by Lia Davis
Caleb stuffed the last piece of pancake into his mouth and set his fork and knife on the plate. He leaned back in his chair and rubbed his stomach. “That was delicious, Mrs. Baker. I don’t know if I could eat another bite.”
“Please, call me Elaine.” She grabbed the pitcher of ice-cold orange juice and refilled his glass. He gave her a thankful nod and drained it. “Jess, can you help me clear the table? Then we can go into the living room and talk.” She grabbed the empty dishes from the table and started to load the dishwasher. In no time the dishes were done and everyone began to move into the living room. Jess settled onto the overstuffed couch and he sat next to her. Paul and Elaine sat across from them on the loveseat.
“So, Caleb, what can you tell us about these hunters?” Paul gazed at him.
“I’ll start with giving you a bit of background on what I do.”
Jess faced him, and from her tight-eyed expression, listened intently.
“I’m part of a shifter-only military unit called Keystone. Everyone in the unit is considered a keystone species. In nature, we are in charge of maintaining and controlling our environments. Jaguars, grizzlies, and wolves are just a few predators that keep prey numbers at a controlled level. We are in charge of ensuring our ecosystems thrive.” He settled back against the couch. “Keystone is a team that ensures the safety of shifters around the world. When these deaths were brought to our attention, we first assumed strictly humans were involved, but when the fifth body appeared, the suspicions of shifter involvement began to form. After talking with the shifter who broke into Jess’s apartment, I’ve been informed that shifters created the whole operation. They find humans who have a taste for big game and track the desired shifter.”
“So, do you have any idea who is in charge?” He watched as Elaine gripped her husband’s hand firmly.
The scent of the family’s fear hung in the air and made him want to roar with rage. “Unfortunately, not yet. But my team will be here soon, and we’ll do everything in our power to find out who’s to blame for this.”
Luna skidded into the room like the hounds of Hell were on her heels. He watched as Roscoe charged into the room behind her. Luna cowered in the corner of the living room and tried to blend in, but Roscoe wasn’t falling for the pathetic attempt at camouflage.
“Roscoe!” Jess snapped her fingers in his direction, which the cat fully ignored. “How did you get out of your crate?” She unfolded herself from the couch and picked up the ragged-looking cat. His eyes never left the spot Luna now occupied.
“I might have let him out so he could stretch his legs…” Paul said in a soft tone, which made the room fill with laughter. The dark mood lifted and allowed them to take a fortifying breath. Caleb got up from the couch, went over to the sad excuse for a dog, and massaged her back and shoulders. She began to relax bit by bit, never taking her eyes off of the mangy cat in Jess’s arms.
“Well, I think that’s enough excitement for today. Jess, why don’t you guys head on over to the guest house and get settled? Take Roscoe with you”—Elaine reached out to stroke the cat’s head, which earned her a warning growl—“since we all know how much he loves us.” She walked back toward the kitchen with Paul. Luna followed close behind.
Once they were alone, Caleb stood and walked over to Jess. “Are you all right?”
Jess took a deep breath and glanced up from the cat. “Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just been an interesting few days is all.”
He could only imagine how overwhelming the whole situation was for her, but she’d held up better than he could have ever hoped for. She had proved to be a fierce, protective, and lethal predator. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind she would rise to the challenge these hunters had in mind. He just prayed she would never have to. Despite the growled objection from Roscoe, Caleb reached out and pulled her into a hug. He ran his hands up and down her back and her muscles relaxed under his soft touch.
“So, do you want to show me the guest house?” The promise of a bed enticed her.
Chapter 9
Jess grabbed Roscoe’s carrier from the front seat and got out of the truck after Caleb pulled up in front of the barn apartment. She walked to the back of the truck, tried to grab her duffel bag, but was intercepted as he lifted it from the back of the truck for her.
“I got it. You go unlock the door.”
She nodded, went to unlock it, and then held the heavy door open for him. The stale smell made her crinkle her nose. A fine layer of dust covered the furniture. She placed Roscoe’s carrier on the floor and opened the gate. With a sharp meow, he sauntered out and jumped onto the couch, curled up, and closed his eyes. She walked over to the large bay window and cracked it open to allow fresh air in.
“How many bedrooms does this have?” Caleb made his way around the loft as he double-checked all the windows and doors.
“Three, and one bathroom.”
“Perfect.”
She entered the kitchen and opened the small window above the sink. Lost in thought, she hadn’t even heard him as he approached her from behind. He placed his arms on either side of her and trapped her within his embrace. She couldn’t help but shiver in response.
“So, now that you have a feel for the place, I guess I will head back to my parents’ house.” She turned to leave when a firm hand landed on her wrist and brought her to a stop. His chest pressed tightly against her back and she waited for him to make the first move. Her breath came out in short, harried pants.
“You’re staying with me.” His voice rumbled. “I want you safe, and the safest place is with me.” He gently spun her to face him.
Her face flushed with heat and she kept her gaze on his broad chest. Silence hung between them for a long moment. He used his finger to lift her chin and gave her no choice but to look him directly in the eyes. A moment later his lips met hers. He brushed his lips across hers, then gave loving pecks on each corner of her mouth. His kisses were slow, agonizing. She didn’t want the cautious affection he offered. She wanted to release the pent-up energy she’d been holding on to since that evening.
