by Marilu Mann
“Why did you do that?” Joie knelt in front of the unconscious woman then gasped in surprise when Malcolm’s strong arm came around her middle. He unceremoniously picked her up and moved her so that he stood between her and the woman on the floor.
Joie put her hands on her hips and glared up at him. “She could be hurt.”
“I hope the bitch is dead.” His voice flattened, all trace of laughter gone from it now. Malcolm sighed then put his hand under Joie’s chin, tilting her face up to his. “Trust me on this one, baby. She doesn’t need your sympathy.”
“Joie, get the boy some clothes. I’m too old to be looking at him like this. It’s not good for my heart.” Tante’s statement didn’t stop her from taking a good long look at Malcolm before she turned her back on them. Joie ran quickly to her room and grabbed his jeans. Malcolm pulled them on when she tossed them to him then wrapped her in his arms.
He kissed her, then cupped her face and stared at her for a long moment. When she opened her mouth to speak, he shook his head. Malcolm kissed her again then released her. He turned and without saying another word, scooped Maggie up and threw her over his shoulder. “I’ll be back later.”
Malcolm left as quickly as he had arrived, leaving more questions in his wake than ever before. Joie ran to the door only to see him already disappearing into the woods. She put her hand on the latch to the screen. Tante Kay’s strong grip wrapped around Joie’s wrist.
“You let him go, child. He’ll take care of his bidness and be back.”
“What if she comes to and tries to hurt him again? Tante, I can’t just sit here and wait for him.” Joie took Tante Kay’s hands in both of hers. “I love him, you know I do.”
“Yes, child, I know. I also know it’s not safe for you out there. If you’re there, he’ll be watching out for you and not paying attention to that woman. He’s liable to let her hurt him just to keep you safe. You stay here and wait. Me, I’m going up to see Boudreaux’s wife. She’ll be delivering tonight.”
Joie paused, her loyalty to Tante Kay battling with her concern for Malcolm. She waited until Tante had gotten into the small fishing boat then waited until she heard the sound of the motor change as Tante Kay rounded the curve in the river.
Joie ran out into the yard then stood perfectly still, trying to figure out where Malcolm had taken Maggie. She just knew they were going to fight. She was so afraid Malcolm would be hurt again. Having seen what had happened to him the last time, she couldn’t stand idly by and let him be hurt like that again. She had to stop them somehow. Malcolm still wasn’t one hundred percent.
Joie started down the path she’d seen Malcolm take, hoping she could pick up some inkling of where he’d gone. She spared a moment to wonder why she could feel him coming close but couldn’t feel him when he moved away from her.
Moving quietly down a small deer path, she stopped after a few steps, standing perfectly still and listening to the sounds of the approaching evening. The crickets started singing only to be joined by the frogs. A rustling to her side revealed an armadillo beginning his hunt for food. The normal sounds of the bayou, nothing out of the ordinary, nothing to reveal where Malcolm and Maggie might be.
Joie crept forward cautiously. Fear was an unknown when she walked here in the bayou, but this afternoon she could feel it choking her. She heard a sound that didn’t belong, a slight sound like something growling. That had to be them! Joie pushed her way through the undergrowth toward the sound.
* * * * *
Slade growled again as Maggie took another swipe at him. She was tiring, he could tell from the way she breathed. The bitch had pulled a knife on him as soon as she’d come to. He’d planned to leave her out here then cover his tracks and get back to Joie. Once he had Joie and the old woman in a safe spot he would’ve come back after Maggie.
She’d come around sooner than he expected and had stuck him with her little knife. Slade had laughed as he pulled the two-inch blade out of his thigh, tossed it into the undergrowth, then backhanded her to the ground.
When she regained her feet, she came after him again. If Slade had been completely healed, there would have been no contest, he would have killed her within the first ten minutes of their fight. Since he wasn’t in top form, it took him a bit longer.
Maggie leaned forward slightly, panting as she wiped her hand across her mouth. Slade narrowed his eyes as she stripped her jeans off. Now the fight would really start.
