Caleb stared into her dark, fiery eyes. He saw her strength and will to survive, and her determination to overcome all her fears. This little human was a survivor, a fighter. Caleb held her shoulders, wanting to reassure her and comfort her.
“Prisha...”
She shook her head and pressed a finger to his lips to silence him. Pushing herself up on her toes, she kissed him lightly on his stubbled jaw and said, “Shh. Now tell me what you want to eat.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Caleb's entire body jerked at her words. What did he want to eat?
God, there was only one thing he wanted.
Her.
He wanted to eat her, in the most decadent, erotic way.
“Prisha,” he growled, trapping her against his body with his arms.
She blinked up at him, her hands slowly moving up his chest to his shoulders.
Caleb felt her shiver in his arms. Her eyelids fluttered and her nails dug into his shoulders as she clung to him.
“Caleb...” she stammered. “I...I shouldn't...”
“Shouldn't?” he growled.
“I shouldn't...want you so.”
Caleb held her steady as she fidgeted and fretted. “I...I don't know why I have all these feelings for you. I've only just met you, but it feels as if I've known you forever. I trust you, and..I feel for you.” She shook her head, as though trying to clear it. “I...I've never wanted anyone like this...”
She took a shuddering breath and pushed feebly at him, but he refused to let her go. Her head fell forward to rest on his chest.
“I don't know why I feel this way,” she whispered. “This is not just a crush. I've never felt this way before. I'm attracted to you, but...this is more than just an attraction. I...want you, Caleb.” There was a plaintive note in her voice, a quiet tremor of confusion and fear.
Caleb swallowed and ran his hand gently up and down her back, trying to soothe and assure her. Even to shifters, the startling recognition of a mate and the intense pull and possessiveness towards a mate could be overwhelming. Their beasts could drive them mad with the animal need and instinct to mate. It took strength of heart and spirit to be a shifter's mate.
Humans could fall in love and mate with shifters, but only very few humans had an instinctive, immediate connection with their mates. Prisha recognized him as her mate, but her rational mind couldn't find an explanation for the pull of her heart and body. She was trying to fight the attraction, rationalize it, explain the unexplainable. How do you explain a soul connection, an intuitive, instinctive tug of the heart?
It was a bond, an emotion and attraction too powerful to be denied.
She was his mate, his heart, more precious to him than his own life. He would gladly give his life to protect her.
Prisha was his. There was no doubt. She could feel the same deep connection and attraction, but not being a shifter, she was scared by her own explosive, uncontrollable feelings. He could feel her overpowering desire for him, and her fear and bewilderment at her own heightened passion and lust.
“Prisha,” he said softly. “I know that you are confused and scared, but your want and hunger is perfectly natural. What we have between us is real and eternal. You are...”
She looked mortified and tried to struggle out of his arms. “I...I'm not that kind of girl...”
“What kind of girl?”
“I...I don't jump into bed with strangers...” she babbled.
“I'm not a stranger,” he gritted out. “I'm your mate!”
“I...what?”
“You are mine, Prisha,” he said raggedly, his head falling to rest against hers. “My mate, my life.”
“How…how do you know?”
“I just do.” He stroked his thumb across her cheek. “My heart knows. My bear knows. My body hungers for you. I want and need you. And I care for you, very deeply.”
She was silent for a long while. Finally, she lifted her head and gazed deeply, searchingly into his eyes.
Pressing her palm over his heart, she whispered, “You feel me here...in your heart?”
“Yes.”
“And you...desire me?”
“Yes, very much. And the desire will only grow stronger. I will desire you forever.”
Her expression was unreadable as she touched his face. Finally, she said very quietly, “I am your mate.”
“Yes. And I am yours,” he told her, holding her gaze unflinchingly.
Prisha nodded as her eyes took on a faraway look. “I recall my Nanni telling me about this.”
“Your grandmother?”
“Yes. Nanni told me that when I meet my soul mate, I mustn't be afraid.” Prisha closed her eyes as she breathed in a deep, long breath. “To have your eyes and heart open suddenly can be shocking and terrifying. You need courage to see the truth and listen to your heart. But not everyone is willing or able to do that.”
Prisha looked up at him, her dark eyes shining with an intense, intelligent light. “Nanni told me I could choose to sleepwalk through my life. Or I could choose to open my eyes and follow my heart.”
She smiled. “I didn't understand what Nanni was talking about then. But I do now.”
Prisha raised her hands to his face and traced his features with her fingertips. Caleb held himself still as she ran her hands down his biceps and up to his neck. There was a look of amazement and joy in her eyes as she explored his body.
“Mine,” she whispered with reverence and pride.
Tilting her face up, she said fiercely, “I don't want to sleepwalk. Not anymore. I won't shut my eyes and heart to this. To you.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Prisha stared up at Caleb's stern, handsome face and inhaled deeply, loving the strong, masculine scent of him. She touched his face, his arms, his torso. She almost couldn't believe that he was hers. Every hard, powerful inch of him was hers, and hers alone.
There was no denying it. She could run from the truth, or she could embrace it.
