“Not before I offer you a drink in my cabin,” Melissa retorted. “Don’t worry. It’s pretty close.”
“One drink,” he raised his index finger in the air. “Then, I’m out.”
“Yeah, right,” she told herself, as a mischievous smile formed on her face. Melissa was not going to tell him of course, but a drink was not exactly what she had in mind. She was happy, yes, but there was only thing that could make her even happier, and it was not alcohol.
Chapter Ten
A romantic sight caught Melissa’s eye, as she and Joe headed towards the edge of the forest: A narrow, dim patch of moonlight between two trees, at the border of the woods. And, as she looked up into the sky, she discovered the reason behind the absence of any similar patches. The moon was just beginning to peek through the foaming billows. All she could see was the top edge of the globe, casting its pale light upon the valley, as it broke through the clouds. Was this a sign of better things yet to come? She couldn’t know. What Melissa did know, was that the sensation of Joe’s hand in her’s gave her a reason to smile. Her dream of being with someone worthwhile was coming true. It was still very new; there would be many obstacles along the way, threatening to destroy it, but she would not preoccupy herself with speculating what they might be. She was walking with Joe under the moonlight. Why should she trouble her mind with anything else?
Much to her pleasure, the lights in her brothers’ cabins were out, including Raul’s. By then, Joe’s scent was so strong that an open window could give away his presence. She meant to keep their relationship secret, at least for the time being. Certainly, Raul, Dean and Ray had to know about him. Helena or their mates could have broken the news to them, and neither of them was as lenient as the witch. They could rip the poor man apart.
“Here we are.” Melissa announced, pushing the front door of her cabin open.
“Hmm…” Joe hummed, rubbing his cheek, as he strode into her kitchen. “You guys don’t lock doors around here?”
“That’s one of the perks of being the Alpha’s sister,” She responded, with a smug smile on her face. “No one messes with you.”
“Alpha?” Joe squinted down at her, as he closed the door behind him.
“Oh, man…” Melissa huffed in exasperation, shutting her eyes, upon the realization that she would have to explain the basics of her world. “Wolves live in packs. There is a pack right here in Paxton. My brother Raul is the Alpha male. He’s the leader. My other two brothers are his lieutenants. To hurt me or them is a serious offense. You could get killed for it. By the way, this stuff stays between us.”
“Alright; my lips are sealed,” Joe nodded and then pressed his lips together, miming locking them and throwing away the key.
“Go have a seat,” she urged, waving him away. “What can I get you?”
“Beer would be nice,” he responded, peering ceiling-ward as he sauntered towards her couch. “I like what you’ve done with the place. It’s pretty cozy. I feel like I’m in one of those fancy cabins in the Alps.”
“Thanks,” Melissa muttered, taking a beer bottle out of her fridge, as he seated himself on her couch. “My brothers built it for me when I graduated from high school, six years ago. They threw a huge party when they finished it. I can’t blame them; it took them three weeks of hard work.”
“Aren’t you going to join me?” Joe wondered, as she set the bottle down on the table in front of him.
“Actually, no,” she uttered, her voice a husky whisper, separating her legs as she bent down towards him. “I’m in the mood for something…” she paused, putting her knees on the couch, “…a little hotter than that.” Joe gave a short chuckle, snaking his arms around her, as she sat on his lap. Melissa pressed her lips against his mouth, lifting her own arms up to cup his face, surrendering to her impatience to taste him yet again, as his big, soft hands, snuck under her shirt. She wanted him; she longed for this lonely man, the closed book that was slowly opening up to her. She wanted to claim him as her own. Joe was a prize: a 6’3”, gorgeous, sensitive prize, who had shut himself off from women, but had not been able to resist her.
