by Kym Grosso
“You okay?” Dimitri asked her.
“Yeah, I’m just thinking about things.”
“Things, huh? Like what?”
“Like where we’re going? Wondering why you still need to talk to the witch?”
“We’re taking a trip outside the city…to my home. Jake’s goin’ to round up your things and bring them to us, so don’t worry about your pictures,” Dimitri answered, purposefully avoiding her second question.
“Okay, thanks. I’m not worried, though. I already reviewed some of them…shot Jax an email with a few I thought we might be able to use for the spread.”
“Whatever’s going to happen with Chaz is going to happen soon. I just prefer to be on the bayou for a few days. Get some fresh air. The full moon’s in two nights.”
“And the witch?” she pressed.
Responding with silence, Dimitri kissed the top of her head, hoping she’d relent.
“What aren’t you telling me? I don’t know what it is, but you’re starting to worry me. I’m not asking you to explain what’s going on between you and her, I’m asking about you.” Gillian pushed out of his arms and placed her palms on his shoulder. When he didn’t answer her, she slid both her hands under the collar of his shirt, touching his skin. Concentrating on finding his wolf, her eyes flashed open. “Something’s off.”
Dimitri reached for her hands, taking them in his own. He took a deep breath and glanced out the window.
“Your wolf.” Her voice trembled as fear replaced her calm demeanor.
“I didn’t want to say anything. It’s just that whatever latched onto me, it’s not gone. Ilsbeth…she gave me something…but it’s temporary.”
“A demon?”
“No, some kind of parasite. My take is that it’s energy…evil energy. Ilsbeth isn’t sayin’.”
“What do you mean, it’s temporary? Like it’s going to go away?”
“No…more like I could lose my ability to shift again. And if that happens…well, you can see how that might be a problem for me. You think Logan would mind if I followed them around in an ATV when the pack goes for a run?” Dimitri tried to play down the serious nature of the issue. If he could no longer shift, he couldn’t be beta. He wondered if they’d even let him stay in Acadian wolves.
“I’m so sorry.”
“Hey now, this is my problem, not yours. You weren’t the fool who jumped in the hell pit.”
“You did it to save the baby. For your friend. That makes you a hero.” Gillian briefly placed her lips on his, and continued. “We’re going to fix this. Together. If that witch can’t help you, we’ll find another one. I’ll ask Jax. I promise you…this is not the end.”
“We’re a fine pair, aren’t we? I’m losin’ my wolf. And by mating, your tiger…” Dimitri shook his head, disgusted. Usually optimistic, talking about the situation drove home the reality of their perplexing conundrum. “The witch is bringin’ in a sorcerer from Miami tomorrow. As for you, kitty cat, no one says you gotta mate with me.”
Gillian paused at his words. Doesn’t he want to mate with me?
“That’s true, wolf. But maybe you’re changing my mind about things. And it’s my decision to make.”
“Don’t get me wrong, Gilly. Tonight in that courtyard…I couldn’t get enough of you. If this feelin’ is half of what happens when we mate, it’s goin’ to be incredible. My wolf may be distant at times, but he…I…the desire to mark you…I’m not going to be able to hold off much longer.”
Gillian gave a silly smile at his declaration. It wasn’t rational, she knew. But after being with him all day, getting to know him, she wanted more of a commitment. Seeing him with Ilsbeth drove her to stake her claim on him. Her beast sought to brand him as her own, and despite it being the death of her, the hunger grew with each passing minute.
“What’s funny?” Dimitri asked, unable to discern how she felt.
“Nothing…It’s just that I’ve spent my entire life avoiding wolves. And now…”
“Now?” he asked, sweeping his fingers into her hair. Her pink lips parted in anticipation of his kiss.
“Now,” she breathed. So close, she could feel the heat of him at her mouth. “All I can think about is staying around wolves.”
“Wolves?” he challenged, gently tilting her head, exposing her neck.
“One wolf,” she corrected with a sigh.
“Hmm?”
“My wolf,” she cried as he nipped at her neck.
“Are you ready to belong to this wolf?” Dimitri traced the tip of his tongue along her bottom lip.
