Patrick's Heart

by Stacey Espino

  “Am I a monster to you now?” he asked, his voice deep and gruff.

  She couldn’t speak. Cassidy was frozen in place, unsure if she should be afraid of him or not.

  “Where’s the rest of the pack?” asked Evan.

  “They’re coming. I came ahead of them, ran nonstop to get here as fast as I could.”

  The firelight shone in his eyes. He ran a hand over his arm, her eyes darting to the intricate black tattoos along his skin. Did those ancient markings tell a tale of his birthright, his true identity? Patrick stepped closer—slow, measured steps.

  “Stay away from me,” she said without thought. Cassidy curled up into Evan’s arms, seeking safety and security.

  Patrick tilted his head as he crouched directly in front of her. “Are you afraid of me, little human? Do you think I’ll actually hurt you?”

  She nodded.

  He frowned, his lips pursed for a moment. Then Patrick grabbed her wrist before she could pull it away. He wasn’t gentle as he rose to his feet, yanking her up with him.

  “Evan…”

  “He won’t help you now. You’re coming with me.”

  She struggled to stay with Evan, wondering why he hadn’t moved to help her. No matter how hard she fought or dug her heels against the floor, it was like a pebble up against a mountain. Patrick’s strength and determination were incomparable to hers.

  He hoisted her up over his shoulder, smacking her bare ass for good measure. His body felt hot against her stomach.

  “Evan!”

  “Quiet down. You’ll wake the wolves,” he said as he carried her to the open entrance. He kicked the door closed behind them, the darkness of night suffocating her. She wriggled, trying to free herself, even calling for Evan. He continued to ignore her as Patrick trudged deep into the woods. She could hear the leafy undergrowth parting, the odd branch brushing along her bare back.

  As hard as she tried to look around, it was too dark with the thick forest canopy obscuring the glow of the moon. She held on to the back of his jeans in fear of falling.

  After traveling deep into the forest, he finally set her down, only to pin her against an old-growth tree. A small break in the branches above allowed for some natural light to filter to her level. The lacy network of leaves allowed her to see a fractured image of Patrick.

  He bent down and tried to kiss her, not yet saying a word. She avoided his lips, turning her head in distaste. In truth, the scent and warmth of his skin tempted her to touch him, to see for herself if he was still the man she remembered.

  “Kiss me,” he said.

  She refused, keeping her head to the side. What she wanted was to live in her idyllic ignorance. It was so much easier than facing the bitter reality ahead of her.

  “What’s the matter, little one? You didn’t mind all those times I made you come with my tongue. Now you can’t stand the sight of me?”

  “I don’t know you,” she said. “I thought I did, but obviously I don’t.”

  Cassidy wasn’t sure what to say, feel, or do. If she said the wrong thing, would he become enraged and shift into an animal capable of tearing her apart?

  Chapter Two

  Patrick always got the short end of the stick. He’d volunteered to be the one to challenge the Rockford wolves so that Cassidy didn’t have to witness the entire pack shift at once. Now she fucking hated him.

  She’d developed a close relationship with the other members of his pack, but he kept holding back. He could lose her…or himself. Garret hadn’t officially marked her, which was part of the reason they were in this situation in the first place. If his alpha really expected to claim the human girl, he should have transitioned her into their world long ago.

  Now Patrick was the monster. She still sidled up to Evan, so he obviously hadn’t manned up to the truth. Patrick was stuck explaining everything, and he’d never been good with words. Cassidy was naked, smelled sweet, and his territorial nature was off the charts. The more she pulled away from him, the more his wolf demanded he stake his claim.

  “I know you remember me,” he said. “My wolf remembers you.” He ran the backs of his fingers along her jawline, savoring the soft femininity of her skin.

  She cringed every time he touched her.

  “I’ll never hurt you, if that’s what you’re afraid of.”

  He tilted her chin up so she’d have to meet his gaze. Patrick knew his eyes would have a slightly inhuman glow, even in his human form.

  “I remember,” she whispered.

