by Carrie Kelly
Together the two mutts tied my hands and ankles together then put me in the back of a car.
I wrinkled my nose, feeling the drug seep down into my skin. I’m going to kill the magic user that invented that shit. I thought.
The drive seemed a million miles away. Being weakened, I was hauled up and dragged into the back of Wilson Manor. Since I’m here now may as well go find the real diamond. Then when I was as far as can be from this place, I would send Tate a vid message and rub my second escape in his stupid face.
Bay pulled me around into a small room and pushed me on a sofa. “Don’t go anywhere,” he said and flinched. A dark black and blue mass covered almost the entire side of his face.
I probably fractured his jaw. “That looks painful,” I said with a smirk.
A low growl escaped from deep within his gut. “Tate owes me for this one,” he mumbled and stood up. “If you know what’s best you’ll stay put.”
I frowned as he closed the door behind him and locked it.
“Stupid dog!” I shouted. The footsteps on the other side of the door paused for a moment before exiting the room.
Leaning to the side, I pulled at the rope. I’ve broken through many different bindings before, but there was something different about these particular ones. They seemed to stretch with my movement, but stay firmly locked around my skin. It also burned each time I struggled. Probably something else doused with magic. How craptastic!
I rolled to the side and yelped when the side of my hip smashed against the floor. Blowing some hair out of my face, I glanced around the small room. No windows. Nothing else besides the damn sofa and a small table.
I used both feet and kicked it down. The drawer splintered and fell to the side. Nothing.
With a growl, I bit my bottom lip. Why the hell would you keep a table inside a room with nothing in it?
A minute later Tate Wilson walked into the room looking like a dream in the fitted tux. He closed the door behind him and smiled down at me. Those wild green eyes shone with hunger, and his chestnut brown hair spilt over the top of each shoulder as he squatted down.
“Glad you could make it… Elise,” he said huskily and touched the side of my face. “Did you think I wouldn’t find you, kitty?”
My heart beat faster as he lifted me up gently and put me back on the sofa. “Well, I was hoping you wouldn’t,” I said and tried to scoot away from him.
He leaned into me and gripped my thick thigh tight. A smirk curled on those delectable lips.
“I’ll always be able to find that beautiful scent of yours. We’re mates after all,” he said and pulled the binds off of my ankles.
I scowled. “I’m not your mate.”
“Allow me to prove you wrong,” he whispered. Hot breath tickled my ear. Then he pressed his lips into my neck and laid against me.
I took a sharp breath. The heat from his body blanketed me, waking every sexual nerve inside. Biting my tongue, I squeezed his hips with my knees. “Stop doing that,” I said, trying to sound more annoyed than turned on, but failed miserably.
Tate’s fangs pinched my skin. “Your hearts beating faster, kitty. Sure you want me to stop?”
“Please,” I mumbled then gasped as he caressed my inner thigh.
“Please what?”
I stifled a moan and frowned as he cupped my face. Staring directly into my eyes. “Just let me go. I didn’t actually steal anything. I’m sorry I ever tried.”
His jaw tensed. “I could care less about the diamond,” he said and leaned close. His tongue darted out and lightly brushed my lower lip. “I’ve only been thinking of that night. How you tasted. How crazy your scent made me. The way you trembled when I touched you. Just like now.”
He kissed my lips gently. “Now that I finally have you back here do you really think I’m going to let you go that easily?” he breathed.
Eyes wide, I licked my lips. This guy for real? Maybe this was some kind of trick to catch me off guard. “You may claim I’m your mate and all, but what if you’re not mine?” I said and took a deep breath as he gripped my arms.
A grin curled on his lips. Eyes glowed with pure lust. “I’d say you’re lying.” He ripped the buttons off of my uniform, exposing my bra.
“Hey!” I stammered and struggled under his weight.
Slowly, he ran his fingers over my nipples. Static coursed over my skin and heat pooled between my legs.
“Ah!” I gasped. The nubs hardened instantly under his touch. “Stop, my breast are really sensitive.”
