“It’s gone.” Quinn watched for Ian’s reaction to the opening.
Erin punched him in the arm and Ian fought back a smile. “Fine. I’ll get over it, starting now.”
Quinn stuck out his hand and Ian shook it.
The anger gradually cleared from Ian’s eyes, but Quinn knew this was only the beginning. Every cat in the network felt much as Ian did. Quinn would have to prove himself over and over again. He released Ian’s hand and looked at Carissa, determination cutting through the gloom. She was the key to his future, his only hope at happiness. But she would be harder than hell to win until she knew her sister was safe.
“We’re all tired and irritable,” Erin said. “Maybe it’s best if we wait until morning to attempt the meld.”
Ian quickly agreed while Carissa seemed disappointed.
“I’ll see you in the morning.” Ian kissed Erin on the cheek, inclined his head toward Carissa and headed off through the kitchen.
“The guestroom is ready or I can set up the pullout if you’d rather have separate beds.” Erin looked to Carissa for the answer.
“The guestroom is fine.” Carissa glanced at him as color spread across her cheeks. Desire trickled across their link and her gaze smoldered. “I’ll feel safer if Quinn’s in the same room with me.”
“Of course you will,” Erin said with a knowing smile. “It’s this way.” She led them to a charming bedroom off the main hallway. “That door leads to the bathroom, which is also accessible from the hall, so make sure you lock the door when you use it. Two of Kyle’s men are using his room while he’s out hunting.”
Wanting to shift Carissa’s attention from Ava’s peril, Quinn asked, “Have you made any progress with Devon? Has she agreed to come home?”
“She still sends me texts at least once a day. Today I demanded that she call me, told her anyone could send a text and I wanted to hear her voice. She called a few minutes later, but she sounded really odd.”
“Odd in what way?”
“Like she was drunk or high or something.” Erin crossed her arms over her chest and sadness tinged her smile. “Her father died eight months ago. I thought she was just working through her grief and rebelling against authority in general, but she’s scaring me to death.”
“I understand the feeling,” Carissa crossed the room and gave Erin a hug. “As soon as we find Ava, Kyle can focus entirely on finding Devon.”
“That’s the plan.” She paused with her hand on the door knob. “You two get some sleep tonight. We need you both rested and alert in the morning.” With a final wave, she stepped into the hall and closed the door.
Carissa’s heartbeat tripped as Erin left her alone with Quinn. He’d insisted she stop using the nasal spray and her desire for him had gradually rekindled in the hours that followed. She no longer felt the consuming urgency that had erupted after her first contact with a Therian male. This was slower, deeper heat, one that sank into the marrow of her bones. She longed for the intimate connection and the emotional exchange she’d experienced each time they touched.
Quinn placed his hands on her shoulders and drew her closer. “You okay?”
“I don’t know.” A nervous laugh escaped and she lowered her gaze. “This is all so overwhelming.”
“Then we’ll wait.” One of his hands moved to her neck, fingers curving around the back while his thumb caressed her skin. “I won’t add to your confusion.”
She shook her head and looked into his eyes. “You’re the only part of this that doesn’t confuse me. Erin insists I’m a player in some ancient drama, but I feel completely displaced.” She raised her hands to his chest and unfastened the first few buttons on his flannel shirt. He’d donned the long-sleeved garment before they left his cabin, and the rustic style perfectly matched his rugged good looks. “When you touch me, I feel connected to all the things Erin describes. Without you, I’m not sure I can deal with all of this.”
He leaned down and brushed her lips with his. The gesture was more of a comforting caress than an arousing kiss. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be right here every step of the way.”
She quickly worked the rest of the buttons then wrapped her arms around him, inside his open shirt. His chest was warm and the muscular contours of his back felt amazing beneath her curious fingers. “I’m not ready to be defined. Can you control yourself well enough to just make love to me?”
“As long as your body is responding the way it was meant to respond, I’ll be fine.”
