by Cara Wylde
Avelyn gave a small, cheerful laugh and jiggled her breasts. “What’s wrong, love? Jealous ‘cause you’re not the one touching them?”
“Mine,” he said, joining her game.
“Come an’ get ‘em. Come bury that big cock between them.”
“I have a better idea of where I should bury my cock. Get those panties off.”
Avelyn took off her bra in a swift motion and threw it over her shoulder. Her hands went to the thin straps of her panties, but instead of rolling them down her legs, she traced them to the small triangle that barely covered her shaved mound. She cupped her pussy and gently rubbed her clit through the soft lace.
“You’ve never seen me pleasure myself.”
Max grabbed his cock and started stroking it slowly, his thumb pressing down on the slit every time he reached the tip. “There’s enough time for that. Now, get rid of those so I can fuck you hard. Just the way you like it.”
“Only if you let me ride you.”
“Oh, I’ll let you ride me.”
She finally hooked her fingers into her panties and rolled them down her long legs, letting them pool at her ankles so she could step out of them. She stood completely naked before him, her body ready to let his sinful mouth and huge cock ravish it. Max could smell her arousal, and his sharp eyesight told him her pussy was already soaked in delicious juices. He closed in on her, and Avelyn had to tip her head back to look into his eyes. His hands grabbed her face and his mouth attacked hers in a passionate kiss. Avelyn moaned, and held onto his strong, wide back, pressing her naked body against his. Her round curves met his chiseled muscles, and her belly welcomed the maddening feeling of having that hard cock dig into the soft flesh. Their tongues battled for a long minute, and their hands went to explore each other’s body.
Max pushed her onto his coat, but Avelyn took control and once her back hit the rough fabric, she rolled them over and straddled his hips. Her wet pussy touched his cock, and she started rubbing herself on it up and down, slowly, deliberately. His fingers dug into her hips, urging her to move faster. She broke the kiss and smiled down at him.
“You look way better on the bottom.”
“And you look like a sex goddess on top.”
Avelyn lifted her hips and Max angled himself at her entrance, the tip of his cock parting her plump folds. She lowered herself on his cock, and closed her eyes, a blissful expression painted on her face. She savored the feeling of his hard member stretching her walls, filling her so perfectly. His hands moved to squeeze her breasts and play with her nipples, and Avelyn started bouncing up and down, tentatively at first, then faster. She straightened her back and her hands gripped his knees for better support. Max met each movement of her hips with his thrusts, massaging her breasts and admiring her beautiful body as it danced above him, her pussy swallowing his cock each time she slammed herself down on him.
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered. “I love the way you move.”
Avelyn fixed her gaze on his face and slammed down faster. He let go of her breasts, one hand gripping her hips to help her have better control of the rhythm, and the other going to the hard nub that was peeking from between her pussy lips. He started rubbing it with his fingers, making her moan loudly.
“Oh, yes. Right there.”
Max met her gaze, but it was impossible for him to keep his eyes on her face, when there was so much more to see. Her breasts were now free to bounce on her chest, and the sight drove him crazy. He rubbed her clit faster and she responded by riding him harder. The sound of flesh slamming against flesh filled the night.
“So close,” she said.
He couldn’t last very long either. He was barely keeping his orgasm at bay, determined to make her come first. She trembled above him and her movements became jerky, uncontrolled. She screamed and came hard, her pussy clenching down on his cock, sending him over the edge. He thrust up into her throbbing entrance, whispering her name and coating her walls with his hot seed. They rode their orgasms with shaky, lazy movements, allowing their bodies to relax.
Avelyn let herself drop forward and lay atop him. Max stretched his legs and embraced her, pulling her warm body as close as possible, trying to protect her from the chilly air that was slowly drying off the sheen of sweat on their heated skin. He was still inside her.
“In a few minutes you’ll be very cold. We should go, take a hot bath, and then I’ll hold you in my arms all night.”
“But I’m comfy.” Her pussy squeezed his softening cock, letting him know that she didn’t want to leave just yet.
