“That’s a start,” I replied defiantly.
A shiver traveled down my spine as his eyes flashed pale gold. A growl rumbled from his lips. “You didn’t need to get in the middle of it, though. That was the dumbest thing you could have done, Sierra.”
Gritting my teeth, I shook my head. My magic wanted to push back and I fought it down. “I stopped them, didn’t I? Got them to listen to reason,” I fired back. “Now back the fuck up before I blast you across this parking lot.”
He froze, his eyes widening. “You would, wouldn’t you?”
“You bet your ass I would. We’re running out of time. Let’s go.” I pushed at him, and he fell back against the next car. He looked devastated as he made his way around the truck.
Anger roiled through me as I slammed the door and clicked my belt in place.
Dylan hopped in and started the truck. “You did stop it.”
“Don’t even finish that with an insult,” I snapped.
“Damn it, Sierra, listen to me.”
“I’m listening.”
“Sean’s right. We don’t think, we act. You’re my mate, and you stepped right in the middle of a pack of wolves ready to tear you apart.”
“To stop them from tearing you apart!” I screamed, glaring out the window.
“Yeah, well, the part about you being in danger scared the shit out of me.”
“And it didn’t freak me out when you egged them on? This bond goes both ways, Dylan. You don’t get to charge into a fight and not expect me to back you up.”
He threw the truck in gear and pulled onto the road. “Shit, you’re right,” he muttered.
“Damn right I am.”
“As for Brittany, I slept with her, and it wasn’t last week. I’ve been a little too busy helping Sean to fuck for the fun of it.”
I winced, my jaw clenching.
“It was months ago. That’s all it was. With you, it’s a whole different level. Nothing compares to being with you.”
Brittany’s words still bounced around in my head, and I blurted out the one question I knew I shouldn’t ask. “How many wolves did you fuck for fun?”
He let out a heavy sigh. “Three. You want to know who?” he snapped back. The defeat in his voice caught me off guard.
I looked over with a frown. “No. Not unless we run into them, and they happen to be rabid. I might want warning before another jealous bitch decides she can rile me.”
He took my hand and changed the subject. “What’s your plan?”
“I want to check out what’s in the box. Going to take it into the woods. Want to be my guide?” I couldn’t help the flirty tone. He did apologize, and he seemed to understand he fucked up. Plus, he felt pretty bad about Brittany—and let’s face it, I’d made my share of mistakes with men in the past.
He nodded, a smirk lifting one delicious corner of his mouth. “You could run, I’ll chase.”
I shifted in my seat, trying to relieve the ache between my thighs. I wanted him already. Scratch that—still. Even mad I wanted him to strip my clothes off and fuck me against his truck, in the parking lot no less. Maybe give Brittany something to drool over since he wasn’t going back to her bed.
“We have work to do,” I reminded.
“I know. Later I’ll make up for this morning.”
“For the record, I can ignore their shit. Even Brittany and her jealousy. You were probably the best lay she ever had and has blown through the pack looking for something a fraction as good.”
He grinned at her. “Am I the best lay you ever had?”
“Yes.” I squirmed in my seat, not sure I wanted to answer to the same question.
He seemed to read my mind. “First time I tasted you on my lips you burned out the memory of anyone who came before. There’s only you. And this morning, best wakeup call of my life.”
I relaxed finally, letting the anger ease, at least for Dylan. His pack, that was another story, but it would only add fuel to my fire in an effort to end the curse.
Less than a mile from my brother’s house, Dylan pulled off a dirt road that seemed to go nowhere and parked.
“What are we doing?” I asked breathlessly.
He shut off the truck and turned toward me. “Sierra, I’m sorry.”
A heavy sigh escaped my lips. “So am I.”
Dylan gently caught my face, pulling my gaze to his smoldering eyes. His mouth opened, then shut, whatever words he wanted to say dying on his lips.
