Caught Between Shifters

by Juniper Hart

  “Kíli, eh? Do I look like a hairy dwarf to you?” Killian retorted with a serious expression before his resolve cracked and he let out a hearty laugh. “All right, Charlotte. You got me there.”

  Charlotte was impressed by his Tolkien knowledge, not having pegged him for the fantasy type.

  The two of them were all smiles as they moved through the trees, Charlotte trying to find the best spot to snap a few good shots. They neared a tree covered hilltop, the setting sun’s final rays of the day bleeding through the foliage. When Charlotte looked up to say something to Killian, her breath caught in her throat. The golden sunlight was catching the side of his face perfectly, making his cheekbones and angular jaw appear even more dramatic, and his jade-green irises looked as vibrant as a spring meadow. Hanging back a step, Charlotte managed to raise her camera and take a picture before he jerked away from the sunlight. The sound of the shutter lens caught his attention, shifting his eyes to hers in a less-than-serious glare.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” he challenged in a huff.

  Charlotte looked down at the camera to pull up the picture, and before it could load, Killian playfully snatched it away from her.

  “Hey! Don’t be so self-conscious, you know you’re handsome. Besides, I just wanted to see how much you looked like Kíli,” Charlotte teased as she tried to grab the camera back from him.

  Killian playfully held the camera high above his head and completely out of her reach. “C’mon, little dove. Gotta try harder than that!” Killian joked, stepping back a couple of feet.

  Charlotte paced around him, standing up on her tiptoes with her arm fully extended as she tried to reach the camera, laughing all the while. As he lunged back from her again, Charlotte missed her footing and tripped over a tree root. Instantly, she stumbled backward, and her footing slipped on leaves littering the ground. Her body was immediately tumbling down the hillside, twigs, and pebbles scraping against her exposed skin and ripping at her clothing.

  “Charlotte!” Killian called after her.

  Her head then smacked against a rock at the base of the hill, her vision instantly tripling while her head was consumed with pain. A groan escaped her before she tried to pull herself to her feet. Then, a sudden gust of wind kicked up leaves around her, and Killian kneeled before her. Wha…? Where had he come from?

  “Hey, hey, take it easy,” he spoke quickly and softly to her, a hand going to the back of her head to help her keep it level. His eyes searched her, taking note of every abrasion and bruise. “Are you all right? You took quite the fall…” he said her, trying to see where exactly she had hit her head on the rock.

  “I... I’m all right. My head hurts worse than anything,” she mumbled.

  Giving her another moment to rest, Killian got to his feet and gradually pulled her up. “We need to get you back to the house. We can come out another night, but for now, you need to take it easy.”

  “Sounds good to me,” Charlotte managed to get out.

  Her eyes surveyed around them, her vision still tripled. Charlotte leaned into him for stability; Killian happily wrapped his arms around her tiny waist. The part of her head that hit the rock rested against his chest, his cool exterior relieving some of the pain. She focused on breathing deeply and blinking slowly, trying her best not to get sick from the dizziness while she tried to correct her vision. His chilly hands reached under her shirt and ran them up and down her back in gradual motions. For the first time, Killian’s touch didn’t leave her with a racing pulse and clammy palms. Instead, it was just comforting.

  When her vision was back to normal, her brow instantly furrowed. Something was eerily familiar about this place… Could she hear running water? Charlotte peeled back from him to get a better look around. “Are you all right?” he asked her, hands going to her hips to keep her near to him.

  She had been there before… Maybe on one of her adventures the last couple of days? Why didn’t that feel like the right answer? Snap. Snap snap snap. Snap. What in the world was that noise? Charlotte could have sworn it sounded just like a camera taking pictures…

  Charlotte raised a hand to her head. “I think I hit my head a bit harder than I thought…” she admitted. In one motion, Charlotte was suddenly in Killian’s arms, bridal style. She blinked at him, “I can still walk, though…”

  “I wouldn’t dream of you doing such a thing in your condition,” Killian hushed her, already starting back up the hill. And really, Charlotte didn’t have it in her to protest. With her arms wrapped around his neck and her head rested on his shoulder, she closed her eyes and tried to ease the pain in her head as much as possible.