Tate pulled the straps down until the girls popped free. “Good,” he growled and leaned down. Tongue flicked across the sensitive flesh. Then he wrapped his mouth around one nipple while rolling the other between two fingers.
Holy shit! I thought. Forgot how good that felt. I leaned my head back and closed my eyes.
Tate worked one breast then switched to the next, sucking the nub until it turned a mean red.
Wetness stirred deep inside my cunt while it tightened and begged for some attention. A hand or maybe a mouth.
As if reading my mind, Tate pushed my knees open and pulled my panties off. Then he dipped his head, teasing the slit with his tongue. “You’re pretty wet, Elise,” he said as a growl escaped his lips.
Biting my bottom lip, I trembled. “Well, I did say my breasts are pretty sensitive,” I said and pouted. “What are you going to do?”
He kissed my inner thigh. “I’m going to make you come,” he said and pushed a finger deep inside.
My gut clenched and my body trembled. The pressure spread me wide, mixing sheer delight with a little pain. My cunt tightened around his digit as he rolled it around in slow circles before adding another finger. Then his tongue poked through the slit and assaulted my clit.
“Tate,” I gasped and arched my back. Electricity pooled in my groin as his tongue flicked up and down. Slowly at first then faster and faster. Reaching up with his free hand, Tate pinched one of my nipples. Overbearing pleasure threatened to split me in two.
The man certainly knew what he was doing. “Mm,” I moaned through my teeth. His fingers penetrated me, pushing as deep as they’d go.
A delightful shiver coursed down my spine as I edged closer to that happy ending. Too bad it couldn’t last longer, but that was impossible with how the man was working me.
“Ah! Ah!” I screamed. My body tensed and screamed for release while my vision started to blur.
Tate paused. “That’s it come for me,” he breathed. Then he sucked my clit back into his mouth.
Perspiration beaded down my forehead. Blood boiled making my skin hot. Stabbing sensations of utter delight filled me. Engulfed me. I’ve never felt this good before in my entire life.
“Ah! Please!” I moaned to the ceiling. My breaths shot out short and rapid until I finally came. My body jerked a couple of times as the orgasm washed over me, lingering through my being then slowly fading away.
Tate leaned up and took a deep breath. Then he smiled and leaned back into me. Those wild green eyes pierced through me, and for once in my life I had no idea what to say.
I licked my lips. “Why’d you do that?” I asked.
Reaching around, Tate pulled the binds off of my wrists, and kissed my lips lightly. “Do you have to question my every action? I told you. You’re my mate. I wanted to,” he growled and bit my bottom lip. Then he smashed his mouth into mine.
I gripped his shoulders and moaned against him. The strong musk of wolf and spice threatened to wake the need in my body once more.
Tate pulled away and stood up. Then he took my hand. “As much as I would love to stay and play, I need to get back to the party. Come on,” he said.
Standing up on wobbly knees, I squeezed his hand. Strong and big compared to my own. “Where are we going?” I asked.
Tate opened the door and walked out of the room. Then he opened another to a small bathroom.
I watched as he washed up. Then he wetted his face and took a deep breat
h. Glancing down, I noticed the giant bulge he sported was constricted against his pants. “Isn’t that painful?” I asked.
He smiled and leaned over me. “A bit, but that will be taken care of tonight,” he whispered.
My eyes widened. Didn’t have to explain it to me. The man was planning to claim me. For wolves that was their way of tying the knot. “Not so sure I’m ready for such a big commitment,” I said and took a few steps back.
He sighed. “Still going to play hard to get after what just happened.”
“I…”
Gripping my wrist, he pulled me close. His other hand caressed my cheek.
Dammit! Why couldn’t I fight the man’s charm?
No matter how much I tried to peg Tate Wilson, I couldn’t. He really seemed to believe I was his mate. I could see it in his eyes. How could anyone fake an expression like that?
However, I’m stubborn. Maybe if I could clear my head for a few days it would all make more sense.
“Elise?” Tate said and wrapped his arms around me as I screamed.
My body broke and bent. Shifting to a little black cat.