Her cat came awake roaring and demanded more. Helpless to deny the need, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. The growl that radiated through his chest made her shiver. He began to devour her mouth. She twined her tongue with his and his fangs elongated; her tongue dragged along each peak. A moan escaped him as he ripped his mouth away from hers and stared at her. The heat in his dark eyes made her legs weak. His gaze flickered between the usual hazel and a golden yellow. The cat prowled just beneath the surface. She could sense its hunger for her, and hers called for his with every breath. He threw her over his shoulder and stalked toward the hall.
“Where!”
“Last door on the left.”
Without hesitation, he jogged to the door and pushed it open. His muscles rippled against her with lethal grace. Every other man she’d been with paled in comparison to him.
Once they got to their room, he set her on her feet and closed the door. He placed his back against it and watched her. His gaze was tangible; her breath hitched in her chest as it stroked her body from head to toe. The musky scent of his desire filled the room and caused her to pant in need; the urge to pounce him had become too strong.
She reached down, grabbed the bottom of her shirt, and pulled it over her head, then tossed it to the side. Never taking her eyes off him, she fumbled for the button of her jeans and unsnapped them. She shimmied them down her legs before stepping free of them. He followed every move she made. His hands began to clench and unclench. He seemed to be fighting the urge to simply take her. The thought of him resisting the desire to touch her was too much for Jess. She wanted his hands on her, all of her.
She approached him. “Take off your shirt.”
He slipped the shirt over his head and tossed it across the room. She reached out and dragged her nails down his chest. His body was smooth and unyielding beneath her inquisitive touch. She leaned forward and flicke
d her tongue up the side of his neck. His breath came in quick bursts, as if he hung on to his control by a thread. As she kissed her way down his chest, she took an occasional nip and soothed it with a lick each time. He moaned as he let his eyes fall shut. His body became taut as she went lower. She nuzzled the trail of hair that disappeared into the waistband of his jeans. He bit down hard on his bottom lip.
Tall, sexy, and all hers. She knelt in front of him and gazed up. Hunger thrummed through her entire body. The outline of his arousal through his jeans made her mouth water. She grabbed the waistband of his jeans and unbuttoned them. His gaze snapped to where she knelt. He watched with eager anticipation as she began to strip him bare. She slid the jeans down his thick, muscular legs. The fact that he didn’t wear anything underneath rocked her to her core and made her wetter than she could have imagined.
His erection begged to be touched and Jess couldn’t resist the urge. She reached out and gently caressed him as she led him to her lips. With a flick of her tongue she gave the head a long swirling lick and savored the salty taste of him. He moaned and urged her to continue. She took him fully into her mouth and sucked him to the back of her throat. His hand tangled in her hair and pushed her onward.
“Fuck, Jess,” he snarled as he rocked his hips toward her. She took all of him, his growls driving her on.
“Jess, you gotta stop.” Still, he rocked in time with her needy mouth. Finally, he reached down, grabbed her under her arms, and lifted her to her feet. She let out a feral growl at being interrupted. She’d enjoyed herself much more than she thought she would; his taste had been heady and the last thing she wanted to do was stop.
“I need to be inside you. Now.”
He reached behind her, unsnapped her bra with ease, and discarded it on the floor. His hand grasped her by the nape of her neck, brought her lips to his, and he devoured her. She couldn’t catch her breath. To be honest, she didn’t care. She could die right now and she wouldn’t regret a second.
In one fluid motion, as if she weighed nothing at all, he lifted her into his arms and placed her on the mattress. His hands caressed her as he slid her panties down her legs. With her bare to him, he fished a condom from his wallet. She propped herself up on her elbows and watched the most exquisite man stalk back to the bed. He ripped the foil packet with his teeth before he unrolled it onto his shaft.
Caleb crawled his way up her body and rested between her legs. He placed his hands on either side of her face, then kissed her with such passion it made her chest ache. The connection she shared with him had become stronger than she’d ever anticipated. They’d only met a couple days ago, but the strength of her feelings was intense, and she didn’t foresee them waning. She gave a mental shake. Nothing worse than an emotional woman trying to nail a guy down at the drop of a hat.
She broke the kiss and bit his lip, showing her impatience. With a quick smirk, he leaned back onto his knees, grabbed his cock by the base, and eased into her. The exquisite pressure of him made her purr. Inch by glorious inch he slid into her. She wanted to scream with pleasure.
“Caleb, I don’t mean to sound bossy, but I need you to fuck me.”
She tossed her head back and groaned in frustration. His body froze. She wrapped her long legs around his lean waist and dug her heels into his ass. Not wanting to wait any longer, she thrust him forward.
“Ah, fuck.” He rested his head on her shoulder, his labored breath tickling her sensitive skin. After a deep breath, he gazed down at her and smiled. He pulled out, then thrust himself back in, right to the hilt. Her moan mingled with his.
“You’re so fucking tight.” He eased out and slammed back in, jarring her to her core.
