Skin Deep

by Sarah Makela

  Connor put what distance he could between himself and the bear. His side throbbed. However, the familiar tingling of the wound slowly knitting closed soothed some of his pain. He flashed his fangs, letting out a rolling growl.

  The druid wasn’t healing. Connor was. Nature and instincts kicked in. This was something his wolf kin had done before. A nip here, a slash of teeth there. Slowly but surely, he would bring his prey down.

  The same thought must’ve occurred to the druid. One of his paws rose toward his nose as if feeling the wound. The druid lacked the natural instincts of the bear. A soft rush of magic flowed into the room, and the druid’s nose stopped bleeding.

  Connor took an uncertain step back, lowering his nose to scent what was going on with the druid. While the bleeding might have stopped, the bear’s scent had changed. His position was off-center, and his attitude more reserved. Seemed like whatever spell he’d cast had taken much-needed energy from him. That didn’t stop the druid from charging like a freight train, crushing a small chair in his wake.

  Connor jumped to the side, but a sharp pain rippled through his shoulder as the bear kicked him with his hind leg. The shoulder held, but the kick sent Connor rolling to the side.

  Clearing his head, he dug his claws into the wood floor below and leapt at the bear’s exposed rear. The druid still hadn’t been able to turn around in the cramped space.

  Instead of charging the bear head-on, he ran to his right side, which the bear seemed to favor. His assault on the bear was given away by the light clicking of his claws. He lunged for the bear’s leg, sinking his teeth into its calf. A bellowing roar came from the druid, and he tried to kick Connor, missing by mere inches.

  He backed away, seeing the wounds he’d inflicted on the bear’s nose had yet to heal. The blood flow was stemmed, but it seemed the druid was unable to fully heal his wounds in bear form. Their injuries had covered the floor in a slick, bloody mess.

  Connor stayed out of the bear’s reach, trying to keep him moving as he waited for his next opportunity. This needed to end soon. He had to take care of Angelique. Shifting his weight, he heard the tapping of the bear’s claws on the floor. He needed to switch tactics.

  As the bear lunged for him with his maw wide open, Connor danced outside of the druid’s reach. When he noticed his opponent tiring, he snapped his teeth, ripping into the bear’s right ear. Avoiding the bear’s swooping paw, he bit into his plush side near the ribcage. He tasted the blood of his enemy once again. Feeling the bear tense, he disengaged.

  The bear rose to as much of his full height as it could without bumping his head again and paused.

  Connor wasn’t sure what distracted the druid. Tossing his head in the direction of the doorway, he saw Kira crawling into the room, pulling herself forward with her claws and heading toward Angelique, almost completely void of strength. The bear followed Kira’s progress with a hungry gaze.

  The momentary distraction caught them both off guard.

  Connor gathered up his strength, and he lunged into the upright bear’s chest. He landed before the druid had a chance to turn. Both of them dropped to the floor with a loud thump. The scent of bear reminded him of a deep, wild forest. Blood soaked their fur, and he couldn’t tell whose blood was whose.

  With the swat of a huge bear paw, Connor flew to the side, hitting the wall with a thud. His head swam and stars filled his vision. No, he couldn’t blackout now. Stumbling to his feet, he noticed the druid dragging himself out the door in human form.

  Connor’s instincts drove him to his enemy, but a small sound from the bed cut through his anger. The druid disappeared, and Connor huffed, shaking his head in frustration.

  Connor’s shoulders, back, and sides bled openly, but it mattered little to him. His wounds would heal. He limped over toward Angelique. Every muscle in his body hurt, but he couldn’t imagine that even compared to her pain. Putting his front paws on the bed, he nudged her arm with his muzzle.

  Her naked breasts rose and fell in time with her pained gasps, but she didn’t respond. Maybe she was in shock. She hated doctors, but she desperately needed one.

  The rapid tap of high heels on concrete had him spinning toward the door. He was rewarded with a rush of pain throughout his canine body. Monica appeared in the doorway, and the hair spiked up from the back of his neck all the way down to his tail. He snarled, and his lips pulled away from his teeth. Bloody flecks of saliva smacked the wood floor at his front paws.

