The Beast Within

by Rachel M Raithby

  “Becca!”

  Coming to a stop by the water’s edge, Aster heaved in a breath in an attempt to calm his mind.

  “Becca?” He was losing control. His body began to morph as the Minotaur took control. Gazing at the water, his breaths forced, his teeth clenched, Aster forced the Minotaur back. Looking up, he spotted Becca in the distance under a tree, drawing.

  Jogging, he made his way to her. She was lost in her work, not noticing him until he called her name.

  Becca glanced up as Aster called her. Frowning, she stretched her legs out and groaned. Wow, I’ve been here a while. A shiver shuddered down her spine as she registered the cold. Climbing to her feet, a painful moan fell from her lips as her hip protested.

  “Becca!” Aster said breathlessly, dragging her into his arms. “I was worried about you,” he murmured into her hair, kissing the top of her head.

  “I’m fine, Aster,” Becca mumbled into his chest. She wasn’t sure how to feel about his concern. No one had ever been all that concerned about her before. Warmth spread from her heart as she realized she quite liked Aster’s unease; it meant he cared. It meant she had the possibility to stay.

  Stop, Becca. The voice in her head ordered. Alex hasn’t gone away. There is no possibility.

  “I was just drawing,” she murmured, sadness filling her.

  “Out in the middle of the wilderness. You could have become lost or hurt yourself. Why didn’t you walk a trail?”

  Becca’s walls wrapped around her in self-defense. Not against Aster, but the hopelessness crushing her heart; she wanted so desperately to have this life. To draw, to have someone be concerned for her wellbeing. A harshness filled her voice, masking her pain. “I’m perfectly fine, Aster, and you found me.” Pushing against his chest, Becca needed some space so that she could get her emotions under control.

  He refused to release her from his hold. “Let me go, Aster,” Becca ground out.

  His breaths deepened as she waited for him to release her. Her fingers dug into his muscles when it felt as if they shifted beneath her fingers. Gasping, Becca pushed with all her strength, breaking from his hold. She looked at her hands as though confused as to what she’d felt. It was as if his skin had moved, the muscle beneath rippling.

  Aster’s fists clenched as his eyes slid closed. His stance was stiff, angry.

  “Aster?” Becca whispered, hating the sliver of fear in her tone.

  He blew out his breath. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped.”

  Relaxing, Becca took a tentative step forward. “I didn’t realize the time. I’d planned to be back before you got home.” Taking another step, Becca laid her hand on his chest, fingers spread wide. “Aster, open your eyes.”

  He obeyed, the copper brown pools swimming with emotion. “I was worried about you,” he whispered. “It’s not a feeling I’m used to.”

  “You have the most unusual eyes. Anyone ever told you that?” Becca murmured.

  Smiling warmly, he spread his hand over hers. “I bought pizza.”

  Laughing and a little startled, Becca replied, “We’d best head back then.”

  “You looked stiff when you stood.”

  “Yeah, maybe I shouldn’t have been sitting on the cold, hard ground for so long, so soon after the accident.”

  “Will you make it back okay?”

  “Yes. I’m not sure I like this overprotective streak of yours,” Becca muttered.

  Bending, Aster picked up her things. “Tough. I suggest you get used to it. I plan to get worse with time.”

  Time. The one thing they didn’t have. Aster so easily talked as if they had a long future ahead, when in reality, they had a few days, max. She should have reminded him. She should have warned him she’d soon be gone, but instead, Becca kept her mouth closed, resigned to living another day in the dream she could never have.

  ****

  “So do you think I could borrow your truck tomorrow? Maybe drop you at work?” Becca asked later, after they’d eaten the reheated pizza and were sitting sipping wine.

  “I’ve got an early shift tomorrow, be leaving around four.”

  “Four, really?”

  “Yep, what you want it for anyway? Planning to steal it?”

  “Tried that once, didn’t work out well.” Becca laughed, nudging him with her foot. “Some moron jumped into the middle of the road.”

  “Hey!” Aster said in mock outrage.

