The more he knew that April was the person destiny had foreordained him to be with, the more difficult his situation with the pack would be. If they knew that the woman he was sent to get out of their hair was in fact his mate, there would be hell to pay.
He’d just have to keep that secret to himself for now, he supposed.
Grayson continued to stroke over her tiny nub in quick succession, watching as her breathing caught and she struggled against her incoming release. Without moving his finger from her center, he lowered himself and continued to kiss across her chest, down her belly, and over her sides. April’s hands grasped at his shirt, pulling herself deeper into him, the fibers straining as she gasped harshly with every movement of his hand on her.
Then, with a sharp intake of air, April froze, her knuckles going white as she tightened, then came beneath him.
His name on her lips impaled the silence surrounding them as she called to the twinkling heavens above. She writhed, unable to get very far as he held her close to him, stroking once more over her clit and further intensifying the orgasm. And then after several delightful seconds of tensing and releasing, she finally relaxed again onto the sleeping bag.
She made a happy sigh, then shivered slightly, making a cute, “Brr,” sound.
“Phew, it got chilly, didn’t it?” she exclaimed, cheeks red.
Even in human form, Grayson had become accustomed to the most severe of temperatures. So sometimes he forgot how normal people felt in different climates.
He immediately ushered her under the covers of his sleeping bag, grateful he put two together so they’d have space to continue what they were doing. Once she was in, he wrapped his body around her, making sure she was fully warmed before they continued anything more.
“I’m fine. I’m fine,” she insisted, nestling into him. “If anything, these sleeping bags are a bit on the warm side. I was chilly, not hypothermic, you overprotective guy.”
Her words made him grin openly, but when he tried to get the smile off his face, he couldn’t. So instead, he went to pulling her jeans and panties off beneath the covers.
It was only then he realized there wasn’t really the space for what he wanted to do next. Not unless he could fold himself accordion-style at the bottom of the sleeping bag between April’s legs. But he wasn’t going to be denied giving his mate pleasure. So instead, he got out of the sleeping bag, then turned and crawled in face first, parallel to April’s body. Only when his face was squarely positioned over the center of her hips, their bodies inverted, did she let out a squeak of pleased surprise.
“You’re not telling me that…” She trailed off. Why did she sound so confused at what was going on?
“Whatever you’re thinking, the answer is yes.” He kept his hips turned to the side, though, so she could look up at the stars instead of his junk while he made her come. Then, without waiting, he let his tongue slide over her wet slit, using the tip to flick against her clit.
She cried out, one arm wrapping around his leg near her and holding on tightly. But he didn’t relent, instead kissing her sex and making circles around the tiny nub with his tongue.
It was kind of erotic this way, though, nothing but complete darkness surrounding him inside the sleeping bag, surrounded by April’s body heat and the sensual scent of wildflowers and fresh mountain air. It made every tensing of her muscles, every jerk of her legs as he touched and licked her, more sensual, more intense.
“Don’t stop,” she begged. Of course he had no intention of stopping. In fact, if he could keep doing this to April and actually never stop, he would.
Sadly, bodies just didn’t work that way.
He sucked lightly on her clit, and April came, hard. Not even the sleeping bag encircling him on every side seemed to be able to muffle the sound of her release. And even as she came down from that orgasm, he licked and licked in rapid succession, making her orgasm again right after that.
She barely had time to catch her breath as the release cascaded over her. At one point, it felt like she actually bit down on his leg nearest to her, the arousal was so intense. But that just made him smile since it was possibly the wolfiest thing she could have done in the moment.
Seconds after seconds passed as it rolled through her, her body clenching inwardly then releasing.
His entire life leading up to this had been without her. So as Grayson saw it, he had a lot of time to make up for in terms of pleasuring his mate.
Finally, she came to with a loud sigh, and Grayson positioned himself to continue. But before he could, he heard the sound of his zipper, followed by one of April’s hands stroking his rock-hard shaft inside his jeans.
“I… That’s cheating.” The sound of his voice was muddled by the encompassing sleeping bag.
“This isn’t a game, so there’s no such thing as cheating.” April sounded surprisingly energetic in spite of her recent releases. “I just want you, Grayson. Plain and simple.”
Being careful, he crawled out of the sleeping bag to see April, hair splayed around her face, cheeks flushed, eyes full of need as she looked up at him. Perhaps the same kind of need that he felt for her.
If anyone could ever possibly want him in that way, that was.
He hesitated for a moment, a litany of emotions warring within him. But when April’s hands reached for his belt this time, he smiled, shooing her hands away.
“Fine, okay, okay. You win,” he exclaimed, pulling off his clothes and letting the cool night air wash over him as he bathed in moonlight. April’s eyes went wide, looking down his body and fixating on his hips as she took in the sight of him.
If it were possible, he would have felt a hint of trepidation, vulnerability at being the one pursued, not just the pursuer in this moment.
But just the fact that she needed him meant everything, both to his wolf and the human part.
Besides, who was he to deny her anything she wanted?
