by Crystal Dawn
“She sounds like a lot of fun. Will you help me put in a request for spring break?” Dena asked shyly.
“Of course. You’ll love it there. I miss it a lot. It’s a tourist area, did you know? It’s surrounded by lakes and there are several caves.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“Maybe I’ll be back by then and I can show you some of the neat places to go. Eureka Springs is full of gorgeous Victorian houses and some of my favorite restaurants. You’ll love it there.”
“Trying to lure away some of my wolves?” JC asked.
“I didn’t know you were there. Thank you for breakfast. I was just telling Dena about the exchange program so she could use it to have a nice vacation.”
“Exchange program?” JC asked.
“Yeah, you know. The one where wolves can ask to visit with another pack. Several of your wolves would love to do that. It was started for two reasons. One is that not all wolves feel comfortable out among humans. This way they get to see other places, but have a pack backing them up. The other reason is so single wolves can meet other singles. Some packs need the fresh blood.”
“I’m sure I knew about that, but I don’t remember.” He observed.
“It’s good to let your wolves out a bit. Ariel’s travel all over. I know some of them have stayed here in the past.”
Dena had slipped away unnoticed while they talked. JC sat down across from her. “You know a lot about wolf business.”
“I know. I have a cousin married to a wolf. I also was lucky enough to work a summer for Marissa. She’s so cool.”
“Damon’s mate?”
“Yes, she has an online business.”
“I didn’t know she did anything outside the home.”
“She doesn’t. It’s a homebased business. Marissa is extremely successful. She began the business as a teenager. It has franchises all over the world.” Dez explained.
“Those white wolves are amazing.” JC observed.
“They are just people too.”
“Maybe to you since you know some of them. To wolves, they are legends.”
It was too bad JC seemed to have that obsession for white wolves many alphas did. Dez would never want someone to be with her because of her bloodline. She loved her family, she was even proud of them, but it wasn’t the right reason to mate someone.
“How is everything going with tracking down your criminals?” Dez asked changing the subject.
“We’ve figured out who runs the organization and we will be applying some wolf justice.” JC offered.
“That will see them punished. Human justice doesn’t always get the job done.”
“That’s why we made that decision. Can I see you after work?”
“I like you. The thing is right now I can walk away with my emotions intact. You know what I mean?”
“I guess.”
“If you pursue this, it needs to be a serious thing. It won’t just be sex anymore.”
“Are you sure that’s what you want?” JC asked.
“The choice right now is yours.” Dez granted. She hoped he made the right choice.
“I want to see where this leads. I’m ready to settle down. I’ll admit I had some specific ideas about what my mate would be like, but I’m ready to put that aside to take a chance on you.”
“Okay. I’ll see you after work.” Dez agreed. She hoped JC was serious and not playing with her heart.
She went to sit at the bar killing a little time while she nursed a cranberry fizz and talked to the people around the bar. Had she not started this relationship with JC, she would have gotten a part time job at the restaurant or somewhere else nearby. Her business didn’t take much time, about thirty minutes a day.
The night started fast as customers came in buying drinks like crazy since it was happy hour. It was a good deal for them as well as a good deal for the house. It didn’t hurt the bartenders or waitresses either since happy drunk customers tipped well. The pay and the tips here were better than expected. The bartender tip jar was full plus Dez had some customers tip her personally. Dirty old men liked playing in her pockets.
The night heated up with some dancing and a cutthroat pool game that kept everyone entertained. Her night sped by making it seem fast when JC showed up. He sat nursing a drink as she cleaned up the bar. He shot her heated glances as she finished up.
“Ready, Sweetheart?” he asked. She just nodded as he escorted her to her room.
There was no point in being shy or coy. They’d been here before. Both of them were ready to let the passion out for a run. As soon as the door was closed he pulled her into his arms for a searing kiss. His hands slid all over her body preparing her for the possession to come.
“Strip!” He instructed. She did as he asked because she wanted this too.
They were both naked now with their breath coming fast. Stepping up to her, JC grabbed her pulling her against him. ”You’re so fucking sexy.”
“You’re not bad yourself.” She replied.
Grabbing her hair, he pulled her into his kiss unwilling to let her go until her lips were raw. “On your hands and knees.” He directed. She complied.
Maybe it was the wolf in him, but he seemed to love doggy style. The male was damned good at it too. She felt his arm slide under her to support her as the head of his cock pressed to her channel. He slid in so slowly she tried to push back. His hand pressed against her ass preventing her push.
“You just wait until I’m ready.” He instructed.
“Hurry!” She demanded, but he seemed to slow more when she tried to speed him up.
“I’ve got all the time in the world.” He observed.
She was beginning to believe he’d never be all the way in when he finally pushed the last inch. He filled her so full, it was glorious. Her muscles massaged him as he paused to let her adjust.
“Naughty girl.” He said, but it sounded like he was enjoying it.
Now he began to thrust in earnest. He was tapping out a quick rhythm as he pounded into her. Her moans filled the air as she enjoyed each thrust. Her channel was sopping wet as it welcomed his large package over and over.
