Coveted

by Stacey Brutger

  Sprawled across the mattress, Shayla gazed up at Aiden. The smile he gave her was anything but friendly.

  Predatory.

  Her body tingled under that look, the intensity making her gulp for air. A smidge of doubt at the wisdom of her plan rose when he placed his knee on the bed and slowly crawled up her body.

  She’d never been so turned on in her life.

  “Kiss me.”

  Shayla nearly melted at the demand, shaking with the need to devour him. That he left her in charge instead of taking what she willingly offered left her feeling both powerful and exposed.

  She lifted her chin, offering up her lips, but he didn’t move.

  He’d always been the pursuer until now, the one with the power. Shayla had never understood that it also left him so terribly vulnerable. There was something sexy about having this indomitable man so willing to do anything for her.

  With trembling hand, Shayla lightly brushed her fingertips over that stubborn chin and met his lips with her own. The delicious taste of him exploded through her, and she groaned with the need to feel every inch of him pressed against her. She hooked her leg over his hip, and her wish became reality.

  It was his turn to groan, a tortured sound that vibrated against her, and her breath caught at the back of her throat to know she could bring him such pleasure.

  “Ahhemm. I guess you don’t need me around anymore.”

  Shayla was so shocked to hear another voice that she jerked away from the seduction of Aiden’s kiss.

  Only to pull up short when Aiden refused to release her. Instead, he buried his head in her neck, those sinful lips of his nibbling on her throat in a way that threatened to distract her.

  “James!”

  “It’s good to see you’re back. You had me worried for a second.” James appeared worn around the edges, but his crooked smile revealed his pleasure at being in the thick of things. “It looks like you don’t need me anymore.”

  “Thank you. For everything.” Shayla scrunched up her neck, trying to deny Aiden access, but he was having none of it.

  James made his way to the door, giving her a two-finger salute over his shoulder on the way out.

  Aiden growled when she didn’t immediately go back to kissing him. She glanced down to see him glaring at the door, his body strung tight…was he jealous?

  Then she processed exactly where they were.

  Home.

  “It worked!” Shayla pulled away, groaning when the aches all over her body protested. Aiden shifted to lean against the headboard, hauling her close and settling her against his chest. He ran his hand down her back as if unable to resist touching her.

  But she had to know that he was safe. Shayla fiddled with Aiden’s shirt, uncertain how to broach the subject of the man who’d tried to kill him.

  “What happened to my stalker?”

  Aiden’s smile was all teeth. “He was dead the moment he touched that trigger.”

  “I can’t say that I’m sorry.” She rubbed her newly healed shoulder. “Were you able to rescue the wolves?”

  “As many as we could. James has been assisting, enjoying himself maybe a little too much.”

  Shayla rolled her eyes. “You’ll never be able to get him to leave now, not until he has you all figured out. He can’t let go of a mystery.”

  “He saved lives. For that, he’s earned my respect and an invitation to stay as long as he wants.”

  “So my job is done.” Shayla murmured, more to herself, and chewed on her lips, scrambling to think of a way to tell him that she wasn’t leaving.

  Aiden’s hold tightened, and the connection between them slammed shut like a slap. The loss of him cut through her like a fist to the gut. All the warmth, the light amusement and underlying lust, vanished so completely that her heart stopped for one painful second.

  Then Aiden straightened. “When do we leave.”

  It wasn’t a question.

  “Leave?” Then her heart jumped up into her throat as she processed exactly what he said. “We?”

  Shayla couldn’t believe that he would give up everything for her. Before she could protest that she wasn’t going anywhere, he spoke again.

  “We’ve both went through to too much trouble saving each other to lose one another now, don’t you think?”

  Shayla blinked, then smirked at her Scottish warrior. “You need me to stick around to save you?”

  All humor dropped from his face. “You already did.”

  The kiss he gave her curled her toes. When Aiden grudgingly lifted his head, Shayla crawled up in his lap to finish what he started.

