A Wolf's Deception

by Tl Reeve

  “Yes!” Claire looked positively excited.

  A knot of trepidation filled her. “What are you planning?”

  “Nothing much,” Fern answered. “Setting up contingency plans.”

  “Shit.”

  “I said the same,” Lonnie groused.

  “Relax.” Fern patted her hand. “Everything is going to work out perfectly.”

  ***

  A knock came at the door while Elle read from one of Miss Kathy’s Orion Davis books. She loved all the paranormal and science fiction novels Kizzy kept at her home. Loved the movies she had tucked away in the cabinets near her television. She dog-eared the page and stood as the knock came again.

  Taking a tentative step toward the door, she stopped and fisted her hands. “Who’s there?”

  “Elle.” Graham’s drawl surprised her. “Open up.”

  She closed the distance between her and the door then pulled it open. “What are you doing here?”

  “Can I come in? I wanted to talk to you.”

  She bit her bottom lip and glanced over her shoulder at her temporary home. “Sure.” She stepped aside.

  He walked in, removing his hat while he did. “I know everything has been messed up. But I can’t get you out of my mind.”

  She knew she’d have to face her feelings sooner or later. She missed him. She wanted him. She was scared. Afraid of what would be said about her. Afraid of—and it was ridiculous to think such—what would happen to Rupert. Yet, for all the gumption in the world, she couldn’t quite find a reason not to pursue this track in her life. Though she had worries, and a little guilt, it didn’t hold back what she knew. The man standing in front of her was and would always be, her mate. “I can’t stop thinking about you either.”

  He leaned in and nuzzled her neck. “I’m sorry.” He pressed his lips to her skin. “I should have never stopped looking for you. I should have done more.”

  Elle shook her head, stepping out of his embrace. “You would have been killed. Greer, through Magnum’s vicious pull, went insane. He wanted the blood. He wanted death. He wanted me.”

  He stalked toward her, determination filled his eyes. “I can’t even think about that night.” He pulled her into his arms again. “All I smelled was burning flesh and wood. The miasma of death. My wolf raged. He howled for you. Cried for you as I did. I mourned you every day. But I felt you. I thought….” He tightened his embrace. “I thought, because there were three bodies, I must be feeling your spirit. You know, so, in my head, it made sense.”

  “But the body wasn’t me. It was Greer.”

  He nodded. “I know that now. But at the time, I thought you were trying to tell me to move on, to find another. But every time I looked, none of them compared to you. None of them held a candle to your kindness. Your sweetness. Your tender soul. I thought for sure I’d gone insane. Was ready to leave because, if I did lose it, I didn’t want to be near anyone I could hurt. Then Shawn called me, and I saw you.” He nipped at the side of her throat, sending tingles of electricity through her.

  She closed her eyes and bit the inside of her cheek to keep from asking for more.

  “I’ve missed you every day.”

  “I wanted to tell you,” she whimpered. “Several times in the last few years, I wanted to come home. But Ryker told me never to return.” Once the fountain of truth had been opened, she couldn’t close it. “And, even then, I wanted to find you, to be with you. But I got scared.”

  He tipped her chin up and crushed her lips with his. He explored her. The kiss was slow, building with intensity each time he stroked his tongue against hers. He caressed her hips, pushing the billowy material of her shirt out of the way. “We’re together now. You never have to be afraid again.”

  “What are your expectations?” Her heart pounded. Her girly parts tingled with arousal, while her soul hoped he’d say the words she longed to hear.

  “Isn’t it obvious?”

  “Kind of, but I’d like to hear the words.” She tentatively ran her hands over his chest.

  “I’m finishing what we started ten years ago.” He bit her ear lobe. “I’m making you mine.” His hand fisted her hair. “Got any objections to my plan?”

  She gasped, and her eyes fluttered shut. “Only a request,” she squeaked.

  “Shoot.”

  “Miss Kathy and Clyde will be home soon.” His mouth returned to her neck, kissing a path down to her collarbone. “I don’t think it’s appropriate for them to see us naked.”

