by K. S. Martin
“What are you thinking about?”
“Waking up this morning.”
James rinsed her hair and sank to his knees.
“What are you… Oh my…” Jess leaned her back against the wall for support. The man had a way of making her knees give out.
James’s tongue left a long warm path from her core to the bundle of throbbing nerves that were keeping time with her rapid erratic pulse. He placed strategic kisses on her mound, smiling at her gasps. James kissed the skin between her womanhood and belly button. His tongue followed the rivulet of water headed south from between her breasts. James sucked a nipple into his mouth, and Jess’s eyes slid closed. “Please…”
“Anything for you, my love. What do you need?”
“You,” she panted. “I need you inside me.”
He moaned against her other breast.
“James…now! I need that now.”
He chuckled, and Jess’s eyes snapped open. His hands were sliding up her thighs over her hips, leaving tingles in their wake, and Jess was a trembling gooey mass of need. She shivered involuntarily.
“Oh baby, I will take care of you, I promise. I won’t let you hunger for long, but remember, the longer we wait the more explosive it will be.”
“Yeah, you said that this morning, but I think I’d rather not wait. OK? So get on with it.” Jess reached for what she wanted, and he easily trapped her hands with one of his above her head. She grumbled, and James smiled against her skin. His teeth caressed her shoulder, the sensitive column of her throat, and the fleshy side of her breast. Jess had had enough of this “waiting for more explosive” crap. She wrapped her leg around his hip and pulled him toward her.
“Oh naughty girl.” James disentangled himself and spun her around to face the wall. The warm water cascaded over her back and felt good but not nearly as good as James’ teeth grazing the top of her hip. He bit lightly and she nearly came.
Jess cried out, and he chuckled against the side of her waist. It tickled and she jumped. He chuckled again and bit the fleshy bottom of her buttock lightly. Wave after wave of pleasure glided over her nerves. Heat worked its way through her middle, and her muscles clenched then convulsed. Her orgasm washed over her, and Jess moaned with her cheek pressed against the cool tile of the shower. James turned her around again and lapped at her juices. After kissing a trail up the middle of her, James nibbled at her lips and sought entrance into the sweet recesses of her mouth.
His tongue sank inside as his arousal sank into her core. Jess was consumed with sensation and emotion. She loved everything about this man. The ways he tasted her mouth and filled her core were delicious. The way he smiled at her every time he looked at her and the way he tasted her skin. He was everything that she could ever want. James sank into her fully and Jess wrapped her legs around his waist urging him to take her.
“OK, sweetheart.” James slammed into her, and Jess moaned.
Finally! she thought. This was what she needed, what she wanted, what her body demanded.
His thrusts echoed through her soul, melting it, soothing it, and bringing the knowledge that she was his. Her core tightened, fisted him, and James groaned. “Yes baby, yes!” he called against her neck. His tongue tasted his mark, and she detonated around him. Her core milked him in waves. James followed her over the abyss into unadulterated pleasure. Jess clung to him tightly as he carried her to their bed. She didn’t remember falling asleep.
Chapter 14
Jess dressed with care for work. She wound her hair into a knot and pulled her suit jacket on. She may or may not have a job. Texting your boss that you have a family emergency, then disappearing for two weeks without an explanation was not usually acceptable. Lolly said on the phone earlier, though, that she only had to say that it was an emergency and that it was personal. Beyond that, the witch could not legally force answers out of her. Jess blew out a breath and smoothed her hands over her skirt. James left just after her clock sounded. His was an early shift today, but he promised to stop by for lunch if he could.
***
Jess checked her face in the rearview mirror again then hurried inside. She should be at her desk in less than 10 minutes, and she did not want to be late. Ms. Lansing could be a real pain in the ass about tardiness. Jess hurried down the hall and into her office. It looked the same. Pressing the on button on the computer, she arranged her suit jacket on the back of the chair while she waited for it to come on. Suddenly, Ms. Lansing stood at her desk, glowering down at her. Even her hair was particularly spiked and sharp-looking today, but not as much as her gaze.
“So you decided to grace us with your presence, I see. Where have you been, and let me warn you, the excuse had better be fantastic or you are fired,” Ms. Lansing nearly screamed.
Jess felt the wolf get restless and try to rise up. She took a deep cleansing breath to back the scary beast down. James had practiced this with her until she felt comfortable, but that was at home, and now it wasn’t as easy.
“I had a family crisis and had to fly to Florida. It’s personal, but it’s over now, and I am ready to return to work.”
“Not good enough. Get out.”
Jess raised an eyebrow. “No.”
Ms. Lansing gasped.
James strolled into the office then, and Ms. Lansing whirled on him.
“What do you want, James? I am disciplining an employee.”
“Is that what you’re calling it now, Margaret? It still looks like bullying to me.”
James rounded the desk and kissed Jess chastely. “I just wanted to see that you arrived safely, sweetheart. Are we still on for lunch?”
She nodded and smiled softly.
“She won’t be here for lunch. She’s fired.”
Lolly cleared her throat from the doorway. “Margaret, may I see you in my office?” Lolly smiled at James and Jess, then nodded hello.
