Unwanted Desire

by Aubrey Rose

  Why was she hiding behind dowdy clothes and… her head hurt too much for her to care. She followed Hillard into the adjoining clinic. She lifted her sleeve so Hillard could administer an injection and within minutes the pounding lessened.

  “Tell Milo to give you a raise. You’re worth far more than he is paying you.” Another tentative smile reinforced Jizette’s opinion that the doctor was hiding from something, or someone. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. That’s why I’m here.”

  “If you were going to send for me, does that mean you’ve reached a conclusion about your hypothesis?”

  “Actually, I have and the possibilities could be rather staggering.” She placed her hand on Jizette’s upper arm, her expression serious. “Would you like to go get Kage?”

  “Does he need to be here?”

  “It’s entirely up to you.”

  “Then go on, I’m too curious to wait.”

  “I’d like to perform another scan, to compare with the baseline I created yesterday. Would that be all right with you?”

  “Of course.” Jizette took a step toward the exam table, but the doctor stopped her.

  “That’s not necessary.” She removed a small, hand-held device from her pocket and walked around Jizette in a slow circle. “All done.”

  Jizette followed her back into the adjoining office and Hillard slipped in behind her desk. After uploading the new data, she studied the changes, her fingers lightly tapping against her lips. “It’s happening even faster than I thought.”

  “What’s happening?”

  “Your body is creating an environment which will increase the chances of pregnancy.”

  Jizette rubbed her eyes and tried not to lash out. “Kage and I can’t have children. We are from different genetic families.”

  Hillard smiled patiently and folded her hands on her desktop. “How much do you know about Alpha Colony? Are you part of the resistance?”

  “I’m new to it, but I’m aware of DOMA’s lies.”

  “Good. I’ll spare you the in-depth history lesson. Suffice it to say DOMA’s ambitions progressed in stages. Hybrids came first, then morphs, then morphs with paranormal abilities. You, my dear, are part of this third and final stage. I believe you are a universal breeder.”

  “What the fuck is a universal breeder?”

  Jizette snapped her head toward the doorway and found Kage standing there, arms crossed over his chest.

  “A female whose reproductive system is able to morph,” Hillard explained. “She can produce offspring with any male.”

  “Any male, or any male to which she’s bonded?” Dread chilled Jizette’s blood, making her lungs sluggish and her chest tight. She already knew the answer. She just needed to hear the words.

  “If you are truly a universal breeder, which is what my scans indicate, a bond is not necessary.”

  “Oh gods.” She pressed a hand over her chest as lights danced before her eyes. “If this gets out, I’ll never be safe. Rogues will come from all over the colony.”

  Kage knelt beside her chair and swung her around to face him. “No one will ever know. No one. Do you hear me?”

  “How will we explain it if I give birth to a wolf?”

  “We’ll claim you were a surrogate, or whatever. I don’t care. This information never leaves this room.” He stood and glared at the doctor. “If you endanger my mate -”

  “There’s no need for threats, Kage. You don’t know me, but you know Milo. And Milo trusts me implicitly.” A moment of tense silence stretched between them before Kage accepted her assurance and moved behind Jizette’s chair. “I need to inform Director Darman of my findings, but I will leave her name out of it. We were aware of the program, but we didn’t realize they had succeeded.”

  “There could be more than one like me out there.” Jizette’s head was still spinning from the revelation.

  “It’s more than likely that there are.” Hillard didn’t try to soften the blow. Candor was more her style. “Darman will find them. Now that we know they exist.”

  “DOMA has to be watching them, watching her.” The realization set Kage in motion again.

  Hillard took out a note pad and wrote a series of numbers, then pushed back from her desk and stood. “Which is why you can’t go back. I know your father is pack alpha, but apparently fate has something else in store for you.”

  “What are you talking about?” With all the anxious energy surrounding her Jizette could no longer sit. She stood as well and turned around to lean against the desk. “We don’t even know if I’m pregnant yet.”

