Wounded Kiss (To Be Claimed Saga Book 1)

by Willow Winters

  “We’re part of that pack. I fought their Alpha for the territory after forming my own pack.” The curious side of me itches to scoot closer to him. I need to know more.

  “Tell me everything from the beginning,” I say then cross my legs in his lap and watch him intently.

  His grin in response is contagious. “I will, sweetheart.” He shakes his head and adds, “Not today, though. It has to be two or three in the morning.” My gaze wanders around the room, searching for the source of the ever-present soft ticking. Damn, he’s right. The simple, sleek and modern clock on the wall directly behind me reads nearly 2:30 a.m.

  “I’m happy you seem more relaxed now.” His words are soothing as I hum a response into his chest. He smells so fucking good. Like a masculine, woodsy pine.

  “You’re like a drug.” The words slip past my lips effortlessly. “It’s not right and I don’t like it.”

  He leans down and runs his teeth along the shell of my ear, causing a chill to run through me while his hot breath tickles my skin. He whispers, “I love that I’m your drug.”

  The shiver morphs into a spike of need and I rub myself against him, just barely containing my moan.

  “Grace.” His tone holds a note of warning.

  “Yes?” My response is practically a purr and I don’t recognize this person. With a desperate need riding over me, I lean forward just to smell him, just to get a small dose of that lust. The tip of my nose runs along his stubble and a warmth flows through me. It’s like … like fate telling me everything is going to be all right. “I’ve never felt like this before,” I confess to him.

  “Grace,” he warns me, but even his authoritative tone is weakened like I am. He feels it too. I steady myself against him, rocking slightly.

  With his hands on my hips, he stops my movements. I murmur, “But I need you.”

  “Fuck,” he groans to the ceiling as his head rolls back at my words.

  “Please, fuck me.” I have no shame this time. I’m throbbing against him with desire and I have no intention of being denied. My nipples are pebbled and all I can think about is him inside of me, thrusting and soothing every need I have. I splay my hand against his chest and push. With little resistance, he leans back into the chair, his hooded eyes finding mine.

  With my chest pressed against him, I place my lips at his ear. “I want you. And you better not fucking deny me.” He groans and takes my head in his hands as his lips crash against mine. His warm tongue runs along the seam of my lips and my mouth parts for him. My tongue dances with his as he struggles to release his hard dick from his pants. His movements beneath me make it obvious that he’s stroking himself and that knowledge makes my skin heat even more with anticipation as I moan. I need him inside of me, filling me.

  I position myself so that the head of his dick is at my hot entrance. He stares into my eyes as I gently glide down his massive cock. My bottom lip drops and I can barely hold his gaze. A strangled moan is torn from me as I move down his length, taking every inch of him. I’m still a little sore from earlier, but the fullness makes my body sing with pleasure. I move back and forth a few inches, whimpering as my limbs tremble slightly. My head falls onto his shoulder as the hot sensation overwhelms me. Devin takes my head in his hands and kisses me sweetly. I moan into his mouth as I glide up and down, my arousal making the movement effortless although his girth is still stretching me. I lean back and pick up my speed while my hands rest on his muscular pecs, riding him at my own pace.

  He’s good to me, I tell myself. Some part of me that sees this pathetic need as weak. I choose who I want to fuck and when. This is me, taking what I want. I won’t be ashamed of that.

  His hands stay at my hips as he takes my nipple into his warm mouth, bites down and pulls back. I arch my back at the spike of pleasure and wanton heat in my core. He relaxes against the chair, watching me with a hungered look in his silver eyes. Everything about him screams power and need. He needs me. The thought is heady.

  His heated gaze of adoration sends yet another surge of arousal through me. My clit hits his pelvis with every downward stroke as I continue riding him and it makes my pleasure all the more intense.

  I stop my movements and stare at him. He’s letting me ride him. He’s given me control. But it’s false control. I find myself wanting him to fight for it. A moment passes before Devin looks up at me. He bucks his hips against me, causing me to moan as his eyes find mine. As we both catch our breath he asks, “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

  I pause for a moment before admitting the truth. “I want you to fight me, to take me.”

