At least he wasn’t the only one affected.
His touch was gentle as his hand landed on her knee. Taking her mouth again, he trailed his fingers up between her thighs. He rested his palm on the outside of her panties, relishing her heat…her soft moans as he pressed against her. She was so ready…so wet…for him. He wanted to feel her naked skin against his, but it had been too damn long since he’d been inside her. And her soft pleas told him she needed him now, too. So he shifted her hips again so he could pull her panties down. She spread her thighs, clutching his shirt. “Junaid. Now…please…”
Her long sleeve dress was of a stretch material, and it took one pull for it to come down around her shoulders and expose her cotton bra. For a moment, he stood still, staring down at her. She arched back, eyes closed and lips parted. Her nipples strained against her bra and legs spread wide, exposing her sex. So damn perfect. He lowered his head to tug her nipple through the material and she gasped, her grip on his shirt tightening. “More…” she murmured.
He unclasped her bra, latching on to one nipple with his mouth as he teased the other, flicking and rubbing it. Her hands drew around his waist as she pulled him closer until her naked core made contact with his bulge. Fuck, he could feel the heat through the trouser material as she squirmed against him. He continued to work her nipples as her hands went between them to open his trouser zip, the desperation in her moans echoing his own. When his cock sprang free, she took it into her hand, pumping it up and down. Fuck, she’d never experienced this with anyone else, yet she knew how to work him, her hand applying just the right amount of pressure to send him over the edge. If she continued with this, he’d come in her hand, and he didn’t want that. He wanted to come inside her.
When he grabbed her hand to stop her, she looked up at him, confused. “Did I do something wrong?”
He shook his head, his voice gruff. “You were perfect. But I don’t want to finish like this.”
“Oh.”
Her cheeks flushed as she released him. He took her mouth again, and this time, her tongue slipped between his lips. When he sucked it, a guttural sound emanated from her throat. She held his cock again and pressed its tip against her entrance. He couldn’t wait any longer and pushed into her heat. Tight and wet. It was so perfect…being inside her again. He pulled out and entered her again, and her head fell back as she released a cry.
As her back arched with passion, her breasts jutted up, her nipples tight peaks that begged to be tasted. As he thrust inside her, he closed his lips around one bud and then the other, sucking hard, licking and biting. When she gripped his upper arms, her hips undulating around his cock, he wanted to give her even more pleasure…drive her wild with desire. Supporting her with one arm around her shoulder blades, he continued to suck her nipple, shoving even deeper into her as he reached down to stroke her clit. “Junaid…that feels so…!”
Her words ended on an intense scream as her body shook, her inner muscles clenching and milking his cock as she came. “Fuck! Ivy!” Another strong thrust, and he also came.
As her body went limp in his arms, he drew her closer and held her against his chest. He didn’t pull out of her, not yet, unwilling to leave her welcoming heat. As she recovered, she brought her hands to his shirt, unbuttoning it and then softly kissing his chest. “Junaid,” she murmured, staring up at him, her eyes bright. “That was amazing.”
Amazing wasn’t an adequate word. And despite the intensity, fucking her again hadn’t got rid of that ache—if anything, it had increased it. Even after that wild orgasm, his beast wasn’t satiated. That need still surged through him, and he got the feeling that no matter how many times they did this, it wouldn’t reduce.
Her arms went around his waist as she pressed her breasts against him. Her nipples were erect again, pressing against his naked chest, and it should have been impossible after that intense release, but he hardened inside her. As she stared up at him, her eyes widened, her sex tightening around his shaft and gushing with wet heat. And before he knew it, he was thrusting inside her again, his hands gripping her hips so he could go even deeper this time.
His lion roared for release, wanting to come forward, and he fought it before his fangs and claws came forward. Frantic and out of control, he pumped between her thighs, her soft cries encouraging him. When she threw her head back in passion, he brought his mouth to her neck, and for a moment he was tempted to mark her as his own…press his teeth into her and leave his scent so other shifters would know to keep away from her. But she was not ready for that, not by a long shot. And to be honest, neither was he.
Afterward, he lay across the sofa with her on top of him, both of them snuggled together. He trailed his fingers down her soft back. “Ivy. You don’t have to go through with this marriage. We could…” He hesitated, but this…being with Ivy…was what he wanted. Even if they barely knew each other, the thought of her marrying someone else…no, he couldn’t even think about it. And if he expected her to give up her marriage, he couldn’t offer her anything half-assed in return. “We could be together.”
She lifted her face to stare at him. “I can’t be with you, Junaid. You’re a shifter.”
There was that word again, between them.
“So I’m a supernatural. I’m a bit different to you, but come on, all humans are different to each other, too.”
“But humans don’t have beasts inside them. I’ve heard your kind show their teeth and claws. Sometimes, even during…sex.” She swallowed. “And you bite your partners…?”
“We tend to mark our mates, but we can hold back from doing it.” He did have to shift to his full lion form regularly to give his beast release, but like others of his kind, he never did it before humans. “And as for our fangs and claws, we can control them.” And he had controlled his beast when he was with her just now, but damn it, his lion had roared to come forward. “Can’t you even give us a chance, Ivy? If you give it time, perhaps you’ll see past this.”
