Huntress and the Thorn Court: An Urban Fantasy Shifter Romance (The World of the Hunter Order Book 1)

by D. C. Gambel

  A moment passed before I realized he’d ceased talking. My focus moved to his face, but his gaze wasn’t meeting mine. Instead his lingered slightly lower. Following his line of sight, I swallowed hard when I noticed what held his rapt attention were my breasts, which had made it pointedly obvious I wasn’t wearing a bra. His gaze was like a warm caress heating my body up. My skin flushed as my breast grew heavy. I wanted nothing more than to feel his hands cup them, relieving the ache. I let my eyes rake over him. My lips parted when I noticed his length hardening. Heat shot straight to my core.

  Gideon’s breathing increased rapidly. When his gaze met mine, his green eyes were replaced with the soft glow of his wolf’s amber. His body tensed.

  “I have to go.” He turned to leave.

  “Gideon?” I called out as he headed to the hall. “Aren’t we going to talk about this?” I meant the dead lying around the room not what had been brewing between us.

  “I can’t.” He stood in the mouth of the hallway.

  “But I need to explain…”

  “We’ll talk later. Right now, I have to find Carla.”

  He took another step and anger flooded me. My muscles tightened. He was going to leave me here with these wolves and go have sex. “Gideon,” I spat clenching my fists while taking a few steps forward determined I’d be heard.

  “Isabel!” He yelled forcing me to halt. “I cannot be in the same room as you right now. I can smell your arousal from here. My wolf is riding me and if I don’t go…” He let his words hang in the air. I took in his body, not in a sexual appreciation for the fine male specimen that he was, but to notice his muscles trembling with need. “I’ve never taken a woman against her will and you’ve made it clear that you don’t want me, so I have to go.”

  “Gideon,” I called out. I should have let him go find Carla, but the thought of them together enraged me in a way that shocked me. Was I jealous?

  “Isabel,” he groaned desperately as I slowly approached him erasing the distance. I didn’t want him to dart off. My steps were unsure, as my knees grew weak. I was attracted to Gideon, and if he’d been human, I might have slept with him already. But he wasn’t just a human. He was an Alpha werewolf. To do what I wanted was considered taboo among the hunters. Knowing this did nothing to stop the desire tighten in my stomach. Even as I stood behind him, raising my trembling hand to place it on his shoulder, I knew I shouldn’t, but God I wanted to touch him, to feel the warmth of his skin under my palm.

  “Did you not just hear me?” His voice lowered when he spoke.

  “Gideon,” I whimpered tracing my fingertips over his warm skin. Perfection.

  With a growl, he had me up against the wall in the hallway. His eyes faded to green briefly, softening when he saw something in my expression he hadn’t expected. My gaze fell to his lips silently begging him to close the distance.

  “If I don’t leave now…”

  I placed my hands on his arms like their sheer weight would hold him there. Understanding flickered in his eye. The air crackled around us as his grip softened.

  “I won’t be gentle,” he said testing my resolve.

  “I know.” I leaned forward and he followed suit. Like magnets our mouths moved closer hovering just a fraction of space away.

  “Isabel,” he groaned. “Last chance. Tell me to go because if I kiss you…”

  With a heavy exhale I couldn’t wait anymore. I stood on my toes and sealed my lips to his. In that moment I knew I’d just made the biggest mistake of my life and God I reveled in it. One taste of him wasn’t enough. I needed more.

  Growling, he kissed me back with a bruising ferocity that had lust zipping down my spine. Gideon pressed me harder against the wall. I could feel his erection against my belly as his hands moved roughly palming my breasts. Quickly he pulled back. I barely had time to let out a groan of frustration before I gasped as he spun me to face the wall.

  My pants were quickly yanked down to my ankles taking my panties with them.

  “Up,” he demanded of each of my feet to remove the garments. I tried to glance at Gideon over my shoulder, but he tugged my hips backward throwing off my balance.

  “You smell amazing.”

  I grinned, pressing my cheek against the cool wall. Coming from a wolf, whom scent was everything, it was the highest compliment he could pay me. The smile melted away as my mouth fell open feeling the hot moisture of Gideon’s tongue glide across my sex.

