Caught Between Shifters

by Juniper Hart

  His lips devoured hers still as he rocked his hips in a steady motion. She felt so perfect, as if she was made for him. Her soft skin and delicate touch, the feeling of her moans vibrating against his lips, the way her sex hugged his member… His hands caressed her body, fondling her breasts, gripping her thighs. As she gave into the pleasure, Charlotte’s hips began to rock in sync with his. She pulled away from his lips as she struggled to breathe, gasping for air the moment the skin of her lips parted from his. Killian smirked, craning his head down to kiss along her collarbone. His hips began to pick up speed as he tilted her pelvis to a better angle. When he thrust back into her sex, an audible moan sounded from Charlotte, her cries of pleasure no longer muffled by his mouth. He ached to hear more of them. One of his hands slipped between them, the pad of his middle finger rubbing her clit lightly. Her legs tightened around him, Charlotte trying to stifle a loud outburst of gratification.

  From how much sexual frustration they had pent up over the previous days, it wasn’t long before her sex was tightening, nearing her release. She was so tight around his member, a throaty growl escaped his throat. Killian did his best to control his strength as he rapidly pounded into her. Moan after moan sounded from her, only fueling his desires more. Her hips moved on their own accord, bucking into him each time his pelvis ground into hers. Charlotte’s fingernails scratched at his shoulder blades as her body convulsed, her slender thighs quivering as she climaxed. Killian’s eyes opened to drink in her pleasure. As he began to reach his own climax, Killian clenched his jaw as hard as he could, burying his face into her shoulder. Just another thrust, and Killian found his release.

  Taking only a moment to compose himself, Killian withdrew himself from Charlotte and rolled off her. Then he brought her to lay on his chest, his arms going about her as his lips topped her hair with kisses. “I don’t know how I ever got along without you,” he breathed.

  Charlotte relaxed into his arms. Her eyes floated to the ceiling above her, only to be met by a breathtaking view the large windows provided. Being miles from the city, Charlotte swore she could see every star in the sky. His bed was placed perfectly on the hilltop, not a single tree obscuring the view through the top glass. Her eyes stayed fixated on the heavens above, lost in the beauty of the galaxy. Before she knew it, her eyelids were growing heavy and her breathing deepened.

  Killian shook her shoulder. “What did I say? Hmm? No sleeping tonight.”

  Oh right. Charlotte had forgotten all about bumping her head.

  Chapter 4

  After a long night of talking, cuddling, and a couple rounds of sex, morning finally came. Charlotte was delirious from sleep deprivation; she hadn’t slept much at all during her time there. She had to get up before dawn to go out on her hikes, and her natural night owl tendencies kept her up until late at night.

  Killian was racked with nerves over her sleeping, though. He knew that she would be fine since she hadn’t hit her head that hard, and she was past the initial ‘danger zone’ of a concussion, but what-ifs haunted his mind, so he called a doctor just to be sure. They assured him that she would be fine, but to monitor her as she slept, and that if she had any problems sleeping or with cognitive ability that day, to bring her to the hospital.

  While she slept that morning and into the afternoon, Killian watched over her intently. He held her the entire time, listening to her steady heartbeat and deep breathing. Charlotte was only twenty-four, but she looked even younger when she slept. Or, perhaps, more angelic. He lost track of time as he studied her features, his mind deep in thought. Even though he had been diligent about staying awake, Killian slipped into a light slumber late in the afternoon. He wasn’t brought out of his sleep until he heard a snap. Killian’s eyes opened to find a camera lens in his face.

  Even though he was smiling with humor shimmering in his jade-green eyes, Killian grabbed the camera from her. “Aye, I don’t like my picture taken,” he croaked, still trying to wake up.

  “Where’s the fun in that?” Charlotte pouted.

  “How do you like it?” he challenged. Killian then aimed the camera at her, snapping several pictures. He watched her through the viewfinder, a shy look on her face that she tried to cover with her hands. “No, no! No hiding from the camera, dove! It isn’t fair if you do!”

