Wolf at the Door: Salvation Pack, Book 1

by N. J. Walters

  Watching the two brothers hug and pound one another on the back made her heart clench. The acceptance and love the two shared was an unbreakable bond, the likes of which she’d never known.

  Her mother had not been a demonstrative woman, bitter after her husband left her with a six-year-old daughter who didn’t understand why her daddy wasn’t living with them anymore. Gwen flinched inwardly at the memory. She’d been abandoned by both parents that day—physically by her father and emotionally by her mother.

  Gwen had no idea where her father was and even if he was alive. She no longer cared. Her mother had allowed Gwen to live with her until she’d turned eighteen. For her birthday that year, she’d gotten a packed suitcase and a kick out the front door. Last she heard, her mother had relocated to California. Gwen had no desire to search for her.

  But what Jacque and Louis shared went deep.

  Gwen sucked in a deep breath, trying to steady her fractured emotions as the brothers broke apart. Jacque wrapped his arm around Louis’s neck and rocked him from side to side in a mock headlock. Louis laughed and the two touched foreheads before stepping back.

  “Why don’t you get some rest? You were on patrol most of the night and this morning.” It was more an order than a request, but Louis nodded.

  “See you later, Gwen,” Louis called as he sauntered down the hallway. He opened the door to his room, stepped inside and closed the panel behind him, leaving her alone with Jacque.

  She wasn’t sure what to say after the emotionally charged scene, but Jacque beat her to the punch. “Which boxes do you want?”

  Pulling herself together, she pointed to the ones on the left. “I don’t know where anything is so I’ll need all of these.” She hoped that having some of her stuff around her might help her to feel more grounded, more like herself.

  He pulled two of the boxes off the top and indicated with a jerk of his head that she should go ahead of him. She reached for a box but he eased in front of her, blocking her from taking it. “You’re still recovering. I’ll carry all the boxes.”

  She stepped back and held up her hands. “Hey, you want to be the beast of burden, who am I to object?” He studied her for a brief second and then smiled. Oh, baby, that smile should be illegal. It made her want to strip him naked and take him to bed. Her body heated in agreement, taking her from normal to total arousal in less than two seconds. What was it about Jacque LaForge that pushed past all her defenses and made her forget common sense?

  They’d had sex without a condom and they needed to talk about that.

  “Gwen?” His smile slid away and quickly turned into a frown.

  She spun around and headed to the office with him hot on her heels. The large desk was obviously his. She thought about taking it over for about five seconds and then decided not to push her luck. There was a console table shoved against one wall that would do. “Put them over there. I’ll set up here if that’s okay?”

  Jacque set the boxes on a chair next to the table. “Wherever you want is fine with me. I can send one of the men out to get you a desk if that would work better for you.”

  Gwen had no doubt he meant it too. One thing she was quickly learning about Jacque and about all of the men here was if they said something they truly meant it. They weren’t just giving it lip service.

  “That’s fine. No need in spending money on a desk you won’t need when I’m gone.”

  Jacque’s hands curled into fists and his lips thinned. He whirled around and stalked from the room. “I’ll get the rest of the damn boxes.”

  He hadn’t liked hearing about her leaving. Too bad. She couldn’t put her life on hold forever. But as she watched him leave, she wondered how long it would take her to get over Jacque and if she ever really would.

  Jacque muttered a few choice words under his breath as he loaded up with a couple more boxes. If she thought he’d just let her pack up and leave when this was over she was sorely mistaken. He carried the boxes into the office and paused when he got a good look at Gwen bent over, searching through one of the boxes that she’d moved to the floor. She shouldn’t have lifted them, should have asked him to do it for him. She wasn’t completely recovered yet, as much as she’d like to think she was. That fired his temper, which was already on edge after the incident with Louis. Seeing her with her cute ass in the air while she searched through the boxes sent his libido soaring. The combination was like touching oil with fire.

