by JJ King
The scent of him soothed me. My mate, something I had no choice but to believe in now. Something huge had shifted between us, something tangible. It felt like a part of him lived in me, down deep, where the hurt lived. I shifted and looked up at him, wondering if part of me lived in him, too, and if that part was hurting him.
“Can you feel it?” I asked, hesitantly, unsure how the bond between mates worked.
Bash gazed down at me and brushed a stray hair from my face. “I feel so many things, it’s hard to narrow them down. But,” his eyes narrowed and the green deepened, “if you mean the way you felt earlier, the way you still feel, then yes.”
I felt the color drain from my face and closed my eyes. “I’m so sorry,” I whispered, feeling sick to my stomach at the thought of hurting him.
His hands moved to my shoulders and grasped me firmly. “No, Elena, look at me.”
I opened my eyes and tears spilled out.
“Old Ones, no. Elena, you have nothing to be sorry about. This,” he pressed a hand over his heart then moved it to cover mine, “connection we have now is everything to me. I know you’re hurting and confused, but it doesn’t hurt me, not physically anyway. It’s like an awareness of you. I had it from day one, but it’s more now, amplified. Don’t you feel me?”
I blinked away tears and nodded. “You’re like a rock in my mind.”
Bash’s eyebrow launched up. “A rock.” His voice was dry, but I saw the humor in his green eyes. It brought a shaky smile to my lips. “That’s not very flattering.”
“You’re my rock,” I said again, feeling stronger now with his hands touching me and those eyes watching me with love and laughter. “I’m stronger with you. I can’t really explain it, it just is.”
He lowered his forehead to mine and closed his eyes, then slid his hands down the length of my arms to intertwine our fingers. I let my eyelids fall.
“I love you,” he whispered. “And I thank the Old Ones every day that you love me back.”
I tilted my head up to look at him. “How could I not love you?” It felt like an impossible scenario. “You’re gorgeous and smart.” My eyes rounded. “You’re kind, unfailingly so, and intuitive. You try to help those in need every day and care about our people. Plus,” I added with a cocky grin. “You have a great ass.”
Bash’s eyebrows drew down as he nodded sagely. “You’re right,” he said in as wise a tone as he could manage. “I do have a great ass. I wonder how many other girls love me.” He shifted his gaze towards the door and made a step towards it, then grinned when I hooked my arms around his neck and launched my legs up and around his waist.
“Nope,” I declared with a laugh. “You’re mine. All mine.”
“Good,” he growled, putting his hands under my ass to pull me in tighter. “Because you’re mine.”
His lips touched mine languidly, moving slowly over the curve of my mouth, along my jaw, down my neck. His hot breath sent shivers over my skin, waking my nerves so they begged to be stroked. I let my head loll back so he could move down my neck.
He carried me, never taking his lips from my skin, to the couch, and lowered me to the deep cushions. After all the angst and bubbling emotional turmoil, it felt like a dream, soft and wispy and so beautiful. I shifted against the throw pillows and watched him shrug out of the elegant black jacket he’d worn to the party.
His gaze never left mine. My breath came faster with each item of clothing he removed, slowly and teasing, like a dance. In his endless emerald eyes, I saw my desire reflected.
When he stood before me in nothing but gloriously golden skin, my breath came in shallow gasps. With a knowing grin, Bash lowered himself onto me and captured my lips once more.
I reached for him, needing to touch, to feel, to connect. I’d denied myself his body for far too long, unwittingly denying us both the bond of souls that had snapped into place when we’d made love. I wasn’t going to deny either of us anything anymore.
My fingers travelled along the muscles of his shoulders, reveling in the way they bunched and shifted as he moved steadily down my throat, over my collarbone, and over the curve of my breasts. When he pulled my dress down over my arms and his tongue flicked over my nipple, I arched up and gripped his shoulders in desperate need.
The sounds of sighs, moans, and calls for “more” colored the air with passion, heightening my excitement until my mind spun wildly and I writhed beneath him. My dress hung, forgotten, as he kneaded my breasts and took small, tantalizing nips of my flesh. The sound of my panties being ripped from my body as he shoved my dress up around my waist was like a call to battle that brought me almost to peak.
