Inked Fury

by Sarah Makela

  “I love you too.” She pressed a kiss against his chest. “Maybe staying home tomorrow would be for the best?” While she hated asking, it would make her feel better. Besides, he’d asked her what she wanted. Having him here meant a lot.

  He caressed her hand. “Let me get my phone, and I’ll send my boss an email.” He pressed a kiss to her lips. “Go get comfortable, and I’ll find you.”

  Hmm… She certainly liked the sound of that. Sauntering into the bedroom, she took off her tank top and shorts. She wrapped the warm cozy blankets on the bed and listened, seeing if she could hear anything from him, but supernatural hearing wasn’t one of her gifts.

  If Kira could use her claws through her, maybe she’d be able to hear through Kira. No, she didn’t feel up to trying, and she had no reason to spy on him. He wouldn’t say one thing and do another.

  If he were that way, there would’ve been plenty of other opportunities for him to show those colors. She trusted him.

  After a little while, she nearly dozed off when a soft tap on the door had her eyes opening.

  “Hey, sleepy head. I did say get comfortable right?” He chuckled. “Sorry it took so long. I had to respond to a few emails.”

  She sat in bed, and the sheet slid into her lap. The instant that happened, his demeanor shifted from happy and playful to smoldering with lust. The room got a whole lot warmer.

  He wrapped his arms around her. His palms trailed over her back gently at first but as they drifted lower, he squeezed her backside, pulling her closer.

  She leaned toward him, pressing a soft kiss to his lips, then he was on the bed with her, over her. His mouth tasted hers, his tongue prodding. She moaned. Having him near was the best thing she’d experienced in a while and being in his arms was exactly where she wanted to be.

  She didn’t want to not have him in her life. She wanted the life they were making together. If only everything else wasn’t so frantic and crazy.

  He slipped his hand down her side, massaging her hip. “I wouldn’t know what I’d do without you, Angel.”

  “Same for you. I love you, Connor. Nothing will ever change that. Not all of this craziness, or the danger of someone out there ready to kill us. I need you in my life.” She sighed.

  “Maybe that’s all we need to know for now. We’ll get everything taken care of and figure out what the hell is going on in our lives. I don’t want to pressure you into anything, but I have to know if you’ll be my mate.” He pulled away and faced the bedroom door. “I don’t want to pressure you, but if you won’t, we could lose each other. Forever.”

  “I promise we’ll talk about this, and I do want you. What are the formalities of mating?” She would hear him out because with him in her life, she was safe and loved. Running wouldn’t solve anything. The times she’d done that before had been horrible, so now she’d stop and listen.

  Although her body didn’t want to listen, it wanted to act, to feel them together as one.

  He pressed a kiss to her lips. “It’s like marriage. There’s a simple ceremony. I’ve never witnessed one taking place, so I’m not sure on the specifics. I don’t want you to feel forced, and if there’s anything I can do to relieve any stress,” he said, sliding down her body, sending tingles along her spine, “then I’d happily oblige.”

  Just a martial ceremony? Nothing wild and crazy? She couldn’t believe it. The Pack wanting them together in a kind of marriage wasn’t anything more than what she’d imagined life could be. The thought of quiet evenings with him coming home to her each evening filled her heart with joy.

  She loved the idea, but how would it work out, especially with their differences? If the Pack tried to impose itself on her, she didn’t want to imagine that.

  “Are you okay?” He pressed a kiss to her bare stomach. When he looked up at her, mischief sparkled in his eyes.

  “Yes, I’m fine. Just thinking. There’s a lot to come to terms with in such a short span of time, and I’m sorry about what I’ve put you through—”

  He pressed a finger to her lips. “Don’t worry. You’re not the only one to blame. I should’ve been more open as well. We’re different, and yet I think we have several similarities.” He massaged her breast.

  Arching her back, she moaned at the sensation of his hands on her. She wanted his shirt off, wanted them to be skin on skin. She tugged at his hem, but he pushed her hands away.