She stared at him for a long moment. “I can’t leave Michael.”
“Why? You don’t even want to marry him.”
“I’d have to give up my whole life…everything I know…and I can’t do it.” It would do no good telling her that fucked up organization had brainwashed her. “The Association has looked after mother and me since I was a child. We need them.”
“No, you don’t.”
“You don’t know my history, Junaid. My father—he was on the wrong side of dangerous people. If it wasn’t for the Association, who knows what they would have done to mother and me by now.”
“You don’t need them to protect you, Ivy, not anymore.”
“I don’t expect you to understand. Giving up Michael would mean letting go of the only life I know.” She stood, straightening her dress. When he reached for her, she stepped back, shaking her head. “I can’t be with you.”
“Ivy—”
“Please…I’ve left the new booking date with your staff. Just sort it out, will you? Don’t make this harder than it already is.”
Damn it, if this was what she wanted, he would do it for her, even though it tore him apart inside. When he nodded, she turned her back to him. “I appreciate this, Junaid. And I’m sorry.”
Screw her apology. That was not what he wanted; he wanted her. But she left the office without looking back. He sat up on the sofa, his elbows on his knees as he rested his head on his hands.
I need to forget about her.
I CAN’T GET YOU OUT of my mind, Ivy.
Those words followed her, sending her mind along a path that would only lead to more angst. There was none of this passion with Michael—he would never dream of uttering such words to her, and she doubted he was even capable of such emotion.
A little voice whispered inside her mind…if things were like this with Michael before marriage, how would they be later? Doubt prodded her, pulsing through her veins until she felt like clawing at her skin.
Michael is right for me.
She fixed a smile to her face before entering the Association hall. The weekly organizational meeting was not the place to make a display of her agony.
The venue was full as Ivy entered it with mother. Around a thousand attendees, at a guess. The hall was large, with no adornment. It was filled with wood benches in neat rows, and ahead was an elevated stage on which sat an altar with a photo of Allias, the founder of the faith. John stood at the altar, dressed in a white robe, with a red sash around his shoulders. He stared straight ahead, making eye contact with no one and his face grim as he waited for attendees to settle.
As Ivy passed the aisles, eyes fixed on mother and her, inspecting them. Association members were used to this kind of welcome, which was why, each Sunday mother and she wore the most conservative and high-quality clothing. Today, Ivy had dressed in a long black skirt with a burgundy blouse that covered her arms. Both items designer.
Michael sat in the front row, and he stood and came toward them. He stood between them both, holding their arms and guiding them to the front. A perfect show before the others.
Michael’s mother, a cold creature called Helen, stood to give Ivy a kiss. She greeted mother. “Lovely to see you again, Pearl.”
“Likewise,” said mother. Ivy ended up between Helen and Michael, Pearl on the other side of the latter. Michael and Helen proceeded to talk with Ivy as if her mother wasn’t there. Ivy bit her tongue, holding back her protest at their rude behavior. The weekly affair, which took place every Sunday, would be over soon, and she just needed to bear this until then.
“Welcome, Associates.” John lifted his face, casting his gaze over the attendees. “It gives me great pleasure to see you all here, week after week, returning to reaffirm your dedication to our lord.” As he opened the book that lay on the altar before him, Ivy took a deep breath, readying herself to sing. “We will start the session with prayer.”
As Ivy sang along with the others, she felt lighter than she had since first fornicating with the shifter. “You are loving, lord. You accept us even when we do not deserve your compassion.” Her voice rang out, higher than those around her. “You have the mercy to forgive our sins when we fall to temptation...”
And now her voice lowered. The first time she had sex with the shifter, she’d told herself it was a moment when she got carried away, and she hadn’t known he was a supernatural…but last time…he’d stepped away from her, told her to leave his office. But she’d refused. She knew what he was, and that her wedding was not far away, but she’d been unable to resist sin.
The Phoenix receptionist had called the next day to let Ivy know that the new date was confirmed. Junaid had apparently decided not to cause any more problems with the booking. Yet the news brought her no joy.
“The world’s praise is not enough when compared to your benevolence.” As Michael sang, he slipped his hand into hers. She did not pull her hand back, but she did not enjoy his touch, either. Thankfully, as they finished the prayer, he moved his fingers from hers.
The prayer had not softened John’s expression. “Now it is time to go over Association matters.” He talked about budding partnerships and new opportunities for the Association, reminding its members of their responsibility to always uphold its standing. Ivy glanced along the front row, where the most important members sat. It was a matter of great honor that mother and she sat here, and they were only given this position after she was engaged to Michael. Before that, they sat in a middle row.
Further along the row, there was a group of men dressed in dark suits, their faces hard. Criminal elements, like the ones Junaid had chastised her for. She’d even seen their photos on the news, connecting them to a spate of murders that happened last month. A group of men like that had killed father…
Who decides what is the greater good?
