Shifter’s Surrender

by Jennifer Dellerman

  Kaylie frowned, making a mental note to talk with Tess about that. Female shifters had lower body temps then the males, which made her wonder if that oddity was another reason for the mating heat. Maybe the reason for the lack of cubs was due to the difference in body temps, and thus the only time a female could get pregnant was during that specific cycle. According to Jacklyn Chavez, mated females go through an intense period of arousal once every year or so. Could be nature’s way to keep the population in check. But did such medical reasoning apply to the human female mates? Would Kaylie go through this every year? And what would happen if Dean was no longer available to attend to her?

  With a heavy sigh Kaylie padded back into the bathroom and put her hair up in its customary ponytail. Though her eyes were on her reflection, she was remembering how it felt when Dean ran his hands through her hair. He’d seemed fascinated with it, splaying the strands all over his pillows.

  Frustration with herself, Kaylie shook her head to clear it. Great sex and four hours of sleep were making her discombobulated. She couldn’t continue to think about Dean’s very clever hands, his memorizing green eyes, or his yummy body. Despite her worry about their future, or more probably the lack there of, she was getting riled up, and she’d only left his bed thirty minutes ago.

  But once again her traitorous mind hopped back on the remembrance wagon. This time to the faint indentation on his left ankle. Dean’s skin was naturally dark so the mark hadn’t been noticeable, but when she was returning the favor of a full body massage, short as it was thanks to Dean’s voracious appetite, she’d felt the rougher skin, and had wondered. Was it something from birth or had he had an accident? As a veterinarian she had come across dogs that bore similar marks around their throats, ones that had been chained up and abused. God, had something like that happened to Dean? Had he been chained or shackled in some way as a child?

  “Don’t,” she told herself, heartsick at the thought of Dean as a boy, or of any innocent child or animal for that matter, imprisoned in any fashion. “Wondering only makes it worse. You can’t do anything about it now.”

  But she could ask. Maybe. Or would that only ruin the flimsy relationship they had? Dean was so adamant about not committing and claiming a mate that any too personal questions might drive him back behind that horrid façade of mild interest she hated so much. Or worse yet, might push him to look at her with disdain. Then again, whatever happened to him as a child, chained or not, no doubt had a direct correlation with not only his attitude about his unmated future, but also that loss of temper he’d had when he’d decimated the condom box. While Kaylie hadn’t been afraid he would physically harm her with those very sharp claws and fangs of his, she had been momentarily taken aback by the display. And as a female, she wanted to know the reason for it.

  “Stop it,” she said aloud and distracted herself by strapping on a fanny pack and checking the contents one by one, from a mini medical kit to a trash bag. Peter would have the caving gear all ready when she and Dean arrived. A glance at the bedside clock showed the time as two minutes to eight. While she hadn’t been exactly quiet on leaving his house, she now wondered if she should have set an alarm for Dean.

  “Well,” she muttered to herself as she bounded down the stairs. “Too late now. You told him about it Thursday, and reminded him last night. If he shows, great, if not, then you’re still going to have fun with the others.”

  Kaylie popped her head in the kitchen to tell her mom goodbye. “I’ll be at the fair about two so you can take a break,” she said, snatching the offered blueberry muffin out of her mom’s hand and eating it with gusto.

  “You look a bit tired, honey,” Ruth said, giving Kaylie an appraising stare. “Didn’t have a good night sleep?”

  Thinking of those Twix commercials and needing a moment, Kaylie stuffed the rest of the muffin in her mouth. She murmured as she chewed, avoiding a reply as she set about fixing a giant to-go thermos of hot coffee.

  “I take it that’s a no?” Ruth pressed.

  Unable to look her mom in the eye, she stammered, “Ah, not really.” Kaylie lifted the mug to her lips.

  “Hmm. Well, knowing you had a full day ahead of you, you probably shouldn’t have stayed up half the night playing doctor with Dean.”

  Shocked, Kaylie spewed out a mouthful of coffee all over the countertop. “Mom!” She squeaked.

