by Lacey Thorn
“Fuck,” Aleksy growled. Earplugs weren’t going to cut it. He had to figure out another way to help his mate keep the world from overpowering her.
Chapter Ten
Lyra came awake instantly, sitting up in bed and scanning every inch of the room. She was alone. No sign of her mate. She wasn’t sure how long she’d been out this time. She didn’t have a watch, and there was no clock in the room. She was hungry though, and not just for food. Her body craved Aleksy. The feel of him against her, inside her.
She found the clothes he must have brought in for her before he’d joined her in the shower and put them on. She took a cursory pass in front of the mirror, stopping only long enough to make sure her hair was somewhat tamed. She didn’t want to wander out appearing like a wild woman. She saw that the dark circles she’d grown used to seeing under her eyes had vanished. There was a glow to her skin, a health and vitality she hadn’t noted before. It was Aleksy and his super antibodies or whatever. Hell, maybe, it was sex with Aleksy. Maybe, his sperm had superpowers.
Her hands dropped to her belly as her eyes widened. Maybe, it would be best if his sperm didn’t have any superpowers. They hadn’t used any form of protection. Fuck! She hadn’t thought. Even now, she could be carrying a baby. Her periods had never been regular, so she had no clue if she was in a fertile period or not. Oh God, she couldn’t be pregnant. Her life was in too much chaos to bring a baby into this world.
She padded barefoot to the door and jerked it open. She needed to find Aleksy. She…needed him. She stepped into the hallway and took a deep breath. She’d done her best to block out the noise of this place when she was in the room. Her focus had been on her thoughts. Now, she was overwhelmed by the world around her. She hadn’t expected it to be so loud.
“Quiet,” she whispered and felt a quickening inside her. The noise softened as if someone had adjusted the volume to a level she could handle. Something pressed beneath her skin as if stroking her from the inside. Her animal? Was that what had dimmed the noise for her? Warmth blossomed inside her as if to answer her unvoiced question. “Thank you.”
Now, she needed to find her mate. The other part of her seemed to agree. Her sense of smell heightened, and she locked onto a familiar scent. Aleksy. She knew the moment he realized she was on the move. She felt the charge in the air, an electricity along her skin. Then he was there.
“Lyra.” Her name was sigh of pleasure from his lips.
She went to him, crashed into him and wrapped around him. His palms cupped her hips, sliding to her bottom as she climbed him. Her legs locked around his waist, her fingers skimming over his face to grasp his hair. Their lips crashed together, tongues touching and tasting as her back hit the wall. He covered her, his cock hard and thick where he rocked between her thighs.
She ate at his mouth, insatiable, while rubbing her core along the length of his erection. She heard a throat clear, a laugh quickly covered by a cough then she and Aleksy were moving. A door opened and closed, and she was placed on her feet.
“Take off your pants,” Aleksy ordered as he went to work on the zipper of his jeans.
She didn’t question. Need burned too strong in her. She shoved the athletic pants he’d found somewhere down her thighs then stepped out of them. There’d been no panties, and she didn’t miss them. Thick cream already coated her thighs in preparation for taking him.
His mouth met hers again, stealing her breath as he plunged his tongue inside. He growled as he picked her up this time, his hands squeezing her rear as he lifted her enough so that his erection slid along the folds of her sex. She mewled, a needy sound she would never have associated with herself. Then he slid home, filling her sheath with one powerful stroke that had them both moaning. It was hard and fast and exactly what she’d been craving since she’d woken alone.
She came within minutes, her head dropped into the groove of his neck, her teeth biting down, though she still couldn’t mark him the way she wanted to. The way he’d marked her. Soon. She knew it was only a matter of time before she fully connected with the other part of herself.
She felt Aleksy’s cock swell inside her just before his cum flooded her womb again. As before, he didn’t stop. His orgasm only seemed to add fuel to the fire burning between them. Guttural groans filled the air as he fucked her. One big hand buried in her hair, and he jerked her head back, exposing her throat to him. She knew what was coming and felt her heart quicken with anticipation.
He dropped his mouth, nipping his way down her neck before skimming his lips over the mark he’d left. She felt the flick of his tongue, and heat poured through her. She felt that little touch all the way to her core. She tightened around him, pulling another growl from his chest.
“Mine,” he snarled just before his teeth sank into her.
Mine, she cried in agreement, coming undone around him as another more powerful orgasm ripped through her. She knew the moment he joined her, felt his seed and caught her breath at the intensity of pleasure that consumed her. He licked her skin, as if he couldn’t stop himself from tasting her. As if he were just as insatiable for her as she was for him.
“I am,” he murmured huskily. “I crave you every moment of the day and night.”
Was that normal?
Aleksy shrugged. “I don’t know. It seems to be for us. Could be the newness of our relationship. It might always be this way.” He cupped her face, kissed her softly on the lips then traced the bottom curve of her mouth with his thumb. “I want you again.”
She’d felt his renewed need thickening inside her. She grasped his shoulders and lifted her hips, sliding off him then easing back down. He held himself buried within her and glanced around. She saw his gaze settle on a chair. He walked over to it. Each step rocked her pussy on him, making her moan. He sat gingerly in the chair, guiding her legs so she straddled his lap. Then he released her, dropping his hands to grip the sides of the chair.
