She smiled up at him, relief filling her. "I'm relieved it's over. Do you have my phone somewhere? We should call the others, let them know I'm okay."
He nodded and pulled open the drawer of the nightstand, reaching in and bringing out her phone and charger. "It's fully charged. I made sure to charge it while you were sleeping."
"And you changed my bandages, and set out my shower necessities, brought me to a safe place."
He placed a hair behind her ear before caressing her softly along her face. "You shouldn't be surprised. You're my mate. I'll always protect you. I'll always give you what you need."
The last words sounded enticing and there was truth to his words. He'd always been attentive to her needs, always ensuring she was happy and cared for. She reached up, grazing her fingers across his lips, admiring his handsome features and delicious full lips—his weapons of intimacy. His eyes glistened from her sensual touch.
"I love you, Cass."
He leaned into her, wrapping his arms around her, lowering her to the bed. "You're everything I've ever wanted in a mate and so much more." His lips came down on hers, breaking through the tension and sorrow clinging to her heart. It broke away, scattering from the pressure of his love.
She gave in to his kiss, bringing her tongue to match his. She playfully nipped at his lip and a quiet grumble escaped him.
"I promised you we'd have time alone together. Now that we do, I think it's time I show you how much I love you."
Chapter 16
Cass stepped out of the shower, eager to dry and return to her. When he stepped through the doorway, arousal dug into his groin, stiffening him at the sight of her. She lay on his bed, naked and welcoming. Arousal clawed at him, making him lightheaded as his blood rushed south.
He stepped closer to the bed, unable to peel his eyes off her firm backside. "Come here, beautiful. I want to see all of you." He stepped up to the bed, took her hands in his, and lifted her from his bed.
He dropped one hand and held the other, turning her in front of him, so he could see all of her. His eyes trailed over her large, firm breasts, toned waist, and curved hips and thighs. Her long, chocolate hair tickled his arm as it swept over it, adding to his already increasing arousal.
Her anticipative, playful eyes danced over him. When they trailed down his abs and steadied on his erection, a hungry growl escaped his lips.
"I love every curve of your body." He turned her slightly, slapping his hand on her firm ass.
When she giggled and bit her lip, his cock jumped, ready to take her. Oh yeah, she's my mate, and I'll spend all night ensuring she never wants to be touched by another man.
He stepped up behind her, filling his hands with each breast, massaging them and thumbing her hardened nipples. He nuzzled against her neck as she leaned her head back into him. He pushed his erection between her thighs, pressing it against her, feeling her warmth, enticing her further.
"I'm going to take my time exploring you."
He slid his right hand from her breast, slowly caressing along her stomach, taking pleasure in her reaction to his touch. With her head tilted back, he nipped and sucked at her neck as he slid his fingers into her velvety warmth below. Soft moans escaped her parted lips as her fangs extracted and she pushed against his fingers, wanting more of him.
He gave her exactly what she wanted, finding her clit and milking it with his deep caress. He continued nibbling her neck, placing kisses up it and stopping at the softest part, just behind her ear. He blew against her skin before licking it and blowing again, tantalizing her with the mixture of warm and cool. He nuzzled her ear before taking it between his lips, sucking it and then releasing it between his teeth.
"Cass…" she breathed.
He knew what she wanted and he wasn't ready to give it. There was so much more he had in store for her.
"Not yet, Kat. I need to explore more of you."
Her body trembled beneath his touch, exciting him, giving him permission to have more of her. He withdrew his fingers from her and grinned at the needy gasp that escaped her. He gently moved her hair from her shoulder, kissing it tenderly and then nipping at it, tasting her delicious honey-vanilla flavor.
