Dixon (Stratham Shifters Book 6)

by Sarah J. Stone

  Dixon didn’t so much as even look at her as he drove. She studied his profile. His jawline was strong, his lips full with a frown, as if he were in pain. Maybe he was. He concentrated on the road as they made their drove back the way they’d come. She rolled the window down to let in what little breeze the morning had to offer. It wasn’t much, but she closed her eyes and took it in. Being in the human world was much different than Faerie. It was harder to feel close to nature, whereas back home everything around her was a part of nature.

  “Do you feel it?”

  Melody opened her eyes and glanced at Dixon. “Yes, I think I do.” And she did. Her gut clenched and she gasped.

  “Good,” he said and reached out to her.

  She took his hand surprised at how warm it was. “Your skin is so hot.”

  “It’s the beast.”

  “I see.” But she wasn’t sure she did.

  “I won’t hurt you.”

  He must have heard the nerves in her voice. Of course, she was nervous. She’d never been with a man before, and now she knew it would happen. That’s one thing she did know—the bond had to be consummated. They had to become one.

  “I know, but I’ve—” She stopped. Did she really want to tell him that she had never so much as kissed anyone before? She wasn’t experienced.

  “You’ve what?” he asked glancing at her. His eyes were dark, like they’d been before.

  She took a deep breath, hoping this didn’t change things. She felt her own need for him grow. “I’ve never been with a male before.”

  He growled. “Good.” His fists tightened, showing white knuckles. “You’re mine.”

  “You’re not mad?”

  He chuckled. “Mad? Why the hell would I be mad I get to be the first—and only—to touch that beautiful body of yours?”

  She didn’t say anything and sat in wonder. He truly sounded like he wanted her. His voice was tinged with a need she couldn’t quite understand.

  Dixon turned down the short drive to his home. Butterflies filled Melody, knowing what was to come. She worried she wouldn’t know what to do. For years she’d known that she would have to be intimate with the man she wedded, but this seemed different somehow. Raw and full of lust.

  When the truck stopped she went to open the door but froze when he grabbed her hand. “Look, we don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for, but the longer we wait the harder it will be for me to control myself.”

  He took her hand and placed it over his jeans. She knew what the male body had. Back home anatomy was taught at an early age. She rubbed her hand over the hardness and watched as his eyes fluttered shut. His jaw tensed as did the rest of him.

  “I’m not—experienced at all,” she whispered.

  When he opened his eyes, the rigidness in his body receded. “That’s all right, sweetheart. I’ll teach you.”

  And with that, he moved her hand from his body and got out of the truck. She watched him come to her side, noticing the look of determination on his face. When he opened the door, she took his offered hand and he slid her from the truck. Her body brushed his and he shook. He pulled her away from the truck and shut the door pushing her against it. His body pressed against hers and he leaned down burying his face into the crook of her neck. She felt his inhale as he took in her scent.

  “You smell so sweet.”

  He pressed his lips against the throbbing pulse in her neck and she sucked in a breath. When his tongue slid over her skin, she melted. “What is this?”

  A feeling so strong and out of control swept through her. In that moment, she would do anything he wanted. She wanted so badly to please him. Wrapping her arms around him she pressed closer to him, holding on like a lifeline.

  “It’s the mate call.”

  She nodded tightening her hold. “Take me inside.”

  He didn’t need to be told twice. He pulled her arms from around him and lifted her into his arms as if she weighed nothing at all. He carried her from the truck to his house. When he went to climb the stairs, she was sure he’d put her down, but instead he took each one with ease. His heart hammered against her and she smiled. Someone finally wanted her, and this time, she knew it was because of her, not some bounty her uncle had been offered.

  Chapter 8

  Dixon sat Melody on her feet putting space between them. His heart raced with a longing so deep it felt as if his heart would pound right out of his chest. With the knowledge that she’d never been with a man he worried she wasn’t ready for him. He worried he wouldn’t be able to control himself. He wasn’t even sure if he was in control or if the beast was. The lion was right below the surface pacing and edging closer to the forefront.

  She stared at him with a small frown. “Are you all right?”

  He shook his hand and scrubbed his hand down his face trying to gain some aspect of control. “I’m not sure. This is new to me too.”

  “But you’ve been with women before?” she asked it like a question but he could see she already knew.

  “Yes, but no one has made me feel the way you do—and that’s what scares me.”

  “I see.” Her voice was tinged with what sounded like jealously.

  “I never thought I’d have a mate. I don’t even shift. I didn’t think it was possible.”

  Melody shrugged. “The past is the past. I can’t judge you.”

  “But I’ll be loyal to you, I swear.”

  He had this need to convince her that just because he’d been with many women didn’t mean anything when it came to her. She was different. She was his, and only his.

  “I believe you.”

  Relief washed over him. She was putting her trust in him, and that in itself was a gift. He closed the distance between them and cupped her jaw. “You will be my everything.”

  She nodded and closed her eyes as if waiting for him. He leaned in and brushed his lips across hers. He wanted to take it slow.

  No, he needed to.

