Lion's Heart (Blood Moon Book 4)

by Natalie Aejaz

  Finally, the club security called on his mobile. “There’s someone here to see you. Ivy Smith.”

  “Let her through, thanks.”

  It was as if his bloody heart was trying to rip through his chest and land on the desk. A few minutes later, when the office door opened, it practically stopped. For a few moments, he couldn’t even look at the doorway, unable to meet her gaze. And then she approached his table. When he looked up, her eyes flared and lips were tight. Her hair was tousled, probably because she’d rushed here, but it made him think of how she’d looked after they had sex the first night they met.

  “How dare you?” She slammed her hands on the desk. Yes, that was the fire he’d been missing. “You’re doing this to get back at me, aren’t you?”

  “After what happened between us, I need to know…why the hell are you marrying someone you don’t want to be with?”

  “We’ve had this conversation before. I want to be with Michael.”

  “Really?” He stood and placed his hands on the table, leaning over it. “If that was true, Ivy, you wouldn’t be here right now.”

  “I came here to change the booking.” She stood back. “I want to bring the wedding forward.” And then she added, “Because I can’t bear to be away from Michael any longer.”

  “I don’t believe that, either.” When he stepped around the table, she flinched. “I’ll be honest with you, Ivy…I don’t know why, but the idea of you marrying someone else, especially that idiot Michael—”

  “He’s not an idiot.”

  “In that case, I am the idiot, because I can’t you out of my mind, Ivy.”

  She pursed her lips, tight. “I’m not here to discuss all that. I need to bring the wedding date forward.”

  Damn it. Why the hell was she being so stubborn? She should be taking more time to think about marrying that dumbass., but instead, she was dying to be bonded to him as soon as possible. “Why do you want to bring the date forward?”

  “I can’t wait to become Mrs. Ryder. Why wait to start my life with Michael?”

  He narrowed his eyes. “Or is it something to do with us?”

  She snorted. “What us? There is no us, Junaid. What happened between us was a mistake—call it pre-wedding nerves or whatever. I’m not proud of what happened that night, but I won’t allow it to affect my future with Michael.”

  She really was testing his patience. “If you weren’t so stubborn, what happened that night would make you think twice about a life with that Association guy. But what’s your reaction? You go running to him.”

  “That night was a mistake—why would I let it spoil the rest of my life? And what’s it to do with you?”

  When he stepped closer, she stared up at him, those green eyes wide. “I want you, Ivy.” Hell knew, he had no idea why. “I think about you, damn it, all the time. Tell me you don’t think about me, too.” Her bottom lip trembled and eyes brightened. He expected more denials, but instead her expression twisted with something resembling…grief. “Ivy?”

  And suddenly, she was against his chest, sobbing. Something ached inside him as she let go of whatever tore her apart inside. What the hell had she been carrying around with her all this time…what were these emotions she’d been unable to release? He did not know how long he held her like that. He stroked her hair and inhaled her soft scent, murmuring reassuring words in her ear as she calmed down, letting go of whatever anguish was embedded inside her.

  And then she lifted her lips to his.

  He wanted nothing more than this, but damn it, she was so bloody confused, and so was he. Perhaps she was right, and that night should never have happened. He held her by the shoulders and pulled her back as he forced out his next words. “Ivy. I’ll call you a taxi—”

  But she pressed her body against his, seeking comfort once again, as she had the first night they met. And just like that night, he couldn’t resist giving her what she needed.

  He trailed his fingers along her jaw, pausing at her soft lips, so damn kissable. As he ran his thumb across her lower lip, her breath quickened, and he dropped his gaze to see her breasts strain against the material of the burgundy dress that seemed designed to confine her.

  What fucked up attraction was this? He’d always been able to control his emotions, but around her, there was no point even trying. And he hardly knew the damn woman, yet she had one hell of a hold over him.

  He grabbed her waist and pulled her up against his body, so her breasts pressed against his chest and hips molded to him as he covered her mouth with his. When she trembled against him, whimpering against his mouth, his resistance was gone. He lifted her in his arms and carried her to the table, seating her on it. Drawing an arm around her waist, he shifted her so he could pull her dress up around her waist, and then he positioned himself between her legs as he took her lips again. Both his hands on either side of her face, he kissed her deep before lifting his face to look down at her. Her eyes were dark with desire but expression confused. “I don’t understand it…” she murmured. “When I’m with you, I forget everything else—”

  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 e
nded 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.