“Ahhh…Dimitri,” she moaned. She tried to kiss him, but he held her firmly by her hair, controlling her every movement. Her pussy flooded in arousal with his command. In another place and time, submission wasn’t a word in her vocabulary. But in his arms, she’d give him whatever he wanted and then some.
“What’s that, kitten? I’m afraid I can’t hear you?”
“Please…”
“I do enjoy hearing you beg, darlin’ but I want an answer.” Dimitri licked at the corner of her mouth, amused when she tried to kiss him. His wolf wouldn’t tolerate any more games.
“Yes,” she breathed. Her eyelids fluttered open, her eyes locked on his. Fate was stronger than fear. She yearned to belong to him, and his mark on her skin would begin the journey.
“Yes.” He smiled, pleased with her response.
His lips crushed against hers, drinking in her essence. Her breasts pressed against his chest, and she clawed at his back. The electricity seared the air, their connection exploding into fireworks. Desperately, they kissed and caressed, lost in each other. It was as if nothing but the two of them existed. Nothing mattered but the realization that they’d chosen each other.
Gillian barely noticed when the car came to a stop. She’d reached to unbutton his shirt, but firm hands prevented her from doing so. Dimitri reluctantly tore his lips away from hers. Panting, he reached for the door handle and exited, helping her out of the car.
“In the house,” he told her.
As she went to exit the car, Dimitri effortlessly lifted her into his arms. Gillian giggled, amazed at his strength. She had no idea where she was and didn’t care. Tearing at his shirt, she exposed his chest, pressing her lips to his skin.
Barely cognizant of her surroundings, she caught sight of the illuminated herringbone stone walkway. Fireflies lit up the foggy night sky against a backdrop of draping Spanish moss. The scent of the bayou permeated the air while an orchestra of insects played in the distance.
By the time they’d reached the front door, she’d only slightly composed herself, impatiently waiting for Dimitri to unlock it. A few seconds seemed like a lifetime as he punched in the security code. The heavy cedar wood door creaked open, and she wiggled in his arms.
“No time for a tour,” Dimitri managed as he carried her up the staircase. His mouth found hers and he fell back against the entryway, kicking off his shoes. He laughed as she reached for his pants.
“Faster,” she demanded. The heat between her legs grew unbearable. Yearning to touch him, she attempted to unbuckle his belt with one hand.
“Now that’s not very submissive of you, mate. You know I’m lookin’ forward to it,” Dimitri teased. Oh she’d submit, all right. And he hadn’t forgotten about his promise to have Jake watch. But tonight, it’d only be him and her, together.
“I need you,” she cried, grazing his nipple with her teeth. Unable to loosen his pants, she slid her hand underneath the waistband and wrapped her fingers around his rigid shaft.
“Damn, girl, now that’s gonna leave marks. You’re asking for a spanking,” Dimitri grunted as she stroked him.
By the time he made it to his bedroom, he was sweating in anticipation. Her lips on his skin. Her hands on his dick. It was too much and not enough all at once.
Gently, he helped her steady on her feet. As the realization hit them that they were about to go forward with their relationship, committing
in a way that could not be undone, they paused, gazing in each other’s eyes. Dimitri stood statuesque above her, his dark eyes trained on hers. His white dress shirt hung wide open, his bronze chest reflecting the light from the moon and stars. The sexual tension escalated as they stood inches from each other, no longer touching.
Dimitri reached for her waist and found the zipper to her dress. He tugged, until he reached her hip. Hooking his thumbs over her spaghetti straps, he pulled downward until the fabric lay pooled at her feet. Gillian stood smiling in only her black lace bra and matching heels. She wore no panties, thanks to their earlier antics in the courtyard. With care, Gillian glided her palms over his ripped abdomen. When she reached his broad shoulders, she dragged his sleeves off his arms, undressing him. As the shirt hit the floor, she gave him a seductive smile, reaching behind her and unsnapping her bra.
Not giving him a chance to touch her, Gillian braced her hands on his hips. Carefully she descended, softly kissing his belly as she lowered herself onto her knees. Dimitri sucked an audible breath as Gillian unbuttoned his pants, freeing his hardened arousal. She slid her fingers over his muscular buttocks, jostling his trousers until they fell down, joining her dress at his feet. Pressing her cheek against his tight corded thigh, she moaned, her hot breath causing his shaft to jerk in response.
