“I’m sort of between jobs right now. I had a job at a local office, until the battle with the demons. I was out for a few days. Even though the sorcerer healed my wounds, I was still weak for two or three days and couldn’t go in to the office. I couldn’t very well tell them I’d been attacked by demons, so they let me go.”
His brows furrowed. “You’ve been without a job for over a month now? How are you paying your bills?”
“I had a little saved, and the Alpha is paying me to clean his house and bring him meals.”
“Connor?”
She shook her head. “Gabriel.”
His eyebrows rose in surprise. “He speaks with you? I’d heard he’d locked himself away in the house and was avoiding everyone.”
“He has dinner with me every night at his kitchen table. I wash his dishes, vacuum, dust... whatever needs to be done, which isn’t a lot, since I’m there every day. I could probably go once or twice a week as far as the cleaning goes, but I don’t like the idea of him being locked up in there by himself. He doesn’t realize it, but he needs people around him, especially right now. I’ve gotten him to talk about Kiera a little, but I can tell, it’s painful for him.”
“You’re something of a miracle worker.”
“Not really. I just listen when he feels like talking and let him know someone is there for him when he doesn’t. It was actually his brothers’ idea that I go over there.”
“I’m glad he has you to lean on. I was worried about him. When I was in Heaven, I tried to keep an eye on him, make sure he didn’t do anything stupid, but I wasn’t allowed to interfere, so it was hard. I was told that there was a plan for him, that he would work things out on his own, and leave him be.”
“It makes me feel better, knowing there’s a plan for Gabriel. He deserves to find happiness again.”
“He will,” Adriel said confidently.
Kinley took their empty plates to the kitchen and rinsed them in the sink. After refilling their wine glasses, she led him into the living room and motioned for him to sit. She hadn’t really thought about what would happen after dinner, and now, she was at a loss. She’d made small talk; she’d fed him. Now what? She didn’t want him to leave yet. She’d had this grand plan to seduce him, but now, she wasn’t sure what to do. Throwing herself at him didn’t seem right. Had he even been with a woman before? She knew it would have been forbidden while he was an angel, but had he slept with someone in the pack since he’d become human?
“You’re thinking too hard,” Adriel commented.
She smiled. “Sorry.”
“What thoughts are spinning in that lovely head of yours?”
He thought she was lovely.
“Um...” She felt herself go scarlet from the neck up.
“Hmm. I’m thinking they’re naughty thoughts.”
“Maybe.”
He reached out and trailed his fingers down her cheek. “Would I earn myself a one way ticket out of here if I kissed you?”
Her heart thrummed in her chest, beating so hard she was sure he could hear it.
“N-no. I’d like it if you kissed me.”
He wrapped a hand around the back of her neck and tugged her closer. His eyes closed a moment before his lips brushed against hers. His lips coaxed and caressed, teased and tormented. She parted her mouth on a sigh, and he slipped his tongue inside, tasting her. For a man who hadn’t been human for very long, he was doing everything right. Her body warmed and tingled as she experienced the sensual delight of Adriel’s lips against hers, his tongue stroking hers. He trailed kisses along her jaw and down her neck before resting his head on her shoulder.
Kinley cupped the back of his head, holding him to her.
“I’m sorry,” he murmured against her. “I shouldn’t have gotten so carried away.”
He considered that carried away? What would he do if she asked him to strip and follow her to the bedroom? Her lips throbbed from his kiss, but all she could think was what does the rest of him taste like? When he pulled back, she saw the passion blazing in his eyes and knew it wouldn’t take much to lead him down the path of temptation. But should she was the question?
“I should go,” he said.
“Please stay.”
He shook his head. “If I do, I’m going to do something we may regret later. I like you, a lot. I don’t want to do something that could set us on the wrong path. I want to see you again, if that’s what you’d like.”
“Is it wrong that I want you to stay? That I want to see where things are going with us tonight?”
“It’s not wrong, Kinley. I want you, never doubt that. I want you so much I ache, but I don’t want to tumble into bed with you tonight, then wake up tomorrow and realize we rushed things. You’re too important to me for that.”