The air between us was ready to combust. I couldn’t even think of what we needed to be doing as he leaned in. Drawn to him, I met him halfway, kissing him passionately. His hand drifted behind my head, clutching my hair as he held me there, his tongue dueling with mine.
With my lungs burning, I broke away, only to be hauled into his lap, straddling him as he ground into my heat.
“Dylan,” I whispered as his mouth closed over my throat, sucking here and there with teasing nips. His hand slipped under my dress, his thumb finding my clit, rubbing maddening circles over the sensitive nub.
Fumbling with his pants, I rocked into him, needing him deep inside me. Finally, his pants were open and I freed his cock, groaning at the feel of him in my hand.
He pushed my panties aside and dipped his thumb into me. “Shit, you’re so damned wet. He pulled his hand from me as I rose up to take him in. He sucked his thumb with a groan, his eyes locked on mine as I swirled my hips.
“Oh fuck, yes,” he cried as I slowly tortured him.
He slipped the straps of my dress down and bent his head, capturing my nipple in his teeth, through my bra. His hands kneaded as he teased. Then my bra was pushed down, my breasts bouncing free as he sucked, hard enough to make me gasp. It was so good I nearly came.
“Mine,” he growled around my nipple, his hands going to my ass, squeezing as he lifted me, and brought me down hard. Shit, he was deep, filling me as he directed my body. Another nip and my back arched, pulling a cry of pleasure from my lips.
I gripped the back of the seat, unable to fight his need to control, to claim. Instinct rose up, need to claim as much of him as he had me. Dropping my head to his shoulder, my teeth clamped down as climax hit.
His growl ramped up my desire as I was spun around. The door opened as he bent me over the console and entered me from behind.
One hand on my hip, his fingers gripped me tight enough to bruise while he twisted my nipple. He pounded into me, the sound of skin on skin filling the cab.
Releasing my breast, he caught my clit between his thumb and forefinger. The world exploded into colors as pleasure rushed through me.
His release followed, and mine went on and on until I was blind. I could hardly breathe as I lay there, ass up in the air as he left me.
Panicked, I spun around to find him digging through a bag in the back seat. His smile was wicked as he came back to me and laid me against the console while he wiped me clean with a T-shirt.
I couldn’t help a nervous giggle. “Do this a lot in high school?”
“No.” He met my gaze, hunger still burning in the gold depths. The caress of soft material wrought a moan from my lips. He rubbed harder, my over sensitive flesh alive under his touch as he watched me writhe in pleasure.
“Damn it, Sierra. What are you doing to me?”
“Could ask the same,” I panted as he pushed me closer to another orgasm.
“Can’t resist,” he groaned, pulling one leg over his shoulder as he leaned down to lick and suck.
“Fuck, Dylan.” My legs trembled as my hips bucked. I couldn’t control the desire for all the pleasure. He drove his fingers into me, making me scream his name as I came again.
He lapped at me, cleaning me with his tongue.
When he finally stood, he pulled my panties into place and licked his lips as he stared at my breasts. I couldn’t help staring at the already purpling bruise on his shoulder. Mine. And I couldn’t help wondering if I should feel bad, but damn if it wasn’t sexy.
&nbs
p; “Wish we didn’t have to go,” he murmured, shifting the bulge in his pants.
An image of my brother in the same state as I’d last seen Christian exploded through my head. Sitting up, I yanked my bra and dress into place before scrambling over the console.
Dylan was in before I righted myself and put the truck in reverse. “I needed our connection,” he said softly, guilt filling his voice.
Confusion rolled in. I wanted to be sick for wasting time, but I knew if he had wanted another round I would have welcomed it. “Shit,” I muttered, looking out the window.
He squeezed my thigh. “Blame me. I couldn’t live with you mad at me.”
I let out a bitter laugh. “I’m not. This is just overwhelming. I don’t have much time and your damned pack thought it would be fun to waste some.”
“They aren’t all like that.”
“Yeah, I know. It doesn’t matter, though. I’m not doing it for them. I’m doing it for you and Sean. Even Theresa’s boys.”