“I haven’t used the mist since this morning. Or I guess that would be yesterday morning by now.”
“Then we have nothing to worry about.”
Feminine power rolled through her, making her crave what little control he’d allow. All too soon he’d take over, command her body and guide her spirit one step closer to her Therian destiny. She needed to touch him and watch him surrender part of himself to her.
“I want to be sure.” She pulled his shirt down his arms and tossed it aside then reached for the metal button on the waistband of his jeans. “Besides, I think it will help with your control if we take the edge off your hunger.”
His body tensed as she lowered his zipper, but he made no move to stop her. He watched her closely, eyes passion bright and narrowed. She helped him remove his boots then tugged off his socks. The air around them seemed to crackle with heat and energy. She reached for his jeans and he caught her wrists then shook his head.
“You don’t touch me until you’re naked too.”
Rather than reply, she kicked off her shoes and pulled her shirt off over her head. He had her pants unzipped by the time she tossed her shirt aside and his warm breath teased her heated skin as he leaned in to help her take them off. Her socks and underwear followed then she returned her attention to his jeans. He wore nothing beneath the sturdy denim, and soon they faced each other naked and trembling with anticipation.
Her gaze slowly traveled the length of his body. She’d grown accustomed to his handsome features, but the strength so apparent in his corded muscles and lean hips made her mouth water and her fingers itch. She moved closer and rested her hands on his chest. His gaze bore into hers, yet his arms remained at his sides.
“Go on,” he urged. “I’m here for you, hellion. Do whatever you like.”
Desire curled through her, stirring sensations as it flowed from her chest to her groin. She wanted to touch him, press against him and taste him. She wanted to feel him slide against her tongue and shake with his need to come. But most of all, she wanted to watch him abandon himself to her, to trust her with his pleasure.
She ran her hands up to his shoulders and squeezed. He was broad and powerfully built, obviously capable of coping with anything that fate sent their way. His arms were long and stacked with muscle, perfect to wrap around her and keep her safe. She explored him from shoulder to fingertip before returning to his chest. Flattening one hand over his heart, she moved the other across his side and down his spine.
Purposely ignoring her destination, she pressed against him and cupped his ass with both hands. “The way you look in jeans is sinful, but this should be against the law.”
He chuckled, his hands still at his sides. “I’m glad you approve.”
She ran her hands down the backs of his thighs, sinking to her knees as her fingers descended. His erection blazed a trail from her belly to the valley between her breasts. Then she moved back and his potent length arched toward her, more than ready for a more intimate exploration.
“You don’t have to do this,” he assured, his tone soft yet needful.
“I know.” She slid one hand around and eased it between his thighs, gently cradling his balls. “I want to watch you lose control.” Her other hand closed around his shaft, stroking from base to tip with firm pressure.
He groaned, features tense, jaw clenched against the pleasure.
She watched his face as she closed her lips around his tip, fascinated by the heat and the hardness. It wasn’t as i
f she’d never done this before, but Quinn was so much more…manly than anyone she’d ever touched. Her other lovers shrank in his shadow until only Quinn remained.
She took him deeper, savoring the velvet-soft skin as he slid against her lips and across her tongue. His scent filled her nose and his taste gradually spread through her mouth. She sucked and swirled her tongue, moving her mouth slowly up and down his length.
His hand tangled in her hair then released, coming to rest on her shoulder instead. “Faster.” Half plea, half demand, the word burst from his lips.
She sucked harder and moved faster, thrilled by his obvious delight. He rocked his hips, matching her movements without taking over. His taste grew stronger, proof of his rising desire. She paused to enjoy the evocative taste, swiping her tongue across his sensitive tip until he groaned with each lick.
“If you don’t stop I’ll…” Tension rolled down his thighs as he fought back his orgasm. “I’m almost there.”
