Unchained (Shifter Night Book 3)

by Charlene Hartnady

  Half a minute later and Gage was running again. Faster than before. The threat of danger even closer. It felt like the griffins were closing in. At this rate, they were not going to make it. She tried not to think negative thoughts, but it was becoming more and more difficult.

  They arrived at the edge of a large clearing. There was an open section that led to a tall cliff. They would be trapped on one side, or would be soon if Gage didn’t move. Instead, they stood in the shadows at the forest edge. Gage scanned the sky. There were a half a dozen questions on the tip of her tongue, but she held them all back.

  He tensed, quietly moving back so that they were sheltered behind a large tree. There it was again, that blasted shadow. A griffin. Close. Too damned close for any kind of comfort. She swallowed thickly, trying to control her heart-rate, her breathing. Trying not to make so much as a sound.

  It felt like an age before Gage sucked in a deep breath. He made a run for the cliff. Straight for the sheer wall. What was he doing? There would be no place to go. Just scraggy rocks and a sheer cliff surface. There wasn’t so much as a bush to hide behind. His footfalls were relatively quiet on the rocky ground. Not as quiet as before. Her heart hammered. Any moment now and they might be spotted. They were sitting ducks out in the open like this.

  Thank god!

  Edith felt like sobbing with relief when she saw that, between what looked like an overhang, was a large crack in the cliff. It was tall, all the way up to the top, but it was also narrow. It couldn’t be more than three or four feet across. Gage bent down, so that she could slide from his back. He turned and gripped her upper arms, pulling her against him. Then he angled them so that they were aligned with the opening. It looked deep.

  Breathing heavily, Gage eased them into the narrow space. The two of them could fit, but only just. He shuffled deeper and deeper into the crevice.

  Thankfully, she wasn’t claustrophobic because she would never have survived this. Not in a million billion years. As it stood, her eyes felt wide. Her blood rushed in her ears. It was incredibly tight and dark. There was a tiny sliver of light above them. The main opening was obscured by rocks. Her chest was pressed against his. Scratch that, every part of him was pressed against every part of her. Gage’s skin felt hot. His hands were still clasping the sides of her arms. His chest rose and fell in quick succession, pressing more firmly against her boobs. Her face was chest level to him. She could smell him. Masculine. It was the only word to describe it, to describe him.

  There it was again. That blasted shadow. Darkness befell them for a second or two. Not long after, another one flew over. Or was it the same one flying in circles? Had it seen them? Was it closing in?

  There was a loud shriek seconds later, followed by an answering shriek from some ways away. More than one then. She shivered and pressed her cheek against his chest, squeezing her eyes closed.

  Please don’t let them find us! Please!

  Gage squeezed her upper arms. Then he cupped a hand behind her head, holding her against him. His fingers threading into her hair. His breath warm against the top of her head. They were in this together and that was something. The thought helped calm her, as the screeching noises grew more and more distant. She wasn’t sure whether minutes passed or much longer.

  “You okay, Curls?” Gage finally whispered. She felt something press against her head and was shocked to realize that he had kissed her. At least, she was almost one hundred percent sure he’d kissed her on the top of her head.

  She nodded, her cheek still resting against his chest. His very beautiful chest.

  “I think we should sit tight for a few more minutes,” he whispered. “Just to be sure.”

  “Okay.”

  “You did good.” He was so darned sweet. How could a guy be this good-looking and this kind? He always put her needs first. Could’ve saved himself and left her a long time ago. To think there was a woman in his past who had hurt him. Unbelievable. He blamed himself, but she was sure that there was more to it. If he was hers … No, that wasn’t a possibility, so best she drop that line of thought right now.

  “You did good too.” She squeezed his bicep. His thick, hard bicep, realizing for the first time that she was holding onto him tightly. One hand curled around his neck and the other held his arm.

  He pushed out a heavy breath and when she looked up, he had his head tilted up and his eyes closed. He looked like he was in pain. Had he hurt himself?

