With each stroke, my need to possess her grew. If I were sensible, I’d stop now, walk away and not look back, but that time had come and was long gone. I was addicted. Pulling from her kiss, I took her breast in my mouth. I released short, hot breaths on her nipple, licking and teasing her as she cried out my name. With each thrust and with the sound of each of her throaty moans, I wanted to own her. I put that out of my mind as quickly as the thought kept resurfacing. It was not in the cards.
With that reality in mind, I looked up at her eyes and face, running a hand through her hair, committing the moment to memory, because it could be our last. I traced my thumb along her bottom lip, drawing back before burying deep inside her again. She whimpered a groan from deep in her throat, matching my movements stroke for stroke. I moved my head just enough to kiss her hard again, picking up the pace as my tongue mimicked the pace each time I drilled to her core.
My fingers found her neck somehow, tracing the line from her ear, across her jawline, and down her collarbone. This close to her, her pulse drummed loudly in my ear, beckoning me to feed on her rich blood. I held myself together and resisted. Feeding on the blood of a sexual partner was like second nature to vampires, but for Sonya and me, it was an act that needed to be avoided at all costs.
Sonya was a wolf shifter.
If I drew blood from her, she would be bound to me.
All the self-control in the world could not defy that one unexplainable, unbreakable, unavoidable law between our species.
As if reading my mind, she looked up at me, her beautiful eyes piercing mine.
“I tried so hard yesterday,” she panted. “Why can’t I stay away from you?”
“You know why,” I replied. Tasting her mouth again, I cut the conversation short. When she appeared to stop caring about more dialogue, I lifted off of her body again. “Get on your hands and knees.”
She did what I asked. God, she was a gorgeous creature. Licking my lips, I pulled her ass to my groin and buried myself balls deep inside. She gripped the sheets into her fists and arched her back, moaning, begging me to fuck her harder and not stop. I pounded into her relentlessly without a word. I slid a hand around to her clit, teasing the swollen bud to drive her to the heights of passion again. I knew I hit the spot when she threw her head back and cried out. Unable to hold back my pleasure from the heat of her core clenching around my shaft this time, I slammed into her, filling her completely as we came together.
Sonya moaned through her climax, and then she amazed me when she growled out, “Do it, Vincent. Feed.”
“No!” I roared, jolting to clear-headedness.
Something snapped inside me then. I pulled out of her, lurched out of bed and threw on my clothes before storming out. It was only when I returned to my room that I realized that Sonya likely said what she did to get exactly this reaction. She promptly confirmed it was the case when she sent me a text that read, “If you keep playing with fire, you might get wolf-bound.”
I smiled, and headed into the shower to clean up again.
Clever little wolf.
12
Sonya
I said what I had to. Mind-blowing sex with Vincent was one thing. Letting myself get bound to him was another. He was an intelligent guy, so I was sure he knew not to cross the line, and uttering that one demand did the trick to wake him up. Still, a small hidden part of me said it for other reasons. I was always the rebellious one, and way too curious. A part of me wanted to know for sure whether a vampire bite would really bind us together as mates, curse me for the full length of my life, and cut me off from my pack.
He didn’t bite, and I probably should have thanked him for leaving, but I was sure he got my point when I sent the text message. As expected, he didn’t reply.
Angel was ready to start the day about an hour later. The rest of Saturday morning and early afternoon flew by, which was normal whenever Angel and I hung out together. Our first stop was the chapel. It was perfectly decorated in an autumn harvest theme, with jack-o-lanterns in the foyer, fall-colored ivy in the aisles, and gothic skulls and cobwebs as accents virtually everywhere. From there, we checked the hotel ballroom. The décor was similar, with classic place settings, but there were the cutest little black cauldrons on each table, holding a votive candle inside and with Halloween candy scattered around it.
The hotel’s event manager showed us the wedding cake in the caterer’s kitchen at the back. It was spectacular. A three-tiered chocolate cake with buttercream frosting and milk chocolate drizzled over the sides, embellished at the top with a skeleton bride and groom on a motorcycle, holding a sign that read “Ride with Me Till Death Do Us Part.”
Perfect.
No detail was missed and more importantly, Angel was happy.
We ended up skipping the massages, but by the time we left to get dressed, our up-do hairstyles, makeup and manicures were all done, and I was feeling a whole lot better. Hot sex with the cute vamp didn’t hurt my mood, either. After a quick bite to eat, we met up with Angel’s mother in her suite. I wasn’t surprised at all that she took charge from there on out. Mrs. Kessler insisted that she didn’t need my help getting her only baby girl ready for her wedding day. She shooed me off, pointing out that I needed to get in my maid of honor dress as well.
Fatigue washed over me when I made it back to my room. It was only around noon, but my internal clock had not swung back to the Nevada time zone yet. My body felt like it was time for bed because it was ten at night in Bulgaria. I had two hours to spare, and putting on the dress would take all of twenty minutes. Grabbing a towel from the bathroom, I spread it out on my pillow to avoid smearing my makeup everywhere. I set my alarm clock to wake me up in ninety minutes, and crawled into bed for a power nap.
