He cupped her jaw and brushed his thumb across her bottom lip. When he caressed her mouth, she sucked him between her lips. He tasted just as sexy as he looked. Maybe even better.
He groaned. “Naughty.” He didn’t pull away from her. “Do you understand what I want? What I need?” he asked. “I don’t want a body—someone to play with when I’m bored. I desire a partner.” He withdrew his thumb, then tipped her head. “If you’re going to be with me, then I will possess you.”
She inched closer to him and straddled his lap. She rubbed her breasts on his bare chest. Fire licked her from within and her skin tingled. She smoothed her hands over his shoulders, loving the feel of his body under hers. She was a strong woman and knew her heart. She might be a possession, but she’d be cherished. She reached the ties at the back of her dress and loosened the knots. The leather garment remained suctioned to her body, but if he wanted to bare her to his gaze, he had permission.
“Noya?” He palmed her hips. “You are free to do what you want. I make the rules and am thrilled you’re here. You know what you desire from me. A woman of great fortitude and strength takes what she wants. Tell me.”
She sucked in a ragged breath. “Possess me.”
Hawenneyu tucked her to his chest and kissed her. He’d longed to be this close to her since he’d realized she wanted him. She’d grown into a beautiful woman, so perfect in his hands and her strength amazed him.
She moaned and arched into him in a silent invitation.
He caressed her back, then tugged the leather dress down her upper body, baring her to his gaze. Her breasts jiggled with each breath and her nipples beaded. He craved this woman.
A hundred reasons he could keep her away gnawed at him. He was the Creator. He didn’t need anyone and could summon whomever he wished when he needed relief. But this was more. Then there was the fact her father reported to him. Hawenneyu took what he wanted and considered Noya the ultimate sacred offering to him.
She threaded her fingers into his hair and ground on his lap. So wanton and precious. She belonged to him. “Make love to me,” she whispered. “Make me yours.”
Hawenneyu palmed her breasts. Her heated skin scorched him. When he flicked her nipples, she mewled and the sound turned his senses inside out. He placed her on her back in the grass. She parted her lips and desire shimmered in her eyes. She reached for him.
He tugged the damp leather dress down her body, exposing her to his gaze. He parted her legs and drank in the view of her form. Every bit of her pleased him. From her thick hair, her delectable breasts, the slight swell of her belly and her long legs, he craved her. She’d been his greatest creation. She embodied innocence and raw desire, but also called to his soul.
She could be his undoing, but also his salvation.
Chapter Three
Hawenneyu took control of the moment. He started at her hairline and worked his way down her body, kissing and tasting every inch of her. He needed to know this woman. He sucked hard on her nipple and palmed her breast. The weight of her chest and the heat of her skin pleased him.
She cried out and threaded her fingers into his hair, while writhing beneath him.
He loved the sounds of her pleasure. He moved down to her belly, then parted her thighs. Her pussy lips glittered with her cream. Already wet for him? Perfect. He knelt between her legs and blew across her fevered skin.
Noya bucked and moaned. “More?”
Although he wanted to go slow, he couldn’t ignore her needs. He licked and nibbled his way around her labia. The taste of her imprinted on his brain and was honey on his tongue. He slid one finger into her and gasped, but continued to lick her. A virgin? He’d be her only lover. He toyed with her as she cried out again and shivered. Each lick and nibble sent blood rushing through his body. He needed to be inside her—but not yet. He sucked hard on her clit.
Noya tightened her legs around him. She tugged on his hair and writhed. “Can’t think straight.”
Neither could he.
“Need you,” she murmured. “So much.”
Her words and the way she reacted to his touch had him rock hard. The magic of the moment wrapped around them. He needed her more than his next breath. He sat back on his heels and licked his lips. Noya tucked her knees to her chest and held onto her legs. Passion swirled in her eyes.
“Mine,” he growled. He summoned his magic to help make her first time hurt less. No matter what he did, she’d have some ache. “Look at me.” He focused on her and eased into her body. He fit snug into her pussy, like being held within her vice. He pushed to the hilt in seconds. When he moved, he felt every ripple and nuance of her cunt. He stared into her eyes, craving the heightened connection with her.
She winced as he pushed fully within her again, then a lazy smile curled on her lips. She closed her eyes. Cries erupted from her, but not in pain. In pleasure.
He propped himself on his knees and one hand, then fell into a steady rhythm, in and out of her. “Yes, my beloved. I’m with you.” He desired her more than anything. “Perfect.” He lost himself in the thrill of making love to her. She was his—only his. He moved with her and she met him thrust for thrust. One body, one soul and one mind in perfect rhythm. He groaned. “Come with me.” He’d never be able to hold the orgasm back. His restraint shattered each time he plunged into her body.
She shuddered. “I can’t…” She arched beneath him and cried out again. Her inner walls squeezed him, holding him tight within her pussy. “Hawenneyu.” She clutched his shoulders. “I…”
Hearing his name on her lips broke him. He embraced the orgasm. All he saw was her. She consumed his thoughts and focused him. He’d found his partner. She knew when to come to him—like a vision. He slammed into her once more, then slowed his pace as the orgasm spread through his body.
