Untethered (Shifter Night Book 1)

by Charlene Hartnady

  She had to stop herself from pushing him down where she needed him ‒ and where she needed him was there … right there … right … there. She gave a yell as his hot mouth closed over her nub. Her very sensitive, very needy nub. Winston suckled her for a few seconds before laving her with his tongue. When he sucked her again, he pushed two fingers into her as well. Her skin was so tight that she was sure it was going to split. She was burning up. Tighter, tighter, higher, higher … almost …

  She gave another hard cry. Her breathing had been reduced to hard, sharp pants.

  Winston stopped and lifted the cover. “Are you okay?”

  “No!” she practically shouted.

  “What can I do? How can I—”

  “More,” she panted. “Please, Winston.”

  His eyes widened when he realized that she was fine. Then he grinned. So sexy, so incredibly gorgeous. “No problem,” he murmured. He thrust two fingers into her. His mouth sealed over her clit and she was tickets.

  Ana shouted out as everything let go. Pleasure rushed through her. She closed her eyes, her head falling back. She gripped the covers so hard that she was sure she heard a nail crack. Her hips rocked against him.

  She finally fell back on the pillows. Winston laved her clit softly as she came down. Ana struggled to catch her breath.

  “Are you okay?”

  “No, I’m not.” She shook her head wildly from side to side.

  He frowned, getting off of her. “What can I do?”

  Ana pulled her sweater over her head. Then her shirt. She unclasped her bra. Winston kept his eyes on hers, which was commendable. He swallowed thickly. “We don’t have to do this. We can wait.”

  “I don’t want to wait. I want you and you want me. I need this. I need you, Winston.”

  “We said we would take it slow.” He looked really worried. It warmed her that he cared so deeply for her.

  “We will. We are. We fake dated until we weren’t faking. Now we can date for real … that means sex … lots of sex when you’re here once a month. By the time you’re on that list we’ll be ready to—”

  “To make you my Mrs Right,” he said when she let the sentence die.

  “I might still struggle a bit at times. It might not all be smooth sailing, but I love you. I want you.”

  “You’re sure?” He swallowed again.

  “So very, very sure, you have no idea.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, really but only if you’re sure too?”

  He finally looked down at her breasts. Winston groaned. “I’ve never been more sure in my entire fucking life.” He cupped them in big hands. “So soft and perfect.”

  He leaned forward and kissed her softly. When he pulled back, his eyes were glowing a little. It was beautiful. He was beautiful. “I’m too far gone here.” He gripped her hips, his hold firm, even a little rough. “It’s been so long and I want you so damned much.”

  “I’m on the pill,” she whispered. “I want you too. Just take me. I’m wet and ready.”

  Winston groaned again, deeper and louder this time. His grip tightened for a second and then she was on her knees. He’d flipped her over like she weighed nothing. Winston caged her with his body.

  She waited for the panic to set in but it didn’t happen. She felt safe and loved with this shifter. This felt right. “Is this okay?”

  “Yes,” her voice was thick with need.

  “I’ve had several wet dreams, all involving you, on your knees.”

  “Oh, yes.”

  “Yes,” he growled the word. “You are so damned beautiful. Better than I imagined.” He palmed her ass with one hand. She heard a zipper go down, felt his thick, heavy cock hit her ass cheek. “You tell me if you can’t take it. If you need me to stop. I can wait … as long as it takes.” His voice was thick and husky. “Tell me.”

  A shiver raced up her spine. “Yes?”

  “Did you use that dildo like I told you to?”

  She broke out in goosebumps. “I did.”

  “Good. I’ll take it slow.”

  “I want you.” She could hear the certainty in her voice. He must have too because next thing his cock was there. Right there where she needed him.

  He rubbed on her clit in lazy circles with his finger, the head of his cock put pressure on her entrance but he didn’t actually breach her. It was like he was testing. Checking.

  So sweet.

