by Kym Grosso
Twisting the gloss upward, she gently applied it to her lips, grateful that she’d not only met her mate but that they’d both made it out of that hellhole alive. It wasn’t until after she’d quelled her brother’s fears that they’d returned to the cave. Jake, not belonging to either pack, had stayed to watch over Dominique. The extent of her friend’s compassion never ceased to amaze Katrina. Despite his misgivings, he’d fed the vampire, assuring her survival. While his blood had instantly regenerated her body, Dominique remained despondent.
Because she was sired of Kade Issacson, he’d been contacted right away. But it was Quintus who’d offered to return her to New Orleans. Under any other circumstances, she and Jax might not have agreed to the transportation arrangement. Given her condition, however, Jax permitted the ancient vampire to assist them.
As planned, Jake had set off the C-4 explosives, collapsing the entrances to the cavern. Without inspection, it was difficult to ascertain the condition of the interior, but the former Navy SEAL assured them no one would ever be able to enter. Katrina prayed to the Goddess that whatever demon Mick had summoned had been entombed forever.
The reality was that if he’d allowed it to breach the earthly realm once to grant favors, there was no guarantee it hadn’t escaped. A deal with the devil was not one where the debtor set the terms. It was likely he’d overestimated his ability, bringing a great atrocity into the world. At Jax’s request, they’d conducted an ecumenical service to bless the land and restore it. The ministers, from both human and supernatural religions, had assured them the area had been cleaned. Cautiously optimistic, Jax had allowed wolves to run on the property.
Thoughts of Ilsbeth haunted Katrina. Although her magick no longer sang in her body, she couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to the witch. Mick had never disclosed what he’d done to her but whatever it was, Katrina suspected she’d met a torturous existence. Not convinced Ilsbeth was dead, she’d hired a private detective to search for the witch.
Neither Jax nor Jake had been pleased, but they’d accepted that Katrina sought closure. Despite the high priestess’s heinous attack on Dimitri, she’d gone to great lengths to help Katrina, which had led to Mick’s demise. Convinced the witch regretted her actions, she wished she could thank her.
Katrina’s mind drifted to Jake, who’d asked to stay in Jax’s remote cabin. While she’d thought it odd he didn’t immediately return to New Orleans, she suspected Jax had influenced his decision. An Alpha, Jake would have to decide his own fate. Now that Jax had called him out on leaving his San Diego pack, he’d been given confirmation of what he’d probably known all along. Katrina understood the conflict, having grown up in New Orleans. It had been difficult moving to Philadelphia. Taking her rightful place with her Alpha in New York City, she drew comfort from knowing they’d visit and stay in their French Quarter home on occasion.
Katrina dabbed her lips with a tissue, and wondered what Jax had planned. They’d been home for a week, and he’d worked nonstop, catching up on business. When she’d come home from her new gallery, she’d found a note on the bed instructing her to meet him on the roof at seven. It was the one place in the penthouse he hadn’t allowed her to see yet, and she suspected he’d been planning something special ever since they’d returned to the city.
Remarkably adventurous, her Alpha had a delightful habit of taking her off guard. She’d learned not to expect anything but the unexpected. Falling for the charismatic wolf had been easy, but since the night of her death, they hadn’t professed their love to each other. Although disappointed they hadn’t exchanged the sentiment, she’d never doubted his commitment. Aware of how Nick’s death had affected Jax, she’d patiently wait for him to open his heart fully. There was no place else on the entire Earth she’d rather be than in his arms.
Wearing the dress he’d laid out for her, Katrina stepped into the elevator and pushed the button. As she arrived and the door slid open, she smiled, hearing Mozart play into the night air. The sight of her Alpha took her breath away. Katrina’s eyes were drawn to his clean-shaven face. Sophisticated and debonair, he’d dressed in a suit and tie, his hair once again styled short.
“My queen.” Jax extended his hand with a broad smile.
As Katrina placed her palm in his, she gave a nervous laugh. The sexual tension sizzled between them as her skin touched his. Her face heated, and she brushed her fingertips over her cheek. As he led her out onto the veranda, she smiled, taking in the gorgeous scene.
