by Leilani Love
Hope felt his eyes caressing her body before she heard him respond. I’ve been waiting for you.
His voice felt like a caress and a shiver ran up her spine at his words. There was just a hint of promise. When they were about five feet from each other they stopped. Warrick had a look on his face that made her pause.
“If I hurt you…” Warrick started to say when Hope let out a small laugh.
“You won’t,” she whispered giving him a grin. She knew without a doubt that he would never hurt her.
His eyes lit up and he nodded. There was a moment when they both stood staring at each other. Her wolf knew what was coming up and as if on silent cue, they began to circle each other taking steps back. He was handsome. His scars added a mystery to him. He was hers, destined by the Fates, and now that she had a taste of him she would spend the rest of her life fighting to keep him.
When they were far enough apart he gave her a nod and they both shifted. Her bones breaking and reshaping, being put together by magic as her body changed into the wolf. When the transformations were complete she stood, proud, before him. Her wolf taking in his, they circled each other.
She had never seen him in his wolf form before. Warrick was dark in color, not as dark as her brother was, but his fur was a dark brown with a white patch of fur that ran under his chest. His eyes changed colors from cobalt blue to hazel with hints of yellow peeking through. Alpha’s tended to stand a little taller and she guessed his wolf stood about as tall as her brother.
In this form she was even more aware of their connection. She could feel his desire for her and the need to protect her. There were other feelings as well but those two were the strongest. His need to protect her made her want to show him how strong she really was. He needed to know she could protect herself and that when it came down to it she could help guard his back.
Warrick lunged at her and she growled baring her teeth. She knew he could jump higher than her so she paused for a split second before lunging at him. Her goal was to come up underneath him. When she got close to his throat with her teeth she felt him use his front legs to push hard into her side.
Knocking the wind out of her as she fell back on her side. She felt his concern and got up shaking her head, letting him know she wanted to continue. Her teeth bared she looked for an opening when he charged her again. This time the two of them hit chest to chest. The force of the hit rattled her. Warrick was probably a hundred pounds heavier than her in this form and maybe a foot taller.
That put her in a position where leverage was her friend. She was lower on his chest and with the lower center of gravity she was able to hold him off. The only unfortunate part was that with his weight, she doubted she could outlast him. Doing something she learned as a child, she let her weight slip on one side causing him to slide against her as she nipped at his hind leg before jumping away.
She heard his chuckle and a growly voice in her head Good job. She almost smiled and the two of them attacked each other again. As they continued to spar in wolf form, Hope began to feel more confident.
He pinned her once from behind him and she bumped him again as he held her neck down. His teeth did not break the skin, instead he just held her still while she wiggled her body under his. The movement was completely erotic and when he let out a warming growl she grinned to herself and wiggled again.
Hope could smell the subtle shift in the air and new he was feeling it too. When he finally released her Hope rolled back to her feet and stood up on all fours. Ready for a change she shifted back to her human form. Her body was covered in a light sweat and she grinned at the wolf that watched her wearily.
A grin playing on her lips. “Catch me if you can.”
With that she ran. She knew that everyone was told to give them room in the back to spar so she didn’t worry about running into anyone. She felt him behind her running quickly. His wolf nipped at her leg and she laughed. She knew he was close and he was just letting her run.
Hope gave in to the urge to look behind her. He was so close, she squealed in excitement. When she felt something hit her toe she cried out as she fell forward. Before she hit the ground she felt an arm wrap around her and pull her close. Warrick had shifted faster than anyone she had ever seen before and managed to catch her before she fell.
“Are you okay?” he asked. Hope nodded, shuddering as she felt his warm breath against her ear.
“How did you…” she started to ask as she looked over her shoulder at him. Her breath caught at the hungry look in his eyes.
Warrick nuzzled the side of her neck making her moan as she tilted her head to give him better access, “After that first shift I was able to shift quickly. My dad said my grandfather had the same ability.”
Hope nodded, her eyes closing as she let out a small sigh. When Warrick nipped at the base of her neck her legs shook under her. When she pressed back against him she heard his growl as her backside brushed against his cock.
In one swift move he bent and picked her up. Hope wrapped her arms around his neck, nuzzling him as he took quick strides to the house. A small giggle escaping her as she kissed along his neck. “I can walk.”
He grunted before looking down at her. “We shouldn’t risk it.”
She nodded, biting her lip. The look on his face telling her he had no intention of letting her go. He wanted her. That knowledge sent a shiver up her spine and she smiled as she sucked on his earlobe, making love to it like a small cock. She felt him adjust his hold as he opened the door. She didn’t pay attention as they went up the stairs; instead she kissed and licked every part she could reach.
20
Warrick felt his cock kick every time Hope’s teeth scraped along his sensitive flesh. He didn’t think he was going to make it up the stairs. He thought about taking her right there but with his wolf so close to the surface he didn’t think he could be gentle and he didn’t want to bruise her soft skin.
