“Here, lean in like this.” He guided her against his warm body to bend over the table. Feeling her behind pressed against his hard leg made her lose focus. His lips at her hair, he said, “Aim for the red one, but hit the white one right here.” His arm was wrapped around her, holding the cue stick, and he slightly forced the stick to almost tap the white ball to give her an exact target.
She clenched the pole in her hand and licked her dry lips. “I got it. Thanks.” When Nate stepped off, the air instantly cooled around her. The shot she delivered knocked balls into other balls, her turn ended. It was unexpected how much she enjoyed the game—and Nate’s company. She had to admit he’d lightened her spirits by making her laugh from his antics.
“You won!” He held up his hands in defeat.
“What? How could I have won with all my balls still on the table?”
“I scratched. If a player sinks the white ball while shooting at the eight ball, they automatically lose.”
“Nate, you did that on purpose.” She pressed her lips together and flared her nostrils in mock frustration.
“No, beautiful, you won fair and square. Do you want to play again?” He undressed her with smoldering eyes. She read what he wished to do instead of another game of shooting pool.
“I think one game is enough.”
He flashed his teeth at her concession before they carried the pool cues to the hanging rack on the wall. Two of the four wolf shifters who played before them took the cues off their hands and started a new game. The other two shifters headed for the door.
Luna and Nate returned to the table where Dana was folding up the board game.
“Who won?” Nate picked up his glass and sucked down a healthy swallow.
“I did.” Dana smiled.
“I didn’t know you were into playing Monopoly. Isn’t pool more your thing?” Nate raised an eyebrow at Rekkus and grinned. It was clear as day the man hated the long, drawn-out, and tedious game.
The large man shrugged. “My wife likes to play.”
Rekkus was all hard muscle, discipline, and testosterone, but, when he looked at his wife, there was softness in his expression. Dana, smiling at him, knew she had it good. A wash of longing to belong to someone filled Luna, followed by a deluge of envy.
“So, you seem to know each other. Have you been to the island before?” Luna asked Nate.
“Yes, I was injured and came here to recover—but it was a long time ago.” Nate shrugged one shoulder and downed the last of his drink. “Can I get anyone another drink?” He took drink orders and headed for the bar.
So, he confessed. However, she wanted to ask about his injury and if he was okay from it, but he’d slipped away, evading two of the many questions she had. How did you get so chummy with a man like Rekkus if you’d stayed only once before? Why didn’t you mention you have been here before? What was this mysterious injury? Who are you, Nathaniel Quinn?
When he returned, the conversation flowed, but Luna got quiet. She plastered her charming, youthful smile to her face, but her mind raced as she examined Nate’s every word and mannerism, trying to find clues. When the pool table freed, Nate invited Rekkus to play. Luna swore she saw Rekkus crack a smile.
“Do you mind if Dana keeps you company for a bit?” Nate leaned in close to her. “We can leave after this. Maybe go for a walk?”
“I’m fine. Good luck.” Playing at this normalcy, two couples hanging out together gave her angst as she tried desperately to fit in. She found it difficult to relax and enjoy the time in this room, and, for that matter, her time here at the Wiccan Haus. She’d vowed to change, but she couldn’t have accounted for a man who claimed they were fated mates—a man who sent her pulse racing every time he was near. When he suggested they leave together, spending more time alone, she couldn’t think straight. It alerted her fight or flight instinct. She waited for Nate and Rekkus to engage in the game before she thanked Dana for a nice evening.
“Wait. You’re leaving without Nate?” Dana’s brows drew together.
“I’m getting tired. Could you tell him I’ll see him tomorrow?”
“Um. Of course. It was nice meeting you.”
“You, too.” Luna followed Dana’s glance toward Nate. The two men were engrossed in the game and what looked like playful banter. The room had filled over the past hour. Thankfully, she slunk out unnoticed.