White cushioned outdoor furniture sat adjacent to a stone column corner fireplace. The spectacular space had been designed with a modern flair yet the potted trees and plants gave a warm impression. Her heels tapped along the marble floor, and she noted a section of grass on the far side of the patio. In the center, a rectangular pool sparkled, a series of fountains dancing upward.
Her eyes went to a set table, and she smiled, realizing he’d planned dinner. As she turned to Jax, she accepted a glass of champagne.
“A toast?” His eyes darted to the string quartet. “The classics always were my favorite. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.”
“A Little Night Music. It’s beautiful,” she replied.
“We think alike, my sweet mate.” He held his glass to the air. “To a thousand more nights together.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” She gave a sexy smile, the effervescent drink bubbling over her tongue.
“Come.” Jax winked as he took her glass, setting it aside.
Katrina breathed deeply. Aroused simply from being in his presence, she couldn’t conceal her attraction.
As he swept her into his arms, she sighed. Within his embrace, she rested her head onto his chest, breathing in the masculine scent of her mate. His freshly showered skin registered first, a faint touch of cologne detectible, its mint and lemon scent adding to his allure. She resisted the urge to rub against him as his hand caressed her lower back, teasing her bottom. Dancing slowly, offbeat to the music, her body ignited in desire.
“Jax.” She lifted her head to make eye contact with her sexy wolf. “This is beautiful.”
“I wanted it special for you…for us.” He glanced to the fountains. “The pool has always been here, but the rest? I worked on it this week.”
“What?” Her eyes widened at his confession.
“This place…uh, Nick and I…we used to come up here. We’d have a drink. A cigar. Guy stuff.” Jax looked to the furnishings and back to Katrina. “It was time for a change. You deserve a home, Kat.”
“We’ll make a home together.” Katrina’s breath caught as he turned serious.
“Everything I have. Everything I ever will be…it’s yours. Always.”
“Jax…I…”
“Katrina,” Jax paused and gestured to the musicians. They ceased playing, but within minutes of them leaving, the music continued, filtering through speakers. Her Alpha took her hand and placed her palm to his chest, his eyes locked on hers. “You are everything to me. How I feel…” He laughed and continued. “I feel amazing. I never knew what it would be like to find you. When we first met…that rush? I can still remember feeling obsessed. And when you didn’t want me, I was so angry. I couldn’t understand how it could be possible to have this chemistry with someone…it was so strong. It didn’t make sense that you couldn’t be my mate.”
“I’m sorry…”
“Making love with you. Finding out you are my mate. Getting to know you…falling for you…I told you when you were sleeping.” He smiled. “When you died.”
“Told me what?”
“I love you, Kat. I’ve never met anyone like you and I never will. I love you more than I ever thought was possible.”
“Jax…” She smiled, her heart melting.
“I should have told you I loved you when we got back but I just wanted it to be special. I wanted you to remember this moment forever. No death. No evil. Just you and me.” He glanced to the cityscape and back to Katrina. “I want to share my life with you.”
“I
love you, too.” Katrina’s eyes fell to his lips then returned to his eyes. “You are the only one I’ve ever loved…will ever love.”
“I love you.” Jax leaned in toward her, closing the distance between them.
“Jax…” her words were silenced as his lips took hers.
Katrina wrapped her arms around his neck, drowning in his passionate kiss. His soft mouth made love to hers, his tongue seeking and tasting. Breathless, she gasped as he broke contact, his heated gaze undressing her.
Without speaking he led her over to the edge of the lawn, and circled around her to her back. His strong hands weighed down onto her shoulders, his fingertips stroking the hollow of her neck.
“You look stunning tonight.”
Katrina went still, recognizing the dominant tone in his voice, his erection brushing her bottom. His warm breath teased her ear.
“I love this dress on you, but there’s a problem with it, I’m afraid.”
“What…I…” The sound of her zipper being undone silenced her. She smiled, aware of what her devious wolf had planned.
