by Bonnie Vanak
“I brought you here because you deserve romance, flowers and candles for our first time, Lex. I’ll be honest. I’m not like Darius, who can turn on the charm and have ladies fall at his feet. Oh, I’ve never had trouble finding women. But you, you’re special and I wanted tonight to be everything you’ve ever wanted. I want you so bad, Lex, so bad I’m dying. The wolf inside the man wants to tear off your clothes and cover you. But the man curbing the wolf wants you to have an experience you’ll always cherish.”
Deeply moved, she slid her palm over his. “I’ll never forget tonight. Thank you for everything you’ve done, Jackson. Everything.”
He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. “There’s still dessert, but thought I’d save that for our tent. Why don’t you go there, get all settled while I clean up? There’s a bathroom next to it if you want to freshen up.”
Excitement and apprehension twined together. “And how do I find it?”
“Follow the trail.” His smile was dark and mysterious. “And get ready, darling. Because I’m going to give you a night you’ll never forget.”
Chapter 10
A night you’ll never forget. Blood humming with anticipation, Lexie glanced around. A long line of white rose petals marched from the deck, down to a path illuminated by tiny ground lights.
Smiling, she followed it.
A few hundred feet away was a large building. She stepped inside, following the rose petals and flicked on a light switch.
This was the bathroom? It looked more like a luxury spa, with slate-gray polished granite walls and floors. A granite counter with double sinks ran the length of the wall. Polished mirrors were set above each sink. The shower was enormous and had sparkling glass doors. Shelves held big, fluffy towels and a wicker hamper sat off to the side.
She studied her appearance in the mirror. Eyes wide with excitement, cheeks ruddy from the chilly air.
Lexie returned outside and followed the trail again a few feet away to a large white tent set upon a wood deck. Inside, lights blazed from two table lamps. Outside the deck was a fire pit, a small table and two wood Adirondack chairs. The air was redolent with pine trees, earth and fresh water. Senses invigorated and tingling, she went into the tent.
Not your traditional camping, she thought, gazing at the windows set within the fabric and the ceiling fan. Carpets were strewn about the deck. There was a mirror in the corner, a wood dresser with a lamp and even a chair with a reading lamp.
Dominating the space was a king-sized bed covered with a pretty forest-green duvet.
Looking at the bed, and knowing what would soon transpire there, she gave a delicate shiver.
Her suitcase rested upon a trunk at the bed’s foot. She snapped it open and removed a handful of condoms, and opened the nightstand drawer.
Only to find it filled with condoms. Nikita was wrong. Not large. Lexie picked up a foil packet and laughed. Extra, extra large. She shut the drawer and dumped Nikita’s condoms back into the suitcase.
Make yourself comfortable, he’d said.
Lexie looked around. “Guess I’m in for the night.” She removed her shirt and wriggled out of her bra and folded it neatly, placing it in the suitcase, then put her shirt back on.
Much better, she thought with a sigh.
A few minutes later, Jackson joined her, carrying the bottle of wine and a picnic basket. He set both down on the outdoor table, took out two glasses and poured wine into both.
He lit the fire and they sat in the chairs, looking upward at the stars. “I’ve got a confession,” she told him.
Jackson waited.
“Sometimes at night, when I was in school, I’d take a break from studying and go outside and look up at the stars. I’d feel so lonely. Then I’d think of you, lying on your bedroll, looking at the same stars. And that would keep the loneliness at bay.”
His gaze went tender. “Thanks for telling me.”
Then he opened the picnic basket and removed a pie plate. Jackson cut two slices and placed them on china plates. “Time for dessert.”
“I’ll pass,” she said lightly.
“Not this time. It’s my homemade apple pie.” His gaze twinkled. “The type you love so much.”
Making a little humming sound in her throat, she shook her head.
“C’mon, darling. It’s good. Eat it,” he coaxed, holding out a piece.
Lexie opened her mouth and he slid a bite of pie inside. Their gazes met in the firelight as her mouth closed around his fingers. She ate the pie then took his finger and slowly licked off a drop of apple filling. A pulse beat wildly in his neck. Jackson swallowed hard.
