“Come on,” she said as she patted the bed.
He jumped up and gave her a scathing glance.
“Okay, so the bed pat was a bit much. Sorry.”
Picking up the remote, she turned on the TV and began flipping channels until she found a movie she thought they would both enjoy. She set the remote down and settled back against the pillows. Jax moved closer until his body was pressed against hers. It would’ve been romantic, if he wasn’t so furry.
By the time the movie ended, her eyes were drooping shut. Clicking the TV off, she snuggled against Jax and closed her eyes. His wolf scent wasn’t as unpleasant as she’d thought it would be. He smelled musky, like fall leaves and wild animal. With her arm wrapped around him, she fell asleep.
Chapter Four
Reika woke the next morning to something firm and warm pressed against her. She moved her hands and encountered rock hard abs. With a gasp, she opened her eyes and realized that Jax had shifted during the night. She felt her cheeks heat as she realized he was completely naked under the covers. When had he climbed under the covers with her?
Her hands slid up to his chest, then around his neck so she could bury her fingers in his silky hair. While he was hard all over, there was one particular part trying to make itself known. Was that just normal for him, or did he desire her even in his sleep? Not that it mattered; she had to push him away. It was the only way to keep him safe.
But she’d be lying if she said she didn’t wonder what it would be like to kiss him, to feel his body move against hers in pleasure, to move inside of her. Without even looking, she could tell he was well endowed, much bigger than her one mistake. Turrin had been a big disappointment when it came to sex. Well, truthfully, he’d been a big disappointment in all areas. No, she wouldn’t think about him right now, not while she had the hot and very yummy Jax in her bed.
She pressed herself closer to him. “Jax, it’s time to wake up.”
His arm tightened around her and he buried his nose in her hair, inhaling deeply. She figured the scent thing was just part of him being a wolf. Maybe she should even be flattered by it.
“Jax?”
“Mmm. Morning, Reika.”
“Jax, you’re human again.”
“Mm-hmm.”
Suddenly his eyes popped open and he looked down her, startled. “I didn’t, I mean, I wouldn’t… Aw hell, Reika. I didn’t mean to shift and help myself to your bed, and apparently you, during the night.”
She felt her cheeks turn pink. “We only slept. I didn’t realize you’d changed back until I woke up this morning.”
His hand caressed her back under her wings. “I can’t exactly say that I’m sorry. Waking up next to a beautiful woman is always welcome.”
She arched a brow. “And you do that often, do you?”
“No, not often. My job makes it hard to have a relationship. Most women don’t like being left alone for days at a time, with little communication. They don’t realize that my job has to come first. Don’t get me wrong, I try to call at least once a day, but it’s kind of hard to find privacy at the station.”
She could certainly see things from their point of view. What woman wanted to be told she wasn’t as important as a job? She wanted to be his sole reason for living, his soul mate, his other half. It’s what just about any woman would want, or so she assumed. But none of that mattered because she wasn’t going to be a permanent part of Jax’s life. All she’d have was last night and this morning. She’d better make it count.
Would he see her as being too forward if she asked him to make love to her? Yes, it was true that they barely knew one another, but sometimes you just knew you were meant to be with someone, and she felt that way about Jax. If it weren’t for her magick, she could easily see them living together years from now. Besides, he had a gentle touch, a touch that set her body on fire, even when he wasn’t trying. Surely not all men were as horrible at it as Turrin had been. Jax seemed like a man who would know what he was doing in the bedroom. Could she convince him to be with her this one time? She didn’t know him well enough to know whether or not he was a one-night, or one-day, stand type of guy.
“Jax, I know we just met, but… will you make love to me?”
He gently rubbed the side of his face against hers, his whiskers slightly abrading her skin. “Are you sure that’s what you want?”
“I’ve never wanted anything more.”
He took her lips softly, being so tender with her. This kiss was far different from the kisses she’d shared with Turrin. His had been harsh and demanding, bordering on painful at times. Jax’s hands caressed her body, leaving goose bumps in their wake. Slowly, he began inching her tank top up, exposing her a little bit at a time, until he had the shirt over her head and had tossed it across the room. He filled his hands with her breasts, stroking her nipples with his thumbs.
Reika felt her temperature rise. Throwing a leg over his, she tried to get closer, rubbing herself against him. She was already wet and ready for him, aching to be filled by his hard cock. His hands were creating havoc with her senses, sending her reeling. His large palm slid down her stomach and into her pants. She knew she was silky smooth down there because a spell gone awry had zapped the hair from her body, except for what was on her head and her eyebrows. She never had to shave, so perhaps the spell had been a blessing in disguise. Judging by the groan that slipped past Jax’s lips as he fingered her pussy, he seemed to like it.
He stroked her nether lips before gently parting them. His thumb swiped over her sensitive clit as his finger delved inside of her. She moaned, unable to hold it back, and bucked against his hand. It had to be the most incredible experience of her life, and she never wanted it to end. The in and out motion of his finger made her yearn for his cock even more and she realized if she wanted him, she was going to have to tell him. Otherwise, he’d draw out this exquisite torture for far longer than she could stand it.