  “You will be. That’s what you were designed for.”

  Jizette suddenly sent still. “You said DOMA worked in stages. Was fertility engineered into my bloodline?”

  “Of course, and then they took it one step further with you.”

  “How do I protect her?”

  Hillard tore the top sheet off the note pad and handed it to Kage. “GPS coordinates. It’s a sanctuary for DOMA’s castoffs, hybrids and morphs like yourselves. Very secluded, very primitive, very cold. But you’ll be free of DOMA and your children will be safe.”

  “Then nothing else matters.”

  “What about Enya’s murder? What about my brother?” Jizette objected. “He still thinks I’m a hostage, and your people still blame our pride.”

  Hillard winked at her, and then smiled. “Leave Maddox to me. I’ll notify your families, then help Maddox unravel this mystery.”

  “He has a mate now,” Kage warned.

  “My interest is purely professional. I have some nifty toys that will make finding out what really happened child’s play. Besides, it’s been far too long since Director Darman and I spent any time together.”

  Darman was old enough to be her grandfather, so Jizette wasn’t sure she wanted to imagine the exact nature of their attraction.

  Hillard shook her head. “Don’t look so scandalized. Jack was my mentor before we both fell out of favor with DOMA.” She shifted her gaze to Kage and added, “Milo can provide what you’ll need for the trip. He’s outfitted refugees before. Just keep the truck. It will be perfect for where you’re going.”

  “Thank you.”

  She chuckled. “You might not feel like thanking me for long. It’s a hard trip and the encampment is rustic to say the least.”

  “You haven’t spent much time at Alpha Colony, have you?” Jizette held out her hand toward Kage. “We’re not afraid of hardship.”

  “What about the collar?”

  Jizette shook her head. “I can’t believe I forgot about it.” She looked at the doctor. “Can any of your fancy toys slice through this?”

  “A lazar scalpel should do the trick.”

  Kage cringed. “We don’t want you to cut her head off.”

  “Such confidence you have in me.”

  It took a matter of seconds for Hillard to remove the collar. She performed the task with such calm, Jizette wondered why she hadn’t thought to ask her about it before. “Again, thank you.”

  “No problem. I’ll let everyone know what’s going on.”

  With a mixture of excitement and sadness, Jizette left the clinic. She was thrilled at the possibility of having children with Kage, but the price was her other family. It didn’t seem fair.

  He slipped his hand into hers, entwining their fingers. “You okay with all this? We could return long enough to have Darman confirm the diagnosis.”

  “She has no reason to lie.”

  “Well, you’re more trusting than I am. Milo has ways of contacting Darman. I’m not heading off on some blind adventure without some sort of confirmation.”

  Remembering how easily Lane tricked her she gave Kage’s hand a squeeze. “You’re right. We should make sure we’re not being toyed with.”

  Kage turned suddenly and pressed her up against the corridor wall. “The only one I want toying with you is me.”

  “You still haven’t made me beg for mercy.” Before sh
e finished the sentence his hand was under her shirt and his knee pressed between her legs. Her lids drooped and her senses burned. Gods, how she loved this man!

  “Would you like to beg now, or shall I wait until we’re alone in the truck on some North Country road?”

  She looked up and down the corridor, her heart beginning to pound. “We better wait. Milo already thinks we’re perverts.”

  He cupped the side of her face and smiled into her eyes. “Milo thinks we love each other so much we can’t keep our hands to ourselves. Do you have a problem with that assessment?”

  “Hell no.”

  Their kiss was long and lingering. They both sensed the changes hovering on the horizon. “We better go,” he said with an encouraging smile. “Apparently, there’s a bright new future waiting in the snowy north.”

  She laced her fingers through his and smiled. “I’m ready if you are.”

  Epilogue

  Canada: Two Months Later

  Kage took the heavy buckets from Jizette so quickly water splashed onto the floor of their small, rustic cabin. “I told you I would do this as soon as I finished chopping wood.” He kicked the door shut with the heel of his boot, his expression thunderous.