  By the time they returned to the house, the sun had set completely, and it was pitch black outside. Killian didn’t set her down until they were in the kitchen. He set her down on the countertop, and she immediately took off her jacket. Killian stepped away to get an icepack from the freezer, walking back over and placing it on her head. Charlotte held it in place, giving him a weak smile as a thank you. He stepped away again and returned with a first aid kit. Killian washed his hands and then began to clean her wounds carefully. None of the abrasions were deeper than a scrape, and she didn’t have very many, but he still took his time with each one. Charlotte noticed he had a strained look on his face as he analyzed each injury.

  “Are you all right?” she asked, concern swimming in her eyes.

  “Huh?” he asked, glancing down to see a worried expression on her face. He shook his head, “I’m fine. Just focused, I suppose.”

  Once all her little scratches were medicated and left alone to breathe, Killian then very carefully took her head in both hands. Turning her face to the ground, he inspected the top left portion of her head. “You got a nasty bruise, but no external bleeding or anything,” he told her. “Just keep that ice pack on there for now. And no sleeping tonight.”

  “Figured as much,” Charlotte sighed heavily with a pout. As soon as her head collided with that rock, she knew she would have to stay up for the night to be sure she didn’t have a concussion.

  Killian didn’t like seeing her upset and in pain. “Aye. But maybe some good food will make you feel better.”

  As Killian made his way to the refrigerator, Charlotte jumped down from the counter and walked over to the wine fridge. Killian had already given her free range of his kitchen and told her to help herself to anything she wanted. As soon as she plucked a sweet Riesling from the fridge, Killian was next to her with a cold hand over hers on the neck of the wine bottle.

  “What do you think you’re doing, dove? You trying to wake up in a coma?” he asked in a grave tone.

  “Relax, will you? I just want to take the edge off this pain, not get drunk.” she said with her big brown irises beaming up to him.

  Those marbles would be the death of Killian. A heavy sigh passed his lips. “Fine. But after a glass, I’m stopping you.”

  He didn’t. The two of them shared a delicious meal and almost an entire bottle of wine. Their conversation made them lose track of time, as seemed to be the case every night. Only a dull pain remained of Charlotte’s headache, which made it easy to forget that she was even injured. And at some point, they had moved from the dining table to his den. Jazz music played in the background, and a roaring fire warmed the den from his enormous stone fireplace. The wine he had sworn to take from her sat on the coffee table with two empty glasses next to it.

  Her laughter filled the room as he danced with her. She had admitted to him that she had never actually danced with a man, and he couldn’t let her live another moment without being her first. He was cautious not to turn or spin her too suddenly, not wanting to aggravate the headache she fended off. Killian wasn’t the best dancer, seeing as he spent most of his time alone, but he had learned a thing or two over the years. He helped her twist and swing to the rhythm of the jazz, loving how much she was enjoying it. She was a bit tipsy, but her guard was down as she let go of her inhibitions and let him lead, rather than
overthinking the movements and getting embarrassed.

  As he pulled her into his arms, Charlotte stumbled a bit, but he caught her with his strong arms. She peered up at him with glassy eyes, a smile on her lips. The playful air about them shifted as the song changed to a slow ballad sung by a haunting vocalist. His hands positioned themselves with one on her hip and one holding her hand at shoulder level.

  Charlotte was dazed, feeling like she was in a dream. She stared up at him as he started to sway to the music. She then laid her head against his chest, leaning into his hold as they danced. She couldn’t deny how wonderful it felt to be in his arms, and he couldn’t shake the fact how perfectly she fit in them.

  During that three-minute song, nothing else existed but the two of them. Their thoughts never wandered; nothing else seemed quite as important as living in that very moment. Her stressful life before him felt like a distant memory. She wanted to remain in his nature-enriched paradise with him for all eternity. Her mind wouldn’t dare ponder on her reality once she finished her project.