  Laughing, Becca gave Aster a sweet smile before explaining, “I don’t think I can stand another day cooped up with only my mind as company, and I wanted to go find some better footwear, so you can take me on the trail you run.”

  “I’ll get someone to pick me up.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yeah, just be warned, steal my baby and I’ll hunt you to the ends of the earth.”

  “What will you do when you catch me?”

  His eyes pinned her with their heated depths, his intent clear. “Make you scream,” he murmured softly.

  Her breath hitched. “Mmm, maybe I’ll steal it after all.”

  “Put your wine down and I’ll make you scream without needing to do a thing.”

  “But that takes the fun out of it.” Becca pouted. “Plus there’s no guarantee you’d catch me.”

  He put down his own drink, closing the distance between them, “Oh, there is no doubt about that, Bec. I’d catch you.”

  Rolling off the sofa, Becca raced behind it, sloshing her wine on the floor.

  “Gonna be like that is it,” Aster growled.

  “Can’t have you thinking I’m easy.”

  Barely putting her wine on the kitchen bench before he was leaping for her, Becca squealed as his fingers brushed her back. She ran to the other side of the room.

  “Too slow, old man,” she taunted.

  “Old! You’re going to pay for that.”

  Becca had no chance of escape. He cornered her, then took his time closing the space between them. By the time he finally touched her, Becca’s skin was tight with anticipation, her blood coursing with excitement.

  “See, caught you.”

  “Maybe I let you,” Becca whispered, looking up into his face as he descended closer, pressing his lips to hers in a searing kiss that touched her soul.

  “Maybe I like that you let me,” he breathed the words against her mouth.

  Melting from the inside out, Becca wasn’t sure she’d have been able to stand if Aster didn’t have her in his grasp. With the wall to her back and his muscled chest to her front, she had no hopes of escape – not that escape was on her mind. Unable to hold a coherent thought, time passed in a haze of euphoria.

  Slowly, he removed her clothes. Taking his time with each garment, Aster kissed and sucked each inch of skin he exposed. By the time he knelt and his fingers hooked into the waistband of her panties, they were soaked with her arousal. Clenching her thighs, she sucked in a breath as he pulled the fabric passed her hips, nibbling his way across the now bare skin. Further they slid until they were around her thighs. His hands gripped her ass. Hot and a little rough, she felt as if he were branding her.

  Looking up into her eyes, Aster’s chest clenched. He’d never survive losing this woman. In just a few days, she’d permanently embedded herself into his heart. Everything about her enticed him, from her scent to her smart mouth.

  Her words from earlier echoed through his head ‘Maybe I let you.’ Would she let him keep her? He snarled internally, his beast rising. She’d have no choice. He was keeping her. There was no denying the chemistry between them and already he could feel her settling. The startled, ‘I need to run’ look no longer haunted her eyes.

  Nudging her knees so that she spread her legs slightly, Aster gripped her thighs, and flashed her a wicked smile. He then dipped his head toward her slick flesh that begged for his touch. Becca moaned before his tongue made contact, her body trembling with need. Her musky and intoxicating scent filled his nostrils as he licked, slowly and gently. Han
ds pulling at his hair, Becca attempted to force him back. Chuckling, Aster carried on teasing, only ever giving her light touches when it was clear she wanted more.

  “Stop torturing me,” she groaned, her breaths ragged.

  “What do you want, Bec?”

  Opening her eyes, Becca glanced down at him, her gaze confident. The fear she’d first had gone. “I want you to fuck me. Hard.”

  Cock throbbing at her words, Aster had planned to tease her into a whimpering mess, but as his beast rose wanting to give her exactly what she’d asked for, he gave in and shot to his feet.

  “Your wish is my command,” he growled, his voice rough with his beast.

  Gritting his teeth as he fought to hide his inner self, Aster gripped Becca’s ass, lifting her up. Wrapping her legs around his waist, her heated core cradled his jean-clad cock. Aster was about to push her against the wall when he remembered she was hurt.

  “As soon as your back is healed, we are going to repeat this. I’m looking forward to the day I can fuck you against this wall.”