  “Oh God,” I cried out. I loved oral sex, but most men you had to fight tooth and nail to get them to return the favor, but Gideon went at it willingly and seemed to enjoy himself as he enticed all sorts of noises from me, which I was sure I’d feel mortified about later.

  With one final lick, he stood. I shoved my hips out wanting more, more of his tongue but also for something else. It surprised me when Gideon turned me to face him. I thought he’d take me the way he had Carla. Doggy style seemed appropriate for a werewolf.

  He shoved my shirt up over my breasts, and thanks to the stretchy material, it stayed there. His gaze raked over me admiring the hardened peaks. Lowering his mouth, he claimed each of my nipples, pausing long enough to give each a proper tease. The pleasure had me threading my fingers into his shaggy hair encouraging him. I couldn’t believe I was doing this. Gideon, a werewolf and Alpha of not only his pack, but also all of the packs in the US, was not only seeing me practically naked but was doing wickedly delicious things to my body. When he righted himself, he gripped the back of my thighs, lifting me. I had a moment to realize what was happening when I felt the tip of him brush against my entrance. My lips parted letting out the softest moan as he lowered me down onto his straining erection. I wished we had more time. I hadn’t even been given the opportunity to pleasure him. I groaned as he stretched me, sliding each inch of himself into me until I was filled completely.

  I tried to close my eyes while I adjusted to the sensation, but Gideon growled. “Look at me.” Something in his tone made me want to obey. I stared into the amber glow of his eyes feeling so incredibly turned on. “I want you to look at me while I fuck you.”

  I wrapped my arms around his neck as he began to move. He’d withdraw himself agonizingly slow only to slam home. I groaned, moaned, and gasped. Groaned when he withdrew. Moaned with each thrust, and gasped when he slammed home. It made me frantic for more. Lust coated me like a warm sheet. I couldn’t believe how much I wanted this. It felt like we’d been building up to this moment since I arrived. I told myself that it was one time. No one would ever know. I’d just get him out of my system, but as pleasure built, I wondered if I was only making my desire worse. Now I knew what he felt like, how well we fit together. No human had ever compared.

  “I want you to know it’s me making you feel this way. Stretching you. Claiming you. Your pleasure is mine.”

  In any other circumstance his words would have angered me, but as he moved within me, I knew he was right. He was claiming me in a way I never expected and I wanted it.

  “Mine,” he rumbled.

  My lips parted relishing the frenzy he was causing to build. A moment passed before I registered what he’d said.

  “Say it,” he demanded.

  I shook my head. My pride wouldn’t allow it. I’d already given in to the carnal need for him against everything I’d been taught.

  My body began to tremble. I was so close, until he slowed his pace. I groaned gripping him tighter hoping to spur him on. When I scanned his face, I saw a resolve in his green eyes.

  “You want to come?” he asked thrusting slowly in me, just enough to keep me riled. I wanted to tell him no, in some colorful way, but I was so close to the brink that I felt I might implode if I didn’t get there soon. Tomorrow I could regret how shamelessly I nodded. “Then tell me who your pleasure belongs to. Say it, Isabel and I’ll let you finish. I want to feel your tight body quicken around mine as I spill into you. Don’t you want that?”

  Dear God, I did. I wanted that. I knew I shou
ldn’t. We weren’t using a condom. I hadn’t even thought to suggest it, although I doubted he had one since he’d been naked. But I wanted to feel him finish in me, to claim me, mark me from the inside. No other man had ever done so with me before, and I craved it from him in an unanticipated way. He seemed to see the approval on my face. “Then tell me who owns your pleasure?” His movements quickened and I could tell he was close and I was going to make damn sure I finished with him.

  “You do,” I whispered. Giving me a wicked smirk, Gideon gripped me tighter before increasing his speed. Perhaps I’d feel embarrassed later that I’d surrendered to him, but in that moment with his body pumping deep into to me building my pleasure, I didn’t care. All I wanted was to cross over that edge with him. Later I’d let myself swell with anxiety knowing that I folded, that Gideon was going to, not only hear what I sounded like when I came, but know how my face morphed when I did too. He knew what I tasted like. How my body quivered when I grew close. For now, I was memorizing the feel of him sliding in and out of me. The hooded look of his eyes as he approached his finish. The way his fingers dug into my flesh the closer he grew.

