She giggled, shaking her head. “Don’t sell yourself short.”
He felt his brow furrow. “I don’t understand.”
“There is a lot more to you than just the way you look and how big your dick is.”
Rushe had to grin. Becky seemed to like him.
“I’m sure you have women throwing themselves at you whenever you are in town.”
“Yeah… most of them just want a quick rut. The thing is, the humans in Smithsonville and Sweetwater tolerate us at this point but we need to be careful. That is why we have a list and stick to those two towns only.” He shrugged. “Maybe we could try elsewhere, but these things need to happen in stages. The alphas are cautious.”
“Alphas? I thought Ward was the alpha.”
“Just like you humans have more than one leader, so do we. There are others but I am not permitted to discuss it and would ask that—”
She held up a hand. “Yeah…yeah…that I don’t tell Tanya or anyone else.”
He breathed a sigh of relief. Becky was not permitted yet to know that there were more species types within the shifter community than just the wolves, so he couldn’t explain this further right now.
She smiled at him. “Stephany was right, you are really sweet and really freaking hot.” She sighed, looking disappointed.
“I will visit you when you go back to Sweetwater. I can’t wait to—”
Becky groaned. “No, please don’t tell me.” She sighed again, this time more heavily. “Look, you’re a nice guy, you deserve a sweet, nice girl.” She scrunched her eyes shut and hung her head for a moment. “I can’t believe I’m about to do this.” She muttered to herself before turning her stunning eyes on him. “I have this awesome friend, her name is Tina. I will introduce you to her when your name comes up for a mate. She would give her left arm to be with a shifter.”
Rushe felt his breathing grow labored. “We agreed that I would visit you. You said you wanted me to lick your pussy and fuck you till you scream. You grew wet when I hit that shifter in the dining hall.”
“It’s just that it wouldn’t be fair. I don’t want the dinner and the movies or a diamond ring.”
Rushe had to smile as a weight lifted. “Well then we’re good, because I hadn’t planned on doing any of those things. I thought we discussed this earlier.” He was actually glad that his mate wasn’t interested in material goods that were of no real value, like he had read some human women were.
Becky looked shocked for a second before pursing her lips. “Oh, well. Are you sure you’re cool with that? Because you seemed like you were wanting…”
Rushe chuckled. “I’m definitely cool with that. I plan on giving you a whole lot…” His love, his heart, his soul. Everything he had. “But no rings. No, ma’am, no rings I promise you that.”
Becky laughed, sounding relieved. “Oh goody, in that case, you are so on.” She ran a hand through her hair, twirling a curl around one of her fingers.
Rushe felt disappointment as they arrived at Becky’s cabin, he was enjoying their conversation. “Do you want to come in for a cold drink?” She smiled seductively, looking at him from under her lashes.
Rushe shook his head and took a step backwards. Down boy. His cock refused to listen. His wolf actually whined, sounding like it was in agony.
Becky smiled. “Easy, tiger, I don’t plan on jumping you or anything. I promise.”
“I’m not a tiger.” His voice was a deep rumble. The things this female did to him.
Her smile grew wider. “I know that, silly, it’s just a saying.”
He felt himself relax, just a little. There was no way he could fully relax with his wolf just beneath the surface insisting that he do all the things he’d just beaten the panther for. “I am not permitted to enter your cabin. I shouldn’t even be talking with you.”
“Why not?”
Rushe shrugged. “Because I am highly attracted to you, yet it is forbidden to rut you. Talking can lead to many things.”
Her eyes became hooded as her lashes practically fused. “What things?”
“Don’t, female. Don’t make me say them again. My willpower is sorely tested as it is. You will find out more and in infinite detail soon enough.”
Becky smiled and nodded. “I look forward to it.” The female reached up on her tippy toes and splayed her hands on his chest. The air in his lungs must have evaporated because he suddenly couldn’t breathe. His chest heaved and yet he still felt starved of oxygen. Becky leaned against him, her soft breasts brushed his chest. A deep rumble left him as he felt her nipples pebble. She touched her soft lips briefly to his cheek. “I’ll see you later, big boy.”
