by Grosso, Kym
His words only inflamed her arousal, taking him faster and deeper. Refusing to let go, she grasped his bottom, encouraging him to thrust harder, edging him closer to his impeding orgasm.
No longer able to resist as her lips tightened around his throbbing hardness, he screamed her name, gasping for breath, “Kalli!”
His cry of deliverance resounded as he abandoned himself to his erotic release. Groaning as she took all of him, he poured himself into her, her unrelenting lips and tongue mercilessly milking him dry. He reached for her, pulling her up into his embrace, the warm water of the shower caressing their intermingled bodies.
Kalli’s chest felt tight, so swollen with emotion, she couldn’t look at him without revealing her feelings. Resisting the temptation to fall in love with him was going to be difficult, she thought. Everything about him from the way he playfully conversed to his resplendent black wolf captivated her. Her Alpha, the magnificent man within her arms, was hers.
Chapter Nineteen
“Anastas,” Kalli confided.
“Hmm,” Tristan replied, lazily drawing circles on the inside of her palm while they lay entwined in his bed. After turning off the shower, Kalli had insisted on drying every square inch of him with a warmed, fluffy towel. Within minutes, they both fell comfortably into Tristan’s large inviting bed.
“Anastas. Kalli Anastas. That’s my real name.”
“Anastas,” he repeated, the word rolling off his smooth tongue in a Greek accent. “It suits you. Thank you for trusting me with it. See, my lessons are working.”
“Yes, professor, indeed they are, although I’m afraid I may require many more lengthy, hands-on demonstrations.” She brought his hand up to her lips for a brief kiss.
Tristan chuckled.
“And I have something else to share with you,” Kalli continued.
“Do share.”
She quieted, pushing up onto her forearms and tummy so she could look at him directly. “The pills. They’re gone.”
“Gone?”
“Gone as in I flushed them gone. Gone as in I’m returning to my nature as a wise Alpha encouraged me to do.” She grinned, remembering their previous discussion.
Tristan pulled her up into his arms and kissed her slowly and gently. “Mon amour, I was hoping…but you had to make the decision on your own. And now there’s nothing stopping us.”
“Stopping us from what?” She eyed him inquisitively.
“It’s just that I’m looking forward to sharing that part of myself with you. I want to run and hunt and…” He let his words trail off on purpose, unsure of how much of his feelings he should disclose.
“And?" She left the question hanging, yet it went unanswered.
He simply smiled at her, somewhat stalling, somewhat just lost in her altogether.
“Mr. Livingston,” she challenged. “Trust goes both ways. Do you need me to teach you a lesson?”
“I’m sure you would, chérie. The scary part is that I might like it.”
“Come on Tristan. Spill it,” she whined, in an attempt to rush the conversation, dying to know what he wanted to do with her.
“First let me ask you something.” He stilled in preparation for her response. “Tonight at the meeting. What were your impressions? Truth.”
“At first, I was terrified. It was suffocating in there. My whole life I’ve lived in fear of wolves. And then, there I am at a summit of all things, with two seriously lethal Alpha males.” She rolled her eyes.
“Lethal?”
“Damn straight lethal. And then seeing Sato, I was torn between cowering and attempting to kill him myself. The thing is that I know that there is this part of me, a very big part, that abhors violence, but I wanted Sato dead. Not only did I want him dead, I was exhilarated by your power, your strength. I wanted to watch while you took him down.” She let out a deep breath. “Oh God. It sounds awful, doesn’t it?”
“No. Vengeance is bittersweet. No doubt he had it coming after what he’d done to you, even if it was indirectly. And he’d killed Toby. The man lacked remorse. He’d do it again,” Tristan concluded thoughtfully.
“So, now that you know all my secrets, what gives? What else do you want to do with me? Besides having your wicked way with me?” She laughed.
He cupped her cheeks in his hands, letting his thumb brush her lips. “Kalli, I…I’ve been alone for such a long time. But now. Meeting you. My wolf. Fuck, I’m incredibly inarticulate tonight,” he huffed in frustration.
