by Ava Frost
Oron stood up and looked at her, “We’re not going to argue about this Alison. You take the bed.”
She sighed, and nodded, “Fine, but if you get all grumpy because you don’t get any sleep, you better not take it out on me.”
He didn’t respond, simply turned his back on her and carried on packing logs on the fire.
Alison stood around twiddling her thumbs, not knowing what to do, where to sit or what to say. Oron was a complete enigma, and she simply couldn’t get a handle on him. Having gotten to know him somewhat as a customer at The Teddy Bear, she realized just how little she knew about him. On the outside, he looked like any normal lumberjack who would spend his nights in pubs drinking beer. She half expected to walk into a mess of a house, but this place was immaculate. The bed was neatly made up, with a quilted blanket. Against one wall stood a bookshelf full of books that included Jane Austin, J.R.R Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and much to her surprise E.L. James, but the books that really caught her attention were Terry Pratchett’s Disc World novels. He just didn’t fit the bill to be honest. If she was going to spend a week here, at least she would get to read. The kitchen was nothing but a counter top that housed a small gas stove, kettle and a toaster. Next to it was a small bar fridge that couldn’t possible have a lot in it.
“Are you hungry?” he asked, and she turned to find him looking at her intently.
“A little,” she admitted and shuffled over to the fire.
“I’ll go get some fish; there are some pop tarts in the cupboard if you want to snack on something.”
She mentally cringed, she hated the stuff, but she wasn’t going to be rude and tell him that, “Thanks, um… where’s your bathroom?”
He rubbed the back of his neck and pouted his mouth to the side, “It’s outside.”
“Outside?” she asked disbelievingly.
“Yeah well, there’s a shower outside, it’s enclosed so you have privacy, the toilet is through that door,” he said and pointed to a small door that led off from where the bed was.
This was going to be one interesting stay, she thought as she rubbed her forehead, “Okay, well, is there any hot water?”
He chuckled and nodded, “Yeah but it’s not a conventional geyser. As soon as I’m back with the fish, I’ll get it going and you can have a shower.”
“Sure,” she shrugged. “Are you going back to town?” she asked as he passed her to head back out.
“No.”
And just like that he was gone, leaving her to her own devices. It felt as if she was at boot camp, having to live off the bare necessities to learn survival skills. It was the strangest thing, knowing that there were still people who lived like he did. At least he had electricity, god knows what she would have done if she had to walk around with oil lamps and candles.
She kicked off her shoes and walked over to the bookshelf, running her finger across the spines, one by one. There were a few books she had never seen before, but the one that piqued her interest was the leather bound book with the strange symbol on it. It reminded her of one of those grimoires that witches used in movies. She tilted it off the shelf, and went to sit on the bed, it was heavier than the average book and even the pages were aged. She opened it up and interestingly enough, the book was hand written. She felt like a child at Christmas, she had only ever seen books like this in museums or online, but she had never touched a book that had such character. It was as if it had a living breathing soul. It looked like it was written with a quill pen. The English was also old, more Germanic than anything, here and there a word stood out that she could recognize or translate but other than that this book was as much a mystery as its owner.
An hour later, when there was still no sign of Oron, she decided to help herself to one of those distasteful pop-tarts, which she regretted the moment she bit into it. She had no idea when he was planning on returning, and she was slowly getting very sleepy. Her lack of sleep over the past few nights was finally catching up to her, now that she had absolutely nothing to do. But she wasn’t planning on getting all comfortable on his bed. Instead, she took the bed spread that lay folded at the foot of his bed and spread it open on the floor next to the bookshelf, near the fireplace, and took one of the pillows. Since he was taking his sweet time to come back, she figured she may as well take the time to catch a few winks.
She was grateful for the fact that he actually got the fire going before he left. The late afternoons had already started getting much colder now that fall was creeping closer to winter. She curled up on the blanket and tucked the pillow under her head. She stared absent-mindedly into the fire watching as the flames swayed and curled like graceful dancers over the charred logs. Even the smell of burning wood seemed to put her mind at ease. For the first time since the other day, she was at peace and she felt safe.
