The Fire Inside

by Virginia Cavanaugh

  She’d been so lost in her own fantasy that she’d barely heard the crunch of underbrush to her left. He’d find her at any moment. Wanting to keep the element of surprise, she spotted him and leapt from the leaves at him. He growled as he rolled with her onto a nearby path. She recovered quickly, nipping at his side before darting away toward the clearing.

  Konrad cut off her retreat, baring his teeth at her. “You’re mine!”

  She released a growl of her own as he went up on his back legs and she met him, ready to give her all. They batted at each other, but their claws stayed sheathed. She knew he’d never hurt her, and she likewise would never want to hurt him. This match was about strength. Her need to know her mate was worthy and his need to prove his dominance. The whole thing was a massive turn-on.

  Never had she fought harder in a battle she so wanted to lose. He overpowered her and she landed on her back. He loomed over her, snarling. She scrambled, using her feet against his torso to push her way out from under him.

  His teeth dug into her neck, but not enough pressure to break the skin as he lowered his body to use his weight to keep her still. “Mine!”

  A low growl vibrated against her neck and she shivered with anticipation as she stopped her movements and gave into him.

  The low light of dawn brightened the sky, turning the thick blackness into dark shades of purple and blue. The buzz that hummed through her skin began to lessen as the moon began to wane and a new day was upon them. Lights shimmered in the near darkness as the lunar pull released them and they once again took on their human forms.

  Warm flesh pressed against her and she wrapped her arms and legs around Konrad’s tight, hard body. His erection slid against the slick cleft of her pussy, tearing a moan from her lips. His teeth scraped the skin of her neck and then his tongue laved the flesh.

  Sweat slicked both of their bodies and she rubbed against him. His chest hair abraded her nipples. His mouth found hers and there wasn’t anything gentle about the kiss he laid on her. His tongue darted between her lips, demanding a response. One she gladly gave as she kissed him back with the pent-up passion she’d been holding in. His hands caressed her body, driving her wild with the want of him. She ground her pelvis against his and whimpered as his cock teased her clit. Sensation burst through her as he rubbed his erection even harder against the little bundle of nerves.

  His fingers slid against the wet flesh of her cunt and she lifted her hips, wanting him to bury the digits deep inside her. Another growl rumbled his chest as he pushed one finger then two into her tight sheath and matched the rhythm of his tongue. She cried out into his mouth as he plunged in and out of both sets of lips, those talented fingers hitting the spot that was sure to make her come hard.

  That spicy scent she could no longer live without filled her nose with each rapid breath she took. Her hips undulated beneath him franticly as she strived for that burst of pleasure. When her movements became too wild, he released her lips and she arched her back, rubbing her breasts against his chest as the familiar weight grew inside her core. The muscles inside her pussy began to flutter then spasm. She screamed as her climax gripped her hard, her quim fisting around his fingers. Her head moved forward and she felt the partial shift of her jaw a moment before she sank her teeth hard into the flesh were Konrad’s shoulder met his neck.

  He howled as she continued to come, drenching his fingers and digging her teeth tighter into his skin. Warm jets of cum sprayed over her pussy and lower belly as his cock jerked, releasing seed as he ground against her.

  Konrad slid lower down her body, taking one taut nipple into his mouth and sucking hard as his thumb covered her clit and began stroking it fiercely. He moved his fingers inside her and the pleasure was just too much. As one wave ebbed another crested and she was crying out his name. “Konrad!”

  His answering growl was fierce as he withdrew his digits and gripped her thighs, flipping her onto her stomach. On shaky legs she made it to her knees and then moaned as he slid his marble-hard cock across her ass and pussy. Her panted breaths stirred the small strands of grass as she laid her cheek against the dew-dampened earth. She fisted the blades of green as she wiggled her ass provocatively. “Take me. Fuck me. Mark me.”