He laughed. “Soon you won’t be so comfy anymore.”
“I know. Just hold me a little bit longer.”
He hugged her tighter. “Okay, baby. I’ll never let you go. You know that, right?”
“Yes…”
Too bad she would let him go.
“Two more weeks and you’ll officially become my bride.”
Avelyn lifted herself up and looked into his eyes. “What?”
“It would have been too early to have the ritual on the Seed Moon, but I think the Flower Moon is perfect timing.”
Could he see the panic in her eyes? She hoped not. “So… soon? Are you sure?”
“It’s not soon at all. And yes, I’m sure. The Crescents have already accepted you, and you saw how much Karl likes you.”
“And Jocelyn? Doesn’t she have to agree?”
“It’s not about agreeing. None of them have to agree, actually. It just made things easier for you if they came to know you first. That’s why I wanted to wait. But you’ve made some friends, the wolves have gotten used to you, and I think they’re ready to properly welcome you to the clan. And you’re ready to become their Alpha bride.”
“I don’t know…” Suddenly, Avelyn didn’t feel like hugging anymore. That was the last thing she needed: to go through the mating ritual and become Max’s bride in the real sense of the word. It would’ve just complicated things. “Maybe we should wait a bit more. I don’t think it’s a good idea to cross Jocelyn like that.”
“We’re not crossing her. Besides, she’s already accepted that I won’t be looking for another bride.”
She sat up and let his cock slip out of her. She had to do something to convince him to wait another month. But what?
“Can we think about it?”
“We’ve already thought about it. It’s time. The Flower Moon is perfect for the ritual, you’ll see. Of course, Karl won’t be present, but when is he ever? Just picture it: the middle of May, a warm night, the smell of pine trees mingled with the smoke of the bonfire… We’ll have to think about our vows, but don’t worry, they don’t have to be complicated.” He kissed her forehead and tried to arrange her wild hair into some kind of ponytail so he could see her face better. She wasn’t looking at him anymore. “What’s wrong? Don’t you like it?”
“No, I mean… yes. It sounds great. It’s just that… I’m not sure I’m ready for this.”
“You are, my sweet Avelyn, you are.”
She looked at him and smiled weakly. Her body was spent after the mind-blowing orgasm, and her mind was tired. She’d have to come up with something before the Flower Moon, but right now she had to admit she was in no condition to think clearly.
“I’m cold.”
Max smiled up at her, kissed her pretty nose, and stood up. In less than a minute, he found her clothes, wrapped her up in his coat, and turned into his wolf form. He tried not to be disappointed by her lack of enthusiasm. After all, she was only tired. She needed a hot bath and a good night’s sleep, then she wouldn’t worry about Jocelyn anymore.
CHAPTER FOUR
Plan B
Two more days until the full moon and Avelyn couldn’t find her place. She tried reading in the gazebo, making small talk with Rosanna and Caleb, browsing the library for new titles, and even helping Harold in the kitchen. Of course, Christine and the cook assistants had tried to convince her it wasn’t proper for the Alpha’s bride
to mess around in the kitchen. This was why they had so many maids and servants, after all. But Avelyn wouldn’t hear of it. She had to take her mind off the impending mating ritual, so she taught Harold a special recipe for cinnamon dumplings. Eventually, they had to leave her alone. The divine smell of her dumplings did contribute in her favor. However, distracting herself didn’t solve the problem. Max had insisted the Flower Moon would be the perfect time for the ritual no matter what she had tried to tell him. He only knew one thing: she was ready to become his official bride, and Clan Blackmane was ready to accept her. Two more days and she wouldn’t be Avelyn anymore; she’d become Avelyn Blackmane, bride of the Alpha.
