“Savannah,” Tom whispered. “I want to tell you something.”
“Tell me anything,” she replied, softly. She wanted to know everything about him. All the things he kept hidden from everyone else, she wanted to know. He was the only one who made her feel this way, the only one who had made his way into her heart.
Tom swallowed, and Savannah felt his heartbeat quicken. “I – I think I’m starting to fall in love with you,” he said, slowly, as if he hadn’t quite come to terms with it himself. “I mean, I’m not sure if it’s love, but I know I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.”
She sighed, as tears flooded her eyes. Leaning forward, she rested her cheek against the hard plane of his chest, with her free hand curling up around his neck. "I feel the same way," she whispered. In so many ways, she and Tom were at the same place on this road they'd started together. Neither of them had loved before, and neither of them were quite sure what it was supposed to feel like. In that way, it took the fear away, knowing that he felt the same.
Breathing hard, she lifted her head, her eyes meeting the line of his strong jaw and the soft lips above it. Running her lips along the edge of his jaw, she heard him inhale sharply. “I know you want me, Tom,” she said, skimming her teeth down the side of his neck. “I can smell it from you.” It was true. The water didn’t quite manage to hide the rush of pheromones that came from him the moment they’d started kissing.
Tom growled low in his throat, his chest rattling under her hands. Her desire filled his lungs, making his whole body ache for her. The touch of her lips on his heated skin was making his bear begin to growl in earnest, wanting him to take her.
Forcing himself to go slowly, and to savor every moment with Savannah, Tom threw his head back and let Savannah nip and lick her way down his neck and shoulders. Her hands were moving down his chest until they dipped into the water. There was a cautiousness about her that made him almost frustrated in his desire for her to touch him, but he stood still and waited, hardly daring to breathe.
The moment her fingers brushed him, he couldn’t help the soft groan that came from deep in his throat. Savannah looked up at once, as if she wanted to check she was doing it right, but he couldn’t even form words. Instead, he closed his eyes and groaned again when she reached for him, finally growing a little bolder.
Savannah bit the edge of her lip as Tom groaned louder, her own desire beginning to rise up inside. She hadn’t been sure about what she was doing, but Tom seemed to like it. He’d tensed and relaxed, tensed and relaxed as she began to caress him, growing surer with each stroke.
Tom opened his eyes, and dragged one finger to her mouth, releasing it from her teeth and looking deeply into her eyes. His eyes were full of emotion, bright in the moonlight as they looked into hers. Savannah's breath caught in her chest at the emotion she saw there, her heart shattering into a million pieces. Her hand stilled.
“Savannah,” Tom whispered, dragging her close to him again. His mouth met hers again, but this time with a tender gentleness. His hands moved over her slowly, over her shoulders and down her back, as though he wanted to explore every last bit of her. He was taking his time and Savannah felt like some kind of treasured possession, something precious and valuable. She’d never felt like that before.
“Please,” she whispered, as Tom began to feather kisses along the side of her jaw. “Please, Tom.” She didn’t even know what it was she was asking for, just that she wanted more. More of Tom. More of him. All of him.
Without warning, Tom grabbed her hips, forcing her legs up and around. With two strides, he had Savannah pressed against the bank, his mouth in line with her breasts. Setting her back on the slightly submerged bank, he let her rest there, seeing the way she was completely open to him. Thinking that he'd never seen anything as beautiful as Savannah, he let his hands trail up over her hips until they cupped her breasts, one in each hand. His mouth was drawn to their soft, pink tips. When Savannah let out a soft moan, Tom couldn't have stopped for the world. His hands moved lower, touching and stroking. He wanted to memorize her every curve, wanted to remember what she tasted like, felt like, smelled like.
Savannah didn't have time to be embarrassed over the sounds that came from her mouth, as Tom's strong gentleness caressed her body. His hands, his lips, and his tongue roved over her, in a slow sweetness. When his fingers found her core, she couldn't help but arch her back, pressing herself against him as best she could. Her bottom was sitting on the small bank that was just under the water, while the rest of her sat exposed, but suddenly Savannah wanted him to see all of her.