  “Okay, okay! You’ve made your point,” Charlotte laughed, trying to bat the camera away.

  Killian put it to the side. Charlotte moved to hover over him, and Killian’s hands ran up her bare back.

  A devious look crept up on her face. “Why don’t we go swimming?”

  “Swimming? In October? In the river? Have you gone mad?” he questioned her, looking at her as though she had sprouted a third head. “Do you want to catch a cold?”

  “Afraid of a little cold water?” she teased before shrugging. “I’ve never minded the cold. I thought it would be fun after lying in bed all night and day.”

  “You don’t have a suit,” Killian said, his disposition softening. Charlotte was definitely going to be the death of him. He couldn’t stand in the way of her being happy.

  “I don’t really need a suit. I can go in regular clothes, or in no clothes at all.”

  Killian sighed and rubbed her back as he acted as though he was contemplating. His eyes lifted to the glass over their heads, noting that the sky was overcast. He didn’t see why they couldn’t. “I suppose we could go for a quick swim.”

  The two made their way through the forest with packs of towels, dry clothes, and snacks. They held hands as Killian led the way, and soon enough, they were coming into view of a wide, deep river. As they neared the water, Charlotte’s eyes moved up the river, taking in the gorgeous sight. But when her eyes reached a bend in the river, she blinked. Why did it look so familiar? Was… was it possible she was near the place she had been lost a month ago?

  “You going to swim, Char?” Killian asked, squeezing her hand.

  Pulled from her thoughts, her intrigue dissipated the moment her eyes found him, having already taken off his shirt. “Of course,” she nodded, taking off her jacket. Thankfully, it was an unseasonable warm day for Washington in October. Killian stripped down to his swim trunks, and Charlotte down to her panties and bra. Then, holding one another’s hand tightly, they stepped into the water. It was bone-chillingly cold; Charlotte’s toes started to go numb within the first minute.

  “You’re insane,” Killian said as they waded into the water. By the time they were at Killian’s waist, they were at Charlotte’s chest. She shivered at the cold, but didn’t look entirely miserable. “What’s so appealing about this?” he questioned, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her against him.

  “I don’t know. I like how refreshing the water is.”

  “This isn’t what I’d call refreshing.”

  Charlotte responded by sticking her tongue out at him. Killian shook his head, “Why aren’t you bothered by the cold?”

  Charlotte looked at him with smitten eyes. “I happen to love the cold.”

  Killian couldn’t stop the smile from spreading on his lips, knowing she meant him and his touch. Bowing his head down, he stole a kiss from her lips. Her hands were on each side of his face as she returned his affection. But then, Charlotte suddenly pulled him down, underneath the water in one tug. The frigid water surrounded them from just a moment before they both moved to the surface. They were both laughing as Killian wrapped her into his arms.

  He dared to steal another kiss from her, uncaring if she pulled him back under. But she didn’t, instead, she met his kiss with fervor. Killian couldn’t keep his hands off her body as they made their way to her perky bottom. He could feel her shivering from the cold even there, almost making him laugh. But he suppressed it, not wanting to upset her when she was kissing him so deeply. His tongue parted her lips and grazed her tongue with his in a loving kiss. One hand trailed from her bottom, up her back, and then around to the front. Charlotte wasn’t voluptuous, but her breasts complimented her b
ody type well. His fingers brushed over her breasts, taking in their supple shape before pinching her nipple lightly.

  When an airy moan escaped her lips, Killian’s eyes darkened. Taking her by the shoulders, he turned her so her back was to his chest. Both of his hands started from her shoulders slowly rubbed their way down her body. One hand stopped at a breast, palming it gently as his fingers lightly tweaked the nipple. His other continued on its path down her front, gliding over her stomach and then between her legs, rolling her panties down her legs.

