by Anya Nowlan
The gesture made his thigh rub up against hers, almost making her gasp. It was ridiculous how even the smallest contact with him made her lose her mind, but she wasn’t going to question it right now. Even though considering all the talk about shifters and their mates, she probably should have.
What am I getting myself into? she briefly wondered, even as she angled herself to face him, pulling her knees up on the couch.
But when you were in way over your head, sinking a little deeper didn’t seem like such a hard thing to do.
“How do you think we should kill the time, then, while we’re both so… alert?” she asked, feeling her hesitation melt away.
Quirking a brow at her, a devilish grin stretched on Devlin’s face, sending butterflies fluttering around in her stomach.
“I think I can come up with an idea or two,” he smirked.
A large hand found its way on to her leg, slowly sliding upwards. Breath catching in her throat, Carlie reveled in the hunger in Devlin’s eyes as he reached the apex of her thighs, his thumb brushing over her throbbing center.
He had barely touched her, and they were both fully clothed, but her back still arched as her insides clenched, the anticipation bubbling over in her veins. Pushing himself closer to her, Devlin wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her to his chest. With her nipples already hard and aching, she melted against him, drawing in his hot breath.
It was enough to send her head spinning, every last shred of shyness or doubt disappearing from her mind.
“I love the way you respond to me,” he murmured, before his mouth slanted over hers, drawing her deeper under his spell.
His tongue pushed its way past her lips, teasing and gentle at first, but growing more demanding by the second. With her hand moving to the back of his head, she couldn’t help but pull him even closer. It felt like she would die if he stopped kissing her, the need inside her too strong to be denied.
She could feel the hard planes of his body through his shirt, and all she wanted to do was worship every hidden dip and hollow with her mouth. Tugging at his clothes, she let him know what she wanted, and he pulled away to yank the shirt over his head.
Her hands were all over him in a flash, running over the smooth, taut skin stretched over steel. It was almost unfair how perfect he was, and all she wanted was more of him. As his mouth claimed hers again, her fingers moved downwards, undoing the buttons on his jeans while also stroking the bulge there through the thick fabric.
Oh my god… He is huge.
Devlin moaned into her mouth as her hand dipped past his pants and underwear, gripping his thick cock between her fingers. He was already hard as a rock and Carlie smiled to herself, pleased that she was driving him just as wild as he was her.
Growling, Devlin got up to discard his pants in a pile next to his shirt, giving her a good look at his massive erection and powerful thighs. He knelt down in front of her and yanked off her pants and panties in one swift go. She was already pulling off her shirt and bra, anxious to feel his skin against hers.
He stopped for a moment, staring up at her, a flurry of emotion passing over his gorgeous, masculine features.
“You are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” he whispered, his eyes roaming over her in pure awe.
“You’re not so bad yourself,” was all she could think of to say, reaching out to run a hand over his wide shoulders between her thighs.
She was sure her rational mind was going to kick her for that comment later – couldn’t she do any better!? –but for now she really couldn’t care less.
“Oh, I think I’ll be able to tease a better compliment out of you than that,” he grinned as if on cue, tongue snaking out of his mouth as he trailed a path of fire up her thigh and straight to her wet pussy.
A guttural sound ripped out of her throat as his tongue laved at her clit, licking and sucking until she wasn’t sure she could take any more. Fingers digging into her thighs, he just kept going, driving her closer and closer to insanity as Carlie moaned and writhed under his touch.
“Oh my God,” she whispered through clenched teeth.
Just as she was about to be pushed over the edge, Carlie was suddenly pulled off the couch and onto the ground, tasting her own juices as Devlin’s mouth came crushing down on hers.
His body flowed over hers, cock pressing against her stomach and rough hands sliding up her sides. Deft fingers found her sensitive nipples, squeezing and tweaking until all she could do was thrash under him, trying to beg for more but unable to get any actual words out.
“How’s that?” he rumbled, tracing kisses along her collarbone.
“Don’t stop,” was all she rasped out, her fingernails raking down his back.
Devlin only growled in response before turning her over to her side, molding his body against her back. The head of his cock pressed against her slit as his fingers dug into her hips, and all she could do was whimper, lost to the pleasure rippling through her.
Gently nipping at her back with his teeth, Devlin slowly pushed inside, splitting her open in the most delicious way. She clutched on to whatever part of him she could reach, letting him fill her up and stretch her thin.
“Fuck,” she mumbled, feeling sweat break out all over her body.
Still holding on to her hips, Devlin pulled back only to sink into her again, making her gasp. Picking up the pace ever so slowly, she could hear him grunt as he thrust in and out, making her breath come out in ragged moans.
His hips bucked against hers, his muscles tensing behind her back, and everything fell away. It was only this moment, the two of them, the way they fit together perfectly. Carlie had never felt so free, so uninhibited, as she moved along with him, a hand over her mouth to muffle the screams spilling from her lips.
Slamming into her, Devlin was unrelenting, driving her closer and closer to the point of no return. She could feel her muscles tightening in wait for the big release. The pressure building in her core was wound so tight, she thought her whole body might snap in half under the intensity.
