by Marie Medina
Leaving the castle, he took several calming breath and headed for the stream. His blood pumped fiercely as he thought of her. Upon reaching the stream, he stripped off and stood on the bank, stroking his painful erection. The shaft felt hot and heavy in his hand. Thumbing the slick head, he imagined her soft fingers wrapping around him. The image made him smile. Here, away from her, he was safe enough with such thoughts. His cock swelled even more, and he tightened his grip. Jerking quickly, he thought about her beating the rug, her plump bottom and full hips swaying before him. She would be so soft and warm there, if he bent her over and reached under her skirt. A growl escaped his throat as the pleasure built. He pumped hard until semen shot from his clenched fist. Moving out into the cool water, he hoped it would subdue his desire even more. But he imagined her in the frigid water, shivering and needing his heat. He pictured her breasts shaking, her nipples taut from the cold. She would moan if he covered them with his mouth, he just knew she would. She would stroke him to hardness as she pressed closer into the warmth of his embrace.
He dove completely under the water to banish the images. Based on her reactions to him already, he knew they would be lovers soon, but he was not about to fall under the spell of another woman’s beauty. He did not want another wife. He hadn’t wanted a friend or lover either, but Josette could easily become…he broke the surface and gasped for breath, rejecting the thought.
“Damn it all!” he said through clenched teeth. He’d demanded her as the fulfillment of his revenge, but now he questioned his judgment in doing so. He’d had no way of knowing she would be beautiful, but he should have considered it, at least.
What if Henry had sent him another woman who would make his life a misery? What if she had been prepped and trained to torment him with her seeming innocence? What if she wasn’t even Henry’s real daughter? He shook his head. That wasn’t true. She hadn’t faked all those things he saw in her eyes when she spoke of her life. And she was innocent. His instincts told him she was a true maiden. That fact did nothing to calm his lust.
He dressed again after the sun had dried his body. But even if she were not purposely deceiving him in any way, wasn’t it very likely she might still make him very miserable indeed?
* * * *
Josette jumped when something touched her ankle. She looked down and saw an enormous amber cat. She had never seen a cat with such beautiful fur or such large green eyes. He sat and looked up at her, as if waiting.
She folded her hands behind her back and bowed slightly. “Hello, Rumpelstiltskin.”
He meowed and rose to rub her ankle again. He batted something over to her. She bent to retrieve it, and she gasped. Two gold coins.
She looked back at him. “I don’t mean any disrespect,” she began, picking up the two coins. “But I do not believe Marrok would wish for you to play with these.”
He meowed again and slinked away, looking back at her one more time before leaving the room.
She didn’t know what to do. Marrok had been quiet at breakfast, eating quickly before excusing himself to chop some wood. She wondered if she had offended him. She didn’t want to encourage him in his pursuit of her. She didn’t want that to move too fast, especially as she didn’t know exactly what she wanted from him. She had never considered having a lover who would not also be her husband and the man to give her family heirs. Of course, she no longer had that responsibility, did she? Her father had told her on her way out that she would not be coming back, ever. However, she hadn’t meant to discourage Marrok in such a way as to insult him. She had only asked him to let her go. Why had it bothered him so much? Did he think she was afraid of him now? She didn’t want that. He’d said very plainly that he did not like inspiring fear in others.
Josette decided to go find him. She had remained silent at breakfast as well, so perhaps initiating a conversation would smooth things over. She went out into the hall. Which way should she go? She hadn’t been given a tour, so she went to the left and up to the second floor. She heard something coming from the end of the hallway, a scraping sound. She followed it to an open door.
Please let him be dressed, she prayed as she knocked and stepped back.
“Enter.”
She went into the room. It appeared to be a sitting room, though it was filled with weapons. Marrok stood by a table holding a knife and a sharpening stone. She walked right over to him and showed him the coins. “Rumpelstiltskin was playing with them. I didn’t know what to do with them or where they might have come from. I also thought you should know. There’ll be coins all over the castle if he keeps at it.”
He opened a small box on the table and held it up to her. She dropped the coins on top of a dozen others. He set the box down and looked at her. He gave her a faint smile. “I told you his name fit. Don’t worry about the coins. Just pick them up and put them somewhere, anywhere. There are boxes in almost every room.”
She looked at the box. “Are you saying…the cat…?” She couldn’t finish the question. “That’s disgusting.”
He laughed. “He is not the goose that laid golden eggs. Rumpelstiltskin could spin straw into gold. The cat ‘finds’ them. If he reaches under a piece of furniture or into a bush or if he digs in the grass, he finds a gold coin. Why do you think I’m the only man within two hundred miles who still has a fortune?”
“What’s to keep me from telling someone about this?”
“If you try to leave, I’ll find you. I already told you that.”
“No one knows about it then?”
“No one. Only you.” He sat on the table. “I found him the morning after my first transformation. I was lying naked in the woods. The cat was lying on top of me, asleep.”
“But that happened before my mother died. That cat cannot be that old.”
“He looks exactly the same as he did that day.”
“Where did he come from?”
