Seth

by VA Dold

  “Mmm...Perfection,” he murmured between licks and suckles.

  When he followed her lead, and his mouth closed over her nipple, she strained upward toward the exquisite pressure. He gently sucked and licked, maintaining his slow assault on her body. Driving her into exquisite insanity.

  It was hard to concentrate on controlling her gift when her mind was mush, but she tried. She didn’t want the excited electricity to ruin the moment.

  Seth must have heard her thoughts. To her surprise, she heard him speak to Fang, something that hadn’t happened before.

  Fang, can you harness her gift like you did last time?

  I’m on it, a growly not quite human voice responded.

  Sara sucked in a breath. “I think I just heard Fang speak. I wasn’t aware mates could hear each other’s wolves telepathically.”

  Seth paused and raised his head. “You heard him?”

  “Yes. He said, I’m on it.”

  He cocked his head. “I’ve never heard of that happening. Just another oddity to ask Luperca about.”

  Before she could question him further, he lowered his head again, and she moaned in pleasure. Damn the man had skills.

  She was ultra aware of his every touch. The glide of his silky hair added another layer of delightful sensation. Then he scraped his fang over her nipple, and she cried out, “Seth!”

  “Easy, mon couer.”

  She opened her eyes just a crack as he switched to the other breast leaving small strawberries behind in his wake. Watching him feast on her was incredibly erotic. Who knew she was a closet voyeur. Wait a minute…were you a voyeur if you were watching yourself?

  Seth swept a hand over her belly. Every muscle bunched and twitched beneath his palm. He smiled when shivers of excitement vibrated through her and tickled his lips. Nothing gave a shifter male more pride than pleasing his mate.

  With one last kiss to her breast, he nibbled his way to her damp heat. His cock twitched and wept in anticipation, but he ignored it. He wasn’t done tasting his woman. He placed a soft kiss to her hip as his hands guided her legs wider.

  “So wet for me,” he growled before lowering his head. He kissed her inner thigh and blew a gentle, warm breath against her most intimate flesh. He glanced up and held her gaze. Then ever so slowly dragged his tongue over her slick folds. Gripping her hips, he lapped at her and hummed deep in his throat, the vibration causing Sara to squirm and whimper.

  “So sweet,” he murmured against her wet flesh. He parted her folds with his seeking tongue, stroking, plunging. The taste and scent of her burst through his senses. She writhed, panted, her legs trying to wrap around him as her fingers curled into his hair and pressed him closer. He set a sensual rhythm, as he teased her closer to the edge. Her hips moved in sync with his attentions. He took his time, plunging his tongue deep and alternating with small circles around her clit, almost bringing his mate off the bed.

  “Please, Seth,” she begged.

  Sara’s moans please him, but he wanted her to scream his name. Adding further stimulation, Seth sucked her nub and inserted one finger. He stole another glance at her face. “Let go for me, mon amour.”

  He knew she was close. Her hips bucked wildly as she tried to find final release. He pushed her climax higher by adding a second finger and very lightly bit down. Her channel clamped down on him as she came hard and screamed in ecstasy.

  He brought her down slowly, then kissed his way back up to her lips, and settled himself in the cradle of her hips. Good lord, he’d never been so painfully aroused.

  He braced himself over his mate and slowly entered her hot, tight depths. He took his time, leaning down to kiss her sweet lips.

  Sara wiggled impatiently. She wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled his pelvis flush to hers until he was fully seated.

  A shudder of energy ran through her body and spread to him as her gift sparked between them. He had to hold himself back from taking her fast and hard.

  “Sara,” he breathed, his voice so tight it was almost a whisper. “Your gift is trying to break free. We need to give Fang a minute to contain it.”

  Ready bossman, Fang rumbled a second later.

  Seth let out a breath and began thrusting in long deep strokes. He set a steady rhythm, taking and giving pleasure. Plunging, withdrawing. Lowering himself to kiss her, he slipped his hands under her shoulders, pulling her body flush to his.

