by Audrey Storm
“Looking for anything to sell, or any cash you might have.”
“I don’t have a lot. It would have done him no good.”
“But you have some.”
“Well— it’s not mine any longer.”
“What do you mean?”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m using it as my payment for your help. I hope it’s enough.”
Jesse laughed. “I told you not to worry about it.”
“And I told you I don’t take handouts.”
“It’s not a hand out when you’re family.”
Chase froze next to her and she glanced between them. Jesse smiled without a care and Chase was tense next to her.
“I don’t have any family. Not anymore.”
“Well, now you do. You have a giant family, and we’re going to take care of you.” Then he looked at Chase. “Haven’t you told her yet?”
“I hadn’t gotten that far, brother,” he replied low.
“Oh, well shit, I’ll tell her.” Jesse scooted to the edge of his seat and peered at her. “I hope you like animals, sweetheart.”
And then just like that he was gone, and in his place was a wolf. A freaking wolf. Skye gasped and her eyes widened. The wolf, Jesse, padded toward her and sat on his haunches.
“I guess you had a pretty huge secret,” she said to Chase while watching Jesse. It was amazing. There was intelligence behind his eyes. She could tell he was still there completely. It was unreal, yet she wasn’t scared or disbelieving.
“How do you feel about it?”
She looked at him when she heard his tone. He was scared she wouldn’t accept him. She smiled and brought her hand to his cheek. “I think it’s pretty damn cool,” she said. “Is that how you will be able to find my brother? Wolf senses and all?”
“Yes,” he replied, as if he wasn’t sure of what she said.
“I told you I’m open-minded.”
“You’re not running,” he replied, surprised.
“No, I’m not.”
She wasn’t sure why it mattered what she thought, why he seemed to be hanging on a thread, waiting to see her reaction. Jesse changed back and sat back on the chair like he was before he turned into a wolf. “So that’s the big secret. We are a large pack who also runs a security business. Our abilities do come in handy.”
“I see that. So my question is, do you normally tell your clients about your other half?”
“No, we don’t.”
“Then why tell me?”
“Because you’re my true mate,” Chase said in a thick voice.
Skye froze. Okay, she didn’t see that coming. She was a wolf’s mate.
Chapter 6
Skye sat back against the couch and sighed. Her brother had sunk low and now someone named Shawn, who was a part of their pack, was using his shirt to track him down. He would fight dirty and she was worried about Shawn. “He’ll fight back.”
Chase chuckled. “Shawn knows what he’s doing, baby.”
She nibbled her lip. “At least warn him, please. I don’t want him getting hurt because my brother is a dick.”
Jesse nodded. “I’ll call him if that will make you feel better.” He left the room, leaving her and Chase alone.
Chase leaned back against the couch. “So you’re really okay with this? Do you want to see my wolf?”
She turned and adjusted comfortably. “I’ve got a lot of questions eventually, and I think I’m good right now. What I do want to know...” She pushed her hair behind her ears and blushed. Leaning forward, she whispered, “… is why I feel so damn turned on?”
Chase’s laugh made her jump and she glared. “Hey, it’s a serious question.”
He nodded. “I know, but it wasn’t the one I was expecting. Out of everything, that’s the one thing on your mind?”
Getting on to her knees she scooted closer. “Yes, I’m a ball of sexual energy, and I need to release it.”
“Yes, it’s normal,” he replied, and gulped when she climbed over him, straddling his lap. She saw his hands ball into a fist and she sighed. Reaching down, she lifted one hand and put it on her hip. He unclenched his fist and gripped her hip bringing the other one to the other side without her help.
“So it’s normal that I want to rip your clothes off and ride you until I pass out from pleasure.” She rubbed against him and moaned when she felt him harden.
“Yes,” he said, and tightened his hold. “It’s exactly how I feel. How I’ve felt since you ran into me.”
“You have good control.”
Jesse walked in and laughed. “Well, I suppose I should get going. I told Shawn about your brother and he sent his thanks for caring about his wellbeing.”