  She screamed as he slammed his cock deep inside her. Pleasure rushed through her so harshly tears sprang to her eyes. There would be nothing gentle about this coupling and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Konrad thrust in and out of her pussy, his pelvis slapping against her ass. He held her hips steady as he fucked her hard and deep. Each caress he dealt to her inner flesh had her moaning and crying out his praise. She gave him complete control, helpless to fight him off even if she’d wanted to. But oh how she didn’t want to. Her nerve endings hummed with pleasure as he drove her closer and closer to a new level of ecstasy. He pulled on her hips and angled her to where each thrust maximized her pleasure and took her to new heights.

  He leaned over her, wrapping one strong arm around her hips and supporting the rest of his weight with his other that was now palm down on the ground next to her face. She pushed up with her arms, bringing his warm chest flush against her back.

  She tossed her head, the motion sending her hair over one shoulder, baring her skin for him. With a powerful roar, he climaxed, taking her over the edge with him. When his teeth sank into her tender flesh she had expected pain, but there was none. Only a warm rush that had her coming harder, her quim fisting his dick so hard that she doubted he would even be able to move. He snarled against her skin, tightening the hold his teeth had on her, and she shivered and quaked beneath him.

  Never had she been so sexually sated that she felt she could weep from the joy coursing through her body. He rolled them to their sides, spooning her body while remaining inside her. His teeth released their hold and she smiled as his tongue traced a path over his mark.

  “I will never let you go.” His heated breath fanned over her skin with his whispered words.

  “Good. Because I never want you to,” she replied as she snuggled further into the heat of his body.

  * * * * *

  Tyra brushed her hair as she looked at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. She caught Konrad’s gaze in the glass and frowned at his unpleasant facial expression. He wasn’t happy about her decision to go to work. She’d reminded him of their earlier agreement when he’d let it be known that he had to attend a meeting regarding the upcoming land purchase. She’d wanted to go with him, as any mate should, but he’d shot that idea down.

  “Will you not reconsider this, Tyra? I told you, it has nothing to do with not wanting you at my side. Your heat cycle will most likely be fully upon you by morning if not sooner.” He growled. “I’m having hell right now resisting the urge to rip those clothes off you, pin you beneath me and fuck you like you’ve never been fucked before.”

  A quiver of pleasure rushed through her at his words, but it didn’t erase the sting he’d dealt to her feelings when he’d forbidden her to go with him. They’d shared such a closeness all day as their mate bond slipped into place. Made love again and again and had been so happy, until he got up to shower and get ready. Now they were quarreling and she didn’t much like it. It was one thing to submit to him in bed, but it really irked her to do it outside of the covers. “I will be fine around humans. They can’t smell me the way you do. And if I can’t go with you, then I’m not going to sit here, bored all night while I wait for you. If you wanted a submissive you shouldn’t have marked me.” She tossed the brush down on the counter and looked down at the sink. She inhaled a shocked breath as he pulled her back against his chest and growled in her ear.

  “I don’t want a sub; I want you, even though you’re driving me crazy.”

  She pressed her ass against the long length of his erection and rolled her hips. The heat inside her and the need to breed had doubled since this morning. “Do you really want to leave me here all alone?”

  “You’re playing with fire, Tyra.”

  �
��Let me take my place at your side as I should.”

  “Damn it, Tyra, I don’t want you around the others. Not tonight.”

  She pulled out of his hold. His jaw muscle twitched, betraying his leashed anger. Well if he wanted to be angry at her, fine. “Then I won’t be around other wolves. I’ll be around humans. At work. Where you already agreed I could go. Or are you going to try and go all barbarian on me and revoke your word?”

  “I know you’re doing this to get at me. And I swear it’s for your own safety that I don’t want you at this meeting tonight. But I won’t go back on what I told you.” He turned away and strode out of the bathroom. “I’ll be at the bar as soon as I can.”

  Tyra released a sigh as she exited the bathroom and grabbed the keys Konrad had left her on the bedside table. He’d bought her a new car. Luken had come to deliver it only a few hours ago. And even though inside she was jumping up and down like a sixteen-year-old girl, she couldn’t help but feel a little irritated that he hadn’t even asked her first. She didn’t want him to think that she expected things like this. Hell, what he’d given her already was more than she ever expected in her life. And more precious.