Wrenching herself away, she pushed herself backward up onto the bank, glad that the soft grass only tickled at her skin. Water ran from her body, but she turned to face Tom without shame. She wanted him to see her, and for her to see him.
“What are you doing?”
“Come here,” she said, crooking a finger. “I want to see you.” He didn’t need any more encouragement. Pulling himself from the water in one smooth movement, he stayed an arm’s length away as she ran her eyes over him. He was tall and strong and lean, his body lit with moonlight. Soft butterflies began to beat in her stomach as his jaw pulled back in a slightly feral smile, his own gaze sweeping over her. Anticipation began to run high as she saw the desire written on his face. "I need you, Tom," she whispered, before moving to lie across the grass.
His body was on top of hers in a moment, a quiet snarl tugging from his throat. He was ready for her, and Savannah let out a long shuddering breath as he pressed into her folds. After the first thrust, he froze. He had to let her get used to him but if he kept moving, if he gave himself up to her tightness and heat, he would explode. Tom didn't want that. Not yet. Watching Savannah, he clenched his jaw, watching as her eyes closed tightly for a moment, waiting for her tense body to become used to him.
“You’re so beautiful, Savannah,” he muttered, his mouth pressing against the side of her throat. From the expression on her face, he could tell that she was slowly becoming used to the feeling of him inside her, and so he began to move slowly. She let out another long breath, the heat rushing down over his chest. Trying to stay gentle, he kept his body in check, one hand moving up to caress and shape her breasts while the other slammed into the ground beside her head, steadying himself.
Breathing hard, Savannah heard Tom whisper to her and found herself believing what he said. She felt beautiful when she was with him. She felt sure of herself, knowing exactly who she was. There was no fear with him, no battling for respect. There was only love.
The moment Tom began to move, Savannah arched her back in response. She couldn’t help it. He’d been waiting for her body to adjust to him, she could tell and now, he was still holding himself back.
“I’m ready,” she breathed, her eyes closing in ecstasy. “Don’t stop, Tom.”
“I can’t promise to be gentle, Savannah,” Tom bit out, his bear roaring inside him. It wanted him to take her hard and fast, to complete their joining. The bear wanted his mate to be satisfied. “I’ve been waiting for this for a while.” His mouth was back on her throat, nipping at her skin. His hands gripped her and a growl tore from his throat. Savannah could almost see his lust, rolling herself against him as his eyes darkened even more. Her hands ran around to tug at his buttocks, pulling him into her even deeper.
Tom’s hips were moving faster and faster, his hands gripping her harder with each stroke. His lip was pulled back, his teeth bared, as he sank into her again and again. He was waiting, waiting for her to reach the precipice before taking a step over.
“Tom,” Savannah panted, arching her back again. Her body coiled, tighter and tighter, her hands grabbing his neck and holding him still as her body finally pulsed around him. Her entire being exploded with sensations, sparks floating in her vision as she clung to him.
Gritting his teeth, Tom waited as Savannah found her release. As she slowly began to relax he thrust again, once, twice, before his hips jerked and
he found his own. His eyes slammed closed and a roar left his lips as warmth shot out from him, his body finally releasing everything it had been holding onto.
“I love you, Savannah,” he said, his breath ragged as he held onto her. “I love you.”
His words covered her like a balm. “I love you too,” she whispered, pulling him down into her arms and holding him tightly. There was no more Northern Wind pack, no more Lucas. In their place was Tom and the new life he had offered her. He had her heart and she had his. There was nothing else she wanted.
CHAPTER 19
Savannah woke up exhausted, but happy. She didn't know how many times they'd made love last night, but it had left her completely sated. Her body ached but in a good way. They'd somehow found their way back to the mechanics, but hadn't even stopped to eat. His bed had been waiting and she'd fallen into it at once. Tom's arms had been open and she'd gone to him willingly.
“Morning!”