  Sara gasped as he stimulated a tiny patch of nerves. Seth smiled to himself. The angle was perfect.

  After a few minutes, when he thought he couldn't last much longer, she tightened her muscles and gripped him hard. Seth hissed and pushed his orgasm down. “Hold very still, mon amour. I need a moment or the entire claiming will be ruined.”

  “Sorry. I got carried away.” Sara relaxed her hold on him and waited in silence.

  Finally, he let out a long breath and asked, “Are you ready to be my mate, ma déesse?”

  “Yes,” she panted with complete resolution in her voice.

  “When your sister told you about shifters did she ever recite the ritual words that are used?”

  “She did better than that. She wrote them out and gave them to me. I’ve read them several times.”

  “Good, then this should be easy for you.” Seth claimed her lips for one last toe-curling kiss and then began. The words came from his soul, not just his heart.

  “Will you give yourself, body and soul, to complete this man and his wolf?

  “Will you unite your life with mine?

  “Bond your future with mine?

  “Merge your half of our soul to mine, and in doing so complete the mating ritual?”

  Seth and Fang watched her intently and waited for her to respond.

  “I will give myself, body and soul, to complete you as a man and his wolf.

  “I will unite my life with yours.

  “Bond my future to yours, and merge my half of our soul with yours.

  “I will complete the mating ritual with you,” she responded in a strong, resolute voice.

  With that, he leaned forward and kissed her passionately. He danced his tongue sensually over hers and started a slow rocking of his hips.

  “Look into my eyes, mon amour.”

  Sara locked gazes with him.

  “I claim you as my mate.” The candles flickered as a gust of magical energy whirled around the room.

  “I belong to you as you belong to me.”

  With each vow he uttered, the bond between them strengthened.

  “I give you my heart and my body.

  “I will protect you even with my life.

  “I give you all I am.

  “I share my half of our soul to complete you.

  “I share my magic with you.”

  Seth buried his face in her neck nuzzling and kissing the spot where he would leave his bite. His canines elongated in preparation. He lapped once, twice, a third time. His teeth sank deep. She arched against him in ecstasy, her hands buried in his hair, clasping him to her.

  Sara quivered, and moaned. “Oh yeah. You can do that again anytime you want, wolfman,” she panted.

  Seth chuckled as he lapped at the tiny punctures. Then he began to gently thrust again.

  “I beseech the great Luna Goddess to bless you and your wolf guardian.

  “You are my mate to cherish today and for all time.

  “I claim you as my mate.”

  A gust of magic circled the room and whooshed into her chest. “Good gracious. Even though I expected it that was freaky.”

  “Can you feel your wolf soul settling inside of you?”

  “I… think I can.”

  “Perfect. Now, you need to repeat the words back to me, and bite me right here.” He tapped his neck and waggled his eyebrows. “I can’t wait for your little fangs to pierce my neck.”

  Sara giggled. “Pervert.” Then her expression sobered, and she took a deep bre
ath.

  “I claim you as my mate,” she repeated, looking into his eyes.

  His heart gave a small stutter.

  “I belong to you as you belong to me.

  “I give you my heart and my body.

  “I will protect you even with my life.

  “I give you all I am.

  “I share my half of our soul to complete you.”

  Seth sucked in a breath and Fang rumbled his approval.

  Thousands of strands of magic wove them together soul to soul until there was a single shining bright white soul.

  “Wow! I didn’t expect a sudden surge of happiness. I feel a little lightheaded.”

  Seth chuckled. “I feel it, too. I haven’t felt so happy and carefree since I was a child.”

  Sara cupped his cheek and whispered, “I share my magic with you.”

  He bent his elbows and lowered his upper body so she could reach his neck. Then turned his head to give her access and declared, “Claim me as yours, mon amour.”