“I shouldn’t have pulled over, but all I could think about was proving you’re it for me.” He pulled in at Sean’s.
I opened my door and was greeted by my brother’s smirk. “You two make up yet?”
Heat washed through my face. Nodding, I bit my tongue, hoping I didn’t spontaneously combust.
Laughing, he shook his head. “Don’t tell me. I really don’t want to know.” He went inside and we followed.
I didn’t stop there. As I made my way to the backdoor, I announced, “I’m taking the gift out back somewhere out of sight of the house. You’re welcome to tag along.”
“Be right there,” Sean said.
They didn’t follow immediately. I winced. My brother was likely chewing Dylan a new asshole for starting the fight in the first place. I had already done that.
After about ten minutes I heard a screech and stopped to scan the dense woods. “Fucking hate the Pine Barrens,” I muttered.
Ten feet away there was a stump about four feet high and six feet around. The closer I moved, the more I felt my mom. It didn’t make sense.
A tragic accident took her without warning almost a year ago. I had so many questions only she could answer.
Tears fell down my face as I moved closer and touched the smooth wood. When I closed my eyes I could see her spreading a blanket or tablecloth and laying out herbs.
“Feel her, don’t you?” Sean murmured.
I nodded, not able to say a word.
“She liked working magic out here. Said it gave her a sense of peace.”
Dylan took my hand as I turned toward them. “You okay?”
“I miss her. She was taken from us without any warning. Her car, it looked like it was thrown in a trash compacter. She was crushed. I saw her. It didn’t look like her.”
He pulled me into his arms and dried my tears. “You’ll figure this out. I have faith in you.”
Nodding, I stepped out of his arms, only to be pulled into another embrace by my brother. “Whatever happens, I love you.”
Attempting to be playful, I nudged him away. “Stop with that. I can do this.”
With a deep breath, I moved to the flat surface and placed the bag. The spell I wanted was right on the edge of memory, still shining when I closed my eyes. If what I read was right, I had only seconds to reverse the spell. If my assumptions were correct.
Gripping the sides of the bag, I pulled it open and tore the paper from the box. Then I lifted the lid, revealing a bright yellow crystal. The hum of evil repelled me, but I touched it and whispered the spell.
All color in the crystal faded to clear. I placed it on the smooth wood. An image flickered over the crystal. A younger looking Anabeth talking to my college heartbreak.
Vertigo hit me, and I reached out, touching the crystal. Then I was in the room with them, though no one noticed.
David and Tom were both there. As well as a couple other familiar faces I couldn’t quite place.
Anabeth touched a man’s shoulder with an evil smirk. “Go to Sierra. Help her see what monsters the wolves are. Bring her back to us. You already have a connection to her.”
“How should I do that?”
“With this.” She handed him a vial of clear liquid.
All I could do was study the man’s face and features, hoping to remember him. I had no clue what was in the vial, but I knew it was bad.
The image faded and my hands flattened on the wood as I tried to catch my breath.
Dylan touched my shoulder. “What happened?”
“I don’t know. My grandmother told some guy I’ve never seen to convince me you’re all monsters. What does she have against wolves?”
“Witches and werewolves have never mixed well.” Sean leaned against the stump. “The part that worries me is she told him to show you we were monsters. How?”
“I don’t know. All this does is prove she could be involved. I need to go back and start looking at the books. Didn’t you guys say something about the funeral? Is it okay if I stay here and work?”
Dylan looked at Sean and back at me. “Might be best. I could stay.”
I took his hands. “No. Go. I need to concentrate, and you need to go. I have a feeling my presence is only going to make things worse.”
“Tonight, I want us all together,” Sean said, taking my other hand. “No books, no trying to sort this out. I want some time with my sister.”
“You got it. I promise. In fact, I’ll see what you have in the kitchen, and if you tell me the time, I’ll have dinner ready.”
“Sounds good.” He kissed my head. “I vote for your chicken tortilla casserole, and I have all the stuff already.”