“Ride me,” he encouraged. “Take what you need from me.”
Oh, God, how she needed him. Even after already having him. She took her time, rising and falling, drowning herself in him. He was all she saw, felt, tasted, smelled. The low moans he made were the only sounds she heard.
I’ve never known another man this way.
“I know that, love,” Aleksy said.
She shook her head. I never wanted to know another man. I…
“You what?” he asked.
I…never felt anything…sexually for another person. Men would…
His growl interrupted her, and she smiled softly. She leaned down to kiss him and moaned as his tongue slipped inside her mouth to rub along hers.
I’ve never wanted another man. Before you…I wanted no one. Sex was something other people did. What did you do to me?
“The same thing you did to me,” he swore. “I can’t sate this need I have for you.” He cupped her hips, guiding her movements along his shaft. “I’m not sure I want to.” He closed his eyes.
No, look at me, she urged. I love your eyes.
He shook his head. “My eyes have been a source of ridicule my whole life. Mostly, I think they freak people out.”
I think they’re beautiful.
“It’s because my beast is so close to the surface. Always. It’s so hard to explain this to you when you don’t even know who you are.”
I know who I am.
“I mean the animal side of you. The part you that’s been locked inside. That part has never been locked inside me. My beast is me, and I’m my beast.” He pointed to his eyes. “The blue of the man with the brown of the beast. Never separate. Always mixed. A reminder of what I can never be.”
Or a reminder of who you are, she countered. I can’t imagine there’s anything you can’t be.
She felt the shudder go through him. Her words had touched him. She felt it.
“Kiss me,” he urged, and she was happy to comply.
They made love, her riding them both to completion several times before she col
lapsed against his chest with a contented sigh. He wrapped his arms around her, cuddling her close as their heartbeats returned to a normal rhythm. She wasn’t exhausted this time. That was something.
How long did I sleep?
“A few hours. I was getting ready to grab some food when I felt you heading toward me.”
I woke up alone.
“I’m sorry, love. I planned to be there when you opened your eyes.”
This worked fine.
His laugh was low and husky. “We should probably head back to our room and get cleaned up. We’ll have company soon, and we’ll both want to be dressed for that.”
My brother? Lyra asked, remembering Aleksy had mentioned the man was on his way here.
It felt weird to even ask that question. Her mother had never mentioned Lyra had a brother. Surely, she would have. Unless her mother hadn’t known about him. Was that possible?
“Probably,” Aleksy agreed. “Tony doesn’t believe the pride knows you’re Reno Esponetti’s sister. Yet. They’ll be no missing it once the two of you are in the same room.”
Do we look so much alike?
“You do,” Aleksy told her. “Tony found a picture of him. The resemblance is there. You must both take after your father.”
I wouldn’t know. The only memories I have of him are the ones my mom shared with me.
“I’m sorry, love.”
She shrugged and sat up.
I’ve learned not to count on anyone. No one stays in the long run.
He cupped her face. “I will. I’ll never leave you, Lyra. Never.”
You can’t make that promise.
“Can and will,” he countered.
She nodded, but her fear was still there. She’d felt it when she’d awoken alone. Part of her had been afraid he’d already left her.
“Never,” he swore again. “I’ll prove it to you one day at a time until you learn to trust me.”
She moved off his lap, his cock slipping free of her. The stickiness of their releases coated her sex and thighs, reminding her of another fear she’d forgotten as soon as she’d found Aleksy. Now, it came screaming back.
“What? What is it?” Aleksy asked, obviously sensing her unease. He stood, gaze moving around the room as if he expected danger to step out and join them.
Am I pregnant?
His jaw dropped in shock at her question, letting her know that of all the dangers he’d imagined, pregnancy hadn’t been included.
“No, you’re not pregnant,” he assured her.
But we keep having sex without protection.
“Human contraception methods don’t work for us,” he said. “I can’t get you pregnant, though, unless you’re in your fertile cycle.”
She blushed. I have no idea when that is. I’ve never been consistent.
“We’ll know,” he told her.
How?
He shrugged. “We’ll sense it. A change in scent usually. Yours. And an increased sexual appetite.”
We’ll have more sex than we do now?
He laughed. She could only imagine what her expression portrayed. She honestly couldn’t imagine them having more sex than they had since she’d awakened. Good God, as weak as he made her in the aftermath, she wouldn’t be able to leave the bed.
“Now, that doesn’t sound so bad at all,” he purred. “Not bad at all.”
Chapter Eleven
Aleksy didn’t have time to tell Lyra everything he’d learned from Tony. The shower had turned into an hour of more sex followed by a quick wash in tepid water. They were both weak in the knees when they left the bathroom in search of fresh clothes for him and the same ones he’d originally brought for her. He’d felt her eyes on him as they’d dressed and laughed as her thoughts came to him.
“I’ve heard we’ll have more sex during your fertile cycle,” he admitted. “I agree with you though. I’m not sure that’s possible.”
