“I have a better idea,” he growled, pushing her back into the stream of water. The hot water soaked through Jo’s cami, clinging to her every curve. He stood there for a few moments, just watching her, a low growl whispering from his throat. For once, Nick felt more in control of his bear. His need for Jo was pushing him to take her while the bear was tired, while it was safe. “Turn around,” he ordered, gruffly, watching her with dark eyes. The moment she did, he pressed his body back against hers and ran his lips back down the side of her neck while his fingers tore at her underwear. The sound of ripping material, plus her gasp of surprise, made him grin but he didn’t move away. There were times when being strong had its advantages.
Jo tried to turn to face him, but he grabbed her hips and held her fast, his muscles tightening. “Just wait,” he whispered in her ear, letting his hands move higher until he cupped her breasts through her soaked cami. Unable to help herself, Jo leaned her head back onto his shoulder, pressing her lips to his neck.
She loved the feeling of him behind her, his arousal pressed against her. Reaching around, she heard him give a shuddering breath, tilting his head back to the ceiling as though finally giving in.
Turning to face him, Jo deliberately pressed her breasts up against him, reaching up to kiss him again, sliding her tongue into his mouth. He tensed, grabbing her arms and pinning them high above her head as he pushed her back against the shower wall, his kiss hard and fierce. Her breath seemed to vanish, her body beginning to tremble as he ran his hands all over her and rolled his hips against her so she had no doubt how much he wanted her.
“Please, Nick,” she moaned, grabbing his face between her hands. “Promise me you won’t leave this time. I can’t take it.”
He didn’t answer, giving her a wicked smile before turning her around and pushing himself into her. No, he wasn’t going anywhere this time. He couldn’t.
Jo let out a long, languid moan as he filled her. Nick let out a long breath, barely moving for a moment. He had to make sure the bear stayed relaxed, struggling against the urge to move.
“What are you waiting for, Nick?” she groaned, rocking back against him.
Nick bit his lip, not able to explain. “I just wanted to make sure you were ready.”
She leaned back, lifting her arms to wrap around his neck so that he could easily reach her breasts. “Does it look like I’m ready?” she whispered, pressing her lips to his neck.
He couldn’t help the growl that filled his chest, letting it out slowly as he began to move. Warmth pooled in Jo’s stomach, spreading down between her legs. Closing her eyes, she focused on the slowly growing pleasure building between them, moaning as his hand moved to caress her breast. Biting kisses were pressed along her neck, as she rolled her head to one side.
“Kiss me, Nick,” she whispered, opening her eyes to look at him.
Angling his head, Nick pressed her lips to his, licking her top lip lightly. He was teasing her, relaxing as the bear stayed quiet. Jo moaned against his mouth, begging him for more. One hand scrunched into her hair as he gently pulled her head back, dipping his tongue into her mouth this time.
Jo could feel her release drawing closer, pressing her bottom against him a little more firmly. Nick’s lips drew back, pushing her shoulders until she leaned a little further forward. Thrusting harder, he waited for her to find her release. Jo panted, her orgasm inching closer as he continued to push into her, one hand sliding around her hips to find her clit.
With a single touch of his fingers, Jo exploded around him, her entire body pulsing as she moaned loudly. Her eyes squeezed shut, as she gasped for air. She’s had sex before, but never has it felt this good, there was something about his touch that made her crumble. Nick moved slower now, letting her enjoy the moment, waiting for her to be ready to accept him again.
When Jo finally opened her eyes, she leaned back and lifted a hand to Nick’s face. “Don’t stop now,” she whispered. “You can let go, Nick.”
He needed no encouragement. Long, smooth strokes filled her again, beginning to get faster and faster as Nick drew closer to his own release. His lips nipped at her neck, before he arched his head back, his teeth bared as he finally gave in, pulling himself from her at the last moment. Tugging her bodily against him, he let out a loud snarl, pressing his mouth to her ear, her hair, her neck, taking in her scent. “You’re so beautiful, Jo,” he whispered, as she turned to face him.