Knowing her face was going slightly pink, she gave Tom a smile as he walked back into the bedroom, a tray in his hands. “Hey,” she murmured, sitting up and pulling the blanket up around her chest.
“Now, now,” he grinned, putting the tray down and waggling a finger at her. “None of that.” With a wink, he tugged the blanket down, his eyes moving over her immediately. “You’re too pretty to be covered up.”
“Thank you,” Savannah murmured, fighting the urge to cross her hands over her chest.
Tom’s smile turned tender as he leaned over to kiss her thoroughly. It took her breath away. “Delicious,” he murmured, leaning back. “The only problem is, if I start this now, then I won’t stop,” He cocked his head. “And you’ll be late for work.”
“Then we’d better not start,” she replied, laughing. “I don’t want my boss to fire me!”
“He’d never do that,” Tom chuckled, picking up the tray and handing it to her. “Anyway, here’s breakfast. I’ve got a couple of things to get to before Nick, Jo and Dan arrive.”
“Did Dan stay over at the cabin?”
Tom nodded, not wanting to think about why his brother had convinced Dan to stay overnight. Tom had thought he’d been keeping his feelings for Savannah well hidden, but either Nick or Jo had seen straight through him. “Do you want to stay here tonight?” he asked, hopefully.
A smile spread across Savannah’s face, happiness settling in her soul. “I’d love to. I’ll have to go back and get some clothes first, though.”
“Sounds good,” he replied, running a finger down her soft cheek. “Maybe bring enough for a few days at least, okay?”
Her smile was immediate. “Okay.”
“Great.” Leaning forward, he gave her another swift kiss before getting up and walking out of the room, knowing he’d see her later.
Sighing happily, Savannah pulled the blanket up to her shoulders before looking over the breakfast Tom had brought her. He’d been so thoughtful, and Savannah didn’t think she could be any happier. Her decision to leave the Northern Wind pack was the right one, she knew that now. She didn’t want to ever have to go back to that. That pack wasn’t right for her, this pack was. Savannah didn’t want to be part of a pack that attacked other shifters, simply because they wouldn’t join them. She didn’t want to be part of a pack that forced shifters to stay in one skin over another, giving them no freedom at all. She didn’t want to be part of a pack where the pack leader dictated absolutely everything and forced them to live in fear. It didn’t feel right anymore.
Picking up a piece of toast, Savannah munched on it, thinking hard. Lucas had lied to her. He'd told her that Nick and Tom had killed Dan, without ever telling her the reason they'd gone to attack them in the first place. He left out the details that he'd ordered the Northern Wind pack to kill Nick, and he'd certainly never discovered whether or not Dan was really dead. He'd decided that the pack would take revenge on Nick and Tom, without ever really telling the rest of them why. Savannah knew she didn't trust Lucas, not in the least. There was no respect between them, only fear and intimidation. Suppressing a shudder, Savannah lifted her chin. If Dan thought that they should go and speak to Lucas about things, then that was exactly what she'd do. She'd go and tell him everything she'd learned about this pack compared to the Northern Wind pack, and then she'd turn her back on them forever.
But what about Tom? Didn’t he deserve to know the truth? A stone settled in the pit of her stomach as she thought about that. Savannah knew that the truth would come out one day, somehow. It would be best for her to tell him the truth, even though it might wreck things between them. She couldn’t have this shadow hanging over their relationship. Even if Tom didn’t see it, Savannah knew it was there – and she knew it had to go. The only way she could do that was if she was honest with him.
“I’ll do it after I speak to Lucas,” she muttered to herself, ignoring the instant knot in her stomach at the thought of telling Lucas she was leaving. At least Dan would be with her, although he was still recovering. Her mouth twisted. Would they be safe? Or would Lucas attack them?
“Think I’m ready to go outside today!” Dan announced. Startled, Savannah looked up, seeing his slight nod in her direction.
“Really?” Tom looked up, a little puzzled. “There’s no rush, Dan.”