“Jax, please. I need you.”
“We’ve just begun, Reika.”
“I need to feel you inside of me. I’ve never wanted anything so much.”
Giving her a heated look, he stripped her pants and undies from her before settling over her body. His weight was welcome and she wrapped her arms around his strong shoulders. She parted her thighs and hooked her legs around his, opening herself to him. It had been so long, and she was worried her inexperience would show. Would he still want her if he knew she’d only been with one man just one time? She would imagine most men wanted experience, not a woman who was pretty damn close to being a virgin.
His cock teased her, bumping against her clit in a steady rhythm. She lifted her hips, trying to take him inside of her. Jax chuckled at her feeble attempt and she stilled.
“Did I do something wrong?” she asked.
“No, baby. You’re just a bit on the impatient side, is all. It’s actually good for my ego.”
She lifted her hips again and this time he gave her what she wanted, filling her completely, more so than Turrin had. She felt so full, and it felt so incredibly right. At that moment, Reika couldn’t imagine being with anyone else, but she knew such thoughts were in vain. This was a one-time deal, no matter how much her heart protested.
Jax used slow, easy strokes, until she felt the flames of desire licking at her heated skin. Her body was tightening, reaching for that ever-elusive orgasm. It was there, but just out of reach. He leaned down and nipped her neck, his slight whiskers marking her delicate skin.
“More, Jax. I want more.”
With a grin, he began thrusting faster and harder. His body became so hot that a fine sheen of sweat coated him. She dug her nails into his slick biceps, holding on, not ever wanting to let go. As his hips rocked against hers, as his cock plunged into her time and again, she felt herself spiraling out of control. His cock slammed into her with just the right amount of roughness as he lost control, sending her over the edge. She cried out her release, clinging to him as he came inside of her.
A little too late, she realized they hadn’t used protection. She decided if he didn’t bring it up, neither would she, not unless there were consequences to their morning together.
Coming down from her high, she slowly eased her grip on him, her body relaxing. Reika smiled up at him, feeling somewhat shy now that they’d been so intimate. Had it been as good for him as it had for her? Her gaze caressed him lovingly, but when it came to rest on his right arm, she gasped.
With her left hand, she gently traced the dips and swirls of the tattoo now showing prominently on his shoulder and bicep. She knew it hadn’t been there before they’d made love so it had to have some significance. Not knowing much about werewolves, other than they mated for life and went for full moon runs, she wasn’t sure what it meant. Her gaze lifted to his and she found him looking at her with the most tender expression she’d ever seen on a man.
“I knew there was something about you that called to me,” he said. “But I never expected this.”
“What does it mean?”
“It means, my sweet fairy, that you’re my mate. After meeting you, I’d hoped you would be the one. There was something about you that called to me and I knew I wanted to get to know you better.”
She shook her head in denial. “I can’t be. This was just… I mean… This was a one-time thing. It isn’t possible for us to be together again. We can’t see each other after this.”
He frowned. “And just why not?”
“Don’t you remember last night? What if something worse happens? My previous dates weren’t as lucky as you. I can only imagine what might befall you next.”
“Reika, I’m not afraid of a little magick. You’re mine, you were meant to be mine, and nothing can keep us apart. I won’t let it. Do you know how amazing it is to find your mate? Some guys go half their life before finding one, and most find them in their late-twenties to early-thirties. I’m one of the lucky ones, having found you so soon. It was fate that I was here to answer that call the other night, and fate that I was at the station when you brought those treats. I’m not going to throw away something so precious as my mate simply because you’re afraid your magick is going to change me in some way. If it does, you’ll fix it.”
She caressed his cheek. “I’m glad you have such confidence in me, but what happens if I can’t fix it? Yes, it usually wears off in a day or two, or a week in some cases, but what happens if it doesn’t wear off? What if something permanent happens? I couldn’t bear it if something bad happened to you and it was within my power to stop it.”
“By leaving me.”
“I don’t see it that way. I see it as saving you.” She glanced at his arm. “If it weren’t for that mark, I’d argue with you and tell you it isn’t possible that we’re mates. I mean, how often is a fairy chosen as a mate for a werewolf? It can’t be something that happens all that often.”
“No. I won’t let you leave, Reika. You’re too important to me. Even before I knew you were my mate, I wouldn’t have let you walk away. I didn’t realize at the time what I was feeling or why, but I knew I had to have you, that you were essential to me in some way.”
“Jax --”
“Let me finish. You’re beautiful and funny, and while your potions may get a little mixed up every now and then, you’re incredibly smart and talented. Any man would be lucky to have you. If you wanted to be with someone else, I would understand. Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t try to sabotage any other relationship you tried until you came back to me, though. I’m a selfish bastard and want you for myself. But to walk away just because you’re scared is unacceptable.”
She sighed. He’d taken away all of her arguments, stripped away her defenses. How could she disagree with him when he was being so passionate about keeping her, about wanting her, about needing her? He wasn’t the lucky one, she was. She didn’t know what she’d ever done to deserve someone like Jax, but she’d spend the rest of her life being thankful that he was a part of it, that he was willing to fight for her. He was everything she’d ever dreamed of, and more.
