Cat's Wolf (A Shifter Romance Novella)

by Leanne Crabtree

  She found her gaze drifting southwards to his lap and a smile curled her lips. He was erect. The knowledge sent a warm tingle down her spine to her core and a throbbing desire built in her. Biting her lip, she met his gaze once more. “Why don’t we put off the hotel for a bit and you can show me just what that scent does to you?”

  He didn’t move a muscle, didn’t even blink, for several long seconds. Then Rhys’ strong arms pulled her onto his lap where he devoured her mouth in a hot meeting of lips and tongue that had her moaning.

  Jamming her fingers into his hair, she twisted her wrists tugging almost painfully at the strands. His retaliation was to bite down on her bottom lip and she hissed at the pleasure/pain it elicited.

  Their kisses were almost feverish as they pressed as close as possible to each other. Breaking the connection, Rhys ran his nose up and down her cheek as he tried to claw back some of his control. “You smell amazing,” he whispered, his nose running down her throat. As he pulled back, he growled, “In the back.”

  Locking eyes with him, she made sure he was watching as she slid through the space between the seats flashing the blue elasticated top of her thong above the line of her jeans. His groan followed her and she grinned merrily as she settled into the rear seat cushion.

  He appeared in front of her not ten seconds later, his eyes twin fires of amber as his gaze skimmed down her body. Kaitlin’s breath caught at the intensity of him. He was amazing.

  Rhys slowly lowered his lips to hers and she sighed softly. The urgency of a few minutes ago was gone. This was gentler, like he wanted to savour her.

  Shifting his weight to one hand on the seat at her side, he used his other palm to cup her cheek as he brought his lips back to hers. Using his thumb on her chin, he tilted her head back for a better angle and nipped at her mouth and then lower at her jaw and throat. Kaitlin let out a low purr as he nuzzled at the spot where her neck met her shoulder and nipped her skin.

  Spinning on the seat, she lifted her legs onto Rhys’ lap, a smile curving her lips when he ran his hand from her cheek, down her side, to her knee where he lifted it so he could settle between her parted thighs. Grabbing her at the hips, he pulled her closer until her head was cushioned on the seat and her legs were bent on either side of his waist.

  When she was just how he wanted her, a sexy grin broke out on his face and he placed his hands near her head before pressing his lower body against hers and running his nose along her throat.

  “Why aren’t we naked?”

  A throaty chuckle left him and the vibration of his lower body against her own had her gasping. Rhys quickly stopped and stared down at her with heated eyes. “I need you naked,” he murmured throatily.

  Moving back onto his knees he tugged his t-shirt over his head in one fell swoop and dropped it to the floor of the SUV.

  Kaitlin quickly removed her own and started unsnapping the three buttons on Misha’s jeans. Rhys’ hands stopped her. She glanced up at him to see the gentle smile on his face before dropping her gaze to watch as he unsnapped the last button and gently tugged the denim down her legs and off completely. He leant forward and pressed a kiss between her breasts and then lower still, just beneath the bottom of her bra, and then one just above her belly button. He moved lower still and blew a warm breath against the thin scrap of her blue thong.

  A purr rumbled its way up her throat as she watched him tease the skin of her belly with his tongue and teeth. He glanced up at her from under his lashes as he dipped his head and, using his index finger, moved her thong aside to lick her. Kaitlin threw her head back and groaned.

  “You taste almost as good as you smell,” he rumbled, the vibration sending tingles through her lower body. Her fingers speared through his hair as he continued to tease her.

  Slipping a finger in either side of her thong he pulled it down her long legs and dropped it to the floor, then pressed his mouth to the juncture of pelvis and thigh before using his tongue to trail a path up her body, unhooking the front snap of her bra as he went, and then taking her nipples into his mouth to suck at the sensitive peaks.

  Kaitlin arched under his ministrations and clawed at his shoulders, deep enough to draw blood. Rhys hissed in a breath and moved up her body to nip at her throat and jaw. Tugging on his hair, she urged his head up so she could kiss him hungrily.