He grinned as he ripped his own jeans off. If she wanted to change and fight him that way, he’d certainly oblige. Maggie’s outline started to blur, so Slade started his own change. He didn’t trust her not to attack him mid-change so he did his best to keep his eyes on her.
As soon as they completed their change, the fight began in earnest. Teeth bared, they charged at one another. Slade managed to knock Maggie over by the simple expedient of barreling into her. He fell on her in a heartbeat, biting at her neck to get a better grip. He tried to either cut her air off or break her neck—he didn’t much care which.
The rich taste of blood filled his mouth and his beast took control. Slade shook his head, his teeth firm in her flesh when something out of place reached him through the snarling wolf in his head.
The bitch beneath him gasped for air. Giving his head a savage twist, he raised his front feet off the ground and slammed her down onto the hard ground. He heard something snap as she went limp in his mouth.
Slade shook her again, then dropped her. She didn’t move, even when he jumped up and came down hard on her side, the bitch lay still. He turned his attention to the disturbance. There! A shadow that didn’t belong, something moving beside the tree.
Slade dropped into a crouch as he glided across the clearing. He lifted his head to test the air and smelled something sweet. A fleeting image of moss-green eyes, auburn hair, soft flesh and sweet taste. Slade moved forward again. The shadow shifted, taking shape.
The wolf in him flinched as it recognized the human shape. The man struggled to regain control. He could still taste the copper from the bitch’s blood. Slade licked across his muzzle as he stepped forward again. The human spoke to him, said something he didn’t understand.
He knew this female, knew something more. She was in heat, and she belonged to him! Slade loped across the ground toward her, one thought in his mind—claiming his mate. He leapt up and over a fallen log, landing on all four feet right in front of her. She jolted with a small shriek, then froze.
Something else joined the sweet scent he associated with her. Fear. She was afraid of him. Slade stopped and sat in front of her. She reached out toward him, but stopped before she touched him.
“Are you hurt?”
Slade blinked, cocking his head to one side. He understood what she said this time. Her concerned tone brought him back to himself. Slade shook from nose to tail then started his change back to human form. As soon as he took his first breath, Joie was on him. She ran her soft hands over his neck and shoulders then down his chest.
The feel of her hands on his flesh caused his body to harden immediately. His brain still functioning more on an animal than human level, Slade pulled her against his chest then covered her mouth with his. Instead of fighting him, Joie leaned into him. That was all it took. She was his and he intended to take her.
Slade pulled Joie down to the soft earth then concentrated on getting her out of her skirt. For the first time, he blessed whatever force caused her to favor these shapeless clothes. They were a hell of a lot easier to get rid of than jeans would have been.
Joie still checked him for injuries as he pulled her t-shirt up and out of his way. Her bra frustrated him for a moment, then he ripped it right down the middle. Joie gasped and pushed against his shoulders as Slade dropped his head to lick between her breasts. She gasped again then groaned as he licked all around her breasts.
Her soft hands were kneading his shoulders now and when he suckled one taut raspberry nipple into his mouth she grabbed his hair. Slade
nipped her breast growling softly as she tightened her grip on his head. Sweet, she tasted so sweet.
He suckled her again then lifted his head. Slade knew his eyes glowed, he could feel his wolf trying to break out again. Joie had closed her eyes. Her head tilted back slightly as he pushed her generous breasts closer together. Slade licked between her breasts again then placed moist open-mouthed kisses all over the tops and sides.
She made a soft sound as he suckled at her other breast. Slade let more of his weight rest on Joie and watched her eyes fly open as his hard cock prodded her. Joie’s eyes were wide as Slade reached between them with one hand.
Her panties didn’t stand a chance. He ripped them off with one hand then riffled through the auburn curls covering her. Joie’s breathing increased as he combed through her curls again.
Slade drew her nipple back into his mouth as he slid his hand farther between her legs. She closed her eyes again as her mouth opened on a soundless moan. He felt her shudder as his fingers insinuated themselves into the juncture of her body.
