If she freaked out, it would be incredibly difficult to win her back. A man in his position must tread lightly with matters like these. A slip and a big scandal would haunt him and his family forever.
He wasn’t the only one who woke up this early. His brothers Trent and John had gone out too. His sense of smell sharpened in his tiger form. His family owned the land surrounding the vacation house, mostly so they could roam free without being spotted by humans. Quinn was a full-blooded shifter. His mother came from the Siberian clan while his father was a Bengal. His mother had abandoned the shifter side of herself since his father passed away. These days only he and his brothers liked to run on the estate.
Quinn leapt on the big wooden log and swished his tail. There was a rustling noise behind the bush. Trent and John trotted out seconds later.
Brother mine, said Trent in mindspeak. I hadn’t expected to see you here. I thought you were still busy bedding your woman.
My mate, Quinn corrected. Soon to be.
John looked at him with his yellow eyes, grinning as far as a tiger could grin. Congratulation. Mother would be pleased.
Way to go, said Trent. I thought it was a one-sided crush. She wasn’t your woman before you brought her to meet us.
Mate, Quinn corrected again. He was a bit miffed. Vanessa wasn’t just anybody. She was special. It doesn’t matter, does it? She’s mine now.
Trent made a rumbling noise in his throat which was equal to human laughter. How did she come up with Coco? That was hilarious.
Is that what tipped you off? Quinn asked.
Well, for once, she didn’t completely go googly-eyed lovey-dovey, like your previous girlfriends.
I’m glad you didn’t pick that girl you used to date as a mate, John joined in. What was her name? Annabelle? Damn, she was annoying. She kept pestering me to produce her album. She didn’t have talent and her voice gave me a headache.
Yes, she was something, said Quinn. Annabelle stalked me for a year. I was tempted to file a restraining order. Thank God I didn’t need to. She finally moved on to her next boyfriend.
A gust of wind alerted them to the presence of another beast. A big white wolf ran across the snow-covered landscape in their direction. Quinn sniffed the air and knew who was coming. It was Jason Bishop, the alpha of the Aspen pack. The town underground scene was ruled by three shifter families: The Bishop pack, the Westeros lion pride, and the Alexander tigers.
As the head of the clan, Quinn replaced his father in the underground council. He worked behind the scenes mostly, helping in finances. The Bishop pack provided the security to keep Aspen shifters in line. But Quinn knew why Jason came to his estate today and it had nothing to do with peacekeeping. Suddenly, he dreaded the werewolf visit.
Both his brothers assumed their alert stance.
In no time, the wolf reached their spot. His yellow eyes were eerily luminous in the morning sun.
Greetings, said the alpha wolf. My puppies told me you’re in town, so I had to come see you. I hope you are well. How are things?
Nothing new or exciting, I’m afraid. To what do I owe your unexpected visit, Alpha? Quinn asked.
The wolf sat, relaxed. Ah, Bengals. Courteous as always. I came to discuss the proposal. Have you given any thought to it? My sister’s pup has pestered me nonstop about it. She’s really smitten by you. Almost every day she calls me to ask if you have made a decision. I think the arrangement will benefit both of our families. I see this is a good match and my pack has offered full support.
About six month ago, Jason Bishop came to him to ask if Quinn would marry his niece, Ivy Bishop. It happened after he gave Ivy a job at Animatrica. Alpha Bishop was a good friend of his father, and he wanted to help out the pack any way he could.
However, Quinn wasn’t interested in the alpha’s niece. He only had his eyes for Vanessa. He tried to let her down gently but the woman did not get the message. Sometimes, Quinn suspected Ivy had been playing dumb. She ignored his rejection and just kept coming at him. Now that Vanessa was his, it was time to give the alpha a straight answer.
Alpha, I’m flattered by your offer, said Quinn. But my heart belongs to someone else. I have already taken a mate.
Have you? The alpha looked surprise. Is it by chance the girl in that video?
You saw it? Quinn was surprised. He didn’t think the old wolf would follow social media. Yes, she is.
The alpha sighed. I was afraid of that. My niece didn’t take that lightly when she discovered it. She was extremely upset.
