by Kym Grosso
In Logan’s opinion, they needed to either talk or fuck. Whichever would do just fine as long as they’d get it over with so things could progress. Logan had silently congratulated himself when he’d heard she was part wolf. His visions made complete sense now. Still, Tristan needed to learn of his mate on his own timeline. As much as it killed him, Logan refused to interfere.
Logan glanced over to Kalli as they made their way through the crowd. The opulent ballroom was overwhelming and magnificent at the same time. He could tell that Kalli felt as if she was balanced upon a ball and could come crashing down any second.
“You’re okay,” Logan reassured her, patting her arm.
“Thanks. I just didn’t know what to expect. Do you all go to these things often?”
“Every now and then. Tristan donates a lot of money, and the parties serve a business purpose. Lots of current and prospective clients to talk to. That’s probably what he’s doing now.”
“Yeah, right. Business, I’m sure,” she commented sarcastically.
“He really is working, Kal. But I have a feeling he won’t quite be himself until he sees you. Come this way.” He steered her toward the bar where he ordered two glasses of champagne.
Securely leaning against the heavy mahogany counter, Kalli turned to people watch. Her breath caught at the sight of Alexandra coming straight toward her. She grabbed Logan’s arm, squeezing so tightly she’d thought she’d nearly drawn blood. What was she doing here? Tristan hadn’t warned her. Like a missile approaching a submarine, it was too difficult to maneuver out of the line of fire. Too late, she thought, steeling her nerves.
“Ah mouse, I see you’ve landed the beta. Well done, I’m sure,” she sneered.
Fear and hate washed over Kalli’s face; a bright red flush rose to her cheeks. Alexandra’s jibe was the last straw that broke the camel’s back, sending Kalli spiraling into an unavoidable outburst. Having still not taken the CLI, her wolf lunged. A low growl emanated from within her, one she didn’t even want to restrain. Her beast wanted out as the rage spilled forth at the vampire.
“Back. Off. Bitch,” Kalli spat at her loudly enough so her voice was audible to the surrounding guests. “That’s right, look around to see who’s looking. You’ll notice I don’t give a damn who sees or hears me, given that this is the first and probably last time I’m invited to one of these things. I’m telling you right now, stay away from me or that silver carving knife over there in the roast beef will be the last thing you see before I slice your throat.”
Alexandra gasped, astonished at Kalli’s eruption. Logan watched with curiosity, surprised at how effectively she’d put the socially conscious Alexandra in her place. Embarrassing her at a public function was nearly a fate worse than death to Alexandra, who loved more than anything to be a ‘who’s who’ in Philadelphia.
“Ah, I see the mouse grows her fangs. Hanging out with the wolves is doing that to you, I suppose.” She rolled her eyes in disgust. “Very well, no need to get all riled. Just thought it polite to say hello, but I can see you’re not ready to make nice. Ta-ta!” she sang, seething in retreat. Waving to the mayor, she turned and crossed the room as if the ugly incident had never occurred.
Tristan froze at the sound of a growl. What the hell? This was a mixed function, humans and supes. There was no growling at charity galas. Which one of his wolves was causing a ruckus? Quickly scanning the room, he searched for the owner of the snarl. Within seconds, he caught sight of Kalli laying into Alexandra. Whatever she said must have caused the bloodsucker to flee.
Stunned by her beauty, he could barely breathe. Goddess, the woman was spectacular. The fiery red gown clung to her in all the right places, and he noticed a small smile grow on her angelic face, presumably pleased that she had castigated Alexandra. He needed to get to her, hold her. As he rushed across the room, Mira stopped him with a hand to his arm. She gestured toward an elusive client standing to her left.
Logan laughed, seeing Kalli triumph over the demon spawn who ran the vampires. “Hey girl, I hate to point it out, but man you laid her out…and that growl. What was that?”
“Dance with me, Logan,” Kalli declared, needing to move.
“Your wish is my command.”
