by Stella Night
He leaned in and kissed her, just a soft, butterfly brush of his lips. And then she was falling, over the edge, no coming back. Head over heels in love.
No, no, no! She was not doing this. She could not afford to lose herself again, especially since her life had just begun to settle down. She would not get involved with a man right now, and especially not this particular man.
Gently pushing away, Ella gave Josh a shaky smile.
“I’ve got to go, Josh. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Running down the stairs, she heard him call her name but she refused to stop. When she got home, she locked the door behind her, even though she knew it would not keep out a big bad wolf in tight jeans.
Chapter 8
Josh let his wolf run free. He sped through the trees, dodging this way then that. It was all he could do to keep from chasing after Ella. It was only natural for the wolf to chase its mate.
His mate?
Coming to a stop, Josh shifted. He leaned against a tree as he fought to control his breathing. The rough bark scraped his back, keeping him in the moment. Even so, he thought again about last night.
All he had done was plant a small kiss on her soft mouth. The shock that followed nearly knocked him off his feet. His wolf had immediately sat up and howled, declaring that he had found his mate.
And of all things for her to do, she ran. Had he misread the signals? Was his technique so bad that she had to run away? Josh shook his head as he tried to figure out what was going on.
In the distance, he heard Liza howl. Not tonight. He just couldn’t deal with her tonight.
He needed this run, needed to clear his head. The problem was being able to run alone. Lately, every time he tried, Liza showed up. The running was not uncomfortable. There was no need to communicate while moving at breakneck speed chasing rabbits through the nearby woods.
But when their wolves were not running, hers was nuzzling and rubbing against his. Worse still, when they shifted, she took the opportunity to flaunt her naked body in front of him, or found ways to make sure her body made contact with his.
Josh never thought that his lifelong friendship with the she-wolf would ever be more than that. But now she was upping the game and he had no desire for that. At what point had Liza decided that she should be his mate?
The signs had become obvious, and not only to him. Celia had mentioned it several times. Even Mrs. Gilbert had said something. And, if one elder noticed, then the others probably did as well.
Damn. He would need to deal with that problem, too, but not now.
Shifting, he sped for home, knowing his bigger, stronger wolf would out pace hers.
As he hit town, his wolf immediately found Ella’s scent and turned toward her apartment. It was there, her natural fragrance of rain, woods and warm spice.
For the first time in his life, he had difficulty maintaining control as the animal tried to follow its instincts. As much as he wanted to give in to the wolf’s needs, he finally convinced it that home was where they needed to go.
***
Standing at his bedroom window, Josh surveyed the main street of Whiskey Springs below him as he sipped his morning coffee. Sleep had eluded him as thoughts of everything he needed to deal with had run through his mind like rabbits chased by wolves.
Not even his customary first cup was right. He wrinkled his nose and put the cup down as he watched the people below. Sprinkled amid the numerous tourists were the members of his pack, going about their mundane lives - the business owners, mothers, fathers, and children that all depended on his leadership and guidance.
His inherited status as alpha was not something he took lightly. The traditions ran deep in his bloodline, passed down through his father, going back generation after generation.
And now he had to break the news to the pack that his chosen mate was a human.
His jaw clenched as he considered what lay before him. Originally, he had thought his attraction to Ella was just a passing fancy. Now he found he could not resist being near her. She was intriguing, intoxicating. He needed her. His wolf needed her. Hell, his wolf had claimed her as a mate.
How would a human fit into pack life? Into life with someone who was as much wolf as he was human?
For just a moment he actually considered breaking things off with her, stopping it all with just the one kiss. But deep in his wolf’s heart was the knowledge that he would continue to seek her out. He would keep listening for her voice calling his name, listening for her steps, waiting for her scent to fill his nostrils.
No. He would keep seeing her, holding her, kissing her until he wore down her defenses and she promised to be his, opening herself to him in every way. This was how it had to be. Wolves mated for life, and he was not about to give up on a chance at a lifetime of happiness.
