She let him kiss her goodnight, but he could feel her stiffen under his hands. He restrained his impulse to sweep her into his arms and kiss her thoroughly. He'd upset her at the fair and he was not sure how to make her trust him again.
Damn. He had to find the words to tell her the truth before he drove them apart.
* * * *
Michael was uneasy. He couldn't put his finger on what was bothering him, but he knew he couldn't leave her alone tonight. Quickly changing into sweat pants and shirt, he left and took the shortcut through the forest. Ten minutes later he was perched in the oak tree. He could see her shadow against the shades. A few minutes later the light went out. He was pleased to note that she had left on the yard lights as he's requested. A half hour passed before Michael relaxed. Perhaps he'd over-reacted a bit. Leaning back against the tree, he dozed.
The moon was shining high in the sky when he jerked awake. Coming alert, he surveyed the yard, looking for anything out of the ordinary. He suddenly heard the faint sound of tinkling glass. Cursing, he quietly dropped to the ground. Someone was trying to enter the house!
Silently he slipped from beneath the trees and approached, quickly finding the broken kitchen window.
Growling deep in his throat, Michael swiftly shed his clothes and dropped to the ground. Seconds later a large grey wolf slipped effortlessly through the window.
* * * *
The man hiding in the bushes down the driveway stared incredulously at the window. He'd seen it, but he didn't believe it. Someone had just slunk out of the woods, stripped naked, and in the light of the moon had turned into a wolf! Pulling his gun, he started toward the house and then stopped.
My God, you can't kill a werewolf with a regular bullet, can you? He quickly retreated back to the car. Jack didn't know he had followed him up to the house anyway. Besides, Jack was armed and knew how to take care of himself. Maybe he'd be lucky and the werewolf would kill Altheia and Jack, then he'd definitely be in the clear. Yeah, he thought, they couldn't accuse him of murder if she and her ‘lover’ were torn apart by a wolf. Chuckling, he settled in the car to wait. If Jack wasn't back in fifteen minutes, he was out of here. He could come back in the morning to find the bodies, after the sun was up.
* * * *
Jack quietly slipped into the bedroom. He could see clearly in the light coming from the yard; how nice of her to make it easier for him. She was sprawled across the bed on her stomach, the blankets kicked off, and her nightshirt up around her hips. He was going to enjoy this one, he thought, as he reached for his zipper. Releasing his rampant organ, he climbed onto the bed. Sliding an arm under her, he slid his free hand between her soft thighs and slipped a finger into her. She was hot and tight. This was going to be better than he'd imagined. He yanked her back against his impatient weapon, one hand coming up to cover her mouth.
Altheia gasped into hand pressed hard against her mouth. That she was about to raped was as obvious as the finger roughly stroking her. “You're going to love this,” a voice rasped in her ear. “I'm going to give you what that wimp of a mechanic ain't got the balls to do.” It was him!
"And go ahead and scream if you want, no one can hear you out here. Besides, I like my women to get real vocal,” he chuckled. Sitting up, he reached for her nightshirt and froze.
Entering the bedroom on silent paws, the wolf could see a man crouched above the female. He could smell her fear, and a low vicious growl rumbled from his throat as his hackles rose and his lips peeled back from his teeth. This female was his! No one could be allowed to mate with her.
Jack reached for his gun as he grabbed Altheia and pulled her between him and the creature threatening him. “Call off you dog” he ordered.
"Not mine,” she breathed, “I don't own one."
Before Jack could react, the wolf swiftly went around the bed and attacked from the side, sinking his teeth deep in his gun arm. Jack shrieked in pain, releasing Altheia, who quickly scrambled away. Grabbing a table lamp, he hit the wolf, knocking him away. He quickly aimed and fired and the wolf fell to the floor in a heap. Holding his mangled arm, he turned to leave. Pausing, he looked back, “You'll see me again bitch, only the next time I won't be as friendly.” Zipping his pants, he quickly left.
