Bran (Fae Shifters Book 2)

by M. D. Stewart

  His smile was wicked, and she knew he didn’t fall for her ruse of glossing over his past male lover. “I have six. My oldest is not much younger than I am actually. Like I said, my culture is very sexually open and accepting. We don’t view it as bad to have lovers or engage in sex with multiple partners or members of the same sex. It’s healthy and a beautiful expression of love. No one where I come from represses their sexual needs.” Was that a jerk against her thigh?

  His voice dropped low. “We love the feel of bodies moving against each other and bringing pleasure to our partner.” Yep, definitely a distinct hardening going on there.

  “Are you all right? Did I say anything about my past that bothers you? Because I would talk to you about that and answer any questions you have. I don’t want there to be issues between us, Josie. Ever. You mean too much to me.”

  “Well, I’m a bit shocked that you have six children. And that they’re grown.” She moved until he released her so she could stand. She was feeling guilty about sitting on his lap for so long. It had to be uncomfortable for him. “I’d like to process what you told me before I ask you questions, but I don’t feel angry or upset.” She hid a smile as relief washed over his face before he smiled up at her.

  “Good. Now I’d like to clean this up and take you back home.” He stopped her when she bent to pick up the leftover food and blanket. Quicker than she wanted, he had packed everything away into the canvas bags. She needed time to think about this evening. So much had happened and she had learned things about him that she needed to mull over. They headed back to the SUV as he held her hand. Something inside her told her to trust him, and it scared the hell out of her.

  Chapter Three

  Bran parked his SUV in front of the bar and walked Josie to her door. It was full on dark now, and she felt she could drop the shields around herself with him. The darkness felt like a cloak to hide behind, a way to be anonymous, even though Bran already knew everything about her. She wanted to invite him in, give in to her needs. She’d been fighting her attraction to him since he swaggered into her bar.

  “Bran, would you like to come inside? I want to talk some more. I feel comfortable around you, and that’s unusual for me.” She thought he’d smile or look smug at her confession, but she was shocked to see his eyes well with tears.

  “Josie.” He inhaled before laying his forehead against hers. “You have no idea how much hearing that means to me. I know you don’t give your trust easily. Thank you.” His voice was hardly more than a whisper, but she heard it deep inside her soul. He was making it hard to keep him pushed away. She was starting to believe he cared about her and truly wanted her.

  She led him to the couch and sat beside him. They stared at each other for minutes, neither said a word. Josie was surprised at how they could feel content with the silence. She knew right then she was ready to make love to him. As fast as it was, it felt like the right thing to do and the right time to do it. Her mind was made up, no more fighting her attraction to Bran.

  It felt good to finally give in. Josie had held him off for so long that when she’d made up her mind to have sex with Bran, the decision itself was almost orgasmic. She moved to straddle his hips, smiling at the surprised look, then his eyes showed pure joy. She brought her hands up to his shoulders before bringing her lips to his. God, he tasted good. At first, he let her lead in kissing him slowly. Her tongue explored his mouth, played with his in a twist and turn dance. Her breathing and heart rate steadily increased as she pushed her hot core against the hard length of his erection. She moaned then suddenly his tongue fought for dominance. His fingers skimmed up her sides then slid to her upper back, bringing her in closer.

  That static electricity feeling she had when touching him increased to spread over her entire body. He used his hands to subtly push her down harder on him as he slowly pulsed his hips, rubbing her clit against him. She had to touch his skin, his warm, muscular chest. She leaned back to frantically pull at his t-shirt, pulling it over his head. They stared at each other, panting in their desire as his fingers slid down her back to lift at the hem of her own shirt. She placed her hands on his pectoral muscles, feeling his heart beating hard and fast under her hand.

  He teased the skin just above her jeans, rubbing his fingertips in small circles but never lifted the hem of her shirt. “Do you want to do more than this, Josie? I’ll let you find release like before. I won’t ask for more if you don’t want it, but if you say yes, I won’t be able to stop until I’m buried deep in your pussy. I’ll fuck you until we’re both hoarse from screaming in ecstasy.” She felt the words slam into her gut, her pussy clenched at his words.