“In a moment, and we can discuss Jessica’s replacement,” Ms. Lansing hissed.
“Jessica has discussed her absence with HR, and the matter is considered closed. Your behavior, though, well, we should discuss that privately. Come along.” Jess had never loved Lolly more than in that instant.
“Looks like Margaret is in trouble.” James smirked. He sounded like he was taunting someone on the playground, and she giggled.
“It seemed like you knew her.”
He nodded.
“Did you date her, James?”
“I did, yes, for a moment. We went out twice, and it took me six months to get rid of her. She’s your boss, huh?”
Jess made a face and nodded.
“That sucks. Can you do anything else? Margaret is going to be extra tough on you now.”
Jess rolled her eyes. “When isn’t she? It’s okay. I’ve been working on my backbone, and if she gets too nasty, I’ll let my furry friend handle the witch.”
James chuckled. “Dan Dan’s for lunch? It’s been a slow morning so far and hopefully it will stay that way, so keep your furry friend under wraps, okay? I don’t want any rabid animal BOLOs going out.”
“You aren’t going out anywhere with a gun, are you? I mean, I don’t have to worry, do I?” Jess bounced her knee nervously.
“No, sweetheart. No worries. I’m supervising, filling out paperwork, and learning my new duties. I will be in the office all day. If you have time, come over and see my new digs. I should go.” He leaned down and kissed her softly. “Behave, and I’ll see you at lunch.”
“Okay.” She watched him walk out of her office and saw Ms. Lansing pass by a moment later. She didn’t stop or even glance into Jess’s office. “Curious,” Jess thought out loud. She picked up her phone and texted Lolly.
Are u busy?
Mocha time? Lolly quickly texted back.
Please, Jess answered.
Lolly popped her head in the door seconds later and grinned at her. “Come, girlfriend. I want the 411 on Officer Cutie Pie.”
Jess giggled and hurried after her. They chatted quic
kly while they walked slowly to the coffee bar. Jess caught Lolly up on James, and Lolly caught her up on Ms. Lansing. “She will not be harassing you, Jessie girl. I made it very clear that any contact had better be professional or I would file for disciplinary action on her bullying butt. I get more complaints about her than everyone else in the building combined, and I told her it stopped now. You are a good worker and an excellent employee, so she has no business giving you bullshit.”
“Thanks, Lolly, but she will find a way. I just found out that she dated James for a little while, and I think she still wants him. He thinks that she is going to make it hard for me.” Jess selected her coffee and creamers, then pushed the buttons on the machine. It worked perfectly for once.
“I’ll keep my eye on her, and don’t worry. On the record and officially, if she does anything that you think is out of line or harassing, you let me know and I will open an investigation. Off the record, I would love to get rid of her. She was never management material, but she was sleeping with my boss at the time.” Lolly made a gagging gesture, and Jess chuckled. “He’s retired now, so she is on her own.”
Jess sipped her coffee while Lolly filled her cup with tea.
“I was wondering, Jess, if you would be interested in her position.”
Jess stared at her with her mouth hanging open.
“If it were to become vacant, I mean. I think you would be a good candidate.”
“I don’t know what to say, Lolly. I never thought about managing.”
“Well, she’s set you up nicely. You know how to do everyone’s job, and you’re a nicer person than she is. Margaret isn’t a manager. She’s a boss, and she behaves in a bossy, bullying way. A manager inspires and directs their employees, helps them grow professionally. I think that more than a few people in your department would flourish under your direction. Think about it. It won’t be this week, unfortunately, but hopefully it will be soon.” Lolly winked at her.
They went back down the hall in comfortable silence. Jess was considering what Lolly had told her, which was basically that she was going to get rid of Margaret Lansing. Good riddance to bad rubbish, Jess thought.
She met James for lunch a few hours later and filled him in on the development.
“That’s great. I think with that new backbone of yours and the skills that you already have, you are a great idea. Kudos to Lolly!” He clinked his teacup to hers and smiled at her.
Jess thought about it. She still wasn’t sure if that was what she wanted. All she knew was that she wanted him right now.
His smile turned predatory. “I don’t know where we can go, sweetheart, where we won’t be on surveillance.”
Jess pouted.
“As soon as we get home, though?”
Jess nodded and he grinned.
“Maybe after, Big Red can come out to play. You need to run.”
Jess blushed.
“I love it when your cheeks blush like that. You are so beautiful, Jess, and when they do that, you glow.”
She scoffed, and he chuckled.
“I’ll make you blush more later.”
“You’d better.”
Chapter 15
The rest of her day was uneventful, except for the sideways glances she got from Ms. Lansing. James was right. She was going to be a problem. He was at her desk promptly at quitting time.
“Hey, I like your desk job. You have regular hours and you get to drive me home.” He winked. Jess grabbed her jacket and put it over her arm. She wasn’t as cold-natured as before her change, but having a sweater or jacket was a habit for her.
“Lucky for you I can drive you home and back in the morning, so your car can stay here. We can carpool every day when I don’t have meetings like this morning.” They climbed into James’s SUV, then he leaned across and buckled her seatbelt when she didn’t do it immediately. “I want you safe, sweetheart.”