  “Do you remember running your hands through my wolf’s fur? Were you afraid then?”

  She shook her head, still looking in his eyes.

  “He likes you. A lot. He claws within me all the time, demanding I keep you close, keep you safe.”

  “He?”

  Patrick smiled. “My wolf. He lives inside me, only allowed to be free when I shift forms. And know that he’d never harm you, not a hair.”

  When a tear slipped from her eye, he felt a sense of deep-seated relief. She didn’t hate him. She was just distraught.

  “I don’t know what to think.”

  “You have to allow yourself to accept things you were taught are fiction. That’s not easy to do.”

  “Does everyone know?”

  All her lovers were shape-shifters. He closed his eyes for a moment, wondering how to break the news to her, and if it would be too much for her naïve mind to handle. “It’s a carefully guarded secret. Only my closest friends know the truth.”

  “I should have known this was too good to be true,” she said.

  “What was?”

  “That five amazing men would actually fall in love with a nobody like me. I’ve never had a place I belonged…until I came to Climax. Now I don’t know anything.”

  He took her hand and held it to his heart. “Do you feel that? I’m a flesh-and-blood man.”

  Patrick and emotional declarations did not go hand in hand. He lived in the moment, kept his inner demons in check, and played his role in the pack. Emotion led to weakness, and he wouldn’t leave himself so vulnerable ever again. Although he never expected to find a mate, he’d follow the lead of the alpha. If Garret marked her for the pack, he’d accept it. But were his feelings for Cassidy just sparked by the possessive nature of his wolf, or were they more complex? Could he actually love the little human, trust her with his heart? He’d vowed never to put confidence in a human being again, and since their females were the only potential mates for a shifter, Patrick never expected to find love.

  Already Cassidy had proved fickle, turning away from him as he’d expected she would when discovering his secret. The day by the river was engraved in his memory, one of the happiest in his life. To have Cassidy look upon his wolf with adoration and acceptance was more powerful than an illicit drug. Apparently her affection didn’t extend to shape-shifters. But he could never be just a man or just a wolf. He was torn between two worlds, forced to find balance when society didn’t even know his kind existed.

  “Do you still feel the same about me?”

  “I feel the same as I always have,” he said simply. “You’re the one I worry about.”

  Maybe he’d just let Garret handle her. Once she received the love bite, it would act as a bonding agent, connecting them on an intimate level. Any fears or misgivings she had for their wolfen heritage would subside.

  “Sometimes I just want to close my eyes and never wake up. I’m tired, Patrick. My life has been a roller-coaster ride since I moved to Climax.”

  “The ride is half the fun.” He wrapped one arm around the small of her back, pulling her flush to his body. This time she didn’t fight.

  “But what does it all mean? What happens to us now?”

  He kissed her forehead, trying to think of ways to reassure her. “Nothing has to change. The only difference is you’ll know I’m capable of defending you—under any circumstances.”

  * * * *

  Cassidy had never thought of the benefi
ts of having a lover who could shift into a living, breathing wolf. It had all been such a shock, and still was. But Patrick was right. What did she have to fear now? Even in the forbidding wilderness, her lover could defend her against any threat. She knew the viciousness of wolves, had even seen them attack with her own eyes—the muscle, the fangs, and the bloodthirsty violence. The new revelation gave her strength and fueled her libido. She didn’t think she could be any more attracted to Patrick, but now he represented something even greater.

  Her real fear had been the thought of losing him. If he was hiding such vital information from her, everything to date could have been a sham, including his loyalty. Now she felt her sense of security slowly trickling back.

  “Are you sure?” she asked. “You still want me?” Cassidy had self-esteem issues thanks to the inspector’s visit. Now she had to believe a gorgeous werewolf would want her rather than one of his own kind.

  “I’d love to prove it to you. Right now.” She could feel the hard ridge of his erection through the denim of his pants. Her lower stomach fluttered to life, a natural response to such a virile male.

  “I’m serious, Patrick. Why me?”