  Then she felt it. His cock. It was thickening and lengthening. He squeezed his eyes even tighter, gritting his teeth. “I’m so damned sorry,” he whispered. His voice deep and beautiful like the rest of him. Beautiful with a double side of sexy.

  It was clear that Gage still wanted her as much as that first day. Edith wanted him too. Maybe more. She wanted him to make her feel alive. To feel free because she was all of those things. They both were. They had survived. More than anything she wanted to just be with him, even if it was only for a few more days at the very most. She didn’t want them to keep pushing each other away. Feeling braver than she ever thought she could be, Edith stood up on her tippy toes and kissed Gage on the neck. Right on that spot just below his ear.

  He sucked in a deep breath and opened his eyes, looking down at her. His large brown orbs were filled with shock and desire.

  14

  One second Gage had been berating himself for being a despicable person. For subjecting Edith to … to … his unwanted advances. Not that he was actually making moves on her. His erection was happening against his will, dammit. He didn’t seem to have much control around her. Especially when he was this close to this particular female. Her lace-clad breasts pushed tightly against him. He could scent her, could feel her. He wanted her more than he’d wanted anyone before.

  “I’m so damned sorry!” He was such a prick, such a—

  Edith kissed him. Kissed. Him. Pressed those soft, pillowy lips against the sensitive skin on his neck. It was the very last thing he expected. His dick hardened all the way up. Stiff against her belly. Gage had to use every last resolve not to tear off her panties and sink himself into her. Although he doubted that it would be possible in this narrow crevice. Too narrow to fuck her properly, at any rate, which was a good thing. It forced them to take the time to think this through first.

  When he did nothing, she kissed him again, smiling this time as she came up. It was such a sweet, shy smile.

  “Do you want sex?” he blurted, sounding like a damned cub.

  Edith swallowed. “Yes. I definitely want sex. Don’t you?” Her cheeks had turned a lighter shade of pink.

  Gage chuckled softly. “I think you can tell how much I would love to be inside you.”

  “I’m sensing that there’s a but in there somewhere.”

  “I’m not on that list.” He shook his head. “I’m not eligible to have a relationship and I’m not sure I’m ready …”

  She reached up and put a finger over his lips. “I know and I’m okay with it.” Something flared in her eyes that told him she wasn’t as okay with it as she thought. They shouldn’t do this.

  “The whole reason I can’t picture you in a seedy pick-up bar is because I see you as someone who wants more. You belong in a relationship with a male who cares for you, who cherishes you.”

  “Like I said, I’m a red-blooded woman, I have needs. Right now, I need this. We’re both consenting adults and we want one another. It doesn’t have to become complicated.” They were still whispering.

  “You’re sure?” He frowned.

  Edith nodded. “Very sure.” She sounded sure. In this moment, she even looked sure. Maybe he was making too big a deal over sex. They were attracted to one another. Big fucking time. Maybe it would be better if they just fucked and got it over with.

  Gage leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. Just as soft as they looked. Just as tasty too. He slanted his mouth over hers and deepened the kiss. Fucking hell! He could get lost in her. Drown in her. He cupped her chin, demanding t
hat she give him more and Edith rose to the occasion. She mewled into his mouth. Her nipples pebbled against him. He could scent her need.

  They couldn’t leave this tiny space yet but that didn’t mean he couldn’t make her come. Gage shuffled past her, leaving one of his thighs between her legs. “Shhhh,” he whispered against her lips.

  He slid a hand between them, cupping her pussy. Fucking hell! Her lace slip was soaking wet. He couldn’t help himself when his chest vibrated and a low rumble escaped. His dick gave a lurch, desperate to be inside her. Using two fingers, Gage shoved the fabric aside and slipped his fingers between her folds, zoning in on her clit.

  Edith cried out, but he swallowed the sound as his fingers softly circled her bundle of nerves. She arched her back as much as the tight confines would allow, breathing heavily through her nose.

  Using the same two fingers, he pushed into her. “So damned wet,” he mumbled against her lips. He crooked his fingers a little, zoning in on her g-spot.

