by Brenda Trim
Ryan walked over to a piece of equipment and grabbed a blanket, pillows, and a large picnic basket then walked over to a small ladder that led to an upstairs loft. Where did those items come from? She recalled his earlier text and assumed he roped his brother into his plan. He quickly climbed the ladder and Cassie heard shuffling followed by several loud thuds.
“You just gonna stand there all night?” he suddenly called out, peering down from the ledge above.
“It’s warm here,” she moaned and gave him a pitiful expression. She was more adventurous than most, but the cold was one thing that cast out any inclination that entered her mind.
“But it’s warmer up here,” he countered and motioned with his head for her to follow.
“Ugh! I get dibs on that blanket,” she grumbled as she made her way up the creaky ladder.
When she reached the top, Cassie gasped. The noise she heard before was Ryan rearranging bales of hay. He spread out the blanket in the middle of the small area and scattered the pillows on top of the quilt. Another space heater blasted warm air and provided a small amount of light, along with, the help of a few candles in glass hurricanes. It was the perfect setting, and by far, the most romantic gesture anyone had ever made on her behalf.
“Ryan, this is incredible,” Cassie gushed as she looked around in disbelief. “I had no idea this little treasure was up here,” she confessed.
“No one does, at least not that I know of. Lawson and I are the only ones who use the barn, and he never comes up here. Normally, I come here to escape or just chill, but I want this to be our special place,” he confessed.
“I love it. Thank you for sharing it with me,” Cassie gushed. She wanted to believe he was sharing his special place with her because he loved her. It was obvious he cared deeply for her.
He reached inside the picnic basket and pulled out a bottle. “Champagne?” he asked and popped the cork.
“Oh, hell yeah,” she replied enthusiastically. “What else you got in that basket?” she quipped and plopped down beside him on the blanket. The padding of hay provided more comfort than she expected, and Cassie sank into the soft quilt.
“Well, let’s see,” he said and retrieved two flutes then filled them with champagne. “Looks like we’ve got strawberries, chocolate, and assorted cheese and crackers,” he identified as he removed them from the wicker container.
Cassie took a swig of her bubbly. “Mmm, this is so yummy. It tickles my tummy,” she giggled.
“You’re fucking adorable,” Ryan said with a smile as he propped his elbow on a pillow. “Come here,” he ordered and crooked his finger.
Cassie was happy to oblige and crawled beside him. He tugged her against his chest, and her champagne sloshed, spilling onto the blanket.
“Hey, don’t waste it,” she said with a laugh then downed the last few drops.
“Champagne is the last thing on my mind,” Ryan husked before his mouth crashed against hers.
Cassie’s lips automatically parted in invitation, and Ryan eagerly accepted. His tongue delved inside her mouth as his hand latched onto her ass, pulling her against his straining erection. Wetness flooded her panties as her core clenched with need.
It had been forever since she’d made love to Ryan. She wanted to go slow and enjoy every second, but her body demanded otherwise. Telling it to slow down was like asking the sun to stop shining. It wasn’t happening. And, she was even more grateful for Bart’s intervention the other night. She would regret sleeping with anyone else when her heart belonged to her shifter.
She ground against his groin, and her need spiraled out of control. “Ryan…clothes…off,” she panted between breaths.
Teeth and tongues clashed as Cassie kicked off her boots and Ryan removed her jacket, jeans, and sweater. Her bra and panties followed then he quickly undressed. Without warning, he wrestled her to the blanket and Cassie screeched as he rolled her onto her back, spreading her wide with the weight of his body.
“I’m going to explode if I don’t get inside you,” he groaned, and his cock jerked against her lower stomach.
“I need to feel you inside me. Now,” Cassie urged as she lifted her hips, seeking release.
Ryan’s hand snaked between them and found purpose between her legs. “I need to feel you first,” he muttered then immediately groaned as his fingers slid through her juices. “Fuck, you’re wet.”
