Mrs. Adams enveloped her in an embrace, wrapping her chubby arms around JCs smaller frame. Just call me Mom.
Max took JCs hand and pulled her away from his mother leading her into the big kitchen. Mom, Ive only just met JC. She might not be comfortable with calling you Mom just yet.
She nodded her raven head, but her blue eyes smiled. She will be, she said knowingly.
Okay, what was wrong with this picture , JC wondered to herself. Max was hunk-o-licious. He must have brought women home all the time, but mom sure was in a rush to hook him up. Either he really was a playboy and she was going through the I want grandchildren stage, or he had like some mental condition and he wasnt the catch he pretended to be. Wouldnt that just figure? Nearly everything about him was as close to perfect as it could get, he had to have a glitch .
JC found herself drawn to the big section of windows by the kitchen table. It had a window seat with cushions and pillows. She could curl up on it and read all day long given the opportunity. Peering out she saw a dog fly past the window. Circling near the edge of the drive he ran back up to the grassy area just under the window. He moved with the speed of lightning.
Jesus, he looked a lot like Fluffy, just a shade or two darker. Max came to stand behind her, circling her waist. He looks just like Fluffy you didnt tell me you had dogs.
Max chuckled. I didnt have much time. We were otherwise engaged. Im going to go see if I can find my brother. Will you be okay with Mom?
JC thought about how much Fluffy would like it here. A place to run to his hearts desire. Acres and acres of it. Ill be fine. She seems very nice. Go ahead and find your brother. Ill help Mom.
* * *
I told you, Derrick, I havent told her yet. How would you feel if you were JC? Max ran a hand through his thick thatch of hair and slumped down in the chair.
Derrick, Maxs brother, nodded his understanding. Im sure its going to be hard for her to adjust. If youd listened to Eva last year, youd be all done now and have a pup or two. But, no, you put it off and put it off and now look. You have to hurry up and mate so that we can get this pack in gear.
Max hung his head. Granted he didnt want to be tied down last year when Eva read this prophecy in her chicken soup. But now that hed met JC, spent some time with her, he understood the calling the others spoke of. He wanted her and he wanted her forever.
Derrick leaned forward. Tell me, brother, do you want to have that , he pointed out of the back window, to carry on our legacy?
Max eyed his cousin Jerry from his chair. Poor Jerry he just couldnt shift like the rest of them. He got -- well, he got stuck halfway between human and wolf form and nothing helped. So most of the time he wandered around in his human form, but when the moon was full, look out Jerry was out there howling with the best of them, half man -- half wolf. No matter how hard he struggled, fists clenched and brow dripping with sweat, when he tried to fully shift, he ended up looking like he was constipated. Which in Maxs humble opinion was better than poor, neutered Beau. Beau had been captured by the local animal rights activists and fixed. Max shifted in his seat uncomfortably, but Beau was okay with being neutered, because he was gay
And then there was Hector. Hector hated to hunt. Hunting the small animals of the forest, as he put it, grossed him out, shudder, shudder. Hector liked the little rabbits he said they were cute and fluffy and he had a whole pen full that were off limits to the rest of the family. He named them, for Christ sake. Hector was also a vegetarian what kind of wolf didnt like meat?
Wolves with issues, thats what kind.
Max and Derrick were the last of the pack with any hope of carrying it on. He loved his family, but they werent your typical wolf pack. Not by any stretch of the imagination. They were a blend of anomalies, misfits to some. All of the other packs mocked them and with good reason Max supposed, but they were his pack -- good, bad or indifferent and hed do what it took to keep the line going.
Look, Derrick. I know I have to tell her. Imagine her shock when I shift for her. Not to mention the fact that she hates the woods.
Derrick scoffed, his chocolate brown hair shimmering as he shook his head in disgust. You know, Max? It would figure your lifemate is someone who hates icky bugs! This is the most messed up bunch of wolves Ive ever heard of. In all of wolf history we have the only non-meat-eating, homosexual, afraid of small creatures, half-man, half-wolf. Were like the circus freak show. And all I have to say to you is -- youd better get your ass moving because we need some hope here, Max, and were it.