His hands traveled up her back, mapping out her skin, as the tip of his tongue teased the edge of her mouth. Darts of desire shot through her, as he traced his tongue along her lower lip. A low whimper escaped her, as she felt his fingers fiddling with the clasp of her bra. Before she knew it, her breasts had spilled out of their lace cups, as she trailed her index and middle fingers across his jawline. Rushing pleasure was quickly building inside her. She could feel his hardness under her hips, growing beneath her, as she stroked his face. Teasing her fingers up his cheek, Melissa tugged at his lower lip, as his hands crept around her back. She ground against him once, as his thumbs brushed the undersides of her breasts. Tipping her head back, she released his face, in eager anticipation of his caresses. As she reached down to grab her shirt however, she felt a strong, upward push. Her playful squeak filled the air, as her feet left the floor. Joe turned Melissa around in his arms, his eyes filled with wanton desire.
“You’ll like it better this way, little girl,” he said, his baritone dripping with lust, as he eased her down on the couch. Kneeling down on his feet, he reached towards her and unzipped her jeans, as she pulled her shirt up and over her head. Gripping them by the waistband, Joe slid her jeans down her legs, his gaze locked on her face. Stopping at her ankles, he took her shoes off, and then pulled them off her. A deep grunt fled his lips, as he wrapped the fingers of one hand around her ankle. He hadn’t touched her yet, but the lust in his eyes, along with his patience, were sending waves of heat to her loins. Joe raised her leg up in the air, and brought it to his level. Tipping his head down, he began to kiss his way up her calf as his hands followed his mouth. Melissa bit her lower lip, enjoying the sight of his masculine face worshipping her leg, savoring the warmth of his breath on her skin.
“So long…” Joe whispered, planting a fiery kiss on her knee; “…so smooth; just beautiful.”
Unable to come up with a rebuttal, she tilted her head back, feeling his fingers on her inner and outer thighs. He wasn’t just trying to turn her on. He was taking her on a sensual journey, one that she couldn’t believe she was embarking upon. His every word spurred her arousal. His touch seemed to promise an unforgettable trip to the land of pleasure, a journey to the world of sensation. Joe’s lips reached her hip, as his knuckles brushed against the fabric of her panties. Melissa believed that he would linger there. More than anything in this world, she desired to feel his mouth all over her most sensitive areas. But, he had a surprise for her. Joe flicked his tongue over her thong, as he smoothed his hand over her pussy, forcing a longer whimper from her. Narrowing her eyes to slits, her breath getting heavier, she watched, as he made his way up her stomach. By now, her wetness had seeped through her panties. His hand slid up the valley between her breasts, causing her body to tense beneath him. Opening his eyes, Joe let his gaze roam over her big, supple globes, exhaling gently on her skin. Melissa tilted her head back, a soft moan escaping her, as his lips landed on the underside of her left breast.
“Kiss me…” she whimpered, reaching forward, as the tip of his tongue tantalized her flesh. Tracing his index finger around her other nipple, he nipped her breast with his teeth first and then kissed it, as she gripped the back of his hair. Melissa pressed him down onto her, feeling her nipples hardening, as he sucked her left one into his mouth, driving stakes of lust into her belly. She could feel his warm tongue running circles around the peak, teasing, taunting, and sending every nerve in her body into overdrive. Joe pinched her right nipple lightly, before filling his hand with her breast, her delectable flesh pushing eagerly against his hand, as she knitted her fingers through his hair. He flicked his tongue over the swollen peak of her nipple, grunting, as she tipped her head forward. Melissa’s vision was blurry. She didn’t need to visualize what he was doing to her; she enjoyed it nonetheless, as Joe’s mouth and hands were offering her all the atte
ntion that she craved. Running her hands down his head, she stopped them on the sides of his neck, and pushed him back, dying for one more kiss.
“Oh, baby…” Melissa whispered, claiming his lips, as she pulled him towards her. Their mouths joined in a long, fiery kiss, as he reached down her body. Without wasting any time, Joe hooked his index fingers into the waistband of her panties, as she splayed her fingers over his cheeks. She lifted her ass off the couch momentarily, as he slid her thong down her legs. Rolling her underwear off her feet, he tossed them over his shoulder, as his other hand got busy undoing the buttons of his jeans. Joe tugged his pants down over his hips, pulling them down his legs, as she let go of his face. Melissa grabbed the collar of his shirt, as he exposed his big, throbbing cock. Buttons sprayed her floor, as she ripped his shirt open. His short laugh filled her ears, as she leaned her back against the couch. Peeling off his shirt, Joe slowly rose, running his gaze down her body. Melissa’s eyes landed on the perfect line between his pecs. She had already caught a glimpse of his masculine chest, but seeing it in all its glory was entirely different, sending sparks of arousal dancing up and down her thighs. But, not even a sight as sexy as that could compare to the one that greeted her, as her gaze roamed down his body. Joe had wrapped his fingers around his large, stiff cock, biting his lower lip, as he stared down at her pussy. A thick drop of precum dripped off his cockhead, as he pulled his foreskin back. Bending his knees, he gripped the base of his shaft, as he aligned it with her entrance. Melissa released her breath on a deep, lustful sigh, as the swollen head dipped inside her.
