“This isn’t smart.” If he stayed around much longer, they were going to end up in bed together. Gray wasn’t about to lie to herself, not about that. The physical attraction between them snapped and sizzled whenever they were in the same room together.
She ached to feel him skin to skin, to have his hands and lips gliding over her. And in return, she wanted to do the same. Her fingers curled over his wrist where it rested against her waist.
He nuzzled her neck, finding the most sensitive part where her nape and shoulder met and he lightly nipped it. Her pussy clenched and her panties were getting wetter by the second. He skimmed his lips over her ear and his breath was hot against the sensitive whorls. “I think you’re perfect,” he whispered.
Goose bumps rose on her arms and she shivered.
Louis slowly turned her so she was facing him. Pure desire was etched on his face. His big hands slid over her waist, up her sides and around to cup her breasts. She tried to speak but it came out as a moan, her words totally incoherent. She heard Shadow amble away, his toenails clicking against the hardwood.
Her dog trusted Louis. That, in and of itself, was impressive.
She trusted him too, which should have been impossible on such short acquaintance. Granted, they’d been through a lot together in that time. Life-and-death situations tended to bring people closer in a faster amount of time.
“You’re thinking too much.” He swirled his thumbs over her distended nipples, drawing another moan from her. Her breasts had never been this sensitive before.
Louis slid one of his hands low and then slipped it beneath the hem of her shirt. His callused fingertips skated over her skin. She shivered as a jolt of longing speared through her.
Gray caught her breath as he traced the edge of the cotton bra that covered her before he pushed it out of the way. Flesh met flesh, and she sucked in a breath as he touched her bare breast.
Common sense fled beneath the powerful onslaught of feelings that bombarded her. Maybe it was because she’d been alone for so long. Perhaps it was the part of the wolf he said resided inside her asserting itself. Gray suspected it was both those things. More importantly, it was the man himself.
Louis LaForge was an undeniable force of nature. Strong, proud and powerful.
She could either walk away now or she could reach out and grab hold of this incredible feeling and see where it led her. Sex between them would be off the charts. She sensed that in the way only a woman could.
Her brain dictated she should leave. In her heart, she knew she’d always regret it if she didn’t make love with him at least one time.
Her chest ached at the thought of their time together ending, and they’d known each other for less than a day. How much worse would it be later? Sanity threatened, but then he kissed her and it was lost beneath the wave of heat that seeped through her limbs, making them almost liquid.
Gray shoved her hands beneath his shirt and found firm skin over rock-hard muscle. He sucked in a breath as she teased the hair on his chest and stroked his flat nipples. Louis jerked away from her long enough to rip his shirt over his head and toss it away.
She almost purred with pleasure when he lifted her hands and put them back on his chest. “Touch me,” he commanded. So she did.
She’d never seen anything like him. He was strong without being muscle-bound. She knew he could move fast when he needed to. Louis wasn’t human. He was more than that. He was a werewolf.
That gave her pause.
Gray looked up at him. He was about a half foot taller than her but seemed so much bigger. She should be terrified of him, given what he was, but she wasn’t.
“I want you.” His words fell between them like a challenge. A muscle twitched beneath his eye, but he stood as still as stone.
This was it. The moment of truth. Walk away or go forward. There was no in-between. Gray had felt like a misfit her entire life. She’d always been apart from the people around them. The world seemed almost too vibrant at times. Loud noises overwhelmed her.
She was part werewolf. She swallowed heavily as she finally let that sink in. The only person she’d ever connected to so quickly was the man standing in front of her. This might be her only chance to discover who and what she really was.
Louis covered her hands with his and pressed them flat against his chest. Then he lifted them to his lips and planted a kiss in the center of each palm. “I’m a bastard for pushing you.” He briefly closed his eyes. When he opened them the heat was banked. It was still there, but she could tell he had it more under control.
The more primitive part of her didn’t like that. She wanted him out of control. Did she really hope he’d seduce her and take the choice away from her? That wasn’t fair to either of them.
She pulled away from him and he let her go, as she’d known he would. Louis wanted her, he made no secret of that fact, was rather blatant about it. She liked his honesty. She also knew he wouldn’t take what wasn’t offered to him. She was as safe as she wanted to be.
As much as she wanted him, she knew she wasn’t ready. Not yet. “I—” She broke off, not quite knowing how to put her thoughts in any kind of order.
“It’s okay, chère,” he assured her.
Louis knew he needed some distance from Gray even though every cell in his body urged him to stay. “I’m going to scout the area. I won’t be far.” He didn’t want her to think he was abandoning her.
She wrapped her arms over her chest and looked away. “Sure.”
Frustration ate at him. He didn’t know what was the right thing to do. He grabbed her and planted a hot, hard kiss on her lips. She tasted so damn sweet. He wanted to strip her tank top and bra away and feel her taut nipples against his chest.
He growled and jerked away before he could follow through on his urges. Her arousal tickled his nose, but there was also a layer of unease beneath it. Louis knew he had to back off or he’d lose her for sure.
