Jackson's Rise

by Tielle St Clare

  She looked at it for a moment. It was vaguely familiar. Like she used to have…she noticed two of her drawers were open. It looked like a pair of panties she had.

  She pulled the underwear from his grip. “Been digging through my underwear drawer?”

  “Yes.” He appeared unrepentant.

  She stretched out the panties. They were blue and big. Full-sized briefs that her mother must have given her years ago. And they were cotton. She was pretty sure the last time she’d worn them she’d had the flu and wanted comfortable and warm. “Those are granny panties.”

  “Yes.”

  “And you want me to wear them?” This made no sense. Every other man she’d ever known—Jackson’s brother included—loved to see her in skimpy underwear.

  “Yes.”

  “Why?” With a teasing look, she lifted the bottom of her shirt, flashing him the bikini-cut tiger-printed panties she currently wore. She wiggled her hips. “Aren’t these better?”

  Jackson didn’t smile. “They’re lovely. But I’d still like you to wear those.” He nodded to the cotton underwear, his voice implacable.

  “Why?” she asked again.

  Now he flashed her that wicked smile. “Because I want to know that your sexy little cunt is well covered.” He stepped forward and slid his hand down around her hip, cupping her backside and cuddling her close to him. Warmth flowed into her body, pooling in her core and she moved closer to the source. “I want to know that I’m the only one who gets to see your pussy, the only one who has a right to touch it, taste it.” Her body sagged against his, melting into his heat. “It’s not so much to ask, is it, baby? You’re so sexy that I want to know this one piece is mine and mine alone.”

  She knew that after one night, she shouldn’t allow this but damn, he was seducing, convincing her. He didn’t wheedle or whine. He just stood there, those bewitching green eyes watching her, his stare convincing her. Finally she sighed.

  “Okay.”

  His hand tightened on her ass. “Thank you, baby.”

  “Now, we’d better go. Reign is waiting.”

  “Yes.”

  Though she hated to leave the warmth of Jackson’s arms, she knew they had to get moving.

  “That means you have to let me go,” she teased.

  “Right.” But neither of them moved, except to move closer. Jackson turned, guiding his cock against her stomach. Teasing her. Dani stretched up on her tiptoes. Wanting that hard erection inside her. Downstairs had been sweet but she needed him to fuck her.

  The sexual heat erupted in her body, flooding her pussy, making her nipples ache. Even as her thoughts nagged that they didn’t have time, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his lips down to hers. He didn’t resist, following her guidance and taking her mouth in a commanding kiss. Her body chimed like he was licking her pussy. She might come just from his kiss and the sweet brush of his chest against her nipples. A little pressure and she’d be there.

  “How close are you?” Jackson asked, speaking the words against her mouth.

  “Very.”

  “Good, because I don’t think I’ll last long.” He grabbed her hips and lifted her, carrying her to the end of the bed in three fast steps. As he put her down, he grabbed the thin strap of her panties and pulled, yanking them down.

  While he fought with her underwear, she rolled halfway over, reaching for the bedside table. Her fingers closed around a condom and she almost groaned in relief.

  Red heat from Jackson’s eyes glowed as she turned back, her skirt tossed up above her waist, her legs bare. She slapped the condom in his hand and sat up, pulling his mouth back to hers. He groaned into the kiss, his fingers working between their bodies to free his cock and slide the condom on.

  God, he tasted good. She licked inside his mouth, flicking her tongue against his. He growled and turned his head, driving his tongue deep, making her head spin.

  “Hurry, Jackson,” she moaned against his lips, unable to separate from him.

  The growl turned to a snarl and he clamped his lips down over his teeth. Teeth that felt bigger than they should. He dropped his head and concentrated on the condom. His fingers fumbled with the wrapper. Fuck, what was wrong with him? He never lost control. Not even during sex.

  But something about Dani—it ravaged the animal’s patience and tore at Jackson’s control.

  And that Cat. The way he’d looked at Dani, like he wanted to fuck her. Right there. In front of Jackson. The image slammed into his brain and Jackson tensed, waiting for the wolf to go insane.