She really wanted him to stay. While she could understand his concerns, she also knew that she could never regret being intimate with him. If anything, it would probably be the best night of her life. She felt drawn to Adriel, and once more, she wondered if he could be her mate. If the Alpha asked her to tie herself to someone in the pack, she knew she’d choose Adriel. Even out of the males, she’d known outside of the pack, she would still choose Adriel.
“Have you... have you ever been with a woman before?”
Hedrew a slight smile. “I hadn’t even kissed a woman until a moment ago.”
“You did it perfectly.”
His gaze dropped to her lips. “May I kiss you again? I know I shouldn’t, but... I can’t seem to help myself.”
She moved closer, practically crawling into his lap. “You never have to ask permission. You can kiss me anytime you want.”
Adriel wrapped his arms around her, drawing her closer. As their lips met, she felt warmth spread through her. Her nipples pebbled against her bra, and she brushed them against his chest. It was torture – exquisite torture – being held by him, kissed by him. If she craved him so much after a simple kiss, what would happen when they made love? She felt moisture gather between her thighs as her arousal ratcheted up another notch. Just the thought of him filling her, had her creaming her panties. She wasn’t sure if it was good he couldn’t smell her arousal or if this were a disadvantage. Another shapeshifter would smell her need and be willing to take things further, but Adriel was human.
She trailed her hand down his abdomen and cupped the hard ridge tenting his jeans. He jumped a little, then turned up the heat on their kiss. He might not want to take her to bed tonight, but there was something she could do for him. If he’d never kissed a woman before, she wondered if he’d ever had an orgasm. Had he discovered masturbation yet? She wasn’t about to ask. He seemed shy when it came to his sexuality, even if he did kiss like a pro.
Kinley trailed her lips down his throat, then slid into the floor between his legs. With her eyes fastened on his, she unfastened his belt, sliding his button free before unzipping his jeans. She watched his eyes darken with arousal.
“Kinely, what are you doing?”
She felt his thighs tense under her palms. “Relax, Adriel. Please don’t deny me. I know you don’t want to make love tonight, but at least, let me do this for you. I want to.”
His Adam’s apple bobbed. “Kinley, I don’t think—”
“Good. Don’t think, just feel.”
She tugged his jeans and boxers down a little. His cock sprang free, and she licked her lips in anticipation. He wasn’t the largest male she’d ever seen, but that was probably a good thing, given her small stature. As far as she was concerned, he was perfect. Kinley locked her gaze with his as she leaned forward and took a nice, long lick. The scent of his body wash was subtle and oh so delicious. Her mouth was watering as she fitted her lips around the head of his cock, swirling her tongue around the sensitive tip.
A bit of pre-cum leaked out, and she lapped it up, moaning as his taste exploded on her tongue. She took more of him in her mouth, not stopping until she’d taken in every last inch. He didn’t quite reach the back of
her throat, but he was still a pleasant mouthful. Kinley gripped his hips as she swallowed him down time and again. She felt him swell in her mouth and prepared herself. Adriel gave a shout, his hips flexed, and then, he was coming. She swallowed every spurt, feeling content that she’d given him such pleasure, a pleasure he’d never known before. When he was finished, she licked him clean, then tucked him back inside his boxers.
“Kinley, I... that was...”
“Your first orgasm?” she asked.
He nodded. “Is that a bad thing? I’m sure you’re used to guys with experience.”
“Adriel, I love that I’m your first. It means you aren’t thinking of anyone but me when we’re together. I don’t have to worry that you’re comparing me to someone else, and I’m coming up short.”
He grimaced. “No, but I have to worry about that.”
She cupped his cheek. “No one could ever compare to you. I felt more from the kisses we shared tonight than I’ve ever felt with anyone before. You’re special to me.”
“Special, how?” he asked, his voice low.
“I think... I think you may be my mate. In fact, I’m almost certain of it.”
He ran his fingers through her hair. “What does that mean for us?”
