She found an expensive little dress shop with summer resort fashions and bought several dresses, including one short chiffon creation in a soft peach color that brought out the copper highlights in her hair. She knew Michael was just going to love it. Hopefully he could refrain from ripping it off her.
They also had some elegant short sets and rompers that would be perfect for the hot, dry climate of Las Vegas. In the one bridal shop in town, she found a silk and lace peignoir in an ivory shade that would be perfect for her wedding night. Plus they had some of the naughtiest lingerie that she just had to buy. Not that Michael really needed any encouragement, but she wanted to tempt him beyond control.
It was almost noon when she left the last clothing store in Jefferson and she hadn't found the right dress for her wedding. She feared that she would have to wear the peach chiffon dress when she passed an antique store and glanced up to see the perfect dress. If only it will fit, she thought desperately. A half hour later she left the store with the dress. It was a vintage 20's concoction in ivory lace with satin ribbons and bows. It came mid calf and they even had a pair of satin slippers to match that fit her to a T. Destiny, she thought.
Elated, she stopped to buy a set of new luggage, then went to meet Michael for lunch. She was starved. She'd had the rest of her purchases sent to the garage, but she wasn't letting the wedding dress out of her sight.
Meanwhile, Michael had been working out the details for Joe Hawk to take over managing the business. He made plans for an influx of money to modernize the garage in the next month. He'd decided he wasn't going to go back to work anytime soon.
Michael decided to call his grandmother because he knew it would upset her if he married in secret. But he wouldn't allow her to tell his grandfather just yet. She wanted to be there but she really wasn't up to the trip. She sent her blessings and told him that the wedding trip would be her gift to them. A car would be waiting for them at the airport when they arrived. He hung up feeling more contented than he had in a long time. He finally had a chance at happiness like everyone else.
He was just finishing up some billing when Altheia arrived. Packages had been delivered all morning. It looked like she planned on being gone at least a month instead of a week. Who knows, he thought, maybe they would. He didn't really care where he was as long as he was with his mate.
She breezed in loaded down with boxes and bags; she'd stopped at the deli on the way back. Now she would be able to spend lunch alone with Michael.
He was nowhere in sight when she arrived and she wondered where he had gone. He'd said to meet him here for lunch. Sure, she was a little late, but they hadn't really agreed on a specific time. Stepping into the garage, she spied Joe working on a car in the last bay.
"Hi,” Joe called when he looked up and noticed her standing there. “Michael's in the back office. Tell him I'll lock up and take lunch now. See you in about an hour. Oh yeah, congratulations. I thought I'd never see the day Michael would get caught. I'm sure his mother will be glad to hear it. She thought she'd never have a chance to be a grandmother."
Altheia blushed, “Thank you. You know Michael's mother?"
"Sure. Michael and I knew each other on the reservation. My wife and I came here with him when he moved back to New Hampshire. Well, I'll see you later."
Altheia turned toward the office just as Michael stepped out of the door, a smile of welcome wreathing his face.
"I thought I heard your voice. Here, let me help you with those,” he said as he reached out to catch the boxes that were slipping from her grasp. “What did you do, buy out all the stores in Jefferson?"
"Not quite,” she laughed. “But it sure looks like it.” She stared at all the packages stacked up against the wall in the office. “It didn't seem like this much when I was shopping."
"I was thinking you might have thought we were going away for a month instead of a week."
"Not really, although I'm in no hurry to come back if the stalker is still around."
Michael went to her and drew her into his arms. “I'll take care of you, don't you worry. Okay?” Holding her tight he kissed her soundly.
She took comfort from the strong, solid strength of his arms around her. She knew he would risk his life to keep her safe. Tomorrow they would be thousands of miles away from here and the stalker wouldn't know where they were.
"Are you hungry?” she asked as she pulled away. “I brought lunch so we could stay here alone."
"Always,” he answered with a suggestive leer, reaching for her again.
"Oh no, not here,” she said as she slipped out of his reach. “Besides, I'm starved. Shopping makes me hungry."
"I love a woman with an appetite,” he chuckled. “What's for lunch then ... if not you?” God, he thought, she does look and smell good enough to eat. Maybe for dessert. With an internal grin, he contemplated the delicious thought.
"I have vegetable soup and a fruit salad.” She paused when she saw the look of disappointment cloud his eyes and laughed. “For me,” she teased. “For you I have a nice rare roast beef sandwich...” He smiled at her in relief. “Two of them.” His smile grew bigger.
Great! She really did understand his nature and it was something they had yet to discuss. He still couldn't believe she was really his, that tomorrow they would be married. He knew they were already mated, but he felt that somehow, getting married would bring them even closer. Maybe because it would bring both sides of him together in his love for her.
A small part of him wished she were like him, so he could share every part of himself. He wished she could take her rightful place at his side in the hunt. But she would be there when he returned and he made a vow to never make her sorry that she had accepted him.
She ate little, excited as she was. But when he grabbed at her again, she laughed and told him he was going to need all his strength for their wedding night. He groaned when she playfully slapped his hand away but acquiesced when she offered to feed him. Sitting on his lap, she fed him the roast beef with her fingers, giggling when he pretended he would devour her fingers as well.