  Ruth laughed and first swiped Kaylie’s mouth with a wet towel before wiping up the spill on the counter. “Go on with you. I heard him pull up as you were coming down the stairs.”

  Even with a face red with embarrassment, her heart picked up at the affirmation of Dean’s arrival. Glad there wasn’t time for her mom to pry further, Kaylie gave Ruth a quick peck on the cheek. “If you get tired before I get there, have Tess take over. Don’t overdo it. You’re still recovering.”

  Ruth rolled her eyes. “Yes, doctor.”

  “I love you,” Kaylie called out as she rushed to the front door.

  “I love you more.” Her mom’s voice followed Kaylie down the hall making her grin. With her sweatshirt riding one shoulder and one hand full of coffee, she opened the door and stepped out into the morning sun.

  Kaylie spotted Dean immediately, and not just because he was leaning against his black truck, which sat directly in front of the steps of the porch. She could be blindfolded and still zero in on his location. Like a damn—darn!—homing beacon, his mere presence called to her. And despite his relaxed stance, she could almost feel the tension flowing through him. His expression may have the usual mild interest that he showed the world, but his eyes. Oh! His green eyes glowed with heat and predatory intent. She suddenly got the feeling he was in stalking mode, and she was the prey.

  Her step faltered for a split second as she took the first step down from the porch. But before she could fall the rest of the way and land in an undignified heap at Dean’s feet, he bounded up the steps and steadied her with a firm grip on her upper arms.

  “You okay?” He asked, his gaze now alight with concern.

  “Yeah, thanks. These steps and I have an ongoing war. Sometimes I win, sometimes they win.”

  One side of his mouth curled up. “Battling against an inanimate object, Kaylie? Didn’t you scold me only last night about that?”

  Heat reddened her cheeks at his reference to the shredded condom box. As much as Kaylie would have sworn Dean would act today as if nothing had happened between them, he surprised her by bringing their previous evening’s entertainment to the forefront. The teasing actually delighted her. To Kaylie it meant he had no regrets.

  She chuckled. “You caught me, Dean. I’m not always open to advice but I sure do enjoy doling it out.”

  His eyes had been focused on her mouth as she spoke, making her self-conscious. Thinking she had muffin crumbs on her face, Kaylie licked her lips.

  The innocent action had a deliciously sensual affect. His eyes briefly flicked a look behind her before he framed her face with his hands. Then he swept down to cover her lips with his. She opened instantly to his demanding tongue, sighing with pleasure, as he tasted her in a deep, almost desperate exploration. His hands slid down, leaving a hot path of desire over the fluttering pulse at her throat, down further until her breasts filled his palms. Her nipples responded immediately, the hard nubs seeking his touch and eliciting a deep growl from Dean. “I want you, Kaylie.” He hissed against her lips, grinding his pelvis into hers, making her very aware of the erection rubbing along her girl parts. She bit back a moan of her own. “Again. I want you again. Damn. How long does this mating heat last?”

  And like a bucket of ice water had been thrown over her head, Kaylie froze. Lucky for Dean, he realized his mistake immediately. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

  Kaylie tried to jerk out of his arms, to no avail. “Really. Then how exactly do you mean it?”

  “I just—” He stopped and frowned at her. Finally he seemed to make up his mind. “This is making me crazy. You are making me crazy.
I think about you all the time and now that I’ve been inside you, I can hardly wait until I get another chance to be there again. Barring any stupid comments on my part.” He grabbed her chin in a firm hold when she made to turn her face away. “But seriously, Kaylie. Don’t you find this situation a little distracting? And to a shifter, distractions can be deadly. I’ve got tunnel vision and the only thing I see is you. Naked. In my bed. Or on my desk. Hell. The truck will work just as well. And as much as I would like to forget the world for a week and burrow under the covers with you for non-stop mind-blowing sex, I have too many other responsibilities to do so. As I know you do as well.”

