Lorie OClare - Lunewulf 2 - In Her Blood.jpg

by In Her Blood(lit)

  Whether she would accept it willingly or not was still to be determined. But she would get his protection.

  “Have you ordered yet?” He sat down next to her, wanting to be as close to her as possible.

  She stiffened immediately, her defenses rising so quickly he swore an invisible wall sprang up around her.

  “Coffee is fine.” She scooted further from him, pressing tight up against the wall next to the booth.

  “I’m Rick Bolton.” He held his hand out.

  She stared at him for a moment before warily shaking hands. “Elsa Rousseau.”

  He couldn’t let go of her, holding her delicate fingers in his palm. She was warm, although her palm was damp, confirming the nervousness he smelled on her. His heart swelled, an aching sensation he couldn’t kick; that this beautiful woman was in trouble and needed him.

  “Why are you running?”

  She almost jumped at the question, pulling her hand from his. Fear absorbed her nervousness, and for a moment, he thought she might jump over him and run for the door.

  “I’m not running from anyone.” Her chin stuck out in defiance. She would take him on if necessary. His cock hardened at the thought, her strength appealing to him as much as her beauty.

  “Yes. You are.” He covered both of her hands with his, and gripped down when she tried to pull away. “And you are not leaving my side until I learn what has you so scared.”

  Elsa’s blue eyes darkened, anger replacing her fear. He loved her array of emotions. So raw and untamed.

  “You’ll be wonderful company over breakfast,” she muttered. “I have no intentions of telling you anything personal about me.”

  Rocky approached the table, holding a pot of coffee and grinning from ear to ear. “Your order should be up in just a minute, Rick.” She placed the pot on the table and glanced at Elsa. “Are you ready to order?”

  Rick wanted Rocky to go away. “She’ll have what I’m having,” he commanded.

  “No. I won’t.” Elsa yanked her hands out from under his. “In fact, I think I’ve had enough coffee.”

  Rocky crossed her arms over her chest, still grinning.

  Rick wasn’t about to let her out of the booth.

  “How about just a steak? I can bring it out to you good and raw,” Rocky offered.

  Elsa nodded, sagging back against the wall.

  “I’ll have your food out to you in just a minute.” Rocky finally left them.

  He shifted, turning to see all of Elsa, aching to touch her, but feeling her resistance to him now more than before. She crossed her arms over her chest, an adorable pouty look appearing on her face.

  “Look.” She turned and braced herself to face him as well, her shirt stretched sideways with her motion, accenting ample, firm breasts. “I understand your concern, being pack leader and all. But really, I am just passing through town. I’ve already been here longer than I anticipated.”

  He could see the outline of her bra under her shirt, her puckered nipples pressed firmly against the taut fabrics of her bra and shirt. His cock jerked, the ache in his groin tightening the longer he stared at her. It was her blue eyes, so haunted, yet so beautiful, that compelled him. She was on high alert, not trusting him, and looking ready to flee at the slightest provocation.

  “Moon princess. Until I know what has you so terrified, I’m not ready to let you go anywhere.” He couldn’t keep his hands off of her. Reaching out, he ran a strand of her hair through his fingers. He would die to feel her silky hair caressing his body.

  “I’m not scared of a damned thing.” She swatted at his hand, her lips narrowing into an angry thin line.

  The door to the diner flew open, crashing against the side wall with a loud bang. The strong scent of stale perfume washed across the room quick enough for him to know who had just stumbled in. He didn’t have to turn around, or take his gaze from Elsa. He knew without looking that Ramona Rothmeier was about to make an entrance.

  Elsa squealed, her hands bracing the table. She appeared ready to jump over it to her freedom in the next second.

  Not scared? The woman sitting next to him was terrified.

  Chapter Five

  Elsa’s heart exploded in her chest. She’d just made a complete ass out of herself. What kind of fool had a heart attack because someone walked into the diner?

