by Shae Shannon
“Easy there, love. I am all for wild foreplay, but I draw the line at breaking helpless dishes. What did the cup do to deserve that?”
“Aah! Chase, I swear you are impossible! Smack my ass one more time and we will just see whose wolf is stronger. I will take you outside and tear you up!”
“Mmm, I think I might like the sound of that. Have I mentioned lately that you are twice as hot when you are angry?”
“That’s it! Outside now! I will show you hot. You have no idea just how hot I can get!”
At the sound of the bang, Giselle had snapped out of her lust-filled daze and stepped around Aiden. With her hands on her hips, she started toward the youngsters, ready to unleash her pent-up sexual frustration, but didn’t get the chance. Aiden had dashed over and removed the innocent plate that was in the irate hands of Lisa, which was next in line to be thrown. “Enough! Whoa there, lass. Calm down. Chase, keep your damn hands to yourself unless you want them removed permanently. Understood?” Aiden’s commanding voice brought Chase and Lisa’s gaze to drop toward the floor in a show of submission. It didn’t take much for the alpha to rise, and the pack always backed down.
“Yes, sir. Lisa, I was just playing around. I didn’t mean any disrespect. I just wanted to get a rise out of you. I, well, uh, um, I like you.” Lisa’s head jerked up, her surprise evident.
“So let me get this straight, teasing and tormenting me is your way of hitting on me? What the hell is wrong with flowers and chocolates? What in shit’s name? Are you twelve years old or something?”
“Um, no, I don’t guess so. Sorry again.” He kept his eyes darted at the floor, embarrassment flushing him a bright crimson. Before anyone else could speak, he ran for the door.
“With your first heat coming up, Lisa, the boys are all going to be acting like adolescents trying to get your attention. Cut them a little slack. You are young and beautiful. If they get out of line, don’t hesitate to let me know. I will keep them civilized and make them behave themselves. Now, you better get going. The café will be slammed with the morning rush, and there is no way Jess and Violet can handle it alone. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. I don’t know why everyone has to act like my first heat is something big. I don’t feel any different and don’t know what all the damn fuss is about besides being a major pain in my ass. Thanks, Aiden. Giselle, do you want me to start putting extra doughnuts in the fryer?”
“Yes, dear, that’s fine. Take a deep breath first. You have no idea what the heat does to all shifters. It’s hard on you, but also on every male within a fifty-mile radius.” Giselle’s features relaxed into a motherly expression. “I’m here if you need me. I will be out there in a few minutes.”
“Okay. Thanks.” Lisa scurried out the door, leaving Giselle in Aiden’s heated line of vision.
“Where were we?” Aiden’s look sent shivers up her spine, causing her to visibly quake uncontrollably.
“We were just leaving.” Giselle started toward the door. Before she could make her escape, large muscular arms circled her waist and spun her around.
“I don’t believe that was the exact place we were, love. This”—he leaned in, his lips a whisper’s breath from hers—“is where we left off.” Giselle opened her mouth to protest and pulled against her ironclad restraints to no avail. Aiden moved in, taking advantage of her parted lips. He brushed his mouth to hers, capturing her breath in an instant. With a gasp, her mouth opened wider in an open invitation. Ever so sweetly, he swept his tongue along the edges, teasing his way in. She began to kiss him back, allowing her tongue to seek out his but only making it to the opening of his lips. He took that as his green light and lazily and seductively began caressing her tongue in soft strokes. Deepening the kiss, he sought out every crevice of her mouth, making sure he gave every inch the attention it deserved. She melted into his arms, and her hands reached up around his neck. Her fingers sought out his thick hair, entwining in the wavy locks, pulling him closer.
