Selene couldn’t help but to ogle him as his white terry cloth robe fell slightly open to reveal a bronzed chest. Damn, he was sexy and tempting. Suddenly, she remembered what he said. About his powers. From his declaration, he hadn’t been using them intentionally, but dammit, if she didn’t feel like a deprived nut.
Nick approached her. She averted her eyes and opened up an unread email on the laptop.
He didn’t make her attempts to remain focused on her work easy because he sat down on the sofa right next to her. He exhaled, a rather long lengthy one, as though he were relieved. His arm moved to lie on the back of the headrest. His day must have been hectic with everything going on in the Pack.
For most of the afternoon, she and Tamara had walked about the village, mostly through the parks catching up on things. Because of Darius threats, Devin had enforced a curfew on the village, especially for the women and children, so they weren’t allowed outside the boundaries. Over dinner, she came to know Devin a bit better, and understood what Tamara saw in him and what she could gain from a man like Devin. He was gentle with her, and seemed respectful of everything around him, even the servants who served them. Tamara didn’t like to talk about her abuse, but Selene was glad that she’d found some serenity and could tell the healing process had begun.
“Do you have everything you need?” Nick asked.
“Yes, the maid hooked me up with a landline and all. The internet connection is pretty strong. Not the fastest, but I’ve managed thus far.”
“Did you have a chance to review the train and bus schedules?”
“You’re really trying to get rid of me, aren’t you?”
“No. I’m trying to protect you.”
“From what?” She closed the lid on the laptop. “You said it yourself…that I was safe here.”
“You’re safe here, but not with me.”
“You’re not making sense to me.”
He stood, moving to the opposite end of the room to stand in front of the large bay window. “Every time you’re in my presence, I lose control. My train of thought derails. It’s like the wolf inside takes over.”
She wished she understood better what he felt, but she couldn’t even imagine what it must be to share his every being with the wolf.
Selene put the laptop on the coffee table and joined him at the window. “I still want to understand, Nick.” She touched his arm.
“Selene…” He squeezed his eyelids closed.
“Why don’t you just let the wolf take control…for once? It’s a part of you.”
He turned then, his irises shone brightly and the pupils contracted. The deep set hazel eyes of the wolf focused on her intently.
Her pulse quickened, and she swallowed the rising apprehension in her throat. She lifted her palm and pressed it against his exposed chest. Letting her hands glide over his skin, she met his warm glare.
“I’m not afraid,” she said.
Her core ignited when he grasped her about the waist and dragged her into him. His lips fell on hers with absolutely no hesitation. Her body replied in what seemed like total surrender as she pressed against him. His tongue slipped past her lips as they both fought to deepen the kiss. Why did she want him so badly? What was it that her body and soul needed so desperately? Her palm cupped the back of his head, crushing her lips to his in an attempt to get a better taste him.
Had she somehow lost control as well? Perhaps they’d both left that ability back in the cell. Why else would she be inclined to lust for such intimate affection?
He broke the kiss and traced her neck line with his lips. “I cannot seem to keep my hands off you.”
“That’s okay.” Selene captured his face between her palms. “Because I seem to want them on me.”
“I desire you in more ways than one,” he rasped into her throat.
“Then show me the way in which you desire me the most.” She brought their lips together again and coaxed him into another kiss.
Her own command surprised her. But, she wanted him just as bad. What was wrong with her? He’d admitted to having the powers of a seducer. Her body didn’t seem to care. Her mind had become useless for all she thought about was how exquisite she felt in his embrace.
His lips fell on her bare shoulders and then left a hot trail across her collar bone. He led her against the wall next to the window. She pushed her hips into his, softly grinding against the hard evidence of his lust. He moaned into her skin and slid his hand under her shirt, smoothing it across her belly and against her bare breasts. His fingers brushed against her nipples and her breath caught in her throat. Arching forward into his palms, she bit her bottom lip to keep from crying out.
Selene slid her hand between them to cup him through his briefs. A groan escaped from his lips as she stroked him. She burned, hot and eager, between her legs. He was large; she could tell as he grew hard and long against the fabric. She fumbled nervously against the opening and slipped her fingers inside.
His cock fell into her hand, and she gasp. Not only was he long, but heavy. The skin felt like soft leather against her sweaty palms.
He growled softly against her shoulder, and it only made her aching pussy clench tightly with need.
She slid the tip of his finger against the silky crown.
Not only a second later, he pulled her shirt over her head and captured her wrists above her head. She panted in bewilderment, meeting his wild hazel gaze. His large manhood pressed against her stomach. Hard muscle against soft flesh. The thought of him pushing inside of her sent her into a dizzy spell.
Her breasts were barred to his inspection and his touch, and he took advantage as he brought his free hand up to caress them. The nipples grew taut when he explored the plump flesh.
“Lovely,” he whispered, just before he took one between his lips.
This time, she could not hold back her cry of pleasure. She pushed more of herself into his mouth, but he still held her hands up and firm against the wall. He licked and suckled each breasts, with slow excruciating tugs. Her clit pulsed and the sensations carried throughout her entire being.