He crawled into the sleeping bag with her, pausing for a moment to pull a condom from the back pocket of his jeans in the grass next to them. It was so warm inside with April, and the excitement in her gaze was infectious.
Mate.
Yes, but not now, he reminded himself.
He tore the wrapper and slid the condom on, then positioned himself between April’s legs. The forced proximity of the sleeping bag around them only made the moment more intense, more sensual, as cool air licked at his ears. He waited for April, and when she nodded, he slowly slid into her, tight wetness surrounding him as he sheathed himself completely within her.
She braced for a moment, looking completely overtaken. Then, slowly, her expression relaxed, shifting from tension into utter pleasure.
“Damn, that’s good,” she said, lips swollen from their kisses.
“I couldn’t agree more.” He finished by closing his mouth over hers, stroking with his tongue as he slid out of her slowly and thrust back in. She moaned hard against his lips, fingers digging into his shoulders.
But Grayson didn’t stop, moving into a slow rhythm as they slid in and out together. Each centimeter of friction sent intense frissons of pleasure down his neck and spine, pushing him to go faster. But he stayed steady, just watching intently as every little movement made April’s body go more and more wild.
She was so beautiful, face lit up by the moonlight cascading around them, every tiny expression of pleasure delightfully plain in her features. A few stray strands of hair had made their way onto her cheeks and across her forehead, and he reached a hand up to set them in place, cupping the side of her face at the end.
She nuzzled into his hand, mewling as he began to move fast, her eyebrows pushed together, eyes closed as each moment became more intense than the last. But he didn’t let up, thrusting deep inside and filling her completely before withdrawing and coming in ever more quickly.
Both of them were starting to reach their limit now, bodies taut with tension ready to burst at any moment. April’s breaths were more harried, mo
re staccato than ever before, and Grayson knew she wouldn’t be able to hold back much longer.
His own body felt consumed by an inner fire that made his skin feel hot and sticky, starkly contrasted by the cool air surrounding them. He steeled his senses, all of them acutely aware of his mate beneath him.
She was so close, so near the edge. Grayson thrust in one last time, holding them together, so deep he completely lost himself inside her, and April came one last time. At first, she went rigid. Then she arched against the ground and screamed out his name as he slipped over the edge with her. His entire body throbbed, pulsing with back-wrenching energy that exploded inward and through him.
It felt like forever as they both rode out their orgasms together, Grayson keenly aware of his mate even as the release inundated him with intoxicating pleasure. Only when April had finally relaxed in his arms, lying back on the sleeping bag and heaving a heavy sigh, did he slowly pull out. He produced a small towel from a side pocket in his backpack and cleaned up quickly, tossing it aside before pulling April close into him.
“That was amazing,” April exclaimed, still sounding overcome by the whole experience. He was, too.
He reached up and pulled a drawstring, tightening the entrance of the sleeping bag so only their heads popped out, sealing the warmth inside the bag for just the two of them. She relaxed into his embrace, and he wrapped his arm fully around her, reveling in her warm softness against him.
“Yes, it was,” he replied, whispering into her ear, then placing one last kiss on her neck, making her twitch.
“Good night.” She yawned and was asleep in less than a minute, leaving Grayson to his thoughts.
He wanted to mate her. Wanted to turn her around and do it all over again, claiming her as his.
But that pack wouldn’t allow it. And as strong as he was, a lone wolf against many would be suicide.
He’d figure this out, somehow.
In the meantime, he nestled into the feel of April, staying up all night, ears perked, keeping watch for any sign of danger. Above him, the stars and moon kept their noiseless vigil with him until night slowly faded into dawn.
Chapter 13
As they hiked back the next morning, April could hardly believe they’d slept overnight under the stars.
She’d even heard her first sign of wolves here, which made her excited in a very different way than her night with Grayson had.
They’d been alone in the wilderness, unsheltered, yet she’d never once felt unsafe with him beside her.
Maybe because she knew enough to know that the wolves in the area probably weren’t violent to humans.
Maybe she just had a sense of calm and peace that she hadn’t wanted to question.
Or maybe she just hadn’t wanted to leave Grayson’s arms after the perfect moment they’d shared together, alone under the stars.
He’d been awake when she’d awoken, and she wasn’t sure he’d slept at all based on the shadows under his eyes. She hoped he’d gotten a little rest, but a part of her thought maybe he’d stayed up watching over them.
That gave her an odd little tingle she didn’t completely understand.
He was quiet as they packed up and headed back in the direction they’d come from. The morning air was still cool, and April was enjoying the scent of the breeze as it blew through the trees.
Finally, when they were about halfway back, April couldn’t hold back any more about her excitement about the wolf discovery. “I can’t believe we finally heard howling. Confirmation of wolves!”
His expression was cagey, and his eyes avoided hers as they kept walking, him helping her down a steep part of the path.
Why didn’t he want to talk about this? Shouldn’t he be happy she’d made a discovery? It meant she’d be staying a little longer in this part of town. Long enough to keep exploring things with him at least.
“I’m glad you’re happy,” he said finally, eyes fixed on the trail ahead of him as he quickened his pace.
