“You want to run?”
Cooper bowed his head.
“Go! I’ll catch up,” she encouraged.
Cooper paused for a second before he darted into the brush. Amy let out a sigh, texted Mason to let him know all was well, and then quickly undressed.
— — —
Cooper zipped through the trees. Everything was clearer, brighter. He could see for miles and his hearing was impeccable. Every rustle of the leaves and chirp of the crickets resonated through him. Amy’s scent hit him first, roses and vanilla, then he heard her soft paws padding across the dirt.
He turned and watched as a white wolf stepped out of the brush. Part of him still couldn’t believe this was real. If it was a dream he didn’t want to wake up. This thing with Amy was perfect. They studied each other a long moment before Amy darted back into the brush. Cooper howled as he sprinted after her. She was fast—so was he.
They ran through the woods, hopping over logs and strutting through streams. He had no idea how much time passed, but eventually they ended up at the clearing where it had all began. The full moon hung high above them, casting a white glow over the trees. It beckoned to his wolf, but not as much as the beautiful woman before him did.
He watched as Amy shifted on her feet, seemingly stretching her canine torso before she closed her eyes. The white fur disappeared, replaced with creamy flesh as her bones snapped and realigned into place.
Cooper averted his gaze and focused on his human form as Amy completed his transition. He wasn’t sure this was right, but assumed the change back was similar to the initial one. His vertebra snapped and he grimaced, but the pain wasn’t as bad this time around. In a few short seconds, the change was complete and he was human on his hands and knees in the dirt.
Amy shuffled to his right and he fought the urge to peek over at her. He had no doubt she’d be glorious, but he didn’t want to push. What had happened before his shift might not be what she wanted now.
“How do you feel?” she asked quietly.
“Better,” he admitted. The idea that he’d just turned into a wolf and run through the woods didn’t bother him at all ironically. He turned to his clothes, but paused when Amy’s bare foot came into view.
“Good.”
He glanced up at her and his breath caught in his throat. She was still wonderfully bare. Her long wavy locks covered her ample breasts and her ivory skin begged to be touched.
She nibbled her bottom lip. “I meant what I said earlier…what we started,” she said as red tinged her cheeks.
Cooper cleared his throat as his cock rose to attention. I want nothing more than to take her right here and now. She’s beautiful. Mesmerizing. But he had to think clearly. “I don’t have any protection with me, Amy,” he warned. Damn, I should carry condoms in my wallet.
Amy licked her lip. “It’s okay. I can’t pregnant if I’m not in heat. It’s a wolf thing,” she explained. “I mean, if you want to that is,” she murmured as she wrapped her arms around her middle and glanced at the ground.
Cooper reached out, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear as he placed his thumb under her chin. “I want to, Amy.”
She nodded as their eyes connected. Needing no further encouragement, he leaned forward and captured her lips. Amy hummed against his mouth as she wrapped her arms around him. Her breasts pushed up against his chest and he growled at the contact. He couldn’t take this too fast. This needed to be perfect for Amy. Their first time together needed to be wonderful. The woods weren’t ideal, but there was a certain turn on to it, too.
He took his time kissing her as one of his hands dropped to her breast. It fit perfectly in his palm and he moved his fingers, rolling her areola between his thumb and forefinger. Amy whimpered at the contact as her nails dug into his shoulders. Her hips pushed against his and his cock trembled with anticipation. It took all his willpower not to take her against the nearest tree. No. This is going to be about her.
His fingers trailed down her back and gripped her butt as he hoisted her into the air. Her legs instinctively wrapped around his torso and his dick grew even harder as her slick center pressed against him. He gritted his teeth as he knelt down and laid her before him on the ground.
She stared up at him through hooded eyes as he took her peaks into his hands.
“You’re so beautiful,” he complimented.
Cooper leaned down and sucked one of her buds in his mouth. His fingers tiptoed down her belly until he found the succulent folds between her legs. Slowly, he inserted two digits, groaning at how wet she already was. He could have her right now if he wanted, but first he was going to make her come, at least once.