Nor was he about to settle for something less than a life with Ella.
He pushed his problems away and considered the coming evening instead. Candlelight, the chairs set before a cozy fire, and wine. Soft music, a little book discussion, a touch here, a caress there …
Josh realized his train of thought might be dangerous when his jeans became decidedly uncomfortable. He still had a full day ahead of him, a full day of being near Ella. If he was going to make any headway with her, he needed to keep his wolf and his libido under control. He didn’t want her running away, even though his wolf would enjoy the chase.
No, Ella needed to be cherished and protected, and that was exactly what he was going to do - cherish and protect what was his.
His wolf howled in agreement.
Chapter 9
A fire blazed in the fireplace. Empty wine glasses sat on the floor and Ella found herself in Josh’s arms.
Sighing, she lost herself in his kiss, their mouths melding softly. She could taste the wine on his lips, his tongue. With a soft moan, she reached her hand up to caress his cheek. When her finger brushed his ear, she felt him shiver. Slowly, she eased back to look at him.
She gasped when she met his eyes. A trick of firelight caused them to glow amber. Josh dropped his gaze as he picked up her hand and placed a soft kiss in her palm. She held her breath, waiting for something she couldn’t name.
Smiling at her, he said, “We’ll go at your speed, stop when you say stop. No pressure.” He watched the movement of his hand as he reached up to tuck a curl behind her ear. His eyes met hers again. He smiled again, his dimples deepening.
Ella leaned in, and offered her mouth to him. His hand moved to her hair, his fingers caught in the curls as he cupped the back of her head. The kissed deepened, tongues fencing.
She could feel herself giving in, wanting more. Wanting more from Josh, the man she shouldn’t get involved with. When he brought his other hand up to rest at her waist, she pulled away just a little.
Confusion marred his features. “Ella?”
Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes for a moment. His confusion was still there when she opened them. “We can’t do this. You’re my boss.”
“You’re fired.”
She pushed away from him as her eyes grew wide. “What?” It came out louder than she had planned.
“I’m teasing.” His brown eyes sparkled and he swooped in for a quick kiss.
“I’ll give you the store. Then you can be my boss.”
Grabbing a cushion off the couch, Ella threw it at him, giggling. Josh tossed the cushion off and pulled her close. She made a pretense of pushing him away until his lips touched hers again, her laughter becoming sighs of pleasure.
When Josh’s hand moved to her breast, she didn’t pull away. She arched into his touch, aching for more. He brought his other hand around to the buttons on her silk blouse. As each one was undone, the soft fabric draped open until she was bare to him. She brought her arms up to cover herself, but he pushed them away gently.
“Don’t hide, Ella. You’re beautiful.” He kissed her softly then sat back, his eyes roaming over her curves. Then he smiled. “So beauti
ful.”
She felt the heat of a blush warm her breasts, her neck, her cheeks. She ducked her head, then decided she wasn’t going to hide anymore. Straightening her back, she watched his face as his eyes roamed over her curves. She felt a slow burn building low in her belly, followed by dampness between her thighs. It had been so long since she experienced those sensations.
Josh slowly pushed her blouse off her shoulders then reached down to unbutton of her slacks. She rose to her knees so he could push them off, leaving her in nothing more than navy blue lace. Ella soared when she saw the admiration shining in his eyes.
He pushed her back gently, laying her on the flat weave of the rug. He leaned down and kissed her, his tongue gently pushing into her mouth, their tongues gently dueling.
He rained kisses over her cheeks, her eyes, her chin, down her neck. His hand pushed the strap of her bra off her shoulder, and his mouth followed, gently sucking at the soft skin there. Then he moved to the tops of her breasts. As he pushed the lacy fabric down, baring her to his mouth. She arched into the sensations. Her thighs fell open as she writhed beneath him. He slid a hand down to cup her mound and she moaned his name.
