by JT Schultz
Don’t go thinking love, it will only break your heart and haunt you like a hawk does its prey.
At least those thoughts were justified. Her ex-boyfriend still harassed her on occasion. Turning her head, her eyes fell on the familiar surroundings of the visitor parking. The car came to a stop in a stall and Aiden turned to her. “Allow me to walk you up.”
She swallowed hard and took in his overly handsome features. “I would really like that.”
I would like more than that. Oh! My God! The man is my boss. What am I thinking?
Aiden’s features took on a worried look beneath the glow of the moonlight and the lights from the street. “Are you okay?”
Suck it up princess! Make your move. “Would you like to come in?”
“I would like that a lot.” The smile that curved across his sexy lips was primal and his green eyes changed to a brilliant emerald color, even under the shade of night.
Releasing a nervous sigh, Cricket questioned her judgment. What have I just invited on my self? More so, why do I hope it involves us getting naked?
Chapter 3
Aiden shut the door to Cricket’s apartment, while she crossed the room and flipped on a light. The sight that greeted him was impressive. The décor was classy, but not overly sophisticated and held a comfortable feel to it. His gaze shifted off the room to her legs as she walked back over to him. Heat scorched his body and he had to give the chivalrous bone in his body kudos for not giving into the carnal urge to throw her down and bury his cock in her until she submitted.
Of course that chivalrous bone was not the one tucked behind the zipper of his pants. Maybe, coming into her place wasn’t a good move. It left them alone and his control was weak as it was. Flashing him a smile, she slipped off her suit coat, exposing smooth skin that he longed to touch and taste.
“You can make yourself at home.”
Careful sweetheart, you have no idea what that would involve. “Thank you.”
Aiden ventured deeper into the room. The action brought him closer to her and his nose picked up her lust. No woman affected him like Cricket. This was crazy, and after talking to her over dinner discovered that she was as smart as she was beautiful.
“Is something the matter?”
He picked up the nervous inflection of her tone and smelt her uncertainty blend with her desire. It was damn near intoxicating. “I was just thinking that I should probably go.”
Could there really be something as surreal as love at first sight? Aiden wasn’t sure, but he had no other explanation for what was transpiring between them.
“Are you sure?”
“Cricket, I would love to stay, however if I do, I’m going to end up kissing you.” His honesty had prevailed.
Her cheeks tinted to a soft pink and her dark eyes sparkled. “Maybe I want to be kissed.”
A feral groan started to leave him, but he swallowed it back and resisted the urge to wrap her in his arms. “Careful, words like that might get you more than you bargained for.”
Cricket pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and his need for her increased. He wanted that lip against his, to taste it. Her full lip retracted out and her mouth pursed. “You would be surprised what I’m willing to bargain.”
Aiden’s resolve shattered and his control vanished. He reached out and snaked an arm around her curvy frame, drawing her close to his chest. Her lashes closed and he lowered his head to hers. The intensity of the kiss flamed his body. His cock stiffened and his hands lowered to the firm flesh of her ass. Parting her lips in a gasp he took the invite to thrust his tongue into her mouth. Her tongue met his and her arms laced around his neck. The bulge in his pants rested against the flat of her stomach and there was no going back now.
They’d had dinner. He it was now time for dessert.
****
Sanity and lucid thought had fled the apartment. Cricket was sure of it, while she led Aiden down the hall to her bedroom. His hands roamed her body and had efficiently undone the buttons on her blouse and shoved it gently over her shoulders to the floor. Behind him, a trail of clothes, his suit coat and tie decorated the floor of the hall as his lips crushed against hers and his hands reached for the zipper on her skirt.
His tongue searched out her mouth, her knees almost weakened. Twitching in need, her pussy soaked her thong as desire pooled between her legs. She wanted Aiden inside of her but instead went for the buckle of his belt. It slipped undone, allowing her fingers to quickly move to the zipper and run her hand over the cotton of his boxers. Beneath her touch, his large cock was hard and her fingers wrapped around it through the fabric.
