Blue Moon

by Angela Colsin

He slipped his hand into hers as he spoke gently, “You've been on edge as much as I have, Ash. Trying to figure out anything when you feel like you're tied in knots isn't easy.”

  That was true. She did feel knotted up inside, and unraveling it was proving to be difficult.

  Ashley also couldn't help noticing how big his hand was compared to hers either. It got her mind onto his strength and how alluring she found it, making the knot seem that much more complex.

  “There's more to this, Cade,” she started, casting her gaze up at him. “I'm not the same person I used to be, and it's hard to know what to do because of it.”

  Glancing down again, Ashley muttered without thinking, “I'm trying to trust my instincts, but even still, I feel ashamed about wanting you this,” and she trailed when she realized what she was saying, her cheeks heating up.

  Cade pulled her over with an arm around her waist, and she looked up to see the heat in his blue eyes, his expression robbing her of thought.

  “If you want me, there's no shame in it,” he promised her. “Lupines don't like denying themselves. What matters is how you feel right now, and if you want to try, then you should. Because I sure as hell do.”

  Ashley frowned. She did want to try. She wanted to lean up and kiss him, show him how much she needed their bond to grow stronger, aroused with the thought of all the ways they could work on it together.

  But she wasn't used to it, so lost in her needs that she impulsively pushed at him.

  “I just wanna be alone,” she grumbled, but was unsuccessful in putting any space between them. He tightened his grip around her waist, tugging her legs across his lap with little effort.

  “No you don't,” Cade countered, leaning in to murmur against her ear, “you wanna be right here with me. Otherwise you wouldn't be aroused now.”

  Starting to hate our keen senses. His voice was deep and gruff, making it difficult to focus. Still, the statement was so arrogant that Ashley railed against it on principle.

  “I am not.”

  “Yes you are,” he countered, his lips brushing her earlobe. “You need to be close to me. I need it.” Growling, he added, “It scared the fuck out of me when you were taken last night, made me realize just how damned important it is to keep you safe, and how damned bad I want you.”

  Nuzzling her hair, he murmured gruffly, “I know you're my mate, Ashley.”

  Her breath hitched, eyes closing when he slipped his palm against her cheek, leaning into the warmth while he whispered, “Tell me.”

  “Tell you what?” she rasped, mindless as he drew his lips across her neck. Her desire was only amplified when his hand slowly slid down and covered her breast through her top.

  Ashley clutched his wrist as he squeezed the soft mound, moaning lowly when his thumb brushed her nipple straining against the fabric.

  She was already growing slick with need, her breathing becoming heavier as pleasure spread through her body, and she couldn't remember for the life of her what the hell they were talking about.

  Then she recalled trying to fight this for . . . some reason. Must not have been important.

  Lifting his head, Cade murmured his answer, “Tell me you need it. I know you're aching, baby, and I need to ease it for you, that's all.”

  Ashley shivered over his words, knowing he was absolutely right. His hand slipped down, pressing between her legs to slowly rub his fingers back and forth into her shorts.

  She stiffened, rasping out his name as her heart pounded, desire overwhelming every other consideration. Without realizing it, her legs parted, inviting more of his touch with a desperate moan.

  Cade pushed the strap of her top off of her shoulder with his other hand, tugging it down until he'd exposed a breast, groaning over the sight.

  “You're so fucking gorgeous.”

  “I-I am?”

  Ashley was aching painfully as he cupped her bared breast, pinching the nipple before kissing her slowly in answer to her question. She couldn't think, and didn't want to. She wanted him, letting a louder moan when he slowly pushed his fingers into the waistband of her shorts, finding the heated flesh between her thighs slick with need.

  Cade groaned when he felt it, and her body responded furiously.

  Can't fight it.

  Breaking the kiss, she rasped, “I've never done this.”

  “Shush, I know baby,” he murmured into her ear, dragging his fingers against her slick folds until he found her clitoris, circling it hotly and clutching her more tightly when she jerked with a desperate cry.