Chase growled. “Okay, now get out.”
“Thank you, Jesse,” Skye said, and then gasped when Chase cupped her ample breasts rubbing his thumb over her nipples, hardening the tips. She groaned and rolled her hips against him.
She wasn’t aware when Jesse left, nor did she care. All that mattered was the man touching her, and how much more she wanted.
“Touch me,” she said, and he massaged her breast. It wasn’t enough; she needed to feel his skin against hers. Reaching down, she pulled her shirt off and threw it on the couch. Chase got the hint and unclasped her bra. She slid it down her arms.
He groaned when she shoved her bare, plump breasts into his hands. “Touch me,” she said, and didn’t recognize her own voice.
He ran his thumb over her nipple and pinched it. She gasped when he did it a second time.
“But your back.”
“I have confidence you can avoid hurting me. I’ll be fine.” She lifted up and then slammed down on his cock. “I want you.”
Chase growled and kissed her hard. He delved right into her mouth and devoured her. His control was breaking; she could feel it in his shaky movements.
The kiss went on until she had to break away to catch her breath. His eyes were dilated and he was hard under her.
“There’s no going back if we do this. The bond is permanent.”
“I don’t care. I want you, and I know you want me. I feel your heart racing. Your body is shaking with a need that matches mine.”
Without a word, Chase stood, lifting her with him and he strode to a set of stairs. He carried her wrapped around his waist. “You have exactly two minutes to change your mind if you’re going to.”
Instead, she buried her face in his neck and sucked his flesh into her mouth. She bit him lightly and then kissed him. He tasted good.
He shoved a door open and set her on her feet. She didn’t need to be told. She stripped the rest of her clothes off and stood before him.
He glanced at her, and without a word he tore his clothes off. She gasped when she saw his body. It was perfect. He was toned, and she trailed her eyes down his sculpted chest. He wasn’t as hairy as she thought, but there was a trail she followed down until she saw his erection. He was large and ready. She walked toward him not feeling the least bit self-conscious. It didn’t really faze her that she stood naked in front of a man. The way he looked at her, like he wanted to worship every inch of her, erased any fears she might have had.
She stood in front of him and wrapped her small hand around him. He was hot and jumped at her touch. Sliding her hand up she squeezed the tip and he sucked in a breath.
“You’re not changing your mind?”
“No. I want you, Chase, more than I’ve ever wanted anyone in my entire life.”
“Good, because I need you.” He grabbed her hand and led her to the bed, but he climbed on and lay on his back. “Come ride me, baby.”
She gulped, and crawled onto the bed. She’d never really been comfortable on top, but she climbed over him and gasped when his cock rubbed against her. The slightest touch was all it took and she was ready for him. Leaning down, she kissed him and nibbled his lip before licking across it. He opened his mouth and she slid her tongue inside and kissed him with everything she had. He pulled her over him and she lifted up.
When she felt him at her entrance, she lowered down his cock. She gasped and pushed down to take more of him inside of her. Nothing had ever felt so good, so right.
When she was flat against him she rocked her body on his, slowly. He tensed and she could tell he wanted to take control, but he held back. It was sweet. She picked up her pace and smirked. “Touch me, Chase.”
His eyes glazed over, but he ran his finger over her clit. Her body shook, and she rode him faster and harder. The faster he rubbed, the faster she went. She was so close. He cupped her breast with his other hand, and when he leaned up enough to suck her nipple into his mouth, she came hard. He bit her nipple and she convulsed around him.
In a movement too fast, she was flipped on her back under him. He sunk his large canine teeth into her neck, marking her as his. She screamed out her orgasm and dug her nails into his back as he came inside of her. He pumped in her fast and hard, his movements less controlled. He pulled back, licked her neck, and roared. When he looked down at her, his eyes were gold, and his canines were elongated. And at that moment, she’d never seen anything sexier.
