Even as he tried to convince his guilt he wanted this night to be for her, he knew it would be for him.
He captured her mouth again, savoring her taste and the way she fit against him. His hands roamed down the silky curtain of hair hanging down her back, then he cupped her butt, pulling her tight to him. His cock ached, and he wanted to take her fast and hard to ease his frustrations.
“Bedroom?” he said against her lips.
She stepped back, took his hand, and led him through her home and to her bedroom. She tugged her sweater over her head. Her lacy bra followed, freeing her breasts to his palms. They were full, firm, and he kneaded them until their tips puckered. He sucked one pink nipple between his lips, and she dug her fingers in his hair, moaning. He lavished the second nipple with his tongue, tasting, nipping, and teasing.
He found the waistband of her skirt and parted from her long enough to push it and her panties down her hips and legs, dropping to his knees before her. He swallowed her up with his gaze, devouring every inch of creamy, bared skin. She’d trimmed her thatch, leaving just a thin line of brown hair. He dropped his lips to her silky inner thighs.
She spread for him, and he lapped up the sweetness between her thighs. She bucked into his mouth, gasping when he tickled her clit with the tip of his tongue. Her legs trembled, and he grasped her knees, pushing her thighs wider to take full advantage. He worked her over, using every skill he hoped he’d mastered over the years.
Trinity was uninhibited, muttering naughty things he hadn’t imagined she’d dare. Rather than shocking, he found it arousing, and he couldn’t get enough of her raspy pleas.
She clutched his hair, and he stared up at her flushed face and wild eyes. Never had he viewed anything as captivating as the sight of Trinity in that moment. He guided her back onto the bed. Her body opened for him. He moved away, yanking off his clothes, desperate to be with her. She watched with wide eyes, her gaze a burning caress on his exposed skin.
* * * *
Mike’s muscles flexed beneath his skin while he discarded his clothes. His cock bobbed free of his pants, a mouthwatering sight that made her squirm in anticipation. She licked her lips, wanting to repay him for the incredible oral sex she’d just received. When he rejoined her on the bed, she wasted no time and grasped him at the base, taking him into her mouth. He grunted, tangling his fingers in her hair. She sucked his crown before sliding him to the back of her throat, taking him as deeply as possible.
“You’re amazing,” he groaned. “Incredible. Oh God yes, don’t stop.”
She moved up and down his shaft until his breaths turned to pants. Finally, he jerked free and pushed her onto her back. He wedged his hips between her thighs, and common sense returned.
“Wait. Top drawer,” Trinity said, pointing to her nightstand. Maybe her love life was stagnant, but she always stayed prepared—just in case.
He pulled open the drawer, peeked inside, and grinned. Instead of a condom foil, he pulled out her vibrator. Her cheeks burned as he studied the phallic-shaped device.
His gaze glittered in the lamplight. “Impressive. I’m not sure if I should be turned on or intimidated by its size.”
She lifted a brow at his teasing tone, her cheeks heating in embarrassment. Words stuck in her throat. He hit the power button. Its soft hum filled the room.
“Well, I can honestly say I’ve never used one of these in the bedroom. I’d like to see how it works, if you don’t mind a bit of adventure.”
He slipped it down to her pussy, teasing its vibrating end over her clit. She sucked a hard breath between her teeth and jerked back as the tickling touch sent her close to orgasm within moments. He followed her movement and slid it within her walls inch by inch. The thick silicone stretched her, and Trinity shoved into it as desire took over.
He moved it in and out, setting an infuriatingly slow pace that left her desperate. She arched and writhed, wanting his cock inside her instead of the sex toy, trying hard not to come. He turned the vibrator to its highest setting, and the tickly vibrations filled her lower body.
When she met his eyes, the wickedness in his bright blue gaze sent her over the edge. She screamed out, the orgasm incredible, better than she’d ever had with the vibrator before.
He tossed it aside, and dropped over her. She pulled his mouth to hers, kissing him then breaking away.
