by Hailey Storm
It was sexy as hell.
Tex gripped his shaft and lined it up with my center before thrusting forward. His movements were rough and needy, but I didn’t mind because I felt the same.
When his thrusts grew faster, my breath caught. He touched just the right spot and the climax that had flirted with me earlier blossomed. My muscles squeezed and tensed around Tex’s shaft, eliciting low moans from him that intensified what I was feeling. He gasped my name the second I hit the tail end of my climax and I knew it was because he was on the brink of his. His body pinned mine beneath him as his movements became slower and deeper. His teeth found their way to my shoulder and he bit just hard enough for me to feel it, as he continued to thrust in and out of me. I gasped at the sensation. I’d ever been bitten during sex before. There was something erotic, animalistic, and strangely primal about it. It ignited something inside of me that had been dormant too long.
Every nerve ending in my body shot to life, having been stimulated by the bite. My whispered name fell past Tex’s lips as he slipped out of me and rolled onto his side. He moved my hair away from my forehead and placed a soft kiss along my temple. With his arm wrapped around me, his thumb gently stroking along the smooth skin of my stomach, I felt like I was exactly where I’d always belonged. All was right in the world.
“Wow,” I muttered. My fingertips came up to brush along the area where he’d bitten me. Warm drops of blood stuck to my fingers. He’d broken the skin. This exhilarated and terrified me all at once.
I’d read stories about men who were dominant in bed, and I’d often fantasized about being with one, but I’d never acted on it. A small smirk twisted at the corners of my lips as I stared at the droplets of blood on my fingertips. This man wasn’t afraid to show a little dominance in the sack, and a larger part of me than I had ever thought possible enjoyed that about him.
“I guess I got a little carried away,” he said, his eyes glued to the smear of blood.
“It’s okay. I don’t mind.”
“Really?”
I shrugged. “It felt good.”
There was something more to it though. It hadn’t just felt good; it felt right.
“I’m glad you’re okay with it. I hoped it didn’t freak you out.”
“No. You were practically marking your territory,” I chuckled, realizing how strange my words might sound. There was a tiny glimmer of truth to them, though. It had felt as though he was marking me. My soul.
“How would you feel if I said I was?”
I snuggled closer to him, liking where this conversation was going. I’d never felt so drawn to a person before. It was exhilarating. I never wanted it end.
“I’d say I’m okay with that.”
Tex pulled me closer and placed another soft kiss to my temple. “That’s exactly what I hoped you’d say.”
He continued drawing lazy patterns with his thumb along the side of my abdomen until sleep called to me. I closed my eyes feeling safe and warm as his presence surrounded me. I hoped and prayed as I drifted off that the magic of this night didn’t fade away in the morning light.
Chapter Twelve
Tex
Lilla was still tucked against my side when I woke. Sunlight filtered through my bedroom window lighting her beautiful face. I tucked a few stray hairs behind her ear so I could better see her in all her slumbering beauty. She was gorgeous. I wanted to wake every day with her at my side.
Maybe I could. After all, I had Claimed her.
I hadn’t meant to. Somehow it just happened. My wolf hadn’t been as satisfied with the way the night unfolded. He’d wanted something more and he’d staked his claim.
Lilla was mine now.
Images of last night filtered through my head. She hadn’t seemed to mind. I was glad.
My fingertips trailed along the creamy skin of her shoulder. There wasn’t a place on this woman I didn’t adore. She was perfect. I inhaled her sweet scent and licked my lips, tasting the remnants of her lingering there.
Last night had gone better than I’d ever imagined it would.
I watched Lilla sleep, listening to her even breathing and soaking in every detail about her. When my stomach grumbled, I knew sustenance wasn’t something I could ignore any longer and slipped out of bed. I retrieved a clean pair of boxers from my dresser and pulled them on, then left Lilla in my bed and made my way to the kitchen. The desire to take care of her by feeding her a delicious meal before she had to go seemed pressing.