  Instead his cock twitched and the wolf howled its approval. He shook his head, wiping the visual slate clean, and focused on getting the damn condom on. Dani’s breasts brushed against his arm as she kissed and licked and sucked at his neck, making it almost impossible to function. His body was primed to fuck and this interruption strained every bit of control he had. He slipped the latex over the head. Dani’s fingers joined his, rolling the sheath up.

  Unable to look away, Jackson watched as she stroked the condom up, covering his cock, her slim fingers and bright red nails glowing against his skin. A soft hum and moan floated through the air as she leaned forward and sucked the tip of his cock into her mouth. Heat swallowed him as she sank forward, not pushing deep, just enough to tease. Her tongue fluttered against the underside.

  “Fuck.” He wasn’t sure if that was a command or curse. He pushed Dani back, using a little more force than needed but she didn’t seem to mind. She landed on the mattress, her long legs bending, wrapping up and around his back, her skirt crumpled up around her waist, the dark pink of her cunt so pretty against the tanned skin. His mind registered that she had no tan lines and the wolf growled its displeasure.

  Jackson vaguely acknowledged that his wolf was more upset by the thought of her tanning nude than fucking Reign, but the thought was gone almost as fast as it appeared.

  “Jackson.” Dani shifted, arching her back, pressing her breasts up, straining her tight, tiny shirt, her nipples imprinting on the soft material. Her hands slid down her sides, stroking the inside of her thighs. Human and animal attention narrowed down. The room around them disappeared. All thoughts of Reign vanished. There was just Dani—sleek and wet, the hot taste of her pussy a sweet memory on his lips.

  Jackson placed the tip of his cock to her opening, giving her one breath to anticipate before he drove in. Her cry ripped through the air but he was familiar with the sound now—pleasure not pain drew the soft scream. Wet heat surrounded his cock and he groaned, pushing just a little deeper before he pulled back. Dani’s pussy clung to him as he retreated, dragging him back in. She dug her heels into his back and tried to pull him forward.

  He scooped his arms under her knees and guided her legs up, putting her heels on his shoulders. This wasn’t going to be a nice, easy get-to-know-you fuck. He grabbed her hips and held her in place as he slammed back into her. Her body tensed, almost visible shivers running across her skin. Yeah, she was feeling it. His body took over, driving into her, his mind absorbing the sweet cries turned to screams and pleas.

  “More, please. Jackson!”

  He loved the way she called his name. Never any hesitation.

  Her long strong body strained as he worked to give her more, find the touch that would send her flying. He gripped her legs and pushed into her, deep and hard. Every stroke a shock to his cock. He ground his teeth together and thrust, working the angle to stroke her clit as he rode inside her. Her back arched, her breasts pushed forward and a low scream-gasp-moan tore from her throat. Her pussy clenched, squeezing his cock as the orgasm ripped through her body. The wolf growled inside his head and he slammed into her one more time, filled the condom with his cum, wishing he was pouring himself into her.

  He propped his hands on the mattress, leaning over her, barely supporting his own weight as he stared down at the sexual sated woman beneath him. He licked his lips, tasting the scent of her orgasm.

  Soon, he thought, as he sl
ipped his softening cock from her pussy. Soon he would be fucking her with no barrier, marking her as his.

  Chapter Seven

  They walked into the crowded diner and quickly spotted a rather irritated Reign sitting near the wall. Jackson didn’t bother hiding his smile. With the Cat’s heightened senses, there would be no way to miss the smell of Dani on him. And smell him on Dani. Didn’t matter that he hadn’t actually come inside her, his scent was all over her. It was primitive but he liked having her marked in this basic manner. Humans wouldn’t notice but Reign…it was going to drive the pussycat crazy.

  Dani gripped Jackson’s hand as they wove through the tables crushed together. He didn’t know if she was afraid he would bolt or if she just needed the reassurance so he held tight. He had no intention of leaving her. Of course, after one night, it was probably too soon to announce he intended to spend the rest of his life with her. She’d asked if last night was one night of fucking. That didn’t mean she was ready to be a werewolf’s mate. Strange that Max hadn’t told her about their family history.