  “Stay with me.” His lips brushed against hers as he spoke.

  Shayla automatically nodded, but then stopped herself. “It doesn’t bother you that I’m human?”

  “You’re perfect.” Aiden picked up her hand and nipped at her fingertips for daring to think otherwise. Heat kindled under her skin at the lover’s nip. Made her crave more. Then he grabbed her hips and flipped her on her back. “But let’s be perfectly clear, you are never to enter the Frost World again without me by your side.”

  “Huh?”

  He smiled down at her, his mouth lowering, but stopping short of giving her the promised kiss. “I’ll have your word, or…”

  Those big hands of his skimmed down her sides, settling them threateningly over her backside, and her breathing hitched.

  “…when I come after you, you might not like the consequences.”

  Shayla wiggled, trying to get closer, but he held her still. She quickly answered—anything to get him to kiss her again. “Yes, of course.”

  He smiled in triumph. “Then it’s settled. You will stay here.”

  Shayla winced. “My family wasn’t very happy about me leaving. When they learn that I don’t plan to return—”

  “Bring them here for a visit.”

  “All of them?” Shayla was completely flummoxed. “My parents are old fashioned. They’re going to hound you every second to make an honest woman out of me.”

  “You’re my mate.” He said it like it was the answer.

  “Is that like marriage?”

  “It’s deeper.” Aiden’s eyes narrowed as if to judge her reaction, his whole body tensed to catch her if she ran. “We’ll love. We’ll fight. We mate for life and only once.”

  He seemed blissfully happy about it. Shayla fiddled with her fingers. “And this is what you want?”

  “I’ve been waiting for you since I drew my first breath. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted.” Aiden sank his fingers into her hair and tipped her head back. “My place is at your side. I’m not going anywhere.”

  Shayla’s heart turned over at his confession, and the vulnerability written on his face. She ran a finger over his lips. “I gave up hope of ever finding you. You’re my one. Now that I’ve met you, it would destroy me to let you go.” Shayla made a face. “My family will demand a formal wedding.”

  “You’ll have to ask me.”

  He wasn’t being coy.

  “What?”

  “I took away your choice with the bond. I won’t do it again. I need to know we’re in this together. I’ve made my commitment to you. When you’re ready, you’ll ask me. I’ve waited my whole life you. I can wait a bit longer.” He ran her hands possessively along her hip, relishing being able to touch her any time he wanted.

  “About my family…” Shayla bit her lip, and Aiden growled. A flood of his emotions rushed through her, a mixture of affection and lust so potent she felt cherished.

  Shayla swatted him. “What are you trying to do? Give me a heart attack?”

  Aiden smiled dangerously. “No, just trying to get into your pants.”

  Shayla snorted, caught off guard by the blunt confession. “My family is a bit odd. Like me.”

  “No one is like you.” Aiden was completely serious. “Invite them.”

  Her heart lurched and flipped-flopped in her chest. “You say that now, but once you get them
all together, they can be a bit much.”

  Aiden raised a brow. “Mine are a pack of werewolves.”

  Shayla pursed her lips, silently conceding his point. “They’ll turn your castle upside out and inside out.”

  Aiden wasn’t sure if she realized how true her words would be. She came from sacred bloodlines. Beloved. Aiden felt a bit gobsmacked to discover that her family had survived for so long without the pack being aware.

  And they were coming here.

  If even a hint of their heritage got out, wolves from around the world would flood Avamoore. He felt a little green just thinking about the added security that would be needed.

  Rules would need to be implemented immediately.

  For the first time in decades his pack had hope.

  All because of the beautiful woman beneath him.

  She was his heart, the core of the pack.

  Shayla cupped his face, and Aiden’s attention snapped toward her. “Marry me.”