  The tight, worn denim she wore outlined her heart-shaped ass and he wanted to strip the jeans from her body, bend her over again and take her from behind, letting her pussy squeeze his cock tight as he fucked them both to oblivion. His dick jerked against his zipper. He was constantly hard around Gwen. A fact none of the others had missed.

  “You should have left that for me to do.” His voice was more a growl of displeasure, but she simply smiled at him.

  “I’m not completely helpless and I’m feeling much better.”

  That was beside the point. He wanted to do things for her, take care of her. He spun on his heel and left her to her unpacking while he dragged in the last box. Gwen already had her laptop on the table and she was staring at the wooden top as though trying to figure out how to arrange her things.

  He set the box on the floor. “That’s the last of them.”

  “Great. Thanks.” She pushed a lock of hair out of her eyes and her gaze flicked away. That wasn’t like Gwen at all. She was straightforward, telling him exactly what was on her mind even if it wasn’t something he wanted to hear.

  “Gwen? What’s wrong?” He frowned and thought back, trying to figure out what might have brought on this sudden change in her demeanor.

  She sighed and raised her eyes to meet his. “We can’t do what we did last night, or early this morning, or whenever it was.” She rubbed her face, looking weary and out of sorts.

  Every muscle in his body tensed and his wolf howled in protest. “What do you mean?” He was afraid he knew exactly what she meant, but he wanted her to clarify it. If she thought they weren’t having sex again, she was sorely mistaken. The chemistry was too intense between them. He was beginning to know her body well and could easily seduce her.

  But he wouldn’t. He swallowed a whole litany of swear words as his intellect bypassed the much smaller brain in his swollen dick. Gwen had to come to him freely or it meant nothing. As much as he wanted her, it was her choice if she came to him or not.

  She picked at the hem of her sweater. “Unprotected sex.” Her cheeks flushed as she continued. “A baby isn’t what either of us need right now. The situation between us is—” She broke off and shrugged.

  Relief flashed over him and his wolf calmed somewhat even as a shaft of pain shot through him. The thought of Gwen being pregnant with his child, her belly swollen with life, struck a deep, elemental cord with him. He wanted a child with her, even though he knew it wasn’t likely to happen. Half-breeds did exist out in the world, but it was very rare indeed. A baby would also be a tie to her, one that could never be broken.

  He should be happy she wasn’t saying she wouldn’t have sex with him again, just unprotected sex. But still, a baby with her blonde hair and his eyes, or maybe his dark hair and her blue eyes would be a rare gift. Boy or girl, he didn’t care. But it wasn’t going to happen. His wolf howled within him, a long sorrowful sound, as if the creature also mourned the child who’d never even existed except in his hopes and dreams.

  “If you were pregnant, I would love and protect the child with my life. You wouldn’t be alone.” What went unsaid was that he would love and protect her as well, if she’d let him. He took a deep breath and continued. “Werewolves don’t get human sexually transmitted diseases,” he told her. “And it’s extremely rare for a baby to result from the mating between a human and a werewolf.” He purposely used the word mating. He wanted that with Gwen, wanted her tied to him forever.

  She sank down on the chair in front of the desk. He wished he could read her expression better
, knew what she was thinking inside that nimble brain of hers. “So you’re saying I won’t get pregnant.”

  “The odds of it happening are astronomical. It’s virtually impossible.” He could only remember it occurring once in his lifetime. And to his knowledge, the last time before that had been more than three centuries ago. He’d been a boy of six, but he still remembered his father killing the squalling babe while the entire packed looked on. The wails of the grieving mother had haunted his dreams for years. And even now, when the wind blew through the trees just right, he’d swear he could still hear the terrible sound.

  When it was done, the body had been disposed of somewhere in the bayou and none of them had spoken of it again. Even at that young age, he’d known his father was a monster to do such a thing. His hatred of his sire had begun that day.

  “Okay. If you’re sure.” She nibbled on her bottom lip. Her trust humbled him and he had to touch her. Couldn’t go another second without having her lips under his and his hands on her supple flesh.