  Before I can blink, he’s lifted us out of the chair and he spins my body around, pinning me against the wall. It’s cool against my flesh. I don’t even have time to gasp until my cheek is pressed against the wall with his fist gripping my hair. My legs are spread wide and just the head of his hard dick is nestled between my folds. Both my wrists are captured in one of his hands and held above my head. Holy fuck! My heart races in my chest. His speed and strength are terrifying but somehow invigorating at the same time. His other hand loosens its grip in my hair, then slips between the wall and my body, moving lower and lower until he’s able to circle my clit with heavy, unrelenting pressure. The feeling is so intense that I try to move away, but I’m trapped. I can hardly move any part of my body.

  He whispers into my ear, “You questioning my dominance, sweetheart?” My pussy clenches at his words, feeling empty without him inside me. I shake my head slightly as best I can. “No,” I murmur, my eyes barely open as the pleasure rocks through me.

  Without warning, he slams his dick inside of me all the way to the hilt and I scream out his name while an orgasm rips through my body. He groans into my neck, “I know you love me destroying your cunt, you’re so fucking tight on my dick.”

  His words bring me that much closer to yet another release as he starts rutting me from behind. I love every bit of what he’s doing to me. I can hardly take it, but at the same time I want more. I want all of him. I need all of him. My heart clenches in agony as I find myself wanting to beg, but I don’t know what for. His lips kiss over my shoulder and neck hungrily. I feel his fangs skim across my neck and I push myself into them. Yes!

  He nips my ear and sucks on my neck, quickening his pace.

  The sound of his hips slamming into me fuels my need to let go. I try to move away as the feeling becomes too much. I try everything to escape, but I’m pinned. I can’t get away from the intensity of the need running through my body, heating and numbing every inch of me.

  “I don’t think so, sweetheart. You wanted me to fuck you like this, remember?” The danger in his voice is intoxicating. I was a fool to think I could fight him. “Take it, sweetheart.” His low growl sends even more desire strumming through me and just as I’m about to find my release all over again, he pinches my clit, making me scream. My orgasm hits me like the rough waves of the ocean, crashing unforgivingly against the shore over and over as my body trembles uncontrollably. At the same time, I feel him release, heightening my own pleasure as his dick throbs inside of me.

  “Tell me you felt that, sweetheart. Tell me you feel our connection.” He breathes heavily into my neck and his words come out with desperation. I’ve had sex before. Plenty of times. But this is … it’s more. He adds, “I’m not letting you go till you do.”

  Our connection. It’s far too much. The violent crash is imminent and it’s going to destroy me. Not even a day, and I already know Devin is going to ruin me. It’s not fair. I never stood a chance.

  I can’t lie. “Yes.” I answer him as quickly as I can and I feel his body relax against mine, but he still cradles me against him. I catch my breath and say, “I promise I felt it.” Thankfully I stop myself before the next words slip out. My heart clenches and tears form in my eyes when I realize how close I was to blurting out three stupid words that should never be spoken.

  Dom

  Caleb takes a deep breath in front of her ba
throom door before glancing over his shoulder at me and asking, “You ready, man?”

  Clearing my throat, I deny my own uncertainty. Honestly, I don’t know if I am. My wolf hurts being away from her, but it’s bearable compared to the pain I felt when she rejected me. The east wing is finished, every piece in its place, so we figured we’d get our little mate settled.

  She wasn’t in the guest bedroom. Not that I expected her to be in bed waiting for us; I’m not that naïve.

  “She probably fell asleep in there.” I nod at Caleb’s assertion as he gestures to the bathroom.

  It kills me that she’s avoiding us, but I’m not going to lie down and just take this shit forever. She’s my mate, and I’ll be damned if she’s going to refuse me without giving me a chance.

  “Come on, stop dragging your feet. She’s probably asleep anyway.” He reaches for the bathroom door before I’m even able to respond. It’s locked. That’s not surprising. He jiggles the handle and it pisses me off. He’s being too loud. He’s going to wake her up and I’d rather he didn’t. If she’s asleep I can at least hold her without having her attack me. That thought, that possibility, is the only thing that drives me to do this right now. Rather than just leave her be in peace until she’s ready to come out. I grit my teeth and push him out of the way.

