“Baby,” Wyatt shook his head, shaking himself loose from some thought, “I read all the files you have on Judy. She’s a real piece of work. I’m sorry, but I have to ask. How the hell did you come out so good with that person as an influence in your life?”
Peyton didn’t really know what to say, so she shrugged her shoulders. She was just who she was.
“That isn’t enough, baby, but I’ll let it pass for now. Just so you know, I also read the file you have on Butch Smith. That man needs to be erased. Why hasn’t Bas ever said anything about him? I can’t believe the guy is still breathing. If I had a sister and some guy tried to molest her, he would be six feet under. Shit, you aren't my sister, and I’m having a hard time not running out and murdering him myself.”
“Bastian doesn’t know about Butch, I never told him. Since Judy had changed our names before she hooked up with his dad, there’s no record of what happened to me using my real name. I want it kept that way. Butch James isn’t worth going to jail over. I have him watched, and if he gets close to a woman with a little girl, an automatic, anonymous email is sent out with a link to the news articles related to what happened to me. So far, every woman has run the other way. He’s only been out of jail for a couple of years. He was only sentenced to seven years. Can you believe that?”
“Yeah, I can. Unfortunately, drug offenses sometime get tougher sentences, that’s not right in my book.”
“Anyway, I learned really early not to trust what Judy said or did. There was a time I tried to think of her as a mother, but from the few times I got to go to school regularly, I knew she was nothing like the other mothers. Bastian asked me to promise I would never let her influence the person I became, to keep the good he saw inside of me and survive.
“We were so young, and we had so many plans. He was going to go into the military, then get me away from her. That never happened, but I clung to that dream for a really long time. When the state took over my care, I was placed with an older couple. They never had children and really wanted them. I expected the worst, but they proved me wrong every step of the way. Their names were Jim and Dorothy, and I cared for them deeply.
“Jim had hunting dogs, and when he noticed how drawn I was to them, he started letting me help with their training. I loved it. Dorothy was great too. She always had food on the table, helped me with my homework, and encouraged me to have dreams. I never let myself have dreams of the future before them. Unfortunately, my time with them was short-lived. Dorothy suffered a heart attack and died, and the State thought leaving a fourteen-year-old girl alone with a single, elderly man was a bad idea.
“Their solution was to send me to a group home,” Peyton laughed. “Bastian had turned eighteen and joined the Navy. He wanted me to come stay with him, but he wasn’t a blood relation, so his claim was denied. They said the situation would be inappropriate. Before I left Jim, he gave me one last piece of advice—keep your head down, do right by yourself, and learn something every day to help yourself along the way. But most importantly, don’t ever let someone take advantage of you again.
“I loved that advice and lived by it religiously. I improved my skills with the computer and got deeper into hacking at the group home, along with several other handy, if not illegal things I’m ashamed to admit, even now. But Jim’s words always stuck. I graduated early from high school and found out through a social worker, Jim had set up a scholarship fund for me. It was bittersweet because I also learned Jim had died earlier that year and no one had told me.
“Judy had never actually left my life, she just wasn’t a physical presence. When I turned eighteen and the state could no longer intervene, she changed that. I didn’t have much, but what I did have, she wanted. I was able to placate her with the promise of money monthly. So, between hacking, starting my service dog program, and school, I was somehow able to come up with the money every month, and she stayed away.
“I’m not really sure why I did it though. I knew the woman was bad news. The more I fed her, the more she wanted. I think at that time in my life, with Bastian off saving the world, I needed a connection. Even if it was a bad one, at least I could pretend. What about you, Wyatt? You can’t get much worse than my childhood. How was yours?”
“Well, it was surprisingly normal, actually,” Wyatt admitted. “My mom and dad raised me. They were older when they had me, so they were pretty much set in their ways. Dad was a dick, and my mom was a doormat. But beyond that, they pretty much left me alone. I had food, clothing, and a place to sleep, so they felt their duty to me was complete. On the occasion they wanted to impress or move up in some social standing, they would dress me up and parade me around.”
