“But what?” Gwen sank in her chair.
“I don’t know, detka.”
The kettle clicked off and Mischa poured the water into two cups. He added the tea and took the cups to the table. Gwen held hers and stirred the tea ball around.
“I think Mr. Thomas disabled the security camera.” She looked up at Mischa. “Why would he do that? He’d been in security for over thirty years.”
“I think the easy answer would be money. He mentioned retiring, remember?” Mischa blew across the hot liquid, enjoying the fragrant brew.
“Yes, I remember. Do you think he really recorded the men who stole the diamonds?” Gwen asked.
“It would explain why they killed him. Maybe he thought to use the recording to get a bigger share of the diamond money.”
“Well, whatever he planned, it didn’t work. I wish we could find that cell phone.” Gwen sipped her tea.
“You still want to help find his killer when he was one of the diamond thieves? He wasn’t a good man, Gwen.”
Gwen put her cup down with a resounding bang. “No, he wasn’t, but he was my friend and I promised. I don’t make a promise unless I intend to keep it.”
Mischa sighed. “Okay. We keep trying, then.”
Gwen smiled. “Really?” Her eyes gleamed with hope.
Mischa felt his heart ache with love. “Yes, really.”
§
Gwen looked into the bathroom mirror and smiled. Tonight she was supposed to shift into her wolf form and sleep on the couch. Her bed was only big enough for two if they cuddled closely. She reached for the buttons of her blouse.
Mischa had done so much for her. Even now he promised to continue to help find Mr. Thomas’s killer. She wanted to do something nice for him. Show him how much he meant to her.
She slipped off her pencil skirt, reached for her bra strap, and paused. Was she brave enough to do this? Could she give herself to Mischa without having a panic attack?
She released the hooks and drew the straps down her arms. Time to find out. She pushed down her panties and stood naked in front of the mirror. Her heart beat fast and her cheeks warmed. She could do this.
Picking up her brush, she ran it through her hair. Then she spritzed cologne on her chest. She turned and reached for the door, a shiver of anticipation running through her. Ready or not, both she and Mischa would finally get what they deserved.
§
Mischa undressed and lay down on the small bed, his back against the headboard. He sighed wondering if Gwen would ever feel comfortable enough to sleep with him instead of his wolf. He could smell her scent of sage and lilacs on the sheets. He breathed deeply, taking as much in as he could. His body responded, growing hard. Desire, raw and consuming filled his thoughts. He tamped it down before Gwen picked it up through the mating bond.
The bathroom door opened and instead of a gray wolf, Gwen walked out. Her skin gleamed in the glow from the small light. Her black hair shot with blue highlights fell around her shoulders with one curl curving around her naked breast.
Mischa froze. He was afraid to move, afraid to hope that he understood what she offered.
“Are you sure?” His voice came out little more than a growl.
Gwen looked at the growing evidence of his desire. “I’m sure.” She licked her lips.
“Come here to me.” Mischa held his hand out to her. He had a sudden vision of those plump lips wrapped around his shaft as her tongue drove him wild.
Gwen’s eyes widened and she licked her lips again. Mischa suddenly wasn’t sure if the vision had been his idea or hers. He watched her as she moved closer. Her breasts were more than a handful, her slim hips flared from her tiny waist. Her breathing accelerated the closer she came. Finally, she took his hand.
Mischa turned, facing the side of the bed. He pulled Gwen forward until she stood between his legs. He leaned forward and kissed her stomach. She sighed and ran her fingers through his hair. He wrapped an arm around her and caressed the tight globes of her behind.
“I love you,” he said looking up at her.
“I know you do.” She leaned down and kissed him.
Mischa let her lead. Her kiss started tentatively, then took a more aggressive approach as her confidence built. Mischa tugged on the mating bond, letting his reactions flow to her and keeping an eye on her feelings as well. She came to him of her own free will. He wasn’t going to let anything ruin this experience for either of them.
His desire flowed into the mating bond as he caressed her breast. He picked up the wayward lock of hair and ran it over her nipple. The little nubbin grew tighter. He continued to caress it with the tips of her hair until she shivered and goose bumps appeared on the skin of her arms.