She grasped his hips and took him deeper, her lips sucking stubbornly. He arched his neck, eyes tightly closed as his control finally snapped. He pushed to the back of her mouth and came in shuddering waves. She swallowed and swallowed again, tingling heat marking the path of his seed as it slid down her throat.
“So good,” he muttered as he drew her to her feet. His arms enfolded her and he tilted her head back as his mouth sealed over hers. The kiss was deep yet tender as his tongue delved between her parted lips. He had to taste himself in her mouth, but he seemed unconcerned, perhaps even pleased. “Thank you.”
He whispered the words against her lips and Carissa smiled. “I was just returning the favor,” she reminded him.
“I’m not keeping score.” He pulled back the covers and urged her down on the side of the bed. Then he knelt on the floor and eased her legs apart. “It will take my body a minute or two to recover. I know how I intend to spend the time.”
She leaned back on her elbows and raised her heels to the edge of the mattress, boldly spreading her thighs. He made her feel desirable and sexy, unashamed of her need.
He brushed his hands down the insides of her thighs then slipped his fingers under her while his thumbs gently parted her folds. “You’re already wet.” He grinned. “Did you enjoy having my cock in your mouth?”
“I enjoyed the way you trembled and moaned.” She returned his smile.
“Let’s see how long it takes you to tremble.” With his gaze still locked with hers, he leaned down and traced her slit with the tip of his tongue.
The soft stroke sent desire spiraling through her core. Her toes curled over the edge of the mattress and her hips pushed up into his kiss. He was so damn good at this, and knowing he wouldn’t stop this time made each touch even sweeter.
His tongue circled her clit, his thumbs caressing as well as parting. Tension gathered low in her belly and her inner muscles clenched, accenting the emptiness he would soon fill. She rocked against his mouth, too restless to remain passive.
He pulled one hand out from under her and looked into her eyes as he pushed two fingers deep into her passage. The fullness felt wonderful, but it was just a teasing hint of what she really needed. She squeezed his fingers and the tension inside her mounted.
“Your turn.” He moved his other hand as well, covering her clit with his thumb. “I want to watch you come.”
Unable to resist such a delightful suggestion, she abandoned herself to his touch. He pumped his fingers in and out as his thumb passed over her clit. She was so wet his fingers slid smoothly and the pleasure rapidly built.
Her orgasm hit suddenly, clamping her core down around his fingers. He kept them deep inside and prolonged the spasms with his thumb. She cried out and her thighs shook as the sensations radiated through her body.
Before the last tingle passed, he draped her legs over his arms and pulled her hips to the edge of the bed. She felt him press against her entrance, but he didn’t thrust inside.
“Open for me, hellion.”
She wasn’t sure what he meant until she felt his presence nudge against her mind. Unlike when Ian tried to push inside her, she didn’t feel intimidated or afraid. This was Quinn. He would never hurt her, had had many opportunities to take advantage of her, and yet he had protected her at every turn.
Grasping the backs of her knees, she opened herself wider, inviting him into her mind and her body. He drove inward, penetrating her slowly as his cock filled her core. She accepted him without hesitation, welcoming him with a rush of affection as well as the wet grip of her sheath.
He pulled back then surged forward, secure in her surrender. His energy blazed through her mind, intense and powerful. She absorbed the emotions he offered so freely and shared her feelings just as readily. She let go of her knees and grasped his shoulders, drawing him down for a passionate kiss.
His body slid against her and into her as their mouths met and meshed. He tasted of her pleasure and each thrust of her tongue mingled his taste with hers. He ran his hands up her sides, pausing to cup her breasts before drawing her arms above her head. He held her wrists tightly as his thrusts became more demanding.
She wasn’t struggling, wasn’t sure why he felt the need to hold her down. Then primal aggression threaded through his gentler emotions. This was his cat, his Therian self, demanding her submission. A heated shiver sped down her spine, sparking an elemental response in her.
