by Desiree Holt
Sara could feel Olivia’s eyes on her.
Once again that strange calming wave washed over every cell in Sara’s body. As if by no will of her own Sara reached down and ran her hand along the top of the tiger’s head. The tiger sat down, nudged its head against her hand as if it wanted her to continue. “Is it a girl or a boy?” Sara asked Olivia.
“Female,” Olivia said with a smile. “She’s one of my favorites.”
“I wasn’t aware you could have animals like this as pets?”
Jonathan chuckled. “Oh my dear, they are not pets, power like this is untamable. They are our friends.”
Sara thought that was such a strange statement, but found herself smiling back at him.
Casting her glance around, Sara realized all the animals were looking in their direction. A feeling of unease came over her. “Jonathan, can we go somewhere else?”
“Of course, I was just coming to tell my wife I wouldn’t be returning tonight.”
“Have fun.” Olivia smiled, turning her attention back to one of the men at her side.
How freaking bizarre, Sara’s head felt like it was spinning.
And she thought she had a strange marriage…
Chapter 5
As they walked out of the room and down the hallway, Sara’s mind scrambled trying to take in what had just happened. “So this is your house?”
He nodded, his expression remained neutral. “My wife enjoys throwing parties like this. Up until tonight I wasn’t really fond on them.”
Her heart rate increased. Even the sound of his voice awakened something in Sara that had been long dormant. An excitement stirred throughout her being. “I’ve never been to anything like this.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. She found she wanted to tell him everything about herself. Including the fact that this was not her normal behavior.
“Never?” His brow rose, his taunt body relaxed a notch or two.
Sara shook her head. “To say this is out of character for me is the understatement of the year.”
A strange expression crossed his handsome face. “I’m glad. For some reason the idea of random men placing their hands on you brings out a rage in me I haven’t felt” —he paused— “in a very long time.”
Sara stopped in her tracks. His intensity was overwhelming. Turning to face him, she said, “Jonathan, I should tell you something, I feel it’s only right since you were open with me. I’m also married. My husband doesn’t know I’m here. This is the first time I have ever come close to cheating on him.” She continued to ramble. “He’s been sleeping around on me since before we got married, but up until tonight I’d remained faithful. In a way I admire you and your wife for being honest with each other. Even if it’s unusual, at least there is trust between the two of you.”
He closed his eyes before speaking, “You’re married? I don’t know why I’m surprised. What’s your husband’s name?”
Sara found herself hesitating. More than likely he would know who her husband was if he had any interest at all in sports. One of the downsides of being married to someone of notoriety. “Adam Thorpe, the quarterback.”
Jonathan’s jaw twitched. “Interesting,” he muttered under his breath. “I know your husband, quite well, actually.” He spoke as if he had a bad taste in his mouth.
Sara’s heart dropped to the ground. This could not be happening. Although she shouldn’t have been surprised—her husband traveled in wide circles, often with the wealthy.
Jonathan continued to walk, and Sara found herself walking in stride beside him. “I can’t believe we’ve never met before. Your husband has been smart to keep you hidden away,” he said, almost as if he were speaking to himself instead of her.
Sara’s back straightened. She found his comment insulting. For one, she wasn’t hidden away, she was quite public with all the charity work she’s done in the name of her husband. And her husband was not her keeper.
He must have sensed her unease. He stopped, turned slightly before taking a step forward, closing the distance between them. “I didn’t mean it in that way. I meant he was smart keeping you from me.”
What a bizarre thing to say. “How do you know Adam?” Sara asked, her curiosity piqued despite her annoyance.
Jonathan glanced away. “Our paths have crossed on many occasions. In fact, he has been to many of our parties, very similar to this one. I’m surprised your friend Anna didn’t tell you.”
Sara felt as if she’d been punched in the gut, not that she should have been surprised. But the thought of her husband having sexual relations so openly caused her distress. Jesus, she was a hypocrite. Here she was doing the exact same thing she was angry at her husband over. Once again the thought of divorcing him crossed her mind. Why were they still together if they had to search outside of their marriage for happiness? And why hadn’t Anna told her?
Jonathan reached out and caressed her arm before pulling her into him. “Let’s speak of more pleasant things. I find I don’t like your mind on your husband. Let’s take a walk outside.” Jonathan took his coat off and placed it on her shoulders. She leaned in closer to him. Everything about the evening was surreal. There was a large part of her that wanted to turn and run, act like their time together had been a fantasy and nothing more, but she found she was unable to turn away. Instead she leaned in closer as his protective arm enclosed her. She wanted him to take her mind off her unfulfilling life where passion had been lacking for quite some time.
Sara’s steps faltered as she recalled the tiger she petted. “I was so taken aback finding out you were married, I didn’t even ask you about the wild animals you have roaming around. Aren’t you afraid they will attack someone?”
Jonathan laughed. “Oh, they will attack, if needed. But I have no fear that they would attack me or anyone I care about. I guess you could say we’ve formed a bond of sorts. I don’t wish to talk anymore, I want to feel,” he said as he pushed open a side door that lead to an incredible garden path. The path seemed to go on forever. The property had to be huge. When they had arrived earlier she hadn’t realized how vast it was. There were no neighbors for miles.