“It means I don’t want to see anyone but you. I know there are other women in the pack who are interested in you. Do you want to try dating them? You’re new to all of this, and it only seems fair that you see other women to know for sure that I’m what you want.”
“Kinley,” he said softly. “I already knew you were what I wanted. You’re the reason I’m here.”
Her heart stuttered in her chest. “The reason you’re here?”
“I gave up Heaven for you. I don’t need to see other women to know you’re the one I want to be with. You’re it for me.”
Her heart overflowed with joy as she pressed her lips to his. Now more than ever, she wished he would take things further, but she knew he wouldn’t, at least, not tonight. Was it too soon to talk about a mating ceremony for them? Or would he prefer a traditional wedding?
He pulled away and smiled at her. “Temptress.”
“When can I see you again?”
“Monday,after work. I think we both need a few days to mull things over because I need to know you want this just as much as I do.. I’m not going anywhere, so you should take some time to think things through. Monday night, we’ll see where we stand.”
Kinley didn’t need until Monday night, but if he wanted to wait, she would. He was right. They were rushing things, much as she hated to admit it. It wouldn’t kill her to be without him for a few days. She’d definitely have to run to the store for batteries though. Two more nights without sex? She didn’t think she’d make it, not without her vibrator.
She pulled away, rising to her feet. Adriel stood and put his clothes back in order. With a smile and one last gentle kiss, he walked toward the door, pausing as he reached for the doorknob.
“I’ll be thinking of you,” he said.
“Good night, Adriel.”
“Good night, Kinley.”
He left himself out, and she locked up behind him, leaning against the door when she was finished. What a night! It wasn’t quite how she’d seen their first date,, but she had no complaints. Yes, she was still achy and filled with a need for him that surpassed anything she’d felt before, but at least she knew he wanted her just as much. He’d given up Heaven for her! Her previous boyfriends hadn’t even given up the remote. She didn’t know that she was worthy of Adriel, but she wasn’t going to turn him away. She would do as he asked and spend the next two days thinking about their relationship and where she wanted it to go. Then, when Monday night came around, she wouldn’t take no for an answer, even if it meant tying him to her bed. Now there was a thought...
Chapter Four
It was only Sunday, but already, Adriel missed Kinley. He’d thought of her often since leaving her house Friday night. He’d cleaned his place,twice, in an attempt to not think about her. He’d even done laundry.. If he watched one more movie, or sat through one more talk show, he was going to scream. He had too much time on his hands. What was that saying about idle hands? “Idle hands are the Devil’s workshop.” He couldn’t argue about that. Thinking about Kinley was essentially the same thing as thinking about sinning, since he kept replaying her sucking his cock like a lollipop. He’d watched humans interact over the centuries, and of course had seen a woman do that before, but he’d never realized... If anyone had told him how incredible it felt, he might have been tempted to try it sooner. He was getting hard again just thinking about it.
The phone rang, pulling him away from his thoughts. The number wasn’t familiar, but then again, he didn’t talk to anyone aside from Connor and Colin.
“Hello.”
“Adriel, it’s Rex.”
Adriel smiled. “Hey, Rex. I didn’t realize you had my number.”
“I got it from Connor. Listen, there’s a group of guys heading to Lagoona Paradise for lunch and a few beers. I know you’re still getting to know everyone, so I thought you might want to tag along. It would be a great opportunity for you to interact with more of the pack than just the construction crew.”
Adriel ran a hand over the whiskers on his chin. He hadn’t showered yet, much less shaved.
“I’ll need a little time to get ready. I’ve been cleaning up the place like a madman and flipping channels since seven this morning.”
“Well, take a quick shower and meet me in the parking lot in fifteen. Don’t worry about shaving or any of that crap. It’s just us guys, so we don’t care what you look like.”
Adriel laughed. “Alright. I’ll see you in a few.”
He turned off the TV and headed into the bathroom, stripping off his clothes as he went. After a quick five minute shower, he brushed his teeth and threw on some jeans and a tee before spritzing on a little cologne. Adriel put on some socks and tennis shoes, then headed down to the parking lot to meet Rex. It kind of sucked not having his own transportation, but before he could think about buying a car, he needed to learn how to drive one.