  Graham chuckled. “No, they don’t need to see us naked.” He ground his groin into her lower belly. “Anything else?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh?”

  “Never leave me alone again,” she replied.

  “That’s a given, beautiful.” He gazed down at her. Desire blazed in his eyes. “My place is at your side.”

  Elle stepped around him then held out her hand. “My bedroom is this way.”

  Graham placed his hand in hers. “Are you sure?”

  She couldn’t deny her destiny any longer. “Yes.”

  His eyes filled with possessiveness. “Lead the way.”

  Chapter Eight

  Were they really going to do this? Elle squeezed Graham’s hand, pulling him to a stop. “You should know, I’ve only had one partner. Rupert.”

  A slow, sensual grin spread across his lips. “I’ve had a few but nothing serious.”

  “Seriously?”

  He let out a breath of frustration. “I know I have tons of explaining to do after we’re settled. But no. Though I had moments of needing that physical connection, I never formed any kind of bond with them. I knew, the moment I held you in my arms, I’d wait for you.”

  Her heart lodged in her throat. Tears threatened to spill down her cheeks. Is he for real? “Now you’re just looking for brownie points.

  His bark of laughter startled her. “Beautiful, you’ve got no idea the lengths I’d go to stay in your good graces.”

  She smiled a little. “Then what are we waiting for?” She pushed the door open then glanced down at her finger, the weight of the rock an inconvenience. She slipped it off, and the moment it left her hand, the world seemed brighter, freer. She stepped inside her temporary room, Graham trailing behind her, and she placed it in her bag. She then crossed the room and sat on the bed covered in buckskin blankets and soft quilts and held her hand out to her mate.

  “I’m tired of waiting.” He yanked at his shirt, the snaps flying apart in rapid succession. “Before we get started, are you—”

  She covered his mouth with her hand. “I am. Even though a child wouldn’t be a bad thing, I think we should take our time.”

  He covered her mouth again with his. A ferocious hunger the likes of which she never experienced overtook her. Her fingers fumbled with the button of his jeans while he feasted on her. Her hands trembled. Anxious energy raced through her. She was ready to begin the next phase in her life, one she’d begun many years ago, only to be thwarted by time and circumstance. Not today. Today she’d become the person she’d meant to be. With a growl of frustration, Graham laid his hands on top of hers, steadying her.

  “Easy, beautiful. We’ve got all the time in the world.” His fingers skimmed up her sides as he pulled her blouse off. “Fucking perfect.” He dipped his head and latched onto her nipple through the see-through lace of her bra.

  Elle arched her back, and clung to him for support as pleasure zinged through her. A cry of need fell from her lips when he switched to her other breast and administered the same attention. His slate-blue eyes locked with hers with each suck. Her pussy ached; her clit throbbed. The thought occurred to her, they weren’t the fumbling kids they used to be. They were older, taking their time to enjoy the experience. He trailed kisses across her chest as he worked her pants from her hips then down her legs.

  She ran her fingers through his hair, eliciting a moan from him. His hips flexed and the thi
ck press of his denim-clad erection slid across her exposed flesh. “Elle,” he murmured.

  He hovered over her, taking his fill of her once more before pressing his lips between her breasts. He kissed a path down her belly, paying special attention to her navel. He nibbled at the edges then dipped his tongue inside. She wiggled beneath him, grasped at his biceps for purchase. If he meant to make her suffer, he was doing a spectacular job of it. Her body came to life, heating to the point she feared she’d combust.

  “Graham,” she whimpered, raising her hips in invitation.

  “Soon.” He teased the band of her panties with his fingertips. Then took his time exposing her flesh to his perusal. “Mine!” He nuzzled her mons then ran his tongue over her slit. “The sweetest treat a man could ever have.” He placed a kiss to both of her thighs. “I’ve dreamed of your taste. Woke up so hard, I’d stroke my dick just to get some kind of relief.”

  She gasped.