Back when she shifted into her human form and told him to chase her she called out to every animal instinct to chase and capture his mate. When she had almost tripped he quickly shifted and managed to grab her before she fell, causing her naked body to press against his. If there weren’t guards nearby he might have given in to his need and taken her out there. But he knew if one came to close, the wolf’s need to protect its mate would surface and he would attack him.
When he finally walked in the room he gently placed her in the middle of the bed. Her arm’s wrapped around his neck he followed her down. Warrick felt Hope kiss along his jaw until she got to his to mouth. Claiming her lips with his, he kissed her deeply, sliding his tongue against hers as their bodies writhed together.
His hands sliding up to touch her breasts, cupping them, gently squeezing, loving the way her body arched under him. Hope broke the kiss as her head tilted back, pushing her breasts deeper into his hands. When she sighed his name, “Warrick,” he bent his head and took one of her lovely pink tipped nipples into his mouth.
Every whimper, every moan from her lips stroked his male ego. Her fingers slid into his hair, pulling as he held her to his breast. When he released the first breast to go to the next he heard her whimper in protest, her nails digging into his scalp. When he turned his head to make love to the next one, he heard her soft cry of pleasure, “Oh Gods yes, Warrick.”
He nipped at the hard nub first before kissing away the small sting. Her hips writhing under him, her body already wet and ready. He slipped his cock between her folds as her hips continued to roll beneath his.
Warrick released her breast to kiss and lick along her belly. When he got to her belly button he nipped at her gently, loving the way her muscles quivered under his touch. Before he settled between her thighs he grinned and used his hands to flip her over.
“Warrick,” Hope said with a small laugh. He gave in to temptation and smacked her ass playfully before kneeling between her legs. Placing his hands on her hips, he gripped them tight before pulling her to her knees in one swift motion
.
His wolf almost howled in delight at the view before him. Her head down, her back arched up presenting her beautiful ass for his view. This submissive position was what his wolf needed. He reached down teasing her with his fingers and finding her clit easily. The nub hard and eager for his attention. As he strummed it, he felt her hips push back against him and she let out a small whimper.
When he felt like she was close, he positioned his cock at her entrance and pushed in slowly. Hope’s warm heat surrounded him. When he was deep inside her, he let out a moan holding still for a moment to appreciate how good she felt surrounding him.
Hope moved under him encouraging him to move and he smiled as he looked down at her. Holding her hips still with his hands he pulled out almost completely before slamming back in deep. Her answering cries of pleasure encouraged him to do it again. Every time she cried out in pleasure he felt his need for her grow.
When he could no longer hold back he slid one hand under her and started playing with her clit. She gasped softly as her hips began to buck on their own against him. As the walls of her core started rippling around him he knew she was as close as he was.
When he felt her go over, heard her scream, Warrick was no longer able to hold back. Both of his hands gripped her hips as he pulled her closer to him letting her muscles quiver as he went over the edge with her. Each time her muscles quivered around him he felt another wave of pleasure.
When they both came down, his cock softened and slipped from her core. With a sigh he watched as she fell forward. Leaning forward he bit and kissed her shoulder before rolling to her side. Her blonde hair covered her face and he reached up a hand and brushed it back to look at her. He saw the hint of a smile playing on her lips before she turned to cuddle up with him.
“Would love to know what you were thinking about that had you smiling so?” Warrick asked as he stroked her hair.
Hope giggled before she looked up at him. Her amber eyes dancing with mischief and she smiled bigger. “I was thinking that training with you has way more perks than training with Kassandra.”
Warrick laughed gently, swatting her ass, “Let’s just keep it that way.”
Her laughter filled the room and he pulled her into his arms. He loved the way her face softened when she was happy. Warrick kissed the top of her head as she settled against his chest. She had one leg thrown over his and her head rested on his chest.
Warrick felt his body relax under her. Hope was a light in the dark. As he continued to idly stroke her back he felt her fall asleep. He was baffled by the way she openly trusted him. He had been the source of so much pain in her life and yet she didn’t seem to blame him for anything.
A yawn escaped him and he snuggled closer to her as he felt himself drift off. His dreams filled with images of blonde hair, a willing body and laughter.
Warrick stretched as he woke up but reaching out to find her he frowned when he realized he was in bed alone. He looked around and rubbed his face. The faintest smell of coffee hit him and he smiled. As much as he liked waking up to coffee in the morning he preferred waking up to her in his arms.
He got up and took care of his personal needs, putting on a pair of sweat pants before heading downstairs. When he walked into the kitchen he grinned seeing her bent over as she rummaged through the fridge. She was wearing his shirt and those adorable boy-short underwear. He loved the way the underside of her peeked out begging for his attention. He reached out and caressed her ass, chuckling when she jumped.
“I was going to make you breakfast in bed,” she said with a small pout, her lower lip sticking out prettily.
Warrick didn’t even fight the temptation but instead leaned in and kissed her gently. “Why don’t I help you cook and we can both enjoy breakfast in bed.”
