“Um… no. Not a problem. Except…”
His gaze was frank, as if she could tell him anything without getting judgment. “Is something wrong?”
She twisted her hair nervously, knowing it was time to be honest lest she end up dumped in a spring again. “I wasn’t… overheated.”
One dark eyebrow raised, and Grayson folded his arms. “You definitely were. I saw all the signs. You were flushed, panting, and your legs were unsteady.”
She shook her head. “No. I mean, yes, I did all that. And I was a little hot, but it’s not because…” She looked away from him, too embarrassed to say the rest of it.
Oh God, what had she gotten herself into?
“What was it, then?” His full lips pressed into a firm line as he awaited her response.
She sighed in exasperation, gesturing between them. “You aren’t feeling this thing between us? I mean, it’s like… my thighs were on your head. You carry all my stuff, and you fix everything, and you’re just so handsome, and there… and—” The words were pouring out now, and she couldn’t have stopped them if she tried, so she was relieved when Grayson stopped her by putting his mouth over hers.
Chapter 8
Unlike last night, this kiss wasn’t at all tentative. His lips parted hers, and his tongue swept in aggressively as he pulled her back into his arms and into the water.
She struggled slightly, panicked even as arousal washed through her, but she felt his hands holding her thighs securely and knew she was totally safe.
She wrapped her arms around his head and just let him kiss her, loving the feel of her softness against his hard body, the warmth of their skin contrasted by the cool wetness of the pool.
When they finally broke apart, Grayson shook the water from his hair, looking slightly dog-like and making her smile as he looked at her in consternation.
She leaned back, legs around his waist, letting his hands support her so she could get a better look at her man.
Her man. When had she started thinking of it like that? Even with this thing happening between them, she had no reason to think it was something exclusive or permanent.
Yet after only a few days, she couldn’t imagine life without him.
A scientist like her should be more careful about these things, but she was pretty sure no one would ever kiss her like Grayson.
“So… um.” She tucked her hair behind her ear, noting that her lips felt swollen. Along with other parts of her. “I guess… you aren’t mad about it, then?”
He let out a little growl and caught her lips again, covering her mouth and absorbing her muffled moans as his tongue swept inside her again. His hands pressed her body tight against him, purposefully pushing her breasts against his hard pecs.
Letting her feel his purpose, his need for her, as his tongue swept possessively inside her mouth told her that everything was mutual.
Had he been pining for her, too, but just better at hiding it?
She didn’t care as she moved one hand through his short hair and scraped the other over his back, feeling the muscle there.
Damn, his shoulders were wide, and there was just so much of him that she felt tiny and feminine and just… wanted as his hands left her thighs and buried themselves in her hair, keeping her face close.
She no longer worried about the water because all she could feel was Grayson’s total focus on her, the way his entire body was caught up in her response.
He pulled back, biting her lip and scraping it lightly as he released her, still cupping her face in his hands. “Does that answer your question?”
She let out a small, breathy sigh, keeping her legs locked around him. “I don’t even remember what I asked.”
He chuckled as he caught her under the legs again with one hand and the other caught her neck, pulling her forward so he could feast his fill, kissing over her delicate shoulders and down to the tops of her breasts.
He was ravenous now, licking and biting her skin as he made his way down toward her nipples, which were hardened with anticipation.
“You asked… if I was mad,” he said, moving one hand to her waist and cupping gently. It moved up her side toward her breast, and she saw a question in his eyes before he went there. “I might be mad. Mad about you. Mad at myself for having no control around you. Mad that I had to meet you this way.”
She nodded, then took his hand and pressed it over her breast, letting out a moan as he palmed the soft flesh there through her shirt. “Wait, why mad about meeting this way?”
“Because you aren’t here for me, and I’m not supposed to be here for you. But it was enough to be around you, and I could hold back… until I knew you felt the same. Now I can’t resist you.” His hand squeezed her breast lovingly as he spoke.
She pulled up her shirt and unhooked her bra, pulling both of them off of her, leaving her topless, just like he was.
Her skin was so pale compared to his, so soft and fragile, and she couldn’t help loving the contrast between them.
His eyes went instantly steely the second her breasts were revealed, and his mouth dipped to cover one rosy tip as he covered the other with his hand, tweaking the nipple gently.
He licked and sucked, and she didn’t think she’d felt anything more amazing as she arched back and let the afternoon sun stream down over her face as Grayson supported her completely with one hand while devouring her with the other.
“Fuck, April, you’re unlike anything,” he murmured, kissing her breast and squeezing the other. When he suckled, she moaned, and when he lightly grazed her nipple with his teeth, her legs squeezed around him and her core filled with pure want.
There was something so primal about this, being out in nature with only the trees and the sun watching, with this cool, clean water all around them and Grayson paying attention only to her wants.
When she was panting from anticipation, he scooped her in against his chest, holding her there with one arm so she was totally secure.
Her heart pounded as she looked up at him, wondering what was next. But then his free hand slid between her thighs, and she bucked against him. Oh yes.
He pressed against her jeans, testing her reaction, and curiosity and heat mingled in his eyes as he watched her writhe.