  Oh my. Killian’s tender lips began to kiss and suck at a spot on her neck, unable to stop the moans that erupted from her. His fingertips traced her sex, then rubbed her slowly and deeply to wind her up. It didn’t take him but a moment to get her to the point where she was whimpering for his touch. He inserted a finger into her sex, his erection pressing into her back. She was aching for him, her inner walls swollen and slick. It made him smug knowing his touch turned her on. He added in another finger, slowly drawing his finger in and out. Her breathing almost matched the speed of his hand, each breath slow and heavy. Killian moved his hand in a hook shape, hitting a sensitive spot within her walls. Her pelvis began to grind down against his hand, which was incredibly hot, but he wanted to be the one to satisfy her, not her acting through him.

  He stepped her forward a few steps, going into water that was a bit shallower. His hands then helped her bend over from the hips, making sure her torso was above the water. Then from behind, he dipped his fingers back into her swollen flesh. The new angle gave him a better range, able to press his fingers all the way into her. Killian could see her bare bum through the running water. He was certain her limbs were numb by then, wondering how she was even tolerating it anymore, but Charlotte didn’t appear bothered in the slightest, lost in the pleasure he was providing. She didn’t start to squirm until Killian picked up the speed of his hand.

  “Killian, please stop teasing me,” she whimpered, making him bite his lip with anticipation.

  Killian’s immediate thought was to shrug down his swim trunks and take her from behind, but he needed to get her out of that water; it was too cold. Quickly pulling her upright, Killian picked her up with her legs around his waist. Rushing to the shore, Killian sat down in a tall grassy null next to their packs. Placing her down in his lap with her legs on each side of him, Killian reached over, pulled a towel from one of the bags, and draped it over her shoulders.

  Charlotte’s lips were on his in a flash, dominating the kiss. Without hesitating his movements, he swiftly tugged down his swimsuit and pulled her down onto his member. A loud groan escaped her from instant gratification. It hadn’t even been twenty-four hours since their first encounter, and yet Charlotte already felt addicted.

  His hands guided her hips in long but brisk movements until she moved on her own. As soon as his hands left her hips to go to her back, Charlotte began to move roughly with dramatic motions on his erection. Killian was panting, trying his best not to be overpowered by the pleasure. Leaning his face forward, he caught one of her nipples in his mouth. His tongue flicked over the tip of the bud as he sucked on the sensitive skin, his other hand lightly pinching her other nipple.

  “God, Killian,” Charlotte moaned, her pace quickening as she rode him. Her sex was becoming snugger as she began to build to her climax.

  He was lost in the ecstasy of her movements—too lost. Within an instant, he lost his self-control, and as soon as it was gone, elongated canines appeared from his gums. His fangs sank into the flesh of her breast.

  There was a moment of pain, but then it was replaced with pleasure in the rawest form. She could feel his fangs baring into her and his mouth suckling her skin. Charlotte couldn’t think of how weird it was or even register what was going on.

  Killian’s hands regained control of her hips, sucking at the wound, moving her pelvis rapidly up and down as pleasure filled him. Within moments of the all-consuming pleasure, Charlotte nearly screamed out as she released. Her body experienced wave after wave of ecstasy from the fiery exchange. Killian continued to move her hips in rough motions until he climaxed. Her head laid against his shoulder as he continued to suck at the spot on her breast. It wasn’t until his lips finally pulled away from her breast that she started to come out of the lustful daze she had been in.

  Wait. What in the hell just happened?

  “Charlotte…” he breathed in a hesitant tone.

  Charlotte peeled back from him, looking down to her chest to see two puncture wounds on her breast with little droplets of blood streaming from each of the small holes.

  She scrambled to her feet, wrapping the towel around her that had been on her shoulders. “Wh..what… What did you just do?” she stammered.

  Killian stood, a look of panic plastered on his handsome face. “I can explain… Just let me explain, okay? Come back to the house with me, and we will talk about it there…” he pleaded with her, stepping to her and placing his hands on her arms.

  Charlotte wasn’t sure, feeling uneasy about the situation. Had he been drinking her blood?