  “Bran, I want this. I’ve fought it since I’ve met you. My orgasm earlier only made me wonder how much more you could give me.” His smile gave her butterflies and made her pussy wet with need.

  “Then come here and kiss me some more. I’m going to make sure we both enjoy every moment together.” Bran ran his tongue up the side of her neck, stopping to kiss her jawline before continuing to her ear. His fingers continued to rub the skin on her waist. She turned her head, slightly bringing her lips to his cheek, kissing while moaning against his skin as she picked up the speed of her grinding against him. She heard him curse in another language.

  “Keep doing that, and I’ll come before I’m even undressed. Gods, you make me lose control. I’ve been hard since we first kissed.” She felt herself smiling, glad she could bring him to his knees. Even metaphorically. She decided to risk it by running the tip of her tongue around the shell of his ear before gently blowing.

  “Oh, fuck, Josie.” His voice was barely a whisper, and his hands trembled against her skin. She pushed herself hard against his cock. She felt it jump under her. He moaned then grabbed her waist to hold her still before growling and ripping her shirt from her body.

  His gaze fixed on her bra. She wished she owned something sexy but for years she’d only had her plain white bras and not so sexy underwear. She suddenly felt shy. She was chubby, which was pretty kind to say. Bran looked like a fitness model, all warm tan skin and well-defined muscles. His abs were perfect. He even had those sexy indents right above his hip bones. What the hell made him want her?

  He brought his fingers to her collarbones, almost a look of awe on his face. He leaned forward and brought his lips to the center of her chest, so gently and slowly she nearly pulled his head hard against her. When his tongue started swirling against her skin, she grabbed both sides of his head, twisting her fingers in his long silky hair.

  His gaze slowly rose until he met her eyes. His mouth was slightly parted, his breathing quickened. Closing his eyes, he kissed his way to the edge of her bra. She heard him groan as he pulled the straps down her arms and then pushed the cups down to expose her breasts. His tongue traced the silver-dollar-sized areola in tighter and tighter circles until he was licking her nipple.

  “Bran, oh that feels so good. I’ve never felt something so amazing. No one has ever…” Her voice trailed into a groan as he sucked her into his mouth and began to pinch and release her other nipple. He sucked her harder, grazing his teeth over her sensitive flesh. Her body was flying quickly toward an orgasm, and she was nearly clothed. That would be twice he would make her come without even trying.

  Suddenly he pulled away, his body tense and his eyes wild. He quickly stood as he picked her up and sat her on the couch. He reached for his shirt. “I’m sorry, Josie.” He used his free hand to run through his hair as he paced.

  Anger and embarrassment filled her. She grabbed her shirt off the floor and covered her exposed breasts. “You bastard.” She felt her emotions shatter and pour over her in hot waves. “I guess this is the ultimate payback.”

  “Josie, what are you talking about?” He seemed to be confused, but she wouldn’t let him get away with what he had just done to her.

  “I knew you didn’t really want me. Who would? Especially when someone looks like you. Was this a game? You know, ‘let’s see how
far we can go with the fat girl.’ I was right earlier, wasn’t I? It was all a game.” Tears were starting to spill over her eyes. She tried to look at him but the shame and hurt were too much.

  She heard his intake of breath. He reached out to grab her shoulder to get her attention. “You think I don’t want you?” His voice was gruff as he put her hand on his very stiff cock.

  “Any dick will get hard with stimulation. I’m sure you were enjoying me rubbing against you like a horny, desperate teenager. God, I was so stupid to trust you. No one like you really wants someone like me. I get it now. So, get out and don’t ever come back to the bar either.”

  “Just stop it, Josie. It’s not like that. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anyone in my life. Hell, you are my life. And that’s saying something. I’ve lived a very long time.” He ran his fingers through his long brown hair, his other hand fisted his shirt. “I have things I should’ve told you first before we go any further. Things you have a right to know, decisions to make based on that knowledge.”