  Ana whimpered. He rubbed her clit a little quicker, using a bit more pressure. “Yes!” She was thrusting her hips, pushing backwards. She leaned down so that her breasts were rubbing against the comforter. Even that felt good. All of her senses seemed heightened.

  Winston groaned as he pushed into her. It was his turn to sound out of breath. “Fuck!” he growled. “So good!” he added on another moan. “I need to rut you … hard … please don’t be afraid.” She could feel him shudder.

  Excitement coursed through her at the prospect of him doing just that. Then she realized that he was waiting for her confirmation. “Yes,” she sobbed.

  He pushed the rest of the way in with a hard thrust.

  Ana shouted his name as his balls hit against her. It stung a bit. She’d never been so stretched. So full. Her headboard knocked up against the wall on the next thrust. It hit again and again.

  Her throat hurt from all the cries. His finger kept up its soft rub, rub against her clit. It was like she was going out of her mind. It amazed her how he could fuck her so hard and yet touched her so softly at the same time, almost with reverence.

  Suddenly, Winston stopped, mid-thrust. He was shaking from head to toe. “Are you okay?” His voice was deep with need.

  “I’m fine.” She swallowed thickly. “I’m good.” She was panting hard. “I want more,” she managed to grind out.

  The words were barely out and he was thrusting again. The headboard had to be knocking a hole in the wall. Not that she cared. Ana gripped the comforter. She could feel her pussy flutter with the start of her orgasm. If he stopped now, she would die. Her heart would quite literally give in.

  “I’m good!” she shrieked. “Oh god … I’m so good!” she yelled. “I’m awesome! Awesome!” She screamed as her pussy began to spasm. She screamed his name as her orgasm took her.

  Winston jerked against her, his fingers digging into her hips. He growled low and deep, sounding like a ferocious animal. The sound excited her.

  Winston slowed his movements, until he finally stopped. He was breathing hard.

  So was she, but in a good way. In the best way. Ana found that she was grinning so hard that her face hurt. “That was amazing. So good.”

  He carefully pulled out of her and took her into his arms. Winston kissed her long and deep. “I love you so much,” he said as he released her; he was grinning as well.

  “You fixed me.” Her voice was filled with awe.

  “You talk such shit.” He swept the hair from her face. “There was nothing to fix. You were perfect to begin with.” He kissed the tip of her nose before rolling on top of her.

  “We can’t cuddle.”

  “Why not?” Her voice was husky.

  “Because you can still talk.”

  She frowned. “Yeah and … that’s a bad thing?”

  “Very bad. You shouldn’t be able to talk or walk.”

  He spun her around so that Ana was on top. She squealed. “This has been another fantasy of mine.”

  “I’ve had a few of my own,” she said, looking at him through her lashes. Her lips were swollen. Her breasts were amazing. Perfect mouthfuls he planned on sampling every chance he could get.

  “Have you now?” He raised his brows.

  Ana nodded. “I thought of you every time I used that dildo.” She slid forward so that her pussy was flush with his dick.

  He groaned, feeling how wet she was.

  “You’ll have to show me sometime,” he rumbled. “Right now, I want you on my cock.”

  Her pupils dilated. Ana lifted and
he positioned himself at her entrance. She slowly dropped onto his length. So fucking tight, it almost blew his mind.

  Then she began to move. Slipping and sliding all over his dick. Up and down. Her eyes were glassy with lust. Her little breasts bounced.

  Winston gripped her hips and fucked her from below. He angled his hips until she cried out. There! Then he licked his thumb and gently rubbed on her clit.

  Ana’s head fell back and she gasped. She was moaning with every thrust. He could feel that she was close so he eased off of her clit. He wanted to draw out her pleasure.

  “So good,” she ground out. “Oh god.”

  She was a vision. Her hair loose. Her cheeks flushed. Her eyes glassy with pleasure. Her nipples tight. Winston sucked his finger and moved to a sitting position, scooting to the headboard. He widened his legs a tad, continuing to thrust. It didn’t take him long to find that spot. Her moans became louder. Her breathing ragged. Her breasts rubbed his chest. Hard and soft.