“I am,” she said. “You have no idea what this means to a researcher. Finding a new pack, learning everything about them.”
He pinned her with a piercing glare. “I thought you just wanted to protect them.”
April nodded. “Of course, but I can do that best by reporting on them.”
He sighed but kept walking with his hands folded behind his head and his brows knitted in consternation. Then he stopped and faced her. “April, what if researching these wolves is the opposite of protecting them? What if you end up exposing them instead?”
April cocked her head, arms folded. “How would I do that?”
“What if they aren’t… normal wolves?”
An odd, nervous sensation pricked at her. “What do you mean by that? Besides, you said there weren’t any wolves in this area, and now you’re saying there are abnormal ones?”
“I said there weren’t any gray wolves in this area,” Grayson said. “And if there are other wolves, I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want you to come across them.”
“Why?”
He ran his hand through his hair and sat on a nearby log, exhausted. “Look, I can’t explain everything, but I’m in a difficult position here. I know certain things about the people here, their way of life. But I’m also falling for you, and I can’t—”
She smiled up at him. “You’re falling for me?”
He blinked. “Of course. I told you I wasn’t the type to mess around. If I hadn’t wanted you the minute I saw you, I wouldn’t have ever made a move.”
“So what’s the problem?”
“I don’t know what to do now. I never thought I’d meet you… like this. It’s a situation I don’t know how to handle, and I’m usually great at handling situations.”
“I see. But why does it have to be a situation? Why can’t you just be happy that I’ve discovered a wolf pack and have an excuse to stay here longer with you? Now I can meet your construction friends, and—”
He put a hand to her lips softly, silencing her. “There are some things I need to figure out before I can get excited.”
Her heart dropped like an elevator lurching in a shaft. She’d been flying so high, allowing herself to get so excited, that she hadn’t even seen that Grayson was having doubts now. But why now, after the night they’d shared together?
Was it something to do with the wolves?
“I don’t get it,” she said, sitting on the log next to him. “If you’re serious about me and you’re not the type to fool around and you’re falling for me, what’s the problem? Is it really that bad that I’ve found some wolves?”
“What do you think?” he burst out. “Who on earth wants their mate hanging around wolves? They’re fucking animals, April. They aren’t soft and fluffy. I guess I thought if you got caught up enough in me, you’d forget about them. Sometimes I forget they are the reason you came out here. Sometimes I wish you were just here for me.”
She raised an eyebrow. “But they are the reason. And I’ve been spending time with you but always clear on my goals for being out here. I didn’t think you had such a problem with it to begin with.”
He looked away stubbornly, folding his arms.
“I mean, be honest with me, Grayson. Did you know there were wolves here?”
His gaze was placid. “I’m not sure how to answer that question.”
“It’s easy,” she said, frustration entering her voice. “You either knew there were wolves here or you didn’t. You either lied or you told the truth.”
His mouth turned into a scowl. “Everything is that simple to you scientists, isn’t it? A pack is just a science project, something to be stalked and followed and prodded. And if it all falls apart, well, there’s another pack to study, isn’t there? After all, they’re just animals with no right to privacy, no right to make it on their own, no right to the land they inherited.”
She gaped at him, wondering where all that had come from. “I have no idea why you’re saying all this.”
<
br /> He turned away, hunching slightly. “I care for you, April, but I care for other things, too. I made a mistake a long time ago, and I’m still paying for it today. I have things I can’t tell you, and it’s driving me crazy.”
Tenderness moved through her, and she scooted close, pulling his face toward her with her hand. “Hey, look at me.”
He did, facing her bravely, though there was vulnerability in those big silver eyes. “That’s all I want to do, April. So why does everything have to be so hard?”
She stroked his cheek. “Does this have something to do with the people you are helping?”
He hesitated, then nodded sharply.
“And they have something to do with the wolves?”
A longer hesitation this time, then a nod.
“So what, you want me to give up on this? Just go back to where I came from?”
Grayson shook his head. “No, that’s the last thing I’m wanting. Just… give up on the wolves. Stay somewhere safer, closer to town.”
She just stared at him, wondering how he could possibly ask this of her after helping her search for wolves for days. It wasn’t that she wasn’t willing to do such a thing for him. It was simply that she didn’t understand why.
And still couldn’t figure out if she’d been lied to.
Then again, why didn’t her feelings matter on the subject? Yes, she was head over heels for him, but she’d driven countless miles, stayed in the wilderness, and hiked all over to help wildlife that she’d made it her life’s goal to study.
So why did she have to let go of all of it now? If he truly had fallen for her, why would he try and ask it of her?
He stood, stiffening slightly. “I shouldn’t have asked that. It’s not fair.” He reached out a hand to help her up, and she let him, tentatively.
The corners of his eyes were tense with far-off concern.
“I really… don’t want to stop my research.”
“I understand,” he said, walking ahead on the trail.
“I’m not trying to hurt you, but I just don’t understand why you said there were no wolves, and now you say you need me to stop looking into them.” She came to a stop, staring up at him. “If you want me to put my life’s work aside, you need to finally be honest with me.”
Mine Furever Page 9