“I’m with an Alpha policeman. How much safer could I possibly be?” She batted her eyelashes at him, and he grinned. She loved that smile. It was so perfect and sincere.
“If on the way home, a drunk in a speeding pickup truck T-bones us, my being Alpha and a cop are not going to help you. At that point, the only things that will help you are seatbelts and airbags. It’s like locking the door, sweetheart. I’m sure you’ve heard that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
She was beginning to feel like an errant child.
“And I am fully aware that you are wolf now and that you will heal quickly, but I do not like to take chances with my best girl. Besides, we are not immortal. We can die.”
“Okay, okay.” She threw her hands up. “Lock the door, wear the seatbelt. Fine. I know you’re right.”
He leaned over and kissed her. His lips were warm against her skin. She loved that feeling. All of her insecurities fled with that feeling.
“That’s my girl.” He started the motor and shifted into drive.
Suddenly, Freddie was at his window, frantically banging.
“Cap, I got double duty today.”
James rolled the window down.
“I have double duty. Hi, Jess.” He smiled broadly and waved.
She smiled back and lifted her hand.
“Point?” James asked.
“It’s my turn to grocery shop. There is no food in the house. I can do it when my shift ends, but if you guys want to eat…”
“Gotcha,” James said. “Be careful tonight, Freddie. I’ll see you in the morning. Make sure you stop for those groceries or get someone to cover you.”
“Yes, sir.” Freddie waved at Jess again and turned when someone called his name from the next aisle of the parking structure. He jogged away.
Jess saw Ms. Lansing a few rows over in her car, watching them. She was definitely going to be a problem. Jess silently hoped that Lolly got rid of her soon.
James started the truck and pulled out of the garage, then blended into traffic smoothly.
Jess loved sunset almost as much as sunrise. The sky at sunset got all fiery and gold. The golden beams of light filtered between the thick clouds in sharp rays and gave the clouds so much color. It was beautiful. She was excited about running with James later under that same beautiful sky.
They’d not run often, but when she had, she liked it. She liked tearing through the woods at breakneck speed, chasing him, and she liked their games. He was a beautiful and cocky wolf. She loved his wolf, whether she was herself or Big Red. She grinned at her new nickname. She marveled at how far she’d come since he’d shown up in her life. A year ago she would’ve cowered at Ms. Lansing’s demands, but today she’d said no. She sighed. No. It was a power-giving word. No, I will not cave to your demands. No, you are not more important than I am. No, I am not your damn whipping post. Hello, backbone, glad to finally meet you.
“Hey.” James touched her hand. “Are you okay?”
She turned to him and smiled. “I was just thinking about how I never would’ve told her no a year ago. You did that for me.”
“How?” His brow furrowed.
“You made me believe that I’m worth something and that my needs are important, too. That I am not weak and that I am in control of my little universe.”
“Good. Because, sweetheart, you are worth a lot more than something—you are worth everything.”
She laughed. “Sweet talk like that will get you laid, Captain.”
He growled lightly, and she laughed again.
They grabbed burgers on the way home, and Jess was glad for her new metabolism. Her burger, which was loaded with cheese and mayo, had to contain enough calories for an entire day, but it was so good that she ate every bite, plus fries.
Later, James drove her to a state park. He usually brought the pack, but tonight he said he wanted to be alone with his female.
Jess shifted as soon as the SUV stopped and she’d climbed out. She raced ahead and ducked into the thicket. She loved for him to search for her. They had their own game of hide and see
k. She’d hide, then he’d find her and fuck her. Jess loved this game, because he was at his most Alpha right after he’d shifted. He howled off in the distance, and she stayed silent until he howled again. It was a different sound. This one was wrenched with pain. Jess tore out of her hiding place and bolted in the direction of his call. She was nearly sick with that sound. James was hurt.
Jess heard them before she saw them. Cats, big damned cats. Cats like that were not indigenous to this area. She wasn’t sure what she was dealing with. This was not a scent that she was familiar with, but she knew it was dangerous. They had James flanked, and there were five of them. Five big black cats with huge fangs and sharp claws were trying to tear him apart. He saw her then and yipped in warning to stay away. Jess was suddenly faced with one of the cats. A female was swaggering toward her. It hissed and growled then snarled through its nose. Jess stayed still and studied its movement.
Something was familiar about this big cat, something that she scented triggered a memory. Jess knew this cat. This cat was a shifter, no doubt about it, and was someone that she knew, but who? Its massive paw took a swipe at her, and she heard James give her a yap to run. She didn’t. Weren’t cats afraid of dogs, well, wolves?
Jess stood her ground and snarled at the female. She saw James in her peripheral vision, and he was holding his own against the other four, but she still wished that they’d brought the pack. If they had, this would’ve been over already. The female in front of her hissed again and took another swipe at her. Jess moved out of the way gracefully. Big Red was ferocious and would not put up with this for long. Jess had learned in the last few weeks how to stay conscious inside her head, and usually that was handy, but not now.