“Oh, Wyatt, I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks, honey, but it’s okay. I’ve lived through it and compared to some, it wasn’t all that bad. They bought me my first computer and encouraged education. They didn’t beat me, they just had a different way of thinking. I don’t know if I’ll ever understand it, but it was the way it was. Shit, my mom passed not all that long ago, and my Dad didn't even bother to call. I found out through Jacks. It’s just the way my family worked.
“We lived in a community with other Shifters, not that far from where Bas grew up. I had him and the rest of the guys, and we made our own pack, our own family. I’m surprised I never met you while you were staying with Bas and his dad. I’ve been racking my brain, but the only thing I can come up with is it would have been during the time I spent at a school out of town.”
“Probably,” Peyton answered, “but then again, besides going to school, I never really got to meet or hang out with any of Bastian’s friends. As a matter of fact, I attended a different school altogether. I can remember thinking it was odd at the time, but I never questioned it. Bastian didn’t bring home friends and neither did I. I believe we were both ashamed of what was going on behind our closed door.”
“Yeah, I can understand that. My parents were aloof with me and each other as well, but they made sure to never let that side of them show to the outside world,” Wyatt added. “They acted like they were this perfect couple with the perfect little family when the reality couldn’t have been further from the truth. Like a lot of Shifters, Dad cheated constantly and Mom accepted it. He had his room, and she had hers. Once the doors closed, everybody went their separate ways. Until I was about eight years old, I thought all families acted that way. Imagine my surprise when I found out it wasn’t even close to the truth.”
“Wait, I thought you said they were married,” Peyton questioned. “Weren’t they mated like you keep telling me we are?”
“Yes, they were married, but not mated. We all found out very recently that true mates existed once again. Shifters stopped producing Shifter females over a century ago. We were taught about true mates through fairy tales or bedtime stories. A fated mate was the one person out in the world who would not only bond with the man, but their animal as well, making their lives whole. Most unions are only between the man and the women although I’m pretty sure a buddy of mine’s parents are true mates. At least I would like to think they are. They represented everything I didn’t have, a loving couple who loved and cherished their children.
“That’s where I heard the stories, from Lance’s parents. They’re still together, and you can see the love they have for each other. It's breathtaking. I want that for us. Don’t confuse my parent’s relationship with ours, Peyton. My bear is calm around you, even peaceful. That hasn’t happened since my first shift. Shifters who don’t find their true mates eventually go rogue and have to be put down. It’s almost like turning into a rabid animal. Mates provide the grounding we need to live without the constant struggle of being two separate parts.”
“Do you talk to your bear?” Peyton asked.
“No, not talk really, it’s more of a subconscious type of thing or a feeling. My bear is always there, just under the skin. If he senses danger, he lets me know. If he’s unhappy, he really lets me know. And if he’s content, i
t’s a feeling unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. That’s only happened once in my life, Peyton. It started when Bas sent me your picture. The first whiff of you sealed the deal, and the sight of you sprawled out on the monitor room floor, cemented it. You’re my mate, human or not. It’s not going to matter if you turn out to be one of Franklin's babies like Ryleigh and Emma. I know in my heart, you’re my mate, and most importantly, so does my bear. It’s time for you to get caught up.”
“I’m getting there, but Wyatt, this is really fast for me. I just found out about Shifters and true mates. I’m unbelievably drawn to you, and I want you, but I’m not the type of person who moves this fast. Can you understand that, accept it?”
“Yep, up until I met you, I was the same way. But, baby, you need to know I won’t stop kissing or touching you. I like it, not to mention, I need it. Can you accept that?”
“Yes, Wyatt, I can accept that. I feel very much the same way.”
“So, how about some normal first date questions? What’s your favorite color?” Wyatt asked.
“Well, up until today, I would have said it was green, but I think it’s changed to aqua blue. What’s yours?” Peyton countered.