That thought was all he needed for him to master his wayward body. He rubbed his thumb over her bottom lip. “You don’t worry about anything,” he promised. “I’ll keep you safe.” His voice was husky and rough.
Gray’s eyes were huge and her cheeks flushed the palest pink. “I’m fine.” She licked her lips and his cock jerked in reaction.
He wondered how often she’d said those two words over the course of her lifetime. They came so easily to her lips. He knew better. Could see the confusion and questions in her eyes.
“You’re better than fine. You’re something very special, Gray Everson.” Louis spun around and headed toward the door.
“Louis.”
He stopped but didn’t turn around.
“I’m sorry,” she began.
He shook his head. “You don’t ever have to apologize for doing what’s right for you. I shouldn’t have pushed so hard.” He glanced over his shoulder. She looked so alone he almost went back to her. The only thing stopping him was he knew they’d end up in bed if he went anywhere near her, and the last thing he ever wanted was for her to have regrets. “I’ll be right outside.”
He walked out and breathed in the evening air. It had cooled off slightly and the sun would soon be lost from view behind the mountains in the distance. Louis wanted to shift and run, but that wasn’t going to happen. He had no idea if there were any hunters out there.
He walked off the porch and seamlessly slid into the surrounding forest. Keeping to a circular path, he widened it with each rotation he made around the house. He could see easily through the growing dusk. All the animals were behaving normally, or at least they were until they scented him. Then they either froze or skittered away. He ignored them and searched for bigger prey.
The stench of the human hunters was faint, a sure sign they hadn’t been back. That was good. Maybe they were smart enough to let things go. Louis didn’t want to rely on their intell
igence. Many times, a man’s common sense went out the window when he felt the need for retribution.
Louis had seen pure meanness in Fergus McLennan’s eyes before he’d followed the deputy’s warning and left. He wasn’t sure the man would go so far as to shoot Gray, but he didn’t think the hunter would have any problem killing Shadow.
He growled and then started back toward the house. He’d been out here for several hours. It was now full dark and Gray would probably be in bed.
His cock, which had subsided slightly, sprang back to full life at the thought of Gray all warm and cozy in bed. Did she sleep naked or would she wear some cute little nightgown? Maybe she’d wear cotton shorts and a tank?
He shook his head to clear his thoughts and forced himself to concentrate. He couldn’t afford to let his mind wander, to let his focus lapse, not with Gray’s safety in the balance.
The house was dark. He couldn’t help but wish she were still awake, waiting for him to come home. It was a fantasy he wanted to make into a reality. He wanted Gray waiting for him every night for the rest of his life.
He sat on the porch, leaned back against the post and stared up at the sky. The night was clear and the stars were studded across the blackness. The moon was waning and was about half-full. The light breeze was warm but felt much cooler after the heat of the day. The air was perfumed with the pungent scent of pine and the sweetness of the flowers that bloomed around the house. It was a beautiful night for late summer. He just wished he weren’t alone.
Then the knob on the back door turned. He swiveled his head around and watched as the panel opened. Gray stood there, outlined by the light of the moon. She was still fully dressed, wearing the same clothing she’d had on when he’d left her. She obviously hadn’t been to bed yet. Maybe she had been waiting up for him.
Louis held out his hand.
Chapter Twelve
Louis looked lonely. That was her first thought when she saw him sitting on the porch. The sense of relief that hit her when she realized he was back and safe was almost overwhelming. Gray was unable to resist the lure of his presence. She opened the door and took in the sheer maleness of his presence.
When he held his hand out to her, she was lost.
She’d had hours to think while he’d been gone. She could have packed up her car and snuck off like a thief in the night, and there would have been nothing anyone could have done to stop her. It would have been the sensible thing to do.
She’d stayed. That meant there was only one course of action left to her. She had to see where this thing with Louis led.
He swiveled on the step and pulled her down beside him, keeping hold of one of her hands. “I thought you’d be in bed.”
The husky, intimate tone of his voice made her nipples tighten. “I knew I wouldn’t sleep. Too much on my mind.” It was incredibly arousing to sit under the stars in the dark with only their hands touching. Heat pulsed off his big body, and she moved closer so their thighs, hips and arms brushed together.
“Understandable.” He rubbed his fingers over hers before entwining them again. “It’s been a hell of a day.”
She laughed and stared up at the sky. “It’s weird to think my life was completely different yesterday.”
“I’m sorry, chère.” He brushed his fingers over her face and she automatically turned toward him.
“I’m not.” Yes, her life was completely turned upside down, but at least she wasn’t ignorant to the facts of her birth any longer. “I’m sorry you were hurt.” He tightened the hand holding hers, but he didn’t interrupt her. “But I’m not sorry to know the truth about myself. I’ve felt like a freak for so long.” She gave a self-deprecating laugh. “Of course, according to you, as a half-breed I’m still a freak, but at least I know why I’m so different.”
His growl raised the fine hairs on the back of her neck. “You are not a freak. You’re a miracle.” He pulled her onto his lap and buried his face in the curve of her neck. His lips grazed her skin and she curled her fingers around his shoulders.