Moisture, he felt it then smelled her arousal. Slade parted her nether lips then pushed his middle finger into her. Wet. Heat. Enough! Slade moved fast. His wide shoulders pushed her thighs apart as he pushed his nose into her mound. The scent of woman, fertile, strong, brave, all the qualities anyone could want in a mate. She possessed them all and she belonged to him.
She grabbed his hair again and he could feel her pleasure. Slade growled softly again as he parted her with his thumbs.
“Malcolm?” Her soft voice reached through the fog of lust and the animal need racing through his system.
“Shh, Just let me…” Slade could hear the growl in his own voice but he couldn’t stop, not now. She belonged to him and it was time she knew it! He licked her softly then stabbed his tongue into her. Joie gasped and lifted her hips.
Honey. She tasted like warm honey. Slade licked her again then settled in to kiss and suckle her here. Joie gasped again. He could feel her thighs trembling and now he wanted to feel her come. Slade entered her with one finger. He felt her clamp on him but it wasn’t enough. A second finger followed the first.
She gasped as he suckled at the top of her mound and his fingers filled her. Slade could feel his cock jerking as he pushed his fingers deep into her body then pulled them out, pushed them back in again. Joie cried out, then she shook all over.
Slade lifted his head to watch her. He wrapped his arm around her so he could continue to tease her nub with his thumb. She stiffened in his arms and cried out again.
Slade removed his fingers from her body and stuck them in his mouth. He moved swiftly, flipping her onto her stomach and releasing his own groan as he filled her. Joie rose up slightly and he allowed her to get to her knees.
He’d take her now, as though she was a female shifter, he’d take her from a dominant position, show her his strength, prove his worthiness to be her mate. Slade leaned over her body, biting gently at the back of her neck, his hands moving from her breasts to her hips and back again.
Slade thrust hard into her and felt her tighten on him. He opened his eyes, only then realizing he’d closed them. Joie’s head was thrown back, her eyes closed as well.
“Joie. Open your eyes.” His voice still came out as a growl and her beautiful eyes opened wide. He didn’t see fear there, just immense satisfaction. Slade thrust into her again and felt her arch her back under him.
Keeping his eyes on her face, he increased his motion into her body. Joie’s mouth opened but no sound escaped. He moved his hands to her hips, holding her still for his thrusts. She tightened her inner muscles on his cock. Slade growled from his stomach as his climax hit him.
He felt his body spurt deep inside hers, felt his cock jumping once, twice, then a third and fourth time as she came apart under him. Slade stayed over her until he could feel his arms shaking. He lowered them slowly to the ground, pulling her into the curve of his body and holding tightly to her until the last shudder left both of their bodies.
Joie moaned softly then pulled his hand up from her breast to kiss his knuckles. His hands were still bloodied from his fight. Slade knew his eyes still glowed, but he felt no fear in her. He started to withdraw and realized that for the first time in his life he hadn’t used a condom.
That thought widened his eyes and caused him to pull away. He looked down his body at his now-limp cock. Joie sighed and rolled over into his body. She curled against him like a pup, running her hand over his chest, tugging lightly at the hair there.
“Malcolm? Are you okay?”
“Fine. Are you?” The growl was gone now, along with his better sense. Shit, making love on the ground like the animal he could be, and with Maggie’s body in the clearing less than a hundred yards from them! What the fuck was he thinking?
Slade sat up brushing a quick kiss over Joie’s head. “Stay here for a minute, okay?”
“Okay.” She was just too damn pliant, too soft, too sweet.
Slade shook his head as he headed back for the clearing. The wound on his thigh throbbed. The adrenaline and passion had left him suddenly and the pain rode him hard now. He planned to drag Maggie’s body to the edge of the bayou and let the gators have her. He doubted they’d want the skanky bitch, but what they didn’t eat the snakes and fish would.