“Your skin…it’s,” Jax trailed his tongue behind her ear, eliciting a barely audible moan, “delicious.”
Gooseflesh broke over her skin as he peppered kisses onto her neck and hooked his thumbs over the thin straps, drawing the fabric away. The cocktail dress pooled at her feet. Bared, her nipples hardened into points, the cool evening air caressing them like a lover.
“No bra?” he growled, nipping her shoulder. “And what is this fine surprise?”
A broad smile broke across Katrina’s face. She’d bought the panties especially for her Alpha. A thong designed of delicate crystals hung low on her hips by black satin ribbons, adorning her as if she were wearing a necklace.
Like a panther he stalked around Katrina, and drank in the sight of his mate. The feral look in his eyes sent a jolt to her pussy and her thighs tensed.
“For me?” He smiled and raised a questioning eyebrow at her.
“Only for you,” she responded, her voice breathy.
She sighed as he cupped her cheeks, his thumb tracing over her bottom lip. Darting her tongue over his fingers, she sucked it.
“You are a naughty, little wolf, aren’t you?”
“On the contrary, Alpha. I’m very, very good.”
“I’m not sure about that. After all, you have caused our dinner to be delayed.”
“Hungry?”
She gasped, as his hands moved to her waist. With lightning-fast speed, he pressed his lips between her breasts.
“Jax, ah…”
“I’m ravenous.” Taking her swollen peak between his teeth, he tugged it.
Katrina cried out. The sweet pain morphed to pleasure, his tongue laving and sucking. He focused his attention on her other breast and she stabbed her fingers through his hair.
“And this…”
She sucked a breath as he tugged on the strings, and the gems pattered against the stone floor. He dropped to his knees, and she blinked, never once caring that she stood bare in the night.
“No clothing will ever be as beautiful as this,” he told her.
Katrina’s head lolled back as Jax dragged his tongue through her wet slit.
“That feels…yes,” she managed. Wearing only her heels, she widened her stance, seeking his touch.
“So fucking sexy,” he hummed. “And this…”
“Ahh…” Katrina tightened her grip on his hair. Her clit tingled as he sucked it into his mouth, and her body quivered in response.
“I love every single part of you, baby. You taste,” he drove two thick fingers up inside her, “so good.”
Unrelenting, his wicked tongue lashed over her swollen nub. As his fingers curled inside her, grazing the thin strip of nerves, Katrina screamed in ecstasy. Her release came fast and strong. She teetered in her pumps, struggling to remain balanced. Jax’s hand clutched her hip, steadying her.
She heaved for breath, her heart pounding in her chest like she’d run a marathon. As he raised his eyes to meet hers, she shivered, watching in fascination as he smiled. With slow deliberation, he dragged his tongue up through her seam, pressing his lips to her mound.
“Jax…make love to me,” she breathed.
He pushed to his feet, taking her in his arms. His mouth descended on hers, and their lips collided in a desperate attempt to become one. Their tongues intertwined, and Katrina swore she could feel his love through every cell of her body. His savage kiss drove her wild, and she tore at his jacket, tossing it to the floor. Within seconds, she’d removed his tie. Desperate to have him inside her, she tore at his shirt, buttons scattering across the tiles.
They fell to their knees onto the soft grass, and he kicked off his pants. She reached for her prize, gripping his hard cock in her hand.
“Katrina,” he called into her lips as she stroked him.
Taking control, Jax flipped her onto her back. A small cry escaped her as he settled between her thighs, his broad head prodding her core. She wrapped her legs around his, urging him to take her. As he slammed inside, she moaned, her fingers clawing down his back.
“Ah, Kat,” Jax laughed into her mouth. “You’re a dangerous woman.”
“You feel so good.”
Jax rocked out and thrust back inside her slick channel. “I fucking love you.”
“I love you too…don’t stop…just like that…keep going. Ah…”
“Hmm…bossy little mate.”