  “Cade!”

  “That's it,” he groaned. “Trust me. Tell me.”

  If there had been any resistance left in her at all, it was long gone now. Ashley couldn't fight the sensual onslaught or the sense of connection enveloping her again, giving into her primal nature with a loud moan.

  “Yes! I need you, Cade!”

  Cade couldn't take his eyes off his mate, as hard as he was ever going to get. Ashley needed relief so damned badly he couldn't think about anything else. Her reactions were nothing short of addicting, her back arching, movements lithe, and he planned on savoring this completely.

  Hearing her admitting her need finally had him jerking her top the rest of the way down to expose both breasts, her nipples straining for him. Cade's gaze fixed on them, cupping one of the soft mounds to hold at attention as he covered the tip with his mouth, sucking, rolling his tongue over the stiff bud while Ashley twisted, whimpering.

  His fingers continued stroking her, keeping things simple because she was so new to all of this. Lifting his head, Cade uttered lowly, “Don't ever be ashamed of wanting me. I need to give it to you as hard as you can stand it.”

  “Cade!” she cried as he circled harder between her legs, pinching a nipple. “Please don't stop!”

  “I won't,” he promised, leaning in to capture her mouth for a long, deep kiss. She reacted by grabbing him and reciprocating, and Cade throbbed in response, needing to experience the evidence of his mate's desire for him more than words could say.

  At the same time, he pushed his fingers down, teasing at her slick entrance. Ashley jerked when he gently pressed that digit just inside to rub, and she let a surprised gasp.

  “Does that hurt?” He asked, slowly burying it to the knuckle. The tight, slick grip on his finger alone made him groan.

  “N-no!” She rocked her hips against his hand instinctively, whimpering, “It's good!”

  He began slowly thrusting while she writhed and sifted her fingers through the back of his hair, kissing him until all he could think was how did I ever hold back? Watching her experience this pleasure for the first time was better than he'd expected, and Cade refused to stop until she came, stroking inside faster until her hips were undulating against his hand.

  That's when she gasped out the words, “Fuck, I’m close!”

  It was fast approaching, which wasn’t a surprise. He slowed his pace, hooking an arm around her hips before pressing upward to find that spot inside that would drive her crazy, rolling his thumb over her clit in fast circles as he searched until he felt her hips bucking.

  “Cade!”

  There it is. “Shush,” he whispered, clutching her tight to keep her still while he took advantage of that spot. “I've got you.”

  Ashley tensed harder, letting a strained cry of pleasure as her back bowed up, her soft breasts jutting erotically.

  “Good girl, that's it,” he urged, finding pleasure in watching her alone, “come for me.”

  “Ah!” Ashley cried, turning her head against his throat, grasping him tightly as she exploded without mercy.

  His name sounded again and again, her body clenching his invading digit, and Cade couldn't say a word, drinking in the sight of her writhing body, reveling in the feel of it against him. He stroked her hard and fast, drawing out her pleasure until she finally went lax in his arms, cradling her while she panted.

  Witnessing that was well worth the wait, though it left him aching fo
r his own relief.

  Chapter 29

  Ashley was ready for more. Much more.

  The hard orgasm Cade gave her left her motionless for long, blissful moments. Still panting, she opened her eyes to look up at his face, any shyness she'd ever felt blissfully gone.

  Cade was watching her, and when her eyes met his, he groaned, “You're beautiful, sweetheart.”

  She knew he was aroused, drinking in the desire in his eyes as she boldly let her fingers slip to the crotch of his pants where she found his concealed erection. Her eyes widened over what she felt just as his closed with a low growl sounding in his throat.

  “I didn't think . . . ”

  “What?”

  “It's big,” she whispered.

  Cade pressed a kiss to her mouth, approving of her curiosity over his body. As their lips brushed, she turned, parting her legs over his thighs before slowly slipping her hand into his pants, loving how he pushed his hips into her warm palm when she carefully wrapped her fingers around his heated flesh.

  “L-Like that?”