My hips bucked when his fingers buried deep in me and moved to the rhythm of my racing heart. I closed my eyes and saw brilliant colors, dancing behind my lids, brightening with each caress, each…
His body shifted and filled me so quickly, the colors fragmented, and I cried out in abject pleasure. His lips covered mine, swallowing my sobs as he thrust deep inside me, shoving me closer and closer to release.
Mine, he spoke inside my mind, repeatedly over and over like murmurs of love. Mine, mine, mine, as he moved in me, filling me. I plunged my fingers into his thick hair and held on as we rode higher and higher, together.
We burst over the edge we’d been riding as one and I felt the waves of release that trembled through him as it trembled through me. The echo of his pleasure met mine and, somehow, amplified it, crashing into me like a tsunami. I screamed his name as my world exploded with pleasure and darkness sucked me under.
♀♀♀
I came to sometime later, minutes, hours, maybe days, I had no idea. All I knew was that it was hard to breathe with Bash’s beautiful but large body pressing down on me. I wiggled beneath him, calling his name, and managed to extricate myself from his mass.
“Are you dead?” I asked in a voice rough from screams I was only now starting to remember. I raised my head an inch then let it drop, too tired to move any more. “Am I dead?” I muttered to the room.
“I hope not,” Bash’s thick voice made my heart flutter. “Because I’d like to do that again sometime. Not now,” he assured, turning his head to look at me with sleep-heavy eyes. “That would kill me. But soon.”
I smiled. I was strong enough to do that much, at least. “Thank the Old Ones,” I said on a satiated yawn. “I think tomorrow is soon enough. I need sleep.” A loud and disturbing sound emanated from my stomach. “And food, apparently.”
Bash rolled to his back and echoed my yawn. “Do you have anything here?” he asked as I managed to push to my feet and stand on wobbly legs.
I shrugged. “Maybe.” I remembered the big welcome basket. “Ohhh, we have fruit, chocolate, and biscotti.” I made my way to the table.
“That’ll do.” Bash pushed up and twisted, releasing his spine with several loud cracks, and stood. “But, I’m going to order one of those pizzas you raved about, okay?”
My face lit up at the memory of the extraordinary pizza. “Make it two,” I called out, then attacked the cellophane to get at the biscotti.
Bash made the call then dropped back onto the sofa, naked as the day he was born, and motioned for me to join him. “Bring the basket,” he prompted.
I carried it over to the couch and started to sit when I remembered the state of my dress and looked down at myself for the first time. I shifted my gaze to Bash, who was busy opening one of the boxes of chocolates. “You ruined my dress,” I accused, pulling at it. It was stretched out, but managed to come back up over my arms.
He grinned. “It was a good one. We’ll have to find you another so I can ruin it, too.” He slipped a chocolate into his mouth and moaned. “Good.”
I plopped down next to him and pulled my feet up before taking a bite of my biscotti. The flavor of chocolate and amaretto filled my mouth around the crunchy treat. “Mmmm…” I mumbled and held it up for Bash to taste.
“So,” I shifted to look at Bash as I ventured into mu
rky waters. “What exactly was that?”
Bash arched an eyebrow at me. I smacked his arm and laughed.
“Yes, sex, I know. But, come on, you’ve got to admit that wasn’t like normal sex.” We were both wolves, sex was a normal part of life. It was dumb to pretend we hadn’t both experienced intimacy with others. The murky part for me was Connor. I dropped my gaze to my lap and examined the biscotti in my hand. “It’s never been like that for me.”
Bash was silent for a moment, which sent all kinds of thoughts skittering through my brain, then he turned and reached out to twine his fingers through mine. The heat from his hand eased my soul.
“I think that’s what it’s like between mates,” he said, bringing my hand up to meet his lips. He brushed the back of my knuckles and squeezed. “I felt your pleasure and it made mine…” his eyes widened, and he shook his head as if he had no words.
