Her eyes followed ever movement he made, then stopped, and fastened on his mouth. Yearning to eat what caused the incredible odor and making her mouth water, overcame her fear. Thoughts of tearing his body apart and escaping her new prison diminished and the need to fill her empty stomach took its place. She pulled the chair out further and sat down. Picking up the plate, she scratched her fingernail against the hard surface. It was strange and she put it down. Keeping her eyes on the plate and using her fingers, she swiftly grabbed the meat, transferring it to her place setting. Blood drip across the table and surrounded the meat. Panic seized her when she noticed the messy trail she left on the table. The man lay down the instruments he was holding. She tensed ready to attack if he took her food.
Misunderstanding her body language his voice was soft, “You’re hungry, and the eating utensils will only be frustrating. Eat like this.” He picked up his meat with both hands and took a large bite from the side. The bloody juice dripped onto his plate.
She didn’t hesitate. Her teeth flashed and sank deeply into the meat. Her eyes partially closed and she barely chewed before swallowing. The tension left her body with the first bite. He wasn’t going to take her food. She took another bite after seeing him do the same and began eating without reservation. His hand startled her when it moved the rest of his meat onto her plate. She glanced up, not understanding why he would give up his food but then her stomach overruled her curiosity.
Brandt knew he could make more if she needed it. He began fixing a potato, first adding butter, and chives. He then cut it into quarters and added them to her plate before making his own. He also cut his into quarters and then ate with his fingers. When the steak was gone she started on the potato finishing it quickly.
“Do you want more?” Intense eyes just stared at him. He linked with her mind.
Yes, yes, yes.
She took a deep breath, “No.” She spoke but looked away from him.
“I have a surprise for you, give me a minute.” Rising, he walked to the kitchen, taking their dirty dishes with him. Aware she watched his every move; he removed two small plates from a cabinet and then opened the oven pulling out a warm pan of brownies. “I thought of baking a cake but the brownies were faster and I believe easier. I’m not the world’s greatest cook but I doubt you will complain. If you’re like most of us you’ll love anything chocolate.” Carrying their dessert to the table, he placed a plate in front of her. Sitting down, he picked up the brownie from his own plate and using his fingers, he took a bite.
She watched and then her hand brought the brown square to her lips. Before she took a bite she breathed in. Her eyes shot to his then down to the brown square in her hand. A nibble, and then a bigger one, it was gone in four large bites. Laughter came from the man and then he got up and returned bringing more brown food with him. He grabbed a brownie and sat back down. Lifting her hand she placed it on another warm square and brought it to her mouth again. It was so good and she wanted more. She began eating another.
His eyes didn’t leave her mouth. She ate and his chewing slowed. He watched the look on her face. It was carnal and she was turning him on again. His groin no longer ached from her well placed knee and he wouldn’t need to visit a laughing Cheri.
He was so caught up in the bliss of watching her eat he almost missed the fact her knife was gone. Hide the knives, the thought made him smile and startled at his grin, her fingers stopped their ascent to her mouth. His voice was low, “Go ahead and eat, I’m full.”
She quickly consumed each bite.
Her stomach felt good and her thoughts became focused on the man again. He’d given her food. He caged her. He was in the cage with her. His smell was intriguing. What would his blood taste like? Her finger smoothed over the long pointed eating utensil she hid beneath the table. She might not need her demon to kill him. With a shaking hand, she kept it on her lap and waited.
Rising, Brandt picked up the plates, walking close to her. He was ready.
Her left arm rose quickly and she lunged.
Dropped the plates to the wood floor, he made to grab her hand but wasn’t fast enough and the sharp edge sliced a burning path across his arm. He managed to grab her fingers which held tightly to her weapon. Blood welled from the cut though it wasn’t deep. She was struggling but he only used one arm to secure her and with the other, he tossed the knife across the room for a perfect landing in the sink. Grabbing her other hand in a punishing grip, he twisted her around so her back was to him. Using his uninjured arm, he held both of her hands in one of his. He kept his voice stern and softly rebuked her, “Not a good idea. I’m not easy to kill and I don’t want to hurt you. Keeping you prisoner is not the way I want your life here to start, but if I can’t trust you, you’ll be trapped inside the cabin.” With his other hand, he wiped blood from his wound onto his finger and brought it to her tightly shut lips. His finger smeared, leaving a trail across her soft lower lip, “This is what my blood tastes like. It is the blood of your mate. He pulled his finger back before she could bite it but slowly noticed the effect his blood had on her and began to scent the chemical change in her body. Her breathing deepened and he knew she had no idea what was happening. Her wolf, wild and untamed recognized his.
