by S. K. Yule
“What are we going to do?” Her lip quivered.
“I’m going to go get help from Sanctuary.” He wanted to hug her to him, and comfort her, but he knew if he did, he’d never leave.
“You can’t do that! Yo-you’ll freeze to death or get lost.”
“I’ll be fine.” He smiled. She was worried about him, and that was a good sign. Maybe she cared about him more than he thought. “I will not freeze to death. In case you haven’t noticed, I run several degrees hotter than you, and I can have warm fur in an instant if I need it. I won’t get lost because I’m very familiar with the woods, not to mention I have a sensational sense of smell.”
“I don’t want to stay here by myself.” The tears she’d been holding back spilled down her cheeks.
“I know, but I want to get you out of this storm and some place safe and warm.” He reached for her hands, and took them in his. “It should only take me two hours tops. There is more than enough fuel for you to keep warm for that amount of time. Can you be strong and do this?”
She stared at him for several minutes before finally nodding. “Yes. I’ll try.”
“Stay in the car, Sherry. I promise I will be back. I won’t let anything happen to you. You are safe here.” He leaned in and kissed her gently, refusing the instant roar of desire that came rushing in again, demanding that he take her. “There are still snacks left from last night in the back seat, and a can of soda.”
“Okay.”
Her whispered word went straight to his heart. She was scared, but she was being exceptionally brave. He gave her one last smile and turned to get out of the car, but before he could open the door, she grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back to her for a hug. This time, she kissed him.
“Be careful.”
“I will. I’ll be back before you know it.”
* * * *
Something had gone wrong. It had been over three hours since Piers had left to get help, and he still hadn’t returned. The snow hadn’t let up, and Sherry’s anxiety was almost unbearable. She had done everything from breathing exercises, to singing, to trying to sleep, but nothing had worked for long to keep her occupied.
Terror clawed at her. The fuel was getting low in the Jeep, and it was getting dark out. She glanced at the clock on the radio. If he wasn’t back in a half hour, she’d go look for him. She’d found a blanket in the back of the Jeep. If she wrapped it around her, it would keep her warm for awhile outside. She’d just have to make sure not to stray far.
When another half hour went by and he was still not back, she turned the engine off, wrapped the wool blanket around her, and stepped outside. The snow had let up a bit, but visibility was still poor. She wouldn’t be able to go far, but she prayed she wouldn’t have to. She took a deep, calming breath and started in the direction he’d gone in.
“Piers!” The snow acted as a barrier to her voice, and she knew it wouldn’t carry far. “Piers!” All she heard was deafening silence in return.
An hour later, she was in trouble. The storm had picked back up, and she was trying to make it back to the Jeep, but she was having trouble walking through the near knee deep snow. She was freezing cold and shivered uncontrollably. Ice coated her eyelashes, and she had to hold the blanket over her nose and mouth so the frigid air didn’t burn her lungs.
The wind blew so hard against her that she was having trouble standing upright, but she fought against it with all the strength she had. The cold was taking its toll on her, and her brain was turning foggy. All she wanted to do was lay down and sleep, even though she knew it would be the death of her. No. She had to keep going, but minutes later, she was starting to doubt her ability to make it back to the car, which was now in sight but might as well have been a hundred miles away.
She pushed herself forward, but staggered and fell hard to her knees. She tried to get to her feet, struggled with all her might, but she was too weak. She couldn’t believe she was going to die this way, from sheer stupidity. She honestly hadn’t realized how much the temperature had dropped. She’d never thought for a moment that a quick look around for Piers could result in her death. The last thing she remembered was the white ground rushing toward her face.
Chapter Ten
Sanctuary had been further away than Piers thought. He was close now, but an hour and a half had already passed since he’d left Sherry. If he kept going, he’d make it there within another hour, but then it would take at least that long to get back to her even by vehicle. There had been enough gas in the Jeep for at least two hours, but he wasn’t willing to gamble how long it would last after that. The cold would kill her fast, and he could keep her warm.
She’d be worried and scared that he hadn’t returned when he said he would. The storm had let up for awhile, but it wasn’t long before it had picked back up. He couldn’t risk her safety. He had to turn around and go back. He had to make sure she was safe and warm. If something happened to her—he closed his eyes and refused to go down that path. She’d be okay. But instincts urged him faster, and when he was almost back to the car, he saw a sight that made his heart stutter hard and threaten to stop altogether.
Lying on the ground only a couple hundred feet from the Jeep was what would have looked like an old blanket to anyone else. However, he could see stray strands of red hair blowing above the plaid pattern. Sherry. Fear engulfed him, and he ran to her. She was face down, and when he turned her over, he held his breath, praying that she was still alive. Her skin was pale, and her lips had a sickly, blue tinge to them.
“No! Sherry, wake up!” He picked her up and cradled her against him. She was so cold. Her heart beat weak and faint, but it still beat. Her breathing was shallow and slow, but she was alive. Pressure built in his chest until he shook inside.