“I don’t know, and I don’t care.”
She rubbed her temples, feeling overwhelmed. “Is this entire place enchanted?”
He frowned. “I wouldn’t consider myself an ‘enchanted’ creature, Josette. Your kiss won’t change me into a prince, though it might indeed invoke a change if you were willing to try.”
She lowered her eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply anything like that.” She rubbed her neck as she raised her eyes again. “Is it really so bad?”
“I hope that is not a serious question.” He threw the knife and stone down on the table.
“It is. You don’t have to answer, of course.” She curtsied stiffly. “You are the master here, after all.”
She turned to go, but he grabbed her arm and pulled her to him.
“I am, and you’d do well to act like you believe it.” He pulled her over to the couch and pushed her down. “Sit, if you truly want to know.”
She straightened her dress and folded her hands in her lap. “I would,” she said quietly.
He picked up the knife and stone. He began sharpening again and leaned against the table. “It’s hard to explain. It’s nothing like the legends. The wolf is constantly with me, as I told you before. I can transform anytime I like, but between midnight and sunrise, I have no choice.” He stopped and looked into her eyes. “I also don’t always remember what I do. I’ve never found evidence that I’ve done anything I would regret, but that doesn’t ease my anxiety.”
“That’s why you decided to lock me in when you brought me here?”
He nodded. “It’s very painful. The change does not hurt, but the need to change can be maddening at times. It’s like fire running through my veins, trying to burn through my skin. In those moments changing is my only release.”
She swallowed. “I didn’t think about that. I never considered that it might cause you pain. I only wondered what it would be like to see you change.”
“I hope you never do. I couldn’t guarantee you’d be safe.” He set the knife and stone down carefully and folded his arms. “I don’t feel like a
man sometimes. As the years pass, those times come more frequently and last longer.”
“Perhaps having someone to talk to will help.”
“In case you haven’t noticed, my dear, you appeal to the beast inside me as much as to the man.”
She considered her words very carefully. “It may seem that way, but you’re assuming those instinctual thoughts are only a part of the wolf. What if my appeal makes you feel more like a man?”
“Are you making me some kind of offer, Josette?”
Her cheeks burned. “No!”
He raised his eyebrows. “Then what?”
She didn’t like the hint of amusement in his voice. “I’m only trying to say that being forced to live with another person after two decades of isolation might do you some good.”
He moved to sit beside her on the couch. “And how much good would you like to do me, Josette?”
Did he have to keep saying her name like that? It rolled off his tongue like a caress, a very intimate one. “If I’m stuck here, I don’t see why either of us has to be unhappy.”
He pushed her hair off her shoulder and brought his lips to her neck. “Do you want me to make you happy, Josette?”
His lips seared her flesh, and she couldn’t hold back the gasp. He opened his mouth and let his tongue touch her skin next. He nuzzled her neck and took a deep breath.
“We hardly know each other.”
He chuckled. “When has that excuse ever worked? What woman has ever truly meant it?”
She looked up into his eyes. “It’s only a statement of fact, not a flirtatious ploy.”
“I see there’s only one way to keep you from arguing.” He captured her mouth in a kiss, engulfing her lips with his and forcing her mouth open with his tongue. He ravaged her mouth, and she became dizzy as he molded her body to his.
“Oh good lord!” she exclaimed when he released her.
“I’m not good at all, my dear. Haven’t you figured that out yet?” He cupped one of her breasts, squeezing it and letting one finger trace the line of her bodice. “I told you your kiss would transform me. Aren’t I much gentler now?” He undid the laces and pulled the bodice down, exposing her.
She gasped as the cool air hit her breasts.
“Tell me to stop,” he whispered. He dipped his head and licked one nipple.
Her core clenched, and she felt the heat and wetness returning. He drew the nipple between his lips and sucked. She couldn’t believe how good it felt. He did the same with the other nipple, and before long a moan escaped her lips.
His mouth became more aggressive, and she cried out when he began using his teeth. He growled as he nuzzled her breasts, and she arched against him. His eyes were wide and wild as he looked down into her eyes. “I don’t deflower maidens in sittings rooms, but I can still give you what you need.”
Before she could say or do anything, he had his hand under her skirt and inside her underwear. He began to rub and pinch her, and she melted under his touch. He kissed her neck and breasts with surprising gentleness, his tongue doing things she could hardly believe.
“Did you know about this special spot, the clitoris?” He pinched her again. “Did you know about the pleasure you could give yourself?”
“No.” Her voice trembled as she answered. She felt pressure building as he worked her. He hadn’t let his fingers slip into her, but they had played over her slit, gathering the moisture that pooled there and rubbing her until she thought she would explode. He moved his fingers in a slow circle.
“Then hold tight, Josette. And look at me.”
She looked into his eyes, and their strangeness made her feel completely wild and abandoned under his touch. The pressure built more and more, and then a floodgate opened. She shook against him, but he held her face close to his while his other hand worked its magic. She gripped the front of his shirt, needing to anchor herself in some way as she writhed there beside him. As the sensations slowed, he pulled her close and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck as the embrace went on and on.