“Don’t you look stunning!”
Angel’s mother complimented me when I returned to her suite. I was wearing my flowing, floor-length, sapphire blue chiffon dress.
“Thank you.”
“The sweetheart neckline and halter straps, and goodness, the fitted bodice is like it was made just for you. Blue has always suited you, Sonya.” She tilted her head as though something was out of place. “And your eyes … my God, they’re almost glowing, love.”
I got that a lot, but just in case, I placed my sapphire beaded clutch purse on a nearby counter and walked over to the foyer mirror to see for myself. Phew! She had me worried there for a second. My eyes glowed a brilliant otherworldly blue whenever I was in wolf form, and at times, just before I shifted, but that wasn’t the case right now. It was just the light reflecting up from my dress and hitting my irises.
“Thank you, Mrs. Kessler. You look lovely too.”
“You’re such a dear,” she told me, pulling me in for a hug. “You have no idea how happy I am that you’re here with us for Angel’s special day.”
“Me too. I wouldn’t miss it for anything. Is Angel all finished?”
“Yes, she’s in the second bedroom.”
“Great,” I told her, stepping carefully into her sunken living room to get to the bedroom.
“You go on and keep her company. I need to get a bracelet from my car … and a bottle of whisky to calm my nerves. All that fruity stuff in the minibar won’t cut it at a time like this. I’ll be right back.”
Smiling, I headed in.
I was speechless when I saw Angel. She stood beside the floor-to-ceiling windows, staring out at the Vegas Strip skyline and mountains in the distance. I wished I had my camera right this second. She was exquisite from head to toe. Diamond drop earrings, a tiara-styled comb holding up her veil, the most gorgeous mermaid gown made of satin, lace and tulle, hugging every curve on her body. A row of covered buttons down the sheer back accentuated the style, and a structured bow at the back of her waist made it all the more perfect. Even her skin seemed to shimmer, and it was not the makeup.
Angel turned to me when she noticed I was in the room. “Do you like it?” she asked timidly.
A wave of emotion floo
ded over me. “Like it? Awww, honey. You’re perfect. I have never … ever … seen a more gorgeous bride. And you know what?” I started fanning my eyes. “Goodness, I think I’m gonna cry!”
I hurried back out of the room to find some facial tissues. I had not shed a tear since my mom passed when I was eleven. That was thirteen years ago, so I took comfort in knowing I broke the dry spell for my dearest friend. Which reminded me that I’d brought a gift for her. Grabbing my clutch purse, I returned to the room.
“I have something for you.” I pulled out the last-minute gift. “It’s old, borrowed and blue, but I promise you it’s exactly what you want.”
Her eyes widened when she saw it. “Oh my God, don’t tell me that’s—”
“It is,” I beamed. “The blue moonstone necklace my grandmother left me. I remember how much you loved it when I wore it to the prom.” I stepped up behind her and placed it around her neck, clasping the closure. “And it’s good luck, too.”
“But it’s so rare. Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
“I’m beyond shocked that you’re letting it out of your sight.”
“I’m not, hun,” I smiled. “I’ll be watching you like a hawk.”
She looked in the mirror and got all misty-eyed. “It’s perfect. I love it. Oh God, I’ll end up crying again too.” She looked up at the ceiling, blinking a few times before stretching out her arms to hug me. “Thank you, love.”
Mrs. Kessler returned a few minutes after. The limo was downstairs, waiting to take us to the chapel. Axe, Vincent and most everyone else had already made it there, so it was just the three of us left.
“Ready?” I asked.
“Yes … but if anyone asks me that question again, I won’t be. Let’s go before I need to take a piss again.”
13
Vincent
Axe and I were at the altar, and the guests were mingling when the moment we had all been waiting for finally arrived. The organ player got the signal, and started his Halloween version of the wedding song. Mrs. Kessler headed up the aisle first, followed by Sonya. I had to swallow the lump in my throat. Her eyes dazzled, but she didn’t look my way, not for a second. Understandable. I still admired every detail of her face and every contour of her body in her stunning blue gown.
Silence fell around the room when Angel entered the chapel, escorted by Cole, the vice president of Axe’s motorcycle club. She took slow steps to the altar, moving in time with the music, eyes locked on Axe. Just as for the countless grooms I had the pleasure of witnessing before today, he was also transfixed, eyes filled with admiration and mad love, as he would put it. Finally at the altar, Cole joined her hand with the groom’s.
After a brief pause, the justice of the peace cleared his throat to address the couple and congregation.
“We are gathered today to bring this couple together in marriage, and to celebrate this memorable, joyous occasion in the presence of these witnesses. The act of marriage is a joining of two souls which unify to one, and is not to be taken lightly…”
Some of the justice’s speech fell into the background after I noticed Sonya staring at me. I gave her a wink. She looked away, but I continued to observe her. This woman had such an effect on me, it was a miracle I’d left her side earlier. She was clever for putting on the brakes. It was for the best.
My attention returned to the ceremony when the justice instructed the couple to face each other and join hands.
