by Rivi Jacks
I cry out softly and then moan from the glorious fullness.
He reaches to cup my chin, his eyes burning into mine. “You are mine, and I swear to you I won’t let anything harm you or take you from me,” he vows softly.
His eyes continue to hold mine, and I see a myriad of emotions in their silver-green depths. Anger and determination being the most apparent. He then proceeds to wring cry after cry from me as he thrusts with unrelenting resolve. My legs stiffen, and I feel the tell-tell sign of my impending orgasm as my lower belly tightens when he suddenly pulls out of me.
“On your hands and knees,” he growls, impatiently rolling me over, gripping my waist to pull me up before I can do as bid.
I guess we’re not taking it slow any longer.
“Grab the bars on the headboard.”
My insides tighten sensuously with his authoritative command as Lucas quickly positions himself behind me, and in one swift move, plunges fully into me.
I cry out hoarsely.
“Easy,” he soothes, running his hand down my back along my spine, between my cheeks, pressing his fingers hard against me. I moan softly, arching my back. He gathers the length of my hair in one hand, pulling my head back as his other hand grips my hip, effectively holding me in place. He slowly withdraws and then again, plunges to the hilt.
I cry out once more, gasping for breath, my fingers tightening around the bars as he pauses, savoring the sensation of being fully seated, and then he starts to move with long, deep thrusts, his breathing harsh as he continues his unrelenting rhythm. I push back against him, and when Lucas emits a dark feral growl, my body responds, tightening around him.
He gasps my name and without breaking stride, releases my hair to press against my back, pushing me down until I release the bedposts and my chest is on the mattress, my bottom up in the air.
I feel a slight embarrassment at how this must look but the heavenly sensations coursing through my body as he continues to slam into me quickly abolish any unease of the position.
I tightly grip the sheet beneath me as he pulls my hips back and pushes my knees farther apart. Bringing one of his legs up, he places his foot on the bed near my waist, thrusting hard, and I cry out from the deep penetration.
It’s good that I have the sheets to hold onto otherwise I would spin out of control. I’m adrift in a sea of nothing but erotic stimulation as his erection creates a friction of immense pleasure that builds and builds…
I claw at the sheets as my imminent orgasm swells, the high winds of the cyclone pulling at my body as I hold on for dear life. And then, I let go, spiraling into oblivion.
“Hey,” Lucas says softly as I come back to the world. He’s holding me in his arms as we lie in bed under the covers. He nuzzles my ear, and I turn to face him, wrapping my arm around his waist, pressing my body tightly against his. The depth of my feelings for this man overwhelms me at times.
“How was that for you, my sweet?” He asks, humor apparent in his voice.
“That was—” Really good just doesn’t quite describe what just happened between us. “In my sex scrambled state of mind, I can’t think properly,” I mumble against his chest.
I feel the rumble of his laugh. “Sex scrambled?”
“Hmmm.”
I can almost feel his smile. “Sleep, my sweet.”
“Hmmm,” I hum as I scoot up until I can place my nose against the hollow at the base of his throat. “I love you, Lucas.” I breathe.
I wake the next morning slowly, stretching over-used muscles and sigh a very satisfied sound. I roll over, but I know Lucas has already left for an early morning meeting up at the house.
My phone whistles, announcing a text from Sam.
*Pick you up in 30 minutes on way to visit Christian*
I bound out of bed, again feeling my well-used muscles. Lucas woke me before dawn, once again bringing me to the height of passion, demanding and controlling before allowing me the sweet oblivion of release. I’m humming at the delicious memory as I head for the shower.
“I thought we couldn’t visit Christian until this evening,” I say as Sam, and I walk up the hill toward the infirmary.
“I called, and Lewis said Christian was awake and eager for company.”
The vise around my heart eases a little.
I see Sam look at me from the corner of my eye. “It wasn’t your fault, Sofe.”
I keep my gaze straight ahead. “I don’t know who else’s fault it might be.” My emotions are still raw from the guilt I carry.
Sam makes a disgruntled sound. “I believe the misdeed belongs to the Kihn. How can you blame yourself for what they did the other night?”
I sigh. “I know, Sam. I just feel at fault somewhere in all this.”
He doesn’t say anything to that, and we’re both quiet as we continue up the road. When we’re in sight of the building, Sam breaks the silence. “Lewis was very candid when I called to check on Christian. Evidently, he’s doing better than expected.”
I give a quick prayer of thanks. “Amazing, considering he almost died,” I say softly.
Lewis meets us at the door. “He’s already had several visitors, and you’re his last for a while. Even though he’s mending quicker than he should be, I don’t want him to overdo it. Fifteen minutes. Sorry.”
“That’s fine, Lewis. Thank you so much for letting us see him,” I’m quick to say.
He smiles kindly. “I know you need to see him, Sofie, and he’s been insistent about seeing you.”
I swallow nervously as Lewis leads us to Christian’s room.
He’s sitting up in bed with his eyes closed but he opens them as soon as we walk in. His face breaks into a smile.