  The waitress walked around the counter carrying two large plates. “Here’s your food.” She slid one in front of Elsa, and giving the other to the pack leader. “Rick. I think Ramona is drunk again. Can I throw her out?”

  “Give her some coffee.” A twitch started in a muscle along his jaw. The air around him had lost its relaxed aura. “I’m sure I’ll end up ordering her home before long.”

  Elsa doubted she would be able to eat a bite of the meat in front of her. She glanced toward the door, noticing a young woman dressed in a red mini-dress and heels, obviously she still wore the clothes she had partied in the night before. The woman leaned against the counter, talking to someone, while glancing around the diner. She noticed Elsa and Rick in the corner booth and her lip curled.

  Tension swirled around Rick. Elsa picked up on it immediately. Curiosity had her wondering who the bitch at the counter was.

  It’s none of your business who she is. You need to get out of here.

  Unfortunately, that would mean climbing over Rick in order to get out of the booth. Unless she wanted to crawl under or over the table.

  The waitress met her gaze, offering a small smile, before turning to carry out Rick’s instructions.

  “Now then, where were we?” He relaxed almost immediately, once again giving her his complete attention. “You were telling me that you weren’t scared of anything.”

  He grinned at her, that grin that made her melt inside, and added, “Just doors banging open.”

  His cocky self-assuredness should make her angry. But those chocolate eyes, devouring her while he grinned, left her insides smoldering. He turned to cut his meat, and she caught herself watching the muscles in his arms move. More than anything she wanted to run her fingers over his skin, discover how solid he was, feel the heat of his body.

  Her body temperature soared, watching him eat. She was hungry too, but not for the steak. Thoughts of nibbling his skin, tracing paths over those bulging muscles with her tongue, her mind burned with a craving she didn’t think herself capable of.

  “Eat.” He pointed at her plate with his fork.

  The steak smelled damned good. The thought of picking it up, tearing into it with her teeth sounded wonderful.

  You have been in your fur too damned long.

  Within minutes she devoured the entire thing, and put her fork and knife down on the plate.

  “Now I should be going.” She almost slid into him, letting him know he should let her out.

  He didn’t budge, his massive presence so close kept her pinned to her spot.

  “Where are you going?” He finished his plate as well, then poured them both more coffee.

  “Really, Mr. Bolton. That is none of your business.”

  He straightened, towering over her. In spite of how large he was, she adjusted herself in the seat, refusing to let him intimidate her. Whatever he was looking for, he wouldn’t find her lacking. His eyes darkened, penetrating and analyzing.

  “Let’s go.” He surprised her by grabbing her arm, pulling her out of the booth, and heading for the door.

  “What are you doing?” She wanted to fight him, tell him he couldn’t manhandle her like this.

  Curious eyes turned and stared at them though. Every werewolf in that diner gave her and Rick their undivided attention. This was the last damned thing she needed—all this attention.

  The way he pulled her along, not hesitating when he opened the diner door, and continued to lead her toward their cars, almost had her panting. She wanted to run into him. Take him on. Forcefully attack him and make him respect her. The thrill of a challenge made the beast within her soar. Adrenaline and
lust rushed through her blood.

  Rick pulled her between her car and his truck. “Tell me.” His piercing eyes burned with desire, darkening his gaze. “Tell me you aren’t running from someone.”

  He pinned her against his truck, his body mere inches from hers. One hand cupped her cheek, his touch burning through her, making it harder than hell to figure out how to answer him.

  “Tell me you aren’t hiding from anyone. And that when you leave here, you have a specific destination.”

  Elsa stared into those beautiful eyes that swarmed with emotion. He would hold her pinned here until she answered him. And with his senses heightened by her nearness, he would smell her lie. He had her trapped.

  And that pissed her off. “Why don’t you go worry about that drunk bitch inside, if you have a desire to run someone’s life? Not me. I’m not a member of your pack.” She raised her arm to gesture toward the diner, and he grabbed it, pinning her wrist above her head.