  “And I told you to stop treating me like an invalid. We’re in for a serious storm. Neither of us needs to be out there once it gets going.” She planted her fists on her hips and glared into his eyes. This fight had been brewing for days. Ever since he’d detected three hearts beating inside her instead of two. The thought was almost enough to melt her aggravation. They were having twins! “Barbary females frequently deliver more than one cub. Why are you being so weird about this?”

  “We are in the middle of the wilderness, and I’m the closest thing you’ve got to a doctor. In the blink of an eye, the pressure doubled.”

  Unable to maintain her anger in the face of his concern, she closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms loosely around his waist. “I’m strong and healthy, and according to Dr. Hillard, I was engineered for this.”

  “That’s not funny.” His arms came around her and he pulled her tight against his chest. “I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to any of you.”

  “Nothing is going to happen to us. There will be a few hours of pain, a rather gory delivery, and then years and years of happily ever after.”

  “I like the sound of that.”

  “So do I.” She tilted her head back so she could look into his eyes. “Now we need to come to an agreement about the next seven months. Do you believe I love our children?”

  “Of course.”

  “Then why won’t you trust me to take care of them?”

  He tensed, obviously uncomfortable with her line of reasoning. “It’s my job to protect you and —”

  “I carried water in from the pump, you ass. You’d have me flat on my back in bed until the babies are born if you had your way.”

  A wicked smile parted his lips. “A rather unimaginative position, but I can work with it.”

  She laughed and slapped him on the arm. “If I’m as fragile as you presume, how the hell am I going to survive delivering twins?”

  “All right, all right, I get it. Pregnancy does not equate to helplessness.”

  She punched him in the arm. “And you better not forget it.”

  “Yes, sir,” he drawled, desire smoldering in his eyes.

  “I thought that was my line.”

  “Well if you’re hale and hearty, perhaps I’ll punish you for disobeying me.”

  Heat rolled through her body, tense and electric, like the storm gathering outside the cabin. “It’s been weeks since you punished me, and I did blatantly disregard a directive.”

  “Are you absolutely certain we won’t hurt the babies if we… indulge ourselves?”

  “They are still really tiny.” She wasn’t sure what else she could say to reassure him. “Can’t you sense them? You felt their hearts beating before I did.”

  “I have to intentionally scan, but that’s not a bad idea.” He eased her to arm’s length and ran a hand through his hair. “I’m going to build up the fire, and you’re going to get naked.”

  “Completely naked?” She shivered. “It’s cold in here.”

  “Which is why I’m going to build up the fire.” His expression hardened while his gaze blazed even hotter. “No more arguments. I want you naked and on your knees.”

  His authoritative tone was a balm to her spirit. She’d felt almost neglected these past few weeks. He’d been attentive and affectionate, but there had been an emotional reserve about him that she hadn’t understood. When they made love each night, it lacked the spontaneity and intensity she had come to crave.

  She pulled off her boots and unbuttoned her sweater. It was amazing how quickly they’d been able to make this cabin feel like home. It had been vacant for almost a year before they arrived and the Haven council granted their request for occupancy. Winter Haven was inhabited by an eclectic mix of hybrids, morphs, and misfits. No one asked too many questions, but they still managed to create a sense of community.

  Kage fed branches into the fire until the flames crackled and roared. The warm, yellow light made his skin glow and accentuated his angular features. His multi-colored hair was swept back from his face in distinct waves, just brushing his broad shoulders. Noble, watchful, protective — wolf. Even in human form his animal nature shone through.

  As if to confirm her thoughts, his golden gaze shifted toward her, looking undeniably canine. “Why are you still dressed?”

  “I was admiring my mate.”

  He stalked toward her, his gaze fixed on her mouth. “Your mate wants you naked.” He paused for a slow, sexy smile. “Now.”