“Hi, Christian.” My voice sounds weak, and I clear my throat. “Lewis says you’re doing great. How are you feeling?”
“Hey, Sofie. Sam.” He gives us both a nod. It’s the first time he’s not attached Miss to my name. “Come on in. I hoped you’d come by.”
“You do look good,” Sam says. “What are you doing still in bed?”
“Believe me, I’m ready for Lewis to let me out of here.”
“Maybe tomorrow,” Lewis says. “Don’t forget, he needs to rest.”
“We won’t,” Sam says as Lewis turns to leave.
I move toward the bed. “Is there anything I can get you? Anything you need? I can bring you some magazines or—”
“I’m fine. Really.”
I nod, not trusting my voice.
“I’m glad you came. I’ve been worried about you.”
My eyes widen. “You’ve been worried about me?” I shake my head. “Christian, I am so sorry. I’ll never forgive myself for not listening to you. It’s my fault you were hurt, and I wouldn’t blame you if you never forgave me.”
Christian frowns. “What are you talking about?” I hesitate not sure of how to answer him. “It’s not your fault, Sofie,” he says gently. “The Kihn abducted your friend. They did that knowing you would try to rescue her. They also knew you would bring help with you. Supernatural help. None of us had any way of knowing the danger in that cave.”
“That’s right,” Sam adds. “Sawyer and I were right there too. We didn’t try to talk you out of going in there.”
“You actually made a good decision, Sofie,” Christian says. “Getting in and out of that cave was the right thing to do. We took them by surprise. They weren’t expecting you so soon. If we’d waited, there would have been more of us and more of them, and the outcome would have been much worse.”
I give him a weak smile, appreciative of what he’s trying to do. “I still feel a heap of guilt over putting you in that position and then you being hurt as you were.”
He smiles. “One of these days after you know me better, you’ll
realize I like situations like that.”
I exhale a soft laugh. “If you say so.”
He nods. “I do.” We all glance at the door as Lewis walks past as a reminder that our time is almost up. “My objection to going into that cave was for the basic fact that you were along. I knew it would be dangerous for you and I knew that Lucas would be mad as hell,” —he glances over at Sam— “and I’ve heard that he is, although he didn’t say a thing about it when he was here earlier.”
Sam whistles softly. “Scary mad.”
What?
“Time for Christian to rest,” Lewis says from the doorway.
Christian lifts his hand and gives Lewis a nod. “Sofie, you’ve told me how you feel, and I’ve told you how I feel. There’s no need to say anything else about it.”
“But—” I need to make it up to him in some way.
“If you continue to apologize and blame yourself, I won’t feel comfortable around you.”
I blink at him.
“Say okay, Sofie,” Sam tells me.
I blink again. Seriously? I glance at Lewis who gives me a nod and then back at Christian. “Okay—but you have to stop tagging Miss onto my name. It’s just Sofie from now on.”
Christian gives me a small smile and leans back against the pillows, closing his eyes.
“Thanks,” I tell Sam as we walk back down the hill to the cabin.
“You’re welcome.”
“Is Lucas mad at Christian?” I didn’t dream of Lucas being mad at Christian after he’d been hurt the way he was.
“I don’t think so, why?”
“You said Lucas was scary mad.”
Sam looks at me and grins. “Not at Christian.” His expression quickly sobers. “Lucas was beside himself when he arrived back here yesterday morning. He seemed so—”
When Sam doesn’t continue, I ask, “He seemed so what?”
Sam gives me a quick look. “Like he was—afraid.”
I frown. “He did?” I ask softly, unable to grasp that concept.
“Yeah. Lucas was mad as hell, but there was definitely the other emotion too.”
We stop in front of the cabin. “I’m a little worried at how angry Lucas is,” I admit to Sam. To be more precise, I’m afraid of what Lucas might do because of what happened. I have no idea what he’s capable of, but I’m certain it would be truly frightening if I did. But I also know that Lucas is not cruel or evil, and he doesn’t seem vengeful.
“I was proud of you the other night, Sofie. You remembered everything you learned out at the Zelt’s.”
“I was scared shitless.”
He laughs. “It would have been stupid not to be.”
I laugh too. “I guess.”
“Okay, I’m gonna take off. I need to pick up Rose. Have you talked to Diane or Jake?”
“Not since yesterday. I don’t want to disturb them.”
“Me neither. I figured Jake was staying over there not willing to leave Diane alone after what happened,” Sam says.
“Yeah, her folks are still out of town.”
“If you talk to either of them, I need Jake to call me.”
“Okay. Tell Rose hello.”
“Will do.”
“Hey, did you sit in on the meeting yesterday?”
“I did. It looks as if there will be more of Lucas’ men coming and additional members of the supernatural community arriving soon. Taylor warned us that training is about to get brutal.”
I groan. “It’s been brutal for me all along.”
Sam grins before giving me a hug and then I head inside.
Diane calls soon after, and I relay Sam’s message through her to Jake.
“I wish we could go to Murphy’s,” she says. “I need a little girl time. Jake needs to run down to Ben’s for a bit, but he’s being all freaky about me going out without him and just as freaky about leaving me here alone. Of course, I’m a little freaked out about him leaving me alone too.” She laughs.
