Chocolate Damsel

by A. C. Mason

One more thing she couldn’t let go to her head. Her best hope was to focus on them reaching the others, and fast. “Where are we going?”

  “It’s best if you don’t know.” He shifted to sit up.

  “But what if we get separated?” She leaned back and stared into his icy gaze.

  “You’d better hope we don’t,” he growled.

  “You’re being unreasonable.” What could she make of him? One moment he was all over her, and the next he was snapping at her.

  “Maison DuBois in Le Locle, Switzerland.” He grabbed her shoulders. “Given how heavily patrolled the border is, and your frequent need of being saved, both our deaths are likely if separated. So promise me you’ll do exactly what I tell you.”

  “Of course I will.” She had no delusions of her skill level when it came to dangerous situations. The man had to be insane, thinking they’d walk right through, crossing the enemy line. “Why didn’t I suspect this before?” At least they weren’t going to Vichy, as she’d assumed because they’d been traveling south. The thought of that place and allying themselves with the Nazis made her stomach turn.

  “No one told you.”

  Sneaking out hunted humans, where else would they have been sending the people they helped to disappear? Aside from Switzerland, they were surrounded by Nazis or their allies. And the Swiss claimed neutrality, yet played both sides. Wasn’t that the very reason the pack wouldn’t involve her? She was aware of their activities, but as long as she didn’t take a direct part, she could play innocent. What foolishness. The Nazis didn’t care if she took part. For her mixed lineage alone they’d exterminate her too.

  “I didn’t ask, either.” When she’d been with the pack, up until the messengers’ disappearance, they hadn’t involved her at all in their activities. Even then, she’d suspected Griselda sent her to the only person who could truly keep her safe.

  She leaned back and buttoned her blouse.

  “Don’t cover up just yet.” He drew open the fabric, exposing her breasts. “I enjoy seeing your skin tone in the moonlight.” The flicker in his eyes warmed her. The tips of his fingers skimmed her flesh. “You are a sight.”

  Warmth swirled beneath his touch. The feel of his sadness crashed into her body, making the words bittersweet to hear. Why such a mix of yearning and regret when he touched her? His desire for her displeased him.

  “Shouldn’t we get on our way?” She wouldn’t be a fool anymore, letting her emotions get the better of her. The reasons didn’t matter. She couldn’t change what she was. She buttoned her blouse.

  “Yes.” He raised the wood plank above, scooped up the bag, then her and hoisted them out.

  The moonlit starry sky blanketed the area with silence. No battles close enough to be heard. The smell of oil and hatred still littered the air. Death engulfed her. Many had died there. Such pain and suffering. She gulped for air, closed her eyes and slowed her breathing.

  “Here’s the plan. I’m going to transform into Shunu form and you’re going to hold on tight. I can cover five times the distance and go unnoticed.”

  Relatively unfathomable, to be precise. A wolf in France in nineteen forty? Not likely. So few werewolves were left, the government led people to believe they were all held up back in offices. Not used on the frontlines of the war. Infecting was outlawed over a century ago, but there were those the government didn’t have tags on, those known as the Shunu. Legends whispered of them, though no one knew for sure if they were real. But she did.

  She nodded, then turned from him as he unbuttoned his shirt. No, she wouldn’t watch him undress or see him naked again. At this point, distance was for the best. The sooner she accepted this, the better. Out there somewhere, a man waited for her to breathe life into his world.

  “Please take the knapsack when I’m done. I’ve put my clothing inside.” He leaned up behind her to provoke the very reaction she suffered from. Torment. The girth of his erection pressed against her, conjuring the salty taste of him in her mouth.

  She shuddered. “Okay.”

  “You do love to rouse me with the fragrance between those lower lips of yours.”

  The statement held truth, but what was that worth if he didn’t want all of her? A hot exhalation blew over her earlobe. He ground his length to her bottom.

  “We should go.” After the last twenty-four hours of her life, she wanted to be with the others. In a relative state of safety. A tear slid from her eye as he withdrew.