Gillian teased his skin, lightly skimming her fingertips over the backs of his calves, never losing contact until she’d cupped his firm buttocks. Eyeing his straining erection, she darted her tongue outward and laved its broad crown. She licked at its slit, moaning in satisfaction as his salty taste amped her desire. Parting her lips, she took him all the way into her warm mouth and sucked hard. Gillian twirled her tongue against his silken steel, plunging up and down, from his tip to the root of him. She gently dug her fingernails into his ass, pulling him closer toward her so that she could swallow him more deeply.
Dimitri bit his lip as the sweet torture continued. Unable to take her lips around him for another second, he growled. There was no way he was coming in her mouth. She’d had her fun and now he’d have his.
“Cher, up,” he commanded. Raking his fingers through her hair with one hand, he fisted it and tilted her head backwards, lifting her chin. Her mouth released him with a soft pop.
Gillian smiled and licked her lips as he slowly guided her upward and onto the bed. She tried to hoist herself further back onto the mattress, when she heard him tell her to lie back.
“Put your hands above your head…that’s it…flat against the headboard. Soon enough I’ll have you tied to my bed, but tonight, I want to test your self-control.” Dimitri smiled as she complied, doing what he’d asked.
He knelt on the bed, his hands opening her thighs so he could get a better view. “Goddess, look at how beautiful you are.” Leaning forward, he blew softly on her mound, intending to pay her back for what she’d just done to him. Tracing his thumbs over her swollen labia, he gently spread her.
“You’re so soft. Your pussy smells of my scent and yours,” Dimitri whispered. He flattened his tongue over her swollen clit, smiling as he felt her shiver underneath his touch. He pressed his lips to her folds, her juices flowing into his mouth. The delicious taste of her made his wolf howl, reminding him of his ultimate goal.
“Dimitri, oh my God, please,” she pleaded, her body on fire with need.
Gillian sighed in pleasure as his fingers stroked deep inside her core, teasing her sensitive band of flesh. Dimitri flicked the tip of his tongue over her clitoris, and her body arched off the bed. She screamed, his mouth at her sex setting a thousand synapses firing. Her climax slammed into her. She thrashed and clawed her nails against the bed frame, losing control.
As she fought for breath, Dimitri hoisted her legs over his shoulders. With her eyes locked on his, she gasped as he gripped her thighs, sheathing himself completely. She thought he’d rip her in half, her pussy quivering around his enormous cock. He paused only for a second for her to adjust to the size of him, grunting as he began to move.
“Yes…ah, God,” Gillian said mindlessly, lost in the feel of him within her. She fought the desire to reach for him, her palms flattened against the wood.
“Fuck, yes…you feel so goddamned good,” he growled.
Her breasts, heavy with arousal, jostled in tandem with each of his thrusts. She contracted around him, her breath coming in punctuated grunts.
“I’ve got to come…please,” she begged, so close to her release.
“That’s right, cher. Say it,” he encouraged. Dropping his hand between her legs, his thumb found her hooded flesh.
“More…Dimitri, I can’t…please right there…” Gillian whimpered as Dimitri flicked over her clitoris, putting pressure on the sensitive nub. Uncontrollable spasms ripped through her once again. With no time to recover, she felt him pull out, flipping her onto her stomach.
“Hands and knees,” he ordered, nudging her thighs apart with his knee.
“Don’t stop. I need you in me.”
“Now,” he demanded.
Gillian scrambled into position, her own canines dropping in response and she hissed. It wasn’t exactly submission, but for tonight, it would have to suffice.
“Ah, my sweet kitten. You’ve a lot to learn.” He laughed, slapping her ass. She squealed and then moaned as he rubbed his palm over the heated skin. “You like that, don’t you, darlin’?”
“Stop playing with me.” She avoided answering. He responded by spanking her other cheek. “Ah, yes, I like it…fucking yes…now please, I can’t wait.”
“No matter what you want…” he glided his open palm down her back. When he reached her bottom, he trailed his thumb down her crevice, stopping to circle her tight puckered flesh, “no matter how dark you imagine the desire, you will tell me the truth.”