Amy’s hips rotated, moving with his hand as he pumped his fingers in and out of her. He suckled her breast, loving on her before placing open-mouthed kisses to the other peak. His thumb found her clit and he pressed down on it in time with his thrusts.
Tiny mewls escaped her mouth as it opened into a tiny ‘O’. Her breath labored and her hips jerked wildly with his movements.
“Please, Cooper,” she begged as she peered up at him.
Cooper kissed her breast one last time before he lowered his mouth to her naval and caressed his way to her center. “Not yet. I want to taste you first,” he admitted as he licked her sopping core. She tasted divine and he delved into her folds again, enjoying the way she squirmed with each lick. His thumb continued to press against her clit as his fingers thrust in and out of her silky folds.
His other hand reached up and grasped her breast, continuing to gently squeeze her pert peak. Amy tensed beneath him as her hips jerked. She was so close. He wanted to taste more.
“Cooper,” she panted as her fingers fisted in his hair.
“Let go,” he encouraged as he placed another kiss to her core.
Amy gasped and shuddered as her juices flooded his mouth. He licked up every drop, nuzzling her a bit longer before working his way back up her body.
“You’re wonderful,” he told her again as he hovered over her.
Her cheeks were rosined and her eyes shone brightly. “That was amazing,” she panted.
“I’m not done yet, assuming you’re still willing?” he didn’t want to push her knowing her past.
“Cooper, please don’t stop,” she all but begged. “I need you.”
Cooper pressed his chest against hers, hissing at the contact of her sweaty skin against his. His cock probed her entrance and grew impossibly harder with anticipation.
He skimmed his hand down Amy’s sides to her hips. As she wrapped her legs around him, he slowly slid in. He growled at the contact. She was so wet, so tight, so perfect. He gave her a moment to adjust to his length before he pulled out and plunged back into the hilt.
Amy gasped and squeezed her legs tighter around him as she began to rock her hips. Cooper leaned forward and captured her lips again. She moaned into his mouth as he thrust into her and set a steady pace. Her folds seemed to suck him in, milking his cock to perfection. This moment was perfect and he would give anything to have it stretch on for eternity.
Cooper thrust his tongue along Amy’s in time with his strokes. Each pump she grasped him tighter, pulling him deeper, opening herself to him completely.
“Harder,” she gasped out between kisses.
Cooper plunged in, quickening his pace. He pulled back as Amy tilted her head back. One of her hands went to her breast and he watched greedily as she played with herself. Wanting to heighten her pleasure, he snuck one hand between them and pressed his thumb against her clit, toying with her sensitive bud.
Amy bucked upward at the contact and he continued to please her. “You still want it harder?” he growled out.
“God yes. Yes! Just please don’t stop. I’m so close,” she whimpered as her hips jerked wildly beneath him.
Good. He was close, too. Now he just needed to make sure she came first. He leaned forward suckling one breast into his mouth and bit down lightly. Amy screamed at the contact, shudde
ring beneath him. Her inner walls clamped down on his dick, milking him as she came. Cooper howled as he tipped over the edge and spilled his seed. Dots blotted his vision as he thrust against her a few more times.
He collapsed over her, spent. Together they cuddled against each other, both fighting to catch a breath.
“Mahalo,” Amy whispered as she grazed her fingers up and down his back.
“What are you thanking me for?” he said, lifting his head and staring down at her.
Amy swallowed and cleared her throat. “I never thought I’d be normal again. You’ve opened me up to the world again. For the first time in forever, I wake up in the morning and have something to look forward to.”
Cooper placed a tender kiss to her forehead. “You were never not normal, Amy. And you’re the one who opened up on your own. I am glad that you enjoy being with me. I’m growing quite fond of you, too.”
Amy cocked her head to the side and frowned as if she were considering his words. She opened her mouth to say something, but her cell rang loudly in the dirt next to them. She sighed and shook her head.