  By the way her eyes widened and the sound of her sharp intake of breath, he reckoned he’d found it. Using firm, easy strokes, he finger-fucked her, listening as her heart-rate sped up. How her breathing became ragged. So damned sexy.

  Just as her pussy began to tighten, he slowed right down, easing off her sweet spot. He moved back to her clit and using one finger, he made lazy circles around the swollen nub. Round and round and round. Her back arched, her eyes closed, her head had rolled back against the stone wall. Edith bit down on her lower lip, holding it between her teeth. She moaned loudly as he slipped back across her clit.

  Gage took back her mouth. They needed to be quiet for a little longer, just to be sure. He was still listening for any activity outside. He figured his hearing was better than the griffins’, that they were long gone, but he couldn’t be too careful. Couldn’t lose focus yet.

  She kissed him this time, sucking on his tongue and nipping at his lips. His balls pulled tight as he pushed three fingers into her tight as fuck pussy.

  “Oh god,” she moaned.

  Gage stopped moving inside her and pulled away. Her eyes were wide and glassy. Her mouth was glistening and swollen from his kisses. Her cheeks were flushed. Her hair a wild tangle of curls. God, how he wanted her. Even more, he wanted to hear her come loudly. It would have to wait for some other time though. “You need to be quiet, Curls, or I’ll have to stop.”

  “No, please no.” She gripped his forearm. “I’ll be quiet. I swear.”

  “You’re about to come really hard,” he warned.

  “Promise.” She groaned softly as he began to slowly pump in and out of her again. “Just … so … good,” she murmured as he picked up the pace.

  Using the pad of his thumb, he rubbed her tight nub. One, two, three times and her face became taut. Her eyes rolled back. Her pussy tightened around his fingers. She clamped her mouth tightly shut. Her hips rocked in tight circular motions as much as the cramped confines would allow. He kept her there for a time before slowing and softening his movements. Edith slumped against him. She was breathing hard. Strands of her hair clung to her forehead.

  Gage gave her a few moments to catch her breath. It gave him an opportunity to make sure that they really were alone. That those motherfucker griffins had moved off. The sounds of the forest were back. Otherwise, all was quiet.

  Her breathing slowed and she finally lifted her head. Her eyes were still a little hazy. She was smiling. It was about a mile wide and had ‘satisfied’ written all over it. “I’m good, how about you?” she whispered.

  “I’m glad.” He brushed a couple of wayward curls from her face. “I’m far from good though. I really need to fuck you now, Edith.”

  He watched as her pupils narrowed. Lust would do that to a female. Good!

  “I want inside your tight pussy. I’m going to bury myself so deep inside you that you’ll come hard and fast.”

  She licked her lips. “I’d forgotten how dirty shifters talk.”

  He felt his jaw tighten. Fuck, everything tightened. He’d forgotten about Jacob and Edith. It didn’t matter though. This was just a little fun. He was going to make it his mission to make her body forget Jacob. To make her forget the encounter had ever happened. To make her come harder, faster and more often.

  Gage pulled her against him and began to shuffle back out. Then he picked her up and raced for the forest. Once they were a good distance under the thick of the canopy, he put her down on her feet, taking a step away from her so that he could look at her. Actually look at her. Not sneak a sideways glance but really fucking look. Take her all in.

  She was curvy in all the right places. Plenty curvy. Tits, ass, hips, belly. She had it all. The white lace was no longer all that white, it was dirtied up. Even that was fucking sexy.

  “What?” She suddenly looked self-conscious and even wrapped an arm across her belly and another one across her breasts.

  Gage shook his head. “Don’t cover yourself. I’m admiring you. I’m looking at everything I’m about to have.” He lifted his eyes up to meet hers. “I’m thanking my lucky stars because you are exquisite.”

  “Oh please.” She made a snorting sound. “I’m hardly exquisite. I have good qualities, sure, plenty of those, but I could lose a few pounds and I have some cellulite on my thighs and …”

  “Stop. You are all female and you are perfect. I’m not sure what to do with you.” He let his gaze track her lush curves.