He felt her lips curve in a smile as she nodded. “Eggs and bacon sound okay?” She asked causing him to look down to see what she had in her hands.
“Perfect. I’ll take care of the bacon and you can make the eggs.” He took them from her. Noticing that she had already heated up a pan, he opened the package and started cooking. Warrick smiled when Hope made him a cup of coffee and brought it to him.
“Thank you,” he said pulling her close before she could step away. “As nice as breakfast in bed is I prefer to wake up with you.”
He watched as a soft blush spread on Hope’s cheeks. She was so sweet and easily embarrassed. She was utterly adorable. “I’ll remember that next time.”
When he was close to finishing the bacon she started the eggs. They made up their plates and refilled their cups both heading upstairs. They settled into the bed, their bodies touching. They ate in a comfortable silence.
When they’d finished eating they sipped their coffee in silence. He felt her shift and take his hand, lacing her fingers with his. Warrick looked down at their joined hands. Hope’s was so much smaller than his; her fingers were long, thin and soft. He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it.
“What are you doing today?” Warrick asked curiously.
“Kassandra thought we should stat painting the daycare. There were a few single moms who wanted to go back to work and so we wanted to open a preschool for them. And then tonight is girl’s night with Sandra.”
Warrick nodded frowning. “Just make sure you don’t go anywhere tonight alone. I know she’s taking you there but do you mind if I pick you up.”
Hope gave him a smile and she nodded, “I promise to be safe tonight and would love it if you picked me up.”
21
Hope smiled when Sandra showed up. After painting and cleaning all day with Kassandra she was eager to do something fun. It seemed like all they had been doing for the past few weeks had been training and working. Girl’s night was a much-needed distraction.
“Hey are you ready to go?” Sandra asked as she gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“Beyond ready,” Hope said with a smile. “It’s been way too long since I’ve gone out with just the girls.”
Sandra smiled as they got into the car. Her place was a small house on the opposite side of town. Hope listened to Sandra talk as they drove. She chatted about the food she had bought and how she was looking forward to having drinks with her. “I forgot to ask. Are you staying the night or is Warrick picking you up?”
“Warrick’s going to come and get me,” Hope said blushing just thinking about the night before and the nice quiet morning they’d spent together. When he admitted he would rather wake up with her than have her make breakfast in bed she found herself loving him a little more.
She loved him. Not because she was bound to him but because of who he was. Despite everything he had been through, he was still a good person. He was always careful with her and when she watched him with the younger witch sisters he was patient.
Sandra laughed. “I am going to take that color in your cheeks and faraway look in your eyes to mean the two of you are doing well.”
Hope nodded, smiling. “We are.”
When they pulled up to Sandra’s house, Hope frowned while looking around. She had expected to see cars in the driveway and was surprised to see no one else there. “I thought the other girls were meeting us here?”
“They are. They should be here in a little bit,” Sandra told her as she got out of her car.
Hope had a feeling that something was off. Her hand on the door she hesitated before shrugging it off. Everyone had been on edge since seeing Gabriel and she was just feeling paranoid. After all, Sandra had been nothing but nice to her.
After convincing herself she was acting crazy, Hope followed Sandra to the front door. The sun had just set and Hope noticed that most of the houses next to Sandra’s were still empty. In the next few days some of the smaller families were scheduled to move in but for now all the dark homes seemed to be fueling her paranoia.
The door opened and Sandra smiled over her shoulder. “Okay let’s heat up some of the food I bought before the girls get here.”
Without t
urning on any lights they walked to the back of the house where the kitchen was. As they stepped into the kitchen the light came on and Hope almost `fell back against the wall.
Gabriel was sitting at the table.
Before she could turn and run she felt Sandra reach out and grab her. Stronger than she looked, Hope struggled against her as Gabriel stood up making a tsking sound of displeasure, “Hope, it’s so good to finally meet you.”
Hope felt her skin crawl as he reached out and touched her cheek. She struggled against Sandra when she realized that even this close she could not smell Gabriel. There was the faintest smell of sulfur when he stood close to her, but that was it.
She knew that she couldn’t take them both on so she relaxed, deciding to save her energy and keep her wits about her so she could figure out a way to escape. She hadn’t yet told Warrick she loved him and he deserved to know that.
“I would have met you years ago Gabriel, had you not killed my father… or yours,” Hope said, giving him her best look of indifference.
Gabriel chuckled stepping back, “Very true. I guess I should’ve tried to kill you myself and not left it to those dogs. Who would’ve thought two young pups could’ve outsmarted them.”
Sandra turned her around and Hope felt Gabriel grab her arms, tying them together with rope. Her skin crawled having him this close. Her wolf, howling, wanted to shift. Stronger in her wolf form she started to feel her skin begin to itch. Before she could give in to the urge she felt a collar go around her neck. Once it was secure it felt like a barrier was up disconnecting her from her wolf. The feeling of being suddenly alone terrified her and then she heard him whisper. “Just something to keep your beast in check.”