Tate tried to keep a hold of me, but I ran out of the door. “Dammit, Elise!” he roared.
“Rowr! Mow!” I spit. The change hurt a lot more than the last time I was doped with the anti-shifting drug.
I scurried out into the big hall and immediately regretted it as tons of feet moved and walked about me.
The sound of a door slammed shut. I huddled in a corner and glanced around. Fur on end and whiskers twitching.
Tate sniffed the air and frowned. “Everyone,” he shouted.
The crowd quieted and looked at him. I took the opportunity to sneak around.
“I’m sorry for my interruption, but I lost my cat.”
Running under a food table, I froze. That bastard!
“She’s very dear to me and I wouldn’t want her escaping, so if you would look around. I’m sure she’s hiding somewhere in here,” he said and pointed across the room. “Close all windows.”
It wasn’t long before the table cloth was lifted and a petite girl smiled at me. “I found her Mr. Wilson,” she giggled and reached out for me.
I put my paw up in warning, but she ignored me. I hissed as she picked me up and patted my head. “Meow,” I said bitterly.
“Aw, you’re okay kitty,” she cooed.
Lowering my ears, I meowed again. Stupid girl!
Tate hurried through and reached out. Then I was right back into his arms. I’ve always been able to escape from anything in the past, but not from Tate. Was I really losing my touch or what?
“Thank you so much,” he said warmly and flashed a smile at the girl.
A blush spread across her cheeks. “It was nothing Mr. Wilson,” she said and smiled.
I’d roll my eyes if I could.
Tate kept a tight hold on me as he left the party and marched upstairs to his bedroom. Then he splashed more powder in my face.
I grunted as my human form took shape. “I really hate that stuff,” I said through gritted teeth.
“Well, I wouldn’t have to use it if you weren’t so stubborn. Really, Elise,” he said as he hefted me up and pushed me against the wall. “Stop trying to run away from me!”
I opened my mouth then shut it and looked away.
He tilted my chin back towards his face. “Listen. I have a proposition for you. Hear me out and if you don’t like it then I’ll let you go,” he said.
I stared for a moment before finally nodding. “Fine, what is it?” I asked.
“First you’re going to bathe and dress. Then you’re going to join me and everyone else downstairs.”
With a strong huff, I scowled. “I hate crowds,” I whined.
Tate walked to the claw foot tub and turned on the water. “Come here,” he demanded.
It was no use fighting anymore. I walked over and got inside. The hot water prickled on my skin.
He took off his jacket and rolled his sleeves up.
“I can bathe myself you know,” I said and grabbed the soap.
He shot an icy stare. Then he took the soap from me, scrubbed my back and around to my front.
My nipples hardened under his palm and I trembled.
“What am I supposed to wear?” I asked.
The man wiped his arm over his brow. His eyes glowed, showing the angry wolf underneath. “I have one for you. I guessed the measurements, so hopefully they come close,” he said and handed me the soap. “I’ll let you finish.”
I took the damn thing and frowned.
He disappeared for a moment and came back with a few boxes. “For when you’re done.”
I finished scrubbing, stood up and grabbed the robe hanging from the towel rack. The material was so soft it was like being wrapped inside a cloud. It also smelled like him.
Tate’s anger seemed to subside as he watched me dry. Then he left me to my own devices for the next twenty minutes.
The smaller box contained a make-up kit and red lipstick. I snorted and looked in the mirror. My hair was a lot longer than I’d realize. Opening the bigger box, I gasped at the dress.
I’m not one to know about fashion, but I could swear the design logo was famous and very expensive.
I slipped it over my shoulders and fixed the top. It was a bit too tight around the chest and very snug on the hips. Turning around, I frowned at my ass.
Ugh! Why was he making me do this?
I hurried and applied some make-up. Something I haven’t worn in quite a while. Studying my face, I applied red lipstick. Matching the color of the dress. I guess it wasn’t too bad. Along with my black hair and pale skin the red really made everything pop. My eyes shone bright blue.