Quinn and John traded glances. Quinn was irritated that the alpha spoiled his niece rotten. Ivy Bishop was the delight of the pack, and in his eyes, she could do no wrong. Her sense of entitlement was the first thing that put him off. Ivy might be beautiful, but he wouldn’t touch her with a fifty-foot pole.
Quinn lowered his head. I’m sorry to hear it, but I never promised her anything.
I know, I know, but my niece got the wrong idea. Since you took her in at your company, she thought you might harbor a little interest. I see she’s mistaken. The alpha sighed again. Youngsters these days never take my advice seriously. I also blame my sister Josephine for her upbringing. Since her mate died, she’s focused her energy on raising Ivy. Josephine was looking forward to this match. She has her eyes on hosting the grandest wedding in Aspen.
More likely the she-wolf was more interested in Quinn’s fortune. Werewolves didn’t like to mix blood with other shifters. They religiously revered their pure bloodline and were more likely to mate within the pack.
After all, dogs never liked cats that much.
My apologies if I’ve been sending the wrong signals, Quinn chose his words carefully. The last thing he needed was to offend the alpha. The Bishop pack had more than thirty wolves in the area. It wasn’t wise to stir up temperamental wolves unnecessarily. Now that I have made my decision, I hope we can solve this misunderstanding amicably. If you like, I can explain this to Ivy directly.
No need, said the alpha. I’ll set that girl straight. Congratulations on taking a mate. I suppose we’ll be having a grand wedding soon?
In the near future. The day hasn’t been set, but I’ll make sure you receive an invitation.
The old wolf grinned. I never pass up the chance to attend a great feast in the merry company of good friends. I’m looking forward to it. Well, I’ll be going then. He shook his fur, dislodging the snow. Thank you again for receiving met. Good day, Quinn Alexander. Trent. John.
Good day, Alpha, said Quinn.
Once the wolf was out of their sight, Trent turned to Quinn. His brother was worried. Surprisingly, the Alpha took it well, but I don’t think his sister and niece will do the same. I heard Josephine Bishop has told people in Southland that it was only a matter of time before you agreed to the arrangement. I went downtown yesterday and an old friend asked me if the rumor was true.
Where did Josephine Bishop get that idea? said John. That woman is delusional.
She’s a renowned gold-digger. Rumor has it she left her mate for a younger, wealthier man. And when that man left her a year later, her mate wouldn’t take her back. Many said she had something to do with her mate’s death. She also had been on the lookout for a cash cow. It’s common knowledge. People in this city know who Josephine Bishop is. And now she’s pushing her daughter on Quinn so she can secure her future, said Trent.
Quinn pondered. Would she push her daughter to me if I were penniless? I know for sure Vanessa doesn’t care about my fortune or my social status. Vanessa is different.
We can see she isn’t a money grubbing kind of girl, said John. She’d make you a great wife.
Trent retracted his claws in and out, pawing on a patch of snow. Did you propose to her, yet? Should we be expecting a fantastic wedding in the near future?
Quinn snorted. Not even close. But she has to marry me if I get her pregnant, am I right?
Sly, said John.
I’m joking, said Quinn. The idea is very tempting, tho
ugh.
Trent shook his head. Win her the old fashion way. She seems the only woman who hasn’t fawned over you. I guess, you’ve finally met your match, brother.
Quinn growled. She’ll be mine. Just you see.
* * *
While Quinn and his brothers were out all morning and afternoon, Vanessa spent time with Savannah. She was busy on her laptop when Quinn’s mom insisted she mustn’t do work while she was relaxing. Savannah suggested they go shopping.
The downtown area featured many high-end boutiques. Luxury designers like Dior, Louis Vuitton and Prada were among them. Vanessa felt as if she was walking down Fifth Avenue instead of through a small town in Colorado.
Savannah also insisted that Vanessa have a mini-makeover—something her own mother and sisters had wanted her to do for years, but she never agreed to. Savannah was so nice; she didn’t have the heart to refuse her. Not with the notion she was going to be her daughter-in-law soon.
Damn, Quinn. Somewhere deep in the recesses of her mind, she imagined Quinn laughing evilly for dragging her into this deception.