“Oh yes, I’m in deep shit,” she whispered to herself while crossing the courtyard, book in hand, determined to reach the left side of the porch, right in front of the Lunar Wing. She intended to lay down on the bench right next to the door to make sure Jocelyn would notice her when she came back from Dunkelstadt. “What better way of postponing the ritual than pissing Jocelyn off?” It was a lame attempt, she realized that, but she was out of ideas. She had spent the past two weeks trying to convince Max to wait another month to perform the ritual, but he wouldn’t hear of it. Of course, she had made it look like she was confused, scared, insecure. She even cried a little and bit her trembling lip. She stared at him with big, watery eyes, hoping he’d take pity on her and leave her the fuck alone this full moon. But, no. All he could say was: “Don’t worry, baby. You’ll do just fine. I’ve talked to Christine, Karl, Kevin… They all think it’s a great idea. They can’t wait to finally have you as part of the clan. Even Jocelyn thinks it’s time to take this step. It’s a simple protocol, remember? But if you want a proper wedding, like in your tradition, just say the words and I’ll make sure it happens.”
No, she didn’t want a wedding. She didn’t want a white dress, a flower bouquet, or a wedding ring. She wanted out of this mess. Sabine was counting on her and she couldn’t disappoint the girl. Heck, she couldn’t disappoint herself. “If Jocelyn thinks it’s the right time, then I’ll make sure she changes her mind.” Avelyn sprinted up the few steps to the porch, and made herself comfortable on the bench. She opened “The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson and allowed the action to drawn her worries. She had read too many historical novels since she arrived at the Schloss, so she had picked a detective novel this time. That was the beauty of being an eclectic reader: if she got bored with a genre, she could always switch to the next favorite.
It was a lovely, lazy day, and Avelyn enjoyed the silence, the fresh air, and the soft whisper of the wind ruffling the tree branches. Several Moon Children went past her and disappeared behind the heavy door of the Lunar Wing. They all greeted her, but none of them asked her why she had chosen that exact spot to read. She wondered if things would have been different if she had decided to lounge on that particular bench three weeks before. They had probably gotten used to her, in which case Max was right. It seemed it was the right time to make her his bride. She chased away the thought and tried to calm her nerves.
It was late afternoon when Jocelyn finally returned to the Schloss. She parked her car in the parking lot near the gatehouse and strolled towards the Lunar Wing. She did a double take when she saw Avelyn casually lying on the bench right by the door, reading a book and pretending she hadn’t noticed her. She waited a few seconds then cocked an eyebrow in curiosity.
“And what are you doing here? Isn’t the porch big enough for you?”
“What?” Avelyn raised her eyes from the page and looked at the she-wolf. Jocelyn was wearing a black suit. The elegant dress pants made her skinny legs look longer, even if she wasn’t wearing high heels. The jacket outlined her bony shoulders and athletic build in a pleasant way. She looked unsophisticatedly classy. “Oh, Jocelyn! Hi! How are you?”
“How… how…” Jocelyn pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed in frustration. “Why, I’m fine. And how are you?”
“I’m fine, thanks.” Avelyn made sure to give her an innocent smile. “Taking advantage of the last hours of daylight.” She waived her book.
“Right. I can see that. But do you have to do it here? On my porch?”
“Your porch?”
“Yes, my porch. In case you haven’t noticed, the Schloss is divided into three wings. For a reason.”
“Oh… I’m sorry, I didn’t know that. I mean, I did know about the wings, but I had no idea the Lunar Wing was off limits. Or the Nox Wing. Max told me I could go anywhere I liked.”
“That’s doesn’t mean you have to do it.”
Jocelyn was already glaring at her, which was a good sign. It hadn’t taken much to piss her off.
“If it bothers you, I’ll move.”
“Yes, please do so. I feel like you’re constantly in my way.”
Of course, Avelyn had no intention of moving just now. There was more to squeeze out of this calculated encounter.
“Excuse me for pointing this out, but if I’m in your way now, imagine how things will be after I become the Alpha’s official bride.” She laughed cheerfully, like she’d just made a good joke.
Jocelyn simply stared at her. “Are you… trying to make a point? Because I can’t see it.”
“I think I’m just trying to ask you… Why do you hate me so much?”