  “I’m quite fond of my little human,” he said. “You’re tiny and fragile, but also feisty and spirited. And you’ve never had a problem taking all five of us.” With his last words he cupped her mound. The skin-to-skin contact against her slick folds sent a jolt of energy coursing through her body. Rather than feel guilty for her growing desire, she had to remember that nothing had really changed, just her perception. If she gave in to Patrick’s ministrations, it would be like all the other times. She wouldn’t be having sex with a wolf…or would she?

  Cassidy couldn’t deny the unrelenting pressure building inside her. Patrick always had a way with her, arousing her effortlessly. She could hear her heart beat in her ears as blood rushed through her veins. Why does he have to look so damn tempting?

  “Good girl,” he growled as she began to trail kisses along his shoulder. “Don’t stop.”

  Cassidy wanted to keep going, to allow Patrick to wipe away her doubts and the terrible vision burned into her memory. She still remembered when his body twisted and contorted, shifting him into the red wolf. Although she loved that wolf, hoping to come across it again one day, she never expected it to actually be one of her five miners.

  When she reached Patrick’s lips, she paused. “You’re really a wolf?”

  “Only when I want to be. Right now it’s the last thing on my mind.” Then he kissed her hard on the mouth. The strength of his domination affected her body and soul. She couldn’t resist, didn’t want to resist. Cassidy opened her mouth, allowing their tongues to mingle. It was sensual, the prelude to something much more elicit. Patrick could bring her to a blinding peak effortlessly. Just thinking about it made her wet and achy, but she doubted they’d have time to play tonight. It was dark and their only bed was the rough bark of the oak tree behind her.

  “I felt something for that wolf. For you,” she admitted. Cassidy remembered the knowing glint in the red wolf’s eyes. A connection had passed between them, an unspoken bond. She had no fear, no hesitation, as if deep down she knew the wild animal would never harm her. Now Patrick and her mysterious wolf were one and the same.

  “My wolf feels something for you, too.”

  “And you?” She ran her fingers through his unruly hair. “How do you feel?”

  “Hard.” He smirked and she felt spineless, ready for him to dominate her completely.

  She could try and garner an emotional response from him, but rather than be disappointed, she decided to leave it be. At least she had his body. If it was all she could get tonight, she’d take it.

  “Kiss me,” she murmured, her hands roaming over his broad shoulders and muscular back. Her eyes had adjusted to the meager light, allowing her to see the shadows of his face. He leaned in and kissed her while hoisting her up against the great oak. With one hand he unzipped his jeans, the other still wrapped around her body to keep her skin from being scraped by the tree. She kept her legs secured over his hips, the muscles in her thighs quivering.

  Her pussy was practically dripping with anticipation. Patrick’s breathing was heavy, nearly coming out as growls. She reminded herself he didn’t just act like an animal, he was one. For some reason the thought of his true, untamed nature turned her on like never before. She was about to be fucked by a werewolf, in the middle of a forest, under the light of the moon. Her fears of the unknown, of the predators stalking the woods at night were vanquished. What did she have to fear with such power on her side? If he loved her, he’d protect her from anything that went bump in the night, including himself. But was it even love at all?

  When he poised his cock between her folds, she nudged him with her heels, urging him to continue. She could reflect later, and she would, but now was the time to forget absolutely everything.

  “Don’t be greedy, woman. You’ll have it all in a minute.” He eased into her, slowly, teasing her when he knew she was more than ready.

  He was big, filling her, stretching her. The ache that had started when he’d trapped her against the oak had only been partially sated. She needed him to fuck her, to bring her to an explosive peak. Cassidy wanted to soar higher than the clouds, high enough to touch the moon.

  “Give it to me,” she demanded.

  “Is it me you want, my wolf, or just my cock?” He didn’t wait for an answer, thrusting hard and fast until he filled her to the hilt. She let out a strangled cry as his full length took her by surprise. She held on tight as he worked her body against the side of the tree, his cock pumping in and out of her pussy with inhuman stamina. Her weight didn’t deter him, nor did her nails clawing his shoulders. In fact, she was certain he liked it.

