He picked up the remote and eased down onto the opposite end of the couch. As much as he’d like to sit close to her, Tess’ perfume was intoxicating. He could be easily overwhelmed with desire for the werecat. Better to watch the movie at a distance. With the click of a few buttons, he brought up the red Netflix screen.
“You did it,” she laughed as she shifted so she could look at him.
“It took a little work.” Liar. You spent the better part of the afternoon rerouting wires and fiddling around with this. He handed the remote over to her. “Ladies choice.”
She leaned forward, her fingers grazing over his as she accepted the controller. He gritted his teeth as heat engulfed him. His cock hardened at her touch and his wolf roared to life, ready to claim her. He inhaled sharply. The desire for her seemed to be getting worse. Would it be so bad to give in? He could get her out of his system and then he could mate with a nice wolf in a few weeks. Would she be open to the idea? If they both agreed to a fling with no strings attached, it could work. No. He groaned inwardly. One night with Tess wouldn’t be enough. I still want her.
“I suppose I should spare you the sappy romance,” she teased, drawing him from his thoughts.
What did she say? Think. Romance. Right. “You don’t strike me as the type of girl who likes those,” he replied.
“I could go for a good action flick,” she agreed. “How do I do this exactly?” she asked looking down at the remote.
He scooted closer, his shoulder bumping against hers. His length throbbed against the restriction of his pants. She looked up at him, and her breath caught in her throat. He watched as her tongue darted out to wet her lips. So close—so beautiful. I want to taste her. I need to. Make a move.
“How do I...” she trailed off, locking gazes with him. “Nate.”
He growled low in his throat, enjoying the sultry way his name rolled off her tongue. “Tess.” He reached up and brushed strands of hair from her face. The silky locks slid through his fingers.
When she didn’t recoil, he moved closer, cupping her face with his free hand. His thumb traced tiny circles over her smooth cheek.
“Your pack won’t approve,” she spoke quietly.
“I don’t care what they think,” he answered honestly. He didn’t care. For years, he’d been following laws that made no sense to him. It didn’t bother him to break rules that he didn’t believe in. Tess was... there were no words to describe whatever was happening between them. The urge to claim her, to take her was driving him insane. He had to have her. Now.
Tess bit her lip, seemingly unconvinced.
Nate brushed a finger over her soft, plump lips. “They don’t have to know. It can be just tonight. No strings.” I’m such a liar. There is no way one night will be enough. We can sort that out in the morning. Maybe she feels the same.
Tess nodded with a sigh. Needing no further encouragement, he leaned in pressing his mouth to hers. Her lips were softer than he imagined. They were so full, and they moved harmoniously against his. More. I need to feel every inch of her silky skin.
He growled, pulling her closer, needing to feel her plush body pressed against his. Her mouth parted, and he slipped his tongue into her mouth, exploring every inch that she allowed him to.
Tess gripped his shoulders and shoved him back. He frowned momentarily confused until she slid one of her lithe legs over his waist and straddled him. Her lips found his again. The light kisses quickly changed to heated nips and feverish clashing of tongues. Their teeth gnashed together as they both fought for control. Her nails dug deliciously into his shoulders, marking him as hers. He reveled at the thought as the urge to make her his filled him.
He gripped her waist firmly, lifted her, and then laid himself over her on the couch. Tess mewled beneath him, her hands raking up and down his back, lifting the hem of his shirt up, and over his head.
Yes. I need more. I need her. Claim her. His hands found her sweater, and he tore it open, severing the fabric in two. She shrugged out of it, depositing the garment on the floor. Next, she lifted her t-shirt up and over her head.
His hands went to the seams of her black lace bra, tracing along the edges of it. If he didn’t calm down the desire to take her, the moment would be over too fast. He wanted—no needed to savor their union.
Nate’s fingers trembled with desire as he hooked one strap under his pointer finger and tugged the bra down exposing her breast. He repeated the action with the other side. Tess’ chest heaved as he leaned forward, taking one taut nipple into his mouth. He licked and suckled the one side before turning his attention to the other.