  If Monica didn’t leave the room now, he would attack her. She’d obviously worked with the druid. The Alpha wouldn’t have done it. He’d find out more when he could talk, but that was the best conclusion his wolf’s instincts came up with, and his wolf was rarely wrong.

  Her eyes widened. “Connor. What’s…?” Her gaze rose to take in Angelique on the bed. Whatever rational thought she possessed went out the broken window. She charged the bed, right toward him. He pounced, and his full weight hit her chest. He clenched her throat between his bloody teeth, firm enough to hold her down. Not hard enough to puncture skin.

  She grabbed the back of his head as if to outmuscle him, or maybe to hug him, he couldn’t really tell. “I never meant for you to get hurt.” Her voice was breathy and cautious. “I want us to be together. That’s all. The druid was supposed to take care of her, so we can be happy. You and me.”

  He growled. Her apologetic whimpering failed to inspire sympathy. He’d nearly lost the love of his life to a druid. Mostly because of Monica. How could he ever forgive her for that?

  Hurried footsteps approached the room’s doorway. Connor lifted his gaze to see Dave, Ted, and three other wolves from the Pack. The men stumbled to a stop. One of the others ran into Dave, causing him to nearly lose his footing. He didn’t protest, just stared at Connor, and then he looked over the messy motel room. “Shit,” he whispered. “What the hell happened?”

  Ted stepped into the room. His gaze scanned for threats.

  Monica moved beneath Connor, beginning her struggle anew. “Get him off me, Ted. Please.”

  “He’ll get off you, but don’t expect to be out of danger yet. You’re in big trouble, girlie.” Ted looked at Connor and nodded his head. “It’s okay. I’ll make sure she’s taken to the Alpha. Besides, looks like someone else needs you right now.”

  Connor growled his frustration, but he let go. Ted was right. He needed to change forms, not to mention there was quite a bit of cleanup required here. They couldn’t leave the motel room like this. Not for the sake of the Pack’s security.

  Ted hauled Monica up with one hand, and he slapped a pair of reinforced handcuffs on her wrists. “You’re a piece of work,” he muttered to her. “Couldn’t leave well enough alone. You even had me do some of your dirty work. For shame.” With a hand on her elbow, he dragged her with him. One of the other wolves left with Ted.

  Dave knelt at Connor’s side. “Are you okay?”

  The pain had begun to lessen. He didn’t think he had any injuries that wouldn’t heal with time. He’d live. What he cared about now was Angelique’s health and safety. He nodded. Taking a deep breath, he relaxed into the transformation back to human form. The sickening snaps of bone and rips of flesh were the only noises in the room as he regained his human shape.

  Lightheadedness and pain greeted Connor. He crouched on his hands and knees. Drying blood coated his skin. His wounds had a small healing boost from the shift, causing whatever bleeding he’d been suffering to stop for the most part. He pushed himself to his feet and wavered.

  “Careful now,” Dave said. He didn’t offer Connor any physical support since he was a wolf of lower status. If he did, it would show superiority over Connor, and they’d have to fight. The mistake had been made before with unfortunate consequences.

  Connor leaned against the bed, looking down at Angelique. At some point, Kira had returned to Angel. He laid the comforter over her, covering her nakedness. His beast wouldn’t allow these other wolves to stare at her. She was his woman
.

  He tossed the druid’s weapons and instruments onto the floor. “Angel, sweetheart, wake up.” He brushed a tendril of sweat-slicked hair away from her bruised face.

  The corners of her eyes tightened, and she moved her head delicately away from his hand. A faint whimper of pain escaped her lips. “No,” she whispered.

  “It’s okay. I’m here. It’s Connor.” Around him, the other wolves had begun cleanup. Thankfully, no one else seemed to have heard anything, but they needed to hurry.

  Her eyes cracked open a little, and she gave him the ghost of a smile. “You’re alive. I was so worried.”

  Dave came up beside him with a pair of sweats in hand. “It might be best if you washed up and got her out of here.”

  Connor frowned. “You sure you don’t need me?” He glanced over the ripped up and blood-soaked hotel room.