“So what happens now?” she asked.
“Ideally, we’d move in together. But since you aren’t a werewolf, I won’t push you into something you aren’t ready for. Just know it’s something I want. I only have three days off and I’d like to spend them with you, not sitting in my apartment by myself.”
“What if… what if you brought some things over here and stayed with me for those three days?” she asked.
“It’s really more like two now. I have to go back day after tomorrow. I’ll work a three day shift and then be off another three days.” He shook his head. “Now that I have a mate, I see how unreasonable it is for me to ask you to sit at home alone those days.”
“No, Jax. It isn’t unreasonable. It’s your job, something you love, and I want to support you in any way I can.”
He kissed her, taking his time. “You’re one amazing woman, you know that?”
She smiled up at him and wiggled her hips. “You can show me again later.”
Jax laughed and rolled to his side, pulling her with him. She settled against him, tucking her head under his chin, and wrapped an arm around his waist. She felt secure in his embrace, and more importantly, she felt cared for. It was too soon for that “L” word, but she had no doubt it would come sooner or later. She had a hard time picturing herself being mated to him for the rest of her life and never hearing him say those three little words.
“We should probably get breakfast, and I imagine you need to check on your shop,” he said.
“Blossom is opening for me today, but I probably should make an appearance, just to make sure everything is running smoothly.”
Letting her go, Jax rolled out of bed, and tugged on her hand. “Come on. Shower first, then breakfast.”
With a grin, she followed him into the bathroom. First, she set out two towels, then she started the shower. She looked inside and winced when she realized she only had girly things.
“I’m afraid you’re going to smell like me,” she said. “I don’t have anything manly.”
His arms wrapped around her waist. “I don’t mind smelling like you. The guys would probably give me shit over it, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“After our shower, we should probably stop by your place first so you can change. All you have are your clothes from last night.”
He gave her a lopsided smile. “Afraid people are going to know I stayed the night?”
She gave him what she hoped was an exasperated look. “No, I just figured you wouldn’t want to wear a dress shirt all day. I figured a T-shirt would be more your usual style.”
Jax nodded. “You’d be right. I own a few polos, but mostly cotton tees. There are a few dress shirts thrown in, but I don’t have much use for them.”
“Don’t your dates like it when you dress up?”
He kissed the top of her head. “I haven’t dated that much, actually. I knew none of them was my mate, never really felt a pull toward them the way I did with you. They were just nice women I wanted to spend time with.”
She sniffed. “And sleep with, no doubt.”
“Aw, come on now. You can’t hold that against me. If I’d known who you were, I’d have searched for you and been by your side this whole time, even if you weren’t old enough to date me yet.”
She ran her hands up his chest. “You really mean that?”
“Yeah, I really mean that. I would give anything to have had you in my life this whole time.”
Reika pulled his head down for a kiss then led him into the shower, which was nice and steamy. She’d kept her wings folded since going to bed the previous night, so she wouldn’t damage them, and now stretched them wide, letting the water run down them.
Jax reached out and gently ran a finger down the tip of one wing. “They’re so beautiful.”
She looked behind her. “You really think so?”
He grasped her chin and turned her to face him. “Yes, I really think s
o. They’re as lovely as the woman they’re attached to.”
She felt like she was glowing with happiness. If anyone had told her something so miraculous would’ve happened to her this morning, she would’ve laughed at them. But now she had this incredible man in her life, and he was all hers. She knew that as his mate she never had to worry about him cheating on her, that he would never want another woman, just as she knew she would never want another man.
Chapter Five
After taking Jax home to change and grabbing a quick breakfast at the Big Bear Diner, Reika drove to her shop. As they approached, her heart leapt into her throat and her pulse raced. Out front of Fairy Kista was a fire truck and no less than five firemen. Her hands gripped the steering wheel of her small sedan.
“Stop here. I’ll go see what’s going on,” Jax said.
“I should go with you.”
He shook his head. “I don’t want you anywhere near the place until I know it’s safe.”
She nodded, understanding his reasoning. If their roles were reversed, she would feel the same way. She watched as he approached his fellow firemen, wishing she could hear their conversation. He gestured toward her and then the store and she figured he was telling them she owned the shop. Reika looked at Fairy Kista and saw that the front door was open and smoke was drifting out. How much damage was there? Had everything been ruined? Sure, she had insurance that would cover it, but she’d be out of business until she could replace everything.
A few minutes later, Jax returned, a worried expression on his handsome face. He motioned for her to step out of the car.
“How bad is it?” she asked.
“Someone set a fire in the back of the shop. I’m afraid your storeroom is toast, along with everything in there, but the main part of your shop is okay, just a bit on the smoky side. It will take a day or two to get all of the smoke out, and even longer to get rid of the smell. You’ll have to hire a company to come in and clean the storeroom after your insurance adjustor sees it.”
Romance in Moonspell Page 11