Giselle’s breathing had become faster. As much as she wanted to escape this demanding brute, she couldn’t. His primitive ways might unnerve her, but unfortunately they also turned her mind into mush and set a fire in her panties. His tongue moved in ways she didn’t even know were possible. They were caught as time stood still, locked in the hottest, most erotic kiss she had ever experienced. An inferno was building deep within her, causing a growing need to surface. She needed more. Reaching up, she grabbed his mane with a firmer hold and deepened the kiss even further, breaking to trail her mouth along his jawline. She grazed her tongue down along his neck and back up, finding his earlobe, and sucked viciously. A low rumble erupted from his chest—a deep, inhuman growl that caught her attention. She gazed up into his emerald eyes to find them all but glowing. She could see the animal trying to surface, and a flood of moisture rushed to her pussy. This time, she initiated the kiss, letting her feelings free and her passion unleash. Their mouths danced in the most erotic melody.
Aiden frantically picked her up, needing her as close to him as possible. Not only had she surprised him by welcoming his advances, she had cranked up the heat. When she wrapped her legs around his waist, he pushed her low enough so that she could feel the torture he was enduring. He ground her down along his shaft, slowing when he rubbed over the warm wet spot in her panties. It earned him a moan. He gazed up to find her eyes closed as she was engulfed in the moment. Smiling a cocky grin, he decided it was time to up the stakes. He moved to the wall and placed her back against it before licking and sucking along her neck, stopping to give extra care to the special hot spots he found along the way.
As she began to pant, he moved back to her mouth, allowing his tongue to fight with hers in a duel of promise. As he slid along her teeth, he took the same advance and thrust against her, seeking out her tight wet sex. His free hand ran down to cup her breast, easing down to the hem of her shirt. When he let his mouth trail down her jaw and neck again, he didn’t stop. He lifted her like she weighed the same as a feather and used his teeth to lift her shirt. He found her pink lace bra, and he froze. The sight of this sexy siren clad in delicate pink lace stopped his heart. The pastel garment that decorated the colorful wild siren was a contradiction. She was fire and spice, wrapped up in a pure, innocent, vulnerable package. With the tip of his finger, he traced the top of her bra, slowly and painfully dipping into the cup to caress her pebbled nipple. He massaged it gently before rolling it between his pointer finger and thumb. He moved to the next, giving it the same attention. When he pinched it enough to bring the slightest pain, she let out the sexiest throaty moan that drew his balls up and filled them, ready to spill. She arched against his shaft, grinding her slick heat against the seam of his pants. He could feel the moisture through the double layer of material and growled a feral sound that brought his wolf to the surface. He felt his teeth start to elongate and hair sprout on his arms. With the last sliver of humanity left in his grasp, he willed the beast back into the shadows.
Giselle felt the change, and her attention was brought out of the fog of desire and back to reality. “We can’t, Aiden. Someone can walk in at any moment. Maybe we can see where this was going later…” His eyes bore deep into hers, as if looking straight into her soul.
“I will let you go for now, sweet Giselle, but later I have plans for you. Don’t think this is an escape. I always love a good chase. If you make me find you, I promise I will bring that hot little body of yours more torture than you could imagine. I will make you beg me for release, love. And, after you have pleaded for me to fuck you, I will make you come so much you will beg me to stop. Tonight meet me at my room.”
His dirty talk sent the blood rushing to her face. Her cheeks deepened to a dark-rose color, and her pussy gushed down her thigh. She stiffened and attempted to hide the effects he had on her body. “You are awfully cocky, Mr. Grey. If I can, I will meet you. I don’t know what final preparations need to be made for Chloe’s baby shower tomorrow. If I can get away,
we can have a cup of tea. Don’t think that I am one to fall over with my legs in the air, because I am not easy.”
“The idea of your legs spread in the air is an image I will picture the rest of the day for sure. However, I know that you are not easy, love. I like a good challenge. My wolf is growing impatient. He paces and yelps whenever I am around you. You are my mate, Giselle. Adding a good chase will just heighten the experience for both of us. Remember, you can run, but you can’t hide.” Giselle’s expression was that of unbelief. Her face turned darker, looking more like a ripe tomato as she was rendered speechless.
“Your wolf must be mistaken. There is no way I am anyone’s mate. I could never fall into the traditional obeying, mindless role. You may need to see a vet, because your dog has obviously bumped his head.”