  Though Kaylie continued to glare at him, she knew her eyes held no heat, just logical acceptance. Dean was only repeating her earlier thoughts out loud. The mating heat was distracting. Though the burrowing under the covers for a week sounded like a great idea. “Yeah, I get that Dean. And as contrary as I like to be, it’s hard when I feel the same.”

  “Good. Then we ride this out together.” Although his tone seemed relieved, something flashed in his eyes that might have been … hurt? Nah. She dismissed that idea to a lack of sleep. Cool and casual. That’s the way he wanted it. Except last night he had mentioned something about staying inside her forever. Bed talk or truth? His actions were so at odds with his words. Just when she thought she had him figured out, he pulled the rug out from under her. And time was running out on both figuring him out and making him understand that they belonged together. Nothing like a little pressure to start the day off right.

  “Agreed,” she replied tightly, the answer short as she didn’t think she could string more words together. She’d been waiting for him to notice her for years, and now that he had, how could she not be hurt that he wanted the situation that had thrown them together over with. Logic be damned!

  “Kaylie …” Whatever he was about to say was interrupted by the ringing of her cell phone.

  “Probably Pete wondering where we are,” she muttered. “Better get it so he doesn’t become concerned.” She knew her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes, but at the moment she didn’t care. What she did find interesting was the sudden clenching of Dean’s jaw. Whether because he thought her action rude, or was it something more?

  Wishful thinking again. Stop it, Kaylie, she berated herself as she leaned inside the truck to set her coffee container in the middle console, and then hopped into the truck, chatting with Peter the entire time, even through the slamming of the truck door—both doors actually—she noticed with a hidden grin. Just like that she felt more upbeat. Dean was talking a good game again, but what he was saying wasn’t what he was feeling. Now if she could only figure out how to tear his barriers down. Baiting him did seem to work, but how far could she push him before it backfired on her?

  “Turn left up here,” Kaylie directed after she ended her conversation with Pete.

  “I know where it is,” Dean replied gruffly.

  Kaylie stared out the passenger side window, laughter bubbling up inside her along with a healthy dose of sadness. Hell. Dean was right. The mating heat sucked when it came to anything beyond the bedroom. She felt as if she had a serious case of PMS. Her emotions were all over the place, her confidence shot, and her hormones out of control. An outsider might not realize it, but this time period was not something to be envied.

  Trees passed unseen as she ruefully contemplated how much money could be made if one could capture the mating heat in a bottle. Millions of dollars were spent every year by individuals looking to rev up their sex drive, and here she and Dean were, bleating that theirs was, although temporary, too distracting.

  When the sign proclaiming “Everett Tours” came into view, she blinked at it owlishly. “Oh. We’re here already?”

  Dean grunted. “Obviously something had you lost in thought. Want to tell me what that was?”

  “Ah.” Tell Dean about her yo-yoing emotions and scattered thoughts, ranging from PMS to entrepreneurial endeavors? She so didn’t think so. “You wouldn’t understand.”

  “And someone else would?”

  Kaylie turned wide eyes to him as the truck came to an abrupt halt and he jerked the gearshift into park. “Sometimes,” she said lightly, facing him more fully, “I don’t even understand my thoughts.”

  He was silent a moment, his eyes boring into hers as if trying to read the thoughts she declared few could understand. Then his gaze shifted to something over her shoulder and a deep scowl marked his features. Kaylie followed his line of sight and quickly opened her door before Pete reached it.

  “Hey, beautiful,” Pete wrapped her up in a warm embrace.

  “Hey, yourself,” Kaylie answered, returning his hug. She had no problem showing affection to her friends, but when Dean came up behind her, curled the fingers of his left hand into the top of her jeans, and gave a not-so-subtle tug, she broke free of Pete’s hold. “You know Dean Kinigos don’t you?”

  Pete sent her a “duh” look and shook Dean’s hand. “Like I don’t know the mayor. Glad you could make it. Sure you’re feeling up to this, Kaylie?”

