Moonlight now bathed the yard brightly, turning his skin silver. Faster and faster the shocks ravaged his kneeling form. Then suddenly silver fur covered his body and with a ripple, he seemed to melt into a large grey wolf right before her eyes.
Wolf raised his eyes to the moon and a joyful howl sang from his throat. Koani answered with a howl of her own even before his faded away.
Altheia watched Koani approach Wolf cautiously. When she was a few feet away, she stopped. Wolf stood and stared at her. She lay down and submitted to him, baring her belly. Wolf came closer, snuffling her, identifying her scent. Satisfied, he licked at her belly and stood back. Koani sprang to her feet, tail wagging.
Altheia felt a stab of white hot jealousy sweep through her as she watched them together. No longer able to bear watching, she turned from the window, preparing for a long, lonely night.
Wolf returned to the cabin shortly before daybreak. The bloodlust was sated for another month and he was at peace. At the edge of the trees he stood watching the cabin. The female was asleep and safe from harm for the moment. But as much as he wished to join her, instinct told him it would not be wise. Turning quietly, he slipped back through the woods. Swiftly following the trail, he soon reached Altheia's bungalow. Pausing beneath the oak tree, he surveyed the yard. There was no one around. Giving in to instinct, he let the change wash over him.
Michael took the key from around his neck and let himself in. Twenty minutes later, freshly showered, he was retracing his path through the forest on his way home.
Michael found Altheia asleep in the chair by the fireplace. Seeing her lying there sent a rush of heat sweeping through his groin. My God, he thought, even in her sleep she is still capable of seducing me. He lifted her gently in his arms, so as not to wake her. If she stayed in the chair any longer, she'd be stiff all day.
He had taken only a step when her eyes opened. She sighed as her arms slipped around his neck and she offered her mouth to be kissed. He groaned as her tongue slipped into his mouth, parrying with his own. He grew lightheaded with passion. Drawing a deep breath, he inhaled her rich woman's scent of musk and honey, the scent of his mate. Rapidly he felt himself harden with desire.
Setting her on her feet, he looked down at her, lust boiling through his veins. She was wearing one of his old shirts with the sleeves rolled up. It barely covered her delectable bottom. Reaching out, he grabbed the shirt and ripped it from her body, buttons flying across the floor.
"Michael,” she whispered, her hands reaching out to him.
Carrying her again, he laid her on the edge of the bed. Falling to his knees on the floor, he nudged her thighs apart. His hands slid up her legs, teasing when his fingers reached her curls. She began to whimper as his fingers stroked her, her dampness making it easier for him.
Michael watched as her face flushed with passion. She bared her teeth as he slid his finger in to test her readiness for him. Moaning, she arched against his hand.
"Michael ... please...” she gasped as she writhed in front of him.
Not yet, he thought. Removing his fingers, he spread her thighs further apart. Leaning down, he swept her with his tongue. The taste of her excited him. He groaned as he pleasured her till she begged him for release. With a growl, he moved over her and buried himself deep within her hot, wet depths.
Something elemental drove him. Deep within his altered genes was the primal need to mate, to plant his seed deep within her. Man's basic, primal search for immortality lay deep within his woman.
As if she sensed his need, she met him thrust for thrust. Her breath was ragged and her hands clung to his hips, urging him on. Faster the sensations whirled, higher and higher till finally with a choked cry, she felt herself flung off into space, to fly among the stars.
Michael felt her teeth against his chest as her nails dug into his hips. With a growl, he drove himself deep within her silken core, once and again. Stiffening, he poured his seed deep within her womb. Spasms racked his body as he sagged against her, finally, unequivocally sated.
Minutes later, he drew her against him, spoon fashion and they slept.
TWENTY-ONE
Altheia sat before the cold fireplace watching Michael sleep. Golden sunlight bathed his body with an aura that was almost tangible. She was virtually compelled to reach out her hand...
He was sprawled on his stomach, the sheet low across his hips. The broad expanse of his back was clearly viable. Her fingers twitched with the desire to feel the rock hard muscles hidden beneath that bronze skin. Her heart beat faster with the remembrance of the feel of those same muscles rippling beneath her fingers as he made love to her.
Long, thick, dark pewter lashes fluttered against his cheeks as he dreamed. A ghost of a smile hovered around his sensuous lips, making him look for all the world like a little boy up to some mischievous prank. But an exquisitely aching need deep in her belly reminded her that he was definitely not a boy.
She wanted nothing more than to crawl back into bed and wake him with soft caresses and demanding kisses. But she knew he needed his rest. And he was sleeping more peacefully than he had in the past few days. Besides, she had things to do and more importantly, things to think about.
Twenty minutes later she quietly let herself out of the cabin. She decided not to take his van and to just walk through the forest.
She was surprised when she reached her bungalow. A sheet of plywood had been nailed over the broken kitchen window and the blood had been cleaned up in the bedroom. The linens were missing but she figured they might not have been easy to clean. Michael must have cleaned up, but she couldn't figure out when.
After fixing herself something to eat, she thought about everything that had happened. The man who had attacked her was probably still stalking her. He had said he'd be back. It wasn't going to be safe staying here much longer. Then there was Michael.
