"Sorry, girl,” Matt whispered as the wolf disappeared from view.
* * * *
After an exhausting twenty-four hours, Matt was thankful to be home. He stripped off his clothes and stepped into the shower. Clean and refreshed, he pulled on a pair of sweats and grabbed a cold beer out of the fridge.
He walked outside and settled into a deck chair. Situated a couple miles outside the center of town, Matt's A-frame cabin was nestled among the tall pines. He propped his feet onto the railing and sipped his beer.
Feeling the caress of the warm breeze on his bare skin, Matt closed his eyes and sighed. The clicking of nails against the wooden deck brought him out of his relaxed state. Matt opened his eyes and gasped. The wolf stood on his deck.
Setting his beer on the deck, Matt swung his legs off the railing and reached out. The wolf walked toward him and dipped her head beneath his hand. He rubbed her ears. “I bet you're hungry."
The wolf answered with a soft bark.
Matt rose. “Stay."
Lying down, the wolf put her head on her paws.
Matt went inside and raided his refrigerator for leftover steak. He filled a bowl with water and returned to the deck. As the wolf gulped down the food and water, Matt finished his beer.
An hour later, Matt stood and stretched. He reached down and petted the wolf's head. “Good night, girl. If you're here in the morning, I'll make you breakfast.” He headed into the house.
"I'll take you up on that offer."
Shocked by the sultry female voice, Matt spun around and gasped. Naked and dirty, a woman with bright, tawny eyes stood on his deck. He stepped back and glanced around looking for the wolf. “Who are you?"
"You've called me girl and wolf, but my name is Terran."
Her body was fit, her breasts nicely rounded and her legs went on forever.
"You're a...” Unable to breathe, Matt gulped air.
"I'm a werewolf."
"But you're a myth, like fairies and vampires."
"I guess I should have let you see me change, but some humans freak out during the transformation."
"No shit!"
"Thanks for the steak, Mr. Reynolds. Any chance I could use your shower?"
Matt nodded, pointed to the bathroom. “Be my guest. And my name's Matt."
He drank another beer while a hundred or so questions pinged around in his brain, like what was a naked woman doing running around in the forest. Twenty minutes passed before his guest walked out of the bathroom wearing a towel. Her delicate face was framed in damp, curly hair and her golden-brown eyes sparkled. Without all that dirt, she was gorgeous. “I like your place,” she said, looking around.
The cabin had an open floor plan with a sleeping loft and a wall of windows facing the front. “Thanks.” What did you say to a naked werewolf? “Would you like a beer?"
"There's something I need more."
"Clothes and a phone? Sorry, I wasn't thinking.” He was thinking, but not logically. He wanted to remove the towel and touch that amazing body of hers.
She shook her head. “I thought I was going to die. When the fire spread, I left my rental cabin and tried to drive down the mountain, but I got trapped and had to abandon my car. I shifted and started running. The smoke was so thick, I couldn't see and I lost my way. I just kept heading downhill, then I heard voices and ran toward them. It was your team digging a firebreak. I figured staying with you was the safest option, so I dogged your heels."
"I didn't see you."
She shivered and wrapped her arms around her middle. “I stayed behind your lines and out of sight. I've never been in a firestorm before. It's frightening."
"I've worked several forest fires and I still have a healthy respect for them."
"Can I ask you for a favor?"
She probably wanted a ride to town. “Sure, anything."
"Will you hold me?"
Realizing she was still terrorized by her ordeal, Matt reached out and drew her into his arms. She buried her face in his neck and her soft breath feathered his skin. Cupping her head, he ran his fingers through her thick hair. When she lifted her head, he sought her mouth and kissed her.
She sighed and slid her arms around his neck, losing the towel in the process.
Her breasts were soft and her skin was smooth and warm. Lost in the moment, Matt tightened his hold and deepened the kiss. His body was on fire, his blood running hot. Hard as stone, his cock poked her soft belly. Lifting his head, Matt took a breath and stepped back. “Sorry, I got a little carried away."
"Let me stay the night."
His blood thundered in his ears. Had he heard her correctly? “What?"