Rex was leaning against his truck when Adriel reached the parking lot. The wolf grinned at him and motioned for him to hop in before sliding behind the wheel. Adriel had to admit he liked Rex, and the other guys he’d met. Everyone in the pack was friendly and helpful. If they were uncertain about having a former angel in their midst, they didn’t show it.
They rode most of the way to Lagoona Paradise in silence. Just before they pulled in the parking lot, Rex glanced his way.
“Hunter got this group together,” he said. “He hasn’t come out and said anything, but I think he has his eye on one of the waitresses. The man eats here more often than anywhere else in town, and it can’t be because the food is good. Trust me, there are better burgers in town.”
Adriel laughed.
“Anyway, with you being from Heaven and all, if you have any good news for Hunter, as far as this girl is concerned, feel free to speak up. I think I speak for everyone in the pack when I say we wish he’d make his move already.”
“It doesn’t work that way. Humans have free will, which means the future is never certain. I do know that everyone in this pack has a destined mate out there. Whether you’ll find her now or later in life, that I can’t say.”
Rex nodded. “Fair enough.”
Rex cleared his throat. “So, when you say everyone in the pack... does that mean Gabriel has another mate out there somewhere?”
“It isn’t my story to tell. I will say that Gabriel won’t remain in hiding for long. There events occurring even now that will eventually draw him out. You’ll have your alpha back soon.”
“Good.” Rex smiled. “He’s been missed.”
They parked and got out. When they entered Lagoona Paradise, someone had cranked the jukebox really loud,the music blaring at full volume.. It was easy to spot the pack of wolves along the far wall, about ten total. Adriel kne
w everyone’s name, and they knew his, but he hadn’t had a chance to converse with many of them. He was glad that Rex had asked him out this afternoon. The wolf was right;Adriel didn’t know as many of his packmates as he should. They were his family now.
When they approached the group, several of the wolves welcomed him; the rest were in deep conversation. Ramsey clapped him on the back and nodded for him to have a seat on the empty stool beside him.
“It’s good to see you out and about,” Ramsey said. “I’ve heard you tend to held up in your place most days.”
“Rex invited me.”
“We’ll have to add you to the pack directory, get a new copy circulating. I’m sure you’ll get some more invites then.”
“I’m surprised you’re here,” Adriel said. “Don’t you have a baby at home to spoil?”
Ramsey grinned. “Yeah, I do. But as much as I love that little bugger, I have to admit, it’s nice to get out with the guys for a while. I make sure Harper gets one day a week to go do girly things and be with her friends, so she decided today was my day to hang with the guys.”
“What’s the little one’s name?” Adriel asked.
Ramsey winced.
“That bad?” Adriel asked jokingly..
“Harper was going through this historical romance phase when she named him.”
“It can’t be all that bad.”
Ramsey just stared at him.
“You know, someone is eventually going to tell me his name. Might as well be his doting daddy.”
“Rafe Montgomery. Why the woman thought Montgomery was an ideal middle name, I’ll never know. I just hope our son grows up strong enough to defend himself.”
Adriel smiled. “It isn’t so bad. It could have been much worse.”
Ramsey snorted. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. Have you seen some of the names they come up with? I don’t see how she reads that stuff.”
“Every woman needs some romance in her life. I’d say how much of it she’s reading would depend on how romantic her husband has been. I know your sex life has probably suffered since having the little one, and you probably aren’t getting much sleep, but think about it this way... if you write her romantic notes, take her out for candlelit dinners, surprise her with flowers, just because, or get up early one morning and make her breakfast in bed, she’ll be more preoccupied with how wonderful her husband is than in reading about some other guy being fabulous. I’m not saying she’ll stop reading tales of romance, because she won’t. I’m just saying you’ll remind her that you’re her hero and far better than any character she’s ever read about.”
Ashton Grove Werewolves (Boxed Set, Vol. 2) Page 34