  He pulled her out of the chair and into his arms. Lowering his head, he kissed her.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Jacque smelled of the outdoors, like pine trees and crisp autumn air. Gwen inhaled deeply, letting his woodsy scent seep into her lungs. He moved his lips against hers, coaxing and teasing until she parted hers and allowed him entry. He slid his tongue into her mouth in a sensual glide and she curled her fingers against his T-shirt as the erotic stroke sent her senses whirling.

  He was so warm. Then again, he always was. She didn’t know if it was because of his werewolf metabolism or if it was simply the man himself. Either way, she loved cuddling next to him and soaking in the heat from his big body.

  He’d surprised her with his attitude toward pregnancy. Of course, it was fine to be generous when it didn’t cost him anything. Chances are she wasn’t pregnant. But somehow she didn’t think he was simply humoring her to ease her worries. That wasn’t his way. He might have kidnapped her, but he’d never once lied to her. He said he’d help raise a child if there was one and she believed him.

  Loyalty was a quality Jacque and his friends had in spades, and for a woman who’d had little of it in her life it was alluring.

  He made a low sound in his throat, a murmur of pleasure that sent her senses humming. He cupped the back of her head in one hand and tilted it so he had better access to her mouth. She wondered how much of this kiss was because he genuinely wanted her and how much was in response to having seen Louis kiss her. Jacque was territorial and possessive and would want to stake his claim to her again.

  Not that she cared. Not when he was kissing her like she was the most important thing in his life. All his attention was focused on her as he stroked his tongue in and out of her mouth. She moaned when his teeth scraped her tongue.

  He laughed and peppered hot wet kisses down the side of her throat. He nipped at the sensitive curve where the column of her neck met her shoulder. Gwen clutched at his biceps, digging her nails into his flesh.

  “I want you.” The low, gritty timber of his voice made her sex clench in anticipation. “Here. Now.” He cupped her ass and pulled her mound tight against his thick erection. The hard ridge played along her sex, wringing another moan from her. She lifted one leg and wrapped it around his hip, trying to get closer.

  “You are so fucking hot.” He sneaked his hands beneath her sweater and slid them up her front. The beige silky bra she wore was no protection against his touch. He traced the lacy edge, the rough skin of his fingers teasing the curve of her breast, hinting at what was to come. Her nipples puckered, pushing against the soft fabric in anticipation of his touch.

  She needed to touch him, to feel his hard, hot flesh beneath her hands. She shoved her hands beneath his shirt and over the thick slabs of muscle that covered his torso. He was ripped, but he wasn’t muscle-bound. His muscles were fluid and firm, a result of physical labor and superior genetics.

  Gwen flicked her fingers over his flat nipples, drawing a groan from him. The sexual gleam in his eyes warned her he was reaching the end of his patience.

  He captured her mouth again and consumed her. There was no other word for it. She forgot where she was, wasn’t sure she could remember her own name. Their teeth clinked as they struggled to get closer.

  Jacque reared back and ripped her sweater over her head. The garment hadn’t even hit the floor when his clever fingers found the clasp of her bra and undid the hooks. He whisked it away, leaving her naked from the waist up.

  “Mine.” The sheer possessiveness behind that one word stole her breath. Gwen knew she should protest. After all, she was an independent woman, one who relied on herself and had since she was a child. But she didn’t want to protest. A part of her reveled in being claimed by Jacque, wanted to belong here with him.

  It was a dangerous game she was playing with her emotions. She was human. Jacque wasn’t. When the threat to her was over, she’d have to move on, to forge a life without him. Her lifespan could be measured in decades, while he could live to be two-hundred. Not a good match.

  Still, she couldn’t resist him. No matter the emotional pain it would bring when they parted. She wanted to have these moments, these memories. Jacque would haunt her for the rest of her days, no matter how few or how many they were.

  Then Jacque stole her thoughts when he leaned down and closed his mouth over one straining nipple. His tongue teased the nub before his teeth closed carefully over it. Gwen gave a sensual cry of delight and sifted her fingers through his thick, shaggy brown hair and held him to her.

  He plumped her other breast in his palm and thumbed the tip.