Aiden groaned and his mouth claimed hers in a hot, wet kiss. Her lips parted and his tongue thrust in, entwining with hers. Lifting her hand from his erection, it joined her other hand in the task of undoing the buttons on his shirt. His hands tugged the zipper of her skirt down and his hands teased over the skin not covered by her thong.
They continued to discard clothing until they stood naked in her room. Her hands touched and savored his strong defined chest and perfectly-carved abdominal muscles. His hands dipped to the wet between her legs and played in the folds. Cricket’s knees weakened and her arms laced around his neck. Strong fingers teased her clit and slid inside of her working in a steady rhythm as his tongue worked her mouth in a similar fashion. His cock pressed hard against her belly and the pleasure built within her.
Lifting his lips from hers, Aiden slipped his fingers from between her legs, just as she was about to climax. He softly leaned her back on the bed and covered her body with his. Cricket spread her legs, wanting him in her. The tip of his thick, large cock toyed at her entrance, his mouth planted hot kisses on the sensitive skin by her neck.
Her fingers laced through his hair and her hips bucked as he thrust inside of her. He filled her completely and a climax worked through her body from the intensity. A feral groan left him and her body trembled as her wet walls wrapped around him tight. With ragged breath she struggled for air and tilted her chin up wanting to taste Aiden again on her lips, rewarded with the thrust of his hot tongue deep into her mouth. Her hips met his as he moved inside of her, slowly at first then picked up speed. The pressure built again across her stomach and his thrusts increased in speed.
His sweat-soaked chest grazed against her taut nipples with every stroke. Her shoulders started to tremble and Cricket lifted her hips hard against Aiden’s thrust. Her pussy clamped tight around him and she wailed against his mouth as another climax claimed her body in a wave of ecstasy.
His lips came off hers and he threw his head back in a primal groan, bordering on a growl. His cock slammed in hard and deep, empting his release inside of her in a hot rush.
Trying to breathe, she tightened her hold on him and he lowered his body over hers and buried his face in the hair by her ear. He was incredible and Cricket knew she would be able to try loving someone again.
****
After resting for a few moments, Aiden’s heart still raced. Sex with Cricket had been purely primal and ultimately, the best he’d ever had. Catching his breath, he glanced at Cricket as she lifted her head from his shoulder, her hand still rested against his chest. He carefully removed a strand of her silky hair off her face. Other women he had control around, she seemed to break his to pieces and spike his lust in record time.
He was now a believer in love at first sight and knew she was his destiny. The question plaguing him was how did he tell her and convince her that he wanted her as his mate? Mate sounds so wolfish. She was everything he could ever want.
Choose your words carefully. Inhaling deeply, he decided to test the waters. “I have to say, that I’m surprised how we’ve hit it off.”
Her smile warmed him and she nodded. “I agree, admitting that it is a bit unusual.” Her pretty face scrunched slightly and a crinkle appeared in her forehead. “There was something very different about you from the moment I saw you.”
Okay, this is going well. “You st
ole my breath, I guess you could say—”
Her nose twitched and she turned away and grabbed a tissue from the side of the bed bringing it to her mouth as a sneeze left her. Softly, she sniffled and looked back at him. “My antihistamines are wearing off.”
I guess you could say that you’re allergic to me. Talk about bad timing. I was only going to tell you that I think it was love at first sight, but instead all I can think about is the fast acting allergy relief in my suit coat pocket.
“I should get a drink of water.”
Perfect. “No, why don’t I get it for you?”
Cricket smiled, “That’s really sweet.”
He slipped from bed and walked out of the room. As his steps drew down the hall he scooped up his suit coat and grabbed the bottle of allergy relief from the inside breast pocket. Guilt nibbled at him, but he pushed it aside. How could his perfect mate, be allergic to dogs?
Maybe we’re not meant to be. Nonsense! Impossible. She’s the one, now to convince her of that before the next full moon. Before the fur flies.