She had been drawn to him even before she had even seen his face. She could always sense when he came home. She would be in bed, but once he walked out of the elevator and headed towards his apartment, she would open her eyes and breathe a sigh of relief. He was home. He was safe, and she felt safe knowing that he was just across the corridor from her. Without even realizing it, she had cared for him long before she knew his name.
They belonged together. She wouldn't turn from him, from her destiny. Some people ran from their own hearts, and they lived to regret it. Her grandmother had followed her heart, her dream, and lived a full, loving, meaningful life. She had loved her husband and children well. After her beloved husband passed away, Shamila went on to pursue her dream of running her own restaurant in the city. She continued touching lives and hearts, and she gave her granddaughter a slice of that rainbow by bequeathing the restaurant to her.
Prisha would live and love fully, bravely, truthfully, just as her Nanni would want her to.
Prisha held Caleb's face in both her hands, gazing upon the face of the man who was the other half of her heart and soul. Her body gravitated towards his, wanting to be one with him.
“Kiss me,” she said simply. “Just kiss me, Caleb.”
His eyes widened a fraction. Then he bent down and captured her mouth in a searing, breathtaking kiss.
His lips moved over hers, sucking, tasting, taking everything she had to offer. Prisha moaned softly, wanting more, needing more. She pushed her fingers into his short, brown hair, and boldly swept her tongue across his lower lip.
Caleb gripped her body and snarled. His kiss became more urgent and fervent, and he plundered her mouth with his lips and tongue as he walked her backwards towards the bed.
Prisha felt the back of her knees hit the mattress and she pulled him down with her as she fell onto the white satin sheets.
His large hand stroked down her body, touching her all over but he didn't strip her. Not yet. She u
nbuttoned his shirt impatiently and threw it over his shoulder. His bare, muscular torso rippled as he touched and teased her through her clothes.
Caleb nuzzled her neck and thumbed her aching nipples through her blouse and bra, driving her almost mindless with need. She dug her fingers into his flesh, raking down his muscular back, marking him, urging him.
When he pressed his erection against her thigh, she writhed and rubbed against him, wanting to feel his bare body sliding, moving, burning into hers.
Finally, when she was about to lose her mind and scream, Caleb ripped her clothes right off her body. A raw, animal growl rumbled from his throat as he shredded her bra and blouse, and yanked her jeans down her legs.
His eyes were glowing with a deadly, feral hunger, as his hands and mouth moved all over her naked body. Prisha panted as the unbearable, maddening ache grew and throbbed between her legs. She wanted to feel him inside her, hard and fast and deep.
Caleb knelt between her quivering thighs and kissed down her body. He seemed to be marking every inch of her body with his lips and tongue, and setting every nerve on fire.
Prisha's breath hitched at his possessive growl. “Mine.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Caleb kicked off his pants and pinned Prisha down with his hard, ripped body. The feel of her naked and panting beneath him was sheer bliss and torment. He wanted to plunge deep into her, claim her and mark her hard.
His control was almost in shreds. His bear was clawing at him, ramming against his shields, wanting out.
“Prisha,” he snarled, his voice barely human.
She gazed up at him, her dark eyes full of lust and hunger. Spreading her legs wider, she pushed her hips up to him, offering herself wholly up for his pleasure and taking.
“I'm ready,” she whispered.
His bear roared, and with one forceful thrust, he surged into her, sheathing himself deep inside her body.
Prisha whimpered, and he froze immediately. “Did I...hurt you?” he asked raggedly.
She shook her head and slowly wound her arms around his neck. “You feel...amazing, Caleb.”
He kissed the corner of her mouth and began to move. He forced himself to go slow. She was lush and curvy, but so human and tiny. And oh so tight. He slid gently in and out of her, suckling her and teasing her pebbled nipples with his teeth and tongue.
Caleb stroked into her slick, wet heat, burying himself to the hilt with each thrust. His hands moved down her smooth, chocolate brown skin, kneading all her generous curves hungrily.
She was so beautiful, with her long black hair fanned out around her face. A goddess, that's what she was. He had a goddess in his bed. He would worship her body for the rest of his life.
Caleb pounded harder and faster into her, lacing his fingers through hers. She moaned and panted into his mouth as he fucked her, her luscious body undulating beneath his.
She was close to the edge. He could feel her pussy squeezing and tightening around his cock, and her breaths were coming hard and fast. She made small, yipping sounds as he surged into her and her head thrashed from side to side.
“Oh, don't stop,” she begged. “Don't stop, Caleb...”
He didn't. He couldn't. He wanted to be inside her forever.
Caleb growled and put his mouth to her breast. When he bit down on her nipple, she screamed and shattered completely. Her entire body quaked and shuddered from her explosive orgasm.
Caleb scraped his teeth over her breasts and clamped down on her shoulder. Holding her still, he thrust once, twice into her and roared his release.
He kept moving inside her even after he had emptied himself into her hot, clenching body.
Caleb opened his eyes and stared down at his mate. Her dark skin shone with sweat and there was a fresh, throbbing mark on her shoulder. His.
“My Prisha.” He cupped her face and she turned to kiss his palm.
Her body was still trembling when he pulled her to him. He kissed her and sighed, “Beautiful.”