  Light shone from behind her, beaming warmth like a hot breeze. When she watched him change, the transformation brought sadness to her heart. The pack left the room when shifting, but the Shunu metamorphosis was far more beautiful than that of werewolves, who were part human. Mutations.

  She wouldn’t let him see her cry again. “Your pack is a pure bloodline?” With a flick of her hand, she discarded the droplet.

  “We are.”

  Worlds apart. The others didn’t mind that she was a mutt, but for the leader of the pack, mixing wouldn’t be right. All she’d offer him were diluted offspring. One didn’t get skin the color of taffy and eyes like shamrocks by being untainted.

  The large wolf-spirit strode up next to her. “The tracker will soon catch up to us.” The form, which appeared made of ghostly matter, became solid with a thick coat. “It is time for us to go.” A backpack was held in his mouth.

  She grabbed the strap and climbed onto his back. Looping the bag to her shoulder, she leaned into his body, gripping his fur.

  The motion of him moving forward forced her to shut her eyes.

  “Don’t be scared, doll. I won’t lose you.”

  No, duty wouldn’t let him. Griselda had told her as much when she’d asked her to go to him. The cool night air ran over her as he sped into a trot.

  “Why did you ask about our lineage?”

  She sighed. “Curious. I wondered why werewolves appear to be bound to the wolf by flesh and Shunus are connected to the spirit, divine light.”

  “They are descendants of others who’ve chosen to infect humans or breed with them. Many people have traces of wolf in them. Centuries ago, males of certain packs weren’t cautious and left young behind to be raised among humans. And they married humans, and so on until they did not remember their ancestry anymore.”

  Gabby spoke of such things in the courtyard. Should she believe, she too had Shunu blood in her? Why not? Everything else ran in her veins.

  Emotions swirled inside her. She hadn’t been with the pack long, but they were her family now. At the same time, rejoining them meant VanWolf would push her away. Why had he done it? He didn’t need her to tell him she was his. Her body clearly obeyed him as if she were. As an Alpha, he couldn’t help himself, demanding the little more she didn’t want to give.

  Once in the forest, he moved at a lightning sprint. The straining of his form replayed memories of him touching and owning her, and haunted her senses.

  Chapter 13

  VanWolf scaled the building. She clutched his fur tightly as he climbed onto the roof of Maison DuBois. Every muscle in his body hurt and more than a few scratches plagued him. The others sensed their arrival. He warned them off, all except for Griselda. His usual room awaited him with his things. His pack saw to those details. He moved to the edge of the building.

  “Please, don’t.” Puffs of her breath parted the hairs of his fur.

  “I expect you to trust me, given what I got us through.” A sad truth had gnawed at him for the past few hours. She was pulling away. He stepped off onto the side wall. “See.”

  “No. Thank you, I’d rather not.” The warmth of her cheek pressed to his back. He didn’t need reminding of the fire they’d shared. He maneuvered into the open window and lowered to the floor so she could get down. The withdrawal of her body saddened him. He scooped her down beneath him. The uneasiness of her gaze unnerved him as he licked the tip of her nose.

  Time to set her free. “This is for the best, little one.”

  The door to his
room swung open and Griselda came running in. “Alexia.”

  She climbed out from beneath his paws, stood upright, dropped the bag and ran into his sister’s arms. The tender embrace between the two annoyed him. As he transformed to human form, he caught Griselda’s harsh expression. Obviously she disapproved of his scent on the pretty witch and how she’d found them.

  “VanWolf--”

  Lifting his gaze to hers, he shook his head. His sister would not be allowed the chance to question him. To put it bluntly, she’d sent the innocent to him. What had happened after, she only had herself to blame for. Medals were given to men for the restraint he’d shown.

  “The last two days have been harrowing, to say the least.” Those big green eyes glanced back at him as she pulled out the amulet and handed it to Gris. “Where are the others?”

  “Two doors down, the hall on the right.” Griselda pointed in the direction of the room.