  It took a full minute for him to remember how to breathe. He’d planned to ease her into pack life gently. Instead, she jumped in with both feet and captured his heart. He bit the inside of his cheek to keep from answering. He had to know first…

  Aiden slowly unblocked the connection and allowed himself to feel her emotions for the first time. He was prepared to be bombarded with fear and uncertainty. Braced himself to face her doubt. He would conquer and slay whatever dragons that stood between them. The last thing he expected to feel was an all-consuming love…for him.

  Shayla smiled up at him as if she knew exactly what he’d done. “You’re my very own Guardian. It’s taken me years to find you. Did you really thing that I would let you go without a fight?” She caressed his face. “Marry me.”

  Aiden rested his forehead against hers, and his grip tightened around her possessively. “It would be my greatest honor.”

  His wolf lifted his head and gave a howl of triumph.

  Without giving her a chance to change her mind, he kissed her, slowly and thoroughly, determined to prove to her how perfect they were together, even if he had to show her over and over again for the rest of their lives.

  The End

  Sneak Peek

  Electric Storm

  Book 1 : A Raven Investigations Novel

  A commotion at the other end of the room erupted. The boy. She knew it even before she saw his face. Five women surrounded him, heckling and caressing him. He stood there, a frozen smile plastered in place, tolerating the touch. Tolerating but not enjoying.

  Then he flinched. His smile became strained, the women’s laughter more wild. The boy’s eyes hardened but he kept still, enduring the obscene fondling and cruel taunts.

  She scanned the crowd. A few people snickered at his discomfort, a few looked away, pity leeching the life from their eyes. But no one protested.

  Then the man who had accompanied the boy stood to his full height. The muscles of her back loosened, and she eased back into her seat, unaware she’d half risen to her feet. The big man would keep him safe. But instead of rescuing the boy, the Ogre turned his back and pushed his way to the bar.

  A lump grew in her throat at the unwanted attention the boy endured. Memories of similar situations from her past cut into her mind, blurring reason until fury burned along her face.

  Stillness settled inside her, burying everything but the need to do something, the need to prevent the past from repeating itself. Before she knew what she was doing, she moved.

  The closer she came, the more she sensed his unwillingness and his resignation. She stopped outside the circle of women. Their gazes collided. Recognition sparked, and his gaze latched on to hers.

  Pleaded.

  It was a mistake coming here tonight, but she couldn’t leave without knowing he’d be safe. Couldn’t stop herself from rescuing him.

  “He’s mine.” She reached through the circle of women, clamped down on his wrist and pulled him to her side. He came without a word of complaint, his head lowered, a small smile on his lips that barely lasted a second. His body trembled slightly before he controlled himself.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” A blonde in strappy, three-inch heels stepped forward, drink in hand and a determined expression on her face. A woman who always got what she wanted.

  Raven wasn’t impressed. “We’re leaving.”

  As she turned, herding the boy in front of her, the woman’s talons dug into her arm.

  Reacting on instinct, Raven spun and thrust out her palm, slamming her hand into the blonde’s chest, releasing some of the pent-up power that swirled inside in response to her anger.

  The impact lifted the woman off her feet. She sailed over the table, one heel flying. Her mouth dropped open in moue of surprise, while her drink spun and sprayed her friends.

  Conversation slowed, people turned. No one touched the woman as she staggered to her feet. Raven braced herself and scanned the crowd.

  No one stepped forward to detain her or the boy.

  “Is there a problem?”

  Tiger.

  He broke through the wall of people who circled the small group. Broad shouldered, lean but roped with muscles, he easily drew attention to him and it had nothing to do with the elegant clothes or wildly untamed mane of hair. The combination should’ve looked ridiculous but only succeeded in making him appear all the more dominant.

  It gave him a dangerous air. An aura of bored arrogance seeped from him, but Raven knew differently. Power thrummed beneath his skin at his annoyance for being disturbed. The beast roamed close to the surface even in his human form.

  “No, sir. The lady here claimed me, and Miss Jackie objected.”