  “Not yet. I want to finish undressing you.” The huskiness in his voice nearly brought her to orgasm. Connor stared at her with such intensity; she knew he felt the same.

  She let go of his dress shirt and let him take charge.

  He slipped his hands over her hips, brushing the waist of her panties. With one swift swoop, he ripped her panties.

  She gasped, not expecting that, but the surprise exhilarated her.

  His hungry gaze locked between her legs as if he wanted nothing more than to pleasure her until her voice was hoarse. God, she wanted him so badly.

  “Now your shirt,” she said. He was dressed in a suit, so watching him get out of his clothes without ripping them open was nerve-wracking. His hands trembled as he brought them to the buttons. Smiling, she placed a hand over his. “I’ll do it.”

  “Good idea.”

  She slipped one button out of the hole, then another and another. By the time she was finished, he looked like he’d reached the edge of his control. His hands shook as he took a deep breath, then leaned her back onto the bed. He knelt between her knees, pressing kisses to each knee before he slid his mouth along her thigh. He switched between stroking his tongue over her and nibbling her thighs.

  Her breaths came out in rapid pants, and she leaned her head back, staring up at the ceiling. His mouth caressed her labia, and a gasp rushed from her lungs. She glanced down at him to find him staring at her with wolf amber eyes. She slapped a hand over her mouth, suppressing a moan.

  He slipped his tongue between her folds, and she squirmed at the sensation, enjoying this so much. His tongue slid over her clit in slow circles. When he retreated to her opening, she nearly cried out.

  She needed more. So much more.

  He thrust his tongue within her, and she bit her lip, whimpering at the awesome pleasure coursing through her. His hands cupped her hips, holding her in place. She squirmed in his grasp, wanting nothing more than for him to bury his cock inside her. She would take what he gave, and savor every minute of the pleasure.

  Passion weighed heavier on her with each thrust of his tongue and every flick of his fingers. She moaned, spreading her legs wider, and reached for him, wanting to share the impending climax. Instead, he watched her as he pleasured her with ever increasing intensity. Her body exploded in ecstasy, and she clenched her pillow as waves of desire slammed through her.

  He pulled away while she lay there, barely able to move. With a few flicks of his wrist, he unbuckled his belt and smiled at her.

  Connor had only warming her up for what was to come. Pleasure drifted built inside her once again, keeping the sensations rolling within her as his hard cock sprung from his pants. He was so ready for her. She couldn’t wait to have him. Condom in place, he sauntered back to the bed like a wolf stalking its prey.

  She took a ragged breath and reached for him, pleased when he came to her. The muscles in his arms and chest flexed as if for her, but he didn’t show off. That wasn’t part of his personality.

  He leaned down and kissed her lips. Her taste still coated his tongue. She stroked a hand through his short hair. “I want you so much.” He positioned his cock against her entrance, then pressed inside slowly.

  She couldn’t wait. Couldn’t have him take his time when she was in need. She bucked, trying to flip them so she was on top, but he resisted.

  “What’s wrong?” He cocked his head, staying very still. “Are you okay, Angel? Am I hurting you?”

  “Nothing is wrong. I want on top. I want you hard. Fast. I want to be in control this time.” Sweat beaded on her brow. “Plea
se.”

  He raised his eyebrows. He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out.

  “I’m serious.”

  He rolled so she was on top. Just that movement caused her to slide further onto him. They both gasped at the sudden pleasure it brought, then she continued taking him all the way in. The sensations were delicious. She moved fast, faster, not wanting to wait for the pleasure anymore. But she didn’t want to rush anything either, especially since she’d already been gifted with an orgasm and he hadn’t been.

  His hands on her hips steadied her while he thrust up, meeting her own gyrations, but she placed her palm on his chest. “No, let me. I want to take you.”

  “Okay.” Smirking, he stopped, his hot hands still holding her. “Just let me know if you want me to help.”

  “I will, but for now, lean back and enjoy yourself.”

  “I am.”