  Graham removed the thin material from her thighs. He moaned before settling himself between her legs. “Finally, after all this time.” His warm breath floated over her clit. The small nub pulsed and her pussy clenched. What the hell was he waiting for? She wanted to force him to get to work, but he seemed content to stare at her.

  “Graham,” she whined. “You’re killing me.”

  He chuckled then placed a kiss on her folds. His tongue drew the small pearl into his mouth. Each suck of his mouth shot straight through her. Desire built low in her belly, growing more intense with each pull. Elle wrapped her legs around his waist while she held his face to her. He’d barely begun, and she already sat on edge. His tongue slid through her folds and pushed into her.

  She bucked.

  As he continued to take his fill of her, his arm held her in place, adding to the sensations washing over her. She couldn’t believe how quickly things escalated, but she wouldn’t do it any differently. Holding onto him, he took her higher. He nibbled and sucked on her sensitive flesh, turning her into a puddle of goo. His moans vibrated against her skin, and her eyes rolled up into her head.

  With his arm across her stomach, he reached up, palming her breast. His fingers pinched and tugged on her hard nipple, adding to the blissful pleasure. She rolled her hips, trying to direct his ministrations, but he’d have none of it. He growled. His slate-blue gaze locked with hers, as he feasted on her. He sipped from her with such vigor it jolted her senses. When he added first one finger then a second, she lost it. Elle cried out as her climax shot through her. The swiftness of it startled her.

  “Mmm, fuck yes. Give it to me.” He continued to finger her through her release, drawing out the ripples of her climax. Limp and sated, she let out a soft sigh. Graham gave a rumbled chuckle while placing a final kiss to her sex. “We’re nowhere near done, beautiful.” The wicked gleam in his eyes turned her on as he climbed up her body. “Ready?”

  She nodded, unable to vocalize her needs. His tongue thrust into her mouth at the same moment he filled her. Shocking pain flared inside of her, as she tried to adjust to his girth. He stilled, his breath coming in short pants. A pained expression filled his feature. “Graham?”

  “Fuck,” he grunted. “You’re so damn snug. Give me a second.”

  She laughed softly. “Give you a second? You’re impaling me with a rod.”

  He hissed. “Don’t laugh.” His hand fit between them, and he swiped her clit with his thumb. Her hips shifted. “That’s it, beautiful. Relax.”

  She clamped down on him; the muscles of her pussy rippled around him. When he retreated slightly, she tried to hold him inside her. “Oh my.”

  Their pace started out slow. She relished the exquisite drag of his cock through her sensitive folds. The juxtaposition between the graceful way he ignited her body and the power contained within his muscular form, blew her away. She caressed the muscles of his shoulders while kissing his neck, silently encouraging him.

  The sound of his grunts destroyed any semblance of control she might have held onto. She fell into the rhythm of their lovemaking, giving over to the raw emotions flowing between them. “Hey now.” He swiped away her tears. She stared up at him. The unfettered love in his gaze obliterated her. “I should have told you then, but I mean to tell you every day for the rest of my life how much I love you.” He pressed his lips to hers.

  He moved with urgency then. The rock of their bodies growing more desperate. Fire built inside her, pushing them headlong into release. She clung to him. Her nails dug into his flesh, and she knew the way he gripped her hips, she’d wear his mark as well. She sank into the feeling of him powering in and out of her. Their sighs and moans mingled, adding to the already-erotic atmosphere surrounding them. Lost in their own sanctuary, she let go. She soared in his arms. Her muscles rippled around him as a keen whine passed her lips. The rush of her orgasm shattered her.

  Graham stilled within her. When the waves of her release subsided, he began again, this time with single-minded focus. He fucked her ruthlessly. His hips slammed against hers while his fingers found her clit once more. He worked that hard bud, his tongue flicking against her neck. The harsh masculine sounds he made ramped her back up. Wound tighter than a spring she cried out, meeting him thrust for thrust.

  A harsh snarl vibrated in his chest seconds before his teeth locked on her neck. She screamed as he filled her twice more then stilled. The heat of his release bathed her in warmth while she continued to spasm around him. “Mine.”