She stopped kissing him and pushed against his chest. “Lay back for me.”
“Gwen, you don’t have to do this--”
“I want to. Please.”
Mischa nodded and lay back. He rested on his elbows, wanting to watch what she would do next. Gwen kneeled on the floor. She ran her nails up his thighs. He shivered. His shaft grew larger. Gwen cupped his balls and pressed lightly. Mischa moaned. She would kill him.
Desire, hot and raw filled the mating bond. Flowing back and forth between them, it grew stronger and stronger. Gwen licked her lips and grasped his shaft. She squeezed and pulled up its length. Mischa stiffened. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Finally, she leaned down and licked up his shaft. Mischa twitched and almost lost it right then. He gritted his teeth, determined to wait. She licked again, watching his reactions.
“Gwen,” Mischa growled, trying to warn her. He couldn’t take much more teasing.
She leaned down and sucked the head into her mouth. Mischa groaned. So good. She ran her tongue up along his shaft and flicked it under the ridge. Mischa felt his balls begin to tighten. She sucked hard, drawing his shaft to press against her throat. He fisted the covers beneath his hands. His wolf rushed forward wanting to possess and claim. For a moment, Mischa was sure his eyes glowed yellow.
Gwen continued to torment him, licking and sucking. More than anything, Mischa wanted to take control, but instead he pushed his wolf down and held completely still, or as still as he was able. He looked at Gwen and smiled at the dreamy look in her eyes. She enjoyed herself and that was more important than his need to control the outcome. He could smell her arousal in the air. She was wet with desire. His wolf withdrew confused, but content to let Mischa lead this dance with their mate.
§
Gwen floated on a cloud of desire and love. She could feel Mischa’s emotions, feel his pleasure at her touch. His pleasure blended into hers until she ached between her thighs. Moisture ran down her legs. Her breasts hurt and she longed for completion.
“Gwen, let me pleasure you, detka.” Mischa went to sit up, but Gwen pushed him back with one hand.
She could feel how close he was to letting go and she wanted that for him. She wanted him to know she could take it, take all of him. She sucked harder, drawing his shaft deeply into her throat. His hips jerked and his muscles tightened.
He ran a hand down her hair to her cheek. “Milaya, I can’t take much more. Let me go, so I can pleasure you.”
Gwen shook her head and sucked. He groaned. His hips jerked, again. Gwen wanted to smile, but that might break the suction. So, she continued to bob up and down on his shaft, sucking him deeply. She felt his wolf rise to the surface, felt how Mischa pushed it back. She noticed when his hands fisted the blankets. Mischa held on by a thread. Gwen loved it. Loved giving him so much pleasure. Loved the control he gave to her.
His hips jerked again, thrusting his shaft into her throat. Gwen swallowed and then raised up. Mischa ran his hand through her hair.
“Gwen. I’m going to come.” His voice held warning, but Gwen wasn’t afraid.
His body tightened even more. Gwen sucked him deeply and swallowed. Warmth suddenly filled her mouth. Mischa shouted her name. She swallowed again, relishing the salty taste. Mischa
collapsed on the bed, his breathing coming fast, and his heart pounding so loudly, she could hear it. She sucked him dry, running her tongue along his shaft to make sure she collected every drop before finally releasing him. She grinned and stood. She loved the expression on Mischa’s face of complete satisfaction. She gave him that look. He smiled up at her, his gaze warm with love.
“Thank you. I appreciate the gift you just gave me. Give me a few minutes and I will reciprocate.”
Gwen nodded. “I’d like that.”
Mischa stood and ran his hand up her arm. “Stay right there.” He moved around behind her, then pulled her hair off her shoulder and kissed a line up to her neck. Tingles of excitement ran up Gwen’s spine and she shivered. Mischa nuzzled her neck and then licked her ear before sucking her earlobe into his mouth and biting gently. Gwen jerked, but quickly refocused on the hand that began to caress her breast. Gwen moaned and leaned back into Mischa’s body.