Hearing the door slam, Altheia drew in a desperately needed breath. Reaching for the other light, she turned it on. Sliding to the end of the bed she looked around. Wolf was lying on the floor in a pool of blood. Quickly she went to him. Oh Lord, don't let him be dead!
Wolf felt the bullet rip into his leg, the force of it chasing the breath from his body, the rapidly spreading pain almost making him faint. Pain, he thought. Must get away.
He felt the female touch him gently, her hands stroking his fur. Struggling to rise, she held him down, murmuring nonsense as she tried to soothe him. Must get to safety. Have to protect the female. With some difficulty he made it to his feet. Limping, he started for the door. Looking back, he whined, entreating her to follow him.
Reaching the kitchen, he stood expectantly in front of the door, waiting for her to open it. He didn't think he could navigate the window right now. Besides, the female probably would not follow that way. He stopped in the yard and waited for her, but she didn't come. Damn female, need to be led in everything. Going back to her, he caught her nightshirt in his teeth and tugged. He had to get her to safety.
"Wait,” she said. Pausing to put on her shoes, she grabbed her purse and coat and followed. “So come on,” she said, starting toward her car.
The wolf quickly placed himself in front of her, causing her to swerve around him. But he moved quicker to stop her progress and began to crowd her, forcing her to back up. When she again tried to go around, he stopped her again, this time growling softly.
She looked at him when he began to growl, then realized he was herding her. “You want me to follow you?” she asked. Taking her purse in his teeth, he pulled her toward the forest. Letting go, he took a few steps away from her and looked back, waiting. “Oh, all right. But you better know where we're going.” As she started after him, he turned and started for the cabin. After checking that she continued to follow a few times, he turned confidently and led her through the forest. Twenty minutes later, they emerged in front of Michael's place.
Altheia looked up in surprise; she hadn't realized how close his place was. Dashing up the steps, she pounded on the door, calling Michael's name. When no one answered, she collapsed on the porch in tears.
In pain and exhausted, Wolf knew he couldn't wait while the female got emotional. Dragging himself up the steps, he nudged her arm, then pawed at the door knob. Looking up, Altheia reached up and tried the door. When it opened beneath her fingers, Wolf pushed it open and slipped in. But the pain had grown intense and his energy was almost gone. Reaching the side of the bed, he collapsed.
Altheia rushed to his side, afraid that he was dying. She saw that he was still breathing and sighed with relief. He had saved her from that madman, now she had to save him. Searching the cabin, she found a first aid kit and proceeded to clean and bandage his wound. The bullet had passed clear through his leg, so she hoped he would be all right. Somehow she managed to wrestle his huge body onto the bed. Michael should be home soon and maybe they could find a vet or someone.
After cleaning up, she put on one of Michael's tee shirts; her nightshirt was covered in blood. She didn't think he would mind. Then curling up on the bed, she snuggled up to Wolf. She listened to his deep steady breathing, hoping he would be all right. His body twitched and he whimpered in his sleep till Altheia put her arm around him and murmured silly platitudes in his ear. Calming down, he fell into a deep sleep. Feeling safe, Altheia relaxed, and soon she followed him into slumber.
SEVENTEEN
Daybreak
He woke when Altheia snuggled closer to his back and wrapped her arm around him, splaying her open hand against his rigid abdomen. He stopped breathing, afraid to disturb her. By the gods, he shouldn't be here! Her smell
wrapped around him, exciting his senses, making him want her ... now. He could feel himself harden, rising to meet her hand, brushing across the back of it in exquisite torture. She murmured sleepily in his ear and her hand turned and wrapped around his turgid shaft, causing him to gasp in shock. Dear God, but he could not help himself. With a strangled groan, he spilled his seed onto the bedclothes and her hot, sweet hand. Spasms racked his body in delight as he fought to catch his breath.
Altheia awoke with a start, sitting up in bed and scrambling back from him. “Michael?” She stared at him warily, as if he were a ghost. “Where did you come from? Where's Wolf?"
Michael sat up on the side of the bed and ran his fingers through his hair in a frustrated attempt to straighten it. How could he answer her? She'd never believe him. How could he tell her he was Wolf?