“Fuck me.” Katrina smiled in his lips as he plunged inside her, increasing his pace. “Yes, yes…”
Jax tore his mouth from hers to gaze into her eyes. He wrapped his fist into her loose locks that had come undone. The twinge of pain focused her attention and she tilted her hips up to his. Thrust for thrust, his pelvis grazed over her clit, her orgasm building. Feral, she dug her nails into his ass and he cried out. The sound of flesh smacking flesh echoed in her ears as he fucked her even harder.
With each forceful stroke, Jax pounded into her, hurling her over the edge. Helpless to fight the wave of ecstasy, she surrendered. Trembling, her thighs tightened around him, bringing him deeper inside her.
With a guttural cry, her Alpha stiffened against her. He slowly made love to her lips, refusing to separate from his mate. Katrina reveled in his branding kiss, a reminder that she belonged to him. Infinitely connected, their energy merged, forever as one.
“I love you,” she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. She smiled against his bare chest, her heart bursting with happiness.
Jax Chandler. Her dominant, loving Alpha commanded her heart and soul. She’d waited centuries to find him and had almost lost it all…her life, her mate. Within his arms, Katrina smiled up at the stars, her love for Jax certain and true. My Alpha.
Jax smiled as Katrina cuddled into his embrace, his heart crushing with emotion. He breathed in the ambrosial scent of his mate and pressed his lips to her hair. Intoxicated with love, he accepted the loss of control that came with loving someone so completely.
A lifetime of thinking he’d happily go through life unmated had been proven utterly ridiculous. He inwardly laughed, realizing that as Alpha he’d insisted on her submission, all the while knowing that she’d done the same to him. Fiery and tenacious, Katrina completed him. Exuberant that he’d found his mate, the beast celebrated its glorious bond.
She stirred in his arms and he peered into her eyes, still laden with passion.
“I could sleep here all night,” she told him, her small hand caressing his chest.
“Hmm…me too. You can’t see the stars as well as in the country, though,” he noted. “We never did eat dinner.”
“Why did you put in all this grass? It’s super soft.”
“You mean it wasn’t obvious?”
“Somehow I don’t think you planned for us to make love on it.”
“I had every intention of making it though dinner.” Jax laughed. A romantic evening was as far as he’d thought. Telling he
r he loved her had been special but he should have anticipated that he wouldn’t have been able to control his libido around his mate. She’d looked spectacular in the dress he’d bought for her, but hell, she’d looked even more amazing wearing only heels. “Did I tell you how beautiful you are?”
“Hmm…I love you in that suit. So handsome,” she purred. “Seeing how hot you look, I might have to make you go to the office in gym shorts. Those girls go crazy over you, I’m sure.”
“Is my mate jealous?”
“Never,” she denied with a small chuckle.
“There’s only one woman for me and she’s in my arms. And as for this grass…” Jax hesitated, unsure if he should divulge the real reason he’d had it installed. But he’d decided long ago that they’d never again have secrets. “Truth?”
“Truth.” Katrina pressed up onto his chest, catching his gaze.
“I love you. You and I,” he sighed, “we’ve been alone a long time. You’re my family now. And I’m not talking about the pack. Yeah, that counts, but you’re my blood. I know we haven’t talked about kids but…”
“You want to have a child?” Katrina asked.
Jax nodded, detecting her heartbeat race at his revelation. Concerned he’d scared her, he decided to back off and let her know that regardless of her desire to have children, she alone fulfilled his dreams.
“Kat, we don’t have to…”
“Yes,” she interrupted, a small smile forming on her lips.
“Yes?” he asked, excitement in his eyes.
“Yes.” She laughed and hugged him. “My big silly Alpha…you put in the grass for our kids?”
“Yes…it’s crazy, right?”
“Not at all. It’s brilliant. Our pups need a place to run.”
“Pups?” His voice went up an octave in surprise.
“Pup. Pups. Whatever.” She laughed.
“I love you, baby. So much.”
“I love you, too,” she whispered, her voice sleepy.
Jax smiled as slumber claimed his mate. With her in his arms, he relaxed into a blissful state of contentment. Loving Katrina had nearly broken him. Losing her, even if only for minutes, had been devastating. His little wolf, the one who’d denied and protected him, had stolen his heart.
