Private Wolf

by Tl Reeve

  “Leave well enough alone, Brie.” Joe’s booming voice cut through her thoughts. “You look fine.”

  She nibbled her lip. “I don’t know….”

  “You’re beautiful, Brie.” Shawn closed the distance between them. “People won’t care what we’re wearing. They’ll be more interested in seeing you.” Her ran his thumb across her cheek and smiled.

  “Fine. Did you have to look so scrumptious though?”

  Shawn laughed. “I’m trying to impress you. I usually only wear this stuff when I’m meeting a client.”

  “Oh great.”

  “It’s not so bad.” He guided her to the door. “I’ll take care of her.”

  “We know you will, son,” Claire said coming up beside them. “Have fun, dear.” She kissed Brienne’s cheek.

  “I will Auntie,” she said.

  Crisp mountain air sprinkled with the hint of summer flowers filled her senses. The sweet scent wrapped around her like a welcome home hug. She hadn’t paid attention to much the night before. Too nervous at the prospect of seeing her family and a dilapidated town, she hadn’t taken a moment to breathe in the fresh air of home or explore the places she once used to roam.

  In the distance, an owl screeched. Farther away a wolf howled. The longing to run free crashed over her, surprising Brienne with its ferocity. Her wolf brushed against her skin, encouraging her to give over to baser needs. She glanced over at Shawn who stared at her, and saw his wolf reflected in his gaze.

  “I’d like to run. Later…after lunch.”

  “I’ll bet you would.” Shawn helped her into the truck then came around the front and got in. “I’ve found a few places to stretch my legs, if you’d like to go there.”

  “Sure. Everything has changed and I can’t find my old trails,” Brie admitted.

  “From what Fern and Henry told me, some of the trails were allowed to overgrow. It helped Magnum keep a close eye on everyone. So, places you’d have gone before have returned to nature.”

  Made sense to her. She actually liked the idea.

  “Then we’ll find new ones, together.”

  “Yes we will.”

  “Okay. Burger and beer?”

  “Perfect.”

  ***

  Shawn led her into Gee’s and picked a table near the bar. The place was packed. Good music and laughter filled the air, but it abruptly stopped when Brienne stepped into the space. All eyes were on his mate. Not like he blamed them. Her jeans molded her slim figure, showcasing her ass. Jesus, she teased him like no other female or shifter could.

  Paul came over and gave Brie a warm smile then scrawled something on his pad. He laid the paper on the table in front of Brienne then waited. Long time no see, stranger. When did you get home?

  She glanced up. “Last night.”

  “I brought her home. She’s had more than enough time to hide.” He winked at Brie who frowned at him.

  Paul scribbled another note for them. I agree. I’m glad you’re home, Brienne. What can I get for you guys?

  The omega took their order and dashed off to the kitchen. Shawn placed his hand in hers then ran his thumb over the sensitive skin between her thumb and forefinger. “So, about this run.”

  “Yes.” Her pulse quickened.

  “How far do you want to go?”

  She shrugged. “I want to escape. I want to be a wolf and just enjoy myself.”

  Shawn inclined his head. “I understand. Did you run much while in Rosewood?”

  “Sometimes. I mean school and work kept me busy.”

  “Hmm, then you have some making up to do.”

  “I guess so.”

  Paul brought them their lunch and for a while, they sat in amicable silence. The chatter around the bar seemed to settle on the most recent activity within the pack. The death of several pack mates along with the excitement of new members soon to be born. If Brie paid attention, she didn’t give any outward indications, which threw him off.

  Didn’t she want to be a part of what they were talking about? Wasn’t she curious about the mates expecting babies? Didn’t women go insane over stuff like this? “Hey.”

  “Huh?” She startled “Sorry.”

  “Don’t think so hard,” he teased. “Are you almost done?”

  “Are you in a hurry?”

  “To run with you? Hell yeah, I am.” He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “I’ve been ready since I set foot in the diner.”