  Dave nodded. “We’ll be fine. Sooner you leave, the better. I’ll give you a call later.”

  And that’s what Connor did. After taking Angelique to his doctor, another werewolf who he trusted, he took her home and watched over her through the night.

  Chapter Nine

  Angelique knew she shouldn’t be out of bed, but she couldn’t help it. Her place looked horrible. She rearranged the trinkets she’d been able to save from Monica’s destruction in one way and then another, trying to get them just right again. Maybe she was still a little anxious from everything that’d happened recently. She’d had a long day with questions from the police and bills from the repairman. He’d done necessary work today like making sure her door shut and locked properly.

  She tweaked the figurines a final time before grabbing the broom to clean up some glass shards. The place was so quiet, and she didn’t know if she liked it. She felt unsettled.

  Kira slept curled up on her lower back. Her familiar had expended a lot of energy the day before yesterday to save them both. It left Angelique tired too, but she didn’t have the luxury of sleeping all day. Oh, the life of a cat.

  She’d just finished sweeping the glass into a pile when the doorbell rang. She jumped and knocked the broom over, scattering the glass. “Fuck,” she said, looking up at the ceiling. She needed to get a grip.

  The hair on the back of her neck stood on end, and she held her breath. Looking toward the door, she wondered who it was now. The only person she could think of would be Connor.

  She crossed the distance to her poor battered door. It still looked rough and chipped in areas. She peeked through the peephole to see Connor standing on the porch with a paper bag in his arms.

  She popped the lock and tugged the door open.

  He glanced at her, a ghost of a smile widening his lips. “Hello, beautiful.”

  “What are you doing here?” Her voice wavered, and she cleared her throat. He inclined his head toward the bag in his arms. “I brought some dinner. I’d also like to resume our conversation if that’s okay.”

  He was dressed more casually this time in a black t-shirt, dark blue jeans, and black tennis shoes. It made her a little sensitive about her own appearance, which consisted of hair tucked under a bandana, a pair of board shorts, and a tank top: the clothes she wore when she was doing heavy housecleaning.

  He ran his gaze over her, and it sent chills down her spine. Somehow, he made her feel sexy, even when she didn’t think she looked that way. He looked around at her place. It was still a mess.

  Anger flickered in his eyes before he turned his gaze back to hers, and his fury died down again. “Looks like it’s slowly getting back to normal. I’d love to offer my help if you want it.” He smiled and crouched to take off his shoes.

  She placed her hand on his arm. “I’d love your help, but I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

  His smile disappeared, and he looked at her with confusion furrowing his brow. “What?”

  “My lamps were broken, and there’s still some glass around.” She shook her head and laughed. “When you rang the doorbell, I accidentally knocked a pile of it everywhere.” She gave a shy smile and shrugged a shoulder. “It’s fine if you keep your shoes on right now.” She raised her own slipper-covered foot up a little. “No big deal.”

  He smirked and stood. “Okay. Let’s take this food in the kitchen before it gets cold.”

  She breathed deep and cast a glance at him. “You didn’t! Thank you. I haven’t had Chinese in a while.”

  He walked toward the kitchen, and she followed him, letting her gaze slide down along his backside. It was a nice view. She hadn’t considered herself a fan of butts until she’d met him. He paused in the doorway of the kitchen and stared back at her, giving a wink. “Not until later, sweetheart.” There was a purring note to his voice.

  For once, Angelique was happy that Kira was out cold. It meant Angelique might not have to deal with her if…when she and Connor made it to the bedroom. She smirked. “I can’t wait.”

  Connor and Angelique made small talk as they ate. Just like they used to when they were still together as a couple. She couldn’t believe she’d almost let him slip away. Connor glanced over at her and frowned a little. “Everything okay?”

  She nodded. “I was just thinking about us. You, really.”

  “And?” Raising an eyebrow, he set his chopsticks across the white cardboard container and entwined his fingers, setting his forearms on the counter.