  Carrying her to his bedroom, Aster laid Becca down before ridding himself of his clothes. Gaze heated, she watched him strip and slide the condom he’d retrieved from the bedside draw over his hard shaft. Becca smiled warmly as he lowered himself over her. Sliding into her with one hard thrust, she cried out, her nails digging into his biceps. Repeating the thrust, Becca then gripped at the sheets, her back arching for him.

  “More,” she moaned.

  Pulling out, he grinned internally at her protest. “Turn over. I don’t want to hurt your back.”

  “Stop worrying about hurting me,” she grumbled, but obeyed his order.

  “Lower your head to the bed.”

  Biting back a groan as she lowered her head, her ass rising in invitation, Aster gripped her, careful to avoid her bruised skin, and slid himself into her wet core. She welcomed him with a sharp gasp, angling her hips to allow him deeper.

  He soon forgot about being gentle. His muscles shifted, the Minotaur inside him coming to the surface as he lost himself in the feel of Becca. Her eyes were closed, as she clasped the sheets. Each thrust had her moaning louder, her body trembling, and her skin slick with sweat.

  “Oh!” Her breath hitched as she clenched around his cock. Muscles locking, Becca shattered around him, screaming as she orgasmed.

  He followed her shortly after. Collapsing forward, he rolled to the side to avoid crushing her, both beast and man sated.

  Becca woke sometime in the night, cold, naked and laying on her front. Rolling onto her side, she smiled at Aster asleep next to her. He, too, was naked and looked as if he’d passed out after sex, and not moved since.

  Muscles clenching at the memory of the delicious sex they’d had earlier, Becca slid under the duvet and snuggled closer to Aster. He mumbled in sleep, throwing his arm out to capture her.

  “Are you awake?” Becca whispered.

  No answer.

  “Aster.”

  “Hmm?”

  “Are you awake?”

  “I can be,” he murmured, not opening his eyes. “Why, want another round?”

  A ghost of a smile graced his lips.

  “No.” Becca laughed. “I’m freezing. Come warm me up.”

  Grumbling as he moved, Aster was soon under the duvet with her, his body wrapped around her.

  “How do you stay so warm?” Becca whispered as his hot skin met hers.

  “Shush, I’m sleeping.”

  “Okay.” Becca smiled, squeezing his hand. Closing her eyes, she allowed sleep to take her under. Wrapped in Aster’s embrace, she felt safe and protected, not even the haunted memories of her past could reach her.

  As promised, Aster left Becca his truck, even though a small part of him still worried she’d run. It was dark out when he exited the cabin. He’d lied when he’d told Becca he’d have someone pick him up – Aster couldn’t recall a single person to pick him up. Instead, he planned to go on foot.

  The distance too far for some, for Aster, it was easy enough. Gripping his rucksack in one hand, he shifted. Chest and feet bare, wearing only a faded pair of cut-offs, Aster ran. His large frame nimbler than he looked, the beast within him covered the uneven terrain with ease. His eyes glowed in the dark, the wind blowing his hair from his face. This was freedom for Aster. He didn’t have to hide his true nature, or suppress his primal instincts. The forest called to the wildest part of his nature, welcomed him. He longed to have another person to share every part of himself with. He longed for Becca to be that person. A fine sheen of sweat coated his skin when he arrived near Creek Lumber. Giving himself ten minutes to cool off, the sun had begun to rise when Aster slipped into his work clothes, the Minotaur leashed within him once more.

  Normally, he could switch off when he worked, the job easy but labor intensive, yet today, Aster’s mind was clogged with thoughts – one in particular wouldn’t go away.

  Time is running out.

  Her motorcycle would most likely be ready tomorrow, which meant Becca would be leaving. He had to convince her to stay, that he could keep her safe, but Aster had a sinking feeling he’d have to reveal his true self to make Becca see Alex couldn’t harm him. Then she might leave for a whole different reason.

  “I’ll show her tonight,” Aster mumbled to himself. Take her up into the national park where we’ll be alone. She won’t run. “Don’t run, Bec,” Aster pleaded to the sky.