He moved faster and deeper, his tongue echoing each drive. She yielded, drawing in his scent and savoring the flavor of their combined release. Her eagerness drew a harsh growl from his throat, but joy flowed into her mind. He was thrilled by her trust and overwhelmed with her enthusiasm. He tore his mouth away from hers and pushed up on his elbows, allowing him to speed the tempo of his hips.
She pulled her legs up along his sides and angled her pelvis to better accommodate his frantic thrusting. Their gazes locked and burned with emotions every bit as powerful as the pleasure surging between them. Golden light burst from his eyes and he drove his full length into her. She wrapped her legs around his waist as her body echoed each distinct spasm. They clung to each other for long, silent minutes, lost in the wonder of their joining.
He wrapped his arms around her and rolled to his side, taking her with him. Can you hear me?
He pushed the thought across their link and she smiled. Loud and clear. Can you hear me?
Perfectly. He eased his arm beneath her neck and covered her mouth with his. Now we don’t have to stop kissing if you want to ask a question.
Will Erin and the others be able to hear my thoughts too?
He separated their mouths with the shake of his head. “That will come after you’re defined.”
“Does it hurt?” She was so relaxed, so content, she was struggling to keep her eyes open.
“I don’t know. Only females are defined.”
She nodded. “Did your first shift hurt?”
He brushed her hair back from her damp face as his gaze moved over her face. “It was more frightening than painful for me, but I’ve heard others complain about the pain.”
Swallowing past the lump rapidly forming in her throat, she refused to dwell on the details. “How old were you when you first transformed?”
“Thirteen.”
“Do children ever shift?”
“It’s extremely rare. Most Therian males begin transforming in their early teens.”
“Are females ever defined that early or do most wait until the deadline is drawing near?”
He eased his hand between their bodies and covered her breast, his fingers gently squeezing. “It depends on the family. The average age is probably closer to eighteen than twenty-one.”
His touch ignited her slumbering desire, but she tried to ignore the tingling heat. “Have you ever defined anyone?”
“Twice.” He rolled to his back, bringing her with him. She bent her knees and straddled his hips, pushing up against his chest. “Ride me, hellion.” He grasped her hips and ensured t
hat she obeyed.
“Do you always get hard this fast?” She gasped as he arched, driving his shaft deep inside her.
“Only with you.” He reached up and pulled her mouth down to his.
* * * * *
Carissa woke up alone the following morning. Quinn’s scent surrounded her, clinging to her skin as well as the bedding, but he was nowhere in sight. A neat stack of clothes awaited her in a chair by the bathroom door. Devon wasn’t going to have any clothes left if Erin kept this up. Thankful for the thoughtfulness, Carissa took a quick shower and dressed then went in search of her missing…lover? Mate? What role would Quinn play in her life?
When Erin claimed Carissa was resisting Ian because he threatened her mate, Carissa hadn’t thought too much about it. Even Quinn’s possessive response hadn’t fully registered until she felt the connection growing between them.
Quinn made love with his body and his mind. Feeling his emotions build and deepen each time they joined had been unlike anything Carissa had ever experienced before. She’d been thrilled by his tenderness. It was such a contrast to his gruff exterior. There was still far too much unresolved for her to think seriously about a permanent bonding, but she was sure enjoying this preview.
Quinn sat at the kitchen table with Erin sipping coffee and munching on a piece of toast.
“Good morning,” Erin greeted, motioning her toward an empty chair. “Would you like something to eat? The coffee’s fresh.”
“Just coffee is fine. I seldom eat breakfast.”
Erin rose and crossed to the coffeemaker. “Shame on you. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”
Carissa smiled. “So I’ve heard.” She looked at Quinn’s empty plate and asked, “Does toast count as breakfast?”
“I had eggs too.” He pointed out the telltale smear of yellow.
“Is Ian on his way or are we going to try this without him?” Carissa took the mug from Erin, the rich aroma making her mouth water.
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