  Before last night, he’d never been a big believer in his wolf selecting his mate. He spent the majority of his life in human form, he would find a wife for the human. The wolf would have to accept her.

  Except it hadn’t worked that way. His relationship with Mandy at home was a prime example. Jackson and Mandy were great together. Worked together, liked the same things, enjoyed each other’s company, but there was no spark. His wolf was indifferent to her.

  The animal’s reaction to Dani was the complete opposite. The wolf filled Jackson’s head with growls, snarls, whimpers if she got too far away. Thankfully, his human side enjoyed her as well. The male in him certainly did, he thought watching her ass sway, the short skirt flipping back and forth with each step.

  He smiled again, knowing what she wore beneath that skirt—full ass-and-pussy-covering panties. She could change back into the tiny scraps of silk once they were home again. Not that Jackson needed the visual stimulation. He knew what she looked like beneath her clothes and that memory was enough to grab him by the balls and drag him forward.

  “Hi, Reign. Sorry we took so long.” If Jackson’s scent on her hadn’t given away what they’d been doing, Dani’s blush would have.

  Just to nudge the Cat a bit, Jackson nodded. “Yeah, sorry we’re late.”

  The pussycat’s eyes squinted down.

  “Right.”

  Dani slid into the booth and picked up the menu. Jackson took the space beside her. She offered him a menu but he shook his head. It was a diner. They’d have what he wanted. Instead, he reached for Dani, sliding his hand on her knee and sliding up, inching the hem of her skirt higher, pushing until his hand was under the soft material and cuddled between her sleek thighs. Dani looked at him, the smirk on her face warning him she recognized he was staking his claim in a barbaric way. But she let his hand stay so he grinned back.

  Reign shifted in his seat and Jackson felt a jolt of sympathy. Dani looked flushed and well fucked, even if she had taken the time to brush her hair and put on lipstick before they’d left. The air of sex surrounded her. With the Cat’s extra senses, Jackson didn’t doubt that every nerve was on alert. And he didn’t doubt the pussycat’s dick was hard.

  The harried waitress came by and asked for their orders. Dani ordered fruit and an English muffin. Jackson listened as Reign ordered the biggest breakfast on the menu. With his wolf so close to the surface and the full moon tonight, Jackson’s cravings were for meat and a lot of it. He ordered eggs and bacon with a side order of bacon and sausage.

  Once the waitress was gone, Dani dropped her hands under the table and leaned forward, her knees bouncing up and down. Jackson eased his hand from between her legs and placed it on her knee, going for comfort instead of sex. She offered a weak smile and took a drink of water before she said, “So tell me what happens tonight.” Her voice trembled just a little and Jackson wanted to grab her, carry her away. But she was determined to help. And he had to admire that.

  Reign sat forward. There was no competition or humor in his stare. He was all cop.

  “Word has it Winston is going to be at this party tonight. He’s meeting with some of his buyers.”

  “Seems strange that he’d do something like this in public,” Jackson said. “Don’t things like this usually happen in back alleys?”

  “Not when you’re dealing with this kind of high-end shit.”

  “High-class drug dealer?” Jackson wanted to know what Dani was up against.

  Reign shook his head and met Jackson’s eyes. The serious glint gave Jackson confidence Reign was solid but it also scared the hell out of him. Anything that frightened a Cat this badly was something to be worry about.

  “Wouldn’t go that far. Designer drugs.” He paused, making sure Jackson was listening. “Targeted market. Doesn’t affect some people at all. Others? Instantly hooked and it kills fast.”

  “That bad?”

  Reign’s mouth went flat, his eyes turned gold. “Yeah. It’s that bad.”

  Jackson felt a tug of sympathy. It wasn’t that he particularly liked the Cats—they thought they were superior to wolves because their shapeshifting ability was part of their genes. With werewolves, it was more like a virus, transmitted through the blood or through a bite. So yeah, he didn’t feel much camaraderie with the pussycat nation, but still, a drug like this, targeted at one community…it was dangerous.

