by Kym Grosso
Chapter Twenty-Three
The wind whipped Gillian’s raven locks around her helmet. The warmth of Dimitri heated her palms as she fingered the ridges of his abs. She laughed as he slapped her wandering hands that had traveled underneath his t-shirt. He’d insisted she keep her arms wrapped around his waist, but her caress to his bared skin had proven to be far too distracting. The soft blindfold around her eyes kept her in darkness.
After two weeks without Dimitri, Gillian was ravenous for him. Not being able to spend days and nights with her mate had been a necessary evil. She’d gone to New York City with her brother while Dimitri had traveled to San Diego. As much as Gillian had wanted Dimitri to come with her to Nick’s funeral, Jake had needed his help to settle the Anzober wolves.
Initially, Jax had been reticent, but eventually he’d broken down, confiding in Gillian, accepting her comfort. She’d held him as he cried, and did her best to console him. Despite his grief, he’d continued commanding his subordinates, conducting business as usual and planning future issues of ZANE.
During the days leading up to the burial, she and Jax spent hours talking, catching up on childhoods lost. They’d pored through old photographs. For the first time in her life, she’d gotten a glimpse inside the world that had eluded her. His mother, a Nordic wolf, had been a beautiful woman. Sadly, she was killed during a territorial dispute shortly after Jax had been born, and he had few memories of her. The Alpha, their father, had been strikingly handsome, also with blonde hair, yet he looked more rugged than her brother. She could see why her mother had fallen in love with him. Not only was he good-looking, Gillian learned he had been steadfastly loyal, a great warrior in his time. He’d been an Alpha through and through. His blood ran thick in her veins and she suspected her difficulty submitting came naturally.
Gillian had chipped away at the anguish that consumed Jax. She’d felt hopeful, thankful that she had a brother. He too, had expressed his happiness that they were no longer alone. But the day of the funeral, Jax fell back into his dark depression. Since Nick had been well loved by wolves and humans alike, they’d held a public memorial service in Central Park. Afterwards, they’d traveled to the Fingers Lakes region to hold the private burial on pack lands.
Later in the evening, on a damp night during the new moon, they placed Nick into the trenched earth. Gillian and Jax had shoveled the dirt onto the deceased body. An audience of wolves stood watching, the earthy aroma fresh in the air. Sweat and tears misted their bodies, grime staining their skin. With their bare hands, they attended to his gravesite until they’d patted the mound tight.
After a long run with his pack, they’d traveled by limo in silence back to the city. It was as if a switch had gone off; Jax had withdrawn from both her and his pack. On her insistence, he’d flown with her back to Louisiana. She’d lied, telling him she’d felt uncomfortable flying alone, urging him to come with her. The reality was that she thought he could use a change of scenery.
But once they’d arrived in the city, he’d arranged for Dimitri to meet them at the airport, explaining that he planned on traveling, needing to find peace. Gillian knew that despite her concerns, Jax had to deal with his grief in his own way. Having no mate or children, her brother had spent years confiding in and caring for his beta. It was as if he’d lost a mate, and she was worried that he wouldn’t recover. As he hugged her goodbye, he whispered in her ear, promising that he’d be okay.
Sadness filled her heart, watching Jax reboard his plane. But as she turned to leave and saw her mate, Gillian’s libido roared to life, her emotions instantly transforming into lust. Dimitri casually leaned on his motorcycle, waiting for her arrival. She ran to him, stopping short of his embrace. The sight of her beta took her breath away. Altogether sexy and confident, his wicked smile made her want to tear off her panties and beg him to fuck her right there on the tarmac. But in his typical dominance, he’d controlled the situation, first by kissing her senseless, then promptly blindfolding her before she had a chance to speak. He straddled her on his bike, running his strong hands up her inner thighs. She gasped, her nipples hardening in response. Her vision, cloaked in blackness, heightened the sensation. Even though she was well aware they were still at the airport, it was as if they were the only two people in the world.