  “Good. Now scream my name.” Shifting my weight, he freed one of his hands. Slipping it between us, he rubbed firm circles over my sensitive nub causing my pleasure to peak.

  “Gideon,” I called out. My back arched causing my nipples to graze perfectly against his chiseled chest as I screamed, not even thinking that I might wake the house. Erotic ecstasy poured over me like warm, tingly waves covering every surface of my body, invading every pore. Gideon pounded faster. Our bodies smacked together as he drew out my orgasm. With a final thrust, he grunted, filling me with his release. I watched him, taking in the uninhibited bliss in his expression. He may own my pleasure, but seeing him like this, without restraint, I knew I owned his too. Impulsively, I leaned in brushing my lips gently against his. His mouth was soft as he returned the gesture. My body continued to spasm around his, milking him completely.

  I clung to him, both of us sweating and panting. I smiled, letting my head fall back against the wall feeling complete uninhibited perfection. Then the carnal haze began to lift and it registered what I’d just done. I slept with a werewolf. We were still connected and I was already wondering if it was a mistake. The Hunter’s Order would think I debased myself. I’d grown up believing it demoralizing to be with those we hunted, and yet, I’d given myself over to him so easily and thoroughly. I couldn’t recall why it was wrong. I didn’t remember ever being given a reason except to be told that it should never happen. Did I regret what had occurred?

  “Don’t worry.” Gideon broke the silence disconnecting us before lowering me until my feet touched the ground. Once he was sure I was steady, he withdrew completely from touching me. I quickly tugged my shirt back down feeling more exposed than just naked. “Sneak downstairs while the wolves are sleeping. Your guard has been dismissed for letting you slip past him. Shower and no one but us will ever know it happened.”

  “Gideon,” I breathed. I hadn’t said anything, but it was as if he read my mind. He waved off my protest heading down the hall and leaving me standing there pantyless with the evidence of what we’d just done dripping down my thighs.

  13

  Lying in bed the next morning, my body ached in the most delicious way. Was it because it had been so long since I had sex or had Gideon just been that good at it? Like a phantom, I could still feel him inside me. Thinking of him, the way he moved, the way he stretched me had my hand drifting between my thighs, slipping over my folds.

  With a huff, I yanked my hand away. I wouldn’t reduce myself to thinking of him while I sought pleasure. It would do me no good. Sex with Gideon could never happen again. Of course it should have never happened in the first place. Fighting off the desire would be worse now that I knew what I was missing.

  Climbing out of bed, I opted for a shower, a cold one. It didn’t help. It just had my nipples standing so erect that they ached. I palmed them trying to ease the discomfort, but thoughts of how Gideon had touched me, kissed me, had me clenching my thighs together to help relieve the throbbing. Of course no one would ever know if I allowed the Alpha wolf to star in my personal pornographic movie, and yet I still couldn’t bring myself to do it. It would be difficult enough to be around him after what we’d shared. I couldn’t add to that awkwardness by reliving those memories.

  I skipped breakfast unsure if I could keep my pheromones in check if I came face-to-face with him. One time. That was what I promised myself when I gave in to my desire. Just because my body was aching for his touch, and oh how I ached, didn’t mean I was going to listen.

  Lunch, I managed a quick grab as the staff was putting everything away. Thankfully there was a slice of red velvet cake left. I needed it after the past twenty-four hours. Off to the gym for my session with the Omegas, I was still chewing the final bit of cake. Working with them, while frustrating, helped the most. I was focused on something else, letting my body do what it was familiar with. It was the first time since Gideon left me standing on the upper level of the house that I hadn’t thought of him.

  By dinner, I’d successfully avoided Gideon and I began to wonder if it was because he was dodging me too, which gave me a whole new set of emotions to deal with.

  “Isabel?”