But I can’t get pregnant right now?
“Do you not want children?” he asked.
She shrugged. Eventually. Someday. But we don’t know each other yet. You rescued me from a man determined to kill me to torment a brother I didn’t know I had. I have an animal inside me that I need to…connect with so I can shift the way you do. My whole world is changing, Aleksy. The last thing I need right now is to bring another life into this chaos.
He nodded. “I need you to know something, Lyra. When the time comes, I can’t prevent you from conceiving. Only nature can decree that. We’ll go at each other until your cycle ends or you become pregnant.”
Am I wrong to hope that doesn’t happen any time soon?
“No. Of course, not. Everything you said makes perfect sense. I want time with you. Time for us to learn of one another. To find our balance together. I want you to know something, though. If and when you carry my child, I will guard you both with my life. And if something should ever happen to me, you can trust Tony. He will protect you in my stead.”
She reached out and cupped his cheek. Let’s not think about something happening to you. Besides, there are things Tony can’t take care of, things only you can do for me.
Aleksy gave a growl as he dropped his lips to hers, covering her mouth and thrusting his tongue inside. His fingers curled in her hair, the long strands like silk against his skin. He’d never thought it possible to need someone as much as he needed her. He was contemplating lying her back on the bed when her stomach rumbled. Fuck! He needed to feed her. What kind of mate was he when he couldn’t even see to her most basic needs because his dick was doing most of his thinking?
“Come on,” he said, holding out his hand. “We’ll head down to the kitchen and grab something to eat. There’s always leftovers from whatever they cooked last night, as well as sandwich stuff, soup, salad and all the staples.”
“Sorry,” she mumbled when her stomach growled again at the mention of food.
“I’m the one who should be sorry. I keep telling you to trust me, that I’ll take care of you, and here you are starving.”
She laughed. I’ve been very satisfied with how you’ve taken care of me, Aleksy.
“Don’t even think about that, or we’ll never make it out of this room,” he replied with a groan. He laced their fingers and tugged her from the room with him, pointing out things as they walked.
“There are three levels in this facility. This is the upper floor, where most of the bedrooms are. Ours is the only one on the left of the stairs. There are six bedrooms to the right, but none of them are in use right now.”
“Why?” she asked softly.
He shrugged. “Tony and I came in alone. He called a team when you were taken, but we left before they arrived back here. They were there when I brought you out. Helped clean up then headed out to track Blane. There are two teams on call if we need them, but Tony and I prefer to work alone most of the time. He’s the only one I’ve ever really trusted.”
She brushed her thumb across the back of his hand, and he felt her sadness…for him.
“It’s okay,” he tried to assure her. “It doesn’t bother me.”
You forget that I know what it is to be alone even when you’re in a crowd. I know what it is to be both ridiculed and feared. And no matter how big and fierce you are now, you were once a small boy, who just wanted a friend.
“I have one. Tony. We’ve known each other a long time. I bounced around to different homes when I was young. The man who saved me couldn’t keep me with him. I was a big kid, already six feet by the time I was twelve, and with these eyes, I was one scary fuck…err…kid. Gotta be careful where you place a kid who not only knows they’re a shifter but has an animal as close to the surface as mine. Tony found me when we were fourteen. Took one look at me and told his dad they were taking me home. His dad didn’t say a word, and I went home with them. Tony’s a brother to me. We’ve gone our separate ways a few times, but I always knew we’d end up working together.”
You love him.
“I do. He’s
family. He hasn’t had an easy life either.” Aleksy shook his head as he picked up on her next thought. “That’s his story to tell, if and when he wants to. Hell, maybe the three of us should form the misfit club.”
She smiled. Tell me about the rest of this place.
He was grateful for her easy acceptance. She was so damn amazing. He was a lucky man to have her as a mate. He led the way downstairs.
“Down here is the main level. Kitchen is that way. Main entrance and control room are off to the left. Back that way are several conference rooms and offices.” He smiled at her blush as she recalled what they’d done in one of those rooms earlier. “There are two more bedrooms on this floor. To the right is a staircase that leads to the bottom level. That’s what I refer to as Tony’s domain. His bedroom is down there, as well as a communications room and a lab of sorts. Tony makes the most of his space.” Aleksy frowned. “Now, that I think about it, I’m not sure where Nathan’s staying.”
Nathan?
“I forgot to tell you. Nathan Clary, one of the bouncers where you worked, has joined us. He helped me try to save you before Blane took you. He followed us here and doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to leave. No matter how much I try to scare him.”
He’s always been incredibly nice to me. He never… He didn’t… She shrugged uncomfortably, though he knew exactly what she referred to. He made sure no one bothered me and didn’t ask questions.
More points for Nathan.
“I’m glad he helped you,” Aleksy said as he led her into the kitchen. “Here we are. What sounds good to you?” He pointed her to the table and turned to the fridge, pulling the door open and glancing inside. “No leftovers, so not sure what Tony and Nathan ate last night. I can cook breakfast: bacon, eggs, toast, pancakes or French toast. Or we can do soup, salad, sandwich.”