Kalli giggled and cuddled closer, lying her back down on his chest again. Maybe it would be easier for him if he didn’t look at her while saying whatever it was he needed to tell her?
“Okay, here it is. I’ve never in my adult life lived with a woman. Came close with Sydney, but she wasn’t my mate. And I never felt this urge…this urge to claim her…Mira neither. I’ve never felt that craving…that need to mark someone. To claim them.”
“What are you saying?”
“I can’t resist any longer…this need. I don’t know how to explain it. At first I blamed it on my wolf. It is, but it isn’t. You and I…there’s something serious between us. I mean the sex is amazing but it’s not just that. I’ve got to have you…have you as in ‘you are mine’. And not like ‘mine’ meaning part of the pack either. It’s more. So much more than that.” He blew out a deep breath, fearing he was fucking up the entire conversation.
“It’s okay, Tristan. I know. I feel strongly about you too.” I’m falling in love with you. “I wish I could play coy and pretend I don’t feel it, but I just can’t. I want this…what’s happening between us. And my wolf, well, she’s been at me since the minute you put me in your lap in your car,” she admitted softly.
“I want to claim you, Kalli. Mark you. Do you understand what I’m saying?” Done with hedging the issue, he put all his cards on the table. If he didn’t tell her now, he’d end up doing it the next time they made love. The call was beyond his control.
Kalli’s stomach danced with butterflies. She’d never been claimed before but she knew that it would be a sign to the pack that she was his potential mate. Her wolf rolled in submission, baring her neck, awaiting his mark. “Do it. I want to be yours. I know it’s taken me a while to trust, but you’ve shown me how important it is to be myself. But the next moon…I’ll need your help.”
Tristan’s pride swelled at her words. He breathed a sigh of relief; she’d felt it too. Not ready to mention he truly believed she was his mate, he celebrated the fact that she wanted this.
“Baby, you’ve got no idea how much I’m going to help you. Your first shift with the pack; I promise you that it will be a magical experience,” he declared. “You’ll carry my mark. But you must know that there is no other for me from here on out.” He moved his hand downward, now circling her very pretty, very hard, pink tips.
“Alpha, are you giving up your naughty ways?” she teased.
“No way, chérie. I’m only providing full disclosure. All kinky practices are now officially reserved for you.” He pinched her nipple, enjoying hearing her squeak in pleasure. Declaring his intention to mark her ignited her excitement. Her delicious scent filled the room. His little wolf was terribly aroused. Goddess, he loved that she was so responsive. Truth be told, he loved everything about her.
“Ah,” she moaned at his touch. “Do tell me all about these kinky practices. Hmm….I don’t think I can wait.” She found herself involuntarily grinding her hips against his leg.
He shifted, reaching over to slide open a bedroom drawer, retrieving a small black bag. A dark smile broke across his face, aware that he was about to push her limits.
“A mystery?” she queried, nervously biting her lip. He’d been planning this? What was in the damn bag?
“What? I know how to shop for more than dresses and earrings. In fact, I think this little store may become one of our favorite spots,” he boasted, anticipating playing with her. She’d nearly fallen apart at his dark intrusion the last time
they’d made love. He opened the bag, gesturing for her to look inside it.
Kalli gasped as she pulled out the small plug. Her eyes widened at him in disbelief.
“I…I don’t know, Tristan,” she stammered, trying to conceal her excitement.
“No hiding your real feelings, chérie. I know the truth. The way you flew apart last time I touched you with my fingers, I thought a little toy was in order. As much as I’d love to take you there, and I would,” he crooned in a low sexy voice, melting away her concerns, “that’s not happening tonight. But I know you’ll love this little toy, here. Don’t you trust me? Perhaps you need another lesson?” he breathed, sliding his palm down her belly.
“Ah, yes,” Kalli moaned in anticipation, his fingers teasing below her belly button.
“The very thought of me taking you there excites you, doesn’t it? Your lovely flushed skin and rapid breathing gives you away,” He slid his hand down into her slick heat, pressing a finger up into her core. “Ah, yes. You’re soaking wet.”
“Tristan, yes.”