  “A challenge?” The tiger’s eyes sharpened in the muted light, his attention never leaving her face. He brushed against her shields, then shoved against them as if surprised to find resistance. The intensity increased, seeking a weakness. Her eyes narrowed. Usually only vampires or very powerful alphas had such strong mental ability.

  Protocol dictated certain rules, and he broke them by probing her without permission. They both knew it if his sudden, impudent smile was anything to go by. If he pushed harder, she’d retaliate. She refused to let him enter her mind, refused to let him harvest all her secrets. It was too dangerous for either of them.

  When he persisted, she twisted a strand of energy around his shields, using tremendous control to surround him instead of breaking through. Then she slowly tightened her hold. She let it rest there, let him feel her perusal, the threat. Her fingers trembled. Her stomach flopped like a fish out of water. It took everything she had to hold back more power and ignore the dangerous lure to crush the threat.

  Then his aura fluctuated, rubbed against her own shield in a way that sent a shiver down her spine in a very pleasant way. Her blood heated, and she could almost swear she felt a purr from her core. From the startled look and the aroused flush to his face, the reaction wasn’t something he’d anticipated either.

  Then he relented and retreated, bowing slightly in deference. “Please forgive my rudeness. I’m Jeffrey Durant, manager of Talon’s.”

  She reeled in the string of energy, suppressing the unholy need to curse. A formal greeting. Rules of the pack dictated she reply in kind, supply her name at the very least, and the bastard knew it. She had to work with shifters. She couldn’t piss in the pond just because she didn’t want to do something. “Raven—”

  “Do you know who I am?” Like a yippy little dog, the blonde charged forward, red blotches of anger coloring her face. Her eyes shimmered a yellowish-green with her emotions, but quickly reverted back to mud brown.

  Part shifter.

  A weak one.

  Most males could shift no matter what percentage of animal DNA they possessed, but the women had to be at least half shifter for their animal to take form. That meant Raven could take this little dog.

  Raven adjusted her stance, keeping the kid at her back and met the threat, damning herself for being a su
cker. “I don’t give a shit. I know all I need.”

  “Oh, do tell.” The rumpled blonde crossed her arms and smirked. “This should be good.”

  “You’re too weak to be a pure blood. Not even quarter, if I had to guess. You surround yourself with people who are weaker so you have someone who looks up to you. You enjoy abusing the very people you’re supposed to be protecting.”

  A fist flew at her face, and Raven caught it mid-air. Anger allowed her to easily lower the blonde’s arm. She lifted her chin, relieved to know she’d guessed right. If the woman had been a true shifter, her jaw would’ve been crushed. “Are you issuing a challenge?”

  A slight murmur went through the crowd. It was the only thing she could think of to get them out of there fast. A challenge meant more than possession of the boy, it meant pack position and a fight to the death. Jackie would die. Raven would see to it. Although she relished a certain poetic justice if she let the little wolf live. It would force the bimbo to the bottom of the pack, where she’d have to earn her place in the hierarchy. And something told Raven it wouldn’t be so easy to step over the very people she’d been treating like servants.

  Fury darkened the woman’s eyes, the brown splintered and specks of yellow appeared, then vanished as fast as they came.

  “No.” She spit out the one word, a promise of retribution for this humiliation dancing in her eyes.

  Giddiness trickled through Raven. Her unique gift remained secret. She’d been foolish to risk it over a boy. The need for fresh air pressed heavily against her, effectively caging her without the use of bars. She faced the tiger and raised a brow, doing her damndest to exude a calm she wasn’t feeling. “Then I believe I’m free to leave?”

  A charming smile curled his lips, but the intent stare reminded her of his animal form. He was hunting.

  And she was his prey.

  “There’s no rush.” He edged closer.

  Raven countered quickly, pulling the boy close to her back. “Nor is there a reason to stay.”

  The beautiful way he moved drew her gaze, hypnotic and beguiling.

  “Except to get to know one another.” The tone of his voice was deep and soothing. So inviting. The beasts at her core inched forward in curiosity.