  “Okay, I’m going to join them.” She leaned back. “I really appreciate you keeping me safe, VanWolf.”

  As his chocolate heaven strolled out, he wrapped a towel around his waist. The door closed, but his sibling continued to examine him.

  “I know you aren’t here to question me regarding Alexia.” He turned his back to her. “So what do you want?”

  She sighed. “Don’t be so sure.”

  “What? Is she not still innocent? No thanks to your reckless actions.” The pack needed his firm hand. Maybe his time away was making them careless. If the werewolf had caught her, death would have been the kindest of ends she could have met. “Nearly taken into the clutches of storm troopers, and she was tracked.”

  “What was I to do? Sandra and Margaret are dead, found in a trench naked and brutalized by a werewolf. I hadn’t the heart to tell her. Alexia has a way about her that causes people to nurture her. I knew she would find a way to get to you safely and you’d protect her.”

  True, she couldn’t have sent a pack member with a were on the loose. But the siren caused men a certain amount of madness. Some of the pent-up frustration would be released on the one who dared to hurt those under his protection.

  “Is that all?” He glanced back at her.

  She shook her head.

  Too bad. He’d hoped to find some relief sooner rather than later. “Well, out with your insolence. What do you want?”

  “Is she okay?” Footsteps grew closer.

  “I’ll ignore the slight insinuation.” He leaned in the doorframe to the water closet. “And I’d say she’s probably shook up after what she’s been through.”

  She cast her gaze down and paced. “You haven’t marked her.”

  Just the question worked him all wrong inside. “How perceptive.” Strange, how long he let this go on. Maybe he wanted to explain his irrational behavior toward Alexia in the hope that Griselda could make sense of his actions when he was unable to.

  “Did she say anything about any of the males?” She stopped and looked at him.

  “And what if she did, Gris? What would such a thing mean to me?” He let his head fall back and rest on the frame.

  “Good. You’re not interested in her, and she can put your tryst behind her.” She parted her lips in a wide smile.

  The wry grin plastered on her face irked him. She’d downgraded what Alexia shared with him to a rendezvous. Sure, she’d try and put the chemistry between them behind her, but doubtful if she’d succeed. The poor girl. At least every male would live in his shadow.

  “I get first pick.” He quirked an eyebrow. “So what do I care if another male shows interest?”

  “Even Cathen?” She met his stare.

  A note in her tone indicated she believed this to be new information. Worse, she thought the knowledge would force him to back off if he was interested. Both had lost Emmiline. He as husband and Cathen as brother. Cathen had been the first to step out of ranks with VanWolf against Reeme, but such kinship didn’t trump when a female was involved. His sister knew better.

  “Yes, including him. Now stop bothering me.” He waved her off. “I need to wash the sweet stench of her off.”

  “Why do you have to say such a thing? She’s a good woman.” Griselda crossed her arms.

  Yeah, she was, charming and delicious. “Send one of the street girls to me.”

  His sister protested with a low growl, and exiting, slammed the door.

  * * * *

  A pretty young blonde lay naked on the bed when he entered. Her creamy skin showed a blush of interest as her eyes traveled down his chest. Pink nipples peaked on her small breasts. The body of a woman who’d learned to pleasure men with her assets. The human part of him needed feeding--a release. He stopped at the foot of the bed.

  As she reached with slender fingers for the material wrapped around his waist, his mind drifted to rich caramel tones which dripped with sensuality. Alexia.

  “I’m at your service.” She spoke in Romansh, the Swiss romance language, hunger for him woven through her tones.

  “Please, don’t talk.” That would only ruin his fantasy of the one he wanted to imagine in his bed. The chocolate temptress.

  He flipped her, then pulled her to all fours and raised his throbbing erection for relief.

  Using his fingers, he felt for her wet opening. As the woman moaned with excitement, he sensed his beauty in the hall outside the room.

  “Shush.”

  The door swung open. “Van--” she said, then all sound ended. Her eyes widened, brimming with an ocean of tears. Color drained from her skin.

  “What?” he huffed.