She had no idea how long she had been laying on the floor, but at some point she must have drifted off, the fire had dulled to a heap of red coals. She slowly pushed herself up into a sitting position and looked around. The cabin was in complete darkness, with only the fireplace casting a dim orange glow over parts of the room. She was about to hunt for a light switch when the door swung open, and then there was light, and so much more.
Her jaw dropped open and her eyes grew wide. Oron was standing in front of her completely naked and for a moment she was stunned silent. Not only was he built like a gladiator, he was gifted too. But when he cleared his throat, she quickly snapped out of it and covered her eyes.
“Oh my god, what the hell!” she cried out and spun around, turning her back against him, “Why are you naked?”
“I went to get food,” he said as if it was the most natural thing on earth.
She bent down and plucked the blanket from the floor, reaching back to hand it to him, “You went to the store naked, or were you mugged and they stripped you completely?”
Oron chuckled, not taking the blanket, but she could hear him move around behind her, “I went to fish.”
That made her turn around, “You went fishing, that’s just weird. What’s wrong with getting food from the store?”
He smirked and then raised his other hand. He had actually been to town, but clearly not to buy food, rather to get her stuff, by the looks of it. He had packed one of her weekend bags which he dumped in front of her.
“Did you go to my apartment?” she asked disbelievingly.
“You wanted clothes didn’t you?”
“I did, but I thought we were going tomorrow!” she exclaimed in a high pitched voice.
“Your ex is hovering around. I don’t think it’s wise for you to go anywhere near town, there were two other men with him, do you know any of his friends?”
His nakedness completely forgotten, she pursed her lips and rubbed her hand down over her face, “I don’t know who they are, but anyone who hangs out with him can be considered dangerous.”
Oron crossed the room until he stood so close to her, that she could see the light flecks of gold that danced in his eyes, and suddenly she was very much aware of his nakedness all over again.
“You need to tell me exactly what I’m up against, if I’m going to protect you.”
She looked up at him and hesitated at first, but it was only fair that he knew exactly what Gareth was capable of.
“He started using drugs, and it made him more and more aggressive…”
“Was he a user or a dealer?”
“I’m not sure, but the people he got involved with were dangerous, he knows people at the police department, and they often covered for him, which is why his abuse went unpunished,” she said and swallowed, averting her eyes, “I reported it, but nothing ever happened.”
She recalled how often she ended up in hospital for apparently falling down stairs, or walking into doors. Even the nurses, who knew exactly what was going on, didn’t bother to help her. Gareth had ears and eyes everywhere and most people feared him. She realized soon enough that she was caught up in her own reverie and then looked up at Oron again. Hi
s intense gaze was resting on her, but it wasn’t anger or rage that waved from behind the windows of his soul, it was empathy. And that nearly undid her.
Chapter 6
Oron could barely keep it together. A year ago when he first saw her, he knew she was his mate, and for as long as he was able too, he had kept his distance and ignored his beast’s urges. But standing this close to her, feeling the heat from her body radiate and stroke his naked skin was torture. But even still, he couldn’t move away from her. He knew it was a mistake. Having a human as a mate would never work. It was dangerous and stupid, but he was here now, and his instincts to protect her far outweighed the cons. But it wasn’t only that, his cock was like a steel rod, standing like a flag pole, and if she looked down, he would have no way to explain it. He forced his mind to the bigger problem, her abusive ex, who clearly had called for backup.
“I’m sorry, this shouldn’t be your problem,” she said and turned her back on him.
“Why would you say sorry?”
He feel like a creep for following her all this, hiding in the shadows like some kind of stalker, but if that was the only way he could ensure she was safe, he would do it again, even if he could never have her.
“He’s never going to give up; sooner or later he’s going to find out where I am…”
She sniffed, and he stepped up behind her and turned her around to face him, “And when he does, he will have to answer to me.”