  “I could give you a lesson on the birds and the bees and how things work, but …”

  He choked out a laugh, sure to keep his voice down. Just to be sure. “I know how to fuck just fine.”

  “I’m sure you do.” He could scent her arousal. So decadent.

  “I want you so badly and in so many ways. On your knees, up against that tree, bent over that boulder. I want you riding me, but I also want you on your back with your legs draped over my shoulders. More than we have time for right now.” Just putting it out there because it was good to establish these things up front.

  Her irises were like pinpricks. Her breathing labored. "We might have to fuck a few times then over the next couple of days."

  Gage nodded. “Good plan. I like the way you think.” Although this was a short-term deal, it was more than just a one-time deal. He was infinitely glad. “The bear in me needs you naked and on your knees. Once I’ve satisfied some base needs, we can play.”

  “Sounds good to me.” She reached behind her back and unsnapped her bra. He felt his eyes bug right out of his head. His jaw dropped open. Her breasts were heavy and yet firm. So damned soft looking. Her aureoles were wide and her nipples tight.

  He watched in utter rapture as she removed her panties, stepping out of them, one leg at a time. She had a narrow strip of fur covering her slit. Gage muttered a curse and closed the distance between them. He picked her up against him and kissed her. First on her lips, then her throat. At long fucking last, he took one of those plump nipples into his mouth and sucked softly. Her nipple hardened up even more in his mouth.

  Edith moaned. He put her down, but only so that he could palm her other breast. So soft, so full, so lush. “What about protection?” Edith muttered.

  It took long seconds for him to register what she had said. He stopped suckling on her chest. “Shit! I knew I was forgetting something.” He shook his head. “There have been a couple of accidental pregnancies over the last year or two.” He was appalled at the thought of not being able to have her. Of not being able to make her come on the end of his dick. “Considering how much unprotected sex the shifters have had previously, it hasn’t happened very often. We are good at predicting if a female is fertile or not. The pregnancies put a stop to unprotected sex. We can’t give one another an STD, so that’s not a problem.”

  “I’m on the pill but, yeah …” She raised her eyebrows. “I haven’t been able to take that over the last couple of days.”

  “I don’t have any condoms.”

  “Nope, I don’t suppose
you do.” She gave him one of her beautiful smiles. “That’s okay, we can make the most of it.” She went down onto her knees in front of him, her gaze on his cock. She cupped his balls with one hand making him groan. He could feel her breath on his tip.

  Although the thought of her lips wrapped around his length appealed to him in so many ways, this wasn’t how he wanted this to go down. “Wait.” He gripped her cheek. “You have no idea how much I would love to watch you suck me off, but I really want to fuck you. What if I pulled out before … before I come?”

  “It’s not a sure-fire method.” She rose to her feet.

  “I don’t scent your heat … that you are ovulating.” He’d heard the human females talking on many occasions. He remembered the terminology. “I will pull out as a precautionary measure. If I scent your heat. Even if I suspect that you are headed that way, I promise I will tell you. We will then have to refrain from having sex. I will get you off with my mouth, although I suspect I might have to taste you regardless. You keep talking about bears eating you. My mind went to the gutter every damn time. This bear would love to eat you.” He grit his teeth for a moment. “I would love to make you come while buried inside you, would you be okay with me pulling out?”

  Her eyes brightened with excitement. “Okay.” She nodded. “As long as you’re sure you can pull out.”

  “I will, I swear. I’m not ready to become a father and I’m sure you feel the same?”

  “What, to become a father?” She laughed. “Nope, I’m not ready to become a dad. A mom on the other hand …” She turned serious. “When the right guy comes along. One who’s serious about me. Then,” she shrugged, “I would be ready. I definitely want children. One day that is,” she quickly added the last.

  Gage felt both afraid and jealous. Afraid that things might become complicated between them. He was definitely not ready for a relationship. What if he fucked things up again? No, he was sure he would fuck things up. He wasn’t ready for anything serious. Yet he was jealous of a male he had never met. The male who would win Edith’s heart. He envied him. Wished to god he could be him. He wasn’t going to hurt her though. No fucking way.