Derricks tone was derisive at best. He loved and hated the ill formed pack he belonged to. Derrick wanted to be free to roam and do as he pleased. He didnt believe in lifemates. Unless it was Maxs, then he was all for it because it meant he could screw whatever moved without fear of retribution.
They were the most normal of the bunch, Max conceded. What do you want me to do, Derrick? Go out there and shift for her. Tell her her dog Fluffy is me? Jesus, shes going to think were a bunch of loons.
Derrick got up from his chair and threw open the window. Hector, he yelled. Hector looked up and smiled, holding out the small bunny to show Derrick. Would you put that damn thing away? Derrick snarled at him, but Hector stuck his tongue out at him. Derrick slapped his brother on the back. Bud, take another look outside. What about that doesnt speak loon to you?
Hector cradled his beloved rabbit, stroking its head and whispering in its big, floppy ear.
Max heaved a heavy sigh. Yep, he needed to tell JC.
Chapter Nine
Max found JC with his sisters in the family room, both with wet heads and towels around their shoulders. Hey, Max. Avery waved and blew him a kiss. Long time no see. JC is going to give us a deep, home remedy conditioning. She says we have split ends.
JC was busy digging her way through the thick, rope-like strands of hair on each of Maxs sisters heads. God, they had split ends out the wazoo. No one needed a deep conditioning like the Adams girls. They had wild, unruly hair that needed a great deal of care.
Looking up, she smiled at Max and he winked. JCs heart warmed in her chest and her nipples beaded tightly. He was undeniably sexy in his jeans and T-shirt. Spending the afternoon with Maxs family was comfortable and easy. Shed chatted with his mother and drank the best coffee she could ever remember having. Maxs mother hugged her often and told her how happy she was that Max had found her.
JC was more convinced than ever that he either had some kind of mental challenge that prevented him from keeping a girlfriend or his mother was just like most mothers. She wanted Max to settle down and have children so she could be a grandmother. What other explanation could there be?
Natalie smiled too, from beneath the curtain of midnight black hair that fell over her face. Hi, Max. Thank God you found JC. Shes a hair goddess.
JC giggled. I think we can blow dry now. Do you have one?
Both girls shook their heads. Are you kidding? The nearest Wal-Mart is like two hours away.
JC cringed. No Wal-Mart. Good gravy. Thats okay. I have one in my bag. Max? Wheres my overnight bag?
Max held his big, lean hand out to her and pointed through the front window. See that cabin all the way out there?
JC nodded. Im guessing thats where my blow dryer is.
Max nodded again. Yep. Cmon, its not far. Ladies, he said to his sisters, well be right back. Max kissed each of them on the cheek and Avery mumbled something in Maxs ear that made him frown and shush her. He pulled JC away from his sisters and out the front door.
JC took a deep breath of the fresh air. It really is beautiful here. Too bad theres no 7-Eleven.
If you lived here would you miss the 7-Eleven?
Fuck yeah .
JC breathed again. Maxs mothers coffee was better than the 7-Elevens. I honestly have to say I was skeptical, but now, I dont know. I like the peaceful surroundings. I love the trees. I grew up in Hoboken , lived there all of my life. This is all new to me and so far, no icky bugs.
Max laughed
again, I told you youd like it, he said as they followed the cobbled path to the cabin. This is my cabin.
You have your own cabin here? Why would you leave it to come to Hoboken ?
Max looked away and pulled her inside. I told you, I have to do environmental stuff. Sometimes that takes me away from home for a long stretch of time.
JC cocked her head as they entered the warmth of the cabin. The fire was lit and welcoming. What stuff?
Max pulled her close to him and nipped her neck. I help preserve wildlife.
JCs legs went soft and her neck arched to meet his lips. What kind of wildlife?
Max lifted her hair and nibbled her ear. Wolves I help to preserve their packs.
If she could think straight she might have frowned. Instead JC sighed as he worked his way to her mouth. In Hoboken ? There arent any wolves in Hoboken .
Max began to tug at the button on her jeans and finally gave up. He jammed his hand into them, curving over the soft mound of her belly. He groaned against her lips when he slipped between the lips of her pussy, How about we talk about this later? Much later.
