Wired For Love

by Michelle Howard

  “Zut, Bogan. Haltzo.” Hunter tightened his free hand on the war mongrel’s ruff, keeping him from lunging for the woman behind him.

  Bogan strained against Hunter’s hold. His brown eyes rolled, gaze darting around. If Bogan hurt Narelle, even accidently in his panicked state, Hunter wouldn’t hesitate to shut him down with a pulse from the probe joining them.

  “Haltzo!” After a warning growl, he settled and Hunter heaved a sigh of relief. He cut his gaze to Narelle. “Don’t fucking move again!”

  She glared.

  “I mean it, Narelle. You asked for this.”

  “Forgive me for being concerned.”

  Due to his own anger her sharp voiced words almost passed him by. Then it hit him what she’d revealed. A slow smile curled his lips. That worked for him. “Forgiven, sweetheart.”

  She huffed and tipped her chin up. Hunter chuckled, but his laughter was interrupted by a wet tongue licking his hand. Right. He straightened, eyeing the wrist with the open panel and the probe inserted into the jack output on the side of Bogan’s head.

  “Let’s try this again.” After a warning glance at Narelle, Hunter used his free hand to turn Bogan’s muzzle in his direction and used the same order from earlier. “Las. Trijl.”

  Bogan tried. Hunter sensed the strained effort on the war mongrel’s behalf, but they hadn’t been paired together, likely weren’t a good match in any way. Eyes narrowed, Hunter relied on what he’d learned from his time with Riktor and pushed harder for the sync. His Lomanis genetics responded.

  Burning at his temple signaled his eyes going black. In place of the walls and floor of his kitchen, code displayed over his vision. His brain translated the information at a pace no one could consciously track yet Hunter had instant understanding. The data download allowed him to see what he needed to accomplish the sync.

  With meticulous care, Hunter layered his biotronics over the ones left behind from John Donner. A quiver ran down the spine of the war mongrel. He continued to rub his left hand over Bogan’s fur. Then the shift occurred. Bogan’s body filled out beneath his fingertips, bulk forming in place of his scrawny frame, brittle hair softening. Adjustments accounted for the change now that Hunter had jumpstarted them.

  Hunter frowned, his concentration increasing. One more thing. Bogan started to shake, excitement overruling Hunter’s orders. It happened like that sometimes. The animal’s joy at being joined to another fighting with learned commands. Hunter tightened his grip. Almost there. Another burst of energy on Hunter’s part. Then a mental click as things snapped into place.

  Sync.

  Perfect fucking sync.

  Basic commands scrolled across Hunter’s left eye adjustment. Commands he already knew by heart from being in the WIRED program. He and Bogan were in sync. Hunter stood up, a wave of dizziness rolling through him. Movement from the corner of his eye had him holding up a warning hand to Narelle. Her lips firmed as she stepped closer and an odd spurt of humor prodded. She didn’t listen for shit.

  “Did it work?” she asked.

  “Yes.” He cleared his throat to relieve the dryness. As the disorientation from bonding with the war mongrel wore off, Hunter drew a deep breath. He faced Narelle, unconcerned about how he looked. This was what he’d waited for. He didn’t care he’d had to play dirty to get it. “Now I’ve met my end of the bargain, where were we?”

  Chapter 5

  Narelle wanted to curse as she followed Hunter into his apartment above The Zone. Bogan trotted behind them, the change in his appearance and demeanor still amazing to her. His tail wagged from side to side, his shoulder brushing Hunter’s leg with each step. Gone was the gaunt body and malnourished look. Instead, a robust large dog stood in its place, tan hair smoothed down as if he’d been bathed and groomed.

  As Hunter opened the door, Bogan shot ahead through the crack. Nose to the floor, he went from one corner to another.

  “Gemfach. Komm.” Hunter tapped his upper thigh with a pointer finger and Bogan returned to his side, tongue lolling in an obvious sign of happiness. Hunter scratched the pointed ears. “Gott, biet rel.”

  Curiosity got the best of her despite the nerves of being in Hunter’s private space. “What language is that? The translator keeps giving the foreign words.”