Her only response was to kiss him again, her lips almost frantic. Once hadn’t been enough for her and Nick couldn’t help but respond.
Jo couldn’t get enough of him, rolling over onto his side of the bed and giving him a slow smile. “Have I tired you out yet?” They’d moved from the shower to the bed and that had been hours ago. She had no idea what time it was now.
He grinned up at her, his eyes burning with dark flames. “I was tired already.”
“You didn’t seem tired to me.” Running her hand down his body, she grinned as he caught her hand, kissing her palm before letting it go.
“Fine,” he yawned, pulling the blanket up to his waist before lying back down. “I’ll admit that I’m exhausted.” On top of that, the bear was beginning to growl again, and if he took Jo now, he wasn’t sure that he could stop himself from changing. Their time together had been wonderful, but he’d have to satisfy himself with that. He couldn’t risk having her again now. Not unless he wanted another fight with Tom first.
Jo yawned too, feeling completely satisfied. Finally, they'd both gotten what they'd been looking for, although now she was faced with a different problem: leaving. Being with Nick had only made her realize that she didn't want to go back to her old life. She didn't want to just up and leave, making him just another memory that she might look back on one day. He was more important to her than that. "What am I going to do about you?" she mumbled, resting her head on his shoulder and draping her arm across his chest. Within a few minutes, she was asleep.
Nick eased himself out of bed and padded from the room, walking down the stairs and into the kitchen without turning on a single light. He needed something to eat. It was late, but he was hungry having exerted himself by fighting Tom and then with Jo soon after. Wondering if he had enough energy to go out and hunt, he spotted his cold Chinese sitting on the table. Putting into the microwave to warm up, Nick pulled out some cutlery and a glass. He didn't mind eating alone, in the middle of the night. Both he and Tom were used to it since it was easiest to change when the rest of the world was asleep. Less chance of being spotted that way too.
Stuffing a forkful of food into his mouth, Nick sat back with a sigh of pleasure. The fact that Jo was upstairs asleep made him smile, happy that he could crawl back into bed with her. The bear was quiet now, the constant desire for Jo finally being satisfied. How long it would last, he didn’t know, but Nick knew he couldn’t risk being with her again, not now. His fight with Tom had practically exhausted him and that was the only reason he’d felt safe enough to be with Jo. She’d shocked him, walking into the shower that way, but looking back, he quite liked her boldness. See, I told you, Tom, he thought to himself. I can be with her and not hurt her!
“Even if that was only because you fought Tom so much that the bear had no strength left,” he muttered aloud, spearing another piece of chicken. If the bear had been awake and roaring, Jo could have been in real danger.
She'd certainly made a mark on his life. Remembering what the Northern Wind pack had said made Nick frown. They'd called her his mate. Was that what she was? The bear had gone into a peaceful state since he'd been with her, which wasn't something he'd felt before. Was it because he'd connected with the one he was meant to be with?
Shaking his head, Nick concentrated on eating the rest of his food. Shifters didn’t mate with humans, so the chances of Jo being his mate was practically zero. She would just have to be someone he remembered from time to time, perhaps the only human he would ever be with. Clearing his dishes to the sink, Nick tried not to
feel the swift stab of pain that came with that thought. He didn’t want Jo to just be a passer-by in his life, he wanted her here. With him. She’s your mate.
“She can’t be,” he growled, slamming the refrigerator door shut. “She’s human.” Jo couldn’t give him the cubs he would need to carry on the family line. As the eldest, it was his responsibility. He’d never really thought about it before, guessing he’d find his mate later on in life, but Jo had changed all of that the moment she’d walked through the door.
A light flicked on upstairs. “Nick?”
“What’s wrong?” Walking across the kitchen and up the stairs, Nick saw Jo standing in the hallway, waiting for him.
She pressed a hand to his cheek. “Is everything alright? I woke up and you were gone.”
“I just went down to get something to eat,” he said, softly, slipping an arm around her waist. “I didn’t manage to eat my Chinese, remember?”