“I’ve gotta taste you, baby.” Tristan flipped Kalli onto her back, settling his face between her legs. His warm breath skated across her mound while he continued gliding his finger in and out of her hot sheath. With his other hand, he ran two fingers down her nether lips, gently separating her to expose her treasured pearl.
“Mon amour, your pussy is so fucking beautiful. So smooth. Now relax, let me taste you,” he ordered right before he delved into her aching sex. With a broad sweep of his flat tongue, he brushed over her clit, and she cried out in ecstasy.
“Oh my God.” She reached to grab onto the sheets, balling them up in her fists. As his satiny tongue rubbed her sensitive bud, she nearly flew off the bed. She began panting wildly as he relentlessly laved her.
He darted his tongue through her folds, relishing her honeyed cream. Adding another thick finger, he pumped into her while increasing the pressure on her swollen nub. Over and over he flicked, storming her senses.
Kalli thrashed her head back and forth as her orgasm danced within reach. Panting gave way to incoherent screaming as she begged for release. “Tristan, please, I can’t…I need…yes.”
Her pleading was music to his ears. As her walls began to quiver, he sucked on her clitoris, pressing his tongue against it at the same time.
A slamming release shook Kalli to her very core. “Tristan!” she mouthed, over and over, feeling as if she’d left her body. Thrusting her hips up into his mouth, she sought to milk the shuddering climax which ripped from her head to her toes. By the time he’d released her, she was breathing so hard it was as if she’d run a marathon. Her face flamed as she descended back into reality, cognizant of how she’d lost it.
Giving her no time to think, Tristan roughly flipped her over on her stomach. He adjusted her positioning so that her arms and head comfortably rested on the pillow. Pulling her hips upward, he spread her legs so he fit nicely at her entrance.
Frustrated at the emptiness, she mewled in protest.
“Easy, baby,” he cajoled. “I could feast on you all day, but it’s time for your toy.”
Kalli nodded into the pillow in agreement, eager for him to enter her. She was on fire with need. His finger ran through her slippery folds yet again, and she released a gasp in relief. As Kalli wriggled toward him, seeking his touch, she felt a cool liquid run down her bottom.
“Relax now, Kalli. Push back,” he instructed as he slowly pressed the small plug into her back hole.
“Ahhh…Tristan. It’s…it’s…I can’t,” she hissed, while pushing backward.
“You’re doing it chérie. That’s it. Almost there.”
The small burn she’d felt, was quickly replaced with a fullness she’d never experienced. Foreign yet erotic, she loved the feel of it inside her. She moved back to him, enjoying the strange stimulation that roused her hunger for him.
“It’s all the way in, baby. Just get used to it for a minute.” He pushed the rubber stub in further, twisting it back and forth. The way she was writhing on it, he reckoned she’d come if he kept at it. “There you go. Just feel. Breathe.”
“Yes, Tristan. I need you in me now.”
His erect manhood throbbed in excitement. Sliding a hand under her belly and holding the plug in place, he edged the head of his erection at her most tender flesh. Inch by glorious inch, he eased himself into her until he was fully seated.
Kalli sucked a breath as he entered her. There were no words to describe the incredibly overwhelming sensation of being entirely filled. As he began to move, she found herself pushing back onto him in cadence. Quickening gasps accompanied by ripples of pleasure flowed deep within her womb, taking her to the edge. As he played with the plug, pulling it out and then pressing it back in, at the same time he thrusted.
She shuddered, no longer able to hold back the tidal wave threatening to crash over her. “Tristan! Fuck me! Harder! Yes! I’m coming. Please,” she yelled into the pillow, convulsing into orgasm.
As her tight core fisted his cock, sweat broke across his brow. The feel of the plug through the thin barrier, stroked his manhood, as she pulsed around him. As she began to scream, he sank himself into her again and again, harder and harder. The sound of his flesh meeting hers echoed in the room. Breathing hard, his body seized in the frenzy of the simultaneous explosion. With an unfettered cry of fulfillment, he reached up under her belly with both hands until her back was pressed to his chest. With a final thrust, he roared. Canines extended, he bit down hard onto her shoulder, forever marking her as his.