Kneading her ass, he spread her even more wide, pounding deeper into her than she would have thought possible.
That was all it took.
An animalistic cry tore out of her as the world around her disappeared, a wave of pleasure sweeping over her and leaving her trembling in Devlin’s arms. Wrapping her in his embrace, he drove into her one last time before burying his head into the back of her neck and letting out a muffled roar as he pulled out of her.
She could feel his hot seed shoot out onto her back, and a sated smile spread on her lips. With the soft carpet underneath and Devlin’s hard, sweaty body all around her, she felt satisfied and liberated, her heart still thudding in her chest.
All her nerve endings were still on fire as she wiggled around to face Devlin, softly biting his jaw and running a finger up his bicep.
“That was amazing,” she sighed, before blowing a damp curl out of her face.
“I told you I’d get a better compliment out of you,” he grinned, looking like a cat that had gotten into the cream.
Carlie rolled her eyes at him, feigning annoyance even as a smile tugged at her lips. This night with him was perfect in every way, and a welcome distraction from her worries.
But no matter how mind-blowing the sex, it didn’t change the fact she was still on the run and hiding from a homicidal cop.
Eh, I can think about that in the morning, she thought, giggling as Devlin scooped her up and carried her towards the bedroom like she didn’t weigh anything at all.
“Let’s see what else I can get you to admit to,” he said, and she couldn’t wait to see what he had in mind.
Ten
Devlin
Something pulled Devlin out of his dreams, making his eyes snap open in the dark. Carlie was still right there next to him, her curls spread out on the white sheets and her chest rising and falling steadily.
Can she get any more beautiful? he briefly wondered, glanci
ng at her peaceful face.
The answer was a resounding ‘no’.
Something had woken him, though, and his animal side was already alert and ready for action. Sitting up, he perked up his ears, focusing on the sounds of the house. The leaves were rustling outside, and an owl was hooting somewhere in the distance, but there was something else…
There.
Almost imperceptible, it sounded like a foot hitting the ground, somewhere near the cabin. It could have been anything, an animal scurrying around… but something in Devlin said that they weren’t getting off quite that easily. He waited for a while, listening, before putting his head back on the pillow, eventually almost convinced it was his imagination.
Carlie’s skin was soft as silk when he pressed himself against her, wrapping an arm around her waist. She mumbled something in her sleep before wiggling even closer to him, drawing something akin a purr from the bear and a smile from the man. Her scent was mixed with his now, a reminder of what they’d shared. She was definitely enough to make him ignore any distraction.
A soft crack followed by a dim metal clang coming from the front door made him shoot out of the bed, his feet landing softly on the hardwood floors despite his haste.
That was definitely not my imagination.
The sheets rustled, with Carlie stirring and opening her eyes to stare at him, confused. She opened her mouth, eyes narrowing, but Devlin pressed a finger to his lips, pointing his jaw at the door.
The sound of the front door’s handle turning was heard by them both as Carlie’s eyes grew wide and she scrambled out of bed, wrapping the sheet around her.
“Ava,” she mouthed, pure panic in her gaze.
He nodded as footsteps thudded against the cabin’s floor, with a familiar scent hitting his nose. This burglar was definitely from the shifter family, but it wasn’t the smell of bear… It took him a second until he could place it.
What the hell is a lion shifter doing in my cabin?
This wasn’t the time for questions, though. Carlie was already damn near hysterical, worrying about Ava. The thought of anyone threatening his little family sent the hairs on the back of his neck bristling with anger. He could kick the cat’s ass and then ask him why he felt the need to violate another shifter’s home.
Pushing the bedroom door open, he stepped out into the living area, a snarl ready on his lips and his body crouched down low. The darkness wasn’t a problem for him, but it wouldn’t be a problem for the lion, either.
The man standing near Ava’s bedroom looked genuinely surprised to see him, his head whipping around with wide eyes and a hiss on his lips. Eyes glowing gold in the dark, the intruder turned to face Devlin, his gaze darting behind him just as Devlin sensed Carlie there.
With a wide face and deep-set eyes framed by thick, dark brows, he looked like someone you wouldn’t want to run into in a dark alley. Add to that a nose that looked like it had been broken at least once, and you got yourself someone who looked right at home breaking into someone’s house in the middle of the night.
The stranger’s hiss erupted into a full-out roar at the sight of her, indicating this was definitely not a random break-in. The man’s face twisted in pure rage and Devlin felt something snap in him, what little self-imposed control he had flying straight out of the window.
He’s here for Carlie.
Realizing the jig was up, the lion shifter lunged at Devlin, flying through the air with a savage growl. His fists were balled and ready. Devlin was prepared for it, smashing into the stranger’s jaw with an elbow before he could even get a punch in.
The man went crashing to the ground, knocking into a nearby dresser and bringing a candleholder and some books down with him. Ava began to cry in the other room, and Devlin could hear Carlie pacing behind him, anxious to get to her daughter.
Scrambling back on his feet, the intruder bolted out of the front door, disappearing into the night air within seconds. All that was left of the man was a lingering stench in the air, one of a big feline and… cowardice. Devlin’s nostrils flared at it, moving to the front door to check for any signs of the lion. He wasn’t going to leave Carlie and Ava alone, so he couldn’t chase the bastard, no matter how much he might have wanted to.