Slade stopped dead still in the clearing. There was no body. He whipped around, scenting the air. No fucking scent, no body. Where had she gone? “Fuck!”
Would this bitch never die? Twice now he’d been sure he’d killed her. Twice now she’d gotten away. Fuck, fuck, fuck! Slade ran a hand through his hair in frustration then smelled Joie on his skin. Joie! God!
Slade ran back to where he’d left Joie, jumping the fallen tree and landing in front of her. Joie shrieked again then put her hands over her heart. “Malcolm, you scared me to death!”
“Come with me now. No argument, Joie.” Slade put his hand out and pulled her to her feet. He didn’t give her a chance to argue or question him. He simply scooped her up and took off at a run for the cabin. It wasn’t much protection, but it was better than staying out here. Joie held tightly to him, her face against his neck.
He must have hurt Maggie pretty badly for her not to attack him while he’d been screwing his brains out. She could have killed them both. Slade stumbled at that thought. He couldn’t stand anything happening to Joie!
He regained his feet without ever slowing down. Joie hung on tight. His concern must have communicated itself to her. He knew she could sense him at times, just as he knew when she drew near. He couldn’t let her know how scared he’d been just now.
He reached the clearing around the cabin and came to a sliding halt. Searching the area with eyes and ears, he stepped forward slowly. Everything appeared to be okay. Slade took off at a lope. He bounded onto the porch and through the screen door, looking for Kay. Slade put Joie on her feet then cupped her face.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, Malcolm, but you’re bleeding.”
“It’s nothing, I’ll be fine.” He kissed her then looked around. “Where’s Kay?”
“She went to deliver a baby at Boudreaux’s place. Malcolm, sit down, I’ll stitch up your cut.”
“No. Joie, listen to me. Maggie isn’t dead. Did Kay take that pistol?”
“I’m pretty sure she did. She usually takes it with her when she goes on the boat because of the snakes.”
“Good. I don’t want you going anywhere without that shotgun. Jesus, you and that shotgun!” Suddenly he laughed. Slade remembered what he’d seen when he came into the cabin. Joie, his Joie, with a shotgun pointed right at Maggie’s chest. He could smell the silver shot. He remembered the look on Kay’s face and the determination on Joie’s.
“What on God’s green earth were you thinking?” Slade grabbed her shoulders, shaking her slightly. “She could have killed you!”
He pulled Joie into his arms and held her tight. “That bitch could have killed you.”
Slade’s whole body tightened as Joie tilted her head back to look at him.
“She could have killed you too.”
The tears in her beautiful eyes made his throat tighten. Whatever this feeling was, it had to be the strongest emotion he’d ever felt in his life.
“Joie,” Slade heard his voice crack as he bent toward her. She met him halfway and suddenly they were kissing as though neither could breathe without exchanging breath.
Slade sucked her lower lip into his mouth then groaned as she coaxed his tongue into hers. For the second time in his life, Slade lost control. He shoved the door closed then pushed Joie against it. She wrapped her arms and legs around him when he picked her up.
Joie gasped when he filled her. His thrusts were hard and uneven, like his breathing. His hands held tightly to her butt as he rammed his body into hers over and over. Joie cried out as her climax approached and Malcolm simply moved faster.
Joie cried out again as she felt Malcolm’s release. She gasped, trying to catch her breath. Malcolm didn’t let go of her, he simply backed toward one of the kitchen chairs and sat down, still holding her in his arms.
“Malcolm?”
“Baby, did I hurt you?” She shook her head and he spoke again. “Don’t say anything.” Malcolm pulled her head down to his chest and simply held her in his arms as they both relearned how to breathe.
Finally, she pushed on his chest then met his eyes. “What happened to ‘no condom, no sex’?”
“Moonlust.” He snorted softly then admitted, “And, yeah, well, after the first time I realized how good it felt.” He smiled, actually smiled as he brushed the hair away from her face. “Besides, you’re on that patch, right?”
Joie felt the blush creep over her face as she shifted on his lap. She avoided his question. “What’s moonlust?”