Reaching out her hand, she touched his shoulder. A shudder ran through him. If he didn't get away from her quickly he wouldn't be able to stop himself from taking her. Before he could move, she scooted closer to him and put her arms around him from behind. Oh God ... Her essence surrounded him like musk and sun-warmed honey. Damn, the animal in him was still too close to the surface. With a groan that came from his very soul, he turned and swept her into his arms, forcing her to her back on the bed. Crushing her beneath him, he captured those succulent lips. Surprised by his attack, she fought him, trying to push him away. But he was far too strong and much too overcome with lust to stop now. With perseverance, he kissed her, nibbling on her lips, probing with his tongue until she sighed and gave him entrance. With a groan, he took possession, savoring the sweet taste of her, sending deliciously erotic arrows of pleasure straight to his groin. His member swiftly became engorged, throbbing against her bare thigh. His mouth trailed kisses along her jaw to her ear, which he proceeded to lick and bite, growling softly in his throat.
Gasping for breath, Altheia felt a fire start in her chest and spread deep into her. Clutching him closer, she began to writhe beneath him, whimpering with need.
Michael reached down and grabbed the bottom of her tee shirt, slowly pulling it up and over her head. He took those glorious breasts in his hands, teasing the nipples with his thumbs until they hardened and rose to tempt him. With a growl he took one in his mouth, worrying the nub with his teeth, causing her to cry out in passion. He gave the other the same treatment. Michael came to his knees and moved between her legs. He ran his hands slowly down her sides and across her abdomen stopping when he reached the soft curls at the juncture of her hips. As his fingers began to stroke her, whimpers flowed from her throat, incoherent words entreating him. Her woman's scent perfumed the air, causing his nostrils to flair, exciting him to a degree he never thought possible. How had he ever lived before she came into his life? He must make her his.
Slipping his hands beneath her hips, he lowered his head and slid his tongue into her, savoring her essence like a fine wine. Altheia gasped and arched up against his mouth. Reaching down, she threaded her fingers through his hair, moaning as she felt the fire begin to spiral out of control. Michael obliged her by stroking her with his tongue until, with a scream, she convulsed against his mouth, releasing nectar fit for the gods. When the tremors slowed, he swiftly rose to his knees. Straddling her, he turned her over on her stomach.
With a growl deep in his throat, he began to kiss and run his tongue up from her knees to her neck, leaving no place untouched. When he reached her throat, she was pinned beneath him, with his still rigid shaft pressed against her buttocks. Biting her, he rocked against her while his hands slipped beneath her to palm her breasts. Rising to his knees, he ran his hands down her sides and reaching her hips, he pulled her up to him, sheathing himself deep within her with one thrust. She was like a furnace inside. He was going to burn alive! But have her he must. She was his now ... his mate for life. Whether she would accept him or not, he would have no other.
Groaning, he began to move, stroking into her with long, slow strokes to prolong the ecstasy. Sliding his hand to her breast, he began to knead it and rub the nipple between his fingers, causing her to moan as her passion mounted again. Arching back at him, she began to meet him thrust for thrust, crying out again and again, her head whipping back and forth. Suddenly she was there, flying over the edge, screaming his name. Her sheath clasped him tightly, pulsing around him, bathing his shaft in liquid heat so that he could do nothing but follow her over the edge. Thrusting deep within her, he held her tight to his groin as with a mighty growl, he poured his seed deep into her womb. As the delightful tremors left their bodies, Michael lowered them to the bed, rolling to his side. Pulling her against his chest, he tucked her head under his chin. Sated at last, they both slept.
* * * *
This time it was Altheia who woke first. She lay in the circle of his arms, feeling his breath against her cheek. She had never known such ecstasy. Snuggling closer, she sighed. Michael still slept, but his body responded to her movement. His organ began to throb and grow until it was pressed firmly to the small of her back. Desire to explore his body overcame her reticence and she carefully pulled herself from his embrace and sat up.