  He pulled back and deftly removed his jeans. She gasped when she saw he wore no underwear, her lips parting at the sight of him naked before her. Trying not to stare too much at certain parts of him she raked her gaze from head to toe. Other than the night of her needing she hadn't seen him naked and even then she hadn't taken much notice. Her mouth dried and moisture pooled low in her belly. He was gorgeous.

  Rhys’ nostrils flared, obviously catching the scent of her heightened arousal and her heart sped up. They were going to have sex again.

  Kaitlin flipped onto her hands and knees, removing her bra in the process, before spreading them slightly so he could see her glistening folds and waited.

  A soft kiss was placed on her right buttock. “What are you doing, Cat?”

  She glanced over her shoulder at him. “I thought this was your favourite position?”

  “No.” He let out a low chuckle, “Don’t get me wrong. I like this one but right now, I want us to be face to face when I make love to you.”

  Her heart flipped in her chest as she processed what he’s just said. He wanted to make love to her?

  Gentle hands flipped her onto her back and she stared up into Rhys amber eyes. They were infinitely tender as he brushed a lock of hair off her forehead. His gaze then dropped to her mouth and she licked her lips.

  “You’re beautiful,” he whispered as he lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her softly, tenderly.

  Settling between her parted thighs once more, he used one hand to position himself and then pressed gently into her. Her breath caught at the feeling and she found herself staring into his glowing amber eyes as he rolled his hips slowly into her.

  Her eyelids growing heavy she dropped her head back and moaned. Rhys’ hips picked up their pace and he dropped his head into the crook of her neck, a low rumble vibrating in his chest as he nipped and sucked at her throat.

  Their breathing grew unsteady and a light sweat broke out on their skin.

  Raising his head, he said, “Look at me.” Kaitlin forced open her eyes and looked into his. They were filled with emotion; tenderness, passion, longing and fascination. “Come for me,” he said gruffly.

  She felt herself tumble over the edge, her body arching beneath him as her muscles clamped down on him. Rhys’ name left her lips on a moan as pleasure shot through her. Rhys followed a few minutes later, his face burrowed in her neck as he pulsed inside her and growled against her throat.

  Kaitlin held him close as they recovered, idly stroking a hand up and down his muscled back. She glanced around the SUV and smiled. “We really need to get a room,” she said with a smirk, then winced as the seatbelt holder dug painfully into her rib, “Or a bigger car.”

  Rhys laughed and pulled back, tugging her up as he did. “Well I have a perfectly good suite back at the Bay…” he tempted.

  Grabbing her thong from the floor she tugged it up her legs. “To the Bay it is.”

  Chapter 10

  Her nerves were jangling as they reached the penthouse suite of the Crescent Bay Hotel. She could sense all the wolves moving and talking behind the closed door and it was playing havoc with her control.

  Rhys finger brushed her cheek. “You don’t have to be nervous, Cat. They’re going to love you.”

  Kaitlin wished she had his confidence. Her puma was itching to run away but as long as she didn’t panic she would stay in control.

  She watched as he placed the electronic key card in the door slot and the light turned green. Silence fell inside and she took a deep breath as the door released and he turned the handle, pushing it open.

  Her gaze landed on the ten or so men in the room. Some
she recognised from the night at the club, others she didn’t. Her eyes landed on the one person she knew by name. Brent grinned at her and she managed a small smile back.

  Kaitlin’s puma was almost winning as she shifted from foot to foot nervously.

  Rhys’ large palm landed on her waist and she felt his calming influence spread through her. “You okay?” He whispered.

  She nodded and gave him a grateful smile.

  “Come on, I’ll introduce you.” He tugged gently on her hand to get her moving and then led her over to the waiting shifters. “You already know Brent, he’s my Beta.” At that, Kaitlin saw him in a new light. It explained why it was always Brent who was sent after her; he trusted him to keep her safe.

  They went down the line of men and all were polite as they spoke to her.

  “This is just a fraction of the men who sided with me, Cat. The others are out, checking on things for me.”