She struggled to catch her breath when he released her. “Oh my.”
He sat back and looked at her. Then he raised his hand to his mouth and licked his fingers. She felt her insides clench again as he did so.
“That was an orgasm.”
“Yes.” She cleared her throat. “I suspected as much.”
He remained very still. “You should probably return to your tasks.”
She hesitated. “Shouldn’t I…um…do something?”
His lips curved into a smile. “I knew you’d be curious.”
She looked down at her lap. “I only meant that—”
“You’re assuming you have to do something for me because of what I did for you?”
She nodded.
“Only if you want to. Have you ever seen a man naked?”
“Just you.” She returned her eyes to his face, determined not to be shocked or embarrassed by anything he said or did. After what he’d done, she was willing to do almost anything.
“Then you’ve seen a man half naked.” He leaned forward and took her hand, pressing it to his groin. “You felt this last night, though you didn’t know what you were feeling. I’m hard like this because I want you.”
“I know the basics. And I remember…last night.” Her voice still shook. He was thick and long, and she could feel him throb and even move beneath her hand.
“Do you?” His teasing tone returned. “Then do you know how to relieve me?”
“I….” She faltered.
“You can touch me the way I touched you. Do you want to?”
“I can try.”
He released her hand and laughed. He unbuttoned his breeches and pulled his cock out. She gulped, but couldn’t look away. How would that ever fit inside a woman? She knew it was supposed to be a snug fit, but still. When she didn’t move, he took her hand and wrapped it around him. He felt like a steel rod covered in velvet. His skin was amazingly soft, considering how rough his hands were. He showed her how to move her hand, and she began to massage him. He let go of her hand and leaned back, moaning. It obviously felt as good as it had when he’d touched her. She kept going, feeling him jerk and swell in her hand. She watched his face until he opened his eyes. He smiled when he caught her watching.
“It’s okay to enjoy it. I enjoyed making you come, watching the pleasure take you.” He caressed her cheek and tangled his fingers in her hair. “You felt so good trembling against my fingers.” He pulled her to him and began kissing her again. She worked him faster, and then she felt him stiffen. He broke the kiss and pushed her hand away. He yanked a handkerchief out of his pocket and covered himself. He pumped a few more times and then groaned, leaning forward a bit.
She watched as he wiped himself and tossed the handkerchief away. His musky scent filled her nostrils as he pulled her back to him and kissed her hungrily. He chuckled at the look on her face. “It’s messy when a man comes. You’ll soon get used to it.” He bent to plant a kiss between her breasts before pulling her bodice back up. “You’re a little less innocent now, I’d say. You looked magnificent, pumping my cock with your breasts exposed and that hungry look on your face.”
“Did I?” Hungry? She’d felt fascination, so she could only guess what kind of face she might have been making.
“Oh yes. Your assumption may be correct. I haven’t felt this much like a man in a very long time.”
Was that what she was feeling? This strange euphoria? Was this what it meant to feel like a desirable woman? “I’m glad.”
“Are you? You’re happy to have brought your captor pleasure?”
“I don’t feel like a captive.”
He fixed himself and stood, lifting her to her feet. “You are a strange woman. Perhaps we deserve one another.”
She stopped him when he began to lead her out of the room. “As a reward or a punishment?”
He gazed into her eyes for a long time and echoed the response she’d given h
im earlier that day. “I’m not ready to answer that question yet.”
* * * *
She filled his every thought as he stalked through the forest, wanting to be far away from the castle when he changed. He didn’t want to be drawn to her scent. He’d be howling below her window all night. He licked his lips, remembering her taste. His resolve to resist her charms had not lasted long. And touching her had stirred something else inside of him. Mate. He kept thinking of that word. Ordinary wolves mated for life. Was that why she inflamed him so? She’s different, he told himself. It will not be like before.
Lilianna had been the most enchanting woman to ever glance his way, and his heart had filled with joy the day Henry gave her to him. Her beauty surpassed that of every woman who had put herself in his path. She had smiled and sighed and batted her lashes. She had seemed so shy and innocent, so in awe of his strength and courage, completely overwhelmed by him. She had even trembled on their wedding night, turning away from him demurely after their marriage was consummated. He had kissed her tenderly, treasuring her as a precious gift.
He roared as he changed. He ran as soon as he hit the ground, tearing through the brush and heading for the deepest part of the woods. When he was troubled, he remained far more lucid during his nightly adventures. He smelled something, but he didn’t want to chase it. Instead he slowly followed its trail. Rabbits. He noted the location of their burrow. Josette would like to see them. Would she be happy he hadn’t hurt them? He stalked away to find a place to sleep. He wanted to close his eyes and dream of her. After being married to such an unfaithful and hate-filled woman, he recognized Josette for the treasure she was. He didn’t care about her virginity as a prize to be taken, but he knew she would only give herself to a man because she felt something for him. She would not give into lust for its own sake. Her eyes would not wander and she would not bore of his lovemaking once he’d claimed her. She had a kind and gentle heart, but she also had strength.