Outside, the tang of the ocean teased her even this far inland. It mingled with the heavy scent of pine. She longed for a swim and so headed toward the lake. Meandering along the lane, lost in thought, she startled at the snapping of a large twig. She slowed her pace, scanning the darkness of the trees. A man dashed out from the woods, skidding on the gravel and blocking her way. Though forced to stop, Luna showed no fear.
“Well, well. I think it’s time for dessert. Are you as sweet as you look?” asked the shirtless werewolf. His athletic body glistened with sweat in the filtered moonlight, and the hair around his ears hung in damp waves to his collarbones.
“I think you need to curb your sweet tooth before you lose your canines.”
He guffawed at their exchange of witty banter. “Maybe you’re right.” He pretended to consider something. “Yeah, you know, ever since I smelled you in the elevator, I started craving salt. I bet your skin tastes salty.”
“Why don’t you come closer and find out?” Her voice was cool and clear as the night air around them.
Suspicious, the werewolf glanced around, his nostrils flaring. After a long and silent moment, he asked, “Where’s your hairy friend?”
“Right. Here.” The words, growled low and menacing, filled the woods.
“What the hell!” The shifter wildly sniffed the air, trying to pinpoint the threat. Suddenly, he froze and stared over Luna’s head at the Sasquatch who uncloaked directly behind her.
She didn’t turn around; she only crossed her arms over her chest with a huff.
The shifter held up a palm. “I was just out for a moonlit run. I’m leaving now.” He turned tail and ran.
Luna pivoted and lifted her chin, meeting Nate’s glower. She gulped. She’d never seen this hard, warrior before. The cords in his neck stuck out like tree roots. But still, his menacing, sobering demeanor wasn’t going to deter her. “Nate—”
“Why did you leave without me? You never know who can be in these woods—especially on the night of a full moon.”
“It’s considerate of you to care, but you don’t need to follow me around. I can take care of myself.”
“What were you going to do? You’re bound not to sing.”
“Sing! How do you know?” she asked, stunned. “What did Cemil tell you? Is that why Rekkus watches me?”
Nate shrugged. “It’s forbidden. No harm shall come to the guests at the Wiccan Haus. Besides, not all paras are so affected by your songs.”
“Thanks for the slogan and the warning. And singing isn’t my only weapon.” Being protected was a worthy notion, but his sneaky process bordered on overbearing. He’d pushed her to the point of no return. She felt undignified, but justified, with what she was about to do. In a swift motion, she unhinged her jaw, yawned impossibly wide, and exposed her razor-sharp teeth. Just as quickly, she snapped her mouth shut and swirled away.
She expected to hear him renounce his claim about them being fated mates. She couldn’t face him—to see his appalled expression would be her undoing. However, he wasn’t backpedaling.
“I know you are capable, Luna. It’s just….”
She peeped at him over her shoulder when he hesitated.
He ran his hand through his hair. “I thought we were making headway. I thought you were having fun…and then I looked up to see you walking out the door.” His cold, hard expression altered, and contrition filled his features.
A pang of guilt settled like a stone in the pit of her belly. “I did have fun. And I like spending time with you.” She longed to reach out to him, but, instead,
she’d bared her teeth, hoping to convince him she could protect herself and he’d be better off without her. But he witnessed her inner monster—it hadn’t fazed him.
“Then what is holding you back?” he asked.
“I’ve belonged to another for so long, but I had to let go. It poisoned me.” She sighed. “I just think I’m on a solo journey now. I wish it could be different.”
“A solo journey is not your destiny.”
She dropped her gaze to her dirt-covered toes with a heavy sigh, resolved not to continue the subject. “I’m going for a swim. Good night, Nate.” She continued on the path but called over her shoulder, “Don’t follow me.”
Chapter Five
Nate couldn’t wrap his mind around the fact Luna detected him when he cloaked. He’d be more careful this time while he tracked her to the lake. Earlier at the bar, when he’d told Rekkus how she had described seeing his shimmery form, the weretiger seemed impressed. He further shocked his friend when he revealed the siren was indeed his fated mate. Nate then argued Luna could not possibly be a threat to the Rowans.
The weretiger knew all too well the importance of finding your soul mate as his sat just across the room. He’d remarked, “Well, this is a new development.”