His arms wrapped around her breasts and thigh, raising her, placing her gently on the bed in front of him, her backside still facing him. He reached under her, gently spreading her legs open. He caressed her sticky sweetness as his hand grazed her. When she glanced back at him, the hunger in her eyes nearly broke him of his slow seduction. His erection throbbed with desperate need. His eyes locked on hers as he leaned over her, pushing himself against her, not yet taking her. He lowered himself, placing kisses along her spine, nipping tenderly and licking generously along her sensitive skin. Arousal shivered over her body and sweet gasps of air escaped her. How he looked forward to her moans.
As he nipped and licked, he reached down, taking hold of his swollen erection, rubbing the head of it along her clit. More gasps escaped her lips. He leaned back, slipping his fingers into her, caressing and spreading, opening her up for him. Her breathy gasps quickened and her hips bobbled over his hand, taking pleasure in his touch. He removed his fingers and brought himself against her, rubbing along her, spreading her wetness, preparing her to take him.
When her ass eagerly pushed against him, he took hold of her hips and thrust himself inside her. The scorching heat rushed him and a low, satisfied growl escaped his lips. He slid deeper into her; her tight folds enclosed around him, a vise grip swelling his arousal. As he pulled himself back, the heat of her tore through his senses like a hot knife through butter. He held her hips steady as he dove into the friction, thrusting deeper, pulling back to thrust again. Her backside slapped against him. The sound of them coming together and her breathy moans drove his feverish desire further into paradise.
A storm roiled inside her body as the intense pleasure of Cass' thrusts filled her, quenching her need, taking her over the edge. Her fists clenched the bed sheets. Her fangs dug into her lip. She couldn't stop the moans escaping her body. His rhythmic movements sped up. She could feel his already colossal size swelling inside her. He wrapped his hand around her hair, tugging at it. Her head tilted back as her breathy moans grew louder. His body heat warmed her as he leaned down, his fangs penetrating her neck.
An explosion of pleasure coursed through her body, starting in her head and dancing its way to her toes. Her eyes widened.
"Oh my Go…Cass…please, don't stop."
His thrusts settled into a rhythm as his fangs held steady, filling her with the most incredible euphoria she'd ever experienced. Humming filled her ears and her skin tingled with a trillion tiny bursts of pleasure. She couldn't move, only absorb the sensation for as long as possible. When it began to fade, she whimpered. She rocked against him, gaining the pleasure from him there. He sped up, recognizing her eager desire.
He released his bite, clenching her hair in his fist, tugging on it, tilting her head back as he drove them to their peak. He swelled inside her, gripped her hip and let out a pleasured growl as his orgasm swept over him. He slowed his pace, wrapped an arm around her, cupping her breast as he lifted her, holding her against him. He gently took her face in his hand, turning it slightly toward him. He caressed her lips with his finger, his beautiful blue wolf eyes piercing hers.
Her lips parted as he trailed his finger across them. She flicked her tongue, licking at his finger. He grazed her fangs, his suggestive eyes saying what he didn't. She licked at his finger, nibbled it and then took hold of his hand, biting into it.
She moaned as a different kind of euphoria swept over her. She drank from him, savoring every bit he gave—her wolf, her mate, the one who always gave her what her body needed. A pleasured daze swept over his eyes as he watched her drink from him. After her fill, she eased back, placing gentle kisses on his hand.
"You were made for me, Kat. Your body was made for mine."
She leaned her head against him as he nuzzled his face into her neck
and hair. He'd left himself in her, keeping them together, as one. Feeling the bond between them, she didn't want to separate. She wanted to stay in this moment for as long as possible.
"I love you, Cass."
He nuzzled deeper into her neck, breathing her in, caressing the side of her breast and ribs.
"I know you do, because it's as much as I love you."
Chapter 17
She sped through the woods toward the clearing out in front of her. She heard his paws pounding the ground behind her. She leapt into the clearing, gliding through the cool, crisp air, landing gracefully on one knee. Her hand reached down, stabilizing herself so she could pounce on him. She stayed low and when she saw him leap through the air, she sprung forward. He wrapped his arms around her as they both came down, landing and rolling across the grassy plain.