Savannah had her hairdresser cut Vanessa’s shoulder-length hair into a feminine bob style and colored it into a deep shade of mahogany that flattered her pale complexion. The makeover extended to a full mani and pedi and ended with a trip to Ralph Lauren boutique to pick up a preppy dress to complement her new look. By the time they walked out of the store, Vanessa felt like she was a totally different person. She hadn’t worn a dress in years, maybe since senior prom in high school.
Quinn’s expression was priceless when he saw her at home.
“What do you think, son?” Savannah beamed. “Doesn’t she look pretty? I know she’s a bit tomboy-ish, but I thought it might be a good thing if she gets in touch with her feminine side once in a while.”
“I commend your mom’s power of persuasion,” said Vanessa. “My mother and sisters have hounded me for years about getting a makeover, but they’d never succeeded.”
Which wasn’t far from the truth. She wanted to cleanup for Quinn. Now that they were going out, she wanted to look attractive.
“You look beautiful.” Quinn kissed her. “I love your new hair.”
“Thank you. I’ve never had my hair this short, but I kind of like it.”
“It suits you.”
Trent gave her a thumbs up and John nodded appreciatively.
They had an early dinner since everybody skipped lunch. John cooked more steaks on the grill. The Alexander’s sure loved their red meat. During dinner, Quinn rarely took his eyes off her, and she was aware of it every second.
Today, her body responded in a different way. She became more acutely aware of her surroundings. More aware of his presence. Quinn. The memory of yesterday replayed, searing her mind.
Vanessa used the opportunity to go to the second floor and slip into the bathroom. Despite the chilly January afternoon, she was burning up. What the hell is wrong with me? She pulled off her cardigan and splashed her face with cold water from the faucet. She looked at her reflection in the mirror. A strange face stared back. Flushed skin. Wide-eyed. Red lips. A wanton version of her she almost didn’t recognize. A sex goddess.
This is crazy, she thought to herself. One night with Quinn and I’m addicted to him.
Her sense of smell somehow became sharper. And Quinn’s scent was wickedly irresistible. Pure male at his prime. Oozing with raw sexual power. She closed her eyes, slowly taking in deep breaths.
Quinn. Musk and sandalwood. Spicy. Cinnamon and a hint cloves.
She sniffed the air. It was thick with his fragrance; she could almost taste it. Vanessa opened her eyes and the woman in the mirror gazed back. Smiling. Almost indulgently. She ran a hand over her chest. Her heart beat fast. Her breasts felt heavy. Her pussy lips were swollen and her panties dampened with her juice. Her clit buzzed with light thrums. Aching.
How am I going to face him now?
Crap. How am I going to face him at work if all he needed was to hit me with that come hither smile and I get instantaneously horny?
She winced and shook her head. Crazy, crazy, crazy!
This has to stop. I need to get myself together. Maybe what I need now is a cold shower.
Hurriedly, she reached into the shower and turned the water on. She was about to unsnap the button on her jeans when someone knocked on the door.
Quinn.
“Are you all right in there?”
For seconds, she froze like a deer caught in the headlights. Maybe if she ignored him, he would go away. Bugging people in the bathroom was quite rude. Hadn’t his mom taught him some manners?
“Vanessa, I know you’re in there.”
His voice was muffled by the door, but there was a sharp edge in his tone. Like a predator that had cornered its prey. The inner mouse in her squeaked with fright.
“Open the damn door, Vanessa. Or I swear to God, I’ll break it down.”
Oh, for the fuck’s sake.
She quickly opened the door and planned to take a little peek, but Quinn barreled in so fast, he almost knocked her down. Suddenly, the bathroom became cramped with his presence. He cut his gaze at her. He was too big. Too male. And too damn irresistible.
His scent filled her lungs. Redolently. Like an aphrodisiac.
She gulped hard.
She fought the urge to jump his bones. Tear his clothes off, prop him on the toilet and ride him hard like a cowboy on a stallion.
“What do you want, Quinn?” she forced her voice out. “Can’t a girl use a bathroom in peace?”
Quinn ignored her snark.