I washed my hands in the kitchen sink and scrubbed a few potatoes. Hash browns, bacon, eggs, and toast sounded like the perfect way to thank her for last night while ending our time together on a good note. Everyone loved breakfast in bed, didn’t they?
Breakfast was nearly made when Lilla decided to stumbled from my room. A heavy sigh left me. So much for surprising her with breakfast in bed. The toast was what screwed me. If I’d started it three minutes before I would have caught her before she left my bed.
Lilla emerged from the hall dressed in one of my T-shirts and nothing more. Every disappointment evaporated from my mind at the sight of her. The shirt swallowed her whole, hitting just above her knees, and I’d never seen anything sexier.
“Mornin’, sunshine,” I sang out as she made her way into the kitchen. Her hair was tousled and there were tiny crease marks on one of her cheeks from her pillow.
I’d never wanted to kiss a woman more than I did right now.
“Morning,” she yawned. “Is that coffee I smell?”
“It is. All I’ve got is regular, but I do have cream and sugar.”
“That’s fine. Caffeine is caffeine to me first thing in the morning.” She reached for the mug I’d set out for her and poured herself a cup. “Breakfast smells amazing, by the way.”
“I figured you’d be hungry when you woke up. I know I’m famished.” I buttered the toast I’d been waiting on and placed it on a napkin.
“Yes, dear God, I’m starved.”
She stirred five large clumps of sugar into her coffee and then poured way too much creamer in. It had her black coffee turning light tan in seconds.
I passed her the plate of food I’d made her. She took it, her fingers brushing mine in the process. The same striking electrical current nipped my fingers the instant we made contact. Lilla’s eyes lifted to meet with mine as a slight smirk twisted at her lips.
“Have you noticed every time we touch, it’s electrical?” she asked point blank.
“I have. Does it freak you out?”
“No, I don’t think there’s anything you could do that would freak me out.”
“I’m going to hold you to that,” I said, hoping she truly meant what she’d said, because I wanted this woman to be a part of my life from here into forever even after she saw my wolf.
“I mean it. There’s something about you, something about this thing between us. I can’t put my finger on it but I’ve never felt this way before. It’s like I’m more alive.” She rubbed her forehead and dropped her gaze to the floor at the same time pink tinted her cheeks. “God, I must sound crazy.”
“No. You don’t. I know exactly how you feel. I feel it, too.” It was the way she should feel. It was more proof my claiming her was the right thing to do.
We were meant to be.
I made myself a plate of food and joined Lilla at the dining room table. We ate and sipped our coffees as we chatted about anything and nothing at all. After she rinsed her plate in the kitchen sink, Lilla grabbed her phone and headed to my bedroom to dress and call to check on her daughter.
I tried not to listen to her private conversation, but when I heard her say she’d spent the night with me my curiosity got the best of me.
“We did … I know … yeah, I know … You have no idea … Erica, it was freaking mind-blowing … I think so … I just want to see how it all plays out … Yeah, I hope it was more than a one-night stand to him too.” Even though the conversation was one-sided, I liked the way it sounded.
Lilla thought our night together had been mind-blowing. That was all I needed to know. If I died right now, I’d die a happy man.
I propped my feet up on the coffee table and leaned back on the couch. A satisfied smirk formed on my face I couldn’t dim down.
“How did your daughter handle her first sleepover?” I asked when Lilla came out of my room dressed in her red sweater and jeans again.
“Good. She had a lot of fun and I’m sure I won’t hear the end of it until I let her spend the night again sometime soon.”
“I’m glad she had a good time.” I grabbed my dirty clothes from the floor and stood.
Lilla’s eyes raked over my body and I felt myself stiffen at the heat flickering through her eyes.
“Yeah, me too. I, um, should get back to my place soon. Erica is bringing Izzy home in about an hour.”
“Okay, yeah sure. I was going to take a shower, but it’s all right. I can take you home first.” While I did have every intention of taking a shower before taking her to her place, I’d also hoped she’d join me.