Her digits fisted in his hair, holding him firmly in place. That’s it Tess show me how you like it. He trailed his fingers down her belly and worked at the button of her jeans before releasing her zipper. His digits wiggled as they trailed down into her panties and cupped her mound. She bucked against him when his thumb pressed against her clit.
He growled at the feel of her. She was so wet—so ready for him. Sinking a finger into her tight core, he began a slow and steady thrust as he kissed his way back up to her lips.
She gasped as he pushed another finger into her slick folds. “You feel so good,” he murmured as he claimed her mouth again.
She tugged on his jeans, quickly flicking his button open and lowering his fly. Her cool, soft hands fumbled for a moment before grasping his cock in her hand. He groaned as she slowly pumped him, and simultaneously ran her thumb over his tip. Good God, if she keeps that up this isn’t going to last long at all. His lust surged to the surface. Take her, fill her, worship her, maker her yours.
He grasped her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze as he pulled it away from his dick and pinned it above her head.
Tess’ eyes narrowed as she met his gaze. Her hips continued to rise, grinding against his palm. He smirked at her as he dipped his head down and kissed her.
She panted against his mouth and he deepened the kiss. She tastes so good.
He cried out as Tess raked her nails down his back. What was that for? His back burned, and he was certain there were long angry scratches all the way down to his butt. She grinned up at him as he tensed. Her hand clutched his wrist and pulled it out of her pants. With a flip of her hips, he fell, toppling onto the floor. He blinked confused until he saw her hovering over him, her feet on both sides of his hips.
Her hands went behind her back as she unhooked her bra and deposited the lacy garment on the abandoned couch. Next, she rolled her pants and panties down, stepping out of them and then kicking them to the side. She dropped down, sitting on his knees. Leaning forward, she shoved his pants and boxers out of the way and bent down, taking his cock in her mouth.
His hips bucked up in surprise. She’s dominating you. She’s an alpha too. She’s not going to submit to you. His dick hardened more at the thought. He’d never been with another alpha before. Hell, he’d never had a woman who took charge in bed before. Excitement coursed through him. As they joined they would both be fighting for dominance—both vying for control, both staking their claim on the other. The wolf in him craved the dominance—it both wanted to claim Tess and allow her to have her wicked way with him.
Tess hummed against his cock and he lost all rational thought. He fisted his hands in her hair and pulled her head back. His dick popped out of her mouth, and she blinked down at him as she sat up. He lifted his hips and using his free hand, he shoved his pants down as far as he could get them before kicking them off altogether.
Nate sat up at the same time that he grabbed her hips and lifted her up. It wouldn’t hurt to let her have some control, for now. Tess smiled as she lowered herself down. She rubbed her core against the tip of his cock, teasing him for a long, agonizing moment. He stifled a groan. His length throbbed painfully, begging for some much needed friction. It needed to be in her, feeling her tight, wet heat. Her eyes locked on his as she slowly lowered herself down on him.
***
Tess hissed as Nate stretche
d her. She bit her lip, giving her body a moment to adjust to his length. Her body pulsed as a raw hunger grew in her belly. She leant forward and kissed him, and began to rock her hips.
His cock filled her perfectly, and she cursed under her breath as he ground up into her. He’d let her have control. She knew it wouldn’t last, but damn it she was going to enjoy it while she had it. She licked his lips, thrusting her tongue into his mouth. Her teeth nipped at him hungrily, and her body hummed with delight. Yes. This is what you need. He was so deep, and it felt glorious.
One of his hands slipped between them and he placed his thumb on her clit, gently massaging her tender nub. She pushed harder against him, allowing him to go deeper. Tess moaned as she struggled to take air into her lungs. Her breath came in soft pants as she moved against him.
Nate rose up to his knees, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He smoothed a hand over her belly as he pushed her back. She lies down, the icy tile doing little to cool her heated skin. Nate pressed down on her clit as he withdrew to the tip before plunging back in again.