Kalli reared up to accept his bite, still lost in the crescendo of her climax. As his teeth met her golden skin, she cried out in delight as the power of her Alpha entered her body. As much as she was his in that moment, he was hers in return.
Chapter Twenty
The ride up to the mountains took a little over two hours. Tristan had explained that the burial wouldn’t take place until dusk. This time of year the sun set around seven thirty, so they’d have plenty of time to get settled in before the ritual began. Logan had already left for the mountains, as had most of the city wolves. After finishing several business calls, Tristan and Kalli set off around noon in a large SUV that towed a small Harley trailer. The warm September weather was a great time to ride, and Tristan was looking forward to taking Kalli out on his bike.
Since it was early in the month, some of the leaves were beginning to change color, preparing the trees for their winter slumber. By late September, the foliage would be at its peak. From Mountain Maples to Sweetgums, the leaves frolicked in the warm autumn wind. The scenic drive helped to soothe Kalli’s racing thoughts. She absentmindedly fingered the spot where Tristan had marked her. While the skin was not broken or scarred, the sweet tingle of his bite remained. Growing up, she’d been told that each pack had its own distinctive markings. Once claimed, the mark would either grow more prominent as the couple forged their way toward mating or conversely, it would fade if the pair separated.
When she’d looked at her shoulder in the mirror that morning, it looked like a tiny rose-colored tattoo in the shape of an infinity symbol, as if two loops were intertwined. She supposed it suited her, reminding her of how she and Tristan fit perfectly together. As soon as he’d bitten her skin, her wolf had awakened. She struggled helplessly to emerge, begging to claim him in return. But since she hadn’t turned in so long, it was impossible. She needed to shift again in order to mark him.
She wondered nervously what it would be like to shift into her wolf with Tristan at her side. In the past, it had been an exceedingly lonely experience. But the more time she spent with Tristan, the more she wanted to share everything with him: her body, her mind and her wolf.
“Hey, we’re here,” Tristan commented, jarring her from her contemplations.
Large pine trees towered over and around an imposing grid-ironed fence, which looked like it could easily impale someone if they tried to climb over it. Tristan pulled the
car up to a security panel. Punching in a code, the doors opened, allowing them access to the unmarked compound.
“See there.” He pointed to a large A-framed building. “That’s the clubhouse. Tennis courts and the pool are behind it. There’s a small general store in there that we run. Carries sundries, a small selection of groceries…stuff like that. We kind of run the place like a resort, but some of the people stay year round.”
They continued down and around a curvy road, which led into what could best be described as a development of cabins interspersed between the enormous trees.
“These, here, are mostly owned by families. We’ve got a condo building too, where a lot of the single wolves stay. My place is up here near the top of the mountain. Logan usually stays with me most of the time, even though he’s got a condo. It’s got plenty of rooms, and I like the company,” he explained.
As they passed a flat clearing, Kalli was surprised to see several horses in a rolling field; a barn sat in the distance. “You keep horses?”
“Yeah. Janie’s in charge of the stables. She gives lessons to the pups, and some of us pay her to care for our horses.”
Making a right turn into a winding driveway, a two-story home sat enclosed in forest. “And this is home,” he declared.
“It’s beautiful, Tristan, really.” Admiring the tan-colored log cabin, Kalli wondered what it would be like to grow up here. A stark contrast to the sleek skyscraper, it was warm and inviting.
“You like?” he asked proudly. It was his escape from the city, and he hoped his urban woman would enjoy the country. He treasured his time in the mountains, and this truly was his sanctuary. It was important to him that she loved it as much as he did.
“What’s not to like? Hey, do we have time to go for a hike?” she asked excitedly.
Tristan laughed. Warmth settled in his chest. As his mate, she fit him like a glove. The more time he spent with her, the stronger their bond grew. He loved being with her, talking to her, making love to her. He shook his head silently as it hit him. The mark; it was only the beginning. As much as he wanted to deny the feelings deep within his heart, he was falling in love with her. And it all felt natural, like it was meant to be.