Cassie writhed uncontrollably when he swirled over her clit. “You drive me wild and make me ache. More,” she pleaded and reached for his cock. She needed it hard and fast and refused to wait a moment longer.
She wrapped her fingers around his hard shaft and pumped several times. When her thumb ran over the tip, pre-cum moistened her palm, and it glided along the shaft with minimal effort.
Ryan inserted one finger, then two inside her body. His head lowered and his mouth latched onto her nipple and tugged. It was heaven and hell mixed together. The most incredible feeling yet not enough. When he tweaked her clit, Cassie thought she might combust from that alone.
“Fuck me,” she begged then guided his tip to her entrance.
Ryan braced himself with one arm then reached underneath her body and grabbed her ass. “My pleasure,” he murmured then slammed deep inside her body.
Cassie cried out as he stretched and filled her in the best way possible. Ryan pulled out then shoved deeper, stealing her breath. “Oh, God, yes!” she shouted as he moved in and out of her body.
Cassie clutched his shoulders and met him thrust for thrust. She wanted it harder and deeper and couldn’t get it fast enough. Pants and grunts filled the air as he slammed inside her body. Despite the chill in the air, sweat-slicked their skin as their bodies pounded against one another.
Ryan lowered his head and sucked her nipple into his mouth. Cassie arched when he bit down on the sensitive tip, and a growl left her throat as she lost herself to the pleasure he provided. There was nothing better. She opened her heart and let all her love flow through the bond they shared. She thought it disappeared with the Ravin and couldn’t be happier she was wrong.
Her nails dug into his back and raked a path to his firm ass. She grabbed the round globes and held him in place while she chased her climax. “I’m so close, Ryan!”
“Me, too, baby,” he grunted and shifted his position to where his pelvis rubbed against her clit with every thrust. “Come with me,” he urged as his pace increased.
Cassie gazed into his eyes and thought she saw his wolf staring back at her. It was a huge turn-on to know his powerful animal lurked within. She held his gaze, making love to the man and the animal as she writhed beneath them. Her desire intensified with each thrust as they stared at one another.
Ryan’s face contorted and she knew he was close to orgasm. Cassie wrapped her legs around his waist to allow deeper penetration. He shifted to his knees and grabbed her waist with one hand while the other strummed her clit.
Cassie’s eyes rolled back as an orgasm exploded through her system. Stars burst in her vision, and a wave of bliss rolled from her core outward while Ryan shouted his release seconds later and Cassie milked every inch of his long hard length. His hot seed shot deep in her womb, sending her over the edge again.
Moans filled the air as they rode out their climaxes. Ryan claimed her lips, kissing her hard and deep. The smell of sex permeated the air, spiking her desire once again. His body continued to move inside her but at a much slower pace this time.
“That was incredible,” she muttered against his mouth. His tongue licked the seam of her mouth then he sucked her lower lip.
“You’re incredible,” he husked and trailed kisses along her jaw.
“This place is perfect. Very romantic,” she said and smiled.
Suddenly, Ryan’s body stilled, and he looked toward the stack of hay bales. “Oh, shit! I completely forgot to show you the best part. Don’t move,” he blurted and pulled out of her body.
She immediately missed the feel of him inside her, and
a chill washed over her damp skin. “No, don’t go,” she begged as she grabbed the edge of the quilt and covered her nude body.
“I’m coming right back, but you have to see this,” he insisted as he moved a small stack of hay.
Cassie leaned on her elbow, appreciating the fine physique before her. Ryan’s body was nothing short of perfection. Tall, muscular, well-hung. What more could a girl ask for?
Ryan reached to the wall and unlatched a hook that was hidden behind a hay bale. He gave the wall a push, and a large portion swung wide.
Cassie sat up, completely awed by the view.
Ryan had opened a hidden window. One that overlooked the lake behind the barn. The moonlight reflected off the water and filtered into the loft. It was breathtaking.
“I don’t know what to say. I’ve never seen anything like it,” Cassie declared as she wrapped the blanket around her torso and moved closer to the open window. She wanted a better look.