"I don't want to be alone. Maybe it was the fear of being lost on that mountain most of the night. When I ran to you in that meadow, I needed you to touch me, reassure me I'd made it. I need that now.” The sweet rush of life flowed through Terran's she-wolf blood. She'd survived. “I'm alive, Matt. I want to feel alive. I want to make love. Now. This minute. All night."
Grabbing her hand, Matt pulled her toward the ladder leading to the loft. Instead of climbing the ladder, she grasped the wooden rungs and looked over her shoulder. “Wolf style."
Matt stripped off his sweats. His body was lean, but hard with muscle. He cupped her bare ass and kneeled behind her. Stroking her from hip to thigh, he nipped one cheek.
Terran yelped. He licked the crease between her cheeks, teasing her with slow, wet strokes. The combination of tongue, lips and teeth on her flesh sent a shiver up her spine. His hand slid between her legs and his fingertips touched her wet pussy. When she moaned, he slid his tongue lower to replace his fingers.
She spread her feet slightly, giving him access, wanting his tongue deep inside her. He kneaded her ass and licked her pussy. With each lush lick, he made her wetter, hotter. He flicked her clit with his tongue, back-and-forth, taking her to the sweet edge. Then he plunged inside, fucking her with his hot tongue.
Terran gave him another approving yelp.
Matt slapped her gently on the ass and rose. His thick cock slid between her spread cheeks. His bare thighs touched hers.
Eager for the first thrust, Terran gripped the ladder. The thick head probed her slit and plunged into her in one fast stroke. He anchored her hips with his big hands and pounded her pussy. With each hot thrust, he slid deeper into her wet pussy.
"Fuck me, hard.” Drenched with need, Terran welcomed his length. Long and hot he filled her, answering her needs, satisfying her throbbing flesh. Her moans mingled with his breathy grunts. Heat poured from their bodies as skin slapped skin. Hot cock slammed into her wet pussy, making lush sucking sounds as they raced toward climax.
His fingers dug into her skin, holding her as his body stilled, shuddered. His cock pulsed, filling her with cream, and her pussy contracted in warm waves. He withdrew, thrust, and pumped his hips slowly until her body ceased its sensual flutter.
Gulping air, he withdrew. Terran released the ladder and turned to face him. “I feel great. How about you?"
Perspiration dewed his face and chest. “I think I'm gonna die."
"Too tired to climb this ladder and get into bed?"
Grinning, he shook his head. “I'd follow your beautiful ass anywhere."
Terran climbed the ladder and fell into his bed. The mattress felt like heaven.
Matt stretched out beside her. “I like wolf style."
Exhausted and satisfied, Terran closed her eyes and snuggled against him. “When you're ready for more, wake me."
* * * *
Matt opened his eyes. Light spilled through the cabin and across the naked woman lying next to him.
Not a woman, a she-wolf.
The heart-stopping memory of entering her for the first time, the ecstasy of taking her wolf style washed over him and made him hard as stone. Remembering her instruction to wake her when he was ready, Matt touched the tip of his tongue to one nipple and waited for Terran's response. She stretched and snuggled closer.<
br />
Taking care to awaken her gently, Matt settled his lips over her taut nipple and suckled. With tender strokes he caressed her sex, circling her entrance with the pad of a finger until she moistened. Moaning, she snuggled close and pressed her supple breast against his mouth. “Ready for more?"
Releasing her nipple, Matt looked up. Her eyes were half-closed and her smile sexy. She did things to him, heart-pounding things he'd never felt before. He nudged her belly with his erection. “I love morning sex."
She rocked her hips against the ridge of his cock. “Me, too."
Beautiful, sensual and open to a morning fuck, she was the kind of woman Matt had dreamed about. Balls aching, he stroked her damp center. Dipping a finger inside her, Matt stroked her flesh until she creamed, hot and ready.
Slow and sensual she rolled onto her back, stretched and bent her knees. The invitation was beautifully blatant. She smiled as he climbed between her soft thighs and gasped when he probed her lush entrance.
Instead of closing her eyes, she locked gazes with him and wrapped her arms around his neck. His chest settled on the soft cushion of her breasts and his cock sank into her warmth. She clamped around him, tight and hot.