  Her eyes were wide.

  “You trust me?”

  She nodded. “Yes.” A moan.

  “Good.” He pushed the tip of his finger into her ass and she went off like a rocket.

  Ana shouted his name, squeezing the fuck out of him. Two thrusts later and he was coming too. He grit his teeth, which had partially erupted. He needed to keep his canines far away from her during sex. All he wanted was to mark her. Take her. To make her his. Soon. Very fucking soon.

  Winston growled low as he came, pulling her close. Ana called his name a second time, whispering it a third as she fell against him. He cradled her in his arms.

  “I thought you were full of shit,” she slurred her words. “About the whole butt thing,” she added, still trying to catch her breath. She giggled, sounding out of breath.

  “Oh that.” He chuckled, slipping out his finger. “That was nothing. Just wait until I bite you.”

  She shivered in his arms.

  Winston rolled her over and hoisted her legs onto his shoulders.

  “Again?” She gave him the sweetest smile. Her eyes were hazy. “You can’t be serious.”

  He began to move and she moaned. “Oh yeah, I take fucking very seriously.”

  She tensed up. “I thought you were done fucking.”

  “Meaningless fucking. I’m only just getting started on you though.”

  “Oh good, but … I don’t think I can.” She moaned again.

  “Oh yes, you can.” He found her clit.

  Ana groaned, low and deep. “Maybe.”

  “Definitely.” But Ana was moaning too loudly to answer him.

  24

  Three months later …

  Ana took another pile of shirts and placed them in her suitcase. She moved back to the closet and picked up the pile of jeans next.

  “I can’t believe you’re leaving,” Edith sighed. “How long have we been friends for?”

  “Since we were seniors in high school.”

  “Exactly. That’s a long time.” Edith looked wistful. She stretched out on Ana’s bed, propped herself up on the headboard and pulled a pillow into her arms. Hugging the pillow, she sighed again. “I’m going to miss you so much.” She tossed the pillow to the side and scrambled up into a sitting position. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m so happy for you. Crazy happy. I’m also a little jealous though.”

  “You shouldn’t be.” Ana shook her head, leaving the jeans where they were. “There’s a guy out there for you.” She sat down on the bed next to Edith.

  “Guy shmuy!” Edith pulled a face. “I’ve pretty much given up on my search for love. That’s not it, I’m jealous of Winston.”

  Ana widened her eyes. “I didn’t realize you harbored a secret crush on me.” She laughed.

  Edith joined in. “No, you idiot,” her friend finally said. “I’m going to miss this. How we lean on one another. Our ice-cream nights. They won’t be the same, in fact, I’m going to lose weight. One thing to look forward to.”

  “You look fantastic, my friend. You don’t need to lose any weight. Not a single pound.” Ana took Edith’s hand and squeezed. “Leaving is the one really shitty thing I have to do if I want to be with the man I love. Leaving my family, my friends and you.” She squeezed her hand again.

  “I see I got my own category.” Edith’s eyes glinted, then she frowned. “It was separate from the friend category, which worries me.” She cocked her head, looking serious. Ana noticed that the glint was still there though.

  “That’s because you’re not just a friend, you’re my very best friend and that deserves a category all of its own.”

  Edith’s eyes grew misty, they welled with tears.

  “I’m going to miss you too,” Ana said as they wrapped their arms around one another. “So very much. I wish I could pack you in a suitcase and take you with me.”

  “Me too,” Edith murmured as they released one another.

  “I’ll visit often.” Her voice was soft, still thick with emotion.

  Her friend rolled her eyes. “Yeah right.”

  “Every month or so.” Ana smiled. “I hope you’ll come to the wedding? The shifters call it a mating ceremony.”

  Edith’s eyes lit up. “You mean I can visit you?”

  Ana nodded. “My closest family is allowed to visit on special occasions.”

  Edith frowned. “But I’m not family.”

  “You’re my very best friend, and that makes you family in my book. You’re coming to the wedding ‒ if you want to that is?”