“Oh, no! We’re not having this pathetic conversation.” Jocelyn’s hand went to the door handle.
“Why not? Humor me and answer the question. Is that too much to ask for?”
The she-wolf hesitated, then let go of the door handle, took a step back to lean against the stone railing, and folded her arms over her chest. “I don’t hate you.”
“Liar.”
Jocelyn breathed deeply and closed her eyes in an attempt to calm herself. “Never call me that.”
“Uh-oh,” thought Avelyn. “That is a soft spot for all the Blackmanes, it seems.”
The she-wolf opened her eyes and looked at Avelyn. She had made the decision to be patient and talk to her as if she were a five-year-old. “I don’t hate you. I just don’t like you. There’s nothing right about you.”
“That is not a very convincing argument.”
“I’ll try to be more specific. You don’t have the right education. If you had been a wolf-bride, you would have known the werewolves’ ways and respected them. You’re taking everything for granted. I haven’t seen you try to learn anything about our culture and traditions. Instead, you’ve proudly displayed your knowledge about the werefoxes at a table surrounded by wolves.”
“You needed my insight.”
“Did we?” Jocelyn huffed scornfully. “You don’t have the right attitude. Every time I look at you I see a pig-headed vixen who thinks too highly of herself and believes she has the right to look down on everyone. You treat Max as if he’s your doormat, not your Alpha.”
“What? I’d never…”
“You wanted me to talk. Shut up and take it. A wolf-bride would have been modest, obedient, and would have known her place. Every time you open your mouth, you remind everyone you’re a fox-bride to your fingertips. You’re obnoxious, sly, and insidious just like a fox. Trust me, I’ve spent enough time keeping an eye on them to recognize the traits.”
“So, you’re accusing me of being… me.”
“Pretty much, yes. Of course, it can’t be helped. I’m not a moron, I know it’s not your fault.”
“Gee thanks. I was getting worried…”
“Sarcasm. A wolf-bride wouldn’t even know the word.”
“You’re pretty sarcastic yourself, you know that? And you claim to be a she-wolf to your fingertips.”
“Clever comebacks. A wolf-bride would bite her tongue before spitting those out. There’s a difference between you and me, and it won’t change in the least when the mating ritual is over and you become bride of the main Alpha: I am a born Alpha werewolf, you are a human female whose sole purpose is to bear children. I lead, you follow. You’re a pawn, nothing more.”
“My point exactly. You’re a pawn. You bear them, give birth to them, and our packs raise them to become the next leaders. That will never make you more important than you are now.”
“I don’t believe you,” Avelyn closed her book and sat up on the bench, her back straight. “I think you’re trying to make me feel bad.”
Jocelyn pondered for a second. “That too. You’re lucky because Max is so infatuated with you. If he was in his right mind, he would have disciplined you by now.”
“And what do you call the fact that he locked me up in a room for one week?”
“That was nothing. Look what good it did. None.”
“Wonderful…” Avelyn couldn’t believe Jocelyn’s words. Was she really speaking her mind? Was she honest?
“Oh, and let’s not forget you’re not even the right size.”
“What’s wrong with my size?” No way, she was not going to criticize her body.
Jocelyn rolled her eyes. “Haven’t you noticed you’re the biggest girl around here?”
“And how’s that a problem? Max likes me just the way I am. He would have chosen Delyse if he had wanted a skinny girl.”
“Lily. I wanted to break his neck when he told me he had chosen you over Lily Harington. You’ve no idea what political advantages that girl would have brought to the clan. Which reminds me: you don’t seem to be on the right side either.”
“What do you mean?”
“You know so many things about the werefoxes. You seemed so passionate about their weird customs when Karl was here…”
“Then, why?”
“Why what?”
“Why did you agree to the mating ritual?”
Jocelyn broke into genuine laughter. “I didn’t have a choice. Max is a big boy, he can do what he wants. He doesn’t need the family’s blessing to marry whomever he has a boner for.”
“So… you’re not going to try and stop the ritual…” Was she pushing it too far?