As they rode, Gillian had no idea of their destination. She relished the feel of his ripped torso against her palms, inhaling his distinctive scent. With her head pressed to his leather jacket, she lost track of time. She couldn’t say for how long they traveled, her stiff peaks denting into the hard expanse of his back. The vibrations from the seat reverberated in a sensual tempo against her groin. By the time they’d arrived at their final destination, she’d nearly come undone. She hadn’t anticipated that their traveling arrangements were only the beginning of the delicious torture her mate had planned.
As he helped her onto the ground, the salty mist hit her face. Licking her lips, she tasted the briny air. She’d never heard of a beach near New Orleans, yet she swore she heard waves.
“Where are we?” She laughed as he gently pulled the helmet off of her head. His fingertips trailed along the nape of her neck.
“It’s a surprise,” he promised.
Gillian could almost visualize his devious grin behind the lilt of his southern accent.
“Can I remove this…” She reached for the blindfold, and immediately received a jolting slap on her bottom. Through her jeans, it felt more like pressure as opposed to pain, but the message was received.
“No peeking. You’d think spending so much time with your Alpha brother would’ve taught you a few things,” he whispered in her ear, his chest to her back. “You don’t listen very well. I’m afraid we are going to need to have multiple lessons…ones involving just you and me.”
Gillian giggled, her arousal spiked. Every cell of her body awakened to his touch.
“Not funny, cher. Feel what you did to me on this trip.” He set his hands on her hips, tugging her backward. He took her hand, leading it behind her back and pressed it onto his enormous erection. “I said, no touching my skin. You almost caused me to wreck.”
“It’s been two weeks. It’s not fair to expect me to keep my hands off you,” she protested with a broad smile.
Dimitri brushed his lips to the sensitive area behind her ear. A firm palm traveled from her belly, rising slowly between her breasts and over her chest until his hand was wrapped around her neck. His other fell between her legs, cupping her denim-covered mound. “Goddess, I missed you…every square inch of you.”
“I missed you too…so much.” Gillian released a moan, her body falling limp against the strength of her mate. After her long visit with Jax, always being careful not to offend other wolves within his pack, she’d grown exhausted of wearing a mask of serenity. She didn’t want to think, she just wanted to feel and exist within Dimitri’s arms. Nothing else mattered. Letting go of her inhibitions was impossible except when in the care of her mate.
“It’s very difficult being apart, our wolves, our souls needing each other,” he growled, grinding his hard arousal into her bottom. “But tonight, we’re alone. Just you and I…all night long.”
“Please,” she cried. Her palms pressed backwards, digging her nails into his muscular thighs.
“I love hearing you ask, cher. So nice.” His soft lips peppered kisses along her neck.
Gillian sighed with anticipation, as his tongue danced over her skin. The rush of desire ached between her legs, her body tensing.
As quickly as his hands left her body, they returned, lifting and cradling her against him. She heard his feet moving upon the ground, but didn’t ask where they were going. She didn’t care. Wherever he took her, she’d follow. He’d give her what she required; the trust and love for her mate was steadfast and complete.
A door creaked open, alerting Gillian that he’d entered a room. Yet, she got the distinctive feeling she was still outside. The roar of the ocean breaking against the
shore confirmed her suspicion that he’d brought her to a beach. Unable to hear another soul, she assumed they were alone but couldn’t be certain. He set her on her feet, kissing her once again, leaving her breathless as he tore his lips from hers. Before she had a chance to say a word, he spoke.
“And now that we’re finally alone, I need to properly prepare you,” he drawled.
“Prepare me for what? Dimitri!” Gillian gasped his name, the fabric of her t-shirt rolling up over her head. With a snap of her bra, she was exposed. The instinct to cover herself was overruled by the cuff of fingers around her wrists. Unable to see, she groaned, as warm lips suckled her nipple.
“Ah, yeah, that is what I’ve been cravin’…sweet.” Dimitri licked circles around one areola then paid attention to the other. “Delicious like warm peaches. ‘Cept no sharin’. All for me.”