“That’s Mason.”
“You should probably get it,” he said as he placed another tender kiss to her lips.
“I’ll get it later,” Amy murmured as she rolled him to his back and placed another fevered kiss to his lips. His cock stirred and he grinned. Later sounded like a really good idea.
NINE
Amy sighed and rolled over, instinctively reaching out for Cooper. Instead of a warm body, she was met with cool sheets. She blinked her eyes open and sat up. Her room was empty.
Laughter and chatter carried up from downstairs and she ran a hand through her hair. It was Christmas morning. Go figure I’d wake up alone. It’s the damn Christmas curse again. Where was Cooper anyway? The past few weeks had been perfect. Her luck was horrible, but she knew he wouldn’t up and leave.
A knock at her door drew her attention back to the present. Before she could call out the doorknob jiggled and Mason popped his head in.
“Merry Christmas,” he greeted with a smile.
“Yeah, yeah,” she mumbled as she tossed the comforter back and slid out of bed.
“You should brighten up. A little birdie told me this is going to be your best Christmas ever,” Mason said his beam widening.
Amy lifted her brow and shook her head as she grabbed her robe and cinched it around her waist. Yeah. I’ll believe it when it happens.
“I wasn’t too sure about the Reed’s when they brought you home—shot and half dead. But I have to admit I think they’re going to make a nice addition to our family,” he told her earnestly.
Amy rolled her eyes as a pang of fear jabbed her heart. Caleb had committed to coming to Germany. She and Cooper hadn’t spoken about the future. It wouldn’t be right to ask him to leave everything behind—even if she desperately wanted him to. The choice needed to be his.
“We should head down stairs,” Mason said pulling her from her thoughts. “It’s time to open gifts.”
Amy crinkled her nose at the reminder. She’d made a small gift for Cooper. A necklace—a manly one. But she figured they’d do a small gift exchange later. Again they hadn’t really discussed it.
“At least come down for our big announcement,” Mason insisted. “We are telling everyone over breakfast, but we have to open gifts before we eat.”
Amy laughed as a flurry of excitement filled her. That’s right they are telling everyone about the baby today. She still couldn’t believe that she was going to be an aunt. It would be more real once everyone knew.
“Come on. Cooper’s waiting for you. He’s having a hell of a time containing his gift for you,” Mason chuckled.
“What?” Amy asked quietly. What had Cooper gotten her? “What is it?”
“I can’t ruin the surprise. But I was asked to get your butt downstairs,” he said as he took a step back and exited.
Amy drew in a deep breath and followed her brother out and down the long hallway to the front room. Her family’s voices carried up the stairs as everyone spoke and laughed. She tiptoed down the stairs and couldn’t help the smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth as the fully lighted tree came into view. The pine was perfectly decorated and the multi-colored lights shone brightly in the darkened entryway.
A tiny bark drew her attention from the tree to Cooper. She gasped and her heart swelled as their gazes met. In his arms was a puppy. A German Shepard. Her mouth popped open and she hurried down the rest of the stairs.
“Hau’oli Lanui,” Cooper whispered. She’d heard the Hawaiian phrase enough to know it meant Merry Christmas.
The pup wiggled in his arms, eager to see her. Amy scooped the dog up and leaned in to press her lips to Cooper’s. “Merry Christmas,” she said with a laugh as the dog licked at her ears.
“I hope you like her,” Cooper said as he gave her another kiss.
“Oh my gosh, yes,” she gushed as she squeezed the lovable, wriggly pup happily. “Thank you.”
“I’m glad. Mason helped me pick her out,” Cooper admitted.
“Oh?” Amy asked intrigued. She was glad her brother and Cooper got along.
“I told him about Tizzy and how I thought you might like a puppy. He agreed and offered to help,” Cooper explained.
“I’m glad the two of you are getting along,” she admitted as she nestled her head against Cooper’s. The puppy yawned and nuzzled against her, too.