“As we are all gathered here,” John now said, “I would like to announce that Michael and our beloved Ivy’s marriage ceremony has been brought forward. By the grace of the lord, their union will take place earlier than expected.” Applause spread around the hall, and attendees leaned over from the benches behind to congratulate Michael and her. “And now we must move on to other matters.
“As we know, our Association has been supported by some worthy organizations. It is hardly surprising that such upstanding bodies have been targeted by the abominations that our government refers to as supernaturals and has given a place among us.” Murmurs of dissent traveled around the hall. It was obvious which worthy organizations he referred to. The mob. It had issues with a group of supernaturals recently, mainly the owners of Eclipse, and that hadn’t gone down too well with the Association elders…who already hated the other kind and feared their abilities. “It has only reminded us what a grave danger non-humans are.” His gaze traveled around the hall. “In fact, a terrible group of vampires recently slaughtered a werewolf pack only because it had decided to join us in our lord’s work.” There were sounds of outrage behind Ivy. “But despite their crimes against humans and their own, we hear stories of our kind mingling with the abominations and even fornicating with them and bringing forth a new species. A young that heralds doom for mankind. Creatures that should never have been.
“Because of the sins of some humans, the kafirs, it means we are in danger of being overrun by these unnatural creatures. We must stop them before this happens…before our kind is extinct. We must prepare ourselves for the great war ahead.” He glanced at the group of suited men in the front row. “We have good friends who wish to help us in the lord’s work, and when the time comes, they will provide us with their full backing…as we will provide to them whenever they need it.”
Something clutched at Ivy…fear for Junaid. The Association was strong, influential and rich. And had the backing of powerful human organizations. Would they ever go as far as launching an attack on supernaturals? The thought of Junaid in danger made her shiver.
John had not finished his sermon. “This is a good time to remind our members that none of you must mingle with those beings or fornicate with them. If any of you are found to do so, you will be punished and expelled from the Association.” His eyes held no reproach when they landed on Ivy, but the guilt made it feel as if his threat was directed at her. Thankfully, he shifted his attention from her. “The subject has come up many times before, and you are probably wondering why I am paying it particular attention today.” He looked around the hall, and when she thought his eyes might return to her, Ivy nearly trembled with fear. Surely he hadn’t found out about Junaid…but his gaze went past her, landing two rows behind her, on a pretty young woman with dark hair and hazel eyes. Ivy couldn’t help the relief that shot through her. “It is up to our females in particular to uphold our values, maintain the honor of our organization and ensure that no abominations are brought forth from their wombs.”
Again, dread clutched her insides, as if the words were meant for her. After she was with the shifter the last time, Ivy had contacted Rehana to get hold of contraception—another slight against her faith, but she had no choice, did she? At least her friend didn’t ask questions…
“Ivy?” came Michael’s sharp voice. “You appear to be in a daydream. Are you listening to father’s words?”
“Yes,” she mumbled. “Of course.”
John still had his eyes fixed to the woman behind Ivy. “Ann, please stand.” The woman remained where she was, her lips quivering as everyone turned to look at her. “Ann. Do you have something to confess?” She shook her head, looking down at her hands. Ivy was close enough to see the tear that fell on to her hands. “Ann. We are waiting for your confession. Please stand.” The woman stood but kept her eyes on the ground. “It will be better for you if you confess without duress.”
Tears now streamed down the woman’s face. “I made a mistake. Please forgive me.”
John’s voice boomed across the hall, making Ivy jump. “A confession, Ann!”
“I have fornicated before marriage.”
As a gasp traveled around the hall, sending shivers up Ivy’s spine, John nodded. “A grave sin. The chastity of a woman is a precious gift for her husband, and you have thrown this honor away. Soiled yourself. But we await the rest of the confession. There is another sin for you to confess, isn’t there?”
The woman now visibly trembled. “I was with a…warlock.”
John’s voice rose. “That supernatural shall not go unpunished. But the members who discovered this terrible secret have been unable to unearth his identity. So tell me. What is his name?”
“It was not his fault—”
“His name, Ann.” Ivy’s mouth tightened as the woman’s silence ignited indignation among the members. Loud recriminations, curses even, with one member calling for her to be stripped and expelled on to the street with her shame. As others took up that call, John lifted his hand, and the members fell silent. “Your refusal to give up his name…your desire to protect him after he has soiled you…proves you are beyond redemption. Come to the altar.” The woman did not move. “Come to the altar so we may all see your shame.”
And in that moment, Ivy truly hated the man who was to be her father-in-law. How could he humiliate the poor woman before the whole Association gathering?
Ann stared at the man and woman on either side of her. Her parents. The owners of a successful chain of clothing stores, they were among the Association’s more affluent members, and she was their only daughter. Surely they would support her? But instead, they kept their eyes down; their daughter could expect little comfort from them.
“Do not seek support from your parents after your shameful actions. Come to the front.” She stood and walked to the front. By the platform, she stumbled and fell, but John reached down and grabbed her by the hair, ignoring her cries as he pulled her to stand beside him. “This woman has done so grave a sin that it cannot be cleansed even by our blessings and baptizing. We therefore expel her from our Association.”
Blood Moon Box Set Page 55