“Nick, please…”
He paused. “Do you want me to stop?”
“No.” She swallowed. “More.”
He slipped his hand down the waistband of her pajama pants, instantly making contact with her mound. Her face grew hot in embarrassment. It wasn’t like her not to wear undergarments, but it wasn’t something she wanted to borrow either. This gave him an advantage as his fingers slipped down into her folds, dipping into her wet heat.
“Gods,” he hissed.
He teased her. Stroking the lips and circling her clit. Her legs became weakened and she braced herself against the wall.
Nick let go of her wrists then, and assisted her out of her pants. Her whole body was exposed to him. She felt liberated, and yet reserved at the same time. When he stood back to observe her, her gaze fell to the ground.
“You’re beautiful.” His body covered hers again, providing the security and warmth that she’d come to covet. He lifted her chin, and kissed her mouth gently. “Don’t be shy.”
“I’ve never done this.”
“Done what? Offered your body to a wolf?” He nipped at her shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll make it easy. I know what you need.”
Before she could speak again, he dropped to his knees and connected his mouth to her belly button. She shivered at the unfamiliar stirring in her belly. Her hands instinctively went to grab the top of his freshly shaved head.
His hands went to either side of her hips and he brought her pussy to his mouth. She nearly swooned when he took her clit between his lips. He kissed her there, like they’d kissed only moments ago. His touch had her aching even more as a sensation so strong began to build inside of her. Her held her bare ass to the wall and lifted her thighs onto his shoulders.
She cried out in pleasure when his tongue entered her. Her body shook in excitement and anticipation of her pending climax. Feelings of
wanton desire consumed her, ridding her of any shame she felt earlier for wanting him like this. If being with a man intimately felt like this, she wanted more of it. He sipped and lapped at the folds of her sex and then lashed at her clit. He held her open, taking all of her and leaving not a centimeter of her pussy untouched.
She gripped his head tighter as her orgasm ripped through her. He teased her clit until she was spent. As he moaned softly against her pussy, butterflies danced within her belly. He dipped a tongue deep insider her, taking her over the edge once again. It was like one roller coaster ride on top of the other. Her body quaked against him. His tongue stroked at her softly, tasting her, as she came down from the climax.
Selene slid off his shoulders, and pulled him up. Her breathing was uneven, and she couldn’t utter a word. He carried her, and placed her at the foot of the bed.
His dick was still hard and long. He pushed himself back inside his briefs.
“What are you doing?” She was still hot and horny with avid hunger.
“I can’t take you, Selene.”
“Why?” The feeling of pleasurable satisfaction was replaced with hurt. He didn’t want her.
“Please understand.” He turned, and started to walk away.
“I don’t understand,” she said, firmly. “Is it because I’m human?”
He slipped off his bathrobe and draped it over her shoulders. It was the first time she’d seen him nearly naked. His skin was nearly flawless despite the intricate tattoos on either side of his arm. She remembered how gentle his body felt against hers despite hardened muscles. Nick defined perfection, and she wanted him…badly.
“I want you with every fiber of my being.” He bent and kissed her on the forehead. “Trust me on this.”
She grabbed hold of his forearms. “Then tell me what’s wrong, so that I can understand.”
He frowned, shaking his head. “I need time to think.”
He turned this time, but she made no moves to stop him.
“I’ll be back,” he said.
When the door closed behind him, her heart fell to her stomach.
Chapter Eleven
Nick took his place to the right of Devin, who was seated at the head of the long table. The clock struck six thirty, indicating that it was time for them to begin discussions.
He and Devin exchanged nods, and Nick acknowledged some of the other wolves in the room by doing the same. There were six of them on the Council. The number had been set for decades. With each new Alpha, there was likely to be a new set of Council members. Although some members were honored to sit more than once. It just so happened that Devin reappointed everyone that sat on his late brother’s Council. All except for Darius, of course, with Nick taking his place. They were all men leading very different lives. But they’d also chosen to serve the Caedmon people by being the decision makers on all issues regarding the Pack.
Nick had no doubt that Devin could and would lead them to greatness, but as Second-in-Command, he strived to live up to that important distinction. Having the ability to build a construction business from the ground up and ensuring that the Caedmon Pack did not fall to the ground were two different things. He thought so, at least.
Dawson, Devin’s half-brother, was the next in rank. He always offered his intellect and had come to be known as the brainy one. He was accepted into the early entrance program of an Ivy League school at fifteen and a half years old, and was projected to earn his Doctorate’s in less than two years from now at the rate in which he studied and excelled in college.
Then there was Blake and Aidan who’d officially only joined them a few years ago from other packs, but their loyalty and dedication had earned them great recognition. And there was Jayson, who’d been born and raised within the village. His father had served on the Council under Daniel’s reign. So, it was only natural when he stepped up. His family owned a bank, and Jayson served as an accountant and financial advisor for many in the community.