  When the song began to fade, Charlotte looked up at him from his chest. His strong arms encircled her, and his green eyes scorched into hers. That same tension that always arose when they were close was unmistakable. Both were desperate to act on the reciprocated emotion, but they remained rooted in place as the next song started. It wasn’t until her gaze flashed to his lips that he broke from position. Before she could even look back up into his eyes, Killian’s face swooped down, and his lips met hers in a passionate kiss. Instantly, the tension began to unravel. The kiss became heated before he could even savor the taste of her sweet lips.

  It surprised Killian how quickly her kiss reflected his same desires. Every move of his lips, hers molded with his with equal fervor. His arms pressed her against him, craving to feel the warmth of her body. Her hands clasped together at the base of his neck and found their way into his raven locks.

  Killian parted her lips with his tongue, the cold flesh entering her mouth. The coolness of him reminded Charlotte of a peppermint. Her head was swimming as his hands on her waist glided down her bottom and then hooked around her thighs, hoisting her up to his hips. Her fingers lightly gripped his hair at the roots as he carried her from the room, making him quicken his pace.

  It was a relief to finally express their yearnings, no longer confound to worries that the other one didn’t share the same feelings. They couldn’t deny their chemistry with the way he kissed her paired with the way she held to him.

  Killian made his way to his bedroom, where he lowered Charlotte onto the surface of his luxurious white duvet. She had been so lost in the kiss that she hadn’t even realized they had made it up the stairs. Killian wasted no time to position himself above her, tearing his lips away from hers to kiss along her jaw. Charlotte was breathless as his lips reached her neck, leaving a trail of refreshing coolness with each kiss. His hands boldly explored her body, and every touch made her feel more alive than ever before.

  Charlotte’s fingertips reached the hem of his shirt and started to pull it up. A glance down proved her suspicion that he had rock-hard abs, making him look like a sculpture made of chiseled stone.

  Killian pulled away long enough to let her remove his shirt over his head. The moment his face came out of the cloth, he returned to admiring every part of her body. Charlotte was the perfect balance of humility and confidence, making her adorable and desirable. It was a fatal combination for a man like himself. Killian didn’t waste the opportunity to remove her shirt, watching as a familiar blush covered her perfect cheeks. His lusty eyes softened a bit, wondering if a man had ever truly praised her like she deserved.

  Killian’s eyes traveled up her petite but curvy frame until he reached her face, lowering himself back down to hover just an inch away from hers. “You’re the most beautiful sight my eyes have ever seen. Women, sunsets, and flowers alike,” he purred to her in a voice that dripped with sweetness and admiration.

  Her long lashes batted at him as she shifted away sheepishly. But Killian quickly seized her chin with his thumb and index finger, making her look in his direction. “Don’t shy away from me, dove. It isn’t like you can hide your beauty from me.”

  She was everything his soul had been crying for. He could feel it. Before she could respond to his words, he pressed his lips to hers again. She returned the kiss without hesitating. His mouth stayed on hers as he slowly peeled the denim from her legs. His hands greedily roamed her legs, taking in every dip and curve as if detailed in braille. Cool lips found her neck yet again, covering the sensitive skin in soft, sensual pecks.

  Charlotte’s fingernails combed through the back of his head in every direction, loving the way the soft strands felt between her fingers. His hands then snaked under her, grasping at the wire hooks of her bra. With just one pinch, he gingerly removed it from her. His head swooped down to let his mouth take hold of one of her breasts. Cold chills traveled through Charlotte’s body as his chilly tongue drew circles around her nipple, which was left erect as he moved from it, showering her chest in sweet kisses.

  With a racing heart, she reached down and unfastened his belt buckle. She could hear his breathing hitch as she unzipped his pants, but then his hand was over hers. Her eyes flew to his face, Killian peering down at her with a mischievous look in his eye. Her arm was lifted above her head, his hand staying firmly around her wrist, but being careful not to hurt her in any way. Her hips suddenly bucked into his, her creamy legs hitching around his back. The mischievous look in his eye darkened at the act. When the heat of her sex faintly pressed to his boxers, a low growl escaped his throat. His lips returned to her neck, giving her some rough kisses as his free hand reached to shrug down his pants to free his member. But as he kissed her neck, his mouth hung open, Charlotte could tell by his heavy breath on the side of her neck. All his muscles tensed as he just hovered there, mere millimeters from her neck.