  “Tighter. Squeeze it, baby.”

  He moaned when she clenched him and curiously pumped her fist, pulling his shaft free of his pants to gain better access while he urged her on. Confidence filled her when his reactions were all positive, and she began stroking him back and forth with more speed.

  Cade lowered his head as he grasped one of her breasts to cover the sensitive peak with his lips, drawing his tongue over it. Ashley sucked in a breath, her head falling back, digging her fingers into his hair.

  It was so much better than she'd ever thought it'd be, and her eyes fell shut as he gave both nipples the same treatment while she worked his shaft harder.

  When his hips bucked, she pushed her other hand down to use both of them, learning his shape and how he liked being stroked. Curiously, her thumb rolled over the swollen crown, feeling the moisture there, then circled it while pumping her opposing fist.

  Cade's head fell back in response as he hoarsely groaned, “Keep going, baby. Your hands are so damned soft.”

  She could perceive his thick length pulsing, hot in her grasp, and realized that for as satisfying as this was, somehow, it wasn't enough.

  “Cade, can I use my mouth too?”

  She drew her free palm down to cup him while squeezing his shaft tighter in the other, hopefully urging him into letting her.

  “Please? I wanna know what it's like.”

  Cade's muscular frame was tensing when he lifted his head and grabbed her with one arm, his grip like iron. Pressing his forehead into hers as his hips bucked, he growled, “I'm already fuckin' there!”

  No sooner than the words were out of his mouth did he begin to erupt with a loud grunt of pleasure. Grabbing her wrists to guide her movements, Cade lost his seed in her tight grasp with her name on his lips.

  Ashley watched it all, from the way he moved to his release spattering onto her belly and clothing from the head of his thick shaft, taking in his aroused scent which only fueled her need to learn more of what he enjoyed.

  When he pulled her hands away, she responded by gripping her arms around his shoulders and kissing his mouth, his neck, across his chest, unable to imagine returning to the timid Ashley she'd been whatsoever.

  Cade was just as hungry for more, tugging her top off completely before giving her the same attention. Their movements complimented one another, his kisses soft across her shoulders and neck, their hands everywhere.

  That was, until he grabbed her to hold still, murmuring, “We should slow down, sweetheart.”

  Ashley gave him an imploring look, one that told of her desire for more, and when he saw it, he grumbled.

  “Don’t look at me like that. As much as I want this with you, now isn't exactly right.”

  “But it's not enough,” she argued, somewhat surprised at herself. Still, she felt far too ravenous not to say anything about it.

  Lowering his head to hers, Cade murmured as if he could read her thoughts, “I know, but we both need rest first.”

  He was right, and she knew she was getting swept up in her urges when she'd been uncertain earlier. But damn it, that was before he'd shown her just how hard an orgasm could be.

  While considering it, she also realized that Cade was just as aroused, yet he was holding back, and he’d been born a lupine. How hard was he was struggling to keep himself in check, especially after a whole week of doing so?

  And all for her benefit.

  Finally, she understood. Cade had been denying his instincts, putting himself on the edge because he felt she needed her space, and time to adjust—which meant she'd demanded something he'd been trying to give her all along. Who's the jackass here, Ashley?

  Despite her shame over the realization, her heart swelled with emotion for Cade's consideration, and she kissed him with everything she had in her.

  He tightened his hold, responding with a moan into her mouth. Breathless as the kiss finally broke, he rasped, “What's that for?”

  “You deserve it,” she murmured, offering a smile. “But you're right, we do need rest. So, would you sleep in my room?”

  Seeing that she wanted him with her, Cade brushed his fingers along her cheek affectionately. “We'll go to mine. I need to start using it again.”

  “Okay,” Ashley agreed, standing with him so they could go upstairs.

  Suddenly, the thought of sleep was very appealing after such a long night going on so little. Besides, wouldn't she need the rest with the pack hunt coming? Specifically if she was being contested.