  “Oh god. Are you married? You really are a bastard!” Josie fixed her bra to cover herself then jerked her shirt back over her body. “I should’ve known.” She wrapped her arms around her middle, trying to hold herself. Trying to protect herself.

  “I’m not married. I don’t have a girlfriend. I’m not involved with anyone at all, but you. I’ve never lied to you, and I won’t start now. I’ve earned your trust, and I knew I couldn’t make love to you without,” he closed his eyes briefly before licking his lips and continuing, “without claiming you.”

  She was confused by his words. “What-what are you talking about? Claiming me?”

  “Can we go outside? I need to show you something and I’d rather it be where you don’t feel…” He paused, and she could see he was trying to find the right words. “I don’t want you to feel trapped.” He held out his hand. It didn’t waver even as she stared at him, her uncertainty clawing at her. Slowly she stood and moved past him to the door.

  Why was she even giving him a chance to explain? Damn her heart for saying she should trust him, when her life experiences told her to protect her heart. She heard him sigh before following her out into the darkness. If nothing else she’d get him outside and away from her.

  “What could be so important, Bran?” She turned in time to see his eyes glowing in the darkness. It wasn’t due to the porch light. That was behind him. Suddenly, she began to question everything he told her.

  Bran cleared his throat. “Have you ever heard of the Fae?”

  *****

  Josie’s face went blank, then her brows furrowed in confusion. “Fae? The same bedtime stories my dad told me about the Irish myth of little people?” Bran fought the urge to roll his eyes. He hated that comparison. That and equating the Fae with small winged creatures who stared in cartoons. Fairies indeed.

  “Not exactly. I guess some myths get crossed over the centuries. The Fae mostly mixed with the humans in old Ireland but not completely. We are the same as you or any other human, but we have, uh, access to other realms. Access to these realms allows us to harness and manipulate the energy those realms contain. It also gives us the power to shift or change into other creatures. I know you equate it with children’s stories, but I want you to know that what you are seeing is real. Most importantly, know that I will not hurt you.” She narrowed her gaze a second before crossing her arms and glancing toward her front door. She was planning to run inside and lock him out, he could see it in her eyes and the way she held herself. He forged on quickly.

  “We can change forms but it requires energy and for us to maintain that altered shift, we need blood. It has to be confusing to you. I’m sorry.”

  “So, you’re saying you are a vampire.” She gave an unamused snort and shifted slightly so she had a clear path to run to her house.

  He stepped closer to her in case she decided to do just that. “No. I’m sure some of my people were seen taking blood from human donors and confused us with vampires. I’m not saying there aren’t vampires, there are, but we’re not the same. I’ll explain it later. Look, Josie. Just watch me okay and please promise me you won’t run away or lock me out. I do want you, and I really do feel something special for you. I know you feel something for me. Just, relax and rely on the trust you said you had for me. Please.” He stood unmoving until she nodded. If she rejected him for what he was, he wanted to end it now, before he had her under him. He’d claim her and then losing her would kill him. He was counting on his connection to her as her true mate for her acceptance of him.

  He took a breath tossed his shirt on the ground and unbuttoned his jeans. When she raised her eyebrows, he sighed and pushed his pants down and toed off his shoes but stayed bent over. He allowed his wolf to come forward, switching forms quickly. He heard her squeal and the pine needles beneath her feet crunched as she quickly backed several feet away from him. He lay on his stomach, trying to appear smaller and less threatening. She didn’t scream, he gave her credit for that. He finally looked up to see her face. She had gone pale and her eyes were wide but didn’t look like she would faint. He sniffed to see if she was too afraid. He smelled fear but not as much as he would’ve imagined.