  “Of course I do. You don’t even have to ask. I’ll take a few days leave. It’ll be amazing.”

  “I’m pretty sure you won’t have to wait too long after that to come through again.” Ana could hear the excitement in her voice.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Just that there might be plenty of special occasions in my future.” Ana couldn’t help but smile. “We plan on trying for a family quite soon after we are mated and—”

  Edith squealed. “Seriously? Oh, my gosh! Aren’t you guys rushing into things?”

  Ana shook her head. “Nah, we don’t think so. We have to live together for three months before we can mate. The shifters give the time period to make sure that we humans enjoy living out in the middle of nowhere, that we’re serious about mating. Shifters mate for life.”

  “A cooling off period.”

  “Cooling off … I think the opposite will be true.” Ana bobbed her brows. “I can’t wait to see Winston every day … spend every night with him.”

  “So, no more panic attacks?” Edith asked.

  Ana shook her head. “Nope! I’ve had moments of anxiety but nothing out of the ordinary. I’m happy to say that my days of having to breathe into brown paper bags and of puking on people are over. Doctor Brenner says it’s admitting to my anger at John that did it. Winston has also had a big hand in it. Not pushing me … just being the sweetest boyfriend a girl could ask for.” She paused, gathering her thoughts. “It was also letting it go. As well as finally giving myself permission to move on. I will never forget John or my baby.” She put her hand on her belly. “I will always love them, but I’m still here.” Her voice became soft. Her heart still gave a clench remembering the family she used to have. It wasn’t unbearable anymore though. She would never forget either of them, but at least now she could turn to the future. She could think of all the amazing things in store for her, for both her and Winston.

  “I’m so happy for you. I’m so glad you’ve been able to embrace your future.”

  “Your guy is out there somewhere,” Ana said.

  “Nah, I told you I’ve given up. I’m throwing in the towel. I’m done.” Edith looked resolute.

  Ana laughed. “You know what they say, right?”

  She could see that Edith wanted to roll her eyes. She sighed instead, a smile toying with corners of her mouth. “Okay, tell me … what is it that they say?”

  “You’ll find your guy when you stop looking. Since you say you’ve
stopped …” Ana shrugged.

  Edith laughed. “Somehow I doubt that I’ll magically find someone simply because I’ve quit looking.”

  “Just you wait and see, he’s going to sweep you right off of your feet.”

  “I’d have to see it to believe it.” Edith looked skeptical.

  “One day we’ll look back on this conversation and you’ll tell me I was right.”

  Edith pulled a face, it was clear that she put on stock in it.

  25

  Three months later …

  They stood beneath a large oak tree. The wind gently caressed Ana’s hair. She bit down on her bottom lip. Winston pushed the gold band onto his soon-to-be mate’s finger. It slid into place next to the diamond solitaire. The shifters had adapted their mating ceremony to include some human traditions. Ana smiled through her tears, which sparkled on her lashes in the afternoon sun.

  “You okay?” he whispered.

  “So happy.” Her smile widened and his heart almost fucking burst from sheer love for this female. She wore one of those poofy white gowns adorned with sparkling crystals and pearls. Her breasts looked superb in the corset top. Her hair was piled high on her head, her ears sparkled with diamond earrings. She was a vision. So beautiful, she threatened to steal his breath. He was the luckiest male alive.

  “I wish you both a long and happy life together,” the elder went on. “Many moons. May your home be filled with happiness, laughter and may you be blessed with young ones.” He continued, “I hereby declare the two of you almost mated. You may kiss your female.”

  Ana frowned. “Almost?”

  Winston crushed his lips to hers. His female’s hands threaded around his neck. He swallowed her gasp of surprise as his tongue breached her mouth. He wasn’t fucking around here. Ana was his … finally … well, almost at any rate. He broke the kiss, looking deep into her eyes. “I love you,” he whispered.

  Not waiting for her response, he hoisted her over his shoulder. The humans in the crowd gasped. The shifters hollered and cat-called.