As Nate wound down the path to the lake, he thanked the full moon for the brilliant, flooding light it provided. He inhaled. Her scent lingered, teasing him, and arousing his inner Sasquatch. She’d draped her dress across a bush near the lake. Grinning, he confirmed Luna had disappeared under the moonlit surface, naked. He uncloaked and removed his clothing. I’ll make myself known. He dove into the water and swam splashy laps. For a while, he fantasized what it would be like making love to Luna, craving to touch and taste her tight, smooth body. Ten long and silent minutes passed, and the stubborn siren wouldn’t surface. Weary of swimming, he strode naked from the tranquil water. The scent of human women mingled with hairspray and cosmetics. Stifled squeals pierced the air. Nate inwardly groaned.
Not these two again. I guess they didn’t take the hint.
Throughout dinner, the two divorcées, who’d come to the island to celebrate a new beginning, did nothing but hit on him. They spewed one lewd comment after another, until one of them had finally said, “I think you should come to my room.”
He’d been quick to respectfully decline.
“Yoo-hoo!” The blonde as thin as a sapling branch waved.
“Hi, Nate.” The other blonde’s voice rasped against his nerves.
The first one ran her palm over her large, stiff boobs as she licked her lips. “Oh, wow.”
“Ladies.” Nate nodded at them. They’d caught him buck-naked, cock at full attention. Just how am I going to get out of this? Suddenly, something splashed behind him. He twisted, scanning the surface for Luna. There were only ringlets rippling outward in the otherwise calm water.
“What was that? You’re not alone?” The raspy blonde pouted her lips.
“Um.” Nate wondered at the sudden timing of the splash. Unquestionable, it was Luna. Why make sound now? Do these human nymphs have something to do with it? He couldn’t stop where his train of thought was headed. Maybe a little flirting would prove interesting.
“It was nothing. I’m here all by myself.” His voice carried over the reflective surface before he swiveled toward the blondes. “What are you two doing here?”
“Nate, you’re so naughty. We came out here to skinny dip, too.”
“Mind if I join you?” He flashed them his devilish smile, dimples and all. He sauntered into the lake giving them a fabulous view of his ass. Sinking to his shoulders, he waited.
They pulled away their clothes and dropped them on the ground. Bobbing their heads, silly grins on their faces, they moved closer to him. Muffled squeals of delight carried over the water.
After five minutes of flirting, he was ready to give up on Luna appearing. The pheromones these women gave off as they circled closer turned his stomach. Skinny blonde latched onto his hips and groped around for his erection. His cock’s gusto had diminished some with their intrusion, but she had no trouble finding and stroking its length under the water.
“Oh, wow, it’s everything I dreamed it would be. Boy, Nate, you don’t disappoint.” She giggled.
“Whoa! Easy.” He sucked in a breath.
The thought of enjoying a ménage à trois skipped across his mind so quickly he pressed himself to consider the idea. The blood pulsed to his lowered half as it responded to the vigorous attention it received. His body may have reacted on autopilot seeking satisfaction, but his heart and brain were in sync that he wanted Luna—only Luna—to do the satiating. The backstroke of his long arms coasted him to shore while the skinny blonde held on to his rudder. She was utterly engaged and enthralled.
Luna, where are you? Shit! I need to get out of here!
As soon as his foot touched bottom, he stood, but the woman didn’t let go of his cock. The cool air felt refreshing on his torso and ass, but skinny blonde was building heat with the friction of her hands. She pointed the tip of his cock at her mouth and parted her lips.
“Uh, wait a—” he groaned.
“Give me some!” The blonde with the floating tits elbowed her friend.
Both women were on their knees facing his hips while the water sloshed around his thighs. Skinny blonde reluctantly let go of what she was about to put in her mouth, harshly sighing. With a smug grin, the other moved in to clap her jumbo, floating tits together, sandwiching his girth between them.