“Thanks. That would be great. I’d like to clean myself up before seeing her. I’m sure I look like a hot mess.”
“You look beautiful,” I said before leaning forward to brush my lips across hers. I pulled away, ending the kiss faster than I would have liked, but not wanting to torture myself either. The woman already had me turned on and ready to go by just being in my presence. “Let me get changed, then I’ll take you back to your place.”
“Sure. Do you care if I get a cup of coffee to-go?”
“Help yourself. There’s a travel mug in the cabinet above the coffee maker.” I headed toward my bedroom.
My mind raced with ways I could go about asking Lilla out on a second date as I pulled on some clothes. When I couldn’t decide on anything smooth enough, I figured I’d wait to ask if I could see her again once I kissed her goodbye. My stomach knotted at the possibility of her turning me down. I ignored the sensation, deciding to have a little faith in our strong connection.
When I left my bedroom and headed back to the living room, Lilla was still in my kitchen, stirring cream and sugar into her coffee.
I scooped my keys and wallet off the counter. “You ready?”
“Yeah,” she said as she screwed the lid to my travel mug on.
I grabbed her jacket and held it out for her before picking up my own.
Frosty grass crunched beneath my boots as I walked to my truck. While it was slightly warmer than it had been last night, cooler temperatures were still upon us. I noticed when Lilla gripped the warm mug of coffee tighter. Her breath left her mouth in white puffs.
The instant we reached my truck, I pulled her door open for her. “Sorry, I should’ve let my truck warm up.”
“It’s okay.” Her teeth chattered when she spoke.
“You’re frozen, though. Come here.” I held my arms out and motioned for her to curl up against me.
“It’s a hell of a lot colder out here than inside your house.”
“I think that’s the first time I’ve heard you used a curse word,” I chuckled, unable to help myself.
“I try not to use swearwords, because of my daughter.”
“I’m sure kids pick up on that sort of thing easily.”
“You have no idea.”
Once my truck was warmed up, I backed out of my driveway. Gabe stood on the porch of the main house as we drove by. His hands were crammed into the front pockets of his jeans and his shoulders were scrunched up by his ears as he fought off the chilly temperatures. His gaze was locked on my truck and a cheesy grin plastered across his face the instant he spotted Lilla in the passenger seat. I lifted two fingers in a wave and nodded at him, knowing I’d be interrogated when I got back.
“Who is that?” Lilla asked.
“Gabe,” I said. “He’s like a brother to me.”
“Cool,” Lilla muttered as she reached out to turn up the song on the radio. It was the same country song from last night, the one we both had wanted to hear louder. The catalyst to our first touch—our first zing of electric chemistry. I made a mental note of the title and artist. The song would forever be known as ours from here on out.
Our song. I liked the sound of that.
Lilla’s house came into view too soon. I’d tried to drive slow, but I had to go to the speed limit. I didn’t want our time together to end, but realistically there was no other choice. She had a daughter. She had a life. I could only hope that after today I would play a part in it.
I spotted a familiar truck in her driveway when we grew closer. Bret was here.
My wolf went on the defense, growling and snapping at the sight of it. He was ready to tear into the guy, and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to stop him this time.
“Oh crap. What’s he doing here?” Lilla sat forward in her seat.
“I don’t know, but I hope he isn’t here to start some shit,” I said through clenched teeth.
“Bret’s always ready to start shit.”
I hated how calm her words were. I hated that she knew Bret well enough to know he was a shit starter.
My wolf hated it too. His struggle to get free was proof.
I pulled in behind Bret’s truck and cut the engine on mine. His driver side door shot open and he stumbled from the cab. Once his eyes landed on me his face shot through twenty different shades of red. He was pissed, and I had to admit satisfaction slithered through my veins at the sight of it.
“I thought I told you we had a bond and to leave my woman be?” Bret shouted, his eyes narrowed on me.