Deep, slow strokes heightened his senses, making him aware of every clench, squeeze and flutter. Restraining his desire to take her fast and hard, Matt controlled his pace, letting the intensity build. Lord, he wanted to fuck her hard. Balls humming and heart pounding, he refused to give in to the sheer physical need to climax.
"Don't hold back,” she whispered. “Fuck me."
Mindless with need, Matt pushed deep into her wet folds, giving her what she wanted, what he ached for. Her nails dug into his shoulder and back as she bucked her hips, squeezing and tugging on his cock. She screamed and clenched him so tight Matt exploded in a hot rush. Exhausted, he balanced his weight on his elbows and dropped his forehead onto her shoulder. “I can work hours on a fire line, but you exhaust me in minutes."
"Don't worry. With time, we can build your stamina."
"You're staying around?"
"My summer cabin is gone. I need a place to stay."
"Mi casa, su casa."
[Back to Table of Contents]
B.J. McCall
A multi-published author of contemporary and futuristic sensual romance, B.J. McCall is a West Virginia native now residing in Northern California. Thanks to an older sister who was a librarian, reading became B.J.'s favorite pastime. B.J.'s idea of the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon or a day at the beach is reading a romance novel. The phrase “do what you love” applies to B.J.—she loves to write and each story is special. She hopes her readers will enjoy each and every one of them. Visit her website at www.BJMcCall.com.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Cougar Meadow
Belinda McBride
When firefighter Ellie Cameron is separated from her crew and trapped in a firestorm, the last thing she expects is to be rescued—by a shapeshifting mountain lion who awakens the heat buried within her—and the need to mate.
* * * *
Cougar Meadow
Damnation, how had everything gone so bad, so fast? They'd been walking the smoldering ruins near Cougar Meadow, looking for hot spots. The wind had suddenly flared, breathing life into the fire they'd thought dead. Now, Ellie Cameron was trapped, her back to a jagged tumble of rock while the flames closed in on her like a freight train.
The rest of the crew had escaped downhill, away from the path of the fire. She hadn't been so lucky. She'd been at the top of the site. The revived firestorm had encircled her within minutes.
The rocks were her best hope, but even now, Ellie saw death roaring down on her in a wall of flame. Pine and manzanita exploded into hungry, orange mutations of themselves. Hot cinder floated through the air. Under the acrid smell of smoke, she could smell her hair burning. Her skin itched, but she resisted the urge to fling off her clothing, to shed her human skin. To change.
To change would give her to the animal, and that would bring only panic. Panic would mean death.
"Here!"
She looked around, seeking out the voice, but seeing nothing.
"Here!"
She rose from where she crouched. In horror, Ellie saw that the thick needles under her feet were smoking. Small fires were erupting right where she stood! The heat was crushing, despite her gear.
A hand gripped her arm. She looked down and it wasn't a hand, it was a paw ... a huge, tawny cat paw, claws ripping into her heavy jacket. Turning her eyes, she saw a triangular face, huge liquid eyes ... teeth...
* * * *
Ellie coughed. The taste of smoke erupted into her mouth. She rolled to her side, grimaced and coughed some more. She was a little crisped, but alive. Smooth rock felt cool under her naked skin, and she heard the sound of water trickling. The cavern was cool and clear. The only smell was the smoke that lingered in her short brown hair. She sat up, took a deep breath and looked around.
Beautiful. She'd always heard that Mt. Shasta had hidden chambers, but never thought to find herself in one. A mysterious race of humans reputedly lived in the mountains. Tall, golden and completely mythical.
"You're awake. Good."
Maybe not so mythical after all...
The man sat to her right, quiet as the night and just as still. His bare skin was golden, his hair and eyes a variation on the same theme. Large, liquid eyes watched her from a handsome triangular face. She didn't need her sense of smell to tell her this was the cougar from the rocks. He scooted forward on his haunches, and her eyes settled first on his face, then on his hard, erect cock. He ignored it, but she couldn't. Her cunt grew heavy and wet. Her nipples pebbled.