“God, it’s huge…” she moaned, squeezing her eyes shut, as his cock delved deeper, stretching her inner walls. Joe curled his hands around her upper thighs, and pulled her closer, her warm, wet pussy clenching around him, as she took every inch of his length deep inside her. The wolf within was purring with satisfaction, licking her lips, reveling in the moment. She had enticed him, conquered him, and knocked his defenses down, like no other had in a while. Melissa was swelling with pride. With every thrust, her body felt like it was glowing from the inside out, as the sensation pulsed stronger. She struggled to focus her blurry eyes on the ridges of his cut abs, her moans audible over his grunts, as his muscles flexed with every pump of his cock. Sadly though, he didn’t allow her to stare at him for more than just a few seconds. Joe circled his hips hard, thrusting into her, forcing her to cry out with pleasure, as she tossed her head back. It was perfect, in every imaginable way. He was sliding in and out of her, hard and fast, quenching her desire, his attention lingering on her breasts, as they bounced up and down.
“Amazing,” he grunted, bringing a smug smile to her lips, as he reached down towards her breasts. A deeper groan escaped her, as he cupped them. Joe pressed them together, his thumbs brushing her nipples, as she cried out with pleasure. Watching the ripple of his muscles was not enough anymore. His face was so much closer, and for Melissa, a glimpse of the desire in his eyes was a much better aphrodisiac. Raising her arms, she gripped the back of his head, and pulled him down, as he bucked into her harder. She raked her nails against his skin, molten ecstasy rippling through her, as their eyes met. Joe’s stone-blue irises had darkened in the dim illumination, assuming an opaque shade. Melissa attempted to keep her focus on him, but the sensation of his delicious penetration was so overwhelming that she closed her eyes against how good it felt to have him plowing away inside her.
“Yeah, baby!” She moaned, throwing her head back, her pussy muscles flexing around his shaft, as Joe’s vigorous strokes catapulted her into a tremendous orgasm that had her body quivering with pleasure. Before the waves of her climax could subside, she could feel his cock pulsing inside her, harder than before. Joe pulled out, grabbing the base of his soaking wet manhood, just before his juices erupted out of him. Panting for breath, he released it at once, and gripped Melissa by the wrists, as a sweet smile spread across his face.
“A drink, huh?” He teased, pulling her towards him.
“Yeah,” she chirped, gazing into his eyes, as she breathed heavily on his skin. “What, you didn’t like it?”
“I loved it,” Joe confessed, assuming a more serious tone. “I wish I didn’t have to leave.”
“Then stay,” Melissa whispered, laying a quick kiss on his chin.
“I can’t,” he said as he shook his head sideways, and a wave of disappointment washed over his face. “I canceled on a major client, just to get here tonight. I rescheduled our appointment for tomorrow morning at nine.”
“Is this how it’s going to be from now on?” She wondered, a touch of anger in her tone.
“No,” he reassured, sliding his hands up her forearms, “of course not. It’s going to be hard with the distance and all, but I will find time for you. My last appointment tomorrow is at 2:30pm. I’ll try to get rid of him, and come back to you, ASAP. I promise.”
“Ok, Mister.” Melissa said with a smile. “Call me, before you leave New York.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Joe whispered, moving his lips over to her cheek. He kissed her on the cheek, as a feeling of sorrow struck her. They wouldn’t spend the night together. However, she didn’t mind; at least not as much as she initially believed. Melissa had accomplished her goal. She had moved him. For a man who was so easily influenced by his emotions, this was vital. More nights of passion lay ahead. She just had to be patient.
