours had passed. Morning had turned into afternoon. Unable to do anything else she’d catered to Declan, making him lunch. He’d thanked her with a kiss when the phone rang again. Wanting to be near him, she’d decided to eat with him, taking a seat in the chair on the other side of his desk. Then—as she’d plucked a photo album of Declan’s tattoo work over the years from a shelf—things had gotten really strange.

  Her eyes went to the windows and her heart skipped a beat.

  She’d been able to hide the changes from him since he’d been distracted, excusing herself with a smile. But as soon as he saw her again he’d know the deal. Over the last two hours her hearing had gotten better. Declan’s conversations, once muffled, were now crystal clear. The air shifted, scents becoming apparent. The wolf had gotten louder in her mind, eager for the day to end. Her muscles ached and she’d felt a hollow throb build in her arms and legs.

  It had only taken minutes to realize the pain was radiating from her bones.

  “Baby,” Declan hollered from the office, catching her off guard. She ripped her eyes from the window and turned toward his voice. “Can you come here?”

  He hadn’t called for her in over an hour.