  “Well, who am I to hold this up any longer?” She slid her plate forward then pushed out of her chair. Standing, she waved at Gee, who nodded in return. “Let’s go.”

  Shawn dropped a few bills on the table to cover their lunch and a tip for Paul before taking her hand and leading her out of the bar. From the corner of the building he could hear the sounds of a couple moaning. “Well they have the right idea,” he muttered.

  “Oh God, are they….”

  “Fucking? Yep. Seems to be a new past time for people around here. Want to join them?” He cocked a brow only half-serious about his proposal.

  “Banging against a wooden wall which could embed splinters into my ass, is not the makings of a good time.”

  “Who said anything about getting any splinters?” He wiggled his brows.

  Brie broke away from him and laughed. “You’re incorrigible.”

  “Can’t blame a wolf for trying.” He shrugged, tugging her into his arms. “Especially when I’m with one of the most beautiful wolves I’ve ever seen.”

  “I bet you say the same to all the women you try to bed.”

  “Never. I don’t say shit I don’t mean.” He cupped her cheek, tipping her face up to him. “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.” He pressed his lips to hers then licked the seam of her lips and pressed forward, tangling his tongue with hers.

  Brienne moaned, and he took advantage, deepening the kiss. Before he’d arrived at Claire’s to pick her up he’d promised himself he’d play it cool, but the longer he spent near her, the more he wanted her. Her soft, subtle scent made him salivate most times and left him aching for her the rest of the time. Having her near for even a short period of time made it impossible to stay away or allow her to leave him. He’d have to figure out a way to fix this. To make her want to stay with him.

  Shawn pulled away. “You’re dangerous, little Brie.”

  “I’m not so little anymore,” she whispered then took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

  “No, you’re not,” he growled in agreement.

  After helping her into the truck, Shawn got in beside her and started it up. They drove the short distance to the hills where he liked to run. Beside him, Brie gazed out at the trail. Sometimes he wished he could read people’s minds like a few of the other wolves could. It would help him with trying to understand what went on in her head. “Ready?” He popped his door open.

  “Yes.”

  Shawn had the ability to shift with or without his clothes on, and for a second he wondered what was appropriate in this situation. However, before he could ask, he caught a glimpse of Brienne taking off her clothes. His mouth went dry. His heart stuttered before settling into a rapid pace. His groin tightened as all the blood his overactive heart pumped shot south. Holy shit.

  He began unbuttoning his shirt and realized rather quickly his hands shook. He’d never seen his mate naked before. Sure, he fantasied about it—in great detail sometimes, yet fantasy and reality were two different things. Plus, his fantasies weren’t anywhere close to the real thing. Get hold of yourself.

  The air around him snapped with electricity, raising the hairs on his arms. It called to his wolf, demanding he give over to the change. Shawn removed his shoes and socks before pulling off his pants and welcomed his wolf, embracing it as they melded into his true form. Shawn lifted his nose and scented Brie. Her light, sweet scent tempted him. Called to him. He trotted over to where she waited by the lip of the trai
l. After rubbing against her in greeting, he took off into the woods, Brienne hot on his heels.

  Chapter Seven

  They zigzagged through the trees and jumped over rocks as they went deeper into the hills. A couple of times, Brie nipped playfully at his legs before taking off again, going deeper into the thicket. He chased after her, allowing her to believe she had the advantage. Then, when she least expected it, he cut off her path, sending them tumbling down a small incline. She landed on top of him, mirth filling her eyes as she lowered her head to nibble on his neck.

  Brie’s sleek body rubbed against his, imprinting her scent on him, claiming him. Shawn silently howled in triumph. Her mouth might say one thing, but her wolf said another. Excitement filled her glowing blue eyes as she leapt off him and took off deeper into the shrubbery of the forest floor.

  Shawn chased her. The worries of the day, hell, the coming week, didn’t seem important right now. As a wolf, all he cared about was the she-wolf determined to play hide-and-seek with him. He shot through the underbrush, hot on her heels, coming to the clearing then stopped and glanced around. Empty. He cocked his head, listening for any sign of her. When he didn’t hear her, he crept through the area, ready for her to jump out at him.