She still found it hard to believe he was a werewolf. God, it sounded absurd thinking about it even now. But she'd seen it with her own eyes. And then, he'd finally made love to her. Frissons of ecstasy swept through her body in remembrance. She'd never be the same again. And what was she going to do about it now?
She'd fallen in love with him. But did he really love her? He had said it, but only after making love to her. He'd tried very hard to avoid getting involved with her. Now that he'd had her, what did he plan on doing? Maybe she should just move somewhere else closer to work, where no one would be able to find her. Hell, she had to start work again in two days! They certainly weren't going to give her any more time off. She didn't need these problems now.
Depressed, she decided to take a nice long shower to relax. After making sure the doors and windows were locked, she headed for the bathroom.
* * * *
Michael woke gradually. He was more relaxed than he had been in weeks. Remembering why, he smiled. Sitting up, he looked around for Altheia. She was nowhere in sight. Maybe she was on the porch or with the rabbits. A few minutes later, he was furious.
Apparently she'd gone home since her keys were missing. Lord, didn't she realize how dangerous it was to go back there alone?
Michael didn't bother to dress. Seconds after leaving the cabin, the large grey wolf was racing the trail through the forest.
She was there; he could smell her scent and she was alone. There were no other fresh scents since his own earlier this morning. Quickly changing, he tried to enter but found the doors locked. When she didn't answer his knock or when he called to her, he began to worry. Had something happened? Was she injured or unconscious? Michael effortlessly ripped the plywood from the window with his bare hands and entered. Carefully searching, he tracked her to the bathroom.
Altheia screamed when the door slammed open.
The water had felt so good she had almost fallen asleep on her feet. She gasped as the curtain was ripped open and Michael stood there. Her relief was so great, she almost slid to her knees when his hands reached out to stop her.
He just
stood there for a moment and stared at her. The fear that she may be hurt had been a revelation. He loved her with an all consuming passion. She was his mate and he would never let her go willingly.
"You scared me,” she managed to whisper.
"You little fool,” he growled. “You could be dead. What if I had been the stalker? Whatever possessed you to go off alone?” He paused in his tirade to look at her speculatively. “Or were you trying to get away from me?"
"No. You were sleeping and I needed to come home. I thought I had to clean up and I thought you would sleep most of the day."
Michael made a small sound of relief deep in his throat and then took her in his arms. The water poured over them both, making her skin feel like silk beneath his hands. He rained kisses across her shoulder and up her neck, then nibbled on her ear.
Altheia felt the evidence of his arousal rise hard and hot between them and felt her own body respond to his obvious need.
"Damn Altheia,” he groaned, “you drive me crazy. I can't resist you. I want you again."
She felt as though he had turned off all the hot water. Pushing him away, she shouted, “Get away. Leave me alone!"
Michael staggered back in confusion. “What's wrong?"
Pushing past him, she grabbed her robe and threw it on. Tossing a towel at him, she ran from the bathroom.
"Damn it!” He had no idea what had set her off, but he wasn't going to let her go. Following, he found the bedroom door locked.
"Altheia, open the door,” he pleaded. “We have to talk. Tell me what is wrong. Did I do something? What did I say?” He pounded on the door, but she didn't answer.
"Either open the door or I'll break it down!” He could hear her crying. Concern and anger consumed him. Giving in, he kicked open the door and stormed in.
Altheia scrambled back against the headboard, tears streaming down her face.
"Just go away Michael. Please just leave me alone. I promise not to tempt you again."
"What the hell are you talking about?” Climbing across the bed, he caught her and pulled her to him. She fought like a wildcat. Michael finally subdued her by wrapping his arms around her with her back up against his chest. Rocking her in his arms, he tried to calm her down.
She was starting to worry him. Maybe this was some sort of delayed reaction to the attack the other night. Maybe surprising her in the shower had triggered it.
"It's all right, baby. No one's going to hurt you. I'm here.” He continued to murmur to her, hoping she would relax. Gradually he could feel the tension leave her body. She grew still in his arms and her breathing returned to normal.
"I'm all right,” she sighed. “You can let me go now."
He loosened his hold but didn't release her. Somehow, he knew the second he let her go, she'd put as much distance between them as she could and he didn't want to shout at her from across the room. He needed her close. Only she could soothe his savage beast, even while exhausting him with her baffling histrionics.
"It's all right,” she said softly. “I won't tempt you again. I know you don't want me."
He turned her in his arms so that he could see her face.
"Altheia, I haven't a clue as to what you're talking about. I want you.” Glancing down, he sighed. “God, how I want you,” he groaned. Indeed, the blatant evidence of his need was still apparent.
"Sex isn't everything!” she said angrily. “Besides, there are plenty of women who can satisfy that need."
Michael suddenly remembered his last trip down to Boston. She couldn't possibly know where he'd gone. Anyway, that weekend hadn't satisfied anything.
"I want you,” he ground out between clenched teeth.
"I won't be your sex toy, Michael. I have too much pride. I need someone who wants me, not just a body he can't resist."
A glimmer of understanding came to him.