Tess screamed, her back arching as her body opened to him. Her core ached deliciously as it began to tighten. She squeezed her legs around him tighter and gripped the legs of the couch and coffee table in each of her hands. A shudder of desire coursed through her. She was ready to submit to him now. Ready to let him claim her, mark her, make her his.
Nate lifted her hips higher off the floor and she groaned as he impaled her deeper. She thrashed around the floor as her body ached with need. He withdrew again and slammed back into her, hitting just the right spot. She screamed again as her vision darkened. Nate repeated the action over and over again as his hands went to her breasts. She whimpered as he kneaded them, pinching her nipples between his fingers. His grip tightened around her sensitized breasts and she hissed, realizing she would have bruises. He’s marking you too. Her body hummed with excitement. Mine. My wolf.
“You feel so good,” he ground out. “I want to watch you come.”
Tess bit her lip, shuddering at his words. “Harder,” she coaxed.
Nate’s eyes lit up as he quickened his pace. Tess hummed, yes, just like that.
Her stomach clenched as her orgasm built, her legs tensing as she gripped Nate tighter with her thighs. She closed her eyes as her body exploded. Spots flitted beneath her lids as Nate continued his delicious rhythm. He growled, and she opened her eyes in time to watch him throw his head back as he rode out his orgasm. She shivered as his length spasmed inside her, filling her with his seed. Tess squeezed him tighter, and ground her hips against his, wanting to draw out every ounce of pleasure.
He collapsed on top of her, panting breathlessly against her neck. Nate lazily nuzzled her neck as they both came down from their high.
Tess closed her eyes enjoying the feel of him above her. Fantastic. That was the only word to describe what had just happened. She let out a long breath as she grazed her hands up and down his back. The skin was raised from where she’d marked him. Tess smiled to herself. My wolf. Her breath caught at the thought. No. He’s not mine, but this was fun. There that sounds better.
“What do you say we forget Netflix for now and go back to the bedrooms. It’s late anyway,” Nate suggested, shifting so he could place a soft kiss to her forehead. She ground her teeth as his cock moved inside her. His length was still hard and still buried so deep. I want him again.
Tess shivered as her core began to ache with want again. “Okay,” she whispered with a tremble.
***
Tess shivered as she blinked her eyes open. Her body tingled and goose bumps erupted on her skin. She drew the covers tighter against her. A chill cascaded through her as her arm grazed against a warm body. She turned and bit her lip as she stared at Nate’s naked back.
Muscles rippled across the tanned plains. Long claw marks covered his back. She grinned. Mine. I did that. I marked him. They would disappear completely once he shifted; leaving permanent scars wasn’t her cup of tea. He was too gorgeous to deform. She stifled a moan as she remembered the way his muscles had worked as they’d had sex. Her center ached pleasantly. Desire pulled in her and her core gushed, begging to be filled again.
Last night had been amazing. She smiled and let out a long breath. If she stayed in bed, perhaps they’d pick up where they’d left off last night. Her next heat cycle was months away, so pregnancy wouldn’t be an issue. She reached out her foot and trailed her toe along his calf. The muscles pulsed beneath her toes, causing her to grow wetter. Come on Nate wake up.
Something crawled over her neck and she flipped over, searching the room. No one was there. What is going on? Her hand went to the back of her head and she trailed her fingers down to her shoulder blades. Nothing. Tess froze, shivering as another chill zipped through her. What is that?
Great. Now I’m losing it. You’re tired. It’s been a long few days go back to sleep.
A quick glance at the digital clock on the end table told her it was almost ten in the morning. It’s actually kind of late. You haven’t slept past eight a day in your life. I was up until four am. It’s not like I’ve slept the whole day away.
She closed her eyes and burrowed back into the pillows. Sleep gnawed at her, but just as she was about to drift off, prickles swept over the back of her neck again.
What the hell?
Tess shot up, her hand smacking the back of her neck. Nothing. I’m just exhausted and my mind is playing tricks on me. She shook her head, drawing her knees into her chest. Her eyes flicked to Nate, he slept soundly, his breathing coming in soft, even breaths. At least I’m not disturbing him with my craziness.