“I know,” he replied. “But I’ve been inside for a long time and I haven’t had a chance to shift either! It’s getting….itchy.”
Nick laughed. “Fair enough, Dan. I get it.” He tilted his head, looking at Dan for a moment. “Have you thought about staying with us?”
Dan nodded. “I have. I think I will, if that’s okay with you guys.”
Silence filled the room. Nick and Tom glanced at each other while Savannah held her breath. Jo was the only one who wasn’t with them, having gone to the store.
“That’s great news, Dan,” Tom said, eventually. “I’m really glad to hear it.”
Savannah’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. From all appearances, Tom was being genuine. “What about the Northern Wind pack?” she blurted out.
“What about them, Savannah?”
She swallowed hard, before answering Nick’s question. “What if they come to attack you again?”
Tom shrugged. “Then we’ll defend ourselves. But I don’t reckon they will.”
“Why?” she asked, her heart beginning to pound in her chest. Lucas wasn’t exactly going to give up two of his pack without a fight.
“Because we’re both alphas,” Nick replied, with a chuckle. “And now we have you and Dan too.”
Tom gave her a half smile. “Plus, Nick’s got a warning system all set up. We’d know if they were on their way here.”
That didn’t do much to settle Savannah’s anxiety. As far as they knew, Lucas was only losing one pack member, when the reality was he’d be losing two. Savannah couldn’t imagine how furious he was going to be.
“Anyway,” Dan continued, stretching. “Reckon I’ll go on out to the woods for a bit.”
“You’re not going to run away, are you?” Tom asked, a little suspiciously.
Dan chuckled. “No, don’t worry.” His face became serious. “Listen, I’ve seen the difference between Lucas’ pack and this one. I don’t want to go back. That pack isn’t exactly a happy one.”
“No, it’s not,” Savannah murmured, catching herself whispering aloud just a second too late. She lifted her head and caught Tom’s frown, her heart slamming like a stone in her chest. “Dan, uh, told me a lot about them,” she muttered, attempting to explain her comment away. She watched as Tom’s face cleared, although a slight frown still played around on his forehead.
“Do you want to come, Savannah?”
Savannah twisted her head to look around at Dan, knowing exactly what he was planning to do. “Go to the woods with you, you mean?”
Dan shrugged, nonchalantly. “Tom and Nick seem to have a lot on their plate at the moment and –”
“So does Savannah,” Tom growled, his lip pulling back just a little.
Holding up his hand, Dan grinned in Tom’s direction. “I’m not trying to steal your girl, Tom, don’t worry. I just thought she might not be as busy as you.”
“Tom trusts me,” Savannah replied, swallowing hard and attempting a smile. “I’m sure he won’t mind.” She glanced over at Tom, trying to keep her mood light despite his angry expression.
“Great!” Dan said, not waiting for Tom to give his permission. “After lunch?”
“Sounds great,” Savannah replied, picking up her fork. “I won’t be long.”
Tom shook his head to himself, telling himself that he was being ridiculous. For whatever reason, he’d watched Savannah and Dan walk off into the woods, and his ears had caught the sound of their shifting, but still, he couldn't get rid of the uneasiness in his stomach.
“Something’s not right,” he growled, his entire body tensing.
“What are you talking about?” Nick yawned, rolling his eyes. “There’s nothing going on between them.”
Tom shook his head. “It’s not that,” he said, quietly. “I trust Savannah, I know she wouldn’t be doing anything…like that, with Dan.” After what they’d shared, Tom knew there was no way Savannah would be interested in anything Dan had to offer. But still, Dan had seemed very keen to take Savannah into the woods with him. “What if he’s taking her back to Lucas’ pack?”
“Why would he do that?”
“Because he’s still loyal to them?”
Nick snorted. "You don't trust people, do you, Tom?" He shook his head at his brother, before going to pick up his jacket. He was taking the afternoon off, to go up to the cabin with Jo. A romantic afternoon, apparently. "Dan told me all about Lucas' pack last night. There's no way he's going back."
The Dragon's Mate Page 119