  “There wouldn’t be a translation. Most of the genetic coding to create the war mongrels came from security trained dogs on a planet called Earth. Bogan’s from an extinct breed on the planet called Belgian Malinois. Doctors and scientists thought it wise to customize the commands using a mix of several languages from the same planet. Only soldiers in the program and the war mongrels would understand them.”

  “Huh.” Narelle pushed the tips of her fingers into the front slit pockets of her jumpsuit. She didn’t want Hunter to note her need to fidget. “Why’d he run around your place?”

  “Checking for any danger. Instinct, training and a bit of science thrown in.” Hunter pointed to a small alcove. “Gehe.” Go.

  After circling Hunter’s legs twice, Bogan went to the corner and stretched out prone. His gaze never strayed from Hunter.

  “Las.” Stay.

  Hunter directed his attention to Narelle. Her heart rate picked up, and her nipples betrayed her by stabbing against the front of her synth suit. As if he knew, his eyes crinkled at the corners and her stomach wobbled in response.

  Narelle wanted to follow the questions bubbling in her mind about the program he admitted to belonging to, but Hunter’s gaze held a knowing glint. “Are you thinking of backing out?”

  The taunt hit the mark, and Narelle stiffened. Yeah, he knew what he did to her. She couldn’t hide it. Even now her body readied for him. Swollen breasts, elevated respiration, and an undeniable ache at her core. All of it affirmed her growing arousal. He may have blackmailed her in this direction, but Narelle couldn’t deny wanting him.

  “I gave my word, Hunter.”

  His mouth quirked, the corner tipping up in a devastating half-smile. “Then get over here.”

  Damn him. He stood in the center of the room, his living space as simple as the man himself. Overstuffed chairs, functional table and a wall mounted light source. Hard floors battered and streaked with age added to the worn, but surprisingly sterile appearance. Her gaze shot up toward the loft area where he probably slept. Narelle squeezed her thighs together and tipped her head toward the set of metal grated stairs leading upstairs. “Bedroom I assume.”

  “Mmm.”

  Gathering her courage, Narelle met his stare with a smirk of her own and added an extra swivel to her hips as she walked toward him.

  Not that Hunter waited for her to reach him. Two steps brought him up against her and his arms whipped about her waist, causing Narelle to gasp. His mouth slanted over hers before she could protest. His tongue slid between her parted lips as he bent her backward over his arms.

  Narelle should have floundered in his hold. Panicked at least. But Hunter braced his weight and nibbled at her mouth as he murmured, “I won’t drop you after waiting this long.”

  A snort of laughter bubbled from her lips. Narelle placed her hands tentatively in the strands of hair falling about his face. “That would indeed be a waste.”

  Hunter lifted his head. Desire. Unlike her, he didn’t try to hide it. Cheeks flushed and lids at half-mast, his desire for her was clear to see. Electric currents charged the air between them. Narelle caught her breath, blinking at the savage expression that crossed his face.

  “I think I’m going to need every bit of tonight to sate my desire for you.”

  She swallowed. “One night is all we agreed to, Hunter.”

  “One night, Narelle. I remember the terms.” He gripped her hair in one fist and yanked. Her neck arched back, and she soaked her panties from the dominant move. His other hand pressed the small of her back until her chest smacked into his. Her hands flew to his shoulders for balance, but there was no balance for being with Hunter.

  His every action kept her off rh
ythm. And deep down inside, a part of her thrilled at his rough handling. Violent scarring marred one side of his face, the criss-crossed hatches going down his neck. Scruff covered the lower half of his face giving him a harder edge. None of it took away from his undeniable attractiveness.

  His draw and magnetism was power and aura based more than looks. It didn’t take much time in his presence to discern he was a protector. The kind of male who’d sacrifice himself for others or a good cause. He worked the gruff persona well. No one doubted he’d kick ass if necessary and had done so on numerous occasions.

  Yet, there was more. Right beneath the hard outer layer. Probably why she wasn’t really fighting this. How could any woman resist being the object of this man’s obsession? Of course the downside was in the fact Hunter wasn’t known for staying long in any female’s arms. After he achieved what he wanted they weren’t welcome back in his bed.