  Leaves to his left rustled and a twig snapped. Lifting his head, Shawn took a deep breath. The gamey scent of deer twined with the scent of his Brienne. He took a step toward the sound then bounded backward as the deer and Brie lunged from the brush and trampled through the clearing. She yipped and continued chasing the animal, forcing him to keep up.

  Instead of following, he ran parallel to her, keeping her to his right. They worked together as a team and when they came to the lip of the trail, he went in for the kill. The deer, an eight-point buck, reared up at him and lowered his antlers. Shawn dodged the buck’s head and went for his neck. Brienne attacked the legs, trying to drop the beast to the ground.

  The animal had spirit, fighting them every inch of the way. Shawn wrapped his jaws around the neck and clamped off its airway, taking the ability to breathe away. The buck continued to jerk and thrash, trying to dislodge him. Instead of losing his grip, Shawn increased the pressure of his jaws. Wide brown eyes gazed up into his as the buck lost his battle. The animal kicked one last time then went limp. He released the buck’s neck and stepped away. Brie did the same.

  When the animal didn’t move, he shifted. Brie did the same then jumped into his arms and laughed. “Holy cow. That was amazing. Did you see me? I mean wow.” Her body vibrated with energy.

  He chuckled. “I did. You were amazing.” He kissed her.

  She clung to him, the blunt tips of her nails digging into his shoulders as she wrapped her legs around his waist. Snaps of electricity crackled across his flesh, as he slanted his mouth, deepening the kiss. All thoughts of taking it slow, building up this connection between them, fled the minute she whimpered against his lips. Brienne rubbed her slick folds across his steely erection, tempting him beyond sanity. He should stop this madness. Breathe. Instead, Shawn laid her out on the hood of his truck. She trembled in his hold. He waited—wanting this from the minute he saw her at Lucy’s.

  Settling between her parted legs, he gazed up her willowy figure and swallowed a desire-filled groan. “Fucking perfect,” he growled then scored his nail up her outer thighs and gripped her hips. “Do you understand how much I crave you?”

  “Shawn,” she murmured. Her dazed, blue eyes fluttered shut as she arched to him.

  “Do you?”

  “Yes. Because I’ve waited my whole life for you.”

  Finally, the walls were down between them. “Do you trust me?”

  Brie licked her lips and writhed against him. “Yes. Please.”

  “Shh.” He cupped her cheek. “I’ve got you.”

  Shawn ran the pad of his thumb across her bottom lip and she opened to him, drawing the tip into her mouth. The sensation shot straight to his dick, leaving him light-headed. She nipped the appendage before laving away the sting with her tongue. Minx. Removing his finger, he lowered his hand and swiped her nipple. The bud puckered under his touch and she moaned. “Why are you going slow?”

  “Why do you want me to go fast?” He nibbled her side. “I want to savor this.”

  “But….” Her breath left her in a whoosh when he circled her navel with his tongue.

  “I’m listening.” He grinned against her flesh. Placing a kiss to her mons, he nuzzled her clit and inhaled the musky scent of her arousal.

  “Shouldn’t we be fucking?”

  Shawn shook his head then licked her slit. The heady taste jacked up the ache in his balls. “Nope.”

  “No?” she squealed as he drew her clit between his lips and sucked.

  “No.” Shawn spread her thighs and settled between them, prepared to spend all day there if he chose. He licked the length of her slit before opening her to his perusal. Her pussy glistened with a mixture of his saliva and her juices. Her clit throbbed and he lapped at the hard ball of nerves once more. Shit, he could feast on her for hours before he got inside her.

  Brienne ran her fingers through his hair and pulled his mouth closer. There you go, babe. He moaned against her flesh. Her sweet whimpers filled the still air, and his wolf puffed up his chest in pride. He gave her pleasure. No one else.

  “Shawn.”

  He filled her with his tongue and mimicked the same rhythm he’d follow when he finally got balls deep inside her.