  Josie dropped to her hands and knees before crawling toward him. She stopped next to him, and with a shaking hand, reached out and tentatively touched his head. “Holy shit. Bran?” He lifted his head into her palm and whined. He stayed on his belly but moved closer to her body with his big furry one. He wasn’t sure what she was thinking and couldn’t ask, but he didn’t want to break the spell of her wrapping her arms around his wolf’s neck.

  “I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock. Hell, tomorrow I may think I dreamed all this. My god.” Her warm hands ran down his body, stroking his thick fur while her cheek was resting against the top of his head. He could hear her heartbeat slowing from the hectic tattoo from moments before. Sighing, he let go of the wolf and returned to his human form. They sat with her arms wrapped around him for several minutes before he realized he felt tears against his shoulder.

  “What’s going on inside your beautiful head, Josie?” Bran sat up straighter then pulled her onto his lap. He gently wrapped his arms around her while softly kissing her temple. It reminded him of sitting with her on their picnic as she told him of her life. He heard her sniff.

  “I was so ready to think the worst about you. I am so sorry, Bran. I realize that maybe you have always been honest with me. I’m so used to guarding my heart that I’ve been unfair to you.” She leaned away from his chest to wipe her tears. “But then again, who would’ve imagined this scenario.”

  “I couldn’t take your body and have this secret between us. Your trust in me means too much to me. There’s so much more you should know, but this is the biggest hurdle. I really want to take you to bed and make love to you, Josie. I couldn’t make love to you and not tell you about this. I know you don’t understand everything but believe me when I say this; you mean more to me than you could ever know. This,” he motioned between them, “this is special and nothing I have ever experienced before and never will again.” He reached out pulling her tighter into his embrace, trying to ignore his reaction to her body. Especially since he was completely naked from his shift.

  “Okay, I’ve learned you’re a wolf who drinks blood. So just lay it on me. Why is this thing between us so special? What is this?” He could see her amusement at sitting on his lap while he was naked. She was trying to sneak peeks down to his dick. She’d have a lifetime of looking at it, but it still turned him on.

  “That is another reason why I couldn’t take you before, and I wanted to. So very much.” He leaned in, bringing his lips to her temple then trailed kisses to her jawline. He tried to resist, but his soul was demanding to claim her, make her his. He’d waited centuries to find her. He could hear her breathing speed up, as well as her heartbeat. He could smell her arousal, and a moan escaped before he could stop it. It was driving him insane. His body
was no longer his. Control was hard to maintain.

  “I don’t want to scare you. I want you so much I ache, but I need to explain something very important and give you a choice.” Knowing she could turn him down and send him away cooled his blood enough to lean back from her.

  “Do you also feel this electricity when we touch?” At her nod, he smiled. “That’s because of all the souls who have been born since my birth, yours is the only one who is the other half of mine. You’re my soulmate, Josie. You’re my true mate. And I am yours. This electricity is how we recognize our mates. If we go inside, I will strip you bare and fuck you until we can’t move. I will claim you and seal our bond for eternity. I’ve waited lifetimes to find you. But I wanted you to know that you have the choice of completing the bond and becoming my mate.”

  “Bran, you’ve laid a lot on me today. I thought all of my dad’s stories of other magical races, were just that. Stories. Fairytales made up of people and creatures and magic that didn’t really exist. ” She raised her hands and covered her face. He heard her sigh and it made his heart nearly stop. Would she reject him? It would kill him, but on some level, he’d understand. He would just have to work harder to convince her to be his.

  “Just how old are you?”

  “I’m old. Our kind lives,” he sighed knowing he just had to spill the truth. “I’m six hundred years old. Give or take a decade. After a while, you quit keeping track of your birthdays.”

  She peeked at him by spreading her fingers of one hand.

  “If you need more time, I’ll give it to you. I’ll just have to spend all my free time convincing you that we belong together.” He heard her give a little chuckle as she shook her head. She dropped her hands in her lap.

  “God. Six hundred? I guess you told the truth when you said you were really old, huh? You drink blood, turn into a wolf and you’re six hundred years old.” She shook her head and took a deep breath.