“You could go and visit with Lucy,” I say.
“She and Jordy are shopping.”
“They are? Jordy never said anything about that when I was talking to her earlier.” For the first time, I don’t feel easy about my aunts being out on their own.
“I just—I need my best friends,” Diane says. “You know what I mean?”
I close my eyes. “I do.”
“I think Emma Rae is back, we could have her meet us there.”
“I’m sure she is by now since she works tomorrow morning,” I say. I’d like nothing better than to go to Murphy’s. After what’s happened, I feel even more determined to carry on as normal as possible, and like Diane, I need to spend some time with her and Emma Rae. “Let me call Lucas, and then I’ll call you back.”
I call the house phone, not certain who might answer.
“Good morning,” Lucas says. His voice is low with a seductive undertone.
“Hi.” I can hear talking in the background. “Do you always answer your phone that way?” I tease.
He laughs softly. “Only when it’s you, my sweet.” I hear someone call his name.
“I’m sorry to disturb you.”
“You are not a disturbance, Sofie.” I smile at his words. “How are you feeling this morning?” he asks with sexy implication, and I can’t help but wonder if anyone is paying attention to what he’s saying.
“Very well, thank you.” My body warms at the thought of our recent lovemaking. “How are you?”
“I’ve had a little trouble keeping my thoughts on what’s going on here and not on you.”
“I’m sorry.” I know he’s dealing with important matters.
He laughs. “I’m not. I quite enjoy thinking about last night.”
I close my eyes as I feel my face heat. “Me too.”
“Hold on one moment, my sweet.” I hear someone talking to him. “I’m glad you called,” he says after a few moments. “I was planning to call you.”
“You were?”
I hear the shuffling of papers. “Yes. Would you like to go out to dinner with me this evening?”
I smile. “I’d love to.”
“Good.” I can hear the smile in his voice, and I’m suddenly grinning like an idiot. My visit with Christian has certainly made me feel better, and now Lucas’ sexy teasing is just what I need. “I’ll pick you up at six-thirty.”
“Okay.”
“Did you need something or were you just calling because you missed me?”
I laugh. “Both.” Six-thirty can’t get here quick enough. “Diane and I want to go to Murphy’s for lunch. What do you think?”
He’s quiet as I hold the phone waiting and then he says, “That should be fine. I’ll send a couple of the Guard with you, and they can wait outside.”
“Thank you, Lucas.”
“You’re welcome, baby. I’ll see you in a few hours.”
“I can’t wait.”
He chuckles. “Soon, my sweet.”
Sunday lunchtime at Murphy’s is always a mix of daily regulars, those of the community who wander in after church, and the occasional stranger on a Sunday drive.
Diane and I settle at a table at the back of the dining room and wait for Emma Rae to arrive before we order. I can’t begin to describe the relief I feel that Diane is okay and hasn’t let what she’s been exposed to lately force her into hiding out in her house. When I tell her so, she says there’s no way in hell she’s going to let some ugly-ass monsters turn her into a basket-case. I know she’s determined for that to be true, I just hope she doesn’t have to go through anything else.
I head back to get a cup of coffee, stopping to chat with Reenie and Mary Burns who are working behind the counter.
“Reenie, have you figured out when you’d like to have your party?” I ask. I haven’t had much of a chance to talk to her lately.
Her smile falters a little. “No… not yet.” She glances toward the dining room where Calvin is sitting. “You really don’t have to do that, Sofie,” she quickly adds.
“I really want to, Reenie,” I say softly.
“I know. I wish—” Again she glances toward the dining room. “Maybe later, when the weather warms up?”
I turn to look at Calvin, and he glares back at me. I so want to march in there and tell him what a scum-sucking bastard I think he is, but I know Reenie would pay for my small moment of satisfaction.
“Okay. Whatever you think is best, Reenie.” I reach to squeeze her hand. She smiles and heads back to cook an order.
“Poor kid,” Mary quietly says. “She was so excited about us all getting together. That Calvin is a mean SOB.”
“Yes, he is,” I agree as I watch Reenie. “Does he stay here the whole time while she works?” Mary and Reenie usually work together.
“Yeah, and Bobbi was telling me it’s the same when they work together. Calvin won’t let her out of his sight.”
I shake my head. “I need a cup of coffee. If you get a break, come sit with us.”
“I will.”
There’s a new girl in training with my cousin Polly, and I call out a greeting as they wait on a line of shoppers on the grocery side of Murphy’s. I contemplate taking out a cup of coffee to Stevie and Fletcher, who delivered Diane and me to the front door. They’re outside now, keeping an eye out. I seriously doubt I have anything to worry about in broad daylight in the middle of Sweetwater, but two days ago, I never imagined the Kihn would abduct my best friend either. I add cream to my coffee and decide against taking the two vampires a cup. I’ve offered before, but they always decline. I need to ask Lucas if it’s because his men aren’t allowed refreshment when they’re on duty.