  I spun seeing Adam race after me. In his hand was an offering of Italian cream cake, which immediately made me suspicious. “Adam?” I drew out the word apprehensively then glanced behind him expecting to see Gideon, which made no sense. Adam’s shoulders relaxed and he exhaled upon seeing me. I was confused as to why Gideon’s Beta would seek me out, and why he brought cake as a bargaining tool.

  “I was wondering if you were busy.” He thrust the cake at me.

  I accepted because, well, it was cake. “Food,” I pointed down the hall. He checked his watch. It was past dinnertime, but like lunch I waited until the coast was clear.

  “I’ll feed you on the way, but I need you to come with me. I have permission from Gideon. In fact, he suggested it.” He was already walking away from me, so I chased after him, but not before taking a bite of what he’d offered.

  “Suggested what?” I asked with a mouth full of cake. It was delicious.

  “A few of our younger wolves got into some trouble with the Order. Gideon wonders if maybe the hunters are taking things too far because we have you.”

  “What does he want me to do about it? Call them and give them a stern talking to?”

  “No. We’re going to ride out there.” I stopped abruptly causing Adam to pause with me. “They’re detaining them and yes, I want you to talk to them.”

  “You don’t think I’ll give you the slip?”

  He rolled his eyes. “You have honor, plus you came here on your own accord, Isabel. You’re barely treated like a prisoner and you know that Gideon will demand retribution if you leave.”

  He was right on all accounts, except I wondered if Gideon would truly demand blood if I left without the terms of our deal being fulfilled. His ploy hadn’t exactly been honest. Was my honor truly the only thing keeping me from leaving? I didn’t have time to truly process what he said because we were on the move again.

  “Do you know who the hunters are?”

  Turns out they were hunters from Reed’s unit, which I wished surprised me. They’d caused trouble before, always taking things further than the Order approved. Even if I ever found myself remotely interested in Reed, gag me, I’d never marry him and give him ruling power. He’d lead us straight into war.

  “Isabel?” Oliver’s hazel eyes brimmed with curiosity as I stepped out of the backseat of the Escalade. I wasn’t dressed in my black leather attire, so I was sure I looked different and the choice of wheels didn’t help. Instead, I wore black yoga pants and a hot pink tank top. My hair was pulled up in a messy bun with loose strands falling from it. I hadn’t showered since my session with the Omegas. I’d tripled checked to be sure I had no cake residue before e
xiting the vehicle.

  “Hey Ollie.” I walked steadily towards him not glancing back to see if Adam followed. Oliver was probably the only member in Reed’s team with a semblance of a conscience. I thought adding him to the group would help balance things, but instead he began converting to fit in among his comrades. He was dressed in the usual black hunter fatigues. His sandy brown hair hung loose in his eyes making him appear younger.

  “You wanna tell me what’s going on here?” I gestured to the three wolves sitting on the curb with silver cuffs on their wrists. Oliver had the nerve to look embarrassed staring straight at his feet. I faced his companion who stood there smugly; his dark eyes sparkled cruelly. “What about you? If everything is legit then I don’t see the problem in sharing with me.”

  “I’ll tell you,” one of the young wolves spoke up.

  The second hunter continued to glare at me. “We don’t need to explain ourselves to you.” I raised my brow pinning him with my gaze. “You’re on leave, meaning you have no authority here.”

  The shadows melted away as a third hunter stepped forward slapping the second upside his bald head. “That is your future leader you’re speaking to,” Reed spat. “Show some damn respect.” The bald man dropped his gaze but didn’t look apologetic, more irked that his leader didn’t hail his jab at me. “Izzy.” Reed shifted the weapon in his hands to wrap a free arm around me. “What are you doing here? Are they releasing you? Have they treated you well? Your father will be happy to see you again.”

  “Whoa.” I held my hand up silencing him. “Reed, I’ve not served my full year. I’m here as a favor for Gideon.”

  “Gideon?” he asked narrowing his eyes.

  “The Alpha.”

  “I know who he is. I’m just surprised you call him by his name.”

  I rolled my eyes that that was what Reed had heard, not the favor part. “It’s what the pack calls him, Reed. You don’t call my father by his title, do you?”