Perhaps he didn’t do this often. It was hard to imagine with a man as hot as him, but maybe he hadn’t had much time in the military.
But she didn’t have time to think about that because his hand slid under her jeans and teased her against her panties, the only barrier between her and the cool water and his bare hand.
Oh God, that felt good as heat built inside her and she began to thrash in his arms.
It was a different kind of drowning, a panic that what was coming was too good for her to comprehend it, a feeling that she could barely stand what he was about to do.
But she trusted him, gave in to the sensation as his hand worked harder and harder, playing and toying and pushing against her folds and her clit.
Then she came, energy releasing over her as her muscles clenched in waves, making ecstasy rush through her.
She arched back, flailing against him, but he caught her close, utterly in control as he watched her come, those gray eyes blazing with satisfaction as he watched her, helpless against the pleasure he’d brought.
When she finally calmed, shaking, he drew her closer, holding her with both arms and kissing her forehead, holding his lips there as she slowly let her body return to normal.
When she finally was able to look up at him, she wasn’t at all sure what to say.
That had been amazing and unexpected, but should she do something for him? Were they going to go further? She’d never met a man who just wanted to give an orgasm and stop there.
But apparently she hadn’t met Grayson, because he simply smiled at her and held her in his arms, gathered her scattered clothing, and he walked to the edge of the spring and popped himself out to sit on the edge.
They were both wet, and he seemed in
no hurry to let her go as the sun slowly began to dry them, stroking a hand through April’s still-wet hair, ignoring the fact that her body was still humming.
Oh God, what had she just done with him? And why did she want to do it over and over again?
She had no idea what to say to him, what to ask about what had happened, and he seemed content to just sit there enjoying the sun.
The whole scene was almost dreamlike, and she feared speaking would only ruin the effect.
But then her stomach growled, doing it for her, and Grayson looked down at her, utterly amused.
“Hungry?” he asked calmly.
She grimaced, biting her lip. She was starving, but not in the way he meant it. “I suppose.”
He gave her a cocky grin as he stood, pulling her with him. “I guess we better get some lunch, then. Can’t leave you… unsatisfied.”
Her jaw dropped, but he simply smirked so quickly she almost missed it and went to rummage in the backpack he’d brought.
Did he just? Did he…?
April decided she wasn’t going to talk about it if he wasn’t and set about finding her next camera while he prepared lunch.
As they ate, her body slowly returned to normal, and as they went back to work in the forest, neither of them mentioned what had just happened in the spring.
And April started to wonder if she had just dreamed the whole thing after all.
* * *
Hours later, when Grayson had finally dropped April off and headed home, the sun had dipped far below the horizon and night had settled quietly over the forest around them.
Grayson wasn’t sure whether to be pleased or angry with himself for making April come.
When she’d looked at him, so helpless, and he’d finally realized the cause of her distress was needing him in that way, he hadn’t been able to hold back.
His chest still throbbed with the memory of her soft body in his hands, surrounded by water, next to him. He wanted to do so much more than they’d had time or reservations for at the moment. But Grayson also knew he shouldn’t get more involved than he already was.
Mate. The pesky wolf snarled inside him impatiently.
Human, he retorted, though the wolf ignored it.
Grayson parked his truck, then kept his steps light as he trudged back to his trailer, annoyed at the thought that the entire place was still falling apart and, without his help, would continue to do so for a good long while.
Suddenly, his ears perked to the sound of a twig snapping, and the scent of nearby people immediately filled his nostrils. Even though they were familiar, he whirled on the nearest noise, his animal reflexes kicking in.
From behind a thick pine, Mattson emerged from the shadows. Grayson could see a feral glint in his eyes, a fang showing as he frowned angrily in his direction. Two more of Mattson’s lackeys followed behind, and then from another direction, Brett showed last, folding his arms in disappointment.
“You really fucked up this time, didn’t you?” Mattson snarled.
Grayson kept his face neutral, even as his hands were still clenched into fists. “What are you talking about?”
Had someone seen him with April that afternoon? Did they know he’d done things with April he had no business doing if he had only the pack’s best interests in mind?
“The cameras. You help her set them up, didn’t you?” Brett’s voice was reluctant as he chimed in, keeping himself apart from Mattson and his cronies.
“If your job was to keep her from finding us, you’re doing a shitty job of it, outsider,” Mattson said.
“Why? Did you break your promise and shift? It’s your fault if you let yourself be seen by them.” Grayson shot back.
“Of course not. We’re not idiots. Unlike you.” Mattson was inching closer to him with each word. Grayson didn’t like it.
“Then what were you doing out there? Spying on us?” It felt like a conspiracy against him, but Grayson also knew wolves to be the most suspicious, neurotic assholes of shifters, especially when it had anything to do with threatening the pack’s way of life.
“One of our scouts was out there, in human form, of course,” Brett said quietly. “We have to keep an eye on our territory, even when we aren’t wolves. He stumbled across one of the cameras by mistake, thankfully out of range. But it still creates an unnecessary risk for us all, Grayson.”