“I would really love to know your name.” The words were little more than a warm whispered breath in her ear.
Burning heat traveled from her mouth throughout her body. Sparks were running along her skin and mostly, she craved more. More blood, more him. She needed to taste, smell, and roll into his flesh, soaking the scent into her skin. The feelings were so strong, almost flashes of pain but mostly, uncontrollable need.
He knew exactly what her body wanted and needed but she didn’t answer his inquiry about her name and he wasn’t giving an inch even if his own desire drove him crazy. He held on tight for a few more minutes feeling her alpha’s electric charge increase. Their courtship would be volatile and bloody. Controlling his own wolf was difficult, controlling his erection was impossible. Deep breaths, he needed deep breaths. Closing his eyes he relaxed his muscles and let his scent change marginally to help her control what she was feeling. Her body became pliant. Slowly his arms loosened and he released her and stepped away. Picking the broken dishes up from the floor, he took deep controlled breaths and acted like nothing happened. He ignored her trembling body, her scent and her wanting eyes. His mate tried to kill him. He wasn’t angry but every fiber of his being wanted to sink into her body. He knew even with sharing his blood she wouldn’t understand. Hell, he didn’t understand though his wolf did.
She didn’t move and her wary eyes followed him. After cleaning the table and kitchen, he entered the bathroom, turning on the shower, and running his hands beneath the water. Maybe she wouldn’t want to kill him if she was clean. When the water temperature met his requirements, he walked out of the small room. Her feet slowly backed away. The room contained a new strong bitter scent and her frozen face held absolute terror.
The power washer, he was incredibly stupid.
Punishment. The water spray meant pain and humiliation. Images of Carolynn holding the spray flashed through her mind; her fight to remain standing, icy water hitting her arms and legs, and tears. Tears caused by her mother’s hatred. And finally escape. She looked around backing away from the sound. More thoughts flooded her brain; his blood, the taste, her need. They continued; his smile, his voice, food, his food offered to her. Her thoughts were jumbled confusion. The panic receded and she tried to gain control. Looking up his intense gaze stared back.
He turned away and walked back into the bathroom, shut off the shower, and let the bathtub slowly fill. From the corner of his eye he saw the tail end of her shadow move past the bathroom door. He’d created a mess and spiked her fear. Turning both knobs off, he walked to the bedroom. Not seeing her he let his nose lead him to the closet. Hidden and hunched down toward the back, her arms clasped her knees to her chest. She was small and vulnerable. He crouched down bringin
g his eyes level with hers.
“This is my fault. I don’t mean to scare you. I turned the water off and stopped the spray. I washed your body earlier while you slept but a bath will make you feel even better. Your hair is tangled and I don’t want to cut it. I’ll show you what to do and I’ll help.” Bringing his hand forward, he waited. They had reached their quota of accomplishments for the day and this was up to her.
Delicate fingers unfolded and her arms released her knees. She brought her eyes up. He smelled so good. He was so beautiful. Placing her hands on the floor, she pushed up not taking his extended hand. She wouldn’t touch. She couldn’t. His body straightened and he stepped backwards giving her room. He turned away and left the room. She no longer heard the sound of water spraying. Slowly she followed and stopped outside the water room.
He didn’t look at the door but knew she was there. He ran his hand through the water while sitting on the side of the tub. “These knobs control the temperature, just like a sink. I’ll leave the room and give you privacy. The shampoo and conditioner go on your hair, shampoo first, and then rinse it out with water. You may need to use a lot of the conditioner to get the tangles out but we’ll see how it goes.” He glanced up to see if she was following what he said. Her gaze stared into the mirror and her fingers traveled over her face. He realized this must have held her up in the bathroom earlier. He didn’t know if she had ever seen herself. Walking past her, she followed his movements in the mirror. The door closed with a gentle click.