“I meant to show you earlier, but you distracted me,” he teased with a wink.
Ryan opened the blanket and wormed his way in then tugged her to the cushion of hay on the floor. He positioned them so they were facing the beautiful view and held Cassie in his arms. It was absolutely perfect, and she’d never felt more loved. Even if he hadn’t said those three little words to her.
She glanced up and met Ryan’s gaze. The heat in his eyes made her core clench with need. She wanted him again.
“Make love to me. Slow this time,” Cassie purred as she hooked her leg around his hip.
“I plan on making love to you all night. And the night after that. And the night after that,” he replied as he caressed her cheek.
“Sounds perfect,” Cassie muttered then claimed his lips as passion consumed them.
Chapter 19
Ryan stirred then opened his eyes. He glanced down at the beautiful female in his arms and smiled. Their night of lovemaking was one for the books, he thought as he watched her sleep peacefully. He glanced out the open window. The sun peeked over the horizon, ready for a new day.
Ryan was ready for a new day, and a new life. After evading death by a sliver, he knew exactly what mattered most to him. Cassie, his brother and sisters, and his pack. He would never turn his back on any of them ever again.
His wolf rumbled in agreement. It felt so right, having his animal close again.
Cassie moaned and snuggled against his chest. “Are you cold? Ryan asked as he pulled her closer.
Her eyelids cracked just enough for him to glimpse her warm brown orbs. “Are you kidding?” she murmured on a yawn. “Sleeping with you is better than an electric blanket.”
“Check out the sunrise. I’ve never seen so many colors,” Ryan encouraged as he rolled to the side so she could get a better view.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been up this early,” Cassie murmured, squinting at the bright glow.
“Ha. Me, either. Maybe that’s why I’m awed by it,” Ryan agreed, and his wolf growled. It was more of a demand, urging him to have ‘the talk’ with Cassie.
Ryan took a deep breath and cleared his throat. “So, I was thinking…”
“Hmm, about what?” she replied.
“Wake up, sleepyhead. This is serious,” Ryan interjected then nudged her.
“Huh? Okay, talk. You have my undivided attention,” Cassie said as she laid her hand on his chest then placed her head on her hand.
“While I was strapped to that metal table, thinking I would die, all I wanted was a chance for a do-over. With you, my brother, everything. And now that I’ve been given that opportunity, I don’t want to waste one second. I love you, Cassie,” Ryan professed then pressed his mouth to hers. He poured all he had into the kiss, hoping she’d feel how much she meant to him.
When he pulled back, she was staring at him. He couldn’t tell if she was happy or upset. “Um, not exactly the response I was hoping for,” Ryan said with a tilt of his head.
“Oh, sorry. You really caught me off guard. I guess I didn’t believe you would ever say those words to me. Ryan, I love you, too. I’m not even sure exactly when it happened, but I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. You’ve made me so happy,” Cassie gushed and threw her arms around his neck.
A loud sigh escaped his throat. “Thank fuck! I was freaking out for a minute there,” he murmured and met her gaze. “Cassie, I want you by my side, always. As my life mate,” he hedged, watching her reaction. This was a massive step for him, and he wanted to take it with Cassie.
Her eyes widened. “You mean like married? What Lawson and Liv have?” she asked and sat up.
Her lush bosom was on full display, and it was hard not to throw her on the blanket and ravage her. Ryan craved every inch of Cassie.
“Yes, exactly like that,” he answered and tried pulling her back to his chest.
Cassie remained in place, staring at him. “Ryan, no. Your ordeal has you thinking irrationally. We can’t get married or mated, or whatever you call it,” Cassie spouted in a rush.
“You’re wrong. I’m not thinking irrationally. I love you, and you love me. What’s wrong with making it official?” Ryan asked.
“Because, Ryan. We barely know each other. Most of our relationship has been spent in the bedroom. What do you really know about me?” she inquired as her hand flew to her chest and patted it.