“Oh.” She frowned. “You walked all the way downstairs, made food, and came back up – all without putting on the light?”
His stomach knotted. “I didn’t want to wake you.”
“Well, that was kind of you,” she said after a minute. “Do you want to come back to bed now?” Her clear invitation made him grin, and he leaned down to brush a gentle kiss across her lips.
“Sure,” he replied, tugging her after him. “But we both need to sleep, Jo.” The bear was growing restless and he wouldn’t risk touching her again.
“I know.” She couldn’t keep the disappointment from her voice, knowing he was right. Perhaps there would be time for that in the morning.
CHAPTER 15
Unfortunately for Jo, by the time she woke up, Nick was already washed, dressed and making breakfast. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she sat up, just as Nick walked in with a tray in his hands.
“Good morning,” he rumbled, placing the tray down carefully on her lap and leaning over to kiss her. “You look even more beautiful this morning, Jo.”
“I doubt it,” she laughed, aware of her messy hair and tired eyes. “But thank you for the compliment. Are you sure I can’t tempt you back to bed?”
“Unfortunately not,” he sighed, genuinely regretful. “I promised Tom I’d be back this morning, to help finish up a few things.”
“But will you be back later?” Jo asked, her hand sliding around his wrist as though she could keep him with her.
He nodded. “Of course I will.” Suddenly, his nostrils flared, and he abruptly stood up.
“Nick?” Jo searched his face, concerned. “What’s wrong?”
Nick didn't answer immediately, sniffing a few times, before leaving the room. "I think someone's here," he said, leaving the room. "Stay here." He was sure he'd heard a car, and then caught Tom's scent. Why on earth was he back so soon? He knew that Nick would be coming back later that morning, so what was the point of coming here again? A growl caught in his throat. If Tom were to go on about Jo again, then there would only be one outcome. The bear was already snapping its teeth, ready for a fight.
“What?” Throwing open the door, Nick glared at his brother who was framed in the doorway. “I don’t want to talk, Tom. I thought I made that clear.”
Tom glared right back, his hackles rising. “And you ignored me anyway.”
“I can take care of myself,” Nick bit out, trying to close the door. “I’ll be back later.”
“Wait.” Sticking a foot in the door, Tom practically forced his way in. “I’ve got something to tell you.”
“What?”
Tom swallowed, knowing what was coming. “Jo’s car is ready.”
Nick froze, ice swimming in his veins. “What?”
“I said, her car is ready. It’s fixed.”
“It – it can’t be,” Nick stammered, confused. “We’re waiting for that part –”
“Which I went and got,” Tom interrupted, his face reddening. “Don’t get me wrong, Nick, I like Jo. But this is for your own good.”
Nick’s jaw tightened, blood beginning to pump furiously in his veins. Grabbing his brother by the front of his shirt, Nick huffed out a few breaths, feeling his bear getting ready for a fight. “How dare you.”
“I did it for you,” Tom spluttered, his toes barely touching the ground. “One day, you’re going to thank me for this.”
Muscles began to stretch as Nick prepared himself to shift – only to be stopped by Jo’s clear voice.
“Is something the matter?”
With an effort, Nick dropped Tom to the ground, although the bear refused to calm down. “No,” he grunted, refusing to turn around in case she saw the change in his eyes. “Tom was just leaving.”
“Your car’s fixed,” Tom said, pushing past Nick. “I’m sorry it wasn’t done sooner.”
“Oh.” Confused, Jo looked from Tom to Nick, wondering why he still hadn’t turned around. “Thank you. I thought you were waiting for a part?”
“I drove down and got it for you,” Tom explained, trying to smile. “I know how frustrated you were.”
Jo tried to thank him, wondering why Tom seemed so keen to get rid of her. “There’s no rush now, though,” she said, softly, seeing Nick’s shoulders slowly loosen. “My client isn’t meeting me for a couple more days so I guess I could just stay here as planned.”
A muscle worked in Tom’s jaw. “I think it would be best if you left, Jo.”
Her heart dropped to her toes. “What? Why?”