Josh sat back. Ella raised up on her elbows, confused. He was unbuttoning his shirt but stopped. She read the question in his eyes, then smiled.
“Don’t stop, Josh.”
He smiled and pulled the shirt over his head. In his rush, buttons flew off and bounced around the floor. The sound made Ella laugh. He pushed his jeans off impatiently, leaving nothing but dark boxer briefs.
She could see the evidence of his desire waiting there for her. She reached toward him, but this time he did push her hand away.
“Patience, Ella. I’m close to my breaking point as it is. If you touch me now, I might embarrass myself.”
She laughed softly. “I’ll try to be patient but I make no promises.”
Josh pulled her up to a sitting position and kissed the tops of her breasts. “Beautiful.”
Ella felt the heat rush to her cheeks, even as she relished the compliment. Then she reached behind herself to open the clasp of her bra. When the fabric fell way, he held her breasts in his hands. When he brought his lips down to kiss them, Ella let her head drop back. She brought her hands up to hold his head there. And when he pulled a nipple into his mouth again, the sensation went straight to her core.
“Oh Josh, I don’t think I can wait anymore!”
He lifted his head and smiled.
“Oh, but I plan to take my time, sweetheart.”
Josh’s hands moved to the top of her panties. He slowly pushed them down, his eyes never leaving hers. Spreading her thighs with his shoulders, he touched his tongue to the tight little bundle of nerves nestled in her dark curls. Ella’s back arched and she shuddered.
She could feel the wetness between her thighs. He slid his thumbs there, pushing her slick folds aside. He ran his tongue around her swollen clit, then sucked it between his lips.
Ella moaned, pushing toward his face. She gasped his name. He ran his tongue up and down her entire length. She heard herself whimper.
Josh reached up to tease her nipples while his mouth teased and pulled her clit. Ella’s inhibitions melted away as she felt the first crest of the wave building. Her entire body tensed, straining toward release. She reached down and put her hands in his hair, holding his mouth against her.
When the wave finally broke, she bucked and screamed his name. He kept licking and sucking until she thought she would cry. When her tremors finally ceased, she pulled him up. Throwing her arms around his neck, she kissed him, tasting her juices on his mouth.
He pulled back and smiled at her. He gave her a quick kiss then sat up and pushed his boxer briefs off. He positioned himself between her thighs where she could feel his cock nudging at her entrance.
Moisture flooded her again. He smoothed her curls back, then kissed her tenderly.
“I’ll go slow, Ella. Just relax.”
He bent his head to take her nipple into his mouth and sucked. Ella arched with the sensation. Josh breached her entrance. With excruciating slowness, he slid into her until their bodies were melded together. He pulled almost all the way out until with the same teasing slowness before plunging himself into her depths.
Ella thought she would go mad. Josh rocked her with that slow, steady rhythm, moving in and out. She could feel a second orgasm building as he teased her other nipple, never increasing his speed. Ella’s hands fluttered at his back, soft moans escaping her mouth.
“Faster! Now, Josh! Faster please!”
Josh’s moan vibrated around her nipple as he increased his speed. Raising up, he kissed her, his tongue imitating the movement of his cock. He pulled back, his eyes locked on hers, as he increased his speed again. The pressure between her thighs built, climbing higher. He felt larger, filling her more. Suddenly, her world shattered, pieces flying. From what seemed a great distance, she heard her name shouted in a hoarse cry.
Rolling, he pulled her into the crook of his arm. Her head nestled on his shoulder. Should could hear the staccato beat of his heart under her ear. She lay there, satiated, content, drowsy. She knew her life would never be the same. Everything had changed, tilting her world on its axis.
And, just for a fleeting moment, she wished it would last forever.
Chapter 10
Josh and Ella spent more time together over books or over dinner at the Hungry Boar. Josh had begun insisting that he walk her home each night, where they shared a sweet gentle kiss. His wolf was demanding more.