  Kaitlin smiled. “It’s lovely to meet you.”

  They all nodded and smiled back apart from one at the far end. His face was set in a frown, his dark eyes hard as he stared at her. She thought his name was Raoul but wasn’t sure. Her puma became restless under his stare and she took a small step back.

  Her phone buzzed in her pocket, distracting her and she pulled it out to see who it was. Misha. Some moral support would be nice right about now.

  When she looked back up, Rhys was watching her expectantly. She also noticed that everyone had dispersed from the room sans Brent, who stood a little to the side.

  “I could really use the toilet,” she said.

  Her lover frowned; obviously sensing something was wrong but unable to tell what it was. Brent answered instead, “It’s just at the end of the hall.”

  She smiled at him, “Thanks.” Then headed off in the direction he’d indicated and she found the bathroom where he’d said and stepped inside. Resting her back against the door she brought the phone up so she could see the display and dialled Misha.

  Her best friend answered on the second ring. “Kaitlin? Where are you? What’s happened? There are rumours that you left the cat compound with the wolf and that your father’s furious.” Her voice was breathless by the end from lack of oxygen.

  Kaitlin grimaced. She hadn't expected the news to spread so quickly but it was big news; a cat leaving with the enemy.

  But Rhys wasn’t the enemy. Rhys didn’t want a war: didn’t want to lose more of his people incessantly.

  “I did leave with Rhys so I’m guessing it undoubtedly pissed off my dad but I refuse to be used as a pawn in whatever game he’s playing. Rhys has a room at the Crescent Bay and that’s where we are.” She paused for a second, listening for any sounds outside the door, before continuing, “I could really do with some moral support right now, Misha. My puma is starting to freak out from being in such close proximity to all these wolves; I don’t suppose you could come over, could you?”

  There was a long silence on the other end of the line and then a sigh, “Okay, I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes.”

  “Thank you.”

  “It’s the least I can do. What room are you in?”

  Kaitlin smiled as she said, “The penthouse.”

  “You’re kidding? What’s it like? As posh as the rest of the hotel, I bet.”

  For the first time since she’d entered the bathroom she took it all in.

  Black marble with grey veins running through it lined both the floor and the walls. There was a large white bath against one wall with two sinks against the opposite one. At the far end there was a floor to ceiling window with a stunning view of the city.

  “It’s certainly something,” Kaitlin said, voice slightly awed.

  Misha laughed. “I’ll be there as soon as possible. Let them know I’m coming, alright?”

  “Of course,” with that she ended the call and flushed the toilet to go with her earlier story of needing it. Then she left the bathroom and went back down the hallway to the main room. Rhys and Brent were talking quietly at the wrap around bar but cut off their discussion when they saw her.

  “Is everything okay?” He asked.

  She nodded and wiggled her phone in her fingers. “It was Misha. She wanted to check to see if I was okay so I invited her over. You don’t mind, do you?”

  “No, of course not, but we’ll have to let everyone know whose out patrolling so they don’t go territorial about a cat being in the area,” he glanced at Brent and the other man nodded before moving away to make the necessary calls. When he’d gone Rhys returned his gaze to her, “Are you okay?”

  “A bit overwhelmed,” she admitted.

  “It’s been a lot to take in,” he agreed. “Would you rather be alone with your friend?”

  Kaitlin shrugged. “Misha’s about as scared of wolves as I was. It might be better if it’s just you and Brent; at least she knows you by sight.”

  Rhys nodded like he understood. “Okay, I’ll get the guys out of here for you.”

  She couldn't quite believe he was being so accommodating. Sure, he believed her to be his mate but really? Did he believe she was worth all this trouble?

  It didn’t seem to matter what she thought though. It was Rhys’ decision and he was getting rid of everyone so she and Misha would be more comfortable.

  “Brent, can you ask everyone to leave before Cat’s friend arrives?”

  “Sure. Are we giving them a night off?”

  Rhys thought it over for a minute and then nodded slowly. “It’ll be their last for a while.”