He nodded, sure his voice would fail him if he tried to talk.
The beautiful human giggled, she shook her head as she walked up the porch stairs. Becky glanced back at him over her shoulder, her giggle started up all over again. “You are so freaking cute. I can’t wait to eat you up.”
Rushe cleared his throat before another choking episode could seize him. He wasn’t sure how long he stood there, just looking at her door. If Sawyer hadn’t come up behind him, it could’ve possibly ended up being hours. She had him tied up in knots.
“Hey, Rushe.” Sawyer stood at the end of the path that led to the cabin. “Ward wants to see you. I have been asked to watch the female until you get back.”
Great! Ward had heard about the little incident in the dining hall. His alpha might not approve of the outburst.
“Do you know what he wants?” Rushe asked.
Sawyer shrugged. “Hunter went to see him, they exchanged words and he called me to get you.”
Fuck! Hunter was the panther alpha. This was definitely about the dining hall incident.
Rushe looked at the door that separated him from Becky. The last thing he wanted was to leave her. He didn’t trust the other males. Rushe turned hard eyes on Sawyer, even though he and the male had been friends for a long time. “You won’t let anyone near her.”
Sawyer shook his head.
“I mean it.” His voice had dropped several octaves, but there was nothing he could do about it.
Sawyer held up a hand. “Look, I won’t let anyone close to her. She will be safe while you are gone. You have my word.” The male screwed up his eyes in thought. “What is it with you and her?”
Rushe shook his head. “She’s my security detail. I take my job seriously.”
Sawyer held his gaze for a few beats before finally nodding. “So do I.”
Rushe took a deep breath, he nodded and walked away as quickly as he could. How the hell was he going to let this female leave tomorrow? His wolf already thought of her as his. It was important that he not give into temptation just yet. One taste of her and all choice would be over. He would have to have her in all the ways he had described and more. He would no longer care that his alpha forbade it.
Chapter 4
Ward’s entire frame radiated pure energy. His shoulders were tense and his eyes were dark. They bore into him for the longest time before he finally spoke.
“What happened in the dining hall?” His voice was even, but Rushe didn’t let that fool him.
“The panther male was disrespecting the human. He planned on rutting her. Talked about putting his dick in her mouth for furs sake. I hit him to defend Becky’s honor.”
Ward gave him a tired smile, there were dark smudges under his eyes. “Take a seat.” He gestured to the table and chairs on the front porch of his cabin. A baby wail came from inside. It was quickly joined by a second cry. Ward’s eyes darted in the direction of the noise.
Rushe took a seat opposite of Ward.
“Did the male say these things directly to the healer?” Ward ran a hand through his hair.
Rushe shook his head. “No, but that doesn’t make it any less disrespectful.”
“Males talk shit to one another all the time.” Ward sighed. “I understand that this female means something to you, that your wolf wants her but you can
Rushe wanted to argue with Ward, but realized that he might end up being taken off her detail if he did, so he nodded instead.
“I don’t know that you are the right wolf to be on guard duty when—”
“Please, Ward, it’s only one more night. I’ll control myself better.”
Ward shook his head, looking solemn. “I don’t think you can. I saw you talking with her earlier. It looks like the two of you are getting along a little too well, which is to be expected.”
“Aside from my wolf wanting the human, I really like her. I want to stay on this detail. I need to…” He looked Ward square in the eyes. “We have agreed that I will meet up with her once it is my turn to take a female. If all goes well, it will happen within the next few days. I’ll wait, Ward, but I need to be close to her while she is here.” He looked away, trying to find the right words to explain himself. “If another shifter so much as lays a finger on her, I might have to kill him. It would be better if I watch her to ensure that it doesn’t happen.”