“It is,” she agreed.
Caleb frowned. “It?”
“The moon. You were talking about the moon, right?” She put her head on his shoulder and gazed out of the wide, full-length window opposite their bed.
The full moon hung low over the lake, casting a magical, silvery glow over the rippling water. The night sky was a dizzying array of blue and purple hues. Prisha was right. It was a beautiful sight. But—
“No, I wasn't talking about the moon.”
She looked up in surprise. Hugging her tight, he whispered, “I was talking about you.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Prisha poured herself another cup of coffee and went back to sit beside Caleb at the dining table. He had his laptop in front of him and his phone to his ear. She couldn't hear what was said on the other end and Caleb's responses were terse and largely monosyllabic.
It was morning now, but Caleb had been on the phone the whole night, coordinating his investigation teams. She had woken up in the middle of the night and found him pacing in the kitchen, speaking rapidly and quietly into his phone. She'd heard him give clear orders to his Black Bears to watch over Nurin, Ali and Jennifer, and to check out her apartment and restaurant.
It was clear that Caleb had a lot on his mind, and he had a lot to do. He scowled into his coffee as he worked through various plans and strategies in his mind. His phone kept beeping with messages, and he fired off rapid responses to each message, leaving his bowl of cereal untouched.
Finally, he put down the phone and looked up.
“Ray Shapez didn't destroy your restaurant. Everything is still standing.”
Prisha managed a lopsided smile. “Strange. I thought it would be in smithereens or ashes by now.”
“Not strange. Shrewd. He wants to lure you back to a place that is familiar and precious to you.”
Prisha blew out a long sigh. “And I was hoping to get back to the restaurant. The customers must be...”
“Your customers can wait. And I'm sure all your loyal customers would want you to be safe.”
Prisha agreed that she should stay in Caleb's tree house for a while. “You're right,” she conceded before breaking into a grin. “I haven't taken a break in a long while. I'll just take this chance to rest and relax.”
Caleb nodded but a deep frown was still etched on his face. “I might have to make a quick trip back to the office. A few things have cropped up. And…”
“Don't worry, I'll be fine,” Prisha said quickly. “You do what you have to do. I'll just lounge around your tree house.” She gave a low whistle and gestured at the place. “I never imagined a tree house could be so...lavish!”
“Glad you like it.” He grinned, but the lines around his eyes betrayed his stress and worry.
Prisha kissed him tenderly on the cheek. “I love it. And I love you.”
“I love you too,” he murmured against her lips. “So much.”
With one last kiss, Caleb grabbed his phone and car keys and left the house.
Prisha took her mug of steaming coffee out to the balcony. She smiled and waved as Caleb got into his car and started the engine.
His green eyes shone with love and longing as he looked up at her. Be back soon, he mouthed.
Prisha watched until his Range Rover was out of sight. With a quiet sigh, she finished her coffee and went back into the house. The place was lovely, but it just felt so cold and empty without Caleb. Prisha washed her cup and tidied up the place a bit. It was still early morning, and the whole day stretched out before her. She wished she was back in her restaurant, cooking and chatting with her customers. She loved the routine and rush of her hectic, bustling life. She wondered how Jennifer and the rest were faring. They must be so scared and worried for her. And her regular customers must be wondering why Curry Corner wasn't open today.
Unable to bear the stillness and silence in the house, Prisha went out to the balcony and stared out at th
e lake. She inhaled a deep breath, comforting herself with Caleb's familiar, masculine scent. She was wearing one of his t-shirts and her jeans, which was the only item of clothing that Caleb hadn't shredded last night.
She raised her face to the sky, warming herself in the morning sunlight. She gasped and shivered suddenly as the image of the dark alley and the barrel of a gun flashed before her eyes. She could hear Ray Shapez's chuckle as he gave the order, Get rid of her. Make it quick.
No, no, no. She wouldn't dwell on that.
She wasn't dead. She was alive, gloriously, miraculously alive.
She shook her head hard and clenched her clammy fists. Enough.
These morbid, paralyzing thoughts were doing her no good at all.
She would not be cowed and intimidated by a bunch of bullies and murderers. Shapez and his men were just cowardly bullies with big guns and dirty money.
She would not let them get to her!
Prisha forced herself to take in the scenery and listen to the soothing sounds of nature around her. The weather was beautiful, and a walk would do her good, she decided. Clear her head and calm her nerves. Getting some fresh air and exercise would surely lift her spirits.
Prisha flipped the switch to lower the tall ladder to the ground. She climbed down shakily and paced around the huge tree, stretching her legs and rolling her shoulders.
Breathing in the clean, crisp air, she gradually felt better, calmer and bolder. She began to stroll towards the lake, stopping now and then to admire the wild flowers.
As she approached the edge of the lake, she heard a twig snap behind her. Whirling round, she scanned the woods and moving grasses.
Nothing. Just some birds flitting from tree to tree.
She gulped and tried to tamp down her rising panic. Her heart was beating too fast. Her skin prickled as the air seemed to chill around her.
Prisha shivered even though she was standing in a patch of sparkling sunshine.
Bear's Kiss (Bear Heat Book 2) Page 4