  “Tell me that you aren’t being hunted,” he whispered, his mouth hovering over hers.

  She couldn’t think straight. Even if she fought him, and he would overpower her if she did, that wouldn’t help the situation. Already he was too close. His body, all power and domination, was mere inches from hers. It was all she could do not to beg him to press against her, to kiss her, to hold her and protect her.

  His free hand cupped her cheek. Then his calloused palm rasped against her skin, moving to her neck.

  “Tell me,” he whispered again.

  Never before had a werewolf tempted her like this. Losing control, giving her care over to another, meant she couldn’t handle things on her own. She hadn’t run just to stumble over her own paws. No matter how desperately her body screamed for him, her mind knew it was just lust. Granted his words were soft, his determination showing signs of compassion. But she wouldn’t give into him

  “I can’t.” Her voice cracked, lust screaming through her while her heart thundered in her chest.

  His expression softened immediately. Letting go of her wrist, he took her by the shoulders. “I didn’t think so.”

  He kissed her, his mouth a fiery inferno that burned her alive. She wanted to wrap her legs around his waist, press his cock against her tight, inflamed hole. Her pussy swelled, throbbing, matching the beat of her heart. Without thinking, she pressed her hands to his chest, feeling his heart pound as wildly as hers.

  His muscles twitched as she ran her hands across them, giving her power. He wanted her, his lust running as thick as hers. But he would dominate and control her actions if she didn’t take a stand. Her freedom was too newfound to allow that.

  She broke the kiss, gasping for air when his mouth left hers. Her insides tightened-she wanted him to kiss her again, but had to fight it.

  “I can’t share anything about me with you, Rick. You need to accept that.” She pushed against his chest, ready to walk away from him. Hopefully, her car was ready to go now.

  “I won’t accept that.” He grabbed her, pulling her closer, her tender breasts smashing against his steel hard chest. “And you will not leave my side until I know you are safe.”

  Chapter Six

  Rick turned, his attention focusing on a large work truck that rumbled to a stop in front of Elsa’s car. Elsa gave thanks for the interruption. Two men jumped out, and the older, burly mechanic who had looked at her car earlier patted her hood almost affectionately.

  “She’s full of antifreeze now. You shouldn’t have a problem.”

  “Thank you.” Elsa moved around Rick, reaching for her door handle. “I was just getting ready to start it now.”

  Nodding to Rick, the mechanic climbed into his truck. “Well, I brought Marty over. I’ll be at the shop if you need me.”

  The truck sputtered, heading toward the street, the smell of diesel tarnishing the air. A young werewolf, maybe in his mid twenties, grinned at her.

  “How long has it been since I’ve seen you, man?” Marty flashed a toothy smile at Rick. “I didn’t know you had a girlfriend. I’m Marty Rothmeier.”

  Rick’s arm went possessively around her. “This is…” he began, and she cut him off.

  She’d be damned if any werewolf would speak for her. “I’m Elsa Rousseau.”

  What the hell was she thinking? She might as well get on a loudspeaker and yell, “Here I am. Come and get me.”

  Marty looked at Rick, and then her, giving the two of them a curious glance. “Well, I had Lyle drop me off so that I could walk Rocky home. It was nice to meet you.” He nodded to Rick, and gave her a cocky grin, before trotting toward the diner.

  Elsa reached for her car door, praying she could get into it before Rick stopped her.

  “Where are you going?” He didn’t stop her, which almost disappointed her.

  “I can’t tell you that.” She had no idea where she was going.

  “Then I’ll just have to do some checking around to find out more about you.” He crossed his arms across that massive chest, his dark eyes devouring her.

  Panic raced through her. If he asked around, put word out to other packs that he’d seen her, asked through the werewolf grapevine if anyone knew her, it would destroy her. Only a matter of time would pass before someone in her pack got wind of his questions. They would contact Rick. And even if he figured out their request to find her was against her will, the damage would be done. Grandmother Rousseau would send her pack members to track her down.