“Ooh, good choice,” I answered.
“I’ll see you at the house.” Sean hurried into the woods, then took off at a sprint.
I looked up at Dylan.
“Still mad?” he asked softly.
“No. And I was only in a huff after we finished because I realized I’m running out of time. You go, and while you’re gone, I’ll have more knowledge. I can fix this. I know I can.”
He pulled me into his arms and gave me a kiss before nodding down the trail. “You can.”
Chapter 14
Dylan
Leaving Sierra alone went against my better judgment. Something was seriously fucked up with that crystal. The way Sierra zoned out for a few minutes after touching it freaked me the hell out, but I had to trust Sierra knew what she was doing. Besides, I liked my dick intact, and I had a pretty good feeling I’d pissed her off enough for one day.
While I changed, I prepared myself for what needed to be done. Sean asked if I would drive so we could leave Sierra his truck in case she needed it. Adjusting the tie at my neck, I left for Sean’s. I’d run home to shower and change after walking her back to the house. When I pulled in the drive, I thought about blowing the horn for half a second, then climbed out of the truck. Who was I kidding? I wanted to see Sierra again before we left.
It would settle me and help me survive the next few hours. I walked in the front door and heard their voices coming from the kitchen.
“Are you sure you should be messing with that again?” Sean asked.
“I have to. It may give us the answers we need. I’d rather do it while you guys are gone than deal with Dylan going into psycho mate mode again.”
“You know he worries about you, right? It’s his job to take care of you.”
“Whatever.” There was a distinct bite to her voice. “At some point you both need to realize I’m a big girl and can take care of myself. I’ve been doing it for a while now.”
I rounded the corner and interrupted. “Doesn’t mean you should have to. You’re not alone anymore.”
She rounded on me, hands on her hips. So much for not pissing her off again. Taking a few steps forward, I wrapped my arms around her and placed a soft kiss on her lips. “I know you can protect yourself. All I meant was that I hope you’ll let me protect you every once in a while.”
“No. I trust you know what you’re doing. Like I said earlier, I know you can find a way to fix this.”
She smiled. “Thank you.” She stepped back, taking a hold of my hands. Her eyes roamed down my body and back up again. “I like the jeans and T-shirt, but damn you can pull off a suit.”
“I only wish I had a better reason to wear it, like taking you out for a nice dinner.”
She snuggled back into my arms, holding me tight. “I’m sorry. What can I do?”
I bent low and whispered in her ear, even though I knew Sean could hear me. “You can make me feel better later.”
“We’ll see.” She smirked, desire and lust lighting her eyes.
Turning, I found Sean leaning against the counter with his arms crossed over his chest. “I never thought I’d see the day.”
“What day is that?” Sierra asked.
“The day a man could calm that temper of yours without getting burned in the process.”
“Shut up, ass.”
I laughed. “You don’t have the magic touch.”
He scrunched up his nose. “I do not want to know about any touching when it comes to my sister.”
I lifted my hands in surrender. “All right, all right. Let’s go before we’re late.”
I gave Sierra a quick kiss goodbye and out the door we went.
“You know tonight has the potential to be a hot mess when they smell Sierra all over you, not to mention the gossip about the fight probably traveled through most of the pack by now.”
Sighing, I turned onto the main road. “Yeah, I figured. Not much I can do about it. Christian was one of my best friends and I won’t miss his funeral because some whore has a stick up her ass because I didn’t mate with her.”
“Might be her motivation, but she’s going to use the witch card to get people on her side.”
“Then I hope Sierra shoves it in their faces by finding the cure.”
“Me too.” Sean’s voice was soft, unsure.
I parked in the lot and turned to him. “Are you sure you want to be here?”
He stared out of the passenger window. “I gotta face reality sooner or later.” Finally, his head turned toward me, his eyes filled with tears. “I can’t be the asshole who doesn’t show up tonight, when two nights from now it might be me they’re putting in the ground. Promise me one thing.”
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