  Pain showed in the slump of her body as she turned and ran out.

  His erection dropped. What had he done to her? He grabbed his trousers and slipped them on. Shouldn’t he go after her, explain? And what would he say…Tell her what a cold heartless beast he was? His actions proved that. Hadn’t he said this was for the best? He peeked into the hall, found it vacant, closed the door, then paced to the window.

  Alexia ran out on the deserted street. A large-framed figure appeared from the side of the adjacent building. Moonlight reflected the male’s gold haloed eyes. A Shunu--Cathen--gathered her close. The wolf within this other male had picked her as his mate.

  VanWolf pressed his forehead to the glass. Wasn’t this what he’d wanted, to send her running to the man’s arms? He tugged the curtains closed.

  The petite blonde lay on her back, grinning. “Where were we?”

  “You were just leaving. The cash for your troubles is on the desk. Take the money on your way out.”

  A pout formed on her lips, but had no effect on him. He needed another shower.

  * * * *

  Alexia sobbed into the strong arms holding her near. The hot night penetrated her skin. Her heart felt torn from her body, she ached so much. How could he? Why had he let things get out of hand with her? Maybe for him their time together meant nothing, and this was simply him having a number of lovers.

  Cathen squeezed her. “You’re going to be all right.”

  If only she believed his words to be true. She shook her head. The image of VanWolf naked with the woman replayed in her mind. Her legs gave way.

  Cathen scooped her up and carried her back inside. Her tears spilled without pause.

  “What happened?” Griselda asked from the top of the stairs.

  He shook his head.

  “Bring her here.”

  With long strides, he climbed the stairs, entered the unmated females’ room and set her on the bed.

  Humiliated, she buried her face in her pillow.

  Cathen leaned down close. “It’s hard to believe right now, but this will make you stronger. You need only to call for me and I will come.”

  His hard footsteps moved away.

  Griselda climbed on the bed and lifted Alexia’s head onto her lap. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  She shook her head. What she wanted was to forget how VanWolf had made her feel.

  Griselda stroked her hai
r.

  * * * *

  Alexia woke, facing the wall, to the sound of footsteps on the wood floor behind her. Pain came from the other person in the room with her. She huddled on the bed. The man she loved didn’t want her. However, she wasn’t the only one hurting.

  “Gabby?” She turned on the bed toward the blonde pacing in the center of the room.

  “I did a stupid thing.” Gabby paused. “I went to Jean’s room. He’s had his own room since he was told about Sandra. There he was, all alone sitting at the edge of the bed, head hanging.” She sighed. “I closed the door and went to him. He spoke in that rough voice of his, ‘Gabriella, what are you doing here? I’ve asked to be left alone.’ Every part of me felt on edge from his words.”

  Alexia sat up. From the animated fashion in which her friend told the story, more would follow. “Then what happened?”

  “I told him he shouldn’t be alone and that he had us to lean on. Then I tiptoed over to him and kneeled in front of him. He gathered me up and held on so tight. I didn’t know if I should breathe or not. His large hand slid up the back of my neck. My skin burned beneath. I gasped for air. The room seemed to be closing in on me. When he pulled back and stared right into me, I thought for sure he’d send me away, but…he kissed me. One of those kisses you dream of, like in the movies when the man tells the woman he loves her. Except he never said that to me. His hot breath engulfed me and his tongue entered my mouth. My entire body trembled.”

  Alexia took her hand. Excitement beamed outward from her friend, followed by an avalanche of sorrow.

  Tears welled in Gabby’s sky blue eyes. “He pulled back, shouted at me and told me to get out. My mouth must have fallen open as he repeated himself and warned me not to come back, said that he couldn’t be trusted or held responsible for what he might do.”

  The very pain Gabby suffered from, she’d been privy to not more than a few days ago. What was with the sensibility of the males? Didn’t they understand how their words hurt? Or the way in which their actions affected them?

  “How can I feel such excitement and fear at the same time?” Gabby plopped down on the bed next to her.