“I’ll get a condom.” Trinity reached inside the nightstand drawer and fumbled until she pulled out a little packet. She tore it open and took the prophylactic out. He took it from her and rolled it down his length.
She rose and pushed him to his back, straddling his hips, taking him within her walls. She tested the feel of him, circling and rocking, before finding just the right spot deep inside. Hot shivers raced over her skin, while pleasure pooled into a tight ache inside her core. He met her mounting, frantic rhythm, driving her on toward that blessed pinnacle she sought, and when she found her second release, he shoved deep, his rough cry joining hers.
* * * *
Mike realized he’d made the biggest mistake of his life. Trinity had snuggled against his side, her breathing peaceful in sleep. He’d taken advantage of her. That damned selfish side he couldn’t shake had gotten him sucked into something he couldn’t afford—feelings for her. Now what would he do when the time came to end her?
He lay staring at the ceiling, knowing he should sneak out and then keep eyes on her from afar. Instead, he relished the warmth of her, the scent of her, the feel of her close by.
His mind struggled with his heart, and he searched his memory for something, anything, that might help her. He didn’t know of a cure for the disease. No one had ever searched for one as far as he knew. Magic potions or spells wouldn’t work on a real-life disease, and it was beyond the touch of vaccines and antibiotics. It was the oldest sickness known to man, and thanks to hunters like him, it was now the rarest.
Trinity stirred in her sleep, mumbling something he couldn’t understand. He couldn’t stop the silly, satisfied grin that stretched across his face. Their lovemaking had been the best night of his life, and it would haunt him the rest of his life. She’d taken a part of him, and given a part of herself in exchange. An innocence he had never possessed. He owed her, but he realized in that moment that he had nothing to give. He had no heart, because if he did, he wouldn’t have just fucked her.
In the dim light streaming from the hallway he watched her sweet face. She jerked, and her features contorted into a monstrous mask of hate. His heartbeat jumped as her eyes flew wide and she bared her teeth. He scrambled out of the bed when she suddenly rolled to her hands and knees and snarled.
He’d never known the disease to take hold so quickly. It didn’t make sense for her to be de-evolving this fast. Yet, as he stared in disbelief at her distorted features he knew he was in trouble. Her nightmare soon after the attack he could chalk up to the connection she’d held with the werewolf that had attacked her. But full-on shifting?
“Trinity!” he shouted as a loud growl tore from her throat.
She lowered as if ready to pounce. He was helpless. He’d left his .454 at his place. Damn it.
“Trinity! Wake up!”
How could this be happening? He held up his hands, bracing for a coming attack. She snapped her teeth, and he heard the crack of bone as the shift began.
The sudden surge in werewolf activity had shocked him and other hunters. What if the disease had somehow mutated? What if it was taking over the hosts more quickly? Suddenly, it all made sense. The werewolves had become deadlier, and now he was trapped with one of them.
“Trinity, please,” he began, because he had only one lifeline left—Trinity. “I know you’re in there somewhere. Please, fight what’s inside of you.”
Her blue eyes held the wild look of an animal, her features half-reformed into that of the ugly werewolf within her. But as he faced-off with the demon her eyes softened and she blinked, shaking her head.
“Mike?” Her speech wa
s coarse, but he grabbed onto hope.
“Yes, baby, beautiful. It’s me. I know you can fight this. I know you’re stronger than what’s inside of you.”
Her posture relaxed, and she sat back on her heels on the bed. She lifted her hands, staring at her gnarled fingers. “What’s happening to me?”
“Something did attack you in the conservation area. A werewolf. Now you’re turning into one, but I think you can control it. You’re controlling it now.” And he’d never seen anyone control the beast. Trinity astounded him.
A sob tore from her throat as she collapsed onto the mattress then curled into the fetal position, taking on her full human shape again. He moved to her and collected her in his arms as she cried. His throat tightened, sharing in her grief.