JCs hips moved to the rhythm of his caress. But your sisters are waiting
Max lifted her shirt and bra, pulling them over her head and kneeled before her. Theyve waited this long for a blow dryer; they can wait a little longer because I cant wait any longer.
Well, okay that was good enough for her. Bracing her hands on his shoulders JC dug her fingers into them as he pulled her jeans and panties down. No one had ever said these kinds of things to her. They made her feel desired and naughty all at once. Wrapping his arms around her waist he took her nipple in his mouth and swirled his tongue over it. Her sharp gasp echoed in her ears and her cunt immediately felt the wet sting of heat licking at it. Max rolled his tongue over her belly, licking his way along the soft flesh, and down over the tops of her thighs. His tongue slipped between her legs with ease, delving into her pussy in short precise strokes. JCs hips began to move in a slow circle, letting Maxs tongue dip in and out of her aching cunt as his mouth moved against it. He dragged a finger through her wet folds, slipping inside of her, making her buck against his hand. Max pressed her close to his mouth, sucking her clit, taunting it with the rasp of his tongue.
JC came with the feel of his tongue in her pussy and his finger deep within her. Hard, sharp waves of silken heat stabbed at her, coursing through her in rushes of vividly sweet pleasure. Max nibbled until she caught her breath, then kissed his way back up to her mouth. God, Max was all she had to offer. JC wrapped her arms around his neck and let him lift her legs, positioning them over his hips.
I need to fuck you now , JC, he said roughly, his voice thick and hoarse. He unzipped his jeans and pulled his cock free. Without hesitation he gripped her hips and pushed her down onto it, driving hard into her.
JC screamed as he entered her, filling her, stretching her deliciously with his slick cock. Each time they made love, he seemed bigger, thicker, and it excited her that her body did this to his. She clung to his waist, wrapping her legs around and hooking her feet behind him. Her heels rested on his ass, and she pushed against it, encouraging him to thrust harder.
Maxs lips found hers, savagely ramming his tongue into her mouth, tangling with hers as they rocked in a tight embrace. He moved them together without missing a thrust, bending his knees to sit on the chair and setting her atop his lap. JC tasted herself on his lips, lips that brought the most carnal of pleasures, lips that moved over hers with finesse.
Max moved his hips upward as he cupped her breasts and thumbed her hard nipples.
JC milked the length of his shaft, tightening her muscles as her clit scraped the top of his jeans, circling his cock with aggressive downward thrusts. She rode him fiercely, her head falling back on her shoulders.
Max came swiftly, howling her name and digging his fingers into her hips. JC came too, with the rise and fall of his cock in her. Slumping forward, JC rested her forehead on his chin and fought for breath. Max buried his hands in her hair and kissed the top of her head, his breath raspy too.
Woman, he murmured into her hair, I think youre going to kill me.
JC giggled. I think in some states were legally married now.
Maxs head popped up and he frowned.
JC ran her hand down his face. Hey, it was a joke . Theyd known each other like two and a half days, what kind of booger sugar was he doin, thinking she was serious? Oh, wait a second, here it comes. The old let em down easy
JC, we have to talk.
JC lifted herself off of Max and tugged a blanket from behind his head with her, wrapping it securely around her waist. No, we dont have to talk. Just tell me where the bathroom is.
Max pointed down the hall and JC hurriedly scooped up her jeans. JC, we have to talk.
Yeah, shed bet they had to talk. I like you a lot, JC. But I dont want anything serious right now. Im the best lay youve had bar none, but Im hittin the highway to other chicks-ville now. Thanks bunches. JC didnt want to talk. She wanted to go home and see Fluffy.
Her heart tightened. Why did this upset her so? What did she expect after whacking a guy shed known two days? God dammit, God dammit, God dammit. She rinsed off with the washcloth and pulled on her panties and jeans.
Strong hands gripped her shoulders from behind and JC swiped at the tear that formed in the corner of her eye. We have to talk, JC, now .
No, you redneck Rico Suave, you have to get your horse and buggy and take me the hell home!