When the meat was gone, he slid his hand to the back of her head, holding her still as his lips lowered to capture hers. Minutes later, they were both gasping for breath. A growl rumbled deep in his chest as he dropped his lips to her shoulder, his teeth gently nipping at her flesh. His fingers pushed aside her collar as his teeth traced a path along her collarbone. His other hand was deftly undoing the buttons on her blouse. With both hands he pushed her blouse away and he lifted his head to gaze at her breasts. His fingers slid under them, as if weighing them in his palms. His thumbs rubbed across her nipples, making them harden in response.
His tongue slipped out to lick one hardened peak through the silk that covered it, causing her to gasp. Her hands fluttered to his head, holding him in place. Drawing it into his mouth, he began to suckle. Michael felt his manhood swell and stiffen beneath her bottom as lust suffused his mind.
Altheia moaned and writhed as his mouth drove her mad with desire. His hands moved to her pants, intent on removing them. Suddenly, he stood and placed her on the edge of the desk, his fingers quickly unfastening her zipper. Nudging her, she lifted her hips to help him pull them off.
"Hey Michael! Where the hell are you?"
With a groan, Michael cursed. After giving her a bruising kiss, he pulled reluctantly away. “Stay here,” he ordered. Still cursing under his breath, he slipped from the room, closing the door firmly behind him.
Standing in the middle of the garage was Sheriff Holland.
"What the hell do you want?” Michael growled, angry at being interrupted. “How did you get in, anyway?"
"The door was open and I walked in. What's the matter with you? Trouble in paradise already?” Seeing the look in Michael's eyes, he suddenly shut up. Taking an involuntary step back, he held up his hands. “Take it easy Michael. I only came over to congratulate you. It seems that pretty lady of yours has been all over town this morning pi
cking out wedding clothes. I just assumed it was you and her, you know? I'm sorry..."
"It's all right,” Michael interrupted. “You assumed correct."
Sheriff Holland grinned, relaxing under the intense eyes of Michael. “That's great, man. Didn't I tell you to catch that pretty little thing a month ago?"
"Yeah,” Michael nodded. “You sure did. You say the door was open? Joe was supposed to lock it for lunch.” He nonchalantly walked into the front office, the Sheriff trailing behind him.
"So when's the big day? You going to get hitched soon?"
"Tomorrow. We were going to come see you later today. We plan on getting married in Las Vegas and we wanted to let you know we'll be staying at Caesar's Palace and then we're going to my mother's in Canada. I hope that's not a problem, because unless you put us in jail, we're getting married tomorrow."
"Well, I can't see any problem. Las Vegas is fine as long as you let me know when you're coming back. I doubt if the stalker will be able to follow you on such short notice."
"I don't think he'll look for Mr. and Mrs. Lafayette, even if he does follow us. Not many people know my full name."
"That's right, I forgot all about that. Even I wouldn't have known if I hadn't been there when you bought your place. Great idea. Well, congratulations again, and call when you're coming back.” He stuck out his hand, and shook Michael's. “How long you plan on being gone?"
"Maybe a few weeks. I'll be in touch if it's longer."
Michael saw the Sheriff out and locked the door behind him. Looking at his watch, he groaned. Joe was due back any moment. So much for dessert.
Altheia was busy cleaning up the remains of lunch when he slipped back into the office. Coming up behind her, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her hard against his chest. She squealed in surprise.
"You could have waited to get dressed,” he murmured in her ear as he proceeded to rain kisses down her neck. “I would have helped you."
"Oh no. With your help, we would still be here when Joe came back.” She shivered in his arms. And she wouldn't have cared either, she thought. It still surprised her how this man could make her feel like a lovesick, oversexed teenager.
"So who was there?” she managed to ask as his teeth suddenly nipped at her shoulder.
"The Sheriff.” He raised his hands to her breasts, his fingers brushing over the nipples, making her breath catch. “We could lock the door,” he whispered as he kneaded her breasts in his hands.
"No,” she sighed, “we really have too much to do.” Twisting in his arms, she snuggled closer. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed him. Releasing him, she stepped away. “Come on, we still have tickets and reservations to get if you still want to marry me tomorrow."
"You wanted me,” he chuckled. “Now you got me and I'm not easy to get rid of. You'll just have to get used to having me around for a long, long time."
He turned and looked at all the packages stacked around the room. “So what are we going to do with all this?” he asked as he gestured to the cluttered office.
"Why don't we leave it here till we finish in town and then we can pick it up before we go home."
They were ready to leave when he remembered the call to his grandmother.
"I called my grandmother,” he told her. “She would have been very hurt if I hadn't. She sends her blessings and she can't wait to meet you."
"When will we go there? After the wedding?"
"No. She knows we have to see my mother first. Maybe in about a month. I'm sure my grandfather will want to know everything. Oh, and she's giving us a wedding present. She's arranging for a room at Caesar's Palace and a car to meet us at the airport."
"Oh, that's so sweet. I'll have to send her a thank you note when we get to Vegas. Do you think we can get some pictures? I'm sure she'll like one.