“Yes,” she acquiesced, unable to deny the urge to press back into his hand. She’d never explored anal play, but her body ablaze, she craved to experience everything.
“Don’t you worry…we’re gonna do everything…I’m gonna take you every way possible…including here,” he promised, probing her with his thumb. Dimitri took his throbbing dick in his hand, sliding it over her entrance, moistening it with her juices. She heaved a breath, impatiently pushing back into him. But he held her still, slowly pressing into her anus. “We’re gonna make love soon enough, cher. Feel me in you.”
“Ah…it’s so tight,” she whispered, her head lolling forward.
“Relax now…here we go,” he warned. Guiding his hot flesh into hers, he slowly entered until he was fully seated, his digit all the way into her ass. “That’s it…give in to me, Gilly.”
“Yes…please,” Gillian breathed. The overwhelming sensation rippled through her body.
Dimitri began a slow pace, in and out, making love to her, but soon the craving to mark his mate overrode everything else. He withdrew his finger, cupping both sides of her bottom. Using her for leverage, he increased the pace, moving deep within her. In rhythmic fashion, he pounded in and out of her. Gillian rocked back into his thrusts, the sounds of flesh meeting flesh sounding throughout the night.
In a frenzy, Dimitri leaned over, his weight forcing them both onto their stomachs. She tightly gripped the sheets as he surged into her from behind. Wrapping her hair around his hand, he guided her head to the side, exposing the tendons of her neck.
“Do it,” she cried. In the midst of their fervor, clarity struck and she willingly sought his bite. She was tired of being afraid of what she’d lose, and focused on everything that she could gain. A partner. A life. A family. Perhaps even love. The stakes were high. A risk to be certain, yet she refused to cower from fate.
Dimitri’s wolf went wild at her call. His fangs descended. Pumping hard into her heat, he struck, clamping down on her creamy flesh. She cried out, and he held her still, careful not to puncture or tear Gillian’s skin. With a final thrust, he came hard, flooding into her. Shuddering, he let the remaining tremors claim him.
&nb
sp; Releasing his jaw, Dimitri licked over where he’d bitten. She moaned and he lifted off her torso. He lay on his back, bringing her with him, resting her onto his chest. Embracing her, he kissed the top of her head and sighed.
While he’d initially been consumed by the lust and urge to mark his mate, he now reflected on what was in his heart, which felt tight with emotion. It wasn’t just that he mourned the eventual loss of her tiger, although the thought weighed heavily upon him. For the first time in one hundred and twenty years, he’d developed strong feelings for a woman, one he wouldn’t give up without a fight to the death.
Chapter Fourteen
Gillian awoke, the sun shining through the window panes. She moved to reach for Dimitri, her hand fondling the sheets. She realized he was gone, but in surprise, her fingertips touched a fragrant object that lay on his pillow. Her vision came into focus and she gazed upon the beautiful bouquet of irises. Each flower was unique with its silky purple and gold petals. She brought them to her nose, taking a deep sniff, and a broad smile broke across her face.
Holding them to her chest, she looked up at the cathedral ceiling, remembering how they’d made love the night before…twice. But it was recalling his bite that generated her deep sigh. Without even looking, she knew it was there. In the limo and then again in the house, she’d given him approval, given herself permission to accept his mark.
Her stomach growled and she marveled that she was more concerned about eating than the fact that she may soon not be able to shift. It wouldn’t be decided until they’d mated, but what they’d done last night was the first step. She tried to conjure up a thread of regret. After all, she’d spent so much time trying to avoid the very thing she’d just thoroughly enjoyed. Yet nothing came to her. The excitement of seeing him again was the only thought spinning through her mind.
The sound of a piano startled her, and she jumped to her feet. Altogether nude, she found her way into the bathroom and spied a note on the mirror: Robe is on the door and toothbrush is in the drawer. Come downstairs when you’re ready, my lovely mate. And he’d drawn a heart…a big ass freakin’ heart. No one had ever written her a note. She laughed, thinking that her dominant wolf was a romantic; the more she knew about him, the more fate was convincing her that it knew what it was doing.