  “Knock it off. I swear to God if you woke her up, I’m going to break your hand.” He snorts and all out smiles at my threat.

  “You may be a big motherfucker, but I can still take you, Dom.” The idea of the two of us going at it puts a wicked grin on my face. Not many in the pack like to spar with me anymore. I take a credit card out of my wallet and slip it between the lock and the doorframe. I’m not as good as some, but I’m sure I can jimmy this lock.

  “Put your money where your mouth is, pup.”

  “Pup? I’m six months younger than you.” I chuckle at the indignation in his tone that rings in my head.

  “Still younger.” As I whisper the words, I hear the lock clear and I twist the knob. We’re in. Holding my breath, I push the door open as quietly as possible. I silently step into the room, but she’s not here. My brows furrow and Caleb pushes past me. I take another glance around the large bathroom, but she’s nowhere to be seen. Adrenaline spikes through me and my heart beats frantically, pounding against my rib cage. My throat closes and I struggle to take in a breath.

  As I’m having a goddamn breakdown, Caleb pulls open the shower curtain. The sound of the rings sliding along the metal bar steals my attention.

  “Calm down; she’s right here.” I release a breath I didn’t know I was holding and walk silently, but quickly to my mate.

  She’s curled up on the bottom of the deep soaking tub, lying awkwardly against the cold cast iron so that her neck is at a weird angle. That’s got to fucking hurt. She could’ve at least grabbed a towel for a makeshift pillow. That now familiar pain creeps up in my chest. She’d rather stay hidden and cold than to attempt any kind of comfort. Shit, we left her alone in the bedroom; she could’ve slept there. I breathe in deep, letting the disappointment and guilt run through my body. She doesn’t trust us.

  I lean down to sit on the edge of the tub and brush her soft blond hair away from her face. Her cheeks are tearstained and black mascara is smeared under her eyes, but she’s still impossibly stunning. Her petite frame only takes up about half of the tub, making her look even more fragile. Her deep, even breathing confirms that she’s out cold. She’s still in her skimpy dress; I can’t help it as my eyes linger on her upper half that’s very much in danger of being exposed. The bottom of her dress doesn’t even come close to covering her ass. I tilt my head and I can see a bit of a cream-colored lace thong. I close my eyes and bite back a groan. She’s fucking gorgeous. I sure as hell don’t deserve her.

  I consider undressing her and putting her in something more comfortable but nix that idea as soon as it pops into my fucked-up brain. She doesn’t even want me to hold her hand. There’s no way she’ll be all right if I undress her.

  Caleb picks up her heels on the other side of the tub and looks them over. “It’s a wonder she hasn’t broken her damn neck wearing these things.” I snort. Her toenails are painted hot pink and match her dress perfectly.

  “You think pink’s her favorite color?” I don’t know why I ask. The thought slips out.

  “Judging by all the pink shit we just brought here, yeah.” I nod my head, idly wondering what else she likes. I want to know everything about her. My eyes drift down her luscious curves.

  “I grabbed this to cover her up,” Caleb says. I turn around to face Caleb although I have to look up at him since I’m still seated on the edge of the tub. He’s holding the comforter from the bed she could’ve easily slept in. I nod and exhale deeply while I stand. I didn’t even realize he’d left the room.

  “All right, let’s wrap her in it so we can get her to her room.” I move out of his way. “You think Alpha’s going to have Grace sleep with him tonight?” I’m still debating on sleeping next to Lizzie. I’ll wake up before her, so I can slip out before she has a chance to freak out. He huffs, giving me a look like I should know better.

  “I think he’d like to, but he’s not going to have much of a choice.” I tilt my head and give him a side-eye. He just shakes his head and reaches down to collect our mate. “You really think Grace is going to want to sleep with him tonight?” I frown and shrug. I don’t understand why our mates are so difficult.