The sounds of rushing water caused Sara to smile. Moving water had always relaxed her. When they turned the bend, she let out a gasp. The most beautiful waterfall she’d ever seen rose before them. It was huge and unexpected. The grounds went from completely flat to a huge cliff that came out of nowhere.
“Jonathan, this is amazing.”
She looked over and saw he was taking off his clothes. “What are you doing?” she laughed. Dear god, he had to be the most sensual man she’d ever laid eyes on. The muscles of his back rippled as he unbuckled his pants.
“Take off your clothes.” His voice left no room for argument.
“Jonathan, I can’t. Whatever is going on between us it’s moving way too quickly for me.” She felt like a prude, but she needed more time. Adultery did not come easily to her.
Sara glanced around to make sure no one else was nearby listening or watching them. Her whole body tingled. Her mind might not be sure but her body wanted him, desperately.
She slipped out of her shoes and stood there awkwardly. Self-consciously, she crossed her arms over her breasts, without a bra on she might as well have stood there nude before him.
When she glanced at Jonathan, he shook his head ever so slightly. “Put your hands by your side.”
Her hands dropped to her side, and she shifted on her feet. But even in her unease there was a tightness of her breast, between her thighs throbbing with anticipation. How was she going to stop this from happening? Why didn’t she turn and walk away?
“Come here.” His voice was gruff with emotion.
She slowly walked over to him, keeping eye contact with each step. He stood in nothing but his boxers, his body pure perfection. Each step she took she knew she wasn’t going to be able to stop herself from crossing the line.
He grabbed her hand and pulled her along the rocks to the waterfall. She
wasn’t even aware of the feel of the sharp rocks against her bare feet.
“I’ve always wanted to do this.” Grabbing her hands, he pulled her towards him.
She screamed out and laughed as the cold water washed over her body. Jonathan pulled her body close to his and pressed his lips firmly on hers. His mouth tasted salty as his tongue explored her mouth. The water rushed down over them. Her hardened nipples pressed against his chest through the fabric of her dress.
When she tried to pull back, he pulled her closer. She didn’t struggle, she gave into the moment, the kiss intensifying. His hand drifted to the bottom of her dress, and slowly he eased the dress up until her ass was exposed. His fingers dug into her skin. All thoughts of Adam evaporated into thin air.
Jonathan pulled her through to the other side. Huge boulders were randomly placed throughout like seats. “This is amazing,” she whispered.
“Get up on that rock and lay back with your legs dangling over. Don’t worry, we’ll take it slow.”
She stared at him for a moment.
“Now, Sara.”
She quickly grabbed ahold of the rock and pulled herself up. The rock was cool against her burning skin.
“Closer to the edge.”
She grasped ahold of the rock and inched closer to the edge, her ass almost falling off. His feet scuffed against the rocks and her body tensed in anticipation.
A shadow fell over her as Jonathan lowered himself until their bodies were pressed together. His mouth closed over hers, his tongue making languid strokes as he kissed her senseless. She didn’t care that her back ached from the pressure of the rocks or that her hair was plastered to her face from the waterfall—all she was focused on was the thundering of her heart.
My god, she felt so alive, wanted, needed. If she died in his arms she would have gone willingly in bliss.
Chapter 6
Without warning, Jonathan stilled, his body becoming a rigid line before he sprung to his feet. Sara was confused, her body aching for him, but her mind knew something was wrong. Jonathan held his fingers to his lips, warning her to be quiet. What in the hell was going on? She sat up and pulled her dress down.
With the grace of an athlete, Jonathan dropped from the ledge landing in a crouch. Nearly naked, but clearly comfortable in his skin, he stalked forward.
Sara heard a snarl and she yanked her legs up and wrapped her arms around them. Had one of the animals gotten lose? Jesus, was it going to attack Jonathan?
Out of the clearing came a wolf. Sara scrambled backwards in fear for herself and Jonathan. The animal’s head tilted up in her direction. She could have sworn it made eye contact with her seconds before it pounced on Jonathan. Sara screamed.
In the same instant as the animal pounced, Jonathan’s body morphed into a black wolf. Sara blinked several times, trying to convince herself she must be seeing things. The large animals rolled around on the ground, clawing, growling.
Shocked beyond compression, Sara didn’t know what to do. A part of her wanted to scream, yet she was practically mesmerized by the sight before her.
Christ, pull it together, she chided herself. She had to do something. Should she run back to the house and get help? She heard Jonathan say, no.
In. Her. Mind. Maybe someone had slipped something into her drink and she was hallucinating. Not only had Jonathan turned into an animal, but he was able to talk into her mind? There had to be a logical explanation.
A dream? Was she dreaming? Sara pinched herself and felt the sting.
“Jonathan, stop it!” she yelled out.
The wolf hesitated, just long enough for the other wolf to swipe its paw across Jonathan’s face. Blood smeared the animal’s fur. Jonathan jumped back, putting distance between him and the other wolf. They circled each other, neither making a move toward the center. It was strange, as if they were having a conversation that only they could understand.