  Sara took Seth’s amber scent deep into her lungs. Her head swam with his intoxicating cologne. She blinked a few times to clear her mind and then copied when he had done. She lapped at the spot he’d tapped, once, twice, and as she licked a third time, razor-sharp canines erupted. Instinct flared and she bit down, piercing his flesh.

  Seth moaned, “Lord have mercy, that’s fantastic.” His forearms quivered as he held himself partially lowered so she could reach.

  Sara chuckled and wiggled her hips.

  Seth gulped another breath. “Damn woman, you’re killing me.”

  She licked the mark clean and kissed the spot before he straightened his arms and rose out of reach. Gazing at her face, he watched her eyes glow with her wolf soul as she finished the ritual.

  “I beseech the great Luna Goddess to bless you and your wolf guardian.

  “You are my mate to cherish today and for all time.

  “I claim you as my mate.”

  The ritual words were completed, and he was ready to love her like the wolf he was. Seth bit the mating mark again, latched on, and thrust fast and deep.

  Sara screamed.

  He let loose a guttural growl as waves of erotic energy arched between them with every thrust. He pinned her to the mattress, owning her body, pleasuring his mate with wild abandon.

  “Mate.” He snarled a rumbling, fiercely possessive sound. “Come for me. Now.” He pressed her clit with his thumb and sent her over the edge.

  Sara’s climax exploded through her. Her channel clamped down on him as she came hard and screamed his name.

  Seth was close behind, erupting with a roar that rattled the windowpane. Sucking great gulps of air he shook his head to clear his eyesight. Then he collapsed next to her not wanting to crush her.

  Completely spent, Sara’s arms flopped to her sides. Tremors shook her body.

  Gasping, he rolled onto his back and pulled her on top of him, a huge, goofy smile on his face. He’d never been so satisfied and blissed out.

  Sara didn’t fight his hold. She just lay on his chest like a wet noodle with a wholly sated expression on her face. Seth felt a surge of male pride at putting it there.

  “I can’t move, or remember my name,” she panted into his shoulder

  “You’re welcome,” he teased.

  Sara lifted one hand and gave him a weak swat.

  Seth chuckled and kissed the top of her head.

  “Are we mated now?” she mumbled.

  “Yes, ma’am. You’re stuck with me.”

  She tried to move but ended up right back where she started. “Maybe I should have thought this through more thoroughly. Can this be reversed?”

  Seth bared his teeth and growled loudly.

  Sara chuckled. “I’m only kidding.”

  He narrowed his eyes at the back of her head. “Not even remotely funny.”

  “Sure I am. Normally.” She took a breath. Then another. “I love you, Seth Le Beau.”

  Seth cradled her head with both hands and lifted her face to kiss her soundly. “I love you so much Sara Adams, I feel like my heart is bursting.”

  One kiss became ten, and soon he was rocking his hips against her again.

  She smiled, shaking her head. “Your appetite is insatiable.”

  His grin was unrepentant. “I’m a Le Beau, what did you expect?”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Seth kissed Sara again then buried his nose in her hair relishing the unique perfume of his gorgeous mate. Before he could seduce her further, she stiffened. He pulled back and searched her eyes. “What is it?”

  “I don’t know. I’m queasy and kind of achy.”

  Seth cursed under his breath. “How old are you?”

  She reared back and scowled. “What? What does that have to do with anything?”

  He stroked her hair out of her face. “Please, just answer my question.”

  Sara mumbled something unintelligible.

  “What was that?”

  She wiggled from his arms and rolled to her side of the bed. “Thirty-six. Okay? I’m thirty-six. What’s the deal? Are you suddenly having second thoughts because I’m too old for you?”

  “Absolutely not, mon amour. I want you exactly as you are. I asked because if you are over twenty-five, you go through a conversion that not only changes you into a shifter but also reverses the age of your body.”

  “Reverses my age? Dianne didn’t clue me in on that little nugget of information.”

  Her abdomen twitched as the muscles tightened and cramped. Then a sharp twinge sucked the air from her lungs. Seth flinched as he felt every pain with her.