Instead, he locked the bathroom door and looked down and smiled at her like a sugar addict suddenly presented with an unexpected cupcake.
“I knew it,” he growled. “You’re in heat.”
“What do you mean, I’m in heat?”
“Hmm.” Quinn’s gaze roamed about her person. Nothing escaped his scrutiny. He bent forward until their eyes were at the same level. He sniffed around her neck. “You’re aroused. Your sense of smell is heightened. And all you can think of is me. Am I right?”
Busted.
“I see you’re back in Lord Demon mode,” she said dryly.
“Close your eyes.”
“Why? What are you going to do?”
“Close your eyes, please.”
She hesitated, but she did as told. She didn’t like it. She felt vulnerable, not being able to see. He crowded her. His breath warmed her face. Her skin tingled. She shivered with anticipation. What was he going to do to her? The memory of his kisses, his touches, filled her mind.
He caressed her face with his fingertips – she knew it. An electric thrill sparked beneath her skin. Her pulse began to race. Her skin was warm. She longed to know what he would do next.
With a sigh, he kissed her. She startled and opened her eyes. All she could see was the emerald green of his eyes. The lushness of his lashes. The intensity of his gaze had never failed to surprise her. It always got her. Straight to her soul.
“You didn’t do as I said,” he growled. “Close your eyes.”
She shut her eyes. Quinn made a noise of approval. His lips descended upon hers. Warm. And exquisite. Her breath stalled in her throat. Quinn really knew how to kiss a woman to make her hot and bothered. She found herself responding timidly, at first, and then, they practically mauled each other.
He swept his tongue inside her lips, over her molars, licking the cavern of her mouth. He nibbled her lips as his hands roamed everywhere. Squeezing her breasts. Groping her thighs. Feeling her pussy. Quinn undressed her. He undid her jeans and yanked down her zipper. He pulled off her sweater and ripped her bra off. Her breasts spilled out. She heard him growling. He licked her throat and took one of her nipples in his mouth. She cried as he sucked her. It made her tremble head to toes. The aching need in her pussy intensified, reaching maddening heights.
Still, she didn’t dare open her eyes. His teeth scraped her tender bud. He twirled his
tongue around her areola, pirouetting like a prima ballerina before finishing it with the hard, unmerciful suck. “Quinn,” she whispered. She kept her voice down. She hoped nobody would find out what they were doing in the bathroom.
Quinn’s fingers pushed inside her panties, straight to her wet lips. His touch drove her wild. “Good, you’re so wet. And hot.” He slid his finger into her. “Very hot.”
“Quinn.”
He buried his fingers until the pad of his palm pressed against her pussy lips. He stroked her. Once. Twice. Oh God. She wanted more. More than his fingers. She wanted his cock. Inside her. Ravishing her. Like last night. She didn’t even realize she’d voiced her desire.
“Just what I had in mind, babe,” he said. The shower was still running and the steam filled the bathroom. “What’s the water for?”
“I was going to cool off.”
“I’ll help you. I don’t know if you’re going to be cold, though,” he said as he undressed.
Vanessa shoved off her jeans. Quinn pulled her panties down and off and pushed her into the shower. Warm water poured down over her. He ran his hands all over her body, squeezing and stroking; nothing escaped his attention. She watched him, mesmerized by his powerful build, the state of his arousal. His cock stood strong and proud.
He then pushed her against the tiles and kissed the life out of her. “I love your smell. I love how your skin feels. I love you.”
She startled at his declaration. Before she could think about it, her attention was drawn away by him kissing her navel and continuing south. Oh God. His mouth covered her pussy. She squirmed. Bursts of pleasure exploded as he licked her; she was totally at the man’s mercy. She bit her lower lip to stay quiet.
He pushed up one of her thighs even further to give him better access. With gentleness, he spread her pussy lips open. His tongue darted out and found her clit. He circled it and sucked it until her knees weakened. Her pussy was a welter of heat and he hadn’t finished. He lapped at her. His tongue was inside her. Swirling deeper and deeper. She would go crazy if he kept up what he was doing.
Tiger in Her Bed Revised Kindle Page 5