"No problem. You can have anything you want.” He leaned over and pressed a light kiss to her temple.
They had dinner in town after they picked up all the packages. Joe had agreed to care for the rabbits in their absence in exchange for one, and all the business details between Joe and Michael had been taken care of. It was dark when they arrived home.
Michael hugged her close, nuzzling her neck, after everything had been unloaded.
"I have to go out for a little while. Can you understand? I don't want to leave Koani without some sort of explanation. I wouldn't want her to attempt to follow me across country. I want her to realize I'm coming back. Is it all right?"
"Sure. I have some packing to do, and besides, I don't want you to see my wedding dress till tomorrow.” She gave him a loving kiss and pushed him away. “Don't stay out too late."
"I'll be back before you miss me,” he said as he stripped off his clothes.
Altheia, still in awe, watched as Michael padded from the porch and paused in the middle of the yard. Dropping to his knees, his head fell back and his eyes closed as the tremors started. Seconds later, Wolf dropped his head to turn and look at her. Altheia released the breath she hadn't been aware she was holding.
Wolf slowly approached her till he could reach out and nuzzle against her hand. Involuntarily her fingers buried themselves in his thick ruff. Drawing back, he licked her hand, turned and padded to the edge of the forest. Pausing there, he raised his head and emitted a howl that sang on the night air.
Even as the song began to fade, another howl rose up in the distance in answer. In seconds they sang in some primal harmony, bringing a feeling of loss and jealousy to Altheia as she stood and listened to the joyous sound. Suddenly, the sounds faded and as she glanced again toward Wolf, she saw that he had slipped away into the darkness.
* * * *
The waning moon was high in the sky when Wolf returned to the cabin. Impatience suffusing his senses, he let the transformation sweep over him as he barely gained the yard.
Michael stood, shaking himself as if to throw off a heavy weight from his shoulders. His mate awaited him. All he could think of was how much he desired her touch, her taste in his mouth. Today she would become his wife and no one or nothing would come between them. Swiftly he strode to the cabin.
She was sleeping peacefully in his bed. No, their bed, he reminded himself. The need to possess her rose quickly through his body as he stood gazing down on her beauty. His heart raced in his chest and his blood blazed like fire in his veins. His rampant organ throbbed as lust filled his being to saturation. Quietly he slipped between the covers and pulled her demandingly into his embrace, lips beginning to tease her awake.
With an unintelligible murmur, she snuggled into his warmth, sending sharp waves of passion sweeping through him. His hands ran down her sides to grab at her gown, attempting to lift the impediment out of his way.
Without warning, she groaned, pushed him away and slipped out of his arms.
"No Michael, not tonight. Please,” she begged, breathless from his caresses. “I want to wait till after we're married."
"What?” he groaned, reaching for her again. His body ached with mindless need. He found it difficult to understand what she was saying.
"Please Michael?” She tried to resist his desire but could feel herself begin to surrender.
Her questioning plea filtered reluctantly into his impassioned brain. Shaking his head to clear his mind, he tried to listen to her.
"What, my love? Can't you feel how much I want you, need you?” He pressed her hard against his taut body and the hard, throbbing evidence of his arousal.
"Please,” she begged breathlessly, “can we wait until our wedding night?” She groaned at the touch of his body against hers, ready to surrender to his need rather than her own.
"You want to wait? God, Altheia, I don't know if I can resist you till then.” His lips were at her throat, tasting, feeling her pulse race.
"You resisted me for a whole month,” she whispered. “Surely you can manage just a few hours."
With a groan, he pulled himself from her tempting body and stood
beside the bed. He looked down at her and she could see the tension vibrating through his body as he fought to keep from reaching for her once again.
"That was before I had tasted you. Now you wish to drive me mad.” With a shudder, he took another step back from the bed, putting more distance between them. Taking a deep breath, he turned away. “I think I'll sleep by the fire. But be warned, this will be the only time I'll let you turn me away. The next time I'll change your mind,” he promised as he looked over his shoulder and grinned.
Turning away again, he went to the fire. With a sigh, he willed his body to change. It was the only way he would be able to resist the scent and heat of her body this close.
Wolf stood there for a second looking at Altheia. His body quivered with the desire to go to her even in this form. With a whimper, he suppressed the urge. Turning several times, he settled on the floor and fell into a restless sleep. Tomorrow, he repeated to his tortured body.
TWENTY-THREE
Michael woke early, the rising sun barely lighting the edges of the sky. The air was crisp and clear, heavy with the scent of pine. He took deep breaths as he stood on the porch, watching and listening to the forest come alive from the sleep of the night.
It looked like it was going to be a beautiful day to get married. He smiled broadly as he quietly entered the cabin.
Altheia had wakened while he was watching the day dawn and he could hear the shower running when he stepped inside. A picture of her, all wet and slick, flashed into his mind. His heartbeat sped up and his breathing became rapid as he thought of joining her.
Suppressing the urge, he took a deep breath and went to dress instead. She had only asked for one small thing; surely he could grant her that. Ruefully glancing down his body, he thought with a grin, maybe not so small.
When Altheia emerged from the shower, Michael was dressed and was putting a breakfast of ham and eggs on the table.
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