“Me, too. Especially since we’re going to be living together,” Cooper said as he placed a kiss to her forehead.
“You’re coming to Germany?” Amy said slowly. This was happening. It was really happening. Her heart soared and she smiled as happy tears pricked her eyes.
“I don’t want to be anywhere you’re not,” he replied as pulled back and met her eyes. “Amy, I love you. My future, my life, is wherever you are.”
“I love you, too,” she whispered as she kissed him again. “What about your parents? Your family?” she worried. She should be thankful, but she wanted to make sure that he knew what he was in for.
“They understand that I’m following my heart. Besides, we’ll be back,” he grinned.
“We will?” she asked with a frown. Usually they never came back. But then again, they were leaving Hawaii for a different reason then they’d left Cancun.
“Yeah. I promised my parents you and I would get married on the beach.” He pulled back and tugged something out of his pocket. Cooper popped the lid open and Amy gasped at the diamond ring that stared back at her. “That’s assuming of course, that you agree to marry me?”
Amy’s mouth dropped as she covered her mouth with her free hand. The pup looked up and sniffed at the jewelry box. Cooper lifted a brow at her and drew in a deep breath. “Yes. Yes,” she said realizing she hadn’t answered him yet. She laughed out loud. “Oh my gosh. Yes!”
Cooper lifted the ring out of the box and slipped it onto her finger. Mason was right; this was her best Christmas ever. Somehow Cooper had broken the curse that had plagued her for so many years. Or maybe she’d done it herself. Either way, Christmas was healed and she had a lot more to look forward to with her family, Cooper, and their new puppy. She closed her eyes as Cooper swooped down and captured her lips. Life was wonderful.
ABOUT
Wayward Wolves
Want to read more from the Wayward Wolves universe? Curious what happens when a werewolf on the run collides—literally with the brother of the man she's running from? Check out other titles by Bethany Shaw.
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Bethany Shaw
Bethany Shaw lives in Ohio with her husband and two kids. Writing has always been her passion and she loves sharing her stories with readers. When she isn't writing, she is spending time with her family. They enjoy bike rides, bowling, and board games.
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God of Nightmares
Dardanos, Co.
C
alle J. Brookes
Acylias was one of the most ancient and powerful gods. He searched the worlds for the lost shifters as a bird of prey, and knew he was a terrifying sight. All feared him. And he liked it that way.
He would not be brought low by a half-human, half-witch female of less than thirty years!
Until her arrow sent him hurtling from the sky.
Teagan Taniss would defend her children however she could. She’d fended off demons and before, and she’d face them all again if it would keep her family safe. And something was coming for them all…
Teagan had to make a choice—go with the shifter in front of her promising protection, or stay and defend her children alone. Teagan had only minutes to decide.
ONE
Acylias would not lose them.
The girls he followed were definitely Lupoiux werewolf pups though, their blonde hair was unusual for their Kind. They weren’t full grown; he doubted they’d even met their sixteenth year. They were smaller than Lupoiux normally were, as well. Weaker?
Maybe not. He could smell the Lupoi blood, the blood of his forefathers, within them.
How could he not? He was of the most ancient of lines, and he was the most ancient of Lupoi. He had a younger brother, but the wolf god Eiophon had been changed so much through the thousands of years that they resembled each other not much at all anymore.
That did not matter; whenever he was near Lupoi blood he knew. Felt it. He was taxed by these forefathers to preserve and protect every drop of Lupoi blood that remained in every world.
And these were two young girls in a world they should not be in any longer.
Acylias flew overhead. It was easier to track the girls from the sky, and as a Lupoiun shifter, the sky was where he was the most comfortable.
One looked over her shoulder to where they had been. The other searched the sky above them.
Acylias knew they would not see him. Or if they did, they would see only a large raptor flying lazily overhead.
Sugar, Spice, and Shifters: A Touch of Holiday Magic Page 28