As quickly as the large wolf had entered, it turned and walked away.
The black wolf, Jonathan, leapt forward, landing very close to Sara. Her heart stilled, yet oddly she was not afraid. She found her hand inching forward to run her hand through its fur. There was a lot of blood on his face. Sara stood and lead him to the waterfall where he rinsed off.
Sara dropped to her knees, taking the animals face in her hands. “Jonathan, is this really you?”
His body flickered before her eyes. Jonathan lay on the ground but quickly got back on his feet. A long scar now marred his cheek. It was puckered and white as if it were old and healed. Gently, Sara traced her fingers down the scar. Jonathan’s eyes locked on hers before he grasped her wrist, pulling her hand away.
“You should go home,” he said, his voice hoarse.
Confusion settled over her. “Don’t you think we should talk about what just happened?” Her mouth hung agape. “I just saw you turn into a wild animal before my eyes.”
“I’m sorry you had to see such a thing.” He glanced away, his jaw clenched.
Sara placed her hand on his bare chest, she could feel his heart pounding.
He took a step backwards. “Please go. If I touch you right now I’ll never be able to let you go.”
“Jonathan, talk to me…” her words hung in the air.
A slight frown creased his handsome face. She could tell he was wrestling with himself internally. “This is bigger than the both of us. I need you to leave before I fuck up everything.”
He met her gaze, and she could see a flicker of pain behind the sadness. It lasted only a second before his face went completely blank. In that instant he blocked her out completely. She knew that look. Adam got the same one when they argued.
Sara swallowed hard before nodding her head. She had no idea what was going on but it was clear she was not going to get answers from him. Not now, maybe not ever. She’d stumbled onto something she was not supposed to see, that much was clear. Other than that, it was nothing but unanswered questions. Who was the other wolf? Why had he attacked?
Surely Jonathan must be worried about the fact that a stranger had seen him shift into another form. And yet he didn’t seem worried she would run to the local news or high tail away in fear. He just wanted her gone.
She took a step closer. “You know how to find me if you want to talk.” Her voice was barely a whisper. A shudder ran through her as she wrapped her arms across her body in the darkness. The man that had so quickly warmed her blood was now ice cold toward her.
Wincing, he gave a curt nod. “I’ll see to it that you arrive home safely. I’m sure Anna is occupied.”
Just like that she was being escorted out, when only moments ago they were seconds away from merging their bodies in a sensual haze. So many questions and emotions ran through her being, she felt rejected and confused. Maybe even a little hurt.
He walked away from her to grab his clothing. She watched as he eased himself into his designer pants and button down shirt. Now she saw him in a new light. Before, she’d only seen his sexual appeal, now she saw the danger that was clearly evident within him. When he glanced up she knew he was more beast than man. And yet still she found herself drawn to him.
“Will I see you again?” she asked.
His gaze softened ever so slightly. “Our paths are destined to cross at least once more.”
“What does that mean?” Sara asked, her voice rising. “Jonathan, just tell me what’s going on. I want to understand.”
“It’s not my place, Sara.”
“I never told you my name was Sara, so how did you know?”
He laughed bitterly. “You just saw me shift into an animal and you’re surprised I know your real name?”
“Oh, there’s a lot more I want to know but you’re not talking. Excuse me if I feel a little violated that you can read my thoughts and you know more about me than I know about you.” Her words came out with more venom then she’d intended, but truth was, she was pissed. How could he dismiss her in such a manner after what she’d just witnessed and
what they’d experienced between the two of them?
He reached for her arm to lead her down the path but as soon as his skin touched hers he dropped his hand. “After you.”
Sara hesitated. She should insist he talk to her. He owed her that much. Instead she turned and walked down the path. She couldn’t help but wonder if he was doing something with her mind to make her more pliable. Just thinking that ticked her off.
Suddenly she wanted to be far away from him and all the unanswered questions.
As soon as they broke through the shrubbery and into the open, they were met by a tall man in his early twenties. He nodded at Jonathan.
Without another word, Jonathan veered off the path leaving her alone with the man. She stared after him in disbelief. She waited for him to turn around, but he never did. The young man cleared his throat. “I’m to take you home.”
Sara shot the man a scathing glance but followed after him. Unfortunately, it was much too far for her to walk home.
A car sat waiting close by with the engine running. The man held the back door open and she slid into the seat.
Her dress was still wet from the waterfall, and she found herself shivering. The driver took off his jacket and handed it back to her, but she refused to take it. Her defiance would probably cost her a cold but she didn’t care. She just wanted to get home and crawl into her own bed. Maybe she could convince herself the night had never happened.
They drove the whole way to her house in silence. It wasn’t until he pulled into her driveway that she realized she’d never even given him her address.
Chapter 7
As soon as she walked through the door, Adam emerged. He didn’t try to hide his anger, his eyes wild. Unconsciously, Sara took a step backwards.
“Where the hell have you been?” he demanded, his voice so low she could barely hear him.
“I went out.” Sara raised her head a notch. She wasn’t going to let him intimidate her, not this time. “Did you have fun with the boys? I didn’t expect you to be home.”