Her eyes went to the water and she walked over and sat down where she saw him sit. Fingers tentatively lowered. Warmth spread on her skin. Her hands went to her clothes and she couldn’t get them off fast enough. Her bare leg lifted and settled in the water and then her other one followed. Slowly she melted and submerged herself. Stretching back, she felt the silky liquid cover her limbs and she drifted fully into the water. Her eyes closed and her muscles relaxed. Peace settled and she let out a slow breath drifting into a world of dreams.
He refused to worry. Ten minutes turned into thirty. What if she drowned? Did she remove her clothes? Now he was being stupid but that was only one of the feelings she brought out. Another was hot, feral, desire. The thought of water soaking over her naked body was driving him crazy. He wanted to feel the soap on his palm sliding over her curves and making their way to her breasts, her thighs. “Damn it!” He exclaimed out loud. This was torture and he could take no more. Even knowing he shouldn’t his legs had a mind of their own and his hand clasped the bathroom door knob and pushed gently.
Her nose and the tips of her breasts were the only thing sticking out of the water. Bubbles, he would have bubble bath delivered tomorrow. He could think of nothing at this moment that would be more erotic. Stepping back, he silently closed the door.
Fifteen minutes later, she came out wearing flannel pajama bottoms and a soft cotton t-shirt he’d left on the bathroom counter, dripping hair, bare feet, and large blue eyes. Exquisite. He left her standing in the living area and walked to the bathroom grabbing another towel and a comb from a drawer. The smell of the comb made him smile. Cheri. But not for long if his mate would cooperate. Holding the towel toward her, he patiently waited until her hand reached out and took it. “Follow me.” He walked to the couch expecting her to follow. “Sit here and I’ll dry your hair a little more and get the tangles out.”
Her lack of hesitation surprised him. She kneeled down and then sat at his feet, facing away from him. Wrapping the towel around the wet ends of her hair, he couldn’t help but lean forward and inhale. Her smell was magnificent. Reaching for the comb, he gently began untangling the wet strands. Her fists clenched tightly and her shoulders remained tense but finally, with gentle patience, her platinum blonde hair slid smoothly through his fingers. Placing the comb on the couch beside him, he rested his hands on her shoulders and gradually, with exquisite care, soothed her muscles. She flinched ever so slightly with each aching touch. He thought she might run but she stayed seated. He worked his fingers into her neck, shoulders, and back. Her muscles finally loosened and her body, with a mind of its own, swayed back against his legs.
Brandt’s lips were a hairs breadth from her ear, his voice gentle and coaxing, “Of everything you missed in your life, touch is what wolves need most. To be part of a pack is to be loved, cherished, and nurtured. We crave the closeness of our kind and sharing our scent connects our family’s lineage and enhances the bond.” Brandt’s hands lightly skimmed her neck and the underside of her jaw. “Touch is everything.” Gently, his lips touched the top of her head.
A single tear slid down her cheek. Her body unresistingly melted further into his.
Her chin rubbed against his hand and he smiled. She sat silently allowing his touch, her wolf craving his closeness. Finally, she released a gentle snore causing him to smile fully and then lift her to his lap. Her body remained lax and she didn’t stir. Holding her close, he let another hour pass just to saver the scent of his mate.
His insides, knotted and tense from months of strain were slowly untying, turmoil giving way to protectiveness and love. He gave her one last kiss on the cheek before carrying her to bed. He shed his clothes needing her scent to blend with his. Closing his eyes he allowed the sense of peace to wash over him. Drawing her more firmly to his body, he fell asleep with his nose in her hair and a last thought before darkness closed around him. What is her name?
Terrifying screams jolted him from the bed. Deadly wolf eyes searched for danger but there was none. She was sitting up with her eyes staring straight ahead and trapped in a nightmare. Climbing back on the bed, he moved to her side. “Shhhh, you're okay.” He kept his voice soft and melodic and gently touched her arm. The screaming stopped suddenly but uncontrollable tremors racked her body. Holding her close, his hands traveled up and down her arms giving what comfort he could. Finally, her muscles went slack, her breathing slowed, and her body calmed. His alpha’s rage intensified because there was no one to kill.