“Your views of mating seem to be all wrong. I will definitely change that in due time.” He lowered her blouse and let her feet rest on the floor. With a final kiss to her swollen lips, he turned and left.
Aiden had managed to leave Giselle in a puddle of arousal, frustration, and confusion. That damn dog was a walking contradiction. He screamed strength and power, but she had seen vulnerability and uncertainty. It seemed that she may have been wrong about this particular alpha wolf. Could she be wrong about other things also? Was her observation of what he desired in a mate incorrect? One thing was for certain, she hadn’t felt this kind of fire ever. He had awakened desire deep within her and made her hungry for what only he could give. Her body was still humming with awareness and thirsting to taste what else was on the menu. It was going to be a long-ass day.
Giselle walked into the café and began drowning herself in work. They were busier than normal today, and after the lunch rush, she plunked down in a booth with Lisa. “My feet are killing me. I am way too old for this kind of work. Be glad you are young, girl.”
Lisa smiled and patted her arm. “Oh, Giselle, you don’t look that much older than I do, and I'm only twenty. I may age slower because I am a wolf, but if I start looking like a frumpy shrew I am coming to you for beauty spells or whatever you use.”
“I am feeling my age today, hun. There is no way you could ever look frumpy or like a shrew, you gorgeous child. At least we have most of the treats ready for Chloe’s baby shower. I have a feeling the ‘small intimate gathering’ will be more like everyone within a five-thousand-mile radius and their cousins. I know that both packs are coming, and the lions, tigers, panthers, and even the leopards from up north were invited. I don’t know how they classify that as small. I would sure hate to see a big shindig around here.”
Lisa giggled, drawing a huge swig of her latte. “Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!” Both women busted out in giggles at the corny joke. “Thank goodness the bears aren’t coming. Now that would be a catastrophe. They are the meanest bunch I have ever met. Anyway, I don’t know if I would want to be here if they ever decide to throw a big party. Just the packs together results in a huge free-for-all. Last year, one of our males mated with the eastern pack. We went through three semitrucks full of alcohol, and at least twenty fights broke out. That being said, it was the best time I have ever had. It was like one huge family. It was rowdy to say the least. We are in town here, so I hope that it isn’t too big!”
Giselle’s eyes went wide. “You and I both, dear.”
The two women kicked back and enjoyed a relaxing chat, letting the stress of the day slip away over their hot coffee and sweet Danish. They were discussing facial creams when the door chimed. “I got it, Miss Giselle, you go ahead and rest.” With that, Lisa hopped up and allowed her to sit a bit longer.
This day was turning into a whirlwind of crap. Waking up more tired than when she went to bed to an adrenaline rush from the feeling of being spied on, then teased to the point of insanity and left with soggy underwear, and now sporting an aching back and feet, the idea of finishing out the day at work followed by attending the baby shower caused a loud groan to escape her. She mindlessly massaged her tense shoulder, willing herself to get up and finish the remaining tasks. Lost in her own misery, she didn’t hear him come up behind her. Two strong hands came down on her aching shoulders, immediately melting the knots that were built up in every muscle. With a crash of reality, she jerked around, realizing that strange hands were touching her and felt oh so wonderful. What the hell? Her annoyance in the loss of judgment of reality hit her and drew her eyebrows to furrow together as she met the owner of the magic hands. Her gaze met two of the most gorgeous, enchanting violet eyes she had ever seen.
“Hello, Giselle. I didn’t mean to frighten you, I just saw how much pain you seemed to be in and I thought I might help.” She should be furious that the stranger thought it acceptable to walk up and start rubbing on her, but this sexy brick wall of a man with the dreamiest, most enormous peepers she had ever seen seemed to beat the shit out of her rationality. He was massive in stature, rising to a towering six foot six inches tall and extending with the broadest, most solid muscular shoulders she had ever laid eyes on. His eyes were a deep amethyst color, lined in thick black lashes that matched the mop of black curls on his head that fell to midneck length. And jolly fuck nuts, his arms would make the Hulk look like a pussy. Her nipples stood at attention, and her panties soaked for the second time today. My own damn body is a traitor. When she finally found her tongue, she fought to tunnel through the fog that had clouded her mind and senses. “Who…Oh, you are the panther shifter, correct? I am sorry, I don’t recall your name.”