Max growled like really growled and hoisted her up over his shoulder. I said we have to talk. Now shut up and come with me.
As if she had a choice. Max flopped her back on the chair in the living room by the fireplace and sat opposite her. Just as she was about to protest, he held up a finger. Dont. Do not say a word. I have something to tell you.
JC crossed her arms over her chest and sucked in her cheeks. He had to make her listen to him confess he was a player? Jesus.
Okay, he began, remember I told you I was into wildlife preservation?
Yeah.
Well, Im trying right now as we speak to preserve wildlife.
What do I have to do with wildlife preservation? The wild thing -- maybe -- wildlife -- um, no.
Look, remember I said it had to do with wolves?
Yep. In sheeps clothing
Im a wolf.
And Im Little Red Riding Hood.
No, JC, listen to me. Im a wolf.
This is the most original breakup line in the history of breakups.
JC, look at me.
Havent we done this look at me thing before?
JC, look at me, really look at me. Im Fluffy
Despite the heaviness in her heart JC began to laugh, then she snorted, followed by howling shrieks of laugh-out-loud belly laughs. Clamping her hand over her mouth she wiped the tears of laughter from her eyes with the other. Oh -- GOD -- this -- this is -- above and, JC paused to gather her breath, wheezing for air, beyond the call of duuuutttyyy, she whistled the last word because it was all she could spit out.
Max grabbed her by her shoulders and looked her in the eye. Do you remember the trip to the vet with Fluffy?
JCs brow furrowed. Yeah, it cost a small fortune. She nodded.
Do you remember how much I weighed? One hundred and fifty pounds.
Oh, big fucking deal, she might have let that slip when her tongue was down his throat.
Max let out an exasperated sigh. Do you remember Killer?
JC gulped. Yes, Killer the feisty dachshund. She nodded again, eyeing him warily.
Do you remember telling Fluffy that you couldnt resist me?
Um, well, sorta
Do you remember me peeing on Jess?
Hookay. Now it was time to go home. She didnt know what the fuck was going on and she didnt give a shit. He could have found those things out if hed looked through a window in her apartment.
But I didnt move in until the next day, after the incident with Jes
s.
JC eased back against the chair and pushed Maxs hands away. Um, look. I dont know what your gig is, but you think youre a dog , Max. A dog, ya know woof-woof?
Max narrowed his eyes. I am not a dog. Im a wolf .
And sometimes, in my fantasies, Im the Little Mermaid, Max. I think you need help. Fluffy is a dog. A dog from the pound. You are a man who should be in a mental institution. And didnt that just figure? She knew it all along. His Clampett family back at the house was probably just as tweaked as he was.
JC. Im going to show you something and its going to make you freak out. But before I do, I want you to know that these past two days have been the best Ive had in my life. Im falling in love with you.
Oh, good. Thats nice. Just fucking ducky. A man who thought he was a canine was falling in love with her. He was every girls dream come true. Max was just a little too fond of his furry friends, eh? Yeah, Max, you show me. Im going home now.
NO ! he roared, scaring the living shit out of JC who cringed against the chair. His face softened again. Im sorry. Listen, JC just watch. Im going to do something, but Ill try and control it so it isnt a full shift.
Shift? He wasnt working a full shift . Oh God, she was going to die in this backwater cabin with a man who thought he was her dog Fluffy.
Max knelt before her and kissed her cheek, soft as a whisper. I would never hurt you, JC, he said fiercely. I cant stand your fear. Just watch and then youll understand.
Petrified, horrified, mortified, all the fieds rolled into one couldnt describe how frightened JC was, but his reassurances, his kiss, soothed her and that couldnt be right.
Max rose and stood by the fireplace and rolled his neck on his shoulders, cracking his knuckles, he closed his eyes and took deep breaths. JC heard a crunching, a harsh cracking and then it happened Tufts of gray and black hair sprouted from Maxs face, and his nose elongated and grew to a snout. Each muscle in his body rippled, tensing and flexing as he appeared to fight the change in him.
Holy -- fucking -- werewolf
JC took short choppy breaths. Vaguely she thought of Lamaze breathing techniques, just before she screamed.
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