Once he stopped thrusting, he slumped over her.
He refused to let her go.
Noya kissed Hawenneyu. Her heart belonged to him. Always had. She’d paid her father’s debt, but also realized where fate wanted her—with the Creator.
“My beloved. You make the sun brighter, the stars more vivid and warm my heart.” He withdrew from her body and reclined beside her in the grass. “I’ve created everything and could demand you be one of my possessions.”
She crawled onto his chest and embraced both her nudity and the power within her. She stretched out on top of him. “I wish to belong to you.”
“No one else? You could have your choice of partners,” he said and petted her hair. “Yet, you chose me. Why?”
She had to be honest. She traced the seam of his mouth and debated her words. “The ancient spirits said I’d find the right man,” she said. “When I was young, my father also told me I was destined to be more. I’d find a man, a warrior, who saw me as not just a girl, but a powerful warrior to complement him. An equal. I don’t want to take your place. I bow to you, but together, we can be more. Please trust me.” She held her breath, hoping he’d accept her.
“You wish to aid in my rule, to help guide creation and be my lover? Why do I feel there is more to this than you’re telling me?” he asked.
She could lose what she’d created with him, but she couldn’t hide from Hawenneyu. “You demanded payment from my father,” she said. “Because he and my mother wished to have a child. You’ve mentioned it’s time for repayment to be made to balance the scales.”
He toyed with a lock of her hair. “What do you wish to be the payment? Your virginity? Your body for a time?”
“No.” She sat up, straddling his lap. “I’m the payment. My father doesn’t know I’m here, but I believe he knew I’d offer myself to you. That’s why he’s held so tight. He doesn’t want to lose me, but anyone could see my love for you has grown by the day.”
“You’re paying for his debt with your body?” he said, his voice even, but tense. “I should case you out.”
Her blood chilled and she trembled. “You can
’t.”
“No?” He crinkled his brow. “I thought you sought me out for enjoyment and companionship—not to pay a debt.”
“Please don’t send me away.” She flattened her palms on his chest. “You don’t understand.”
“Then enlighten me.” He met her gaze. Something besides passion burned there. Pride? Loneliness? Sadness? She’d made him upset and she’d have to fix things.
“I craved you long before I knew about the debt. I wanted to be here because it’s you,” she said. “The debt was just another reason—not the only one.”
He didn’t speak right away and instead continued to toy with her hair.
Would he be repulsed by her? She couldn’t read his expression. He could still send her away.
“I see,” he said after a pregnant moment. “Tell me the truth. You wish to be mine, but not just my lover, but my partner?”
“I do.” She kissed his hands. “I will do what you ask of me. I belong to you and bow to your command.” Her stomach lurched. Her hands shook and she met his gaze. “Creation has already occurred. You don’t need me, but I want you. I want you to desire me, too.”
He smiled and tucked her to his chest. “I love you, my beloved. More than you ever believed possible.”
He loved her? She snuggled into him. “I love you, too.”
Chapter Four
Hawenneyu’s heart lightened. Being with Noya was better than any form of relaxation. She centered him. He rubbed her hip. She’d given him the best gifts ever—her virginity and her love. He cherished her.
“Noya?” He massaged her hip up to her ribs. “You said creation occurred. It did.” He felt the flutter in her belly. “You are with child.”
She propped herself on her elbow and met his gaze. Her eyes glittered. “Our child.”
“Our creation.” He kissed her. As much as he wanted her, he needed to be honest with her and know she understood what it meant to be with him. “I can be a cruel master and strict, but you bring out my tenderness. You are mine.”
“Yours.” She toyed with the thin trail of hairs between his pecs. “I know you and your temper, but I’m not afraid.”
“My perfect jewel,” he said. He had what he wanted, but she’d mentioned the debt and her father. “We need to speak to Kaakwha. He fears you’re gone forever.”
She gasped. “I knew I’d worry him.”
“All is well. Once I talk to him, all will be set right.” He could use his powers to convince his old friend, but he’d rather convince him with words and proof he loved Noya.
“We will tell him,” she said. “I chose this route and I will suffer the consequences.”
He admired her strength and convictions. He’d made the wise choice in granting Kaakwha a child all those years ago. Now, Hawenneyu had made the right one by allowing her into his life and bed. She listened to him when others cast him aside and she cared when others ignored him.
She left him and retrieved her dress. “Let’s go.”
“You cannot wear soiled garments.” He propped himself up on his elbows and created a gown suitable for her, embellished with beading and feathers. “You are my beloved and will not wear wet clothes—unless we cavort in the stream.” He stood and embraced her. “I protect what’s mine.”
“Thank you.” She kissed him. “For the dress and your protection.” She tensed and backed away from him. “We should go. I’ve worried my father enough.”
He wasn’t concerned about the future because he had her, but he refused to cause her any anguish. “Indeed.”
Nervous energy zinged through Noya’s veins. She’d disobeyed her father by running off and now giving in to her desires, but she had Hawenneyu’s love. That should be enough.