“That’s right, let me lead you,” Mischa whispered against her skin.
Goose bumps appeared on her arms and Gwen wiggled against the hard body behind her. His natural warmth seemed to surround her and she gave in to the sensation and leaned her head back against his shoulder. One arm encircled her waist and his fingers caressed little circles on her stomach while the other hand continued to play with her nipple, pulling and then rolling the hard little nubbin. Gwen moaned. Desire streaked through her system and a flush of moisture seeped between her legs.
The mating bond was wide open between them and Gwen felt Mischa’s enjoyment as much as her own. He especially liked it when she made a noise to express her desire. His shaft, growing hard, soon pushed into her behind. He continued to kiss and lick her shoulder and neck while he inserted a leg between Gwen’s and pushed them apart.
“I can smell your arousal and it’s driving me crazy. Let’s see how wet you are.” Mischa dipped a finger between her legs. He held it up to show her the glistening wetness before bringing it to his mouth to suck clean.
“Delicious. I’m not sure whether to lick you to completion or take you from behind. Which one would you like more, detka?”
Gwen shuddered at the pictures playing out in Mischa’s mind. She bit her bottom lip trying to decide. While he waited for his answer, Mischa returned to her nether lips and lightly ran a finger through her slit. Gwen gasped.
“Inside me. I want you inside me.”
Mischa kissed her shoulder and Gwen could feel how happy her answer made him. He pushed her legs farther apart and then placed a hand in the middle of her back.
“Lean down for me. Put your hands on the side of the bed.”
Gwen quickly followed directions. Mischa pulled her legs even farther apart and then pushed her head down until it touched the mattress.
“Nice. I need another taste before I fill you. Try not to move, detka.”
Gwen nodded and then realized Mischa couldn’t see it. She went to answer when Mischa dropped to his knees behind her. His tongue delved deeply inside. Gwen cried out in surprise and jerked. Mischa grabbed her hips and held her as he continued to lick and suck the moisture from her core. Gwen’s legs began to tremble. She was awash in pleasure. Her eyes drifted closed. Suddenly, Mischa stopped. Gwen groaned in disappointment. She heard him chuckle.
“Don’t worry, milaya. I won’t leave you wanting.”
His hard rod prodded her insides. Gwen took a breath. Mischa slammed home. Gwen yelled and went up on her tiptoes. The feeling of fullness almost too much to bear. Mischa leaned over her and kissed her back. Gwen gasped. She had no idea her back was an erogenous zone. Mischa blew across the wet caress and a shiver of excitement ran up Gwen’s spine. Her hands fisted in the sheets. He drove her mad as he continued to kiss up her back.
“Please,” she begged.
“All right,” Mischa said.
He pulled out slowly, every inch an exquisite torment. Gwen groaned. Then he slammed back in hitting her cervix. Over and over, he teased her. Her body began to tremble. She pushed back against him when he filled her, reaching for that moment of ecstasy. Again and again, he connected them.
Gwen lost all conscious thought. All she could do was feel his penetration, feel their combined lust and passion, feel the unconditional love he poured into her. She ached with need and trembled with desire.
Mischa changed position slightly hitting a sweet spot as he pushed in. Gwen screamed his name. She broke apart into millions of little pieces, safe in the knowledge that Mischa would catch her. He stiffened and then grunted as warmth suffused her. He sighed and kissed her back, his arms coming around her waist and holding her tightly.
Together they floated in bliss, even as their hearts pounded, and their breath sawed in and out of their bodies. Never before had Gwen felt so completely at peace as she did at this moment. As her heart and breathing slowed, she let herself drift, neither awake nor asleep. Even Mischa kissing her back wasn’t enough to bring her from the haven of bliss.
Mischa slowly withdrew from her body. When she didn’t move. He lifted her onto the bed and then got in behind her, spooning her body.
“Sleep, lyubov moya.” His husky voice caressed her senses.
Gwen smiled.
§
Gwen looked up from her desk the next morning when a knock came on her door.
“Grigori. You’re here.” She started to rise from her chair, but the Alpha motioned her to stay.