Why was she outside of the car? Had she been looking for him? This was his fault. He’d put his mate in danger and he’d never forgive himself for doing so. One thing he was determined of. He would not let her die. No force on heaven or earth or hell could take her from him now. He’d save her. He carried her back to the Jeep, started it, put her on the back seat, stripped her clothes off, then took his off as well. He reached in and pulled the latch to unlock the back of the seat and folded it down.
He climbed in, shut the door, lay down, pulled her against his chest, and spooned her. After pulling the blanket over them, he wrapped himself around her. His body nearly covered her entire tiny frame. She was so cold, so still. He kissed the top of her head and rested his cheek on the silky, red locks.
“Please, Sherry. Take my heat. Get warm, baby.” He whispered the words, willing her to do as he said.
An hour later he had no choice but to turn the engine off to preserve what little fuel was left, and she started shaking. He held her tight against him while her teeth chattered and she clutched at him. He rubbed her back, trying to soothe her and coax the warmth back into her body.
“It’s okay. I’m here now. I’m so sorry I wasn’t back when I said I’d be. Please wake up.” For the first time in more years than he could remember, he wanted to cry. He wanted to cry, scream, and beat on something until he was exhausted. How could he have let this happen to her?
“Piers?” His name whispered from her lips.
“Sherry?” He choked back a sob.
He leaned back, looked down at her, and framed her face with his hands. She blinked her eyes several times before opening them. She smiled up at him, and a rush of relief swept through him like a tsunami. She still shivered, but it was slight compared to the earlier body-wracking shakes. She buried her face against his chest and wiggled closer to his warmth.
“You are so warm. I swear you are like a heater,” she said through clattering teeth.
“You scared the hell out of me. What were you doing outside of the car?”
“When you didn’t come back, I got worried. I didn’t mean to get so far away from the car. I-I didn’t realize I would get so cold so fast. It all happened so quickly. I didn’t under
stand what was happening until it was too late. I’m so sorry.”
“I’m sorry. This is my fault. I should have been back when I said.”
“It’s not your fault, Piers. I made the choice to get out of the car.” She looked up at him, and placed a delicate palm against his cheek.
“No. It’s my job to protect you, and you almost died because of me. I shouldn’t have left you.”
* * * *
Sherry couldn’t believe Piers was blaming himself for what had happened. It was no one’s fault but her own. She was an adult and had made a bad choice. She vaguely remembered bits and pieces of when he found her. Although she’d been in and out—more in than out—of consciousness, his distress had been palpable. And the thought that she’d made him feel responsible for her predicament tore at her heart.
He’d held on to her like a drowning man would hang on to a raft, as if his life depended on her survival. And the only thing she had been able to think about was that she had never made love with him, had never told him that she cared for him, that she...loved him. It was too soon for love, but even so, she knew it to be the truth. He proved time and again that her feelings, her safety, were important to him. He did care for her, and she didn’t want to wait to be with him any longer.
“Piers?” She stroked her fingers over his stubbly cheek, enjoying the texture of his growing beard.
“Yeah.” His voice heated her nearly as effectively as his body.
“Did you take my clothes off?”
“I took mine off too. It was the fastest way to warm you up.”
“Mm hmm. I appreciate you warming me up, by the way. As long as we are already naked”—she smiled up at him—“make love to me.”
“Sherry, you almost froze to de—”
“Shh.” She covered his lips with her fingers. “I’m fine now, thanks to you. Stop blaming yourself for what happened. It’s over now and you saved me.”
“When I saw you lying in the snow…” He closed his eyes.
“Stop. I’m okay.” She caressed his cheek tenderly. “You aren’t going to make me ask again, are you?”
“If I was an honorable man, I’d keep my hands to myself and leave you after this whole ordeal is over. I’m no good for you. But hell if I’m man enough to resist an invitation like that.”
He took her mouth with a demanding kiss laced with desperation. He wanted her as badly as she wanted him, and she could feel the fast thump of his heart against her, the excited beat matching her own. His tongue delved into her mouth and she groaned at his erotic, spicy taste. He deepened the kiss, and she cried out when he cupped her breast.
His touch inspired a boldness in her that she never knew existed. Even though she was inexperienced, he made her feel sexy, beautiful. His every caress felt as though he were worshipping her. She ran the heel of her foot up his calf and his other hand reached around to cup her ass, bringing her tight against his groin. His heavy shaft pressed between them and lay against her belly. The sheer size of him gave her a moment’s pause, but he wouldn’t hurt her. She knew he wouldn’t.
He rotated his hips against her and groaned. His need sparked a need in her that nearly stole her breath. She ached for him and her body wept for him. She almost cried out when he broke their kiss and rested his forehead against hers.
“God, Sherry. I want to take this slow, but I’m not sure I can the first time. I want you so bad, I can barely breathe.”
“I feel the same.” His raspy words made her shiver. “I want you to take me however you want, Piers. I just want to be with you.”
“Touch me. Please.” He wrapped his fingers around her hand and guided it toward his cock.
He released her and held his breath as she trailed along his abdomen and finally encircled him. He covered her hand with his own and showed her how to stroke him, then growled when she mimicked the moves he’d taught her only seconds before. He felt like velvet over steel, and her fingers barely touched around him. The moisture beading at the thick head was slick and made her strokes glide over him effortlessly. The whole act seemed more erotic in the dark with the gentle light of the moon popping out here and there through the dissipating clouds and snow.