  “What can I do to help?” He laid a palm on her belly and rubbed soothing circles.

  “How do I know? I’ve never even heard of this.” Another cramp began to build, and she tried to breathe through it.

  “I’m sorry, Sara. I wasn’t aware that the conversion would be painful.”

  “It’s not too bad when I relax and breathe.”

  Out of nowhere, a sharp stab struck her midsection. Sara gripped her stomach and curled into a tight ball. “Spoke too soon,” she growled through clenched teeth.

  He ran his hands up and down her arms as if he didn’t know what else to do. When she was able to think again, she glanced at him and saw alarm growing in his eyes.

  “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “Besides the bullet wound you just recovered from, what else has happened to you in the past ten years?”

  Sara’s eyes widened. “You need to explain that question because you’re kind of scaring me.”

  “Any injury you suffered over the past ten years will also be reversed. I imagine that will cause quite a bit of pain. I don’t know how this actually works, but Richie’s mate, Piper, had a pretty rough time due to old surgeries.”

  Sara covered her face with her hands. “Shit.”

  “Tell me, mon amour. What will you have to endure?”

  Before she could respond, a wave of agony rushed through her. First, an intense burning stabbed her chest where she’d been shot. Then sharp pinpoints followed by intense radiating ache struck at every bone she’d broken like a hive of angry bees. There were several. On top of all that, flashes of angry electricity pierced every old injury, her chest, fingers, ribs, and left leg.

  Fang, can you get her gift under control? The room is about to go up in flames.

  I’m trying. The surges are so strong and erratic they erupt before I know they’re coming.

  Sara lay with her eyes closed breathing away the last remnants of achiness. Once the pains evaporated, she realized Seth was snarling curses beside her. When she opened her eyes, he was as white as a sheet.

  “What’s wrong, babe? Are you okay?”

  “How did you manage to break so many bones in just ten years?” he panted out

  “I’m a cop. Things happen. Why does that matter? I’m the one reliving it
all.”

  He took a deep breath and smoothed her sweat-dampened hair. “As am I. I feel everything you feel.”

  She glanced away. “I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have to go through that.”

  “Mon amour.”

  He said the endearment so sweetly she looked at him again.

  “That’s what an honorable mate does. I could lessen what I feel by blocking the majority of it, but I want to share this with you. The experience goes both ways. We can share all of our joys, triumphs, and pains.”

  “Thank you for wanting to go through this with me. But frankly, it’s unnecessary for you to feel my pain. I think you should block it.”

  He smiled and shook his head. “What you endure, I will endure as well.”

  Then he cocked his head and narrowed his eyes at her hair.

  “What?” She ran her hand down the length to make sure it hadn’t fallen out or something equally horrifying.

  “In the low lighting of the room it’s hard to tell for sure, but it looks like your hair is whiter. More of a platinum color.”

  She touched her hair again and smiled. “I forgot about that. My hair was lighter when I was twenty-five.”

  “I think it’s gorgeous with your eye color.” He kissed the tip of her nose and scooted off the edge of the bed. “I’ll be right back.”

  She watched him disappear into the bathroom and return with a damp cloth. With incredible tenderness, he bathed her face.

  “Thank you. You’re an incredible man. You know that?”

  “You’re welcome. But I’m not all that impressive. I’m taking care of my mate as any shifter male would?”

  Sara snorted. “You give yourself too little credit.”

  He smiled but offered no argument.

  “The worst of this seems to be over. My joints are still kind of warm and achy, but not too bad.” Just as she said that she squeaked and cupped her face. “Why does my face feel funny?”

  “Your skin just smoothed out to what it was like ten years ago.”

  “Well, it felt really weird.”

  He grinned happily for the first time since the conversion began. “It looked really weird.”

  Sara waited a few minutes for the next strange sensation to strike, but none came. She stretched on the bed, trying out her younger body. Surprisingly, there was no residual soreness from overstrained muscles.