His bare chest brushed hers as he released her. The cool sea air blowing against her wet tips caused them to further swell into tight peaks. Before she had time to speculate exactly where he’d taken her, or if anyone could see them, she heard her zipper opening. Seconds later, she stood devoid of clothing.
“You’re so beautiful, Gil.”
“Baby, you have no idea how much I want you.”
“I think I do, because I’ve been needin’ you just as bad. Do you know I like surprises?”
“Surprises, huh?”
“I’ve got a big one for you, but first,” Dimitri kissed her, slipping his fingers through her glistening folds.
Gillian melted as he kissed her, moaning into his mouth as he plunged two digits deep inside her. Her core tightened around him in response. She’d been on the precipice of coming for the past hour and knew she’d fall hard and fast.
“That’s it, cher,” he encouraged, briefly tearing his lips from hers. His forehead pressed to hers, and he sighed. “Fuck, I love watching you come.”
His thumb strummed her clit. With her body already on fire, she shook, letting the orgasm she’d held at bay roll through her.
“I…I…oh God.” Gillian attempted to articulate her pleasure, but the convulsions of her climax seized her, making it impossible for her to speak. The love for her beta had taken everything she’d ever known and made it seem insignificant. Her heart felt as if it would burst.
“You okay?” he asked.
“I’m more than okay. Great. But I need you. Please don’t make me wait.”
Shaken, she smiled, still unable to see. Having relied on him for balance, she felt abandoned as his hands left her skin.
“Patience, little wolf. Stay there,” Dimitri ordered, releasing her waist. He stepped back, admiring her gorgeous body and smiled as she brought her hands to her eyes, toying with the fabric. He inwardly laughed, knowing how difficult it was for her to take orders. Although she tried, submission was sometimes a struggle, and he expected it was something she might never fully learn, given her feline and Alpha ancestry. “Do not touch that blindfold.”
Dimitri had waited weeks to tell Gillian about his ability to shift to cat. It had been extraordinarily difficult to leave his mate to go to San Diego, never disclosing how he’d killed Lady Charlotte. Before telling her, though, he had to be certain that what had happened was real. He’d reluctantly agreed that she should go with her brother to New York. After what had happened to Nick, she was Jax’s only blood. Watching the interaction between them caused his chest to ache, knowing that she’d been raised in isolation by her mother, and now her brother had become compromised. She and Jax needed each other, but Dimitri knew the Alpha had a long road ahead of him.
In truth, Dimitri would never have taken her to the West Coast, not after what had happened to her there. With the trauma fresh in her mind, it was best she healed her wounds away from California. The long trip had been arduous at best. The pack had been disjointed, many families losing members, ones who’d come to Louisiana under Chaz’s orders. Dimitri was grateful that Logan hadn’t insisted that he take over as Alpha, instead assigning Jake to the temporary position. Neither Dimitri nor Jake wanted to move so far away from Acadian wolves. With their pack in disarray, Jake would lead them for only a few months, eventually allowing the natural order of selection to determine their new Alpha.
As Dimitri watched Gillian stand on the deck naked, a satisfied smile crossed her face. He stepped away toward the bed and stripped. He’d practiced his transformation many times, since it had happened the night of Lady Charlotte’s attack. As he reflected on that night, he recalled her chilling words. Ilsbeth hadn’t been heard from or seen since, but after what she’d done to him, he hadn’t gone looking. The only person he’d shown or told about the tiger had been Logan. Thankfully, his Alpha had merely laughed, finding it monumentally amusing that not only had he been mated but now he shifted to both wolf and cat.
“Gillian,” he called, summoning his transformation.
“Yes, sir,” she teased.
“Take off your blindfold.” The magic flowed through him. Passing over his wolf, he announced his arrival with a thunderous roar.
“Oh. My. God. No way. I mean yes,” Gillian stammered.
Amazed, she stared in disbelief, unable to move her feet. Her magnificent beta had taken on a feline form. She took a deep breath, slowly walking toward the bed. Tears came to her eyes as she set her palms onto his gold and black striped fur. Even though she hadn’t been able to shift back to her cat yet, she, too, felt her inside and was convinced that someday soon, she’d have both animals within her reach. But the spectacular sight of Dimitri lying on the bed was surreal.