  “Yes, sir.” She pulled her T-shirt off over her head and tossed it aside. He spread several blankets in front of the fire and collected pillows from the bedroom as she shed her jeans and took off her underwear. When she was naked, she moved onto the blanket and knelt in the middle folding her hands in her lap. She didn’t speak, knew he enjoyed her silence.

  “Part your thighs. I can’t see your pussy.”

  She moved her legs apart and rested her hands on her knees. Tension arced between them, anticipation mixed with lust. What would he ask her to do? What would he offer in return?

  Moving one of the kitchen chairs to the edge of the blanket, he sat facing her. “Do you deserve to be disciplined?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “More importantly, do you want to be disciplined?”

  “Very much, sir.”

  “Then show me.” He motioned her forward. “If you want to revel in your punishment, you must offer me your mouth.” Feeling utterly decadent, she crawled toward him. His gaze swept from the sway of her breasts to her undulating ass then back to her face. “You look so feline when you do that. It reminds me that our relationship is forbidden, taboo. I shouldn’t love you.”

  “But you do?”

  “You know I do.”

  His hushed confession filled her with warmth and joy. “May I unzip your pants, sir?”

  “Please do.”

  She knelt between his legs and obliged him. His cock sprang free, falling heavily into her waiting hand. She reached inside his pants with her other hand and cupped his sac, loving the outward evidence of his virility. He pushed his pants lower, giving her more room to play.

  Squeezing the base of his cock, she looked up at him and smiled. “This is much easier to do when my legs aren’t folded like a pretzel.”

  “Nothing about our first time together was ideal. Now, no more talk. Find something better to do with your mouth.”

  “Like this?” She closed her lips around the tip and sucked greedily. “Or this?” Lifting the heavy shaft, she licked the underside. “Or this?” She wet her lips and slid him deep into her mouth, performing two slow strokes before allowing him to spring free. “Is that what you had in mind?”

  “Keep it up and I’m going to do more than spank you.”


  “I certainly hope so.” She laughed and returned to her task in earnest. Using her hand on his shaft, she sucked and licked the upper portion of his cock, paying special attention to the very tip. She swirled her tongue and slid up and down, using his gasps and groans to guide her movements.

  “Enough.” He suddenly pushed her back.

  “Why did you make me stop? I love it when you lose control.”

  “Exactly.” He stood and turned the chair sideways. “The only one losing control tonight is you. Now lean over the chair, and get that lovely ass in the air.”

  His spark of dominance ignited the embers of her smoldering desire. She crawled forward and bent over the chair, cool air teasing the heated flesh between her thighs. This was what she wanted. She needed him to assert his true nature, to be himself with her. He would never be content as long as he restrained his inner wolf. And she would never be content with a restless mate.

  With his sexy smile curving the corners of his mouth, he reached inside one of the pillowcases. “I’ve been saving this, figured it would have to wait until after. But you’ve been so disobedient today. I really have no choice.” He withdrew a small flogger. The handle and the shaft were black, but the strips at the end mixed gold, bronze, and copper, like the multi-color strands of his hair.

  She clutched the edge of the chair as excitement curled through her body. His emotions blazed into her mind, wild and possessive, yet so incredibly tender. He approached her slowly, dragging the flogger along her spine and into the crevice between her ass cheeks.

  “I’m trusting you, kitten. I can read your body like a book, but I don’t know how this affects our young. If you need me to stop, say the word.”

  “I would never do anything to harm our pups.” She let her gaze reflect her hurt. “Why won’t you believe that?”

  “Our pups?” He stilled, looking deep into her eyes. “Was that just a passing phrase, or…”

  She smiled. “I’ve been meaning to tell you, but you’ve been so exasperating.”

  “Tell me now.” He manufactured a fearsome scowl and tapped his palm with the end of the flogger.

  Laughter bubbled from the depths of her soul. This would make him so happy. “I can sense them a little better each day. I have no idea if they’ll be able to morph, but they both possess their father’s spirit.”