Jayson…where was he anyway?
As if on cue, Jayson burst into the double doors and took a seat at the other end of the table. He plopped his helmet down and ran his hand through an unruly mess of black hair.
“What time is it, Jayson?” Devin spoke from the other end of the table, straightening in his chair.
Everyone took their respective seats.
“Don’t know.” Jayson shrugged. “Why?”
“Look at your fucking wristwatch and tell everyone what time it is?”
Devin was pissed. Nick could tell by the way the other wolf gripped the pen in his fist. You could have heard a pin drop in the room, as Jayson lifted his wrist to peer at his watch.
“Six thirty seven,” Jayson said.
“The memo said six thirty, did it not? What prevented you from arriving on time?”
“Nothing. I was a little late, my gods.”
“And the last meeting we called, were you not a little late as well?”
Jayson shifted in his seat.
“Do you wish to serve or do you want to be removed?” Devin asked.
“I’m honored to serve under your reign.” Jayson looked down at the table. “I apologize for my late arrival.”
“From this day forward, you will respect the time of the five others who are on this Council. We don’t have time to waste. When I call meetings like these, the matters at hand are serious. If you’re late again without adequate excuse, you will be removed. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, Alpha,” Jayson said between clenched teeth.
“When this meeting is over, I need to have a private talk with you about your late father’s estate.”
Jayson nodded. “Yes, Alpha.”
Devin exhaled, and dropped the pen on the table. “Now, let’s begin.”
He may have looked like the laid back and suave leader, but Nick knew Devin better than most anyone else at the table. He wasn’t a wolf anyone should cross.
They had a long night ahead of them.
***
Selene’s stomach began to growl the very moment the servers brought out platters of food. They came into the large dining hall with trays filled of breakfast items. Bowls of fruits, trays stacked high of pancakes, biscuits, scrambled eggs, dozens of bacon strips and sausage links, and an assortment of other dishes.
She wasn’t surprised. Every meal at the Caedmon mansion over the last couple days had been considerable. She’d gotten used to it. But the buffet before them that was probably adequate enough to feed twenty humans was intended for a party of only four. One thing she’d learned about both Nick and Devin was that they didn’t leave leftovers. They ate like their next meal wasn’t promised to them.
Selene had no problems digging right in this time. She and Tamara served themselves with the help of the servers as Nick and Devin waited patiently. At previous meals, she found it strange that they waited this way. According to Tamara, they were acting on instinct. It was natural for Caedmon males to wait until the women were served before they indulged. A way to show love and sacrifice for one’s mate, she’d said.
Devin and Tamara were mated. It was no surprise that he’d do something like that for her. It did not explain why Nick had done the same for her when they were imprisoned in a cell, in the hideout near the mountains, and while they’d had other meals alone.
Selene glanced at him, and he smiled.
Since he’d brought her to climax against the bedroom walls, nothing else that intense had transpired between them. That night had been difficult for her to get past. She’d felt used and unwanted at the same time. It wasn’t until yesterday night, that she finally realized that his refusal didn’t have anything to do with her.
He’d joined her in the bed last night and embraced her until she’d fallen asleep, but she could tell that he made certain not to touch her in any intimate places.
There was something serious on his mind. Something other than the fact that their Pack was in danger. Her persistent nature to solve virtually all pr
oblems had not subsided with the car crash that ultimately brought them together. But would her persistent nature lead her into trouble yet again?
“Oh, these pancakes are so good,” Tamara explained, as she stuffed her mouth.
“Not as good as yours.”
She grinned. “You’re just saying that.”
“Oh yeah.” Devin dropped his fork on the plate, turned, and grasped Tamara about the waist. “I’d much rather eat yours.”
Completely ignoring the fact that she and Nick were still seated at the table, they kissed deeply for what seemed like minutes.
Selene’s heart warmed in that instant. It was the feeling she got when she’d finally learned that one of her clients had found peace. Tamara deserved this life, and she deserved Devin.
Nick finally cleared his throat.
“So, um…Nick and I have been talking about moving our construction business headquarters into town,” Devin said.
“You have?” Tamara smiled. “That would be great. I know it’s been rough for you trying to handle two things at once from two different locations.”
“Yep, we’ve already been talking to the employees.”
“It will be a good move,” Nick added. “Most of our suppliers are out east anyway.”
“Does that mean you’ll stay in the town permanently?” Tamara asked Nick.
Nick nodded. “This is my plan.”
“And Selene tells me she’s leaving soon.” Tamara frowned, and looked across the table her. “I really wish you would stay a little longer. Devin swears that it won’t always be this hectic. Things died down a bit after he took the leadership role, and then…well you know.”
“I wish I could, too,” Selene said. “But, I have a life back at home. A career where I have people who really depend on me.”
“I know.” Tamara’s shoulders slumped, and then her face brightened. “Did I tell you that you’re going to be my maid of honor? So there’s no easy out.”
“You’ve set a date?” Selene asked, surprised.
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