  Her heart ached as she made her way outside. She shouldn’t have fought with him. Damn hormones. She’d be so glad when her heat cycle was over. Her emotions were extra sensitive and when he’d refused to take her, she’d gotten all butt-hurt and lashed out at him. It wasn’t fair. “Damn,” she whispered as she opened the door of her car. It really was a nice car. Dark-blue exterior and a light-tan leather interior. That new-car smell wrapped around her and she had to brush the tears off her cheeks.

  It was only natural that he’d want to protect her. She growled as she pulled down the visor and checked her makeup for smears. She damn sure wouldn’t want Konrad going into a den full of women with that spicy arousal lacing his scent. She’d seriously have to tear some chick up if she made a move on him. “Double damn.”

  She’d make it up to him. Tonight when he came for her she would quit her job and fully focus on being his mate. He deserved her respect and her trust. It was just so hard to let someone else be in control after all the years alone. But for him she would give it her all.

  * * * * *

  Konrad slammed the door of his truck and met Luken and Javin, who stood next to a large tree. He’d agreed to meet Thanasis here, deep in the woods away from prying eyes. The fucking prick thought he’d come to accept his offer, but after talking with Luken on the phone on the way here, they’d decided it would be best if Thanasis thought they were turning him down over the fact he’d tried to force their hand.

  But damn if it wasn’t going to be hard to rein in his fury. Konrad wanted Thanasis dead, head on a platter served up to his mate. He would avenge her. By God, he would do it soon. His guard had agreed to gather intel on Thanasis’ pack over the coming weeks. Once they had all the info, they would begin a plan of attack. And Tyra deserved the truth.

  In a way he’d lied to her tonight. He knew while other males would scent her and have the irresistible effect of her, they wouldn’t dare try to touch what was his. He hadn’t made it this far in life without others knowing he could chew them up and spit them out with ease.

  He had to muster his own will power to keep cool, and to spring something like this on his mate and not let her have the time to deal with it would just be begging for him to lose his shit with Thanasis. So he’d played on her heat cycle. The talk that would come between them later he didn’t look forward to. He hated her choice of going to the bar. He wanted her home safe, in his den. But he couldn’t very well argue the points of her safety without letting it slip that there was more to this meeting tonight. So he’d sent Cole to watch over her.

  “You ready for this?” Luken asked.

  Konrad blew out a frustrated breath. “As ready as anyone can be when starting shit with an enemy.”

  “That good, eh?” Javin asked on a sarcastic laugh. “Way better answer than I expected.”

  Konrad reached out and his palm connected with Javin’s shoulder, pushing him back. Konrad smiled. “All right, smartass.”

  A howl in the distance let Konrad know that said enemy was now approaching. Six of his pack mates had spread out around the perimeter as lookouts. But Konrad didn’t want to start a war right here, right now. He took in a deep fortifying breath and waited for Thanasis to approach. He would have his revenge later, and only that comforted him enough to get him through this meeting.

  Luken and Javin moved to each of his sides as Thanasis and Xabier approached. The tension in the air grew palpable as each alpha faced the other. Rich, warm amber met icy blue as Konrad held Thanasis’ stare.

  “So, have you come to accept my terms, Konrad?” Thanasis sneered with confidence.

  “Actually, Thanasis.” It was hard to keep the razor sharpness out of his voice. “I don’t much appreciate you trying to force my hand.” Konrad crossed his arms over his chest.

  “As if I care what pleases you or doesn’t. Either accept my offer or decline.”

  Konrad gave a lift of one brow. “I decline.”

  Thanasis tossed his head back and laughed an evil sound. “Oh, Konrad. Do you really think I’m that stupid?”

  “You really shouldn’t leave yourself open like that unless you want a truthful answer,” Konrad replied with a smirk of his own, and was satisfied when the smile left Thanasis’ face and was replaced by his lips pulling into a tight line of displeasure.