He rolled her on top of him, squeezing her backside. "You're a little vixen after you’ve fed."
Kayci giggled in his arms, leaned down and kissed him. He held her by the nape of her neck, the hair he'd braided clenched in his palm.
"I feel refreshed. I'm glad you took me to town." She glanced down at his toned, muscular, naked chest. "It must be expensive, always having to buy new clothes."
He laughed and his belly rolled beneath her. "I buy a lot of t-shirts. No loss to me when they get torn."
As she raised herself from him, he tugged her back down, his lips pressed into hers. His tongue met hers, grazing over her fangs. He pushed himself against her. She felt his arousal growing.
She sat up, straddling him. Cass put his arms behind his head, his wolfish grin appearing.
"Uh, uh." She waved her finger at him. "We need to call the others, remember? I need to make sure everyone is safe. Deirdre is still out there. I don't know if she'll go after those I care about to draw me out."
"Tell everyone to watch out for her and be prepared for anything. I want you all to myself for a few more days."
He brought his hands from behind his head, grabbing her hips and holding her steady as he raised his hips and pushed himself against her. She bit her lip before leaning down and biting his.
"You're one naughty wolf."
He flicked a finger over her shirt and pulled it out so he could look down it. "That I am and what's even better is, you like it."
Mischief glimmered in his eyes. His delicious grin aroused her, sending sparks between her thighs.
She placed her hand on his jaw, running her finger over his lips and scar. Her suggestive eyes looked down at his.
"You know me too well already. I'll make the calls and see how it goes. I do want to stay here with you. It's beautiful and I'm enjoying that we're alone away from everyone and everything."
"That's why I built the cabin."
"You built this cabin?" She pointed toward the elegant, comfortably-sized, one bedroom cabin behind them.
He nodded.
"Seriously, Cass, you've got skills. Many skills."
His grin spread across his face. He pulled her close and kissed her. "I have more, beautiful. Many more."
"I look forward to discovering them all."
Cass added firewood to the stove in the living room as she dialed Alex.
"It's a relief to hear from you. I've been worried. Logan told us Cass had taken you somewhere safe while you healed. None of us had heard anything other than you were still alive. Are you okay?"
"I am. Deirdre's hex faded since she didn't get to finish it. It took me a while, but I finally healed."
"Are you coming back?"
"Not right away. I'd like to spend a couple more days here. But only if everyone is okay back home."
"We are. It's been fairly quiet. A lot of supernaturals are spending time at Safire. It's become popular, pretty quickly."
She'd forgotten all about the supernatural club and its app. "While I'm away, be extra careful. I'm concerned Deirdre may try to come after one of you to draw me out. As for Safire, if you're comfortable with it, would you mind digging into what happens in the back of the club? They're handing out business cards at other bars and clubs. Humans download the app and scan the barcode for an invitation to get in. I want to know how the humans are selected and what exactly is going on behind their closed doors. The building has a second floor. It appears as though it's not being used, but I think it is. Make friends with the bartender and get whatever information you can."
"Don't worry about Deirdre. We're all watching our backs. I can look into Safire. How'd you find out about the app and the activities in the back?"
"Cass and I were at Blue Moon and a werewolf handed him a card, said to give it to the staff for access into the back for the extra special activities that go on back there. I haven't had a chance to meet the owner. That's one of my top priorities when I get back."
"Maybe one of us should meet with him?"
"That's fine if any of the Covenant members want to meet him and let him know we're watching, but don't ask questions about the backroom activities. I don't want to give him a chance to cover up his dealings."
"Got it. And hey, Kayc—"
"Yeah?"
"Make sure to have fun while you're there."
Kayci smiled. She'd already been doing that.
"Bye, Alex. Be safe."
She sifted through her contacts searching for Thorne as Cass walked into the kitchen to make himself something to eat.
"Katerina. I'm pleased you called. Sofia's been worried. I assured her you would be fine."