“Cum, Dez. Cum now!” He told her and it was like he pushed a button. She exploded all around him. JC followed her to bliss pounding into her fast and hard.
“Ready for more?” He asked after a short break.
“Of course.” She said, but she was still a little sore from last night. The male was big.
He pulled her on top of him. Looking down, she could see every expression on his handsome face. As she lowered herself on his hard shaft, she moaned. “So good.” He whispered.
Once she had him fully seated, she began to rock on him. It felt so damn good as she moved hitting the hot spots that would eventually help them both find their release. Tension mounted and before long they were both screaming their release.
It was a lot like last time, she woke alone. They next week or so went the same way. Dez wasn’t sure what to think about it. In her past relationships, they had dated. She didn’t consider anything she and JC did to be a real date. They ate together once in a while, but he usually joined her after she’d already started eating or he was already eating when she came down before her shift.
It made her wonder if he had understood what she’d meant about only pursuing this if he wanted more. This looked like friends with benefits, not two people dating to test the waters for a stronger relationship. Dez had no idea how to bring up the questions she had about what he wanted from her. Maybe the truth was she was afraid if she asked he’d run.
“You can’t let him get by with it.” Mitzy said.
“Who get by with what?” Dez asked. She and Mitzy had become good friends.
“JC, I can see what’s happening. Let me be honest with you. JC and I had a relationship for a three years. It was like what I see happening with you only he was honest with me. He told me all the time, I’m never going to mate you.”
“I guess
things didn’t work out?”
“I didn’t believe him. He stayed so long, how could he just blow me off?”
“I take it that he did?” Dez asked.
“Just before you came. It wasn’t because of you. Tanner had a relationship with the last bartender. When he broke up with her, she had a meltdown.”
“They fired her?”
“No, she got mad then quit. She wanted to come back, but JC said he could no longer trust her to be reliable.” Mitzy explained.
“A good ole boy’s club?”
“No, I don’t blame JC for not taking her back, but Tanner was relieved she was gone. JC broke up with me. I heard he said he wasn’t getting involved with an employee ever again, but when he saw you, he said you didn’t count because you were temporary.”
“Males seem to be a whole different species, don’t they? They’ve got no heart at all. Some of them anyway. I know some that are different. Damon and Blake are great guys. Some of Damon’s brothers were rough, not Mac, but they all settled down. What should I do?”
“I don’t know. Has he ever said he’s not in it for the long haul?”
“No, but he’s never said he is either. I told him I didn’t want to just play around. I should have made him answer me. I may have to leave in a hurry. If I do, I’ll get in touch with you eventually. Don’t worry about me, okay?”
“Maybe I shouldn’t have told you?”
“I needed to know. Clearly I can’t see where he’s concerned. Tonight, I’m going to ask him straight out. If he won’t give me a straight answer or I don’t like the one I get, I’m outta here.”
“How will I find you?”
“Ariel always knows where I am. If you can’t get her then try Marissa.”
“Anyone who is not a white wolf I can contact?”
Dez gave her a lost look. Her life was tied up in her family, almost all of them were white wolves. She already had a bad feeling about what was on the horizon. It seemed clear he’d wanted her enough to mislead her, but not enough to have a relationship. Almost two months had passed, she was sure she could hide at home now. There was no need to stay here any longer if JC didn’t want anything, but sex.
The night dragged, but it finally started winding down. JC came and sat at the bar nursing a drink. It was time to figure things out. “Tell me something.”
“Sure, what do you want to know?”
“Are we going anywhere?”
“Where do you want to go?” He asked clueless.
“Do we have a relationship or is this just sex?”
“Where is this coming from?”
“I told you before I didn’t want to do casual sex more than once. If that’s all this is, I’m out.”
‘Come on Dez. Don’t you enjoy the time we spend together?”
“Answering with a question doesn’t work. Is this a relationship or not?” Dez asked swiping a rag over the bar one last time.
“No, it’s not.” JC said firmly.
“Alrighty then. There’s nothing here for you to be waiting around for.”
“Come on, Dez. We have fun together.”
“I can have fun with any lying prick.”
“I never lied.”
“I told you what I expected. You proceeded anyway. This,” She waved her hands at him and her. ”Is done.”
“Fine. I’ll talk to you tomorrow when you’ve calmed down.”
“Not if I see you first.” Dez whispered.
She watched until he was out of sight. Mitzy and Sheila were still sitting in back talking. The two had become good friends since Dez had started here. “Need to talk to you two.”
“What’s wrong?” Sheila asked.
“He was playing, wasn’t he?” Mitzy asked.
“You were right. Now I need to leave. Sheila, come in tomorrow to tend bar. I won’t be here nor will I be back. When you go to see Ariel, I’ll come see you. Mitzy, I’ll miss you. You need to come visit sometime. Once I get over the jerk.”
“Are you sure you want to just walk away?” Mitzy asked. “I think he’s more invested than he knows.”
“I’m not playing any games with him. He had a chance, he blew it. Too bad so sad. As soon as I get my stuff packed and loaded, I’m gone.”