Ward frowned. “Maybe this female is not the right one for you then. If she would go to another male so quickly, then you should reconsider…”
“No.” Rushe growled, immediately averting his eyes. He took a deep breath to calm himself. “I don’t think that she would do such a thing, but shifters can be persuasive. I don’t want to chance it. I won’t be responsible if someone touches her, Ward. Please keep me on this detail.”
Ward shook his head, his jaw clenched. “I must be mad. Fine,” he sighed the word.
Rushe couldn’t help but to smile. “Thank you, Ward, you won’t regret it.”
Another wail came from inside the cabin, momentarily distracting Ward. After a few beats, he turned back. “I need you to control yourself. No fighting other males. You are only permitted to fight over a trial female. This one is off limits to all including you for now, so fighting is not permitted. In fact, after today’s display, most especially for you.” Ward’s eyes stayed firmly on his. “Can I trust you?”
Rushe answered without hesitation. “Of course you can. I am grateful that you have given me a second chance to prove myself.”
His alpha rose to his feet and clasped Rushe on the shoulder. “You will have your chance soon enough. I know that you, out of all the wolves, have waited a long time.”
Rushe nodded while also standing. “Thank you for your understanding.”
Ward smiled, looking exhausted. “I really do. I’m sure you can remember how possessive and jealous I acted with my own female.”
Rushe tried not to smile too widely while remembering how his Alpha had sworn and fought, and in general had acted like a total asshole.
Ward looked him in the eyes with his eyebrows raised. “Take my advice—”
The front door opened and Stephany put her head around the jamb. “Hi, Rushe,” his friend said as she caught sight of him. She had a baby on each shoulder. One of the tiny pink pups was squirming.
“Hey, Steph.” He smiled her way.
She smiled back, looking just as tired as Ward, possibly more so. Ward immediately moved towards his female.
“No…you finish up.” She smiled. “I just wanted to let you know that your daughter wants you, so don’t be too long.”
His alpha’s whole face radiated pure love and his chest seemed to puff out.
“Little Nate vomited on himself and I know how much you like changing them, so I will wait for you.”
Ward nodded. “I will cuddle with my Cat”—his eyes widened—“Catrina,” he said with determination. “And I would be happy to change little Nate.” His eyes moved from one of the tiny pups to the other before locking with Steph’s. A private look passed between the two, so passion filled, so intense that even an inexperienced male like Rushe could see the love between them. He hoped to see that look in Becky’s eyes one day very soon.
“Cat is waiting.”
Ward narrowed his eyes at his female but his lips twitched, belying his amusement. “I hate that pet name.” He muttered under his breath.
Giggling, Stephany headed back inside.
“Calling a wolf Cat just isn’t right.” He shook his head. “Where were we?” He looked back in Rushe’s direction, looking completely confused.
“You were about to give me advice.”
“Ah, yes…I’ll make this quick because my family needs me. Don’t fuck this up by being overly possessive and jealous. I can see you have the tendencies. I think that us shifters tend to instinctively be over protective.” He smiled. “I have had some interaction with the human healer and can tell that she would not like an overbearing, jealous male. You will need to take things slow with her.”
“She wants to rut and has told me so herself. I do not need to take it slow.”
Ward threw him a smile that told him he was clueless. “Just because a female lets you rut her doesn’t mean she has deep feelings for you. Take it slow when it comes to the mating side of things. Don’t rut her and then expect her to pack her things and join you here. It doesn’t work that way.”
“I see.” He hoped Ward was wrong. “What you are saying is that I will need to spend time with her, convince her that we are meant to be together.”
Ward nodded. “Yes, but also give her, her space. Take it slow. You will scare her away otherwise.”
“Thank you. I will think on it.”
Ward’s eyes darkened. “Don’t let me down. I’ll give you your off days as soon as your name comes up.”
“I am working double shifts.” In just a few short days he’d have his female.