Carlie rushed past Devlin, tears running down her cheeks as she hurried into Ava’s room.
Devlin thought about tracking the man again, but when Carlie reappeared, clutching the baby to her chest and looking terrified, he decided against it. He needed to make her feel safe again, and running off wasn’t going to do that.
Shoulders tense and his bear’s roars filling his head, he had to force himself to calm down. The stranger’s face was etched into his mind along with his scent, and that’s where he’d keep them, until he had a chance to settle the score.
Don’t think you’ve gotten away with this, he thought, gritting his teeth as he stared at the open door before slamming it shut.
Ava was starting to calm down, but Carlie was still shaking. He crossed over to her side after turning on the lights, burying his anger, and wrapping an arm around her and Ava. Carlie leaned against him, her breathing shaky, as he kissed the top of her head.
“It’s okay, he’s gone. You’re safe, I promise.”
“How do you know?” she whispered.
“He ran away with his tail between his legs and he knows we’ll be on high alert,” Devlin said, his words almost a scoff.
The man had pissed him off. If he knew what was good for him, he’d stay the hell away.
“He won’t stop coming for us,” she muttered, swaying Ava in her arms. “You can’t be here 24/7.”
“The hell I can’t,” he all but growled.
The thought of Carlie and Ava being alone when that guy found them… He didn’t want to think about it. It wouldn’t be an option, he was going to make sure of it.
“I could talk to the local Alpha about this. He’s not going to like a lion causing trouble in his territory,” he said, trying to reassure Carlie as best he could, his mind running a mile a minute. “I’m guessing that was Tom?”
Her story about biker Tom still struck him as fabrication, but someone had broken in here looking for them, so maybe there was more truth to it than he had thought? But why would Carlie neglect to mention he was a shifter? Could Tom really have kept it from her during their relationship?
“Well...” Carlie drew out, and he could tell she was thinking hard about what to tell him.
He could practically hear the gears turning in her head.
Picking up the items Tom, or whoever that guy was had knocked on to the floor, he noticed a hint of metal glinting from under the dresser. Resting on his knee, he reached his hand out and grabbed it.
Carlie looked more nervous than ever when he got up and held the object up, arching a brow at her. An eagle spread its wings over the top half of the golden shield, with the words St. Louis Police emblazoned on it in blue.
His stomach sunk. Now he couldn’t be any more sure that she was hiding something from him. The thought alone killed him.
“Care to tell me what the hell is actually going on here?”
Eleven
Carlie
What do I do now? Carlie thought, on the verge of panic, even though she knew there was only one thing she could do.
I have to tell him the truth. Everything.
She would be lying to herself if she said it didn’t scare her. With all the lies, she wasn’t even sure if he would believe her, and she desperately wanted him to. It was important that he know she never meant to deceive him, especially now that her body was still warm from being wrapped in his arms, skin to skin.
“I haven’t been honest with you, I’m so sorry,” she whispered, forcing back tears. “I’ll put Ava back to bed and then I’ll tell you everything.”
Devlin gave her a curt nod, his face twisted with what she thought was the makings of anger, and she slipped into the nursery, carefully placing Ava back in her crib. She couldn’t help b
ut stand over the sleeping baby for a while, thinking about how close Silas had been to taking her.
I should have come clean before. This could have all been avoided…
“You’re safe now,” she murmured to the little one, willing herself to believe it.
She fished out some clothes from the sole bag she’d had with her, which she kept in Ava’s room. Carlie quickly got dressed in jeans and a t-shirt before walking back to the living room.
Devlin was sitting at the kitchen table, looking lost in thought. His jaw was clenched tight and his shoulders tense, and she took the seat opposite him, avoiding his gaze. The badge was on the table before him, shiny and incriminating. His gaze could burn a hole through it and it nearly knocked the air out of Carlie’s lungs when he looked up at her.
“I should have told you what was going on, but I couldn’t. I had to think about protecting Ava,” she started when she could draw a breath again, not even knowing where to begin with her crazy story.
Letting out a sigh, Devlin leaned back in his chair. Those baby blues seemed to look right through her as he spoke, the anger gone in place of disappointment now.
“Just help me understand. I’ve had a feeling you’ve been keeping things from me from the start, but I didn’t know the cops were involved. Whatever is going on, you know I could never be angry at a mother protecting her child, right?”
Wringing her hands under the table, Carlie readied herself. This was going to be a bombshell.
“Ava is not my daughter.”
Or would it?
Somehow Devlin remained calm, the only sign he was rattled was his eyebrows almost shooting into his hairline. He didn’t move a muscle otherwise.
“Then whose daughter is she?” he asked, leaning forward.
“I think it’s better if I show you,” she replied, fishing her phone out of her pocket and pulling up some of the articles about Samantha’s death.
It didn’t take her long, as those were the only tabs she had open in the phone’s browser. Handing the phone over, she studied his reactions closely as his eyes moved across the screen. He read for long, excruciating minutes.