  Her mood declined when she recalled that particularly unwanted development, still unsure how she felt. Was she even justified in her anger at Elizabeth for standing against her? The woman lost her mate, and Ashley knew she would've been just as upset.

  Maybe she should simply back out of joining altogether—if she could. She'd have to ask Cade for details, but sleep came first. She'd worry about the particulars later.

  ~*~*~*~

  For the first time in a year, Cade slept in his own room.

  With Ashley snuggled against him, it was the best sleep he could remember getting in quite a while. His bed was king sized with a four post iron frame, but for the room available to them, they stayed side by side into the early afternoon, dozing peacefully.

  It was nearly three o'clock when Cade opened his eyes, glancing down to see that Ashley was already up, her scent lingering on the bed. While he wondered if she'd slept well, his thoughts were interrupted.

  The phone on his night stand went off, alerting him to a new text message.

  It seemed odd that he'd been the Alpha for a year now, and in all that time, he'd never once been bothered by getting so many callers—it'd been a welcome distraction. Responsibility was his sole focus, lessening the grief that made his time spent at home so unpleasant.

  Now, it was grating.

  Appointing a second in command was starting to look necessary. Cade never needed one before, being as focused on obligation as he was, but Ashley changed that. He wanted to spend more time with her.

  Their encounter that morning, however simple it'd been, was like a homecoming. Strengthening their connection by learning each other was something he'd been dying to do, and now that they had, it was going to be hard to keep his hands off of her.

  So getting help in leading the pack was a good idea.

  For now, Cade checked his steadily ringing phone in order to get it out of the way. There were three new texts waiting for him, one being from Aislinn about the hazing, which he checked first.

  Jury's in, the place u wanted is Mary's Creek Baptist Church in Burston, GA. Hope that helps u out & I no, I'm awesome! YW :D Call me if u got ?'s

  Burston, Georgia. That wasn't too far from the highway where Ashley had her wreck. Cade wasn't surprised to hear that it was a local area, and now that he had a place, he could get Ulric moving.

  The phone only rang once when the draconian's accented voice sounded on the other e
nd.

  “You got a place?”

  “Yeah, it's Burston, Georgia,” Cade started, relaying everything he'd just learned from Aislinn. “With any luck, that's where your box is.”

  “We'll see. Just remember I may still need Paul in case it's not. I'll leave at sunset, and Isaac will stay behind to keep him in check.”

  Cade grumbled, asking, “That really necessary?”

  “It's nothing personal, Hodgins. I know Isaac, and as strange as it may sound to you, I trust him.”

  “All right,” Cade gave, but then warned Ulric, “as long as he doesn't cause any trouble. Otherwise . . . ”

  “Fair's fair. I'll call as soon as I have news.”

  “Good luck.”

  Cade hung up, uncomfortable with the idea of Isaac sticking around, but he also didn't have a real reason to worry about him—yet.

  Grumbling, he checked his other messages. The first was from Mike, saying he'd heard about Ashley's joining being contested, and was going to stand up for her at the hunt with Leo.

  The second was from Caleb, which simply said, Spreading the word 4 u: no ashley, no alpha :D

  Cade smirked over his brother's tactics as he went to the bathroom to brush his teeth. Caleb was right, most wolves would consider losing the Alpha when enemies were at their door to be a bigger problem than just letting Ashley in.

  As he thought about it, his name was called from the bedroom. Turning the water off, he walked in to see Ashley standing near the door in a black skirt and a sky blue scoop neck top that made it difficult to focus when the material was stretching across her breasts in such a mesmerizing fashion.

  “I heard your phone ringing. Did someone wake you up?”

  “No,” he answered, telling her about the message he'd gotten from Aislinn and the call he'd placed.

  “Ulric said he'd be leaving tonight to find the box,” he finished.

  “How long do you think it'll take him?”

  “Probably not long. What has me worried is his friend, Isaac. He's a demon, and I didn't get the sense I couldn't trust him, but they defy perception. Still, Ulric trusts him, so maybe I'm worrying for nothing.”