She looked up at him and opened her mouth to say something, and whatever came over him, he would have to deal with later. He lowered his lips and planted them on hers, silencing her. He half expected his actions to be punished with a slap, but instead, her lips parted and she kissed him.
Her touch was cool against his heated skin. And the combination of fire and ice stirred the beast inside. He groaned and pushed her back up against the cabin wall, pinning her hands above her head. The sudden intake of breath from her felt like she was sucking his life force into her soul. And he once again mashed his lips against hers, thrusting his tongue into the confines of her mouth. Their tongues swirled around each other’s, devouring, tasting, claiming.
He tried hopelessly to remind himself why this was such a colossal mistake, hoping it would bring him to his senses, but it was useless.
“Oron…” she whispered as she tore her lips from his, meeting his gaze, her intensity rocked him to the core. He inhaled deeply as buried his nose in the crook of her neck as if to pace himself. But his cock was raging hard and pressing against her stomach.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” he ground out roughly.
“You won’t hurt me,” she said. He felt her wriggle her wrists in his grip, but he couldn’t let her go. He wouldn’t let her touch him, because if he did, he would lose all control.
“I will hurt you, and not only on a physical level,” he whispered hoarsely.
“I’m damaged already, what more can go wrong,” she whispered and ground her hips forward, pressing against his erection.
That was all it took, he was in no state to deny his beast anymore. In one swift move he let go of her hands and tugged her shirt up over her head, dropping it on the floor. In a frenzy of need and desire, she helped him to get her jeans off, and in the dim lit glow of the light above them he raked his eyes over her naked body, and then dropped to his knees before her.
Alison was done for, she’d had sex plenty of times before, but she never liked it much. It was more a case of get-it-over-with, than expecting a mind blowing orgasm. But here, standing naked in front of Oron she felt worshiped as he knelt before her. He planted kisses around her stomach and along her hips. Under normal circumstances she would feel inadequate, too thin and too pale. But the way he looked at her with such adoration, made her feel like a queen.
She knotted her hands in his hair as his lips trailed further down. He hitched her right leg over his shoulder and she gasped, pressing the back of her hand to her mouth, biting into her flesh to keep herself from moaning loudly. His tongue circled her clit, and she felt as if her legs were going to give way. But Oron’s hands cupped her ass, keeping her steady as he lapped at her, tasting her core.
“Oh my god,” she gasped, and she could have sworn she felt his lips twitch into a smile.
“You’re perfect,” he whispered, then dragged his tongue along her folds and over her clit again. Each time he did that, she felt her body drawing closer to a long overdue orgasm. As if that wasn’t enough, she felt him plunge a finger deep into her sex. She was thankful that he was holding her up because the one leg she was standing on was buckling under her.
She moaned and ground her hips forward, needing more of him, her insides like a tight coil awaiting its impending release. She could hardly stand it any longer, and as her head started spinning, she felt his finger pumping into her while he sucked on her clit. Unable to avoid the inevitable, she stretched her arms to either side of her trying to find something to hold on to. And unexpectedly her body convulsed violently and her climax crashed down on her like a tsunami, leaving destruction in its wake.
She slumped forward and hugged his head to her body, breathing heavily. Her release was unlike anything she had ever experienced.
“Oh my god, I’ve never…” she started, but Oron was already on his feet, lifting her into his arms. Without any hesitation, he threw her down on the bed and moved over her with his hands posted on either side of her.
Elevated above her, he looked down into her eyes and pressed his rigid length against her hot molten core. She felt the heat between her legs, and the earlier climax that ransacked her still clung to the recesses of her mind.
“You’ve been driving me insane since the first time I saw you,” he breathed and planted kisses along the side of her face to her neck.