They crossed the floor, and Logan swept her into his arms. As amazing as Logan looked, she yearned for Tristan. She could feel he was close. As the music grew louder in her ears, she swayed along to the classical beats, hyper-aware of his presence. Leaning her head on Logan’s shoulder, she finally spied Tristan near the buffet, surrounded by Mira and a short bald man.
His eyes caught hers, and her heart started to race. She wasn’t sure whether it was his pensive expression or aggressive stance, but she could clearly sense he was agitated. Logan spun her, and she lost his eyes only momentarily, then caught them once again. His predatory gaze electrified the room, sending goose bumps over her skin. As he stalked toward them, her breathing hitched. Like a rabbit alert to the wolf, she froze save for the mindless dance steps she made while blindly following Logan. As Tristan came upon them, she forced herself to face him directly. Larger than life, Tristan was sophistication etched in dripping sexuality. His dominance was apparent to every man, woman and supernatural in the room; there’d be no denying him.
Even Logan stopped dancing to respect his Alpha. Lowering his eyes in submission, he bowed slightly. “Thank you for the dance,” he whispered, releasing her.
Before she had a chance to say a word, Tristan wrapped a hand around her waist, pulling her tightly to him so they pressed together. She could feel his barely restrained erection nudging her belly. Suppressing a moan, she felt herself grow wet. She clenched her thighs hoping to hide her arousal; every supernatural within fifty feet would know of her excitement.
“Don’t,” Tristan ordered.
“Don’t what?” she managed to ask.
“Don’t try to hide it. Your delicious scent.”
“But they’ll know I …” Kalli’s words trailed off as she lost her train of thought. God, he felt incredible.
“I want them to know. I want them all to know you’re mine.”
“But I thought…I mean you came with her.” Her eyes darted to Mira.
“Business only, nothing more. Still, I’m very sorry I didn’t bring you with me. Clearly I was an idiot to leave you alone with my beta. Every man in this room is looking at you, Kalli.”
“No,” she denied, shaking her head.
“Yes. And they should. Because you’re magnificent. Everything about you from that alluring dress I bought you to your sexy growl. My Goddess, do you know what you do to me? Feel it,” he whispered, grinding his groin against her.
“Tristan,” she breathed. She was on the verge of orgasm from just dancing with the man. She couldn’t imagine what would happen if they made love.
“Did you enjoy dancing with Logan?
“What? Logan?”
“Yes, Logan. Did you enjoy having your sweet body pressed to his?”
“Oh God, Tristan.”
“It’s all right, Kalli. Did you find it arousing? Tell me the truth.”
“Another test?” she sighed.
“Truth?”
“Okay yes, but he’s not…he’s not you. No one I’ve ever met in my life is like you,” she admitted.
“Ah, see how easy it is to tell the truth, ma chérie? Perhaps you’d like to explore two men at once?” he teased with a sexy smile as if he’d thoroughly enjoy it.
She blushed, not denying it.
“Someday we’ll explore that little kink of yours, but tonight you are mine. In fact, I think you’ll be mine for quite a long time.”
“Confident, huh, wolf?”
“Would you ever expect anything less?”
He spun her around, continuing to brush against her. Tightening the grip around her waist, he ran his palm up her arm to her neck, until he reached her face. Caressing her cheek, he ran his thumb across her lower lip. “I want you so much, Kalli. I’m so sorr
y for everything. I shouldn’t have sent you to Logan’s. I was angry, but damn, I need you.”
She groaned and threw her head back, publicly baring her neck to him. Submission, truth, she’d give it to him all right. But what he needed to learn was that he was hers as well, and after tonight she had no intention of letting him go.
Chapter Sixteen
The sight of her submission plunged Tristan over the edge. “We’re leaving. Now,” he urged, leaving no room for disagreement. Gathering her into his arms, he ushered her off the dance floor while Logan smirked at the sight and Mira glared. Within seconds, they’d reached the perimeter of the room. Tristan shoved open a door which led to a bridal lounge, and pulled Kalli inside, hastily locking the door. Tristan couldn’t wait; he needed her now.
Without words, he captured her lips in an all-encompassing kiss. Kalli wrapped her arms around his neck, feverishly sweeping her tongue into his mouth, as he did hers. Starved, the passionate kiss only further ignited their arousal.