  “I’m fine. Why are you even asking?”

  “You look a little pale.” Pete tapped a finger to the side of his head. “Head bothering you at all?”

  Kaylie felt the tension increase in Dean’s body, along with the sound of material ripping. She had a feeling she might need a new pair of jeans. “I’m good.”

  Pete’s eyes flickered from Dean to Kaylie and back again. “Well, then. The Jeeps are ready and the gear is packed. We’re all set to go when you are.” He sent her an odd look. “I’ll, uh, just give you a minute.”

  Kaylie frowned at Pete than lifted her gaze to Dean. When she noted the amber rims of his eyes she shot her own back to Peter. “Or two.”

  Pete nodded, a clear warning in his expression before walking away. A warning Kaylie understood clearly. She turned to face Dean and shuffled around so that his back was to the small group of waiting humans. “What’s wrong with you?”

  Dean growled. “What do you mean, what’s wrong with me?”

  “You’re going all wolfy.”

  Dean growled again and Kaylie shivered. For some reason the sound was turning her on. Like she needed to be turned on right now. Or more turned on she should say. Her panties were already damp, and the Alpha attitude and possessive gestures were just making her want to melt into submission. So not like her.

  “You touched him.”

  “And your point? I touch a lot of people. Some of them even men.”

  Dean glared at her, his lips curling up and showcasing pointy fangs. Oops. Not the time to bait the beast, even unintentionally. “I. Don’t. Like. It.”

  Kaylie swallowed at the guttural tone and wanted to slap them both. Herself for her stupidity in forgetting that male shifters, especially newly mated ones, could hardly stand other males to stand too close to their woman, much less touch them. And Dean for, well, just for making her crazy.

  She laid a hand on his chest, right over his racing heart. Dean closed his eyes and, surprising the hell out of her, wrapped one of his hands around her wrist and slid her hand up until she was touching the bare skin at his throat. The flesh there felt hot enough to burn, and the heat radiated down her arm, through her body and right to her core. She let out another shiver and leaned in to him. Her touch seemed to sooth him, and she gave herself another mental scolding. She knew shifters enjoyed touch immensely and that it both calmed and reaffirmed affection among their kind. Just like humans. And while she once thought Dean was the exception to the rule, she now knew otherwise. The need was instinctive, and whether Dean liked it or not, his beast needed her touch. And Kaylie was more than happy to give him everything she had. “I’m all yours, Dean. See? I’m right here.”

  The hand at her back tunneled under all three layers of clothing and flattened against her skin, pressing her even tighter to his muscled chest.

  “Okay. So no touching other men. What else got you riled up?”


  The silence stretched until she thought he wouldn’t answer. Finally he muttered, “I should have asked you about your head.”

  Kaylie smiled into his shirt. “In case you haven’t notice, I don’t have too much of a problem voicing my concerns.”

  He grunted. “Yeah, I noticed. But I’m supposed to protect you, tend to your needs.”

  Hot damn. Things were looking up.

  “I think you tend to my needs quite well.” She rose up on her tiptoes and buried her face in his neck. His scent was strong here and she couldn’t resist a small lick. And then another.

  He growled in approval and his fingers flexed. “If you don’t want me to tend to your needs right now, you need to stop.”

  She rubbed her hips against the wonderful bulge in his pants and actually had to think about it for a moment. She licked him again. Not only because he tasted so yummy, but because pushing the envelope was who she was. “But you like it.”

  “I like it too damn much.”

  Kaylie didn’t try to stop Dean as he let go of her and moved back a step. A quick scan from head to toe showed no signs of wolfiness, just an intense sexual hunger. That she could understand. But since now was not the time she changed the subject. “Summary. Peter knows about the shifters but his family, and Julie, don’t.”

  Though obviously calmer now, Dean narrowed his eyes in irritation. “I’m not an idiot, Kaylie. I don’t walk around announcing what I am to the world.”

  Kaylie tilted her head to the side and said with faked innocence, “Then maybe you should work on your temper.”