  She backed away from him, pain swimming in his green eyes when she did. Her heart was pounding in her chest, unsure of what to think or feel. She had known something was off about Killian, but she didn’t think much of it. Killian was pale, cold to the touch, faster than any person she had ever met, and was a recluse in his own forest fortress. Charlotte’s brain rejected the possibility he was something other than human—before that very moment, she would have called herself absurd for even playing with the idea he could be anything else. She couldn’t bring herself to accept the facts before her, or how the most logical thing was that he was a vampire. Vampires weren’t real though, they couldn’t be real. But if they weren’t, then why had Killian drank her blood?

  “Charlotte, dove, please. I’m going to hurt you. I would never do that… Just trust me, please? I’m begging you… And if you don’t want to be around me after I explain, then I’ll call a driver to take you back to the city.”

  Charlotte’s stomach was in knots, but she nodded in agreement. Even if she was confused and kind of terrified, Charlotte didn’t want to just bolt away from him. To do that would be to deny she had harbored any feelings for him during their time together. He let out a breath of relief and nodded.

  She stood away from him as she took the clothes from her pack and dressed. When they were done getting ready, the two of them headed back toward his house in silence, both trapped in their own thoughts.

  When they stepped through the back door, Killian finally mustered up the courage to take her hand in his. He guided her into the den and sat her down on the couch. Charlotte watched as he sat down next to her. Killian turned towards her, grasping both of her hands and cradling them in his.

  There was a thick air of silence as he tried to find his words. His green eyes stayed focused on their hands, not having the courage to look her in the eye. “I know you must be thinking the worst of me… and some of it may not be wrong. But believe me when I say I would never hurt you, Charlotte. I never want to cause you pain. And I’m sorry that it came out this way. I got lost in the moment and lost my willpower.” He swallowed a lump in his throat. “I’m sure you have figured it out, so…yes…I’m a vampire. Feels weird to even say that out loud, honestly… I don’t think I’ve ever willingly told anyone. Only a handful of executives at my company know, but their silence is paid for. But just because I have this… this… condition, doesn’t mean I’m a monster. Before today, it’s been a decade or two since I’ve fed off a live human. My company is responsible for a wide variety of medical research, so I’m able to gain access to blood donations to satisfy my hunger. I’m not a killer.”

  Charlotte tried to take in everything he was saying, but the logical side of her brain tried to convince her it was all lies, that there was no such thing as vampires. However, she had the bite mark and his words to prove otherwise. It was hard to process. And could she trust him when he said he wasn�
��t a killer? He hadn’t lied to her about anything else that she was aware of. Even if it were true, her mind slowly registered that he said a decade or two. Her brow furrowed, looking to him. “Two decades? How old are you?” she asked meekly, her big eyes staring up at him.

  His posture stiffened, eyes going to hers before looking away. “Honestly, I don’t remember. Old,” he said dryly. “Several hundreds of years, at least. I don’t remember the early years very well, but I came to America at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution to start anew and start a business so that I could live out my eternity in luxury. I picked medicine because it’s an industry that will never die out since humans are always getting sick. Of course, for the first couple of decades, I had to work my ass off to get the company started and expanding. But soon my investments and time paid off, and I could withdraw myself from most of the day-to-day operations before people really started to question why I wasn’t aging. I then doctored some paperwork and made a fictitious son, and passed it down to myself. And do so periodically to keep up the façade so that no one tries to investigate me.”

  Honestly, that was kind of brilliant, but Charlotte wasn’t about to compliment him on it. “Is Killian really your name?” she asked.

  “Aye, it is. I went back to it for this generation,” Killian shrugged. “I missed being called by my name, rather than having to answer to whichever name I had picked for my descendant.”

  Charlotte nodded, glad she at least knew him by his real name. “What made you stop hunting humans?”

  “At first I only hunted vile humans, such as mass murderers and rapists. You know, the types of people the world wouldn’t miss. Then technology made it more difficult to get away with hunting people, and to be honest, I harbored a lot of guilt over it—even though I was ridding the world of evil. Like I mentioned, I have access to human blood through my company. Nobody gets hurt, and I get to feed.”