“Dress. Off now,” Tristan ordered through their lips.
“Um. Yes. Zipper. Side,” she agreed breathlessly.
Reaching downward, he deftly unzipped the dress until it pooled onto the floor.
“Aw chérie, you’re so gorgeous.” His lips quickly moved to suck and bite at her neck.
“Yes,” she cried, as she threw her head back against the wall, lost in the feel of his mouth all over her skin. She panted wildly, anticipating where he’d touch her next.
“Baby, I can’t wait. I need to be in you,” he grunted. Goddess, she was so exquisite that he didn’t know what to touch first. As his lips moved to her pink areola, he sucked hard, while massaging the smooth skin of her bottom. Moving his fingers around to the rim of her thong, he gripped it, ripping it from her body. Palming her torso, he slid his hand down her belly until his fingers brushed over her mound. Stroking up and down, he slipped his middle finger into her soft lips, finding her center of pleasure. Unrelenting, he pressed his thick digit into her hot sheath, and then followed it with two. He wanted to go slow, but lost in the moment, he pressed in and out, bringing her close to release.
“Oh my God, Tristan, please, it feels so good,” she cried. “Fuck me, please.”
Unable to wait any longer, he unzipped his pants, releasing his rock hard shaft. He stroked himself, while continuing to work magic with his fingers. “I can’t wait, baby. You ready?”
“Yes!” she screamed in frustration as she felt him leave her warmth. He spun her around so she was facing the wall. She was so close to coming, feeling as if she’d come apart any second.
Tristan cuffed her wrists in one hand, flattened her palms against the door and spread her legs with his other hand, bending her over slightly, so he could see into her.
“Ah Kalli, you’re so wet. So ready,” he panted, sliding his finger over the crack of her bottom until he found her wetness. “I want to be gentle, but I need you fast. You’re so…” Before he’d finished his sentence, he’d thrust himself all the way into her tight channel.
“Yes! That’s it! Oh God!” Kalli screamed. She didn’t care if every last person in the ballroom heard her.
“Fuck, Kalli, your pussy is so tight. So very, very tight. Are you okay, chérie?” As badly as he wanted to take her, Tristan was not a selfish lover.
Kalli could swear she felt herself stretch; the pain subsided within seconds, and she needed more. “Please, don’t stop. I need…I need…” She was thrashing her head. She was so close, but she needed him to move.
Tristan began pumping in and out of her, slowly at first, building the rhythm. Soon he was pounding against her, his balls slapping against her ass. He reached around to caress her breast, but could sense she was on the edge of coming. Damn, he really wanted their first time to last longer, but the intensity more than made up for the time. With his thumb and forefinger, he pinched her nipple.
“Yes, more,” she demanded. Reaching behind her, she grabbed a fistful of his hair.
Encouraged by her roughness, Tristan reached round with his other hand to touch her. Finding his prize, he brushed her clit, lightly at first, and then he increased the pressure.
Kalli felt as if she was out of her own body. She relished the feel of his cock slamming into her. Her body was on fire; his hands were everywhere. But when he increased the pressure on her sensitive nub, she splintered into delirium as an orgasmic wave washed over her. Shaking in release, Kalli shouted his name so loud she swore the people in the next building would hear her.
Tristan saw stars as her pussy tightened around him. He came hard, erupting inside her. He heard her calling his name, but it was as if he was sucked into a vortex of pleasure from which there was no escape. Pulsing into her, he resisted the urge to bite her smooth neck. Goddess, but he wanted to mark her. Make her his, not just now but forever. His wolf howled in ecstasy, begging to mate her. Tristan tried to ignore it. It couldn’t be. It wasn’t true. It couldn’t be. Shoving the agonizing need aside, he resisted the impulse.
“Kalli, baby, are you okay?” He’d wanted to be gentle their first time but seeing her on the dance floor drove him into a wanton frenzy, craving her more than air. He hoped he hadn’t scared her by their amazing yet animalistic tryst.