Fuck! Already so blue-balled from fantasizing about Luna, he wondered, Why can’t I just relax and let these two relieve me? But he knew the answer. He was done with empty sex the moment he’d found his mate. These women couldn’t relieve him in the way he needed. He wanted Luna—a lifetime with Luna. There was no woman he wanted more than her—not even two women.
“Enough. Ladies, enough. I need you to let go.”
It was like talking bats out of a cave. They weren’t listening.
Skinny blonde had circled him and wound her ivy-like arms around his body, stroking his behind. He couldn’t dislodge from these clinging vines whose moans drowned out his protests. Suddenly, their moans turned into screams. Both women splashed wildly, abandoning him as they ran for dry land.
“There is something in there! It cut me,” one cried.
“Ohmygawd, it scratched me!” cried the other at the same time.
They both turned their asses toward the lake lit by moonlight. Blood oozed from the dark slashes branding their ass cheeks and dripping down their wet legs.
So Luna did care.
“Oh, that’s got to hurt.” Nate bit his lip, holding back the urge to laugh until he could continue. “You should have Sage examine those cuts. She’s an amazing herbalist.”
The women hastily gathered their clothing and dressed, gingerly slipping on their shorts.
The busty one paused and turned to him. “Aren’t you coming with us?”
“Uh, no. I’m going to stay…have a look around. Make sure the water is safe.” Nate tried to hide his delight by sounding authoritative.
The women exchanged glances.
“Suit yourself.” The skinny one spun on her heels and grabbed her friend’s arm.
As they huffed away, their commercial-cosmetic scent dissipated. Nate deeply inhaled the fresh night air. It was like cleansing his pallet after eating something distasteful. He closed his eyes and listened to the symphony of frogs, crickets, and nocturnal creatures rustling in the night. He didn’t hear a sound from the water behind him.
Seconds ticked by. He waited.
“Your friends are leaving so soon?”
Nate smiled at the sound of Luna’s sultry voice. He opened his eyes to scan the empty footpath where the blondes had scampered off minutes before. He eased farther into the water and sunk to his shoulders, covering his renewed excitement at her nearness. Luna floated closer to him than he’d thought beca
use she had to hastily move aside to avoid contact when he’d stretched out his arms.
“The blondes were eager to become my friends, but I’d prefer the company of a sassy siren with long hair—long enough to wrap around my shoulders. And eyes so big I could get lost in them.”
She pressed her lips together and shook her head. He took this opportunity to clasp her hand, underwater. She tried to yank it away, but it was easy to capture the curve of her hip and draw her to him.
He settled onto his knees with the water circling his biceps, drawing her closer still. The tip of his nose touched the rapid pulse at her throat.
“It didn’t seem that way to me. It looked like you were enjoying yourself.”
She’s furious.
She was likely giving him her best scowl, even her delicate brows drew downward and her pouty mouth… Well, damn, his urge to kiss her grew so strong he had to press his lips together. Mistakenly, he glanced down, now captivated by her small, high breasts as they rose and fell with suppressed anger. The pink buds beckoned him to touch them. He darted his tongue out, wetting his lips in preparation.
He gnashed his teeth together in an attempt to stay in control. It was imperative he tell her how he felt. He didn’t want to play more games. She’d shown by attacking the blondes she couldn’t let them have him, and the fact she was still angry proved it further. He knew Luna heard his protests.
Luna had tensed in rage when those human floozies not only threw themselves at Nate, but they hadn’t stopped assaulting him when he’d asked them to. She’d seen everything crystal clear from where she’d swum underwater. Why hadn’t Nate used his manly woodsman strength to rip those leeches off and cast them aside? Fueled by outrage, she’d drawn back her lips—her inner beast emerged—and her sharp teeth had prepared to strike. Those women got off lucky. She could have bitten off a chunk of their behinds! Well, they were gone, and, now, Luna had the woodsmen all to herself. However, she willed herself to remain angry because, if any other feeling wedged its way in, she’d be in trouble. Again, her inner voice reminded her she was here to mend her broken heart. Be free. Why is this man complicating things? Why am I letting him?
Legends Mate Page 6