  She moved faster and quicker on him, driving her hips downward, building the pace. Doing this would end this moment together. Slowing her momentum, she took her time, savoring him but couldn’t restrain herself from working him harder again. She switched back and forth between the two paces. While she didn’t want this night to end, she didn’t want to drag out their lovemaking.

  “Angel, I’m getting closer.” Connor stared up at her through wolf amber eyes. His lips parted with lust.

  She savored that image. Loving how his body reacted to hers so strongly, through what she did with him and what they were capable of. Becoming his mate would be no problem. She wanted these moments with him until they were both old and grey.

  Most importantly, she wanted him.

  He clenched her hips harder, but he stopped himself and lightened his touch. That show of strength revealed how much power he possessed. Power he could use to defend the two of them and a child, if it ever came to that. She wondered what that would be like, but she shoved away the thought.

  Climax pounced her like a stalking jungle cat. She bit her lower lip and tilted her head back. Her lower body clenched with desire, and she cried out, screaming Connor’s name.

  He tightened his grip on her once more, emanating low sexy growls in response at his own pleasure.

  She sat on top of him for a moment. When she regained her breath, she leaned forward and pressed another kiss to his lips.

  He rested his forehead against hers. “I’d do anything to protect you from Mahon.”

  “I know. I trust you with my life.”

  * * *

  Mahon slammed his fist into the rental car’s steering wheel. If only he had struck while the chance was in front of him, he would be well on his way to having what he wanted. The danger was limiting his chances of taking both the girls’ gifts. However, he still needed to discover if the other female possessed the power he craved.

  The help he needed from his friend, Alfie, didn’t appear to be coming soon enough. Alfie’s wife posed as an obstacle. The druidess didn’t like Mahon’s sway over her husband, but the woman wasn’t hostile to his cause. Perhaps she realized the importance for their group to throw off the romantic rubbish people viewed druids as today.

  They weren’t a bunch of harmonious tree-hugging ninnies. Druidism demanded respect. Most of those in his group chose to forget parts of their history. Human sacrifice being one of them. If their people did such, they couldn’t refrain from the thought of killing to increase their advantage and tighten their bond with nature as they were meant to.

  Pain burned in his side, and he squeezed his hands into fists once more. His ability to regenerate weakened do to the amount of healing his body required after the fight with the werewolf. If hadn’t gotten out of there when he did, he would’ve died. That he knew for certain.

  Movement outside of Angelique’s house brought his attention back. The woman he’d seen earlier slinked through the front yard, very cautious to watch her surroundings. Her gaze darted his way a few times, but he slid lower in the seat, careful to keep out of view.

  A raven’s faint cawing piqued his curiosity. Ravens were tied to Irish mythology and Morrígan, the goddess of battle, who flew over her soldiers in that form. Yet ravens weren’t nocturnal birds.

  The woman froze, muttering a harsh word under her breath.

  Mahon’s eyes widened. Had he just heard that? The only type person who would comment like that is someone who had a familiar. Besides, he didn’t visibly see any ravens around.

  He breathed in a deep breath of air, then released it. His power drifted from him with reaching tendrils. The moment it touched her, he heard the feminine gasp, felt the sting of her responding energy and knew he’d found another tattooed familiar.

  The raven cawed again. Loud and alarmed. Before he could open the car door, the woman barreled through the yard, taking off through the darkened alleyway.

  He grinned. If Alfie got his ass moving, they might have their best year yet. However, he’d have a bloody hard time deciding which to choose for himself. While he desired revenge and the strong panther, he wouldn’t mind wearing the raven with pride for his culture.

  Tapping his fingers on the steering wheel, he knew his choice of not taking Angelique had been a good one. Starting the engine, he whistled a tune. This day, though it started rough, was becoming more phenomenal than expected.

  He’d go back to the drawing board, now that he knew for sure, and he would begin to plan a new course with or without assistance.

  For now, he needed some rest.

  Chapter Nine

  The following evening, Angelique pulled into her parking spot, unable to believe who sat on her steps yet again. Ravenna. Hadn’t she said Angelique would call her before she’d show up here again unannounced?