Arching up in ecstasy, pure electricity snapped through her whole body. With each thrust she moved closer to the edge. She met his passion with her own. Her legs remained tight around his waist, and she moaned between gasps of air, clinging to him as he rode her hard. Her nails raked across his back as she screamed in release. She clenched down even as he fucked her harder. The intoxicating sound of their bodies slapping together echoed through the room. She watched his fangs grow, bared by his lusty snarl.
Her whole body thrummed in ecstasy. Every brush of his skin caused goose bumps to race across her body. Instinct called to her and she tilted her head to the side, giving him full access to her bare neck. With one last savage thrust, he found his own release and bit into her neck, marked her, claimed her. The simple act of the bite made her come again, body shocked into a blinding orgasm that left her stunned and shaking.
After a long moment, he released her and gave the bite affectionate licks. He soothed the tender skin with each caress. Her breath steadied to an even pace while she returned to her senses in steady waves. She watched a smirk spread across his face. He pulled free and moved off to her side, then draped his arm across her stomach.
“That was fun.” She traced circles on his forearm and couldn’t help but grin when he let out a hearty laugh.
“I’ll say.” He rolled onto his back and stretched long and hard. “So…what’s for lunch? I’m starving.”
She elbowed him in the side and received a satisfying grunt in return.
“Fine, fine… I’ll figure out lunch. Bossy wildcat.”
Chapter 10
As much as Caleb wanted to stay in bed all day, his hunger began to make itself known. Jess sprawled across his body, her hair spread haphazardly across his chest in cascading golden waves. She’d been insatiable. He couldn’t complain, but a man could only go so long without sustenance. His stomach rumbled. She lifted her head and gazed down at him. A smile crept across her face.
“Okay, I get the hint.” She rolled over and arched her back, presenting him with a perfect view of the breasts he now knew very well. “Hand me your cell phone.” She outstretched her hand. Her delicate fingers danced across the screen as she dialed a number, then put the phone to her ear.
“Hey, Ben, it’s Jess. Would I be able to get a delivery out at my parents’?” She nodded. “Okay, great. Could I get two steak sandwiches, rare with all the fixins? Two bacon cheeseburgers with fries and gravy. And also, a large meat lovers pizza.” She grinned. “Thanks, and could you bring it to my parents’ guest house?” With a quick goodbye, she handed the phone back to him and draped herself over his chest.
“A woman after my own heart.” He traced slow circles up and down her bare back.
“Can’t let you waste away.” Her hand caressed his chest; his nipples hardened at the contact. She pressed a kiss to his jaw and moved down to the side of his neck. A moan escaped his throat as she moved even lower. Her teeth grazed his pec until she reached his nipple. She flicked her tongue and gave the hard bud a quick lick. His breath hitched. He didn’t have to be a mind reader to understand what Jess wanted to do to him, but his idea would be much more fun.
Caleb rolled with her and pinned her beneath him. Heat pulsed from her core and made his mouth water. He needed to taste her. Not being able to resist, he pressed a kiss to her neck where he’d marked her. The skin had begun to heal, but the red and swollen welt would be evident for a while longer. His mark branded her and he couldn’t help but feel his chest puff with pride. Any shifter would know she’d been claimed, and it made him want to roar. After one last lick, he moved down to her breasts. He took his time as he sucked one into his mouth while he cupped the other with his hand. Her hips began to sway, signaling him she was ready for another round.
“How much time do we have?” He kissed a path down her stomach. Her breath came out in hurried bursts. She ignored everything he’d said, or failed to hear the question. Somehow it did not matter. He gave her hip a playful bite.
“We’ve got time,” she all but snapped, making him smirk. Her exasperated tone carried the promise of violence if he were to wait much longer. He continued a path down her writhing body, not wanting to disappoint her.
Finally, he made it to where he truly wanted to be. She was wet and waiting for hi
m. A beautiful sight. “Put your legs over my shoulders.” Without a moment’s hesitation, she obeyed. He leaned in and he gave her a long hard lick. Her back arched off the bed. He grabbed her by the hips and anchored her to the mattress. She tasted like heaven; the sweet flavor of honey and cream coated his tongue. He would happily drown in her. Using his fingers, he spread her wide, then flicked her swollen bud. She gasped sharply and tried to get closer to his mouth, but he kept her firmly in place. Unable to resist her need any longer, he started to lick in earnest.
She grasped the back of his head and pulled him closer, lifted herself toward his mouth. He sank two fingers deep inside her. She thrashed her head back and forth on her pillow. He licked in time with the movement of his fingers.
“Oh...my...God. Don’t stop.” She reached out and clutched the sheets by her sides; her hips thrust forward. His free hand pushed her back down and held her there.
The thought of stopping hadn’t crossed his mind. Her walls squeezed his fingers, giving him the promise of her release. He sucked her clitoris and sent her over the edge.
“Caleb.” She tossed her head back.
He continued to taste, wanting every last drop. She panted and sprawled across the bed. With one last lick, he crept up her sated body, a kiss placed on his mark once again. He lay down beside her. A satisfied smile spread across her face. He was in deep trouble. In just a few days, this wildcat had turned his life upside down.