“Like you, up until recently, I would have had to say green, but now it’s definitely brown. Somewhere between melted chocolate and mahogany to be exact. See, we already have so much in common,” Wyatt laughed. “Why did you change your favorite color today?”
“Well, you see, I met this guy, and he has the most unusual shade of aqua blue eyes I’d ever seen. I fell in love with them on the spot.”
“On the spot, huh? I know that feeling.”
“Okay, next question,” she said, a little yawn escaping mid-sentence.
“Nope, sorry sweetheart. You need to get some sleep. If your jaw doesn’t break on your next yawn, I’m sure you’re going to face plant in that soup you didn’t even touch. Come on, time for bed.”
“Wyatt?”
“No worries, baby, we’re only going to cuddle, nothing more. I need to feel you in my arms for a while before the real world intrudes again. Do you need to use the bathroom first?”
“Yeah, and thanks, Wyatt. Do you need me to find you something to sleep in or a toothbrush or anything?”
“No problem, baby. And no, I have everything I need.”
“Okay.”
Peyton went into the bathroom, and it was her moment of truth. Should she wait or should she do what she really wanted and jump Wyatt’s bones? He’d already gotten her off and kissed her more times than she could count. They’d both experienced so many emotions in such a short amount of time. It was almost like they’d known each other for years.
If he meant everything he said, then why wait? She felt a connection with him and knew if she didn’t take this further, she would regret it for the rest of her life. Wyatt was one in a million. She trusted him, felt safe with him, and wanted him beyond reason, so why not? Decision made, Peyton brushed her teeth and changed into an old t-shirt. Modesty wouldn’t allow her to step out into the room in the buff. The t-shirt gave her some confidence though.
When she opened the door, she found Wyatt was already in bed. His chest was bare, and the ends of his hair were damp as if he had taken a quick shower. Damn, he was handsome. Beautiful if you could call a guy that. Peyton was even more determined to take a leap and trust this man with all of her.
“Come on, baby,” Wyatt lifted the blanket up on the empty side of the bed, “jump in before you get a chill.”
Peyton’s confidence wavered. Maybe she wasn’t as sexy as she thought. But then she kicked herself. He’s a bear Shifter, not a superhero with x-ray vision. No way does he know she was completely bare under her sexy, sailor moon t-shirt. Damn, she really needed to go shopping.
Getting into bed, she wished they were somewhere a little more inviting. The room was tiny, and the bed was only full size. The walls were blank and painted a soft white, but held no knick knacks or pictures. The bedding was utilitarian, at best. While Peyton had taken the time to make the common rooms more comfortable, she hadn’t in the sleeping quarters. She figured she would be the only person who would ever see them.
Peyton took the final few steps and cuddled into the most enticing thing in the room, Wyatt. Turning her onto her side, Wyatt dropped the blanket on top of them, then wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. When his bare and scorching, enormous erection hit her own bare bottom, Wyatt joined her in a groan.
“Baby, is there something you forgot to put on?”
“Nope, I have all I want on at the moment.”
Wyatt groaned again and pressed his pelvis closer to her bottom.
“Honey, either you don’t normally wear underwear to bed, or you're trying to tell me something. I can’t read minds, so you’re going to have to tell me what you want.”
Those words spurred Peyton on. She remembered them from her dream, but this felt oh so much better.
“Honey, you need your sleep. I hadn’t planned on doing anything more than cuddling. We have so much going on, this can wait,” he said, grinding his pelvis into her backside.
“I don’t know, Wyatt. I think this…” she said, pushing her butt back “is really something we need to concentrate on for a while.”
“Damn, baby, if you keep doing that, you’re going to get more than you bargained for.”
“I don’t think so, Wyatt. I think giving you the green light is exactly what both of us need. Please, make love to me,” Peyton whispered and turned to her back, so she could face him.
“Baby, you said this was going too fast. I don’t want to do anything until you are ready. You sure?”