  Tears welled in her eyes. She could only blame herself for fucking up like this. If only she had fought Rick, not let him talk to her. Her attraction to him was her own downfall.

  She reached for her keys, already in the ignition, but her hand shook so much she gave up, clasping her hands tightly in her lap.

  “Please don’t do that.” Her plea came out with a choked sigh.

  Her racing emotions alerted him. She might as well give up running right now. He squatted down next to her, placing his hand over hers.

  “Come back to my house with me.” His hand rested dangerously close to her crotch, the heat between her legs soaring with the awareness that with the slightest move, he could stroke her pussy. “Tell me why you are running. I will ensure your safety.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “I don’t need you to protect me.”

  Rick sighed. His patience appeared to be waning. “Don’t run like this, Elsa. Let me help you. I can, you know. You want to be free. I can give you that here. You have to stop running eventually.”

  “I am free.” His nearness unnerved her, his hand holding both of hers. The heat from his touch did strange things to her, but she had to keep a clear head. “And I won’t give that up.”

  “You are running. Is that how you want to enjoy this freedom of yours?”

  Elsa wavered, wondering if she could trust him. His thumb continued to stroke her clasped hands, almost as if he tried to soothe her. Yet at the same time, desire danced through her from the small motion.

  “It won’t be like this always.” She could feel herself giving in to him.

  Those dark eyes swarmed with emotion, something akin to compassion sparked in them, making her want to reach out to him, grab ahold of what he claimed to offer.

  “Stay with me. I will assure you pack protection.” He raised a hand to her cheek, cupping the side of her face. “Sanctuary, Elsa. Guaranteed. My pack will protect you.”

  “If I’m found there will be a fight.”

  “Then we fight, moon princess. But you don’t fight alone. My pack won’t let you fight alone. Let us help you.”

  This werewolf—this alpha male—stared at her with a level of compassion, of understanding, that she knew she’d never experienced before. It was as if he knew her pain, sensed her frustration, and offered to shoulder it with her.

  “I’ll accept your pack protection. So that I can stand and fight. But I won’t lose my independence. I won’t lose my freedom.”

  “I will never take your freedom from you, moon princess.” His palm ca
ressed her cheek gently, soothing her. “That fire of passion in you is one of the things I find quite appealing.”

  She wanted to ask what else about her appealed to him. But her stomach already formed a knot from his words.

  “Follow me to my house.” He stood, and then shut her door, not allowing her the chance to dispute that his pack protection entailed staying at his home.

  You are willingly entering his lair. She wondered if she would leave the same woman.

  Driving to Rick’s house proved more of a challenge than she thought. While following him, she tried different versions of the truth, wondering what the best story would be to tell him. Try telling him the truth.

  “He won’t believe anything I tell him.” The truth seemed more preposterous than several of the stories she conjured up.

  Telling him Grandmother had assigned three mates to her, George Ricard, Frederick Gambo and Johann Rousseau, and that she needed to give each of them litters in order to strengthen her lunewulf breed sounded crazy even to her. Her thoughts strayed to her sisters, Sophie and Gertrude, and her cousin Simone. They had accepted pack law and seemed to enjoy having all those werewolves around. Maybe she was crazy. Most women would probably jump at the chance to fuck three werewolves.

  By the time she pulled in behind his truck, her hands shook, her palms were sweaty. She wanted to fuck him and saying no to him while they were alone might prove impossible to do.

  Rick hopped out of his truck, approaching her with a confident walk. He looked very pleased with himself, the victor in this round. He had succeeded in pulling her into his domain.

  Her legs shook when she got out of her car, staring into the triumphant expression he wore. The way he looked at her, undressing her with his gaze, made her insides boil with need.

  “I won’t settle for anything other than the truth.” He seemed able to read her thoughts, know that she pondered possible versions of the sordid truth.

  “There isn’t really that much to tell.” She stared at his home, a simple ranch style house.