"You were right to tell her that. I'm in good hands." She glanced at Cass. He winked at her. "It took me a while to heal and for the hex to fade, but thankfully I healed. I'm not coming back right away, though. I wanted to stay a few more days as long as everything is okay there."
"All is well. Sofia decided to spend more days here in Naples. She insists on looking after me." She could hear the affection in his tone. "Not that I am in need of it, but I enjoy her company still."
"I'd prefer she did stay. I'm worried about Deirdre coming after one of you. At least Sofia can stand up against her magic. Be careful and let me know if any vampire issues arise."
"Enjoy your time there. We'll see you when you return."
Two down, one more.
She sifted through her phone again, looking for Vladimir.
"I'm pleased to hear from you. I assume you've healed?"
"I have. Cass made sure I was able to in a safe place."
"He made a good choice getting you out of there."
"I agree. How is Frederick?"
"He's well. Nothing to worry about."
"Has Liliana returned?"
"She has not. None of us have heard from her."
Kayci's jaw tensed. "All right. Let me know as soon as she returns."
"I will."
"Vladimir?"
"Yes?"
"We'll need to think about Alaric's replacement." Her heart ached as the words left her. "And possibly Liliana's too."
"Agreed. Do you have suggestions?"
"Contact Dante Stone and anyone else you trust."
"Will do. See you when you return."
"Thank you."
She set the phone down on the small, curved, wooden coffee table. "Have you spoke with Logan recently?"
"I did, earlier, before you woke up."
"How is he?"
Cass joined her on the couch, a sandwich in hand.
"He's doing good. He told me he's been asked by the Council to take the serum since he already has children."
Kayci nodded. Cass studied her, his mouth full of sandwich. He swallowed. "That's what you two talked about, isn't it?"
"He didn't want to be influenced in either direction, but needed to talk to someone. He knew I'd be neutral and listen to his concerns."
"Uh, huh. I'll let that one slide since I worked the sidelines with Alex."
Kayci chuckled. "Worried your brother might start confiding in me more than you?"
"Yes," he admitted matter-of-factly.
"He wants to wait until we get back. He'd like me there to handle things in case the serum has negative effects on him."
"I hope it works as well on him as it did on you."
"So do I. I believe it will. Surely, our DNA is similar enough that the results would be the same."
"I agree."
Kayci watched the fire burning in the stove, enjoying the warmth it spread into the room. She remembered Vladimir's comment about the world constantly changing. How accurate his statement had been. She started off as a half-breed vampire living a human life as a personal trainer. She met her first vampire, who tried to kill her. She'd met Adrian, Rosemary, her aunt Eva—lost all of them. Met Thorne, Vladimir, Alex, Cass, Logan, Sofia—fell in love with every one of them. She'd been turned into a vampire, discovered her witch heredity, became leader of the Covenant, created an Alliance. She fought Danika, Reece, Natalia, Tony and destroyed every enemy just as Rosemary said she would. Now Deirdre. Was she an enemy or just a broken-hearted sister after revenge? How should she handle her? Kayci didn't want to hurt her, but she'd have to do something. The woman intended to kill her.
If Deirdre had succeeded in her hex, she would've died. The only way she could've been saved was if Cass or one of the Covenant members had used Deirdre's blood to remove the hex.
Damn it! That's it!
Kayci's eyes widened as she looked at Cass. He'd just finished his sandwich and noticed her concerned expression.
"What is it?"
Her chest tightened. Her throat went dry as her hands trembled slightly. "I know how to free Adrian."
Cass looked as though she'd just kicked him in the sack. His face lost its color.
"How?"
"Drima cast a hex on Natalia and Adrian. The only way to remove it is with the blood of the sorceress who cast it. Deirdre is Drima's sister. Their blood would be similar just as you said yours and Logan's is. I could be wrong, but I believe I can remove Drima's hex with Deirdre's blood."
Dark and Beautiful Nights (The Vampire Covenant Series Book 3) Page 13