Brett’s face was worried. Clearly, Mattson had worked his fearmongering before this discussion even began.
“Well, as long as the pack stays clear of the north side of the forest and they don’t shift, there shouldn’t be any problems,” Grayson replied, addressing Brett and ignoring Mattson’s snarls. “Besides, there was no way to tell her she couldn’t put up cameras when she has permits to do so. Not without looking suspicious.”
“The pack is getting restless with a human so close to them,” Brett said. “Many of them aren’t used to being in human form this long, and some of the members are getting antsy.”
“They’ll just need to toughen up, then. If they can’t pretend to be human for a couple days, there isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell they’re going to pass for human around other humans,” Grayson stated tersely.
“That’s easy for you to say, a clanless, nameless rogue who’s more human than wolf,” Mattson threatened, coming even nearer.
Grayson had officially had enough. In an instant, the wolf inside him tore out of him, and he changed to a four-legged, growling creature with fangs the size of railroad spikes, baring down on Mattson. In the same instant, Mattson changed, too, his ruddy fur an easy target even in the darkness. His lackeys came up beside him, looking ready to shift, but Mattson snapped at them, backing them down.
“The rogue is mine,” Mattson growled, spittle dripping from his bared teeth.
“I’ll show you just how much wolf I really am, bastard,” Grayson hissed, paws digging into the soft earth beneath him, ready to leap at a moment’s notice.
“Both of you, stand down,” Brett demanded, stepping forward.
Mattson hesitated for a moment, but Grayson felt no inner response to the command.
“How dare you hurl accusations at me.” Grayson whirled on Brett. “I’m the one putting myself on the line for a bunch of wolves that aren’t even my own pack. Just so you ungrateful dipshits can sleep better at night.”
“I understand that,” Brett said, putting up his hands and looking slightly taken aback. “We just didn’t expect the girl to actually set up equipment out here or anything like that. We’re doing our best here.”
Grayson could at least respect Brett’s attempt at logic. There certainly was a severe lack of sense around these parts.
“Just leave her to me. I’m taking care of it.”
“Hmph, more like taking your time.” One of the lackey’s scoffed.
Mattson just grumbled. “If you can’t fix this, then maybe I’ll just have to step in and handle the woman for you.”
Burning rage exploded inside Grayson out of nowhere, and he leapt forward, face to face with Mattson. Mattson braced, expecting an all-out attack, but didn’t back down.
“You threaten her one more time, any of you, and I’ll let the Tribunal burn your shit to the ground.” Grayson couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so angry.
He legitimately didn’t care if every wolf in the county came after him for it. He wasn’t going to let Mattson run his mouth anymore. Not when Grayson knew how wonderful, how thoughtful and good of a person April was.
“You’re out of line, Grayson,” Brett tried to say commandingly. But as a human next to two gigantic wolves, it was like fighting a wildfire of anger with a small cup of water.
“No, he’s out of line.” Grayson snarled, turning to Mattson. “Take it back, or I’ll show you what it feels like to have your intestines ripped out through your throat.”
Mattson’s eye twitched, and for a moment, he looked unsure of his own blustering. When he looked over at Brett, Brett just nodded ur
gently.
“Fine, fine, I got carried away.” Mattson broke eye contact and looked to the side as he spoke, conceding to Grayson. “But you need to tell your wolf to chill.”
Grayson wasn’t even going to begin with the petty-sounding reminder that Mattson had, in fact, been the one who’d started this. It was enough to just see him eat his own words for the time being.
Brett broke in again. “This is the last thing we need to be dealing with right now. One of our scouts caught the trail of wolves on the eastern side of our land. We haven’t seen anything yet, but it could be rogues, or it could be a whole new pack encroaching on our territory. Either way, it means everyone is on guard, and we need the situation handled as soon as possible. We’ll leave it to you to figure that out.” He relaxed slightly as he spoke, but the tension in the air was still so thick, so palpable, that another twig snap could set it over the edge again.
Mattson and his lackeys thankfully kept their traps shut, and when Brett finished, they all began to slink away into the darkness.
Grayson, adrenaline still rushing through him as he tried to comprehend the brashness of his own actions, just stood there watching as he heard Brett let out a sigh.
“On a side note, could you tell your friend the cougar to stop coming around? Even if he’s trying to be helpful, his lack of scent puts everyone on edge,” Brett asked.
Grayson rolled his eyes and then nodded. “Fine.”
“Oh, and by the way, you should take a shower,” Mattson called over his shoulder as he strolled back toward the encampment. “You have that human woman’s scent all over you.”
Grayson should have told the mangy mutt off, but the small group was gone before he had the clarity of thought to even speak back.
He was doing the best he could here, so why didn’t anyone see that?
Chapter 9
Grayson slammed the door of his trailer behind him, done with the pack’s theatrics and drama for the day.
They could go to hell for all he cared. Yet he couldn’t just tell them to go screw themselves like he wanted to. April was still out there. And with the pack’s safety and their identities as shifters on the line, he knew they might not hesitate to take drastic measures to protect themselves.
Mine Furever Page 6