“Will you, Axe Arnold Voltaire, take this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live with her in the state of holy matrimony, forsaking all others, to love and comfort her through good times and bad, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, so long as you both shall live?”
“Hell yeah,” Axe declared, to a few nods and approving cheers in the audience.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” He turned to Angel. “And do you, Angel Rachel Kessler, take this man to be thy wedded husband, to live with him in the state of holy matrimony, forsaking all others, to love and comfort him through good times and bad, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, so long as you both shall live??”
“I do.”
“As you take these vows, Angel and Axe, I would have you remember that all things are possible with faith and love in each other. Do you have the rings to exchange a token of your union?”
I reached into my pocket and passed the wedding bands to Axe.
The justice of the peace continued. “Axe, repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed. Let it forever be a symbol of our love and devotion.
Axe repeated it, and Angel did the same after she was instructed to make the same declaration.
“As you Axe, and you, Angel have consented together in the union of marriage, and pledged your faith each to the other in the presence of these guest, by the power vested in me in the state of Nevada, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
“Come here, woman,” Axe shouted.
It was no surprise to me that my diehard patch-wearing friend patted his wife’s ass, then dipped her low for a long, heated kiss and some fondling of their own. Their eagerness got the crowd to their feet with applause. I shook my friend’s hand when he came up for air, and hung back when the happy couple headed out of the chapel, followed by Sonya. The wedding party was ready to start off an evening of what was sure to be a lively celebration.
14
Sonya
With the reception wrapped up and the costume party in full swing, I found Angel. I gave her one final hug and let her know that I needed to hit the road. It was close to ten-thirty at night, but I felt strangely alert. Heading to Rock Springs made sense. Within an hour, I had taken a shower, put on some comfy clothes, and packed my things into the rental car. Vincent respected my wishes and left me alone. I had to admit, I felt some remorse that he hadn’t approached me at all during the reception and after party. Getting to know him wasn’t in the cards, but wow, he sure hit the spot earlier today and last night. Another round of cross-species sex wouldn’t have been too bad.
But then again, I was the uptight she-wolf who told him to back off.
Finished with my hotel suite, I slid the key card under Vincent’s door. I made a promise to myself that I would send him a thank-you text. He was instrumental in giving Angel and Axe a perfect wedding experience, so I owed him that much. When the message was all typed out, I caved. Waiting until I got outside city limits was a smarter idea. No use tempting fate.
I took the elevator down to the parking level, and was over fifty feet from my rental car when all the hairs on my back stood on edge. Stopping in my tracks, I sniffed the air.
Shit.
I knew that smell.
The unmistakable odor of aconite—one of the most toxic substances for wolves. Aconite was usually carried around by either witches, wannabe wolf shifter hunters, or anyone who wanted to do damage to my kind. Why the hell were they here? And the scent was coming from somewhere close to my car.
Fuck.
There were at least three human males nearby, and one of them was now tucked away somewhere behind me, probably ready to block my retreat back inside the hotel. They were armed too. My heightened sense of smell picked up the scent of at least two weapons that had recently been discharged.
With silver bullets.
I was furious.
These pricks had kicked off their hunt for supernatural victims hours ago.
They probably saw this rare night as a hunter’s dream, a free-for-all chance to walk the streets and take down anyone they assumed to be nonhuman, right in plain sight. Because it was Halloween, the authorities would have no idea for at least a few hours, when the blood everyone thought was fake turned out to be real, and bodies piled up at the morgue.
And these sons of bitches were looking to make me their next victim.
Well, I was not on the goddamned menu.
I did a quick, mental estimate of the time. It had to be close to midnight, which meant that in
another hour, the full moon would pass. Good. If I had to, I would shift to wolf form, fight like hell, and take down as many of them as I could. I was raised to claw and kick and scrap if I had to. Still, the best way out of this was to get back into the hotel. Only one man stood in my way. I was certain I could take him on, but just in case, I needed a weapon. Digging around in my purse would only alert them that I knew they were lying in wait, so I did the next best thing. I shifted only my hands, letting my paws form until the sharp claws extended to full length. If I wanted a snowball’s chance in hell to get inside the hotel without setting off alarm bells among the humans inside, I couldn’t shift anything more than my front paws.
Although … hell, it was Halloween. People would think my paws were part of an elaborate costume. I could probably get away with shifting my head too, come to think of it. I was as ready as I would ever be. Turning on the ball of my canvas sneakers, I walked briskly to the elevator door.
Hunter number one emerged from behind a parked SUV.
“Happy Halloween, little werewolf,” he snickered tauntingly.
Talking at this juncture was unwise. That was his first mistake. It gave me time to assess him head-on, and although his two buddies were starting their approach towards us in the shadows, I had the upper hand. Smartass over here still had his gun holstered, reeked of alcohol, and didn’t get into as simple a defensive position as bending his knees.
I smiled.
He backed up to the door to the elevator bay. “You’re kinda cute. If you weren’t a fur-faced bitch half the time, I’d let you suck my dick.”
Bruised MC Bear (Beartooth Brotherhood MC Book 3) Page 21