  Ever.

  If Narelle hoped the reminder would cool her ardor, she failed. He focused on her with single minded determination, sparks flaring from his brown eyes. Tiny lines fanned from the corners. Stress or laughter she couldn’t tell, but she liked them as well.

  There wasn’t much about Hunter she didn’t like. Narelle started to say something else, maybe resume the teasing that came naturally to the both of them, when he swooped down and lifted her in his arms. She squealed, stunned to silence, and his mouth was on her again. This kiss was as powerful as the one before it, but more. So much more, and she had no words to explain it.

  It didn’t deter Hunter who stumbled his way to the stairs. Their lips mashed together, heads twisting, tongues tangling. Narelle drowned in the sensations, searching for relief as her lower region pulsed and throbbed. Hunter broke away on a raw groan.

  Showing no signs her weight bothered him, he climbed the steps to the loft two at a time. When they reached the top, Narelle glanced around and realized it was nothing more than a platform space with the large bed taking up a good portion of the open floor plan. Across the room, moonlight gleamed through a single window. Shafts formed stripes on the neatly folded sheets and stacked pillows.

  In smooth easy glides, Hunter lowered her to her feet, his hands taking every opportunity to touch and stroke. By the time she stood on her own, Narelle was a goner. No need to protest or deny the inevitable.

  Not that it would mean anything. Both of them were going into this with their eyes open. Narelle just hoped she didn’t let Hunter in deep enough to hurt her.

  His rough thumb rubbed at the crease between her brows. “Such heavy thoughts and all I want to do is make you feel good, baby.”

  ***

  Hunter worried Narelle might change her mind. If she did...he didn’t want to complete the thought. He lusted, he wanted, he craved. His cock throbbed against the front of his pants and the thought of her leaving before he got to explore to his heart’s content hit him in the gut. She couldn’t walk out at this point. He’d fall to the floor on his knees and whine like a baby with his favorite treat snatched away.

  Her head tipped to the side as she toyed with his hair. “You think it’s that easy?”

  Hunter battled the pain of his growing erection and kept his groan muffled. He tugged her other hand and led the way to his bed. He was glad he’d brought the massive frame and thick air mattress. Not only did it fit his large form, but it enabled him a lot of room to play. And Hunter had every intention of playing with the sassy tease.

  “Ask me after.” He ran his thumb over the delectable scar on her lip. This tiny scar was his weakness. He flicked a finger over her pouting mouth, to distract.

  Narelle bit the tip. Hard. “You’re cocky.”

  He cupped his hard length then slid the fastening of his pants open. Her waiting expression dared him to say it. Not going there. However, he wanted something else. “Take off your clothes, Narelle, unless you want me to rip them off.”

  Like a bloom in its first blush, pops of dark color seared her cheeks. The urge to swat him was also there. It took everything in Hunter not to laugh in her face. She wanted to hit him alright and he adored the way the scar twitch with her frustration.

  Nimble fingers flew over the front closure, and the top of the sexy suit parted giving Hunter his first up and close view of the tantalizing green skin beneath. Large mounds, plump and ripe just waiting for his mouth popped out. Forgetting about his own clothes, Hunter choked as she slid the tight material down her torso, over her hips and then down her legs.

  Short red hairs formed a neat triangle at the apex of her thighs. His mouth watered from the sight. She had to bend over to undue her boots and Hunter almost stopped breathing. He ripped his shirt over his head not sure where it landed, toed off his boots and shoved his pants down then gripped his dick and pumped twice. “Fuck, Narelle. I need you now. I’m not sure how long I’ll last the first time.”

  Naked at last, she strolled toward him, mouth curved in a teasing smile. “What about those plans to make me feel good?”

  Words didn’t describe what she did to him. Of all the women to cross his path, only Narelle brought out this savage side to him. His craving for her bordered on obsession and although he realized this, nothing would steer him away from every bit of the pleasure he planned to drain from her tonight.

  As soon as she drew close, he pulled her in tight, smoothed his hands down the slope of her back and cupped her round ass with a firm squeeze. Narelle’s breath quickened and the tiny sound sent another surge of arousal through him. Hunter sported an erection hard enough to pound her through the mattress.