  Minutes later weres were filing from the adjoining rooms, their mood light as they relaxed for the first time in—well, she’d guess at weeks, but maybe it had been longer than that; months?

  That urge to flee began to build in her again as the wolves passed her. When they were alone again, a huge breath left her as her puma relaxed; the urge to get out leaving her in a rush. She swayed a little at the sudden regaining of her control and Rhys reached out a hand to steady her.

  Minutes later there was a tentative knock on the door and Kaitlin knew it was Misha. When neither of them moved to answer it, she crossed to the door herself and flung it open. Misha looked nervous and glanced up and down the small corridor like she expected various wolves to ambush her any second.

  “Hey.”

  Misha gave her a small smile, “Hey yourself.”

  Stepping back she beckoned her friend inside, “Rhys got rid of everyone so don’t look so nervous.”

  A look of relief crossed her face and she visibly relaxed. That was until she caught sight of Rhys and Brent stood there, discussing something quietly. In a whisper she said, “I thought you said he’d gotten rid of everyone?”

  With a slight grimace she conceded, “Everyone but himself and Brent, as you can see.”

  When she glanced back, Kaitlin realised her friends gaze was locked on Brent and as she cast a quick glance at him, she saw he was watching Misha with the same intensity. It was all very steamy and overtly sexual; she was surprised the temperature in the room wasn’t rising. What was going on there? She wondered.

  Maybe she should just ask.

  “Come on, sit down and we’ll chat.” Grabbing her friend’s hand, she drew her into the sitting area, off to one side, and they took seats on the plush chocolate brown sofa.

  Misha glanced around the room, avoiding looking in Brent’s direction at all costs. “This place is really something,” she remarked.

  “What’s going on between you and a certain Beta?” She asked without preamble. Her gaze locked on Misha’s face for any signs of a lie.

  Colour flooded into her friends cheeks and her mouth opened and closed several times before she said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Oh, come on, Misha. I’m not blind. We’ve been friends for years and I have never seen a look more intimate than the one between you and Brent a moment ago. What’s happened?”

  Her friend sucked in a quick breath. “Like Rhys with you, Bren
t believes I’m his mate.”

  A smile split Kaitlin’s face, “That’s gre—”

  “No!” Misha growled, “It’s terrible because unlike you, I’m not brave enough to tell my family; to leave everyone I love behind!”

  Kaitlin watched her friend’s face, picking up on the unhappiness and anger she felt about it all. She wished there was something she could do to help but at the moment, there was nothing. “I’m sorry, Misha.”

  A snort was the only response she got. “It’s not your fault fate’s being so cruel to us—me,” she amended.

  Someone moved up behind them and Kaitlin noticed how Misha tensed up. Brent. Turning to face him she raised a brow.

  “Do either of you want a drink?”

  Misha jerked to her feet and ran her hands down her jeans almost nervously. “No, I should be going actually. My family will want to know where I’ve been.”

  A soft growl emerged from Brent and her friends head shot up to glare at him. Once again they faced off in a battle of wills and Kaitlin was surprised when Brent was the one to look away first.

  “I’ll call you later, Kaitlin.”

  She stood and pulled her friend into a tight hug. “Yeah. Do that.”

  Then without another glance at Brent she left the hotel room.

  Chapter 11

  “Are you trying to scare her off?” She accused Brent.

  His lips curled a little, “No, but I’m running out of patience.”

  Kaitlin cocked her hip and glared at him. “Leave her alone until she’s gotten more used to the idea.”

  “If you think that’ll work, that’s what I’ll do.”

  “I do.”

  He held up his hands, palms out, “Okay. I’ll give her a few weeks to get used to it.” And with that, he headed over to the bar and poured himself a fair measure of some dark liquor and downed it in one before pouring some more and walking out of sight.

  “Huh,” she muttered.

  Hands landed on her waist lightly and she jumped at the sudden touch. Looking over her shoulder she saw Rhys looking at the spot his second had just disappeared. “Everything okay?”