Dimitri gave a final growl, shifting back to his human form. As he did so, he rolled her onto her back.
“I wasn’t sure how to tell you,” he said, his lips brushing her sternum. Excitement and relief tore through him as he saw the delight on her face. He buried his head between her breasts.
“You… I’ve never seen a male…I mean, a male tiger…an animal like you. You were just…beautiful.”
“Hmm….I like the sound of that. So I’m your first, huh?”
She laughed in response, plowing her fingers into his hair. The weight of his body against hers pressed her into the soft mattress.
“A virgin. Yep, I’ve got myself a virgin,” he teased.
“Not exactly a virgin, but yes, you’re still my first. My first in so many ways,” she replied, continuing to smile.
“I love you.” He stilled, his voice growing serious.
“I love you, too. I never thought I’d find anyone. And now…”
“Now, you’ve got yourself a tiger by the tail?”
“A little pussy cat?” she joked.
“Speaking of pussy,” he laughed, pushing up onto his hands. Dimitri loved teasing her, making love with her. He wasn’t sure whether it was her quick wit or her stark independence that drove him mad with hunger for her, but with her warm and ready underneath him, he didn’t care. They had a lifetime and more to discover all the reasons they loved each other.
“I think I’m going to like this part.” Gillian grinned, her golden eyes flickering with arousal.
“You and me both, cher.” Dimitri took her lips with urgency, sucking and pressing his tongue into her mouth.
Giving her no time to rest, he guided his thick cock to her entrance, sliding into her with one strong thrust. Her tight channel fisted him, yet accommodated him as if she were a custom glove. She moaned in pleasure as he passionately kissed her. Never taking his lips off hers, he reached for her legs, wrapping them around his waist. His hand found her full breast, the hard length of him pounding into her. Rough and wild, he laughed as she nipped at his lip, nearly drawing blood. Feral, they made love, letting all inhibitions go.
“Dimitri,” she screamed as he thrust into her, the bed springs creaking.
“I love you,” he responded with a grunt. “Do you hear me, Gil?”
“Yes. Yes, I love you, too. Dimitri, please, oh God, yes, that’s it…please,” she begged. Her head thrashed from
side to side as she came undone, their passion unleashed. Gillian lost herself in her release.
Dimitri dug his fingers into her bottom, guiding her hips back and forth as he slammed into her. He held his breath, as his own orgasm exploded.
The starburst of their simultaneous climax pulsated through them, leaving them in a state of delicious exhaustion. They lay motionless, immersed in the love they felt for each other.
Dimitri sighed, brushing the hair from Gillian’s face. When she smiled up at him it was as if she’d reached into his chest, holding his heart in her hands. Everything he was and would be was hers. His tiny mate owned his heart, even if she didn’t know it. Gillian had been the gift he’d never expected, one he’d treasure all his immortal days. He cuddled her into his chest, his lips to her forehead. Lovers and soul mates, they lay watching the sunset, looking forward to endless days and nights, together forever.
Epilogue
Jax gritted his teeth, the corrosive scotch burning over his tongue. From the circular balcony of his private VIP lounge, he watched the twenty-somethings move as a mass, undulating on the dance floor. The pounding bass and flashing lights charged the jam-packed New York City dance club.
The bar had been a regular haunt of his and Nick’s. From their eagle’s nest, they would observe the fine-looking women, often poaching one or two for their own entertainment. Other times, they’d simply play chess, discussing business and their plans for the weekend. Never again.
Seventy-two years as best friends. Twenty-seven of those as Alpha and beta. The bitter taste of grief and rage boiled inside Jax. What had gone down in New Orleans should have been nothing more than picking a flea off a dog. They’d gotten sloppy. He’d gotten sloppy. Guilt for not watching Nick and underestimating the Anzober Alpha’s strategy ate at him.