  “I didn’t leave you before because of anything to do with us.” Shrugging, she kept her gaze on his muscular chest. “I did it because I wasn’t sure how I could control Kira and be in a relationship. The thought of juggling all of that, and well, not having my powers revealed to anyone… How could I know how someone would react if they found out. You seemed so normal. I didn’t want to—”

  He placed a fingertip to her lips faster than she could see him move. “Is this going to be a good conversation or a bad one?”

  She lifted her gaze to his. “I want you.”

  His eyes widened a fraction before a smile slid across his lips. He trailed his finger lower sliding it down her lips. “I want you too, Angelique. I know how it is to live with a beast inside you and have to control it.”

  She laughed. “True, but I hardly think they’re similar.” She slipped her tongue out to run along his finger. Holding onto his wrist, she drew his finger into her mouth, sucking on it and moving her mouth over the digit.

  Connor’s mouth went slack. “We’re not going to get any cleaning done like this.”

  She winked and slid his finger out then pressed a kiss to the tip of it. “Good thing tomorrow’s Saturday.”

  He grinned. “Good thing indeed.” He hopped off the stool, and a blur of motion filled her vision before he picked her up effortlessly.

  Angelique wrapped her legs around Connor’s waist and gripped his shoulders. Her stare dipped to the island. In his preternatural speed, he’d put the food away without her notice. She opened her mouth to say something, but the words died in her throat as the world around her sped by.

  A small sound escaped her, and she looked up at Connor as he laid her on the center of the bed.

  His gaze slid over her again. The desire within his eyes scorched her and made moisture form between her legs. He took a few deep breaths, and a grin formed on his lips. Connor whipped out a pair of handcuffs from one of his back pockets. She hadn’t noticed them there in the kitchen.

  He gently took hold of her wrists.

  Angelique raised both of her eyebrows and began to pull away. “Wait a minute. What are you doing?”

  “Making sure you don’t try to run away from me again.” His wicked smile melted any resistance she could’ve imagined. Those thoughts had absolutely no chance of forming with him looking at her like that.

  “I can’t imagine why I’d want to.”

  He handcuffed her wrists to the headboard and winked. “Thanks.”

  “No, I’m serious, Connor.” She looked up at him, her eyebrows knit together. “You’re what I’ve wanted all along. I was just too afraid to
believe in a possibility of us. I believe in that now. With what happened yesterday—”

  Connor placed his finger against her lips. “We don’t have to talk about that, if you don’t want to.”

  She moved her head. “I’m just trying to say thank you.” She shrugged her shoulders, which was somewhat awkward with her hands cuffed to the bed.

  “You’re welcome.” He trailed his fingers down to her neck and over her shoulder where he paused. “Uh… What about Kira?”

  Angelique closed her eyes and focused on her lower back to make sure her familiar was still asleep. She mentally pulled away from Kira so she wouldn’t wake her familiar and then opened her eyes. “She’s asleep. We won’t have to worry about waking her. She’s pretty drained at the moment.”

  Connor nodded and started to move his hand lower when she heard buzzing. He pulled away and cursed under his breath. “Sorry. Let me see who this is.” He pulled his phone from his pocket and looked at the screen. His face fell. “I have to take this, but I’ll be back.”

  She frowned and tugged on the handcuffs. “What? What’s wrong?”

  He held up a finger and put the phone to his ear. Ugh, she didn’t want to be left to wait here like this. “What is it?” He started to walk out to her living room but stopped in his tracks. “He’s doing what?” He leaned his shoulder against the doorframe as if to steady himself. “You’re sure?” Connor let out a sudden sigh. “That’s great news. What’s the catch, Dave?”

  She watched the grin on Connor’s face spread. She just wished she wasn’t horny and cuffed to her bed while he took phone calls.

  “Thanks, man.” Connor pushed a couple buttons and shoved his phone in his pocket as he walked back toward her. He lifted his shirt off, and she nearly swooned at the muscular perfection he revealed. That sight definitely killed any displeasure she’d had and ramped up her need for him again.

  “What was that about?” she asked.

  “It was one of the werewolves I know. He told me Monica is being sent away.” He traced his palms over her legs from her ankles to her knees. “We won’t have to worry about her anymore.”