“He said what to you?” Lilla gasped. She was out of my truck in an instant, marching straight toward him before I could stop her.
My gaze drifted from Bret to scope out our surroundings. It was something I’d learned to do when I knew there was a possibility I might not be able to control my wolf.
This was one of those moments.
The instant I stepped foot outside of my truck all hell was going to break loose. I could feel it simmering in the air. There would be no way for me to control my wolf. Not with that asshole in my face. Not with everything I’d learned about him last night—how he’d hurt Lilla both mentally and physically.
Trees surrounded Lilla’s house. I could barely see the rooftops of her neighbor’s house at my left, and to the right was the same situation.
Hallelujah.
I climbed out of my truck and focused on the situation at hand, trying to gain even a slight bit of control over my wolf. Lilla was telling Bret he needed to leave, but he wasn’t listening.
The guy was a damn fool.
He was drunk too. I could smell the alcohol on him from where I stood. It was sour and musky, a day old and dirty. It mingled with his sweat and saturated his clothes. He’d obviously been sitting here all night, waiting for Lilla to come home.
Pathetic.
“I mean it, Bret. You need to leave. If you don’t stop harassing me, I’m going to get a restraining order against you.”
“A restraining order?” he spat. “Why do you always gotta blow shit out of proportion?”
I hung back, giving them space even though it was the last thing my wolf wanted. He wanted to sink his teeth into this guy and rip him apart.
“Just get in your truck, Bret. Leave.”
“Always tellin’ me what to do,” Bret slurred. His hand balled into a fist, and before I could lunge forward to stop him, he reared back and clocked Lilla. Her head slung back and she stumbled before falling to the ground.
I couldn’t breathe.
I couldn’t pull my clothes off fast enough.
I couldn’t fight the change.
In seconds, I was stripped down to my boxers and across the driveway, my muscles rippling beneath my skin at the same time my bones shifted. A loud growl ripped past my lips as I morphed into my true form an instant before reaching Bret. His hands came up to block me; good thing because if he hadn’t I would have gone straight for his t
hroat.
I’d been going for the kill.
Instead, my teeth sank into the side of his hand. His bitter blood coated my tongue, erasing the taste of Lilla that had lingered in my mouth. I released him, pissed he’d stolen her taste from me.
“Holy shit, he’s a wolf!” Bret shouted. “Get him off me!”
I growled and snapped, backing him toward his truck. My wolf wanted distance between him and Lilla. I snapped at him again, shredding his pant leg.
“Jesus Christ! He’s a fucking wolf!” Bret’s eyes widened as what I was began to sink in. His voice shook and his fear saturated the air. It was so potent it nearly drowned out the scent of his blood.
But it wasn’t enough.
It would never be enough. Not for all the crap he’d put Lilla through. He deserved so much more than a bite on the hand for what he’d done to her.
I bared my teeth, growling as I continued sauntering forward. Maybe I should still go for his throat…
“Tex?” Lilla’s foggy voice filtered through my rage, pulling me from the brink.
My wolf and my man waged a war inside me.
My moment of hesitation was long enough for Bret to snap out of his panic and climb in his truck. He cranked the engine, but it wouldn’t start. His hand smacked the wheel as a slew of curse words flew from his mouth. I shifted my gaze from him to Lilla. She was making her way to her feet. Her eyes were on me. The erratic beat of her heart thundered against her rib cage and her breath came in quick secession.
Lilla was afraid of me.
My worst nightmare was being relived all over again, only this time the wounds I would sustain would go deeper. They would break me. There was no way I’d be able to survive her fear.
Lilla would truly be the death of me.
Without hesitation, I shifted back into my human form and faced her just as Bret’s truck revved to life. Clumps of grass and dirt flung through the air as he gunned it through the yard to turn around. His tires squealed as they finally hit the pavement in his effort to escape me. Quiet surrounded Lilla and me once he was gone. I stood before her naked, vulnerable, and full of fear wondering what she might say now that she knew what I truly was.