Chapter 3
Nothing was real anymore. Trinity struggled out of a haze, dizzy and nauseated. A dream lingered at the corners of her mind. Bits and pieces of terrifying images. Snarling, snapping beasts, like the animal in her photo, and again she was one of them. But it was the emotion behind the nightmare that haunted her. Seething anger morphing into a mindless rage. The need for blood, to rip and tear at flesh. Hate. Kill. Death. And then realization, the human instinct to resist, and she fought back at it.
“I don’t understand,” she sobbed. “Please, help me understand this.”
She inhaled Mike’s comforting scent, which seemed richer and more complex than ever before. A mix of dozens of distinct aromas. He stroked her hair, rocking her like a small child.
“This is my fault. I’m a hunter. I track and kill werewolves. The one that got you slipped through my fingers. It’s because of me that you’re sick.”
She rubbed her hands over her puffy, gritty eyes. She peered up. His gaze settled on hers before moving away.
It sounded too outrageous to be true, but she felt something horrible and wild inside of her. Like her body was too small and it’d bust out of her at any moment.
“Is there a cure?” she asked.
He took a deep breath then slowly shook his head, still not looking her in the eye. That was the most unsettling part. “No.”
“Then what will happen to me?”
He squeezed his eyes shut and held her tighter. “I don’t know, Trinity. This… I’ve never been in this situation before.”
She sniffed back the last of her tears, her head aching. “Will I eventually stay a werewolf? Or will I be human part-time?”
“The beast will devour the human part of you. You’ll fall into a cycle, shifting when the moon is full. But eventually you’ll stay a werewolf and seek out your own kind. It’s pack instinct. I’m so sorry, Trinity. I’m so sorry for letting this happen to you. It’s all on me.”
She pushed away from him, needing space. Feeling numb. I’m still dreaming. She felt the world coming apart at the seams around her, and there was nothing she could do about it. Horrible, gaping dread seeped through her, and she stood from the bed, putting more space between her and Mike as a terrible thought formed.
“You said you kill werewolves, so…” She swallowed hard, unable to finish.
She glanced around, ready to defend herself if needed. She wasn’t ready to accept the fact that some paranormal creature would steal her soul. She’d fight it tooth and nail.
“The thing is,” Mike began, “usually when the disease gets its teeth into you there’s no stopping it. You just become the beast. I’ve never seen someone resist and reverse it as you have. You should be an uncontrollable monster right now.”
That gave Trinity a glimmer of hope. “Then I can keep it at bay, right? I mean, I fought it off this time, so I can keep doing it.”
“I don’t know, Trinity. You’re unique. You’re a miracle. Can you feel the beast inside you now?”
She wanted to lie and say no, but the images of her nightmare still teased the back of her mind. The hatred, the need for blood still constricted her chest. She felt it within her bones wanting freed. “I-I think so.”
He rounded the bed. She backed up against the wall, fear flaring up. He placed his hands on her shoulders, a gentle touch, and lowered down to look in her eyes.
“Listen to me. Whatever hold you have on the beast you have to keep it strong. Nobody has ever controlled it, but you are somehow controlling it. There is something incredibly special about you.”
She shook her head. “There is nothing special about me. I was at best a B average student all through high school and college. I’m not brilliant, or clever, or—”
He silenced her with a fast kiss. His lips were warm and reassuring before he pulled her into a bear hug, holding her tight.
“You can fight this, I know you can. You’ll fight it, because it’s all we have right now.”
We? It felt good to hear him say we, but what would happen if she couldn’t control it? What if it eventually took her over? He’d have to kill her. The thought sent a cold chill through her. Even if she became a monster she didn’t want to die.
“I need to get dressed,” she said, pushing away from him. She grabbed a clean change of clothes and retreated to the bathroom.
Washed up and dressed in jeans and sweatshirt she joined Mike who waited in her living room. He sat with his elbows braced on his knees and his fingers laced behind his neck.