“Please, Wyatt, I need you.”
“Thank God,” replied Wyatt.
He bent down and kissed her until she didn’t have any breath left in her lungs. Peyton didn’t care, she would die a happy woman from his kiss alone. She didn’t want to be a passive partner, so she reached down and stroked his enormous cock with her fisted hand. She was surprised when her fingers didn’t touch. With giddy anticipation, she was about to find out if bigger really was better.
At her touch, Wyatt broke the kiss long enough for Peyton to get some needed air. They were both panting, but Wyatt broke the silence.
“Baby, I don’t know how long I’m going to last. I need you so badly, but if you keep that up, I’m not going to get the chance to blow where I really want to. God baby, that feels so good. Are you wet for me?”
“I’m not sure,” Peyton blatantly spread her legs, “I guess you’re going to have to find out, aren’t you?”
“Damn, baby.”
Wyatt starting kissing her again, but this time his fingers went to work in the place she needed him most. When he first came in contact with her wetness, he smiled against her lips.
“I see I’m not the only one turned on. You’re so wet for me.”
When he penetrated her with his finger, it was Peyton’s turn to moan.
“Please, Wyatt,” arching her back at the sensation, Peyton pleaded, “I need you now. Please, I want you in me now. I don’t want to wait.”
“Baby, you’re so tight. Damn, you’re going to feel so good wrapped around my cock.”
Ignoring her plea, Wyatt continued to fuck her with his fingers. First with one, then two, and finally three, preparing her for what was to come.
Peyton couldn’t take it anymore. She needed him. She tried to roll on top of him, but the maddening man stopped her. She tried to reach down to entice his cock, but he moved away from her. Right before she was about to scream, Wyatt removed his fingers, and Peyton couldn’t help her groan of protest. The asshole had the nerve to smile down at her.
“What do you need, baby?” Getting up on his knees, between her legs, he was still smiling. “Do you need me as badly as I need you, baby? Look at my cock, it knows right where it wants to go.” He scooted forward and placed his mushroomed head at her entrance. “Baby, prop yourself up. I want you to watch a
s I claim you as mine.”
Peyton did what he asked, but she was in such a state of need, she wasn’t even aware of her surroundings as she felt him push in.
“Look, baby, you’re taking me so well.”
See-sawing back and forth, Wyatt and Peyton both watched as he became fully seated in her heat. It was incredible to watch and even better to feel. Peyton was so lost in the sensations, she closed her eyes to savor the moment. Wyatt never increased his speed, but she could feel his heat sear their joined bodies. On his next push forward, he ground his pubic bone against her clit, and Peyton erupted. Peyton’s back was still arched when Wyatt changed positions, rubbing his glorious upper body against hers and taking her mouth in a heated kiss.
“Oh, baby, I thought earlier was the best sight I’d ever seen, but you just proved me wrong. How about we try to improve on the already perfect?” And then he started to pump, faster and deeper than before. This time he alternated between hot kisses to her mouth and even more heated kisses and bites on her breasts and neck.
The build of the second explosion should have shocked her. Wyatt seemed to be able to keep her on the constant edge of ecstasy. When her vision blurred and the flutters stopped, she faintly remembered screaming Wyatt’s name. After that, for the briefest moment, there was nothing. No sound, no sight, or air. The hardest earth-shattering orgasm she’d ever experienced had stolen her mind. Bigger was most definitely better.
Before she could come down from her high, Wyatt roared her name, and she felt his molten cum erupt, landing deep inside her feminine walls. She also felt a bit of a burn and pinch on her neck. Not thinking much of it, she figured Wyatt had given her a hickey or something. Peyton had never had a hickey. She felt there was really not much use in them, but with Wyatt, she was willing to try anything. If she could bottle what she was feeling at that moment, she would be a millionaire, but she wanted to keep it all to herself.
NAC & The Holly Group - Box set: Alpha Team Page 76