“I am Brandon Knight, alpha of the Silver Panther pride. It is a pleasure to see you again, sweet Giselle. You are even more beautiful than I remember.” He reached down and captured her hand in his huge grasp and tugged it to his lips. Instead of kissing the back of her hand, he turned it over to place a kiss in her palm, allowing his lips to linger on her skin a little longer than necessary.
Her face flushed a deep pink, even as her body shivered with delight. Such a traitor! I definitely need to take the edge off tonight or I am going to end up jumping a stranger’s bones! “It is nice to finally formally meet you, Mr. Knight. I have to get back to work. Are you attending the party tonight?”
“Please, call me Brandon. And, yes, ma’am, we will be staying here for a few weeks in preparation for the birth of our goddaughters.”
“Please call me Giselle, I feel like an old spinster when I am called ma’am.” A mischievous spark flashed in the violet depths of his eyes. Giselle felt the moisture gush from her hot, throbbing pussy. Oh my gosh, I could drown in the depths of those violet puddles of ecstasy. I wonder what they would look like in the throes of passion, where he is teetering between man and beast in the brink of orgasm. Aaah, I bet he could do more than ease this damn ache in my pants. Fuck! Snap out of it, Giselle Shalay! I am becoming worse than a teenager! I am a freakin’ grown-ass woman for shit’s sake. Quit dreaming about these damn shifters and focus on reality! She willed up her best poker face and squared her shoulders. “I am sure that you will enjoy the party then. It was very nice to see you again, Brandon. Now if you will excuse me…” she stated in the most professional business tone she could manage with her damn nipples scraping against the lace of her bra. As she moved forward to make her leave, he caught her by the arm. A small snicker erupted from him as he spun her to face him.
“I will most definitely enjoy the party as long as you are there, Giselle. You can run from me now, but tonight I won’t let you off so easy.” He let his thumb lightly caress small circles on the crook of her arm. “I will see you later, madam.” A gleam darted across his eyes, giving her a quick glimpse of the meaning behind the words as the panther inside flashed its appearance. He noticed how her heartbeat kicked up a notch, and the smell of arousal wafted to his nose. He flashed one last cocky smile and released her. She stood transfixed, before finally shaking her head slightly and walking away. What is it with men wanting me to run and telling me I can’t hide? She rushed to the counter to dive into orders, not allowing herself to an
alyze what the hell had just happened.
* * * *
Brandon Knight about buckled to his knees the moment he walked into the café and his panther began to snarl and lunge toward the beautiful witch seated in the last bench. He had to fight his cat to keep from pressing her face down on the table and ramming his cock into her while he claimed her. He had come to believe that he would never find his one and only true mate. He was pure alpha, and he had accepted that being the leader of the pride was his only destiny. Holy shit was he wrong. Fate may have procrastinated, but it was well worth the wait the moment he laid eyes on the exotic gem that his cat seemed so certain was his. Thank you, God. Their pride originated from the Brazilian rainforest, but his particular chapter was stationed in the Ozark Mountains. He was close enough that he wouldn’t be putting his pride in danger if he decided to stay a little longer than planned. Which, decisions weren’t necessary…after getting a whiff of her amazing scent. She was his new drug, and he was oh so addicted.
The moment his fingers made contact with her warm, soft skin, his need for her roared to the surface. She was magnificent. His panther purred and settled, lying down to roll and play. He knew the fever would set in hard and soon, so he needed to work fast. It was a bit startling how his panther reacted so fiercely in their first true meeting of their mate. It usually wasn’t so brutal. With a huge smile, he exited the café to unload his baggage. This was going to be an interesting and very exciting evening.