“We’ll figure this out,” he said as she sat in the recliner next to the couch. “I got you into this, and I’ll figure some way out of it.”
His words offered little reassurance. That constriction in her chest had turned into a physical ache. Like hands were squeezing her heart. And she was so very tired but feared what would happen if she fell asleep. Would the werewolf take her then? A cold shudder washed through her. She couldn’t stay awake forever.
He dropped onto his knees before her and took her hands. “I swear I’ll do everything I can to help you. I’ll research every book I have to see if there is any cure. But I think you need to come with me, away from other people. I’m afraid someone may get hurt if…” His words trailed off.
She lifted her hand. “I understand. Where are we going to go?”
“Pack some things. I have a place in mind.”
* * * *
An hour later they were on the road. Trinity stayed quiet, though questions roamed her mind. Where were they going? He hadn’t said much about their destination. Could she trust him? After all, he lived to kill werewolves. What’s to say he wasn’t driving her out to the middle of nowhere to do just that?
She huddled against the passenger side door and stared out the windshield. The night had turned foggy and rainy as they drove north. If only she hadn’t tried to impress Mike with her wildlife photos, she wouldn’t be a…werewolf thing now.
Memories of their night of lovemaking taunted her, and she took a minute to indulge the memory as a distraction. Her body tingled, becoming more aware of Mike. She watched him from the corner of her eye. He stared straight ahead, a muscle in his jaw ticking. She saw the tension in his handsome face even in the shadows; her night vision had heightened. His fingers opened and closed in a fist on his lap while the other gripped the steering wheel. She wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words. Her gaze drifted forward and she soon fought sleep again.
She jumped when his hand covered hers.
“Try to stay awake,” he said. “At least until we get there.” He squeezed her hand, and she absorbed the strength in his touch. “It could get ugly if you try to shift while I’m driving.”
“Believe me, I don’t want to fall asleep either.”
But despite her stubborn determination, her eyelids kept drifting closed again and again. When he turned down a jostling side road her eyes popped wide just as she teetered on the edge of sleep. She sat up and rolled the window down, letting the cold night air bathe her face. Anxiety crept through her as doubts crossed her mind once more. They were driving out to the middle of the woods, and she couldn’t help but think this would be a good place to dump a body.
“There’s an
old hunting cabin out here we can hole up in. I got some stuff stashed there already.” He reached out to squeeze her hand and she let out a pent-up breath. The flash of his white teeth showed his reassuring smile, and she decided she had to trust him. He was all she had now.
They pulled up in front of a small log cabin bordering on dilapidated. She jumped out of the truck to stretch her legs and shake the last of the drowsiness from her system.
He grabbed her bag that she’d packed, and she followed him inside the unlocked cabin. It smelled of dust and disuse, and she cringed at the idea of the creepy-crawlies that probably inhabited all of its shadowy corners. A clean cot was the only furniture in the place. Mike dropped her bag next to it.
Far off the yippy howl of a coyote sounded, soon followed by the pack. Goosebumps broke out over her skin, and the beast stirred inside her. They’d taken a kill. She closed her eyes and saw a young fawn sprawled on the ground, its agitated mother snorting from a distance. She licked her lips, the air heavy with the coppery tang of blood. She wanted to steal the kill, and her lips pulled back from her teeth in threat at the wary coyotes.
“Trinity?” Mike’s hands on her shoulders shocked her back to the cabin. “Are you okay?”
She opened her eyes. He had lit a battery powered lantern and the blue glow filled the space.
“Yeah, sorry, I’m tired.” She feared telling him what she’d just seen in her mind’s eye, because it felt too real to be fantasy. What did it mean though? The coyotes were far away, their howls now a shrill pitch. They’d lost their kill, and within their midst a monster feasted. She shuddered, and Mike rubbed her upper arms.
“You cold?” he asked, mistaking her anxiety for a chill.
“A little,” she lied. She felt feverish.
Untamed Shifter Love Page 15