“Amplify,” I found the word for him. It was the only way I could describe it.
He nodded. “That’s it. It was like my release was lessening, but then yours hit me and it was more than anything I’ve ever felt. Is that the way it felt for you?” He brought my hand to his lap and just held me.
“It was amazing,” I said with an effervescent laugh that seemed to bubble out of me. I was all lightness now, I realized. The post amazing sex fatigue had evaporated, leaving me renewed and buzzing with energy and the niggling realization that I’d denied us both this indescribable connection in a time when we’d both needed each other desperately. I blew out a slow breath and searched for balance. I’d been hurting and had made some wrong decisions. Blaming myself and turning into a melodramatic pain in the ass would help no one, especially not Bash. “I’m just sorry I pushed you away for so long,” I confessed. I rubbed my thumb over his knuckles, enjoying the simple sensation of touching my soul mate. “But,” I added a moment later, “that’s done. I promise to talk to you, even when it’s hard.” I smiled. “Especially when it’s hard.” Slipping my fingers through his, I shifted our hands until our pinky fingers interlocked. “Pinky promise.”
Bash grinned and I saw a flash of boyish humor in those sexy green eyes. He raised our joined pinkies to his lips and kissed, then murmured, “Pinky promise.”
Love bubbled up and out of my throat, chasing the remaining tenseness from the air. Keeping my gaze locked on his, I ambled up onto my knees and leaned in to press my lips to the other side of our childish promise, knowing it meant so much more than its surface meaning.
“I love you so much,” I whispered as I moved to snuggle onto his lap. His arms circled me and pulled me into a space so safe, I felt all the worries of the world melt from my shoulders.
The chime of the doorbell had us both looking across the room in confusion.
“That can’t be the pizza this quick, can it?” Bash asked as I climbed off his lap and began tossing items of clothing strewn about the room at him. He was hopping on one foot, pulling on his pants and moving towards the door when his phone began ringing loudly. He glanced back with a muttered curse and caught his foot on the rug. With only one leg in his pants, he tumbled to the floor in a heap.
I slapped a hand over my mouth to disguise the bark of laughter that slipped free but couldn’t hold it back any more than Bash could get his pants up from around his ankles. I backed away from his long arms as they swiped for me in mock anger and moved to the door.
“Get up, you lush,” I called out, laughing as I looked through the peephole. Connor’s concerned face filled the view and made the laughter die in my throat.
My hand froze on its way to the handle and just hovered there. I was content here in my little bubble with Bash, happy to stay here and let the rest of the world disappear. But, the world apparently wouldn’t let me. I glanced back to make sure Bash wasn’t still sprawled on the floor buck naked before resting my hand on the knob and unlocking the door.
I didn’t say a word, just looked at Connor with expectation and a look that said I hoped he had a good reason for interrupting us. Behind me, I heard Bash answer his phone and hoped he hadn’t quite had the chance to pull on all his clothes. He looked exceptionally good with no clothes on.
Connor’s icy blue eyes met mine straight on and a rush of memories washed over me. I’d looked into those eyes when they’d been filled with lightness, laughter, and love, none of which I saw now. Now, they were cold, flat, and tinged with… worry?
My spine stiffened. “What’s wrong?” My fingers curled tightly around the handle of the door as fear popped my bubble.
“We’ve gotten reports that Viktor is on North American soil.” Connor’s mouth tightened. “The Alpha and Headmistress Donahue feel it’s prudent to send you back to AWA immediately.”
My legs trembled and I leaned against the door in case they chose to give out. Connor’s hands rose as if he were going to touch me, then floated down by his sides. “Pack your things,” he said in a gruff tone that brokered no response. “We leave in the morning.” He turned on his heel and strode away, down the hall without a second glance.
I stood in the doorway, shaking and fighting back the nausea that threatened.
“Are you alright?” One of the other guards asked kindly, taking a step forward from his post.
“I’m fine,” I said automatically even though it was far from the truth and we both knew it. But I offered him a smile out of politeness and softly shut and locked the door.