  Caleb stands in the tub, draping the comforter over her body. I bend down with him to help gather the blanket around her tiny body. As I tuck the blanket under her arm, her blue eyes spring open and stare straight into mine, scaring the shit out of me. I stumble back a bit, caught off guard. My action halts Caleb and he follows my gaze to our mate’s eyes. I hear her heartbeat pick up, instantly racing, but outwardly she shows no signs that she’s coherent. Her body is frozen in place and her face is devoid of emotion. She reminds me of an animal playing dead, hoping a predator will go away and leave her alone.

  I raise my hands to show her that I don’t mean her any harm. “You all right, little one?” I keep my voice as reassuring as I can, trying to calm her. She doesn’t answer. Her eyes dart to my hands then back to my face. The sound of her heart beating chaotically fills the small room it’s so damn loud, but she remains rigid and tense. Something about her expression has changed, though. She’s no longer a wounded animal; the hint of silver in her eyes sparks in a way that makes me aware she’s waiting to strike. She wants to fight me. As much as that thought makes my dick hard, this isn’t her challenging my worthiness as a mate. I wish that were the case. I’d pin her ass down so fast and fuck her ruthlessly till she had no doubt who she belonged to. But that’s not what this is. The smell of fear, not arousal, permeating the air is so strong it’s practically suffocating.

  “Liz, you fell asleep in the tub, baby; we were just going to move you so you would be more comfortable.” Caleb slowly steps out of the tub as he talks to her, but Liz’s eyes don’t leave mine. She shows no sign that she’s heard him. I part my lips to say something, but I don’t know what the hell to say. She’s obviously scared out of her mind. She’s looking at me like I’m her worst enemy. What the hell did I do to put her on edge?

  “Lizzie, you okay?” Still no response. If I could just touch her, then I could calm her down. I know I could. I could make her feel this connection, this electric pull between us. My thoughts give me the push I need to move toward her. Swallowing thickly, I slowly reach down with the intention of stroking her arm, but she silently rears back and scrambles to get away from me. I pull back and put my hands up again, showing her that I won’t reach out to her. The comforter restricts her movement as she struggles to get up. Her feet slip, caught up in the blanket and I’m too damn slow to stop her from bashing the back of her head against the spout.

  She winces as both of her hands shoot up to cradle the wound on her head. The distinct smell of blood reaches me instantly. I reach do
wn for her again, wanting to help her, needing to help her. I know that had to hurt. But as my large hand palms her chin she screams, kicking furiously against the comforter as her nails dig into my forearm and her teeth sink into the flesh of my hand.

  “Fuck!” I pull back before her teeth release me, spilling more blood than necessary. Blood seeps from the two large scratches she left on my arm. I stare at them in surprise before turning my eyes back to her. My blood glistens on her lips and her sharp blue eyes stare back at me full of hate. My gut drops and I swallow the lump forming in my throat, which feels too tight to breathe. I can only hope that the look on my face conveys how torn up I am.

  “Hey now, baby girl, you’re all right.” Caleb moves in front of me to catch Lizzie’s eye. She ignores him, continuing to stare at me with utter hatred. “Dom’s just trying to help you, baby.” He kneels on the tub without reaching for her. “It’s okay. I promise we aren’t going to hurt you.”

  Her small voice hisses her words dripping with venom. “Don’t let him touch me.”

  At her statement, I feel my soul shatter into jagged pieces as my wolf howls in agony. And then I hear something I shouldn’t. It takes me a moment in my despair to realize that it came from my mate. Caleb looks at me with disbelief, giving me confirmation that he heard it as well. I stare into those icy blue eyes and will her to speak again. She doesn’t, though. Her wolf is silent. But I know I heard her whine in pain.

  Our mate’s a werewolf.

  I scent the air, but I can’t smell her wolf at all. If Caleb hadn’t heard her also, I would be doubting my sanity.

  I push Caleb to the side to stand in front of our mate. He doesn’t resist at all. He’s looking at her with a look of pure confusion. “Where’d your wolf go?”

  A look of dread crosses her face. I see her swallow as she pushes her body as far away from us as the tub will allow. All traces of anger have dispersed, leaving only fear.

  Staggered breaths leave her parted lips, and tears well in her eyes.