  He pulled her to him, rolling them so she was sprawled across him. “I love you, too.”

  ***

  Graham walked into Shawn’s office the next morning, confused as to why he’d been called there. A sleeping Elle lay in his bed after they continued their mating at his home, the ring she’d worn since arriving home, discarded. They’d have to deal with it at some point, but, for the moment, he was content to spend time with his mate and build the trust and love they had for one another.

  Taking a seat, he waited while the PI finished his phone call. On the desk sat a manila envelope with Elle’s name on it. Curious to its contents, he reached for it. However, his hand was stilled by Shawn’s.

  “We should talk about this first.” Shawn removed his hand from Graham’s.

  “Okay.”

  “Miss Kathy came to me a few days ago and asked for some help,” he started. “She thought it was pretty unusual this Rupert guy hadn’t called Elle, or tried to find her like Kizzy has. So, she asked me to do a little snooping.”

  His gut knotted. In a way, he needed to know what lay inside that package, and, in another way, no matter if he and Elle were mates, the news might devastate her. “What did you find?”

  “Tons. I can say it’s a good thing she got away when she did.” Opening the envelope, he pulled out several eight-by-ten photographs then what amounted to a court indictment.

  Graham looked at every picture. Rupert, it seemed, had a hidden girlfriend. The brunette at his side for several galas was covered in expensive jewelry and expensive dresses. Though, in the following pictures, money meant nothing to the man, as Rupert tore the gown from the woman and proceeded to fuck her against the window of their hotel room. Anger flowed through his veins. Elle had given this piece of shit the greatest gift, and he’d gone and thrown it away for some sleazy woman.

  “The paperwork is worse.” Shawn’s voice cut through the rage building within him.

  “I bet,” he snarled. Picking up the document, he read through it. Some of it might not have made sense to him, since it was legalese, but money laundering, insider trading, and corruption made perfect sense to him. In total, there were thirty-four counts which were under the RICO, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, as well. Shocked, he sat there for a moment. Would Elle be caught up in any of this? Not that it mattered—no one would ever find her—but he knew her sense of duty and her loyalty would demand she be held accountable if she’d been privy to any of his dealings. “Shit.”


  “My guy says Rupert was picked up a month before I contacted Elle. I don’t think she has a clue. In fact, I don’t think anyone knows about Elle. Or the house he owns in Charlotte, where she stays. This guy has connections. Deep, sinister connections. I am betting, if I dig deeper, there are more women involved, and potentially a wife.”

  He shook his head. How did Elle not know? “Don’t. This is enough.”

  “I wasn’t going to, unless she asked me to,” Shawn admitted. “I don’t know how she didn’t know about this, but I believe he left her in a secluded part of Charlotte, oblivious to his activities. A late business trip here. An all-night meeting there. Or send her and Kizzy on a small vacation. You can cover up everything. There are ways to make all this go away.”

  “I’ll have to tell her. She needs to know the truth.”

  Shawn shrugged. “I don’t know. If you’ve mated her, which”—he pointed to Graham’s neck—“looks like you did, she might not care.”

  No. Not my Elle. She might have taken off that ring, but she didn’t forget, and he figured deep down she held some guilt and self-recrimination. “I have to tell her the truth.”

  “Have it your way, but I believe you’ll hurt her more than help her.” He placed the stuff back into the envelope.

  “Yeah, maybe. But, I think, in this situation, knowing the truth will help ease her guilt, even if she won’t vocalize her feelings to me. She’s fought them since she got off the bus. Last night, she gave in to the possibility. Today, she’ll realize her wolf and heart always knew the truth.” He took the proffered packet from Shawn then stood. “Thanks for the help, even though I wasn’t looking for it.”

  “Eh, thank Miss Kathy.” He shrugged.

  Graham nodded. “I’ll send her a card or something,” he replied sarcastically.

  Shawn laughed. “Don’t be too hard on her. Her heart is in the right place, and so is her gut, which turned out to be correct.”