  This wasn’t anything like his past. Heat flared between them, and the lion stopped pacing and nuzzled him, urging him forward. She didn’t stop him.

  Melody sighed and pressed against him opening her mouth to him. The kiss went on as their hearts beat as one. It had to be the beginning of the bond. Her lips seared his like flames to a fire. It warmed him right to his soul. He felt at peace, even as his body craved hers.

  When she pulled back her breath came out in heavy pants and need filled her eyes. “Take me to bed.”

  He swallowed, surprised she didn’t want to talk first. Most women liked to fill the silence with mindless chatter, but it seemed Melody wasn’t like the others.

  But he knew that already, didn’t he?

  Inside, his beast yowled in joy. “If you’re sure.” He in no way wanted to rush her.

  “We’re mates, correct?”

  “Yes,” he replied with a smile.

  How long had it been since he’d really been happy? Dixon couldn’t remember to be honest. He’d spent his whole life being bullied by the others of his kind, kicked out, and shamed for never having been able to shift.

  Melody grabbed his hand and tugged him as she led the way through the kitchen. She hadn’t explored the house, but she knew his room was down the hall. He followed her, letting her take the lead, hoping that would help ease her nerves and his beast.

  She stepped inside of his room and faced him. There was nothing remarkable about his room. Large bed, a dresser, and a night stand. He didn’t need anything else. She blushed, and before he knew what she was going to do she lifted her dress to revel her creamy flesh. He froze at the sight of her curvy body. She wasn’t stick thin. She was a real woman, full of lush curves and shapely thighs.

  “You’re perfect,” he said in a low voice.

  Her cheeks brightened but she continued and pulled her dress off dropping it to the floor. Now, she stood before him in plain white panties and a matching bra. There wasn’t anything sexy about the material, but his breath caught and
his body reacted. “Lie down, sweetheart.”

  She turned toward the bed, hesitating only for a second before she crawled on to lie down. Her hair spread around her on his pillow and he knew he’d never find another woman like the woman spread out before him. So sweet and perfect. He didn’t worry that he had only known her for a short period. When it was right…it was right.

  ***

  Melody lay before Dixon in nothing but her undergarments. She’d never felt more vulnerable, yet beautiful at the same time. The way he looked at her as he stood by the edge of the bed took her breath away. His eyes lit like green fire as he scanned her body. She couldn’t help but be nervous even as excitement sent a thrill through her. No man had ever looked at her the way he did.

  This wasn’t a lie.

  Deep inside, she knew he was the one for her. After years of thinking she’d spend her life alone—or with a male who didn’t really love her, she was now in a place with a man who didn’t hide his true intentions.

  She knew what he wanted. She knew he wanted to touch her, to sink his body into hers, but that didn’t bring as much worry as she thought. She may never have been with a man, but she’d been prepared for a long time. She wasn’t naïve enough to think he wouldn’t want her body. She had always been curious to what it would be like. Yet, she’d always found a way to turn down the males from her world. None of it had felt right until now.

  She licked her lips and opened herself up to him. “Come here, my mate,” she said loving how the word sounded. “Show me I’m yours.” It was brazen for her, but it no longer mattered. She could finally be herself. She would finally become a woman. She finally belonged with someone. Melody had waited so long for this day. Finally she had someone who was just hers.

  He chuckled. “I want to take my time. Love you the way you deserve.”

  She watched as he pulled his shirt over his head reveling all the strength he hid under his clothing. His muscular frame rippled with each slow move. When he unbuttoned his jeans, and slid them down his thighs revealing the rest of his body. His power swept over her.

  How did he think he wasn’t good enough?

  She’d felt it from the moment she’d met him. He’d been broken inside for a long time. The people who should have embraced him let him go.

  This wasn’t just about sex, this was about becoming one. The magic rose in the air and she shivered. This moment would be the one she always remembered.

  Dixon got on the bed, but instead of moving between her legs, he stretch out beside her. She turned toward him and kissed him. Something raw came over her. It no longer worried her that she hadn’t been with a man. It was almost as if everything she needed to know came to her. It felt so natural to lie next to this man. To kiss him and to touch him. She ran her fingers over his shoulders, down his chest and when she felt the proof of his arousal, she wrapped her hand around him. His body tensed under her touch as she explored the hardness of him. He shook with need.

  A need for her.

  She was empowered. That she could affect him that way made the rest of the nerves slip into nothing. The kiss grew stronger, rougher. His tongue wrapped around hers. She whimpered against his lips and ran her thumb over his erection. He growled against her mouth and pushed her back on the bed breaking away from their kiss.

  He covered her body with his and kissed behind her ear and ran his tongue over her neck, tasting her as he made his way along her collarbone to her breasts. With hasty hands, he ripped her bra reveling her breasts. When he sucked her nipple into his mouth, her hips rose to rub against him. The only sound that could be heard was their breathing. The scent of their lust filled the room. Melody was dizzy with want, need. She pressed against him in desperation. Her body ached to feel more. She no longer worried about the pain she was sure to feel by giving him her most precious gift.

  He thrust against her and she moaned.