  Waking earlier than the day before, Becca had her morning coffee on the deck out back. Deciding to make the most of having wheels, she headed into Woodland Creek for breakfast.

  Heading to the same café Aster had taken her to, she sat reading a discarded magazine when the waitress interrupted her. “Still here then.”

  “Yep,” Becca replied.

  “How long for?”

  Becca opened her mouth to reply, but the words died in her throat because she had planned to say ‘here for good.’ Only she wasn’t here for good. Although her life had taken a dramatic turn and she’d fallen for Aster, Alex Scar still existed. “Not sure really,” Becca answered when the waitress frowned at her silence.

  “Everything okay?”

  “Yeah, fine.” Becca plastered a smile on her face and forced Alex from her mind. She still had a day or so. A day or so to dream.

  “All right then, what shall I get you?”

  “Can I grab the poached egg with a side of smoked salmon please?”

  “Sure can. Can I get you a coffee while you wait?”

  “That’d be great, thanks.”

  Reading the magazine became impossible after that. The words blurred together as the past reared its ugly head. Goddamn it, Becca, why’d you have to fall for him?

  Each mouthful of food and sip of coffee was an effort to get down. The waitress had unearthed fears she’d been trying hard to keep locked in a box – at least for a few more days. Her stomach churned with unease, the food only adding to her queasiness. Finally giving up when half of her plate was cleared, Becca chucked bills on the table and left. Climbing into Aster’s truck, she started the engine and began to drive, not really paying attention to the direction she was taking as her mind swirled, desperately searching for an answer that could mean she’d be able to stay.

  When her brain registered her leaving Woodland Creek, Becca pulled over, roughly stopping the truck on the grass verge.

  “Damn it!” she yelled, hitting the steering wheel.

  Leaning her head back, Becca caught her reflection in the rear-view mirror, the person staring back at her a coward. “No more running, Becca,” she told herself. “Aster deserves more than coming home to find you’ve fled and stolen his truck.”

  Sucking in a breath, she sat a little straighter and gripped the wheel. No more running.

  Putting the truck back into drive, Becca checked the road then signaled to turn. Doing a U-turn, she headed back toward Woodland Creek, this time taking in her surroundings.

  Breathtaking. That was the on
e word she’d use to describe the wild and rustic area. It spoke to the artistic side of her that had been crippled for so long. The forests and mountains surrounding Woodland Creek made her blood sing, the quiet calming her soul. Becca could quite easily stay and never leave.

  Maybe Alex will never find me. And if he does, well, so be it. At least I will have lived a true life, even if for a short time.

  Heading toward ‘New Town,’ Becca continued exploring. Seeing a sign for the university, she took the turning and dreamed of a day where she might have the chance to be something more. She fantasized about putting her artistic side toward something useful, maybe teaching children, selling her work. The more she imagined, the more Becca realized she had her whole life ahead of her and she couldn’t allow Alex to shape it.

  Jaw set, Becca nodded to herself, intent on going into the university and finding a brochure when her phone rang. Pulling over, she answered without looking at the screen – only Aster had her number.

  “Hey.”

  “Hey, Bec,” he said, sounding a little off.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing… I just received a call. Your bike is ready.”

  “How’d they know to ring you?”

  “They’ve seen us together, contacted the lumber yard. Woes of a small town I guess. Come pick me up and we’ll go get your bike after I finish up here.”

  “I can get the bike alone, Aster.”

  “Becca…I…”

  Picking up the trouble in his tone, Becca answered the question he couldn’t voice. “I promise not to run, Aster. I’ll pick up the bike and come get you as planned.”

  “Just come get me now,” he ordered.

  “No.”

  “Becca!”

  “I’ll see you at two.” Cutting the call short, Becca stared at the phone in her hands, picturing Aster’s angry gaze. “I shouldn’t have done that,” she whispered to herself.

  She could have picked him up early and a part of her had wanted to, but another part of her needed to put this part of her life to rest. The bike represented Alex. She was using his prized possession as a means to run. If she was ever going to stop, the bike had to go.