  “I know you’ve figured it out.”

  “And just what was it that I was supposed to figure out, Thanasis?” Konrad asked.

  “I know about your little bitch.”

  Konrad moved forward, ready to bust open Thanasis’ head, but Luken and Javin stayed his movements with their bodies.

  Thanasis laughed again, this time joined by Xabier and a few others from their pack who stood behind them, guarding their backs. “What? Did you think I wouldn’t recognize her? Such a lovely piece of ass, just like her mother.”

  All hell broke loose as Konrad shoved past his pack mates and went for Thanasis. Konrad hit a solid body and roared with fury as he noticed he’d not hit his target, but instead Xabier had leapt in front of his alpha at the last second. Konrad went mad on his ass, tearing flesh with teeth and claw as the fight around him escalated to a loud cacophony of roars, growls and snarls.

  When the fight left Xabier’s limbs, Konrad jumped up, leaving the fucker to bleed out as he searched for the true object of his hatred. Thanasis had disappeared. “You fucking coward!”

  Konrad gave a sharp whistle and immediately his pack members made their way to his position. Usually they knew it meant to take down their prey quickly and report to him, and some did just that, but Thanasis’ pack mates had already begun retreating. “Luken, call Cole and have him get Tyra back to the den now. The rest of you are with me.” Konrad jerked his shirt over his head and the shimmer of his shift began as he pushed his pants to the ground.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Tyra placed her empty tray on the countertop and called out the round of drinks to Mark. The crowd roared, some with dismay and others with great cheer. Tyra turned to look at one of the large flat-screens to see one of the men in the boxing match on all fours in the center of the ring. Fight nights could get crazy. The owner of the bar tended to buy all the pay-per-view matches, because they drew in large crowds.

  To be honest, she wouldn’t miss this job. Yeah, she liked her independence, but she could definitely look for something to do inside the den. Something that didn’t include alcohol, preferably. She’d enjoyed spending time with the young. Maybe if she was lucky they would have something open in their daycare center. She loved children, but before now hadn’t thought about working with them. It would have been a painful reminder of what she’d decided to never have. But now things were different. Now she had Konrad. Maybe they could even have a baby of their own.

  Another hot flash went through her and she squeezed h
er thighs together. This burning need to go find her mate was about to drive her crazy. At times she could fight the waves of desire off, but others she just had to stop what she was doing and wait for the pulse in her core to stop thrumming.

  “Are you okay, Tyra?”

  Tyra looked up at Mark. “Yeah. Fine. Just hot.”

  “All right. If you’re sure?”

  Tyra plastered a smile on her face. “Yeah. I’m good.”

  An unmistakable scent filled her nose. The scent she craved, weak but there, mixed with another familiar smell. She ground her teeth and looked toward the door to see Cole marching her way. He didn’t look happy. Her heart plummeted. Please no. Various nightmare scenarios played through her head. Cole stopped in front of her and she swallowed past the lump of fear that had grown thick and large in her throat.

  “You have to come with me now,” Cole said, a rough gravel tone akin to fury lacing his words.

  “Konrad?” she whispered and gripped the padding that lined the edge of the bar, her knees shaking.

  “He’s fine. But we must leave now.”

  Relief swam through her limbs followed by a panicked curiosity. She turned toward Mark. “I have to leave.”

  “Are you ill?” Mark asked.

  “No. I quit. I was going to finish the night, but I need to go now.” Tyra stared at his wide-eyed expression. “I’m sorry.”

  Without a backward glance, she followed Cole out of the bar. Warm, muggy air slammed into Tyra as they exited and began to run for Cole’s SUV. She didn’t bother to ask him anything until they were inside and he was backing out of his parking spot. “What’s happened?”

  She watched as Cole ground his teeth, the muscle of his strong jaw twitching as he made the turn out onto the road. “I know it must be bad, but I’ll only continue to fear the worst if you don’t tell me.”