  She sighed.

  If Ravenna were still here when Connor got here, he’d want answers. It’d be best if that didn’t happen. She needed to see what the woman wanted and send her on her way. Now wasn’t safe. Not when Mahon was bold enough to chase after her.

  While she wanted to know about her people, prevent future pain, and be better capable of protecting herself, she also needed a semblance of a normal life.

  “Ravenna, I thought you said I could call you before you would come over again.”

  The woman stood. She didn’t look entirely happy. “Have you called? Don’t you realize how far I’ve traveled from our people? I’ve come from overseas to help, but you haven’t given me a chance.” Anger tightened the corners of her eyes. “I’m not happy with that treatment. Either allow me to help you, or I’ll be on my way home, which I truly don’t want. My father has foreseen that you need assistance. I don’t want to disgrace his vision.” Ravenna crossed her arms over her chest.

  Shame and discomfort squeezed her chest. Ravenna was right. However, with everything that had happened, there hadn’t been a chance for them to talk. Ravenna’s feelings hadn’t crossed her mind. Besides, this was the best time for her to get the training she needed, especially with Mahon stalking her. Hopefully Connor would understand why Ravenna was here. Maybe they’d talk and then Ravenna could come back some other time. Or even go back home. That sounded reasonable enough.

  Argh. Maybe not.

  “I’m sorry. I’ve been really busy recently. He’s stalking me, and it’s hard to relax. I want to be trained, and I don’t want to waste your time by you coming here to help me.” Marching up the steps, she waved the woman to follow her.

  Ravenna gripped her arm softly. “Wait, he’s been stalking you? How do you know? How aggressively?” Her eyes were wide.

  “Aggressively. He knows where I work. He followed me from there, and I’m sure he knows where I live. I don’t know what I’m going to do. My boyfriend is looking after me, but how long will I have to live in fear?”

  Ravenna dropped her hand. “You shouldn’t have to be afraid. We need to put an end to that.” She headed up the steps but stopped at the top. “I’m sorry to say, but he does know where you live.”

  “How do you know?” Angelique followed her,
unlocking the door before they stepped inside. She looked around outside before she closed the door, trying to spot the druid if he were lurking in the shadows. A shiver chased down her spine at the thought. He would not have that hold on her.

  The woman kicked off her shoes then hung her coat from the rack. She refused to meet her gaze. “I came by last night to check on you. I thought I saw a man sitting in a car, but it was dark. What made me know for sure was the power that drifted out to me. It stung and my familiar cried in alarm. He’s trained to help me, so when he caws like that, I know there’s trouble.” She hung her head. “I’ve been found out.”

  Worry sickened her. She didn’t want Ravenna’s blood on her hands. “How can you help me? I don’t want him to hurt you. The sooner I’m strong enough to protect myself, the sooner you can go back to your family.”

  “First of all, you shouldn’t worry about me. I understand the risks of being here. I’m going to teach you about the powers you possess. They’re stronger than you think.” Ravenna lifted off her shirt, exposing her small breasts. “If you utilize them to protect yourself and fight those who would harm you, you won’t have to be afraid.” She tilted her head forward, and wings expanded from either side of her back. An explosion of black feathers and screeching caws filled her ears.

  She jumped away, unsure what just happened.

  Within moments, the woman stood upright again, and the raven landed carefully on her outstretched arm. It stared at Angelique, curiously cocking its head to the side. Its eyes contained intelligence far beyond what she knew even ravens possessed. The same was true with Kira. It had to be part of the bond between them and their familiars.

  She watched Ravenna, who appeared completely at ease with her state of undress. From her own experiences, that wasn’t too crazy. She did it with Kira and Connor, but then again, he wasn’t a total stranger. He was her boyfriend.

  Maybe it wasn’t out of line for their customs. Her mother had done the same thing when she was a girl. Their gifts were passed through female descendants while males only had abilities similar to those of Ravenna’s shaman father. Most men didn’t actively use those powers.