Aiden winced at his own pun as he stepped into the small kitchen and flipped on the light. Tossing his suit coat over a chair, he surveyed the cupboards. It dawned on him he had no idea where the glasses were and walked over to the cupboards. He set the bottle of antihistamine on the counter and searched for the glasses. Finding them on his first try, he grabbed out two, shut the cupboard then walked over to the water cooler.
I could always just be honest with her.
Quickly, he filled the glasses, lost in his thoughts.
“Cricket, sweetheart,” he mumbled under his breath. “I know this is sudden but I’m falling in love with you and want you to be my mate. By the way, I’m a wolf.” He straightened in front of the water cooler and walked back over to the counter.
Nope that just sounds corny.
Corny, was standing naked in a kitchen about to drug his date. The situation was past corny and bordered on neurotic. Aiden grabbed the bottle of clear liquid and opened it with the hope that the bottle was accurate about being tasteless.
He had to say something to her about the situation, the question was what?
Chapter 4
Cricket tightened the belt on her satin robe as she walked down the hall toward the kitchen. Taken completely with Aiden, she just had to find the nerve to tell him. She was falling for him fast and hard. How could she fall in love with someone that she didn’t know that well? Yet, when he kissed her, she was positive his soul had touched hers, connecting them in more than a lust sort of way.
She neared the entrance of the kitchen and paused. Cricket’s heart slammed to a stop, her stomach rose to her throat and she gasped. Aiden turned to her, and lowered the small bottle he had been pouring into one of the glasses. Her eyes quickly raked over his large, tanned body so exquisitely defined then met the guilt in his eyes.
Struggling to find her voice, she swallowed back her fear. “What were you putting in the glass?” Reason kicked in. “Were you drugging me?”
“This isn’t what it looks like.” He lifted his hands as if to stop her from reacting.
Of course she was going to react. “Aiden what the hell where you—”
A loud banging on her apartment door silenced her words. “Cricket, you better let me in, we need to talk.” David’s rough voice demanded.
Oh God! Not now. Her stomach slipped from her throat and crashed to the floor.
“I mean it Cricket.” More banging on the door followed David’s threat.
“And who is that?” Aiden asked with the lift of his brow.
“Persistent ex-boyfriend.”
“Forgive me, if I don’t get that. Normally I would offer, but I am not really dressed for the occasion.”
Hell! He wasn’t dressed at all. “Just stay here and remain quiet. I will get rid of him then you can tell me why you were drugging me.”
“Cricket…” Aiden’s voice trailed as she turned on her heel and stomped over to the door of her apartment.
****
Fear chilled her blood as she unlocked the door and opened it slowly. She didn’t need David to be in one of his “moods,” especially with a naked man in the house. “David, go away.”
His large hand came up and out of instinct she flinched, taking a step back. David’s hand instead made contact with the door and shoved it open. As long as he didn’t come too far in, he wouldn’t see Aiden in the kitchen.
“David, now is not a good time.”
Her ex-boyfriend took in her robe and sneered. “Why is that, Cricket? Are you doing someone else already?”
“Already, you mean us breaking up a year ago wasn’t a long enough time for me to be single?”
“You belong with me.” His voice held anger and the look on his face, menacing.
Swallowing hard, fear pumped her heart faster. “Leave.”
He stepped closer. “No. Maybe I should knock some sense into that head of yours.”
She stepped out of his reach as a low growl filled the room. David’s eyes darted to something behind her and his eyes widened. He stepped back, terror marked his features. The growl came again. Cricket was about to turn when something soft and furry brushed against her hand.
David’s eyes widened. “For someone allergic to dogs, that’s a big dog you have.”
Cricket glanced to the large animal in her apartment. Closed her eyes, thinking she was delusional then opened them again.
Nope, it’s still there. She looked to David. Her nose tickled and her hand covered her mouth as a sneeze left her. It explains my allergies. “You idiot! It’s not a dog, it’s a wolf...”