Chapter 7
A week later, and no one had found Skye’s brother. She wasn’t surprised, but the guys were getting frustrated. She’d met the whole pack and each one of them treated her like family. Chase was possessive and protective. He was perfect, and each day she fell more in love with him. Not that she’d told him. She was worried he would think it was too soon. They’d completed the bond and spent the next three days in bed. Never before had she been so thoroughly loved.
She washed the glass and smiled to herself. Chase came behind her and kissed her neck. “Hey, baby. Jesse’s here. He has some news for us.”
“Okay, I’ll be there in a minute.” Life was good. She wasn’t worried about the thugs, and had fallen in love with the cabin. She had no problem staying there. She’d lost her job, but she hated it anyways. When Joey’s shit was taken care of, she’d find a new job, hopefully one she actually likes.
She walked into the living room and smiled at Shawn and Jesse. They were big teddy bears. Both of them treated her like she was their baby sister. “Hey,” she said, but her smile fell when she saw the look on Jesse’s face. “What’s going on?”
“Sit down, sweetheart,” he said, and she didn’t argue.
Chase sat next to her and held her hand. She was starting to panic.
Jesse and Shawn sat across from her, and Shawn pulled out a picture, holding it out to her. She took it hesitantly and gasped. Tears filled her eyes and she dropped the photo on the ground. It was Joey, and someone had beaten him to a pulp. “He’s not alive, is he?”
“I’m afraid not. He was like that when we finally tracked him down in a shitty Vegas motel,” Shawn said. He grasped her hand. “I’m sorry, Skye.”
She shook her head. “I knew one day this would happen. The way he lived his life only promised to lead to this outcome.”
“Now what is she going to do? Mickey is going to want his debt paid off regardless, and she has a week left?” Chase asked.
“We’re going to pay it off. The pack has discussed it. You’re family now, Skye, part of the pack, and we take care of ours.”
She cried softly and shook her head. “It’s too much; I’ll never be able to pay you back.”
Jesse knelt in front of her, taking her hands, and Chase leaned back. “Sweetheart, we aren’t asking you to pay it back. Just love and accept us as family. Be a mom to Chase’s pups. Not every family is like the one you’re used to.”
She sobbed and nodded. Jesse leaned in and kissed her cheek before whispering, “You’re the best thing to happen to Chase and the rest of the pack.”
Pulling back, Jesse blinked away a tear, and she smiled. They were so sensitive. She nodded. “Fine, but there has to be something I can do that’s useful around here.”
Shawn laughed. “Well, the rest of the pack has been dying to try some of your famous pot roast.”
“I can handle that.”
* * * *
That night she and Chase had dinner, and then he dragged her to their room. Rose petals were scattered everywhere, and candles lit her path. The room was bathed in the light with soft music in the background. He pulled her to him and wrapped his arms around her. She tipped her head back and smiled at him. “I love you, Chase,” she said and her eyes widened. Skye hadn’t meant to say it, but everything was perfect. She’d never imagined meeting a man like him.
His lips curled up into a small smile. “It’s about time,” he said and kissed her. “I love you too, baby.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and he lifted her from the ground. Automatically, she wrapped her legs around his waist. He carried her to bed, and that night he made love to her, telling her how much she meant to him, and how much he couldn’t wait to make her his wife. Before she fell asleep, he asked her to marry him, and slid his grandmother’s ring on her finger. It wasn’t huge, but it was pretty and perfect.
“Of course I’ll marry you,” she said, and smiled.
He kissed her and laughed. “I never thought the day would come. We don’t find our mates easily.”
“You’re perfect, Chase, and I am so glad I ran into you.”
“Me too,” he replied.
She shot out of bed and looked at the door. Someone was pounding on the door. Chase jumped out of bed and opened the door.
Jesse walked in with danger in his eyes. “They’ve got Shawn. Guess they want to switch our wolf for Skye.”
She gasped. “Yes, trade. You have to get Shawn back. This is my fault.”