My cheeks were full now. I remember before I gained weight they’d been sharp. My nose even seemed to of grown a little.
A footstep squeaked on the floor around me and I spun around.
Tate took a deep breath. “Gorgeous,” he said and walked up to me.
I pursed my lips and twiddled my fingers together. “So, um you just happen to have lots of dresses lying around?” I asked. Why was I asking? It was Tate Wilson. He’s probably had tons of lovers. My gut tightened.
“I bought it a week ago for you. With that complexion and that long silky black hair of yours, I knew red was your color. And it’s also my favorite,” he said and tugged a strand of my hair.
“You bought me a dress while you were searching for me? How did you know you were going to find me?”
A smirk spread across his face. “I did. Didn’t I,” he said and leaned close until our faces were inches apart. “There’s something else I have for you.”
Tensing under his touch, I took a deep breath and watched him take out another small box with a necklace inside. It was a single large ruby surrounded by an intricate design of diamonds. My eyes widened. “Dazzling,” I said.
“Turn around,” Tate whispered and brushed a kiss on my cheek.
I worried my lip and obeyed. “Are they real?”
“Of course.”
“You’re insane,” I said while lifting my hair. A shiver ran down my spine as the cold chain wound around my neck. “It’s heavy.”
“You’ll get used to it,” he said as he buried his face in the crook of my neck then he took a deep breath.
I stared at the mirror. It was crazy how different I looked. The blush helped bring life to my cheeks. My hair even looked sleeker than usual. All this time I thought I was a total ugo, but like this I guess I’m okay. Maybe I could stand out even better if I lost some pounds, or I’m just full of it.
I shook my head. “Not sure what to do with my hair.”
The wolf’s reflection grinned. “Leave it down. I like it this way,” he said and ran his fingers through it. “Shall we?” he asked and offered his arm.
Wrapping my arm around his, we left the room and back to the party.
I grumbled when a group of strangers flocked towards us. Crowds and loud noi
ses are possibly the worst things in the entire world. I looked up. What I wouldn’t give to be higher.
Tate tightened his grip on me like he was worried I’d disappear. Well, guess I understood why.
I chuckled out loud.
“Something amusing?” Tate asked.
“No,” I said quickly.
One of his brows raised. “Remember you agreed to hear my proposal.”
I nodded and for the next hour he led me around the party. I figured business subjects or whatever rich people talk about would be topic. However, I’m not that lucky. Most of his guests wondered who I was, how I met Tate and what I do for a living.
I was good at lying, but having to spout out so many at once made it harder to keep up with them all. I pulled Tate to one of the dinner tables and narrowed my eyes. “You know you could be helping me out a bit. Maybe change the subject away from me.”
He laughed. “But I like hearing you work. You’re quite the con artist,” he said as he picked up a cracker and put it to my lips.
“That’s unacceptable…Is that salmon?” I asked.
He nodded.
I opened my mouth and took a bite.
“You like?”
I chewed and swallowed. “Yeah, but,” I said and grabbed his hand. “Listen how much longer is this thing going to last?”
Tate leaned closer. The light caught his eyes and made them reflect. “It hasn’t been that long.”
“It feels like a million years,” I said and pouted.
Wrapping his hand around my waist, Tate brushed his lips over mine. “I’ll cut it off early tonight. For you,” he said then pulled my hand. “Dance with me.”
Eyes widened. “Oh, no I don’t dance,” I said.
“Funny I don’t remember asking,” he said and pulled me close.
I glowered. “That kind of attitude is going to get your eyes scratched out,” I said and blushed as he put my hand on his shoulder and gripped the other.
“Love when you talk rough, kitty,” he teased and led me around the dance floor.
I stumbled and gripped his hand tighter.
“Relax. Look at me,” Tate said and tilted my chin back up. His green eyes burned with lust. His lips sat slightly parted as he took a couple of shuddery breaths.
Remembering how those lips burned over my skin excited my nerves and I trembled. While lost in thought, the music changed and he pulled me closer until my breasts were firmly pressed against his sculpted chest.