Chapter 9
Bright sunlight and strong arms holding her close brought Emily awake. She was on her side and sprawled half on top of his warmth with her cheek against his chest. His eyes closed and his face peaceful, she inhaled deeply. Bringing her hand up, she touched one finger to the skin beside her cheek. Soft but hard she allowed her hand, with a feather touch, to glide over his chest and then travel higher.
The whisper of a touch brought him awake. Not opening his eyes, her smell enveloped him. Incredibly soft fingers trail from his chest to his neck. The soft caress became a gentle poke and he couldn’t help but smile. Her hand jerked away. He peered between his eyelids. Her eyes were downcast and using his hand he tilted her face to his gaze. His voice, gruff with sleep whispered, “I need touch like you. My body is different, hard where yours is soft.” Taking her hand he placed it back on his chest. Her fingers balled into a fist and didn’t move. Connecting with her mind, he couldn’t help it and laughed out loud at her thoughts.
He’s a sin.
Exhaling with a low sigh over his self-imposed and momentary lack of wickedness, he got out of bed, and reached for his sweatpants. She had no idea how sinful he could be. “We need food, I’m starved.” Turning, he walked to the bathroom and closed the door behind him.
Her erect profile sitting at the table greeted him when he came out. “I don’t mind cooking and feeding you but you might enjoy learning. I’m in the mood for bacon and pancakes; you can help if you wish.” He passed close and she gave him an inquisitive look when he entered the kitchen and began gathering bowls and pans. Over the clatter, he heard the soft click of the bathroom door.
Closing the door behind her, she sank to the cool floor. Quiet tears turned into muffled sobs. Her hands covered her face. So much want, so much need; his touch most of all. She didn’t know what was happening to her. When her tears slowed, she cautiously removed her clothing. She shifted to the demon she hated and the monster looked back through the looking glass. Bringing her front paw
s up to rest on the countertop, she stared. Human eyes peered back but nothing else was the same. Cocking her head to the side, she examined herself. Without thinking, her muscles tensed and she lunged upwards.
The loud clatter rang through the house. It sounded like several items fell off the bathroom counter. His heart pounding, he opened the door and saw a scrambling white wolf trying to right herself on the floor moving away to the back of the small room. His eyes took in the scattered accessories from the counter and with relief he realized she tried to jump on top in wolf form. Not taking his eyes from the she-wolf in front of him, he sent a mental message to Dominique to have a large free standing mirror sent over in an hour. His mental telepathy caused him to miss the deadly quick change in her demeanor.
Complete panic at the thought of punishment caused the red haze to fall over her eyes. Anger; intense, deadly, and focused on Brandt took over. With a loud rumbling growl, her wolf body flew across the small space.
Brandt, in the process of backing up slowly, knew what was about to happen. His wolf senses registered the danger before his human brain. His wide shoulders barely passed through the doorframe when white fur and large extended teeth launched. He flew backwards and smashed against the hallway wall when her body collided with his. His arms strained to keep her snapping jaws from his face. Her back legs found purchase and raked down his upper thigh, the sharp nails slicing deeply into his skin. Grabbing her upper wolf’s body and using his greater strength, he tossed her hard against the wall beside the bathroom door. The jarring impact made a loud thud and a slight whine escaped her throat. She immediately shifted to human. Sinking to the floor, she curled into a tight ball and tremors ravaged her body.
Bending forward, he grasped her arm tightly. Using his other hand, he tilted her face so her eyes looked into his. A low growl left his throat before he spoke. He battled with his alpha’s need for blood, her blood. “Babe, if you want a fight I’ll give it to you.” His eyes burned. “I’m stronger and deadlier. Right now you can’t win. The last thing I want is to hurt you but I won’t hesitate if you challenge me. Get dressed and meet me in the kitchen.” His dominant voice left no room for argument.
Fang Chronicles: Emily's Story Page 5