Time to turn up the heat. Lexie gave a sultry smile. “You haven’t had dessert. I know you adore apple pie.”
She unfastened her shirt and pulled it open, watching his eyes widen to saucers. Then she dipped two fingers into the slice and smeared the gooey filling across her breasts.
“Come and get it, cowboy.”
“You don’t play fair,” he said hoarsely.
“Neither do you.” Lexie crooked a finger at him.
Jackson dropped to his knees before her and leaned close. Slowly he began tasting the filling, removing it from her breasts. Stubble from his strong jawline scraped over her overly sensitive skin. He swirled his tongue over one taut nipple. Lexie gripped his thick hair and whimpered with each teasing caress of his tongue. Fire licked between her legs.
Then he lightly bit down. She cried out in shocked pleasure.
Jackson lifted his face, his gaze intent in the waxing moonlight. “Inside, now,” he said hoarsely.
Tugging her upright, he ran into the tent. A small portable heater sent warm air wafting toward the bed. Feeling self-conscious, Lexie undressed, taking off almost everything Jackson paused in tugging his sweater over his head and gave her a questioning look.
“Socks?”
“My feet get cold.”
“Darling, you don’t need to worry. I’ll keep you warm.”
Naked, she stood before him, uncertain and a little worried. Even though Beth assured her Lupine females were built differently from Skins, and Lupine males adored them that way, would Jackson find the final package attractive enough?
She already had enough issues with her feet…
His gaze darkened as he looked at her. “Damn,” he said hoarsely. “You are more gorgeous than I saw you in my imagination. So beautiful.”
Lexie’s brow wrinkled. “Your imagination?”
Jackson’s cheeks reddened. “All the times I’ve had sex in the past two years, it didn’t matter who the woman was, Skin or Lupine. Because in my mind, I could see only you, and it was you I was making love with.”
Pleasure spiraled through her at his confession. All her fears faded like dew beneath the hot sun.
“I’ve waited two years for this, for you, Lex. No other women can ever compare to you. It’s time,” he said, his voice deep and smoky.
His eyes were dark and mesmerizing. Beneath the warm caress of his gaze, for the first time ever, Lexie felt truly beautiful.
He stripped off his shirt and drew her into his arms, one hand at the small of her back, forcing her to arch into him and mold to his body. Jackson kissed her, his tongue sweeping over her lips, stroking against her in soft, gentle caresses as if he cherished her.
Her nipples turned hard as jewels as he kept kissing her with urgent hunger, as if he’d drown and die if he did not have her right now. She ran her palms over his broad, warm torso, exploring each dip and rise of hard, curved muscle. Then his mouth left hers and he trailed a line of hot, hungry kisses down her neck. She strained to draw closer, and dipped her head to taste the skin of his shoulder. Lexie flicked her tongue, hearing him groan in response, tasting the salt and sweetness of male Lupine. No ordinary Lupine. This was Jackson, who’d desired her for years.
Need thrummed through her, pounding like horses’ hooves. She wanted him, wanted his big body joined to hers. Live for the moment, she thought
in a daze as he cupped a breast and began gently kneading and squeezing.
“Damn, I love touching you,” he muttered, nuzzling her throat. “You smell so good I want to lick you all over.”
His nostrils flared as he sniffed the air, hunger dawning in his gaze. His gaze dropped to her crotch. “You’re ready for me.”
From the moment she entered the bedroom, her body knew what she wanted. Jackson. Already she was hot and wet between her legs.
Bending his head, he sniffed her. “Your scent is driving me wild. Ah…” He inhaled again, locking his gaze to her.
He stripped off the rest of his clothing. His thick, swollen penis sprang from its nest of dark, wiry hair. Lexie gulped, wondering how the hell she could accommodate him.
With one hand, he tore off the covers. They fell into bed together, tangling as they kissed. Then he lifted his head and nuzzled her neck, delivering tiny, biting kisses down her throat, her collarbone, the slope of her breasts. Sizzling heat speared her as his warm tongue flicked over her nipple. She gave a shocked cry of pleasure, her fingers curling around his shoulders, feeling warm, silken skin and hard muscles beneath her hands.