Jesse glared down at her. “No, it’s not. It’s your brother’s fault, and we are not trading you. Shawn will be fine. He’s probably pissed as shit, but fine nonetheless. We’re going to pay Mickey tomorrow and take him back. Once he gets his money, he’ll back off.”
“But he’s going to hurt Shawn, isn’t he?”
Jesse gritted his teeth. “He already has, but Shawn’s one of our toughest. I’m more concerned with him seeking revenge.”
Chase nodded. “He should have his revenge. I still want to get my hands on the thug who hurt her.”
“No, let’s just pay Mickey and move on.”
Jesse chuckled. “That’s not how it works, sweetheart. Mickey’s reign is over.”
She sighed and looked at Chase. His eyes were full of excitement. She shook her head. “Well shit, I want a nut shot at the very least.”
Jesse and Chase both stared at her. “Are you for real?”
She nodded. She was one of them now, and Shawn was one of her wolves. She was protective of them all. They belonged to her, and she belonged to them all on some level. Chase was her mate, but they were all her family, and family stuck together. They took care of each other. Mickey wouldn’t get away with killing her brother and stealing her wolf. He’d pay and then she’d be free.
THE END
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The Vegas Vampire Affair
The Vegas Vampire Affair
Heather watched her friends dancing wildly, her heart sinking. This was supposed to be the bachelorette trip of a lifetime. She and Jake were getting married this weekend, and they’d arrived early to get everything organized. A chapel wedding shouldn’t be so hard, but it was a big deal and their parents had been over the moon to know they were having a destination wedding. The families would be united in a couple of days, and Heather couldn’t wait to share the experience of Las Vegas, lights and craziness and all, with her parents and Jake’s family. But tonight, it all felt a little lonely. Jake was at his party at another hotel on the Strip and Heather and her friends had opted to stay at this hotel, checking out the in-house entertainment rather than wandering around, as she suspected Jake and his friends were doing.
Heather sighed and sipped her white wine, settling her tiara more securely on her head. They’d had a fabulous dinner, and she’d wanted to go back to their suite and have girl talk, but her friends had other ideas. They we
re all single and ready to mingle. So Heather was kind of stuck here as they ordered drink after drink and drifted from the VIP area to the dance floor. Someone had to watch the purses.
It wasn’t supposed to be like this, Heather thought with a sigh. She wanted excitement, she wanted something…more. Her friends knew it, too. They’d suggested she should flirt with every man they ran into, sometimes going so far as to nudge her into a man’s path. Yeah, that had done wonders; all she’d done was trip and fall at his feet. And the guy, some Hollywood wannabe, hadn’t even removed his sunglasses, much less helped her up. Instead, he’d muttered “clumsy” and went on his way. Charming.
The problem was her friends didn’t like Jake. Oh, they tolerated him just fine. He was a nice guy, they all said, a little sad smile on each of their faces. But Heather knew they wanted more for her. Sometimes she wanted more for herself. Jake was a manager at a retail store, with no aspirations of moving up from that position. And while the company and chain were good, solid brands, Heather couldn’t imagine a life where she was married to a store manager forever. As a Vice Principal of a high school, she’d be bringing in most of the income, and her benefits were better. It seemed uneven to her, but Jake, at thirty-five, was perfectly content earning twenty-eight thousand a year, with his meager benefits. And his high lifestyle. He’d always rushed out and bought the latest and greatest electronics, with his discount from work, of course, but Heather wished that he’d contribute to the bills, or even their lifestyle. He seemed to enjoy the finer things in life much more than actually paying for them.
There had always been a Heather and Jake and everyone took it for granted that they’d get married someday. They’d been best friends in first grade, had been each other’s first—and only, in Heather’s case, anyway—kiss. She’d lost her virginity to him on prom night, and when he’d proposed, she’d said yes automatically. They’d been living together for so long that the next step seemed obvious. Only…Heather wasn’t so sure any more. Seeing how happy her friends were just made it even more clear that she was entering into a life with someone she loved like a brother, but who didn’t set off alarm bells or rockets or anything. He was just comfortable—like her favorite robe. Like he…