  Then, Killian ripped away from her and launched himself from the bed. He stepped away, still shirtless with his jeans unfastened. A hand ran over his face as he paced about. Charlotte could only blink at first, not at all understanding why he had pulled back at seemingly the last moment. She propped up on the bed, watching him carefully. Was he all right? Even though Killian was only a couple of yards away from her, Charlotte could tell he was a million miles away mentally.

  She opened her mouth to question him, but Killian spoke first, “I can’t hurt you, Charlotte… I just can’t.” His voice was barely louder than whisper, cracking when he said her name.

  Charlotte moved from the bed. Approaching him, her hands lightly laid against his chest. “What are you talking about, Killian? I know you won’t hurt me…”

  “But you don’t,” he was quick to reply, unable to bring himself to look in her eyes. “There’s no way to know I won’t. And from my perspective, it’s inevitable.”

  Her brow furrowed, wondering what he meant by that. Did he mean that he couldn’t commit to her? While it would sting if that were the case, Charlotte didn’t want to think that far ahead. She would be staying at his house for the next several days, and she wanted to make the most of those days with him.

  “I don’t mind if this… if this thing between us doesn’t go further than when the project is over. We’re going to be together until it’s done. I want to live in the moment, and I want to make some memories that will last. Don’t worry about hurting me,” she told him, not wanting Killian to beat himself up over misplaced guilt.

  Charlotte was small and anxious, but she could handle sadness. She wasn’t looking forward to parting ways with him, but it wouldn’t be the first time in her life she left someone she cared about.

  Killian’s eyes were glossy by the end of her testimony. He wasn’t sure if his heart hurt from how unbelievably romantic and depressing her notion was—or how completely wrong she was. But Charlotte’s words spoke to him in a way she wouldn’t understand. They showed the true nature of her character—selfless and car
ing. He didn’t even have it in him to explain what he had meant when he said didn’t want to hurt her. Because he knew that for her, he would fight any demon—even his own.

  Taking a deep breath to compose himself, Killian then cradled her face in both hands, “Project be damned, I’m not going anywhere whether it's completed or not. And neither are you.” His eyes scoured the depths of her brown irises. Pain still pinched at his expression, but he was doing his best to overcome it. “So, you trust me?” he asked her, dropping his hands from her face to her hips.

  “I do,” Charlotte replied without hesitation.

  She took his breath away for the countless time. “How did I ever manage to trap a creature so remarkable?” Killian questioned aloud playfully, trying to force himself way from the dark thoughts that had consumed him just a minute earlier.

  “You left out an impressive amount of bait,” Charlotte joked, referring to the outrageous sum he had paid for her collection.

  Pulling her into him, Killian smiled down at her. “For a woman like yourself… it was worth every penny.”

  Charlotte smiled back before placing her arms around his neck, having to stand on her tiptoes to do so. Then, her velvety lips met his in the gentlest kiss he had ever received. However, with hormones still raging, it turned sensual in the snap of a finger. His tongue caressed hers in long strokes, his hands gripping her hips. He paced her backward toward the bed, letting her fall back onto it lightly before climbing over her yet again. This time, Charlotte immediately tugged down his pants as if to signal ‘you aren’t getting away this time.’ Killian’s fingers hooked into the sides of her panties and pulled them off her legs to prove he had no intention of trying to get away.

  Killian carefully placed Charlotte’s legs back around his hips. Pulling back from their passionate kiss, he stared down at her to see if she was ready.

  She read the expression clearly on his face, giving him a small nod in response. Carefully, Killian pushed the tip of his member into her slick heat. His body instantly shuddered at the feeling. He was careful as he pushed in inch by inch, wanting to give her body time to adjust to his size. Charlotte’s body tensed up at first, but by the time he was completely inside of her and gave his first few slow thrusts, breathy moans slipped past her lips.