Bash cursed loudly behind me, creatively enough that I turned to see why. The world swam around me, moving as if in slow motion as I pivoted and just stared at his beautiful face. I opened my mouth to tell him what had happened, but he beat me to the punch.
“I’m sorry,” he said with a scowl. “That was my grandfather. I have to leave.”
Chapter 11
I shook my head, not understanding what Bash was saying.
“I fucking hate it when he does this.” Bash huffed out a breath. “My grandfather,” he explained with a long-suffering sigh. “He’s decided that a weekend boy’s trip to Vegas is in order to celebrate Damien’s engagement. Damien and Claudia got engaged three months ago!” His voice rose in frustration.
I blinked slowly, letting his words sink in. Bash had to leave, Viktor was here. A shiver ran up my spine and I stumbled to the nearest chair.
“What’s wrong?” Bash appeared in front of me, kneeling with a frown creasing his brow. “What’s going on?”
“Someone spotted Viktor,” I said in a hoarse whisper. “I have to go back to the academy tomorrow.”
The room was silent for a long moment save for our equally labored breathing. Bash reached for my hands and held them locked in his. I watched him, seeing the thoughts move through his eyes, the windows to the soul, I thought absently.
“I’m going with you,” he said firmly, drawing his shoulders back. “Just give me a minute, alright?” He leaned in and kissed me softly. “It’s going to be okay. You’re safe.” Then he stood up and pulled out his phone.
The sound of Bash’s voice faded into the distance as he spoke with his grandfather again. I pushed to my feet and walked across the room to the spread of windows and looked out at the resort below and the ski slopes beyond them.
It was beautiful here, a place of perfect peace. But, even in the midst of all this, I was afraid. I wondered what my life had become.
I’d grown up free to roam the shores and hillsides of western Newfoundland, on my own or with friends. I’d stayed out late, until the sun fell in the sky, leaving only stars to light my way home, and had never been afraid.
Not really.
I’d thought I knew what fear was. When Sara’s little sister had gone missing in February and we’d searched for two days before finding her curled up, a little wolf, inside a hollowed-out log. I’d been afraid then.
When Brandon Lucas had slipped too drunk to think or see straight behind the wheel of his brother’s car and sped off with a group of us screaming from the back seat for him to stop, I’d be
en afraid.
But those were nothing compared to this feeling. Fear was like a pit of emptiness that filled my stomach, pushing out all happiness and hope. It made my world dissolve and my mind go blank. I stood and looked out the window at the beautiful view and saw nothing but shadows and demons hiding in them.
A loud crash pulled me out of the darkness. I turned slowly and saw the coffee table that had sat elegantly by the side of the couch, where we’d just made love, in ruins, broken to pieces. I looked from it to Bash’s hand, which was covered in blood and shaking.
“I…” he began, looking up at me with eyes dark with fury and helplessness. “He won’t bend. I just won’t go. Elena, I’m not leaving.”
I floated across the room to him or, at least, that’s what it felt like. “What did he say?” I heard my own voice but couldn’t remember forming the thought.
“It doesn’t matter,” Bash said, lifting his bloodied hand in futility. “I’m not going.” He flexed his hand, open and close, then sighed and dropped his hand to his side. “He’s so fucking controlling and no one stands up to him so he thinks he can get away with whatever he wants.” Bash ran a hand through his hair, leaving it streaked red. “He won’t even listen. I don’t think he heard a word I said. Not that it would matter. The entire world has to fucking revolve around him.” Bash’s eyes flared with hurt and frustration. “He said “family comes first,” but when I tried to tell him about you, that you’re my mate, he just scoffed and steamrolled right over me.”
“You should go.” Again, I heard myself say words and was surprised by them. I wanted him with me, needed him by my side. But there was conflict in his emerald eyes, love and loyalty warring with obligation and duty. It tugged at my heart and brought tears to my throat. He was my soul mate, neither of us doubted that fact. If it took his family a bit of time to accept it, so be it. I raised my hand to his cheek and stroked softly. “Go. I’ll be safe. It’s only for a few days.”