“Sweet mercy.” He gently tugged her hand from him. “If you continue that, I’ll shame us both.”
He guided her hand to rest on his hip and slipped his fingers between them. She gasped when one long finger slid along her slick, wet folds before diving inside her, and she dug her nails in him as waves of pleasure rolled through her. His thumb landed on her clit and drew circles around her sensitive flesh. Pressure built low in her belly as he continued to stroke her, and she desperately strained against him, knowing he was the only one that could relieve the ache throbbing between her legs.
He took her mouth again and plunged his tongue inside when she gasped. His kiss excited her, calmed her. She felt safe in his arms, cherished...loved. Did he love her? He cared for her, but she wanted more from him. She wanted all of him. He had her heart and she wanted his, but would he be willing to give it to her?
He took his lips from hers, his breathing ragged. His finger pushed deep inside her again, and they groaned in unison as her muscles clenched around him.
“You are so hot, so wet, so tight.” He pulled back and pushed deep again.
“Piers, please!”
She was surprised when he urged her on her side, her back to him. He cupped her breast in one hand, toying with her nipple, driving her mad while he pushed her knee forward until she was open and vulnerable to him. He nudged against her from behind while he held her still with one hand around her upper thigh and the other still cupped over her breast. He kissed her shoulder, and nipped at her skin.
“Have you ever made love with anyone?” he murmured against her in between licks and kisses.
“No.”
“You know it will be uncomfortable for a moment?”
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry.”
Before she could tell him he had nothing to be sorry for, he thrust his hips, slipped inside her, and tore through her virginity. She gasped at the sharp pain and pressure of him filling her and instinctively struggled to get away, but he held her firmly against him.
“Piers!”
“Relax, baby. Just give it a minute.” He stroked her nipple, kissed her neck, and held perfectly still inside her.
He gradually let go of her knee, but she didn’t move. His finger covered her clit and her body began to adjust to his thick invasion. The brief pain was all but forgotten, and the feeling of him inside her, stretching her, no longer hurt. He continued to kiss her, stoking her fire higher, but remained still inside her. After a few more seconds, she pushed back against him and when he growled, she moved again.
He muttered a curse under his breath, pulled out of her until only the tip of him remained and plunged deep. She cried out in pleasure and the shock of being completely possessed by a man for the first time. He groaned against her neck and thrust up inside her again and again. She gasped as the pleasure built to an ache that made her sob. She met him stroke for stroke. His cock dragged over every nerve in her sheath, making her muscles clench around him as if trying to hold him inside when he pulled back before burying himself once again.
Suddenly, pleasure exploded through her, and she sobbed out his name over and over as the waves of her orgasm rocked through every muscle in her body. Within seconds, he slammed up in her deep and hard and stilled. He bit down on her shoulder and growled as his cock throbbed with each pulse of his hot seed.
“You have no idea what you do to me.” He kissed her shoulder, soothing the tenderness from his bite, then trailed his lips up the side of her neck to her ear.
“I think I have a bit of an idea.” If she made him feel half as good as he made her feel, she had more than an idea.
She reached up and ran her fingers over the place he’d nipped her, and he covered her hand with his own.
“Don’t worry. I didn’t break t
he skin. I would never do that until you were ready.”
“What do you mean until I’m ready?” She frowned. She’d thought he’d been talking about not breaking her skin because he’d hurt her, but why would she ever be ready for that?
“I guess your sister didn’t tell you everything about lycans, huh?” He smoothed his fingers along her hip, and she nestled back into the cradle of his warm body.
When his words finally sank in, she stiffened and half turned so she could see his face in the soft glow of the moon.
“My God. Are you saying if you bit me, really bit me, I’d become what you are?”
“Yes.”
Chapter Eleven
Why had he brought up changing her? She’d just acknowledged that she had strong feelings for him by making love with him. The last thing she’d needed to learn was how easy it would be for him to turn her. He wanted to change her more than anything in the world, for that would bind them together, but stranded in a car where she’d nearly frozen to death was not the time or place for such a discussion. Her face showed the repulsion she felt at the idea, and his heart broke.
“Sherry, I—”
“Are you saying you want to make me like you?” She struggled to get away from him, but he held her against him with little effort.
“Let’s not do this right now, okay?”
“No. Let’s do do this right now. I am not a nature girl. I don’t like the woods. I don’t like creepy, crawly things, and I don’t like to camp or hike or swim in a pond or anything else that has to do with the great outdoors. I cannot become a werewolf.” She wiggled, trying to get away from him again, and when he refused to let her go, she cursed.
“I’m not asking you to make that kind of decision right now. I’m sorry it came up.”
“You aren’t asking me to make that kind of decision right now? But you are going to ask?” Her creamy skin shined in the moonlight.
“Sherry, I might ask things of you, might even ask you to consider things that may go against your nature, but I will never force you to do anything that will upset or hurt you. You have to know that by now.”