  A little nudge in the right direction and they fell onto his bed, though he was careful to keep his weight off of her. Narelle grasped at him and Hunter grinned. “I’m right here, woman. No need to claw at me.”

  This time she slapped at his shoulder, but Hunter knew the perfect way to soothe her ire. He nibbled at the slim column of her throat. “Mmm, you taste better than I could imagine.”

  He nipped her ear and she jerked then melted in his arms. Her moan was a symphony to his senses. “That’s right, baby. Give into it.”

  He continued to murmur nonsensical things as he licked at her skin and lapped at her collarbone until he stopped to stare at the breasts pointed in his direction. The gift before him deserved the right amount of attention so he used his hands to tease at the budded tips first, enjoying her hum of gratification. When Narelle undulated beneath him, he lowered his head to take one succulent morsel in his mouth and sucked.

  “Yes! Hunter, suck me harder.” Desperate hands dug at his hair and Narelle’s hips began to pump and twist about.

  The plea contained notes of want, need and demand. Hunter let her nipple go with a plop then placed a gentle kiss on the crinkled flesh before switching to her other breast. The minute his mouth made contact, Narelle arched up on a whimper. He firmed his hold at her waist, keeping her still for his torture, though his body wanted to explode.

  “I knew you’d be this hot. All those nights of dreaming about you, wanting you.”

  Hunter made his way down the luscious body splayed out on his bed, inhaling deeply the slight musky scent of her arousal. When he reached her feminine juncture, he parted the folds with two fingers and brushed his thumb over the swollen button, which darkened from pale green to a deep jeweled tone.

  The muscles in Narelle’s upper thighs quivered as he rubbed the nub back and forth, wetness gathering on his fingers. Smiling, Hunter swirled in delicate circles until she was working herself on his hands and soaking his fingers with her excitement. Taking his time, he lowered his head and feasted.

  Soon Narelle’s husky moans filled his bedroom, the bed creaked from her rocking hips. She gasped and whined while her body contorted and Hunter had to hold her thighs in a firm grip to keep her from moving away.

  As soon as he sensed her on the verge of coming, Hunter eased back slightly.

  “Hunter! You bastard if you stop now, I’ll kill you.”

  The threat gave him p
ause, and Hunter laughed. He didn’t believe she had a shot in space of taking him, but the thought amused him. “Why the rush, baby?”

  He blew on her sensitized flesh and her hands slammed down on his head as her thighs locked about his ears. This time he dropped a kiss on her inner thigh and laughed long and loud. Narelle brought out the playful side of him. Hunter didn’t have a lot of cause to be playful in his life and valued these moments more than she’d ever know.

  “You made promises.” She tipped her head up to meet his gaze down the slope of her belly.

  Propping his weight on his elbows and breaking the stranglehold she had on his neck, he made a decision. He hadn’t intended to drag it out, but now he needed to watch her find her release again and again. “You’re right.”

  ***

  Hunter’s smile was wolfish and Narelle felt a brief flash of fear. But no, he wouldn’t hurt her. More and more, Narelle wondered if she was the one who’d end up hurting him. His eyes gleamed and warned of wicked plans.

  Two fingers slid between her wet mound and stroked. Narelle clenched then forced herself to relax at the delicious sensations he wrought. When she imagined this, the one thing she hadn’t expected was Hunter’s determination to see to her pleasure as well as his own. Shouldn’t someone as cocky as him be selfish?

  Only he wasn’t. Far from. His fingers stroked deeper, each touch long and slow. The sensuous draw was too much to withstand. Narelle rocked her hips to his touch, growing wetter as the muscles in her abdomen grew tighter.

  With every glide from his rough fingers, her body readied itself. Another explosive burst drew close as Hunter built up the steady rise in flames licking through her insides.

  “Up.” Hunter pulled his hands away and guided Narelle to her stomach.

  The abrupt withdrawal almost had her cursing. “Hunter, what are you doing?”

  “Shhh.” When she started to turn around to glimpse his face for a hint of what he was about, Hunter yanked her to her knees and pulled so her hips rested atop his spread thighs.