He suckled her nipple as his hand drifted low, fingered the curls between her legs. Jackson slid a finger across her drenched cleft. Intense pleasure seared her body, thickening the tension riding low in her groin. She gasped, writhing, her hips jerking up eagerly.
“Please, oh please,” she moaned.
“I know, I know,” he soothed.
Deftly he slipped a finger into her. His thumb stroked her clit as he pushed his finger into her body and then withdrew it.
“You’re so tight, I can’t wait to sink my cock into you,” he murmured.
Jackson stroked his tongue slowly over her neck, delivering hot, hungry kisses. The intense, sweet pressure between her legs, combined with his warm, silky tongue against her neck, triggered something hot and intense and wicked. Suddenly the pleasure intensified, the feelings between her legs exploding like a rocket. Her body rose off the bed, arching like a bow ready for the arrow. Crying out, Lexie climaxed hard, her body convulsing. Dazed, she fell back to the bed, panting, drained of energy.
His nostrils flared as his expression darkened. Nothing would stop him now, he was in full mating frenzy. The hard ridge of his arousal pressed against her soft mound as he tipped her back against the bed. Lexie wanted to have him thrust inside, fill her completely. She shivered, her pussy clenching, squeezing. Wanting.
Broad shoulder muscles flexed as he ripped open the condom package and sheathed his erection. Passion flared in his eyes, but his smile was tender. Lexie marveled that this sexy cowboy Lupine wanted her and only her, the one who couldn’t keep up with the rest when they ran with the moon.
Stepping closer, he sniffed her then fingered a strand of her hair. “So soft and silky, like you,” he murmured.
Jackson bent his head and nuzzled her throat. His tongue stroked a line down her neck, as if marking her. Delicious shivers pulsed through her as he kissed his way down to her collarbone.
Gaze intent, he dropped a hand between them, tunneled through the damp curls covering her mound. Jackson pushed a big finger up into her damp center. Moaning, she fell back onto the bed as he slid his finger through her soaked cleft. He watched her reaction.
“Does this hurt?”
“No. But I don’t know if I can take you.” Her vagina, weeping moisture, squeezed tight.
“You will,” he promised.
As he mounted her, his gaze burned like lit coals. His jaw clenched. Harsh breaths grated from his lungs as if he fought for control. Jackson grasped her naked ass, hands shaking slightly as he lifted her, squeezing her soft bottom.
Spreading her thighs open wide, he positioned her. Cool air washed over her exposed vulva, caressing it. Erotic heat flooded her at the thought of what he planned.
Lexie bit her lip as her wet entrance was level to his jutting penis. Beneath her curled fingertips she felt the hard muscle and sinew of his shoulders.
The thick length between her legs seemed to throb with a life of its own. Impatient. Wanting. Jackson pressed down hard.
She recoiled in shock. Lexie gulped down deep breaths, fevered desire burning inside her threatening to turn to ash.
Jackson held her captive with the penetrating stare of a dominant wolf. Her head lolled back on her neck. She was helpless in his grip.
Straining to gain entry, he grunted, pushing his penis harder into her. She was too tight. Her vagina clenched hard, resisting the intruder. His penis pressed forward, insisting on entrance.
The invading conqueror, determined to gain entry. Claim her and make her his own.
Jackson rocked back and forth, each determined, small thrust pushing the rounded knob of his penis farther into her resisting passage.
Biting back a gasp, she rolled her hips. Oh, he was huge, stretching her fully. Lexie closed her eyes. She couldn’t take it.
Jackson opened her thighs wider. “Easy now. You can do it. Just relax. Don’t resist. Relax,” he crooned.
He dropped his hand between them, teasing her clit. She clutched his shoulders, moaning. The burning became urgent need.
Harsh breaths grated from his lungs as if he fought for control. He began moving again, grinding his hips against hers. Each powerful surge pushed his penis deeper and deeper still. Then he pressed forward with determination, penetrating her fully.