  “Don’t tease me,” she whispered. She’d waited so long for this moment, and while she didn’t want to rush it, she needed to feel him inside of her.

  He chuckled and kissed down her body. He didn’t miss an inch of skin as he brought her closer to the edge of something she’d only ever heard about. No one warned her she’d feel this kind of need. So much so it ached.

  Rough hands gripped her panties yanking them down. She lifted her hips as he pulled them down her legs. This time, he was between her legs. She had no idea what he planned. Her mate wasn’t a man of many words. Each breath she waited to see what was to come.

  When she felt his tongue, her body jerked and she laughed. “What are you doing?”

  Every time she spoke it sounded loud to her ears. But he didn’t respond. His fingers gripped her thighs, spreading them further apart. Then his lips were on her, his tongue inside of her. She gasped when he swirled his tongue and lapped up the wetness from her body. He hummed against her, the vibration shooting through her body. But he didn’t stop. He kept licking her and when her body tightened she held herself against his mouth crying out. But still he didn’t stop. He nibbled her clit and took everything she offered. Her body shook and ached for more.

  “Enough,” she said.

  Dixon lifted his head and stared at her as if in a daze. He licked his lips and groaned. “That was just the beginning, sweetheart.”

  The air left her lungs in a small laugh. Her body shook even as she lifted her arm to reach for him. “Make me yours, Dixon.”

  The more she said it, the more she wanted it, craved it. Her heart ached needing the completion. It had to be the beginning of the bond he spoke of. She didn’t just want him to make love to her—she needed him to.

  “I want to take this slow.”

  She nodded. “I’m ready. I feel it in here,” she laid a hand on her heart, “the bond, it’s begun.”

  There was no going back now. She knew that without a doubt. She would forever be his.

  “I know, I feel it, too,” he replied.

  He adjusted his large frame between her legs and pressed the tip of his length against her. She was wet with arousal. She bit her lip and kept eye contact with the man who changed her life. There was so much behind his eyes. But today, she saw something she hadn’t seen before. His beast was right below the surface watching her. It waited for them to complete the bond as if, it needed her as much as the man himself did. She saw the longing, the desire to be loved, and the need to be accepted for the man he was. She had a feeling he hadn’t had much of that in the past.

  Dixon pushed inside of her in slow moves. She felt her body stretch to accommodate him. Each small thrust burned yet felt so right. Melody took a deep breath and relaxed her body. His jaw was tense, as were his arms that surrounded her. He took his time and pulled out nearly all the way, only to thrust back in. Each movement became easier.

  “It’s okay, Dixon. It doesn’t hurt.”

  He nodded tightly and she watched as he took a deep breath before he thrust in—hard. She moaned, ignoring the pinch of pain as he broke through the proof of her virginity. Her breaths came out fast and her heart raced. Dixon didn’t move.

  “I’m so sorry.”

  She laughed and kissed him. “It didn’t hurt. My body is made for yours.” It was true. The little bit of pain she felt was nothing.

  He raised a brow as if he didn’t believe her. So she lifted her hips against him. “I promise. I’m okay.”

  He took her at her word and showed her just how much he wanted her. Each thrust rougher than the last, but Melody relished it. She did her best to keep up with him and when her inner walls squeezed around him, he yelled and released inside of her. It triggered her own release and she cried out, digging her nails into his back as he held her close. She felt the warmth of his orgasm inside of her and the magic around them grew. Lights danced above her head and she watched them in wonder, realizing it was only her who could see them. She remembered the stories she’d heard, but thought it was just myth, but now she knew for certain they were met to be. This was Fate showi
ng her the truth.

  Dixon buried his face in her neck and she felt a pinch of his teeth as they slid into her neck. She moaned and squirmed against him as her body released another wave of sweet ecstasy. Her body throbbed in a way that might have been painful, but it felt so right.

  “Oh, gods,” she said holding on to him tightly.

  Dixon released hold of her neck and she felt his fangs slid neck before he licked the spot where his teeth had been. He lifted his face to hers and kissed her lips. She tasted her own blood and realized he had marked her as his.

  She realized that the bite signified something. She felt him now. Like a piece of his beast was inside of her. It rubbed against her, purring. “How?”

  His eyes went wide. “I—don’t know.”

  “We are one.”

  He nodded, still watching her.

  He really had no idea what would happen when they mated and that made her wonder if he’d ever been told. Was he ever prepared? Didn’t anyone in his life ever explain the process to him? She felt an underlining sadness and knew it came not from herself, but from him. There was still so much she needed to learn about the man who had not only taken her virginity but her heart, as well. She felt like she finally belonged.

  Chapter 9

  When Dixon woke, the sun was no longer high in the sky. He felt it meet its descent for the first time. He had always heard his kin could feel the rise and fall of the sun. It was somehow connected to their beasts. He’d never felt it—as if he wasn’t a shifter at all. All of the things he should have known he didn’t. He’d always felt like a part of him was missing, but now he felt the change within him. Almost like he was whole. And the reason for that was the woman that slept beside him. He watched the beautiful elf that curled beside him sleeping. She looked peaceful as if all her troubles no longer existed.