  Gwen wanted to be closer to him, wanted his thick cock buried in her hot, wet channel. Oh yeah, that’s exactly what she wanted. “We should go to the bedroom.” The quicker they got there the quicker he could get inside her.

  “No.” Jacque went to work on her jeans, flicking open the button and lowering the zipper.

  Gwen glanced at the door to the office. It was open and Louis was only down the hall on the other side in his bedroom. She already knew a werewolf’s senses were enhanced and worried he might be able to hear them. Then Jacque kissed her again, a rough, fast caress, and she didn’t care who could hear her. All that mattered was getting closer to Jacque.

  He shoved her pants down her legs, taking her panties with them. The cool air hit her heated flesh, making her moan at the sensual caress. Before she could pull herself together enough to protest, he clasped his hands around her waist and lifted her onto the table she’d claimed as her desk.

  Her bare butt hit the wood and she gave a small yelp. It was cold. Jacque didn’t spare her a glance. He was intent on getting her naked. He had her sneakers, socks, jeans and underwear off in a heartbeat. He was still totally dressed. The only sign of their passion was his damp lips and mussed hair.

  His eyes were golden-brown pools of fire as he stared down at her. She was totally naked, totally vulnerable.

  “You have too many clothes on,” she protested.

  Jacque reached behind his head, grabbed the collar of his T-shirt and yanked it over his head. The muscles in his arms rippled, his biceps bulged. Gwen licked her lips, wanting to taste his salty skin.

  A low growl filled the air around them, charging it even more with anticipation. She was beginning to love that sexy rumbling sound he made when he was aroused.

  He removed her laptop and set it on top of one of the boxes. “Lie back,” he commanded. He stood, looking deliciously sexy and more than ready to fulfill any sexual fantasies she might have. The button of his jeans was undone but the zipper was still up. His pecs were sculpted like works of art and his abs were ripped. A ribbon of crisp hair bisected his chest and ran down toward his groin. She wanted to follow the path with her tongue.

  Instead, she gave him what he wanted. She lay back on the table and arched her back when the cool wood hit her spine. The motion pushed her breasts upward.

  Jacque thumb
ed her nipples. “Look how tight and rosy they are.”

  Gwen found it impossible not to look, not to be mesmerized by the slow circles he made around the puckered tips. Heat scorched her flesh, burrowed into her body and flowed down to her core. She was slick between her thighs. More than ready for what was to come.

  Jacque inhaled. “You smell like lavender. Sweet like honey.” He dipped a finger between her thighs and eased it into her damp sheath.

  She cried out as he swirled his finger around and removed it. Her hips followed as he withdrew, wanting to keep his touch. He brought his finger to his mouth and sucked. Gwen was practically panting now. Her inner muscles were clutching hard and her folds were slick with desire. “Jacque,” she groaned.

  He reached between her thighs and dipped his finger again. Her breath caught as he withdrew. This time he brought his finger to her mouth. “Taste. You’re spicy like cinnamon with a touch of honey. Delicious.”

  She parted her lips and took his finger inside. The heat from his skin mixed with the cream of her arousal. She’d never done anything like this before. It felt wicked and exciting. The salt from his skin touched her tongue along with the sweet taste of her arousal. She moaned.

  “That’s it.” He moved his finger in and out of her mouth, mimicking the sex act. “I’d love to fuck your mouth, feel the wet heat of it wrapping around my dick.” Gwen moaned in agreement. She wanted that too. “But not this time,” he continued. “I’m going to eat your pussy until you scream and then I’m going to fuck you.”

  Oh yeah. She was so on board with his plan. Her hips were rotating, pushing wildly, trying to make contact with him. But she was flat on the desk and he was looming over her. The only point they were touching was where his finger stroked in and out of her mouth.

  “Would you like that, chère?”

  She raked her teeth over his finger in response. She started to reach for him but he moved away, removing his finger from her mouth. His hard hands caught her hips and lifted. He leaned down and his eyes never left hers as he closed his mouth over her throbbing core.