“God yes. That was amazing. Please take me home…so we can go again,” she added, giggling, her forehead pressed against the door.
Tristan laughed a low sexy laugh. “My little wolf, you want more, huh?”
“I’m not all wolf,” she reminded him. She didn’t want to spoil the mood, but she was acutely aware of how others would view her hybrid status.
“You’re mine. I don’t care what you are,” he assured, pulling out of her. He returned himself and zipped, then turned her around, anxious to see her flushed expression, the one he’d put there. “That’s what’s important, you know.”
He lovingly cupped her face; he could see right through her anxieties. What he’d told her was true. He didn’t care whether she was hybrid; he just wanted her to be true to her nature. He wanted her to feel safe, protected and loved enough to revel in her own skin.
“You’re beautiful after you make love,” he commented absently. His chest constricted at the thought of ever losing her.
She blushed, still engrossed in the afterglow of the moment. As her skin cooled, she was reminded that she was nude. “You’re quite dashing yourself there, but this is hardly fair. You’re completely dressed and me…well.” She laughed and gestured to her naked body. Donning her gown, she quickly zipped it. Giving up on her now mussed updo, she pulled out the pins and sexily shook out her curls, combing her fingers through her hair.
“Wonder how fast that limo can go?” He teased. “I’m thinking that I can’t wait to get you in bed so we can ‘go again’ as you put it”.
She shot him a look, feigning shock.
“Hey, you’re the one who suggested it. And this wolf aims to please,” he winked.
“Well then, if you are asking, I bet it can go really, really fast,” she purred, leaning in to kiss his cheek.
“Let’s go home, ma chérie,” Tristan suggested, hugging her to his heart. His home was now her home, and he realized that he didn’t want it any other way.
After sneaking out the back entrance, Tristan held Kalli nearly the entire ride home. She’d fallen asleep in the car after their intense lovemaking, and he found it fascinating how enjoyable it was to simply watch her at rest. When the limo arrived at Livingston One, he easily cradled her in his arms, lifting her out of the car and walking into his private elevator. By the time they reached their floor, her eyes fluttered as she awoke. Smiling, she ran her hand down his cheek along his jawline.
“We’re home? Oh my, now this is service,” she teased with a yawn.
“I like the sound of that,” Tristan replied, growing accustomed to the space in his heart she’d taken.
“What?”
“The sound of your voice calling my condo home. And don’t tell Lo
gan I said that. He’ll call me soft.”
“My Alpha, there is nothing soft about you,” Kalli flirted, running the palm of her hand down his abs.
“You’re insatiable, and I do like it.” He softly kissed her warm lips, gently, in stark contrast to their kiss in the hotel.
Slowly separating from their embrace, they held each other’s hands, both in awe of the emerging connection. The attraction wasn’t just physical, as perhaps Tristan had hoped; it was more than that. Both Kalli and Tristan stood in the foyer, unable to articulate the visceral gravitation drawing them together. Cognizant of the overwhelming emotion brewing, Tristan broke contact and waved for Kalli to follow him down the hallway.
“Come with me,” he grinned, gesturing her toward the guest room she’d previously occupied. “I’ve had your things moved back in while we were at the gala. Of course, I’d much rather have you in my bed from now on.”
Kalli could hardly believe that he’d done this while they’d been away. The man was a force of nature.
“Confident, much? How did you know I’d want to come back?” she teased.
“Confident is my middle name, baby. And of course you’d come back. What girl can resist my southern charm?” he drawled.
“Charm? Is that what you call what happened on that dance floor, huh?” She raised an eyebrow at him.
“What happened between us…” He instantly came up behind her, running the palms of his hands up her belly to rest just under her breasts until he heard her release a small gasp. “That, my little wolf, is raw sexual energy between a man and a woman. It’s unstoppable, you know. A crime to even try. And there’s more where that came from. Much, much more.”
Kalli felt her head fall backwards onto his shoulder. His sexy voice, laced with pure seduction, sent her reeling. But before she could completely set herself at ease, he stepped back toward the door. Damn, the man was unsettling. Yet again, he had her so excited she felt as if she was walking a high wire.