She could have sworn she felt his teeth drag along her neck. But even that slight threat couldn’t bring her to push him away. She wanted him more than she had ever wanted anything in her life. Not even her own fear of relationships made any sense anymore, and somewhere between the kiss and him tongue fucking her, she had lost track of Gareth, in this moment; he was nothing but a bad aftertaste, a memory not worth keeping.
She raised her legs and wrapped them around the back of his thighs, pulling him closer to her, drawing a low groan from him. Consumed with anticipation she arched hips wanting him to enter her.
Oron knew exactly what she wanted, and he wanted the same. It had been too long since he’d had a woman, and after secretly wanting her for almost a year, he could no longer hold back. With one powerful thrust, he plunged his cock deep into her and his bear growled with eagerness. His pace increased and between their guttural groans and muffled moans, their souls collided like two asteroids in space that had been on a collision course since the start of creation. They were both troubled souls, on different levels, but all the same. He felt her move her hips in sync with his and with each thrust, he drove deeper and deeper. Her silk walls glided against his rugged length, coating him with her essence.
“Oron…” she moaned dragging her nails across his back. He loved the way his name sounded on her lips.
It was this, only this moment that counted. Anything before this just didn’t count, and things would never be the same. As she raised her head and nipped his shoulder, he roared with need and ground his hips forward. He kept still deep inside her to keep himself from cumming, he wanted to prolong this moment. But his beast was stronger now, and more desperate than ever. As he felt the slight tingle at the base of his spine, he knew that there was no holding back. He withdrew from her almost completely and then with one last thrust, he ground into her and his cock pulsed and throbbed as he released his essence into her.
“Ohmygodshit!” she cried out as she clung to him.
He could feel her body convulse beneath his. When he plundered her lips with a final kiss, his bear growled, and their souls entwined.
Hours later, he was still awake watching her sleep. His heart cramped in his chest, a
nd his beast, sated and pleased, was silent. This was him, he wanted her. It had nothing to do with the bear he realized, and he bent his head down to plant a single kiss on her shoulder.
Chapter 7
Alison woke up before dawn only to realize she was alone. There was no sign of Oron anywhere, but she could still smell him on her. It was a distinct scent she could easily get addicted to, but she knew better. Whatever came over her the night before couldn’t happen again. She was far too ruined to give herself to any man, and she knew from experience, she always picked the wrong ones. But even as she lay conflicted as hell, she couldn’t stop the images of Oron from filling her mind. The night they shared would surely haunt her for years to come. She had never experienced such passionate love making. It had always been about her pleasing her man, but last night was about her, from the first kiss to the last. He had given her pleasure first, unlike Gareth who only ever took what he wanted, when he wanted, without giving a hoot about her needs. A year ago, in fact, a few days ago, she had no desire to date anyone, much less have sex. Then out of the blue, she offered her body so willingly to someone who was practically a stranger. She wasn’t thinking straight, she decided, she had been under a lot of stress, and with Gareth around, she needed security. That was all it was, she convinced herself. And the fact that Oron had left her alone after last night confirmed her suspicions, that he too realized what a mistake it had been.
She finally dragged herself out of bed and with the quilt wrapped around her, she took her weekend bag to get a change of clothes and clean underwear. When she unzipped it, she was touched to find her toothbrush, hairbrush and her makeup bag right on top. Oron was clearly very thoughtful, or, he knew exactly how to impress a woman. A twinge of jealousy spiralled up out of nowhere and for a moment she wondered how many woman he had brought here before. She dismissed the feeling almost immediately. He was naked, she was vulnerable, and that was the end of it. There was nothing special about last night. In her opinion they were two lonely, consenting adults caught up in the moment, and that moment was over. Frustrated she closed her bag. She needed a shower and then she was going to find something meaningful to occupy her time. As she walked towards the room, she realized to her dismay that the shower was outside, which was a rather awkward predicament. First, she had never been someone to go camping; secondly, Oron had mentioned that he needed to warm up the water first and she would have no idea where to start. But waiting for him to show up wasn’t an option either, she had to wash his scent off of her skin or it would drive her completely insane.