"You think I only want to have sex with you?” Surprised, he released her.
"You already made it plain you only want me because you can no longer resist me. Lord knows, you tried hard enough. You even managed for a whole month. It took you waking up with me in your bed to get past your defenses. Well, I promise not to tempt you again. I'm going to leave Jefferson."
The blood drained from his face. She was going to leave him! His hands shot out and stopped her before she could move from the bed.
"No.” A shudder went through him with the thought of life without her. He had to stop her. He needed her.
"You need a warm, willing body for that overactive libido of yours. And I just stopped being willing,” she hissed as she struggled to free herself.
"Yeah, but you're more than warm enough, aren't you?” he growled as he drew her close, kissing her demandingly.
She fought against him, but he persisted till finally he felt her surrender and her mouth opened to his with a whimper and her arms slipped around him. He gentled his kisses as she began to kiss him back, passion flaring between them once again.
"God, Altheia,” he groaned as he backed off a bit. “Don't you know I want only you? It's more than just sex. You're my mate. I need you near me to survive.” He took her face between his hands so that he could look in her eyes.
"I love you. I want to live with you. I need to take care of you and protect you. I even want to mate with you.” He folded her in his arms again.
"I need you here ... in my arms. Damn it, Altheia,” he groaned. “Please don't leave me ... marry me."
Altheia gasped, “What?"
Michael released her and sat back. “Marry me, Altheia. Be my wife, my mate. Let me care for you, protect you. God, Altheia, I'll die without you. We're already mated in my heart and soul. I'm yours for the rest of our lives, whether you want me or not."
She stared in shock. He really loved her? He wanted to marry her? After fighting his attraction to her for more than a month, he'd changed his mind in just a few days?
He was holding his breath, waiting for her response. His cobalt blue eyes were shadowed with fear that she might refuse his offer.
"Say it again,” she whispered.
He took a tortured breath and hope flared in his eyes. “I love you, Altheia. Marry me."
"Yes,” she answered simply. This was what she wanted. She had felt the pull of destiny between them also. She knew she'd never want any man except him.
Michael was ecstatic. His desire for her peaked again.
"Come here,” he ordered quietly. Would she submit to him? Did she understand what he was, the Alpha male, that he needed her to follow him? Could she really accept that he was different from normal men?
Defiance flared briefly in her eyes and the set of her shoulders. Then she visibly relaxed. Slowly, as if she was afraid he might reject her again, she moved toward him, her eyes never wavering from his.
She whimpered when he pulled her close in his arms. He gentled her with kisses. His hands soothed her. Soon her robe was discarded and she lay naked in his arms ... chest to chest ... belly to belly ... toe to toe. His body shook with desire, but he hesitated. She was also Alpha to him and he felt the compelling need to surrender to her.
"Altheia,” he groaned. “I need you."
His impassioned plea cut through the haze of desire and she realized he was deferring to her. That they could somehow be equals pleased her. That he could acknowledge that his need was her choice to assuage, was the greatest gift he could give her.
"Come here,” she whispered as she pulled him over her and between her thighs. “I need you."
With a growl, he took her, plunging deep into her hot, wet depths. She gasped against his mouth, then arched up into his hand as it closed around her breast. His thumb rubbed across the peak as it hardened under his assault.
He worked her passions to a fever pitch, then suddenly withdrew. She whimpered beneath him, her hands seeking to draw him back. “No,” she cried.
"Yes,” he growled. “Turn over.” He left her little choice as his hands deftly turned her onto her stomach. Pul
ling her to her knees, his hands caressed her thighs. His fingers found her wet, welcoming core and stroked her.
"Michael, please,” she pleaded. She arched back against his fingers and cried out as he slipped several deep within her, plunging them in and out. “Yeesss,” she moaned as he pleasured her slowly.
"So hot ... so tight,” he whispered against her ear. His teeth nipped at her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
"I want you,” he growled as he reached up to grab her waist with both hands, then sheathed himself with one quick thrust.
Altheia screamed as he started to move within her. As he began to move faster and faster, her climax raced towards her like a falling star. Once ... twice more he thrust and she found herself riding on the tail of a star. Breathless, she whimpered in release.
Michael felt her surrender, her body tightening on his. His release consumed him without warning and his body stiffened. With a low moan, spasms ripped through his pleasure-racked body.
Altheia felt his weight on her as he collapsed. She sighed with contentment.
With a kiss to the back of her neck, Michael rolled to his side, pulling her back into his arms. Sated, they dozed.
* * * *
Michael lay propped up on his elbow looking at her as she slept next to him. He reached out with a finger and gently pushed back an errant lock of hair from her forehead. He brushed the back of his fingers across her cheek. A smile played on her lips but she didn't open her eyes.
"Time to get up,” he whispered as his lips brushed hers. “It's not safe to be here.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her firmly. She made a sound in her throat almost like a purr.
"Besides,” he said as he stood up, “we have a wedding to plan.” Her eyes popped open in surprise. “That is if you haven't changed your mind.” Dear Lord, he thought, let her still want me.
"You're not going to get away that easily,” she retorted. “I caught you fair and square,” she joked as she jumped from the bed.
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