“Ignore him,” Nick bit out, walking up to his brother and grabbing him by the shoulder. “He was just leaving.”
“Let go,” Tom growled, pushing his brother away. “You know I’m right about this.”
“Right about what?” Jo asked, feeling a little dazed. “Do you hate me or something, Tom?”
He shook his head, walking back towards the door. “It’s nothing like that, Jo. It’s just best for Nick if he doesn’t see you again.”
“And why’s that?”
Tom scowled. “He’s got other responsibilities.”
“Which I can deal with myself,” Nick shouted, finally losing his temper. “Why can’t you just let me make my own choices, Tom?”
“Because she’s not right for you!” he yelled back, forgetting that Jo was there. “When did you become so stupid?”
“I care about her, okay?”
“So?”
“So that means something.”
“Means what?” Tom shouted, shoving his brother, hard. “You know the rules.”
“Rules?” Jo asked faintly, sitting down on the sofa. She’d just heard Nick tell Tom that he cared about her, which was more than he’d told her, and now they were talking about some kind of rules? “I don’t understand.”
Nick’s anger blazed, his bear roaring to get out. “Let’s take this outside, Tom.”
Instead of answering, Tom stared at him, tilting his head to hear. At that exact same moment, Nick became aware of a scent in the air. They’d been so busy arguing that he hadn’t noticed before.
“They’re here,” he mumbled, his muscles beginning to snap.
“Yup.” Turning to Jo, Tom gave her a sad look. “I’m sorry, Jo,” he said. “This was never about you.”
Jo opened her mouth to ask what was going on when a roar sounded from just outside the door. "The bears are back," she whispered, her heart beginning to pound. "Come in, lock the door!" Staring at Nick, she pushed herself back into the sofa as she saw his back begin to bend. There were cracks of bone, rips of muscles tearing and a scream of pain that suddenly turned into a roar. Falling onto his hands, Nick transformed before her eyes, his entire body covering with fur, like a wave rolling over the sand. His clothes dropped, ripped and torn, to the floor. Her mouth opened in a silent scream as instead of Tom and Nick, there were now two bears in the cabin. Neither of them looked at her as they thundered outside, ready to defend themselves again.
Jo blinked furiously, not knowing how to process what she’d seen. There had been Nick and Tom, and
then there had been two bears. Two big bears at that. Their roars echoed through the cabin, shaking her like a leaf. They’d somehow become bears. Her mind couldn’t accept it, couldn’t take it in. Pulling herself to her feet, Jo made her way along the sofa, gripping it tightly with her hands. Her legs shook as she stumbled to the front door, slamming it shut and turning the key. Panic was filling her, making her tremble all over. Sinking to the floor, her legs refusing to hold her up, she crawled along the side of the cabin and into the little book corner, pulling herself into a chair and covering her entire body with a soft blanket. The bears continued their fight outside, while Jo fought with herself over what she had seen.
All of the anger Nick had towards his brother was redirected at the Northern Wind pack. There were more of them now, but Tom being there had been something they'd not expected. Nick knew they'd been watching the cabin and would have known that he was here with Jo, but Tom turning up unexpectedly meant that they now had two alphas to contend with. The battle was hard and fierce, but eventually, they turned tail and ran back into the forest, cut and bleeding from the brother's attacks.
His chest heaving, Nick watched and waited until he couldn’t catch any trace of their scent anymore.
They’re gone, Tom said, turning to walk away from him. I’m going back.
Good idea. Nick had no idea how he was going to explain this to Jo. She should never have been in this situation in the first place. Nick had tried so hard to keep her safe, but she’d managed to get caught up in their fight anyway. Dropping to his four paws, Nick climbed the stairs back to the cabin door and sniffed.
Jo wasn’t there. She was probably hiding, terrified out of her mind. He couldn’t blame her. The bear grew quiet, allowing him to change back. It was fast and painful, his desperation to get back to her, to explain, forcing him to shift quickly. “Jo,” he gasped, his chest heaving as he thumped on the door. “Jo, open up. Please.”
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