  “This guy Winston has made friends with some of my friends.”

  Jackson nodded, understanding that Reign meant the Cat Community.

  “From what we can tell, he bought off a few of them and now they work for him like guard dogs.” The disgusted spat of his words wasn’t lost on Jackson. Cats weren’t particularly loyal to anyone, except maybe their own Prides and to have a Cat protecting a human would be the ultimate insult. “And they’re spreading the wealth. My friends are either getting hooked on this crap and dying a few months later or dying outright.

  “This party’s big. He’ll be there to meet new clients. My source says he’s tripled his supply and now he’s looking for markets.”

  “He’s creating demand.”

  “Exactly.”

  Dani shuddered. “Okay, so what do I have to do?”

  She was trying to be brave but this had to be scary as shit. Jackson squeezed her knee again and shifted, turning just a little, his body moving to shield hers.

  “Since you’re the only one who knows what he looks like, except for his guards—” He looked at Jackson. “And they aren’t talking.”

  Funny, that had been his next question.

  “I just need you to point him out.” Reign drilled Dani with his gaze, holding her eyes until she nodded, her breath shaky as she inhaled.

  “I can do that.” She forced a smile. “I go to parties all the time. What’s one more? And you’ll be there, right?”

  “Right.”

  “I like parties,” Jackson said. It was a lie. He wasn’t much of the party type but no way was Dani going without him.

  Reign’s eruption was restrained but intense. His eyes changed and he bent forward, his words low and threatening.

  “Not happening, puppy. Safety first.”

  Jackson leaned in to meet him, dropping his voice to match Reign’s tone. He wasn’t going to be intimidated by a pussycat. “If it isn’t safe for me, it isn’t safe for her.”

  “I’ll make it safe for her.”

  “How do you plan to do that?”

  “None of your business.”

  “But it’s my business,” Dani said, inserting herself into the conversation.

  Reign sat back, flicking his hair away from his face. Dani’s gaze bounced between the two of them. They kept talking in this secret language. She understood the words but obviously not the meaning these boys were giving them.

  “Listen, both of you, I understand that you’re trying protect me and I appreciate that, but despite appearances, I’m not a b
imbo and I’m not stupid.”

  “No one thinks you’re stupid.”

  “Or a bimbo,” Reign added. “This is just complicated and private.”

  “Private? I saw a guy get killed. I’m not worried about someone’s privacy issues.”

  “It’s not that.” Reign looked at Jackson for help. Dani turned her attention to Jackson. He’d just met Reign. How did he know more than she did?

  “The people at this party are a little different.”

  “Different how?”

  He met her gaze dead on and she could see the serious glint in his eyes. It was the same look he’d given her last night. She could believe him. But she wasn’t sure she wanted to.

  “They have…heightened senses.”

  “Like?’

  “Smell, sight.”

  “Touch,” Reign inserted.

  Jackson glared across the table then turned back to her.

  “And they don’t like strangers. They believe anyone not like them is fair game.”

  The term made Dani laugh uncomfortably. “Fair game for what?”

  “Whatever they can get away with.” Jackson’s words sent a shiver down her back. She looked to Reign, waiting for him to deny the comment. He sighed.

  “Jackson’s right. They’ll see someone like you—gorgeous and sexy—and they’ll be all over you. But—” He silenced Jackson with glare. “I’ll be there and everyone will know you belong to me.”

  “How do you intend to do that?” Jackson asked. His fingers tightened briefly on her leg but even when that grip relaxed, every other muscle in his body remained tense.

  “How do you think?”

  “Not happening.”

  “That’s up to her.”

  “You’re not marking her.”

  “Mark me?” she asked, hating that she felt out of the loop. There wasn’t a chance for either man to answer. The waitress appeared with their order. Plates landed on the table, crushed together until the white Formica tabletop was almost invisible. She looked at the plain, low fat meal in front of her. Then glanced at the boys’ plates.

  They’d ordered everything meat on the menu. And went at it like they hadn’t eaten in a month.