“I’m not an idiot!” He stepped towards her but the growl and bark, which left the animal, was downright vicious.
The sound startled her and she stepped backward. David hurried to the door. “You are really whacked owning a wolf. We’re done.” He all but ran over the threshold, slamming the door behind him.
Exhaling a slow breath, Cricket tried to figure out where the animal had come from. She glanced into the kitchen, only to discover it empty.
Where did Aiden go…The thought died before completion as her eyes rested again on the wolf? Oh! My God! She had read books about wereanimals but never did she think they were real. “Aiden?”
The wolf’s green eyes sparkled and her hand flew to her mouth as the weirdest thing she had ever seen happened—he started to, shift.
She was officially scared. In several rapid blinks of her eyes, the wolf was gone and a completely naked and gorgeous Aiden stood there. His expression was unreadable. Her lips parted, but Cricket had no idea what to say. What she had witnessed was some pretty freaky stuff. Closing her mouth, she fought with the emotions and thoughts running through her mind and heart. Too many of both to make heads or tails of, she winced at the tail thought. Now was no time for puns, she needed to think.
****
Aiden hated the look on Cricket’s face. He wasn’t sure if it was fear or disgust, maybe a bit of both. Her dark eyes just stared at him, penetrating his soul. He hadn’t wanted her to find out this way, or witness his other side without warning. However, David, the ex-boyfriend from hell sounded volatile and dangerous. Aiden had smelled her fear and knew he had to do something. By shifting to a wolf, he knew he was risking a lot, but, Cricket would be safe.
The silence that stretched between them was more than he could take. “I can only imagine you’re a little surprised.”
“Surprised? No Aiden, surprised is when you think everyone has forgotten your birthday and walk into a party you know nothing about.” She waved her hands at him. “This—this is…” Her hands slapped against the robe covering her thighs. “It explains my allergies. I’m allergic to you. You’re a wolf?”
“Yes. My whole family is.”
“It explains the name of the magazine. It’s fitting.” Her perfectly arched brows furrowed. “I was un-a-ware— poor choice of words, I mean I didn’t know.
“Nice
Freudian slip.”
“Forgive me, I’m just not used to men changing from human to canine and scaring off threats.” Cricket’s shoulders moved in a heavy sigh. “Thank you, for intervening where David was concerned, but I need you to leave.”
“We can talk about this.” He had to convince her.
Her eyes closed and her hand rose to her mouth rapidly. She sneezed then sneezed again. Lowering her hand, she stared at him. “There is nothing to talk about. Please, just go.”
Aiden’s heart tightened and he nodded. He walked down the hall gathering his clothes. This was not how things were supposed to be. Then again, maybe he was wrong. Your soul mate, wasn’t supposed to be allergic to you.
He stepped into her bedroom, as he smelled grief from Cricket filter down the hall. Never had he ever been truly sad, never that is, until now.
Chapter 5
Cricket stared at the coffee as it filled the glass pot of her coffee maker. She hadn’t slept much last night after Aiden had left. He had looked miserable as he walked out the door. Sad and shocked actually, then again, she hadn’t been exactly happy to see him leave. Her mind had gone over every moment they had spent together since they had first met. She had a sense of connection with him. He was different from the other men she knew, different of course in ways other than the whole changing into a wolf.
Sighing, she turned and leaned against the counter. She had called in sick when she got up. Then she’d had switchboard put her through to Rex, Aiden’s father and told him that she was resigning from her position as Aiden’s assistant for personal reasons and would like to go back to the customer service department. The request was a disappointment and his answer had been noncommittal, telling her to feel better and to think on it.
What was there to think on? She was allergic to the man she had started to fall in love with. Cricket’s eyes shifted from a spot on the floor and glanced to the two glasses still sitting on the counter from the night before. Groaning, she walked over to empty them and put them in the dishwasher. Her eyes fell on the bottle and cap sitting next to them. It was allergy relief. Surprised, she picked it up. He wasn’t drugging her last night, but preventing reaction from…