  “Yes…” Cassidy didn’t know what she was saying, too far gone to care. All that mattered was the intense wash of satisfaction pulsing through her body, her clit throbbing on the brink of orgasm.

  “You like that?” he mumbled. She could barely hold on to him now, his body covered in a slick sheen of sweat. His chest rubbed up against hers with each upstroke, her nipples stimulated into firm buds. “Hard enough for you?”

  She couldn’t answer, not with her peak hovering at the surface. She swallowed shallow breaths, gasping, her pussy tightening around Patrick’s cock. Any second and she’d lose it.

  When she didn’t respond, he decided for himself that she wanted it harder. He pumped into her roughly, his tongue snaking out to taste her neck. She suddenly remembered talks of the love bite, and it now carried new meaning. Did Patrick want to bite her as an animal? Was all the secrecy amongst the men leading to her acceptance of the red wolf?

  She focused on his lips, his hands, his cock. They were all magical, taking her to new highs. As her orgasm neared, she wondered what it would feel like to be bitten as Patrick fucked her. Did he crave it? Did his wolf want to take her like an untamed animal? Her deviant thoughts were her undoing. Her orgasm tore through her like a streak of lightning, setting her body afire. She cried out, not caring who or what heard her. What else did she have to fear?

  Only once her body quieted, her contractions easing around Patrick’s semi-flaccid cock, did she hear the numerous twigs snapping to her left.

  Chapter Three

  Garret could smell Cassie before he could see her. Her sweet scent carried on the faint breeze, beckoning him, making him completely narrow-sighted. All he could remember was the fear and shock in her eyes when she’d seen Patrick shift. Evan and his pack mates had reprimanded Garret time and time again for not bringing the girl into their world. It was his place as alpha to mark the chosen mate for Gregor.

  There was so much she didn’t know, and her curiosity had peaked as of late. He knew it was time to tell her, for good or for bad. Now he had some serious explaining to do.

  He didn’t know what he’d do if she rejected them, wanted nothing to do with men who were part animal. Although he hadn’t
officially marked her, he considered her his woman, his mate. The time they’d spent alone together in the forest had been an awakening, a bonding of the souls. Now that she was exposed to their wolfen heritage, Evan would demand she be marked.

  Garret had felt Corbin’s twisted desire for Cassie when they’d fought for her in the woods. Since she already knew they were wolves, he finally had to agree with his pack mates—their little human needed to be claimed, once and for all.

  “Cassie,” he said as he exhaled. She was a beautiful sight—safe, and seemingly accepting of Patrick. “Are you hurt?” He grabbed her firmly by the shoulders to get a good look. That was when the distinct scent of sex clouded around him. He narrowed his eyes and looked to his pack mate.

  “It’ll take her time to adjust to my wolf, but she’s trying,” said Red.

  “Your wolf?”

  “Yeah, she knows about my wolf.” Patrick shrugged, a look of apology in his eyes. Great! Cassie was okay accepting one wolf out of five. Now Garret would have to explain that each and every one of her men had been born a wolf. Patrick hadn’t helped his position in the least, but what did he expect from his wayward pack mate. He grumbled as he paced the area. On paper it was so easy—one plus two equaled three. He was a wolf. He loved her. Nothing had to change between them. But the unexpected variables were the killer. The news that all her lovers were wolves could push her over the edge. She could reject them, run back to the city to find a normal, human male.

  “So, it’s out in the open now, eh?” said Matthew, standing beside him. “That explains all the red hair on the sofa, doesn’t it, Cassidy?”

  “Shut up,” said Patrick. “At least she’s met my wolf.”

  “Boss, what’re you going to do about this?” asked Travis.

  Garret wanted to pull his hair out by the roots. He couldn’t very well mark the girl when she thought he was a human being. She still needed to be coaxed into their world without being forced. It was important to him that she accept them willingly, not from the power of the love bite. And he wouldn’t have Red or anyone else be the first to administer it.