“I noticed. You’ll get a couple of days to spend with the human.” The sound of a crying baby had Ward taking a step towards his front door. “I need to go.”
“You have your hands full.”
“Yeah, but I’m loving it.” Ward smiled, his alpha actually looked goofy for a few seconds. “You get back to work.”
Rushe nodded, and his mind went back to the delectable female who would very soon be his. A few days were not so long a time to wait.
Chapter 5
Becky was bored to freaking tears. She’d already read the romance novel that she’d brought along with her…twice. There was no cell phone signal, no television. Wolves, it seemed, were not the types to party…at all. They went to bed early and woke up before sparrow’s fart in the morning, well before the sun rose. She was the opposite, she only saw her first patient at nine and finished at six sometimes later.
A night owl, she enjoyed staying up late watching reruns of her favorite movies or going out with friends. It wasn’t the same without Tanya though. Her best friend was married…mated…whatever to two vampire kings and expecting their first baby. Things had changed in a big way. Not only did she hardly ever get to see Tanya anymore, but their party days were definitely over. She sighed, it was moments like this that she felt it might be better to revisit her plan. Instead of playing the field, maybe she should look for that special someone that rocked her world.
Wait just a freaking minute. Although she’d planned to play the field, she’d only been with one person since her divorce and had promptly fallen in love with the asshole. The problem was that she didn’t seem to stay in love, and just like the issue she had with her ex-husband, the guy had been distraught.
With a divorce and a failed relationship behind her, she really needed to stick with the plan and have some fun. Not just talk or fantasize about it, but actually take action and do it. Otherwise she’d regret it later for sure.
Her mind immediately wandered to the big, beautiful shifter outside her door. God, she was so tempted to put on a negligée and seduce the sperm right out of him. All those dreamy muscles. She’d never seen biceps that big or shoulders that wide. More than once she’d noticed a humongous bulge in his pants. The wolf was freaking stacked and she wanted a taste. Her mouth actually watered. Becky had to clench her thighs together because of the twinge of longing that zapped through her pussy at the thought of Rushe.
Yummy!
Hubba freaking hubba!
Her choices were simple, she could seduce the male or take care of things herself but one thing was for sure, she was getting off tonight. Despite what she’d implied earlier to Steph and Patricia, she hadn’t used her black magic double stimulator once since coming here. Rushe had made it clear that there would be no sex until his name came up on that damned list, which left her with only one option. It was just her and her vibrator tonight.
Becky sighed, making her way to the bathroom. After a hot shower, she chose a black, silk nighty. It had thin straps. The V at her breasts accentuated her cleavage. It made her feel ultra-sexy and she loved the feel of the cool, smooth silk on her skin.
She donned the nighty which fell mid-thigh, sighing at how it would be wasted on just her. She got the feeling that Rushe would enjoy seeing her in it.
Becky was so glad he wasn’t expecting to mate her. They could have lots of hot, sweaty sex and she didn’t have to worry about him becoming attached to her. He was really sweet and there was an innocence about him too, not enough to stop him from talking dirty to her. Yet, he definitely had an innocence that attracted her to him all the more. He could be so utterly sweet and yet she knew a warrior lurked just beneath the surface. The way he had punched that other wolf had floored her. Raw energy radiated off of him. Muscles bunched and ready, he’d been so imposing, so animal, so delicious.
Becky hadn’t lied when she’d said that she’d instantly felt moisture pool between her legs. Just thinking about it now had her pussy turning slick and ready. It had really been too freaking long. She was going to use black magic tonight, and she would hopefully be seeing Rushe very soon for the real thing. She would not become attached to him in any way and would finally have a bit of naughty fun.
Becky pulled her suitcase out from under the bed, taking magic out of his velvet bag. It wouldn’t take her very long to cum, that was for sure. With very naughty thoughts of the big, bad wolf just outside her door, she might have to use her vibrator more than once tonight.
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