“Okay, first, I’m not going to apologize for lusting after you. We have passion, and it’s on fire when we have sex. When did that become such a bad thing? So many couples don’t feel desire for their partner. Hell, I wanna fuck you right now,” he practically shouted.
Cassie’s cheeks reddened, and she looked down as if she’d just realized she was naked. She covered her breasts with her arms, but Ryan moved them away. “Don’t do that. I love your body. I could stare at you for hours,” he confessed.
“Furthermore,” he continued, “I know a lot about you. Like, how you play with your hair when you’re working at your laptop. Or, that your favorite food is Chinese, but you never ask for it because you know I don’t like it. You have a small birthmark on the back of your neck that’s in the shape of a heart which is why I love to kiss you there. You hate watching sports, sappy romance movies, and anything about politics. However, you love game shows and horror movies even though you’re scared of your own shadow. Oh, and as much as you complain about your car, I know deep down you love it because it’s been in your life for longer than most people. Would you like me to go on because I can,” Ryan declared and reached over to stroke her cheek.
Tears filled her eyes, and Cassie shook her head. “I had no idea you were paying such close attention. I thought it was just a physical thing between us,” she stuttered.
“It was at first, but I pay attention. When you walk into a room, everything else evaporates. Nothing matters but you. I think that means something, don’t you?”
“I suppose,” Cassie replied, and he sensed her hesitation.
“Cassie, you want to know what I think?” Ryan asked and lifted her chin, so she had to look him in the eye. She nodded her head slowly.
“I think you and I are a couple of misfits that fit perfectly together. My life so far has been about staying independent and answering to nobody. Total freedom. But I was really searching for the one female who made me free by completing me. That’s you, baby,” he announced with a smile. “All I’m asking is to take a leap of faith with me. What do you say?”
Cassie’s mouth twisted and he could see the wheels spinning. She was considering his offer.
“C’mon. You know you want to,” he suggested with a raise of an eyebrow.
“There is one thing.”
“Tell me,” Ryan replied without hesitation.
“I haven’t met your wolf, other than the one time at the Packard’s cabin but that doesn’t count,” she explained and gave him a dirty look.
Ryan threw his hands in the air. “Guilty as charged. But I hope you know I never would’ve hurt you,” he reassured
as he recalled his wolf tackling her to the ground.
“Yeah, well, I still have the scar that says otherwise,” she countered and extended her leg. Ryan had to peer closely before he spotted a small line below her calf.
“I’m the one that got stabbed that night, thank you very much,” he countered.
“What can I say? Liv is a badass ninja,” she replied with a laugh. “So, what do you say? If you want to spend the rest of our lives together, don’t you think it’s important to see if we get along?” Cassie asked with a knowing look.
She was convinced he wouldn’t go through with it, and then she’d have a reason not to mate him. He’d show her confident little ass she was wrong. He had no problem shifting for her.
“Done. Just one thing. Don’t act afraid. They’re highly intuitive animals. If you act scared, he’ll know it and might become aggressive. And whatever you do, don’t run. Understand?”
“Yes. I’m not in any danger, am I?” Cassie quickly asked.
Ryan chuckled. “You can’t back out now, sugar britches. You wanted to meet my wolf, so that’s what we’re doing,” he joked playfully.
Cassie sat there a minute, eyeing Ryan. Then, she sat up straight, steeling her spine. Again, her breasts distracted him as they pushed outward with her movement.
“Stop teasing me,” he informed and lunged toward her. Ryan grabbed her around the waist, pulling her against his body. Her soft curves and silky flesh made his cock jerk with need. “Wanna fool around first?” he whispered against her ear.
He felt her shudder. “Wolf first,” she answered then screamed when he popped her bare ass.
“Fine, but you owe me,” Ryan muttered then released her. “Don’t go falling in love with my animal. I want you all to myself,” he said with a wink then summoned his wolf.
Cassie held her breath as Ryan shifted. She assumed he’d tell her no, and now she half-wished he had. The only time she’d encountered his wolf, it was a terrifying experience.