  He placed one last kiss over her sex and stood up. “This isn’t going to be fast. This is a mating, Brie. If you don’t want it, you’d better say something now.”

  Silence prevailed. The seconds ticked by at an excruciatingly slow pace before she nodded. “I’m ready. It’s time.”

  “Thank fuck.” He kissed a path up her body as he fit his tip at her entrance. Drawing her nipple into his mouth, Shawn pushed forward. Her muscles rippled around him and Shawn clenched his jaw. The tight, searing heat of her wet pussy threatened to unman him. “Holy shit.”

  She rolled her hips, taking him into her a little at a time. He wanted to fuck like she’d requested, but it’d be all over before they began. Holding her still, he retreated and surged forward. Her muscles quivered, relaxing around him, easing his forward progression. With each inch he gained, his body heated, and the sound his heartbeat thundered like a herd of wild mustangs in his ears.

  Imagination wasn’t as good as the real deal.

  Brie cried out. Oh my God. Shawn meant to kill her. After the run and taking down the deer, the overwhelming need to mate rushed through her. To claim the man she’d yearned for since she recognized him at the age of six scared the crap out of her. A little over twenty-four hours ago, she’d made the decision to go with Shawn but not stay. Now, she didn’t think she could walk away from him.

  He drew in a ragged breath.

  She’d wear his mark in more than one way before the afternoon ended. The death grip on her hips would leave bruises. In one long thrust, he filled her completely, touching her in places no man ever reached. She arched off the hood of his truck, her mouth open on a silent scream. Zaps of electricity snapped along her skin. She tingled from head to toe.

  The connection between them built by the second, forming unbreakable bonds. His low growl of arousal turned her on even more. Her pussy went slick around him. Her heart hammered. Shawn lifted her leg and wrapped it around his waist, shifting his position. He surged forward again, and the change of the angle increased the pressure of his groin against her clit.

  Fire raced through her veins. Pleasure coiled low in her belly. He’d been serious about the whole claiming her thing. She felt him everywhere. His big body bracketed her. His breath fanned out over her breasts as he dipped his head and sucked her nipple into his mouth. He swirled his tongue around her peak and she swore she felt it all the way down to her clit, like an invisible tether between the two. “Oh God.”

  “So fucking wet and tight,” h
e snarled, biting the curve of her breast. Her pussy spasmed around him and she groaned. “I’ve got what you need, sweetheart. We’ll get there.”

  She growled, grabbing his ass. The erotic sensations shooting through her left her reeling. Brie blinked, stunned by the way her body responded to Shawn’s. “I need more.”

  Shawn pulled out and helped her down. “I’ve got you,” he murmured in her ear before turning her around. His palm slid down her spine. “Bend forward.” He widened her stance and guided her toward the truck. “Hold on.”

  He filled her in one stroke, and she screamed. Her pussy contracted and released around him as she exploded. The orgasm ripped her apart while her mate put her back together. He pressed his forehead between her shoulder blades and grunted with each shift of his hips. With each thrust he sounded more like a wolf than a man.

  Her wolf preened. “More.”

  “Hell yeah,” he growled. “I’m always going to give you more.” His arm wrapped around her middle, pulling her to him. He slid his palm down between her legs. “You’re mine, Brienne. Say it.”

  “I’m yours.” She’d always been his.

  “Damn right you are.” His index finger brushed over her clit.

  Her mind shut down. Their slick bodies moved together while he continued to work the bundle of nerves between her thighs. He drew out her desire, letting it burn through her. A few months ago—hell, even a few days ago, the thought of Shawn mating her would have made her run far away. Now, she wanted him. “Mark me, mate.”

  Shawn groaned. “You sure do have a way with words.”

  “It’s the truth. Mark me.”

  “What about everything you said before?”

  “Please,” she implored.

  “Fuck yes.” He flicked her clit and nuzzled her neck. “You should know this will always be intense for us. I plan on spending the rest of my life watching you get off on my dick.”