Running a hand through her snarled hair, she shook her head. With a sigh, she looked at Nate again. His hand went to the back of his neck and he scratched at it before dropping his hand onto the bed.
Coincidence?
Tess bit her lip and leaned forward. A black blemish bloomed on the back of his neck. Her heart hammered in her chest as she watched the mark morph into a paw. The paw split, half of it like a wolf’s paw, the other half like a cats.
No. No. No. Tess gripped the sheets tightly against her as she stood up and ripped them off the bed. Nate mumbled and rolled over, but stayed asleep. Tess wrapped the sheet around her and sprinted out of the room.
The bathroom was down the hall and to her right. She flipped the lights on and stopped in front of the mirror. Her hands shook as she shoved her long hair to one side. Turning, she angled herself so she could see the back of her neck.
No. No. No. A similar mark had blossomed on her neck as well. She closed her eyes and sank to the floor. She’d never seen it happen before. To her knowledge it hadn’t happened to any shifter in years—decades even, but she knew exactly what the marks meant. Mates. Her and Nate had formed a bond, one that only true mates could achieve. It all made sense. The undeniable attraction, the inability to focus, her and Nate were mates. Great. Now what am I going to do? What is he going to do? Is he going to be mad? What if he hates me? She gasped at the thought. Just because they were mates didn’t mean they had to act on it, but if they didn’t consummate their union, they would never find love or comfort in another’s embrace. If her and Nate didn’t complete the bond, then they would be miserable, but if they did complete... well it was safe to say they would make a lot of people upset. What were they going to do?
Chapter Eleven
Nate’s eyes popped open as he sat up. He took in his surroundings and let out a long breath. The spot next to him was empty, and the sheets were cold. He scratched the back of his head as he looked for Tess. He slid out of bed and quietly moved to the door. The hallway was empty, and silence enveloped him. He peered into Tess’ room across the hall. Nothing. Where was she? Did she regret what had happened? He really hoped not. Last night had been amazing. I need to find her and make sure she’s okay. Please don’t let her have any remorse.
Stepping out into the hallway, he looked down at the dirty floor. The tracks fro
m earlier were still there as well as a new set of prints. A single pair of footprints led away from his room. They stopped in the bathroom and then headed down the hall. What was she up to? Was she okay? Why hadn’t she woke him up?
Were they going to have an awkward morning after encounter? After last night, he wouldn’t have thought so. His cock hardened as he remembered the way it felt to be inside her. It would’ve been nice to wake up beside her so they could have continued where they left off. Arousal surged through him at the thought. He had to find her.
Nate moved effortlessly through the abandoned compound. The trail ended at the security room. She’d probably gotten up to continue the search for her family. Can’t blame her for that. He slipped inside. Tess sat on a desk, her feet planted on the seat of a chair. She looked up from the papers she was looking at then back to them without saying anything. Her cheeks flushed, and a dark red blush bloomed all the way to her ears. Is she going to pretend like nothing happened at all? Fine. He could play along for now.
He took a look around, peering at the monitors where the cameras were. The sun was up, and other than a few wild animals, there was nothing going on above ground.
“What time is it?” he asked, keeping his eyes on the screens.
“A little after eleven,” Tess commented as she shuffled through papers.
“How long have you been up?” he asked. He’d slept maybe seven hours, which was longer than he was used to. Most nights he got five hours of shuteye if he were lucky. The little minx had worn him out though. He hadn’t slept that hard in ages. Shoot he hadn’t even heard her leave the room. You’re losing your game. If she can sneak out on you, then someone could just as easily sneak in.
“About an hour,” she sighed sounding irritated. “I couldn’t sleep. I hope I didn’t wake you.”
Nate shook his head. Her inability to sleep probably had something to do with this strange compound. He was surprised he slept as long as he did. There was too much dust, and if he thought about it too much, then he got a bout of claustrophobia from being buried underground. He rubbed his nose, trying to stifle an oncoming sneeze as he also tried to control his thoughts. The last thing he needed was for a bout of entrapment to take over.
Sanctuary (A Hunted Novel Book 1) Page 9