“It doesn’t matter,” she assured him. “I’m just glad to finally know that I’m not crazy. I’ve always seen the world differently than everyone around me.”
“You’re not crazy,” he assured her. He rested his forehead against hers. “Your senses are much more advanced than a regular human.”
“Do you have any idea how weird that sounds?” She’d been a regular human when she’d woken this morning, or at least she’d thought she was. “This is a lot to take in,” she reminded him.
“I know.” He sighed and gazed around the yard. “We should go inside. It’s quiet but I’d feel safer if you were in the house.”
Gray nodded and climbed off his lap. He stood and they went inside. Shadow was curled up on the chair in the living room and simply raised his head when they entered. Then the dog heaved a sigh and settled back down.
She laughed. “I think we’re disturbing his beauty sleep.”
“He’ll get over it.” Louis went to the refrigerator, pulled out a bottle of water and twisted off the cap. As he drank deep, Gray admired the strong column of his neck.
Louis drained the bottle and set the empty bottle on the counter. “You should be in bed. You need to get some rest.”
It was now or never. If she didn’t make her move soon, she’d lose her nerve. Gray gathered the tail of her tank top and peeled it up and off. She set the garment on the counter, her gaze never leaving his. Louis’s growl was so low and deep it was barely audible. It vibrated through her and she felt it more than she heard it.
“Be sure, Gray. Be very sure.” There was a dark warning in his words. He was near his breaking point. She could sense it.
Emboldened, she reached behind and unhooked her bra. Then she slowly slid the thin fabric away, leaving her bare from the waist up. He’d glimpsed her naked after her shower earlier this morning, but that was different. He’d been in his wolf form then, and she hadn’t truly known who or what he was. This was intentional. This was her choice.
Her skin warmed beneath his perusal. Her nipples tightened almost to the point of pain. Louis was so still. Even his chest barely moved.
She swallowed heavily. “Well, what are you waiting for?”
Her challenge unleashed him, and Louis pounced.
Louis felt the civilized part of himself shatter and his wolf surge forward. He barely caught himself from shifting as he grabbed Gray and tossed her over his shoulder. He wanted to take her to his home, to his room. Since that was too far away and he wasn’t willing to wait any longer, he strode down the hallway to her bedroom, walked inside and kicked the door shut.
Then he tossed her onto the bed. She gave a small squeal as she flew through the air and bounced on the mattress. Louis already had his sneakers off and the button of his jeans undone by the time she pushed herself up onto her elbows to stare at him. The plump mounds of her breasts momentarily distracted him. Her nipples were large and puckered and his mouth watered to taste them.
Then he noticed she wasn’t looking at his face. No, her gaze was on his zipper where his cock pushed against it, the bulge very visible.
He growled and slowly lowered the fastener. His cock fell forward, hard and full. It should have been a relief, but having the warm air and her eyes on him made him ache even more. He shoved his jeans down his thighs and stepped out of them.
Then he reached for Gray. She was only half-naked. He tossed her shoes aside and skimmed off her socks. By the time he reached for the waistband of her jeans, she already had them undone and was shimmying out of them.
He growled his approval and yanked them off. She was clad in a pair of thin white panties that made his mouth water. Through the fabric, he could see the thatch of brown curls that covered her mound.
He put one knee on the bed and levered himself over her. He left her panties on for now. If he
didn’t, there was a chance he’d plunge into her and fuck her before she was ready. Her enjoyment was his goal. He wanted—no, he needed—her pleasure before he took his.
She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Hi.” Her smile was soft and inviting.
He was beyond talking, so he kissed her instead. Like every other time he’d kissed her, she opened to him and let him inside. His wolf preened. The beast wanted to roll in her scent, to coat itself in her essence.
Louis broke the kiss even though he wanted to stay. He was running out of time and control. He rubbed his hair over her jaw, her neck and shoulders. He nuzzled the valley between her breasts, letting his hair slide over her sensitive nipples, marking her with his scent. She tangled her fingers in his hair and dug her nails into his scalp.
He slowly raised his head and deliberately captured her gaze. Then he lowered until his mouth hovered over one delectable nipple. She made an incoherent sound and arched upward, bringing the tip the final distance needed. He lapped at the nub and circled it with his tongue before taking it into his mouth.
Her moan vibrated through him and his balls drew up tight. He wanted to play with her breasts for hours, licking and stroking them while her cries of pleasure washed over him.
His cock jerked, a reminder that time was of the essence, at least this first time.
Louis kissed his way down her torso, teased her bellybutton with his tongue and licked where the edge of her panties met her skin. Impatient now, he grabbed the fabric between his teeth, partly shifted until they lengthened to lethal fangs and ripped the garment from her body.
She tensed, but he didn’t scent fear. No, his senses were drenched in the sweet scent of her arousal. The musky, delicate scent permeated his very pores. He shoved her thighs apart and lowered himself between her legs. Her pussy was pink and swollen and wet, so very wet.
He growled and went straight for her clit. He needed her to come. Now.
Wolf on the Hunt Page 12