She went still from the burning pain, choking back a tiny cry. Impaled, she writhed, stretched fully.
Jackson dropped a tender kiss on her lips. “Hang on, darling, it gets better.”
Slowly, he began moving. In and out, his movements gentle as he slid against her sensitive tissues. Then he began angling his thrusts, moving directly against her clit. The pain faded. Heat spiraled through her, everything centered between her legs wanting to explode with sheer pleasure.
Moaning, she dug her nails into his shoulders.
“That’s good. Come on, Lexie. Come for me.”
Tossing her head from side to side, she ached, reaching for it. The rough command in his voice and his violent, fevered thrusts tipped her over the edge. Lexie shrieked as the pleasure burst. She shuddered, feeling him follow, bucking and thrusting still inside her, head tossed back, a harsh groan escaping his lips.
Breath ripping in harsh, dragging gasps from their lungs, beads of sweat slicking their brows, they remained locked in each other’s arms.
His cock slid out from her, bobbing wet and slick. Dampness trickled down her trembling thighs as blood seeped out of her. Lexie sagged against the mattress.
Jackson tore off the condom and disposed of it, then returned to bed, gathering her into his arms.
“If I only had one night with you, I’d want it to be tonight. But tonight isn’t enough. Two nights, three, isn’t enough. If I had you by my side for a lifetime, it wouldn’t equate to everything I feel for you, Lexie. Every part of me longs to make you mine and keep you by my side, to love you, grow old together, and never leave you.”
Emotion thickened her throat. She buried her face into his muscled shoulder, not wanting him to see her reaction. No one had ever wanted her this badly before. Not even her own parents.
Jackson was everything she wanted in a male.
But he was loyal to his pack, and she remained loyal to hers.
Lexie didn’t see how this could ever, in a million years, work out.
Chapter 11
Making love with Jackson had turned all her senses inside out. Lexie lay beside him, her fingers curled on his chest. Soreness pulsed between her legs. She adjusted her weight and flinched.
Jackson rubbed a calloused thumb against her cheek. “A hot bath will help with the pain,” he said softly.
Bath. Naked. Exposing her feet. “I’m okay.”
He gave her a long, thoughtful look. “You were okay after a nasty piece of glass stabbed your foot. You’re now okay after I took your virginity. What’s going on,
Lex? Why can’t you be honest with me?”
“I am.”
A delicious shiver raced down her spine as he took her hand and nuzzled it against the bristles on his cheek. “All I want to do is make you happy. Level with me.”
She snuggled up to him and rested her head against his broad chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. “When we’re together, like this, it feels like the rest of the world vanishes. But I know the sun’ll rise tomorrow and we’ll have to face reality. Can you hold off the sunrise a little longer, Jackson?”
He nuzzled the top of her head. “I’ll try my hardest. In the meantime, let’s shift and run. You’ll heal faster from the soreness if you shift into your wolf.”
Panic washed through her. “Only if you let me wear my socks,” she said lightly. “My feet always get cold. Let’s wait a while, rest here a bit.”
Jackson kissed the top of her head. “Poor baby. Did I wear you out?”
“Not yet. But the night is still young.”
“Tease.”
She toyed with the hairs on his chest and yanked playfully. “You have no idea.”
“I hope to find out.” His voice deepened. “Before this week is over, Lex, we’re going to run together as wolves. And then, I’m going to show you exactly how much joy there is in being Lupine, wild and free to explore every bit of our sexual nature.”
The words triggered a new flood of hormones, made her tight and hot and wanting all over. But along with arousal came a deeper fear.
Jackson wanted to mate with her in Lupine form. But what would he think when he saw her as she truly was?
Leaving Lexie sleeping, Jackson slipped out of bed. Nude, he padded outside. Insects hummed in the pines. None dared to invade their tent. Jackson had warded their surroundings with special magick. He didn’t want anything disturbing Lexie.
Inside the bathroom, he took a long, hard look into the mirror. The lines of strain etching his face for the past few weeks had vanished, replaced by a look he hadn’t seen in a long time.