With Hawenneyu beside her, she returned to her father’s dwelling. Being mystical, he had the honor of living in a house, rather than a tent. She preferred the luxury of living in a home—warm beds, her own space and security. She’d have all those things and more with Hawenneyu.
She knocked, then ventured into the house. “Father?”
Kaakwha stood in the middle of the great room. He’d folded his arms and glared. When he spotted Hawenneyu, he bowed. “My Creator. Welcome to my home.”
Pride swelled within her. She loved her father and hoped he’d eventually approve of her decision—since she’d made it to help everyone.
“Relax,” Hawenneyu said. “I come to seek your permission to have your daughter as my partner.”
“Noya.” The color drained from Kaakwha’s face. “What did you do?”
She steadied herself. “I paid your debt. No more wrath from Hawenneyu and everyone is happy. No debt over your head. You can rest.”
“Daughter.” Kaakwha stared at her. “You weren’t to know about the debt, but I had a vision this would happen. I should’ve forbidden you from leaving the house.”
“Father.” She had to make him understand. If he’d had a vision, then she’d made the right choice. “Tell me of your vision.”
“First, promise me the debt is cleared,” Kaakwha said. He turned his attention to Hawenneyu. “Do you love my daughter?”
“Very much.” Hawenneyu draped his arm around her waist. “She is my equal, my joy and my treasure. The debt is erased. We are even.”
Kaakwha nodded. “Very well.”
“I will be protected and cared for, Father,” she said. “I am still your daughter, too.”
“I know.” Kaakwha managed a smile. “You asked about my vision and I’ll tell you. My vision foretold all of this. You’d be intrigued by the Creator and defy me to be with him. You will become a great goddess for all. You will leave me, but I won’t despair.”
She crossed the room to him. “I will always be your daughter.” She wasn’t sure she had the makings of a goddess, but anything was possible. She wiped a tear from his cheek. “Don’t be sad.”
“I’m torn over seeing you go, but my heart and spirit rejoice because you have found your place.” Kaakwha kissed her forehead. “Join your husband. You are blessed.”
“Thank you, Father.” She hugged him. Knowing Kaakwha understood and blessed them made the situation better. Husband, though? She supposed Hawenneyu was now her husband. The thought pleased her.
“Soon you will be round with child,” Kaakwha said. He turned to Hawenneyu. “Make her happy.”
“I will.” The Creator nodded. “You have been my best servant and friend. I’m honored to know you and to have your daughter as my wife.”
“I am honored she chose you. My daughter is intelligent and has the best taste.” Kaakwha bowed again. “I have fulfilled my portion of the vision. Now it is up to you.” He hugged Noya. “My clever daughter. You found the way to get exactly what you wanted.”
“Thank you,” she murmured. “I won’t let you down.”
“You can’t,” Kaakwha said. “And never will.”
He’d never cease to amaze her.
Hawenneyu patted her hip. “We need to return to the sacred stream, my beloved.”
She nodded. Time to assume her role with the Creator. Just the thought of belonging to him forever seemed oddly satisfying and right. Fated. She waved to her father, then left with Hawenneyu.
“I love you, Noya,” Hawenneyu murmured.
“I love you, too.” She tucked against his side and sighed. She’d never be lonely again. She had everything she ever wanted—her life, a child and the man she loved. Clever girl, indeed.
About the Author
Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and white hot themes.
Wolf Healer
By
Lia Violet
The sound of a page being ripped from a book is surprisingly loud in a library, especially when you aren’t supposed to do it.
Renee looked at the man who now held
a torn page in his hands. He glared at her, and she returned to the volume of Navajo shifter history that she was scanning. When she looked up again a minute later, he was gone.
After a few minutes of scanning, she brought the books she’d been looking at back up to the desk at the front of the genealogy room, and switched them out for a few others on her list.
“I’m sorry, but this one is out,” the young woman behind the desk said. “But I’m sure he will return it soon. Maybe even before you bring these back.”
Renee sighed as she sat with her new titles. She had a feeling it was the one with the ripped page.
For her 25th birthday, her mother had purchased an Ancestry DNA kit. Her adoptive parents did not know everything about her history, just that her mother’s name was Dawn Tso, and she died in childbirth. Instead of pointing to ancestry in Mexico as she’d expected, it showed that she was part Navajo, and part shifter as well.
Renee looked at the chapter about Skinwalker legends in this volume. She was interested in the idea of shifters and how some were healers. She wondered what the pack she was going to visit was like.
Many of the genealogy records were still in print, hence her day in the library. She’d traveled two hours to use this collection at the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library Genealogy Center on the first day of her week off from her nursing job.
She was also supposed to look for a new job. She sighed again. She knew better than to date another nurse, but when they got engaged, she thought it would all work out.
“Excuse me?”
Renee had to lean back to look up at this man.
“Do you have the shifter death records from 1990-2000?” He smiled at her.
The Glittering World Anthology: Native American Romance Paranormal Fantasy Page 17