“Detective Inspector Lewis called me last night, Gwen.” Grigori sat in the chair in front of her desk.
“I can explain.” Fear punched Gwen’s gut. Would he fire her?
“I’m not angry at you. Stop looking so afraid. I know how hard it is to overcome the need to help in a situation like this.”
“I’m not trying to help. I’m trying to catch a murderer.” Gwen sat forward in her chair.
“Yes, Mischa explained that to me. You are persistent.” Grigori chuckled.
“You talked to Mischa?” Gwen was his employee, not Mischa, well, until recently anyway.
“He’s your mate. I thought he would be the best one to understand your motives.”
“You could have asked me.” Anger and disappointment filled Gwen’s breast. Didn’t the Alpha trust her?
“Why do you think I’m here?” Grigori asked, his voice having a note of scolding in it. “Normally when an Alpha gives direction, the pack member does as he is asked. I asked that you leave this case to the authorities. I know you didn’t grow up in a pack environment, so I can overlook the transgression, but this has to stop.”
“Alpha, I’m sorry, but I can’t stop. I promised Mr. Thomas I’d find his killer. It was his dying request.” Gwen refused to lower her eyes. Pack law insisted the Alpha be obeyed, but in this instance, Gwen couldn’t do it.
“I appreciate the apology, even though I can tell you’re going to continue to disobey me.”
“I’m not trying to be insubordinate. I’m trying to keep a promise.” Please let him understand.
“You’ve come close to betraying your Shadow Walker abilities. I had to blur the questions in Lewis’s mind about how you got to Thomas’s house so quickly. You’re walking a fine line. One that could have repercussions on all of us. I have to protect my pack, Gwen. Every member is counting on me.”
“I understand.” Gwen lowered her head. Heaviness settled into her chest. “I’ll clean out my desk.”
“You misunderstand me. I’m not firing you.”
“What?” Gwen’s gaze jumped to Grigori’s face. He looked stern, but there was a twinkle in his emerald eyes.
“You’re a member of my pack as well. So as your Alpha, I’m going to help you solve this murder and keep you safe.”
“You are?” Hope blossomed and Gwen brushed at a tear that dripped from her eye.
“Yes. Now, Mischa said when you spied on the tea shop owner and her brother that several names were mentioned. If I remember correctly, you said that Mr. Thomas, Mr. Lerner, the brother and several others w
ould gather at the tea shop while you worked there?”
Gwen nodded.
“Can you remember a specific day?” Grigori asked.
“I can narrow it down to a specific week. I kept a diary while I worked at the shop, noting who liked what kind of tea and the different brews they tried and liked. I didn’t know all the men in the group, but I did mark down that Mr. Thomas and Mr. Lerner met with them. Those days they both tended to drink dark tea without the herbal flavors they drank other days when they came in alone.”
Grigori shook his head. “The fact you remember all that and took notes is slightly terrifying. What notes do you take now? Never mind, I don’t want to know. If you can get me those notes, I think I have a way to get some of the other men’s names.”
“I can Shadow Walk to my apartment right now. I should be back fairly quickly.” Gwen rose from her chair.
“I’ll be in my office.” Grigori stood to leave.
Chapter Eleven
Gwen exited the Shadow Dimension in a small alcove around the corner from her flat. She quickly closed the opening into Shadow and looked around to see if any of the pedestrians noticed her appearance. When nobody glanced her way, she joined the throng and turned the corner of her building. She went up the stairs, waving at the camera like always.
Mischa volunteered to watch the monitors today, so he’d see her and know she left the office. She probably should have told him, being her mate, but she’d be right back.
She dug her key out and opened the door, before hurrying to shut off the alarm that began to beep a warning. She turned around to close the door and realized she wasn’t alone.
§
Mischa stared at the monitors in front of him. He tried to keep from yawning. He’d worked security for the pack in Siberia, so he knew this was the most boring job. It needed to be done, however, and the man normally on duty called in sick.
Lycan's Mate: Book Twelve of the Siberian Volkov Pack Romance Series Page 11