He knew she wanted him, he could smell her arousal every time they were together, every time their eyes met. But he knew he would have to take his time with her no matter how much the wolf pushed. And even though they had been intimate, he knew that she still needed space. She was still too wary, too hurt after her experience with David - a thought that made his wolf snarl with rage.
What he was not sure of was how much more of Celia’s ribbing he could take. His sister took every opportunity she could to needle him about Ella. As much as she teased him, he knew his sister was delighted. She actually approved of their budding relationship. He just hoped the pack would be as pleased as Celia was.
The full moon was approaching. He could feel it in his bones, as he was sure the rest of the pack could. More and more pack members would be stopping by the shop. As the time drew closer, they all tended to become more sociable, seeking each other out regardless of the hour. Some even took a spontaneous run. And afterward they would need a change of clothes before heading home in the pale light of dawn.
With tourists in town, it wouldn’t do to be caught walking through the town naked after a run. And he wasn’t ready to explain everything to Ella yet. He still needed to take things slow.
***
Just before they locked up for the night, Liza rushed in, pushing her way past him into the kitchen. He could feel his temper rising, and with it, his wolf. She turned and glared at him, her golden eyes glowing. She jerked her head toward the rear of store and glared. The last thing he wanted right now was another confrontation with the she-wolf, especially not in front of Ella. He followed her to the kitchen.
Closing the door behind him, he turned on her. His voice was a low growl. “What the hell is wrong with you? She might have seen you.”
Liza stalked toward him, her wolf snarling. “What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with you?” She poked him in the chest with an accusatory finger. “The full moon is in just a few days. Why is she still here?”
Josh pulled himself up to his full height, making it necessary for her to look up at him. “You forget yourself, Liza.” He snarled at her wolf and it quickly backed down, tail between its legs. “I am the alpha. I make the decisions regarding the pack. Not you.”
Liza withdrew just a hair. “Well, you need to make a decision, Alpha. She needs to leave.” Her voice had risen to a shrill shout. “You’re putting us all at risk.”
“Keep your voice d
own,” he growled.
“I will not!” Liza was back in his face, putting her finger in his chest. “She does not belong here and you know it! She is not one of us and she does not fit in here! She is trouble and she needs to go!” She punched his chest with each word, her eyes glowing once again.
Josh grabbed her hand and held it in a steely grip. Not hard enough to hurt, but just hard enough to make his point.
He hesitated but he knew he had to let his own wolf out. He felt his canines lengthen and knew his eyes were glowing when he saw the submission in Liza’s face. She took one step back and bowed her head.
“Leave” he snarled.
Rather than leave by the back door, Liza opened the door that led into the store. She threw a triumphant glance at Josh before her eyes welled up with tears.
Chapter 11
Ella watched, stunned, as Liza rushed through the store. Tears streamed down her face and she held her hand close to her body. When she caught Ella’s eye, the tall brunette sobbed. Then she rushed out the door. The bell jangled in her wake.
Ella started to follow her but was stopped by Celia’s grip on her arm.
Anger made the younger woman’s eyes flash bronze. Leaning in, she whispered “The academy award for faking it and causing a scene goes to Liza Anderson.”
Ella’s jaw dropped. Celia nodded her head, anger shining in her hazel eyes. Ella looked from where Liza was walking down the sidewalk outside to the rear of the store. Josh was already walking toward them.
“Wow. That was some show,” she said.
Josh scowled. “Yeah, about that. Please don’t listen to Liza. I don’t know what’s gotten into her.”
Celia made a sound of disgust then said, “I know what she wishes had gotten into her.”
Josh didn’t laugh. His gaze never left Ella’s. His voice was hoarse when he said, “Be quiet, Celia.”
“We don’t have to do dinner, Josh. I understand.”
Reaching across the counter, he took Ella’s hand. “No, you don’t understand. But I will try to explain some things tonight, upstairs, over dinner.” He gently led her around the counter and steered her toward the back of the store.