“We’ll help you. I don’t want you worn out for the drive.” Mitzy wiped at her eyes.
Sheila sniffled. “I don’t want you to leave.”
“Sometimes it’s just for the best.” Dez insisted.
Both of them went upstairs with her to help pack and load up. Mitzy was packing things from the dresser when she saw a picture. “Who are these people?”
“That’s my family. My parents and siblings. This right here is Ariel and Blake before they had the first baby. Marissa is here, she didn’t know Damon yet.” She went through the who’s who of the white wolf clan.
Neither Sheila not Mitzy asked her, but she could see they were dying to know. “I worked for Marissa one summer and I’ve known her and Ariel all my life.”
They finished packing then took two trips carrying everything down. “One more time just to be sure. Are you? Sure that is?” Mitzy asked.
“Sometimes a girl just has to go.” Mitzy and Sheila were both crying while Dez fought tears. “Quit it you two before you make me cry.” It wasn’t like it would take much to set her off.
She got in the car waving goodbye like crazy then drove off without allowing herself to look back. Why look back when there was no way she’d be going back?
Once she got home would be time enough to call Ariel to tell her about the change of plans. She would understand, she always did. It looked like she’d be moving into her new place faster than expected. Hopefully there wouldn’t be much work to do. Dez was in Missouri when dawn began to break. The road was good until she got off the interstate.
The roads then were curvy as hell. At least her anger was keeping her from feeling tired. She was close enough to call Ariel around seven. The phone was answered immediately. “You’ve made someone very unhappy.”
“Not as unhappy as they made me.” Dez replied.
“I figured as much. They only told me half the story I’m guessing.”
“I suspect that’s true. I’ll be there in less than an hour. Save me some breakfast?”
“Sure thing. I’ll keep an eye out for you.” Ariel declared.
She felt better now that she’d heard Ariel’s voice. It didn’t change anything, but it gave her some comfort. After all, Ariel was the head matriarch of their family. Generally, Ariel knew what to do. When Dez finally arrived, it was a relief to pull in to park. Walking up to the door, she opened it and went in.
Ariel greeted her with a plate of food and a big mug of coffee. “Now tell me what’s going on. A she-wolf named Sheila called me crying. She said you left your job suddenly. I think she was upset you left.”
“It’s true. I didn’t leave because of her.”
“I never thought you did. Tell me about the pack alpha.”
“You already knew? Why didn’t you warn me?”
“Sometimes things have to play out however they will. You know that. Will he be coming after you?”
“I doubt it. If he does, I don’t want to see him.”
“Are you sure that’s the right decision to make?”
“It is for me right now. I told him I wasn’t looking for a fun time. If he wasn’t serious to leave me alone.”
“Which obviously he didn’t.”
“No, he didn’t. I assumed that meant he was looking for something more. One of the she-wolves warned me that I should insist on an answer.”
“Sheila?”
“No, Mitzy, his ex-lover. She said he was always honest with her, but she didn’t see that with the way he was with me. I have to admit I’d noticed things that worried me. So I confronted him. I’m such a fool, Cuz. This right after the Mickey fiasco. I’m so naïve I should be locked up for my own good.”
“It’s not your fault. We can’t enjoy life
if all we do is look for the bad in it. I suspect you’ll soon have something to make you appreciate life more.”
“Come on, Ariel. That’s not fair. Tell me what’s coming.”
“You’ll know soon enough. Now finish eating. I’m putting you in one of the rooms to sleep for a while then taking you to the new place.”
“Alright.” Dez said as she finished eating her food. It sucked to have a family of women that had foreseeing dreams, but never told you anything.
Ariel took her to a guest room so she could sleep. Once she settled in bed, it was amazing how everything came crashing down on her. Sleep came swiftly. It seemed like she had just went to sleep when there was a knock on the door.
Peeking in, it was Ariel. “Hello. You’ve slept four hours. I thought you might want to get up to see your new place now.”
“You were right. Let me take a shower and dress.”
“No problem. We’ll eat lunch before we leave.” Ariel offered as she turned to leave.
Dez hurried to get her shower done so she could dress. Her stomach rumbled causing her to wonder what lunch would be. Once she was ready, she headed out of the room. Ariel was in the kitchen nook with food on the table.
“We have Mexican food today. I know how you love nachos supreme.”
“I do.” Dez said as she sat down then began eating. Ariel’s cook made a special nacho supreme where layers of chips were alternated with layers of Spanish rice, refried beans, enchilada meat, and everything was drowned in cheese. “I love this.”
“Me too. It’s a guilty pleasure since I already had lunch.” Ariel giggled.
They ate their fill finishing off what was on their plates. The special fruit punch the cook made was a favorite too. “I guess we’ll go now.” Ariel said as they both took their dishes to the sink. “I think you should follow me there so you can stay if you choose.”
“Okay. Sounds good.” Ariel led the way in her Hummer while Dez followed in her car. They went about five miles down the road Ariel house was reached by. Then they went down a long dirt driveway. The house was a native stone mini-mansion.
“It’s so large.” Dez said as they both stood in front looking at it.