Chapter Eleven
Joe’s fruity scent was still lingering in the air, when Melissa pried her eyelids open, the following morning. It might not have been as pungent as a few hours earlier, but it still surrounded her, vividly reminding her of their passionate encounter; the memory painting a smile on her face while she lay in bed. As she swiped her finger over the screen of her cell phone, the incoming message from Joe broadened that smile.
“Just got back to Manhattan. The taste of your lips is still in my mouth. Shouldn’t have left. Thank you for believing me, Melissa. It really means a lot to me. Can’t wait to take you in my arms again.”
Melissa rolled out of bed, impatient to reveal to her friends what had transpired. Still, as she took a quick look at herself in the bathroom mirror, she discovered that she wouldn’t really have to say much to them. Indeed, she was glowing. The truth was written all over her face. Nevertheless, she had to update them on Helena’s intentions. They all had to know about this development.
Melissa descended down the stairs, casting a glance over at the couch, as Joe’s statement flashed into her mind.
“I couldn’t care less.”
“You accepted me as I am. I did the same for you.” She thought to herself, sliding the kitchen window open. But, just as she completed that sentence, a wave of frustration flooded through her veins. Yes, Melissa had revealed her nature to him, but, she had failed to let him know about the weakness that claimed the lives of her father, her grandfather, and nearly killed her two brothers: her fragile heart. In a matter of seconds though, she was compelled to reconsider. Joe was made aware of the basics. Why should she ramble on about something that would definitely bewilder him? More than that, why should she inform him of one of the – very few – things that could harm her? She liked him, she admired him; yet, it was too early to share that kind of information with him.
Melissa grabbed her red coffee jar, and pulled the lid off. Unfortunately however, she would not get to enjoy a cup of coffee that morning, not yet at least. Heavy, hurried footsteps forced her to tear her gaze away from the jar. Raul blurred past her window. In the blink of an eye, he grabbed the doorknob, and stormed into her cabin. As a matter of fact, he used so much force that her front door flew open, and then hit the door behind it. The skin on his face was pulled tight with tension, as his chest heaved.
“Damn it, Mel, what the hell did you do?” Raul’s stentorian voice rumbled like thunder, as he narrowed his eyes at her. “Our whole goddamn yard smells like cherries. What did you do, spray him all over the place?”
“What I do with my life is my own bu
siness, not yours,” Melissa retorted, her tone calm and steady, as she folded her arms across her chest.
“That is exactly my point!” She recognized Monica’s voice, but, it was way more high-pitched than usual, as she strode into her cabin, exhaling hard. Apparently, she had been chasing her mate. “Good morning, Melissa. Helena was just in our cabin. She told us about your meeting with that…”
“Douche bag,” Raul finished her sentence, putting his hands on his waist, “touched by the devil himself; cursed; doomed; take your pick; they all apply.”
“Do they?” Melissa asked, raising a sarcastic brow.
“Yes!” Raul gave an emphatic nod, leaning over her.
“Ok, then imagine this,” Melissa urged, assuming a stiffer tone, maintaining eye contact with him. “Let’s say that Monica dies. You’re hurting: desperate. Some guy shows up, and promises to take away that pain. On top of that, he says he’ll make you a star at your job. What would you do?”
“I’d wait for my death,” he lowered his voice, as his face became less tight. “But, this isn’t about me. Can you imagine the danger the whole town is going to be in if your boy pisses off the demon?”
“Excuse me?” Monica squeaked, spinning left to face him. “Did I you hear you correctly? Did you just say ‘danger’?”
“I did,” Raul gave a quick nod, turning to her. “Have you thought about that?”
“Stop being so hypocritical, my Alpha,” Monica grumbled, her tone firm, as she threw a fierce glare up at him. “You were the first to bring danger to Paxton, by pursuing me. You and your brothers were ready to take on the entire pack, just because you wanted to date me. Dean gambled his life by fighting against a terrible witch like Marianne. You cannot judge Melissa, Raul. You don’t have that right.”
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