He was magnificent! Broad shoulders, golden skin, narrow hips and strong muscular thighs. But what riveted her attention was the organ nestled in the silver and gold curls between his thighs. The huge shaft jutted proudly from his body, occasionally pulsing away from his stomach. She couldn't resist reaching out her hand to touch it.
It surged into her palm as she wrapped her fingers around him. Hot ... and hard, but covered in velvet. She began to stroke him with slow, light strokes. Michael groaned and opened his eyes to stare at her, desire raging in their depths. A fire began anew, flaring out from her core. While staring in his eyes, she lowered her head and placed a kiss on the head of his shaft, then took him in her mouth.
Moaning deep in his throat, Michael reached down and wrapped his fingers in her long hair, holding her still. The sensations were exquisitely tortuous and he wouldn't be able to stand much of this. It was unimaginable that she could arouse him so quickly. Not to be deterred, Altheia began to swirl her tongue around his shaft eliciting further groans from Michael. Not wanting to climax, he grasped her shoulders and slid her up his body. Lifting her over his groin, he lowered her slowly until he was buried deep within her silken sheath, drawing little whimpers of passion from her throat.
Balancing her palms against his broad smooth chest, she let him move her back and forth, stroking him until he shuddered beneath her. As the fire began to consume her, she threw back her head and moaned in ecstasy. Pulling her tight against his chest, Michael captured her lips with his. His tongue explored the recesses of her mouth while he swallowed her cries of pleasure. Crushing her to him, he plunged repeatedly into her as she stiffened and screamed out in release. Her sheath tightened around him like a vise, pulsing, milking him, until he no longer had a coherent thought in his head. Growling, he leaned up to bite at her breasts. With one last thrust, he buried himself so deep as to almost be painful and exploded within her, crying out her name as if it were a prayer. Holding her close to his heart, he breathed in her ear. “Mine. Always and forever. You'll always be mine.” Kissing her ear and her throat, he held her gently as they both drifted down from the clouds.
Altheia thought she had never been more content. She wished she never had to leave this place where it was safe and she was wanted. She turned her head to kiss the arm beneath her cheek and froze.
She jumped quickly off the bed and turned to stare at him. He'd been hurt! And there was a bandage pressed tight into his forearm. A glance around the room revealed no sign of Wolf. How could they both have been shot in the same place? This was definitely weird.
Michael realized that she had noticed his wound; he had forgotten all about the bandage. He knew she would need an explanation, but he didn't know if she could live with the truth.
"You've been shot,” she stated calmly. “Where's Wolf?"
Sitting up, he thought of how to a
nswer her. He then realized that if he had any hope of keeping her safely with him, he would have to tell her everything. “Wolf never left.” Picking up the scissors from the bed table, he quickly cut the bandage off, letting it drop to the floor.
Looking at his arm, she noted that the only wound was not where the bandage had been. Puzzled, she again looked around the room for Wolf. “I don't understand."
Extending his palm he said again, “He's right here."
She looked from his face to his hand to the wound on his arm, shaking her head in confusion. Suddenly she looked back at his face ... into those beautiful cobalt blue eyes ... Wolf's eyes! In shock, she began to shake her head in denial. “No. It's not possible. What are you saying? I don't understand."
Michael stood and began to pace the room, looking for all the world like a caged animal. Her breath caught in her throat at the thought. Raking his fingers through his hair, he turned and crossed the room to stand in front of her, but afraid to touch her. Hesitantly he reached out his hand, but when she flinched, he spun away with a groan. “I knew you couldn't understand, that you would reject me."
Hearing the despair in his voice, her fear melted away. She stepped closer and reached out to him. Turning him to face her, she pleaded, “Tell me. Explain it to me. Please."
Michael knew he had to trust her. She was his mate, and if he had any hope that she would stay with him, she would have to know it all—what and who he really was. There was no other way they could live together. Taking her hands gently in his, he led her to the bed and sat her next to him. He still kept one of her hands clasped in his, like a lifeline. “I'm Wolf, and I'm also the Michael you know."
She shook her head in confusion. “But how can that be?"
With a sigh that came from his very soul, he tried to explain. “I'm a werewolf."
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