"I'm Nathan. I've never seen you before. Do you live in Mt. Shasta?"
She shook her head, fighting to keep her eyes on his face. “No, I'm from Oregon. I'm with the fire crew."
"It's been a bad season. I was hiking. I smelled you..."
His eyes suddenly dilated and Ellie knew that he knew. It was her heat cycle, coming early this year. There were no males of her kind where she lived, so it had never been an issue before.
Like the great, sinuous cat that he was, Nathan crawled the remaining distance to her side. She sat paralyzed, unable to retreat as he moved into her space, rising up onto his knees to bury his face into her neck. He breathed in her fragrance, and a light growl broke from his throat, followed by a hearty purr. “You're so close, little girl. It's not time, not yet. But so close.” He rubbed against her, laying his scent on her skin.
To her surprise, her deep, throaty purr answered his. “I'm only half..."
"I know. You don't know our kind, do you?"
He was forcing her gently back, down to the floor of the cave. When his tongue swiped over her throat, it was rough and raspy. She groaned involuntarily. “No ... Mom's human.” She gasped when he nipped her jaw. What was she doing? Never in her life had Ellie allowed anyone to rule her this way! She started to escape, but he held her, claws emerging just slightly.
"You're not mated?"
She shook her head, unable to answer as the cat man moved lower, his rough tongue teasing at the bend of her elbow.
"I'll take you, girl, but you won't get a baby. Not today. Maybe tomorrow.” His hand was between her legs now, stroking and soothing, building a warm glow rather than a blaze. “Tomorrow, I won't be able to stop myself from fucking you, but if you don't want babies...” His finger pressed her anus and she gasped, shocked at the sensation. “I can use a condom.” His finger slipped in, just a bit. “Or we can ... do it here."
His words were lost as he took a nipple into his mouth, rasping it with his tongue. She felt his canines lengthen and elongate. He drew them down her skin, gently, with exquisite delicacy. “No babies,” she gasped. “Not this time."
At that, he looked up at her face, his smile showing just a little too much tooth. She laughed. A mate! She had a mate!
So this was the succulent little female
he'd been tracking around the Siskiyous for the past week. Nathan lowered himself once more, tasting her skin. Her flavor and smell melted over his tongue. There were so few of his kind left, Nathan had never thought to meet a female who would call him to mate. She was small and wiry, strong beyond her size. When he'd first come upon her in that heavy gear, he'd been confused, and then impressed. She worked alongside the men on her crew, moving with strength and quiet authority.
Nathan hovered over her, looking down at the sweet body that he'd unwrapped from layers of work clothes and heavy gear. Her skin was smooth and ivory. Though her hands were rough, the rest was soft and female.
He rolled his tongue over a pink nipple, smiling as her hips thrust. The rich, heady fragrance of her heat grabbed him by the balls, blinding him to time and space and the consequences of their coupling. “Mine,” he growled against her skin. She answered with a purr from deep within her chest. She was innocent of their ways. Most likely she didn't know the implications of this mating. He did, his higher brain protested. Where was the romance? The courtship? Shouldn't they be in love?
The cat purred in delighted pleasure. She was his.
Impatient, he moved, rolling onto his belly, head between her legs, grasping and pushing her thighs open. She parted like a flower. Glistening pink petals opened to him, begging him to taste, to drink, to lose himself in her body.
Nathan parted her lips with his thumbs. He ran his tongue through her naked slit, catching her moisture, delighted that more flowed. She clasped his head with strong hands, digging fingers into his scalp as he ate and purred, sending vibrations deep into her core. He wet his middle finger and teased her back entrance.
No babies ... not this time. Tomorrow, he wanted her ready here. Gently, he thrust his finger. Once that tight band of muscle relaxed he sucked her clit hard, and added a second finger. He pumped, he suckled. Her hips began to rise and buck and the scream she let out as she climaxed was pure feline—high, piercing and throaty. He panted against her skin, willing himself not to come.
"Nathan?"
Her chest was heaving, her skin flushed and rosy. Nathan rose up, letting his hand fall. He knelt beside her, awaiting her pleasure.
Firestorm (Anthology) Page 4
