Spark of a Wolf [Eyes of Darkness Series Book 2]

by Christy Poff

  "Tell me to stop if this is wrong."

  "No, Sean, we'll be fine."

  "Then may we be forgiven for whatever comes next,” he groaned as he mounted her. She cried out as he drove his heated cock deep into her waiting pussy. Pulling her close, his arm circled her waist to hold her tight against him while his other went to her breasts. He cupped one breast with his hand while pinning the other one between his forearm and her body. The feel of their bodies joined together drove Sean. With very deliberate movements, he took them over the edge again, only this time, a new release came over them.

  He withdrew his cock and eased her to her back, then gazed at her.

  "You're amazing, Sean."

  "You've got me beat,” he said as he laved her nipple, then suckled it. She arched her body to be closer, needing him. Sean wanted to make slow, lazy love to his wife but his inner beast drove him with a need to brand her as his. Rhiannon sensed his need and encouraged him to take her any way he desired.

  Sean's natural urges took over as he kissed her. His mouth covered hers as his tongue dove into her mouth to explore it while dancing with hers. He squeezed her breast before he left her gasping for air while he suckled her nipple.

  "Your tits are so...” he began, leaving his thought unsaid. He felt his body embrace the lupine in him while sensing his wife's need. In a meeting of both mind and body, Sean and Rhiannon changed at the same time. She immediately went to all fours to give him access to her core. The lobo bent over his mate, nipping the nape of her neck. He thrust his cock into her and drove into her, Rhiannon held in place. Together, they howled as he filled her. Spent, both wolves slid to the bed.

  Sean?

  Hmmm.

  Julian ordered me not to change.

  Are you all right?

  Yes, I'm where I truly belong.

  Rhiannon, I never stopped loving you.

  I love you, my wolf.

  Am I staying?

  Without question. We need you. I need you.

  They fell asleep as wolves, locked to each other in more ways than either could ever have imagined.

  * * * *

  Several weeks later, Rhiannon woke to find herself alone in the huge bed in the master suite at Sean's ranch.

  "Sean?"

  Hearing no answer, Rhiannon slid from the bed and padded to the bathroom. She wanted a shower to ease her back pain. Since their reunion, she'd grown larger, Julian confining her to bed for the remainder of her pregnancy. Thanks to her unique condition, she neared the end of her term, two months longer than a normal wolf's, while half a human's. She'd gone through every emotion possible. Rhiannon was physically and emotionally spent.

  She smiled as the warmth of the water wrapped her in its comfort. The pulsing of the shower massage eased her body's aches for the time being. She felt wonderful, though a little lost thanks to her mate's absence.

  Once she toweled dry, she walked to the window languishing in the warm rays of the morning sun on her naked body. Her body reacted to the heat, her nipples firm and her pussy desiring his cock. Since her return to Sean's ranch, the time spent in their bedroom was time where she relaxed naked and free.

  After their change during their sexual reunion, Julian watched her carefully for adverse reactions. Fortunately, she had not suffered anything but her father's stern warning not to do it again. She had behaved, even though her internal fight became more difficult during the full moon.

  Voices in the sitting room to the master suite sent her back to bed and under the covers. If it had been only Sean, it would have made no difference but she refused to be exposed to others, even her family.

  Elizabeth Hawthorne burst into the room, her elation overwhelming.

  "Mother, what..."

  "Your Sean has been a very busy man."

  "What do you mean?” Rhi asked, confused. Sean had taken an open-ended leave of absence until after she delivered their children and they'd been inseparable.

  What do you have up your sleeve?

  You'll find out soon enough, baby.

  Rhiannon smiled. Since they reunited, he'd pampered her with adoring attention, gifts, and his pure love. He'd surprised her with a diamond solitaire engagement ring when he asked her to marry him, although no date had been set. He'd placed a standing order for roses to be delivered once a week and shown her his romantic side.

  "What's going on?"

  "I don't know, but he wants you to wear something beautiful."

  Rhiannon slipped out of bed with the sheet wrapped around her. She went into the closet and pulled out a black Jersey dress with a plunging V-neckline and three-quarter sleeves. It gracefully draped over her as it fell to just above her knees. She wore nothing underneath because at this point, she couldn't stand the feeling of confinement. She slid her feet into a pair of low-heeled pumps, brushed her hair, and followed her mother out of the room.

  She gasped when they stepped into the living room. The furniture had been rearranged. Flowers of all types adorned the room, giving it an air of romance along with the numerous candles flickering away.

  Sean joined her and gave her a kiss.

  "What do you think?"

  "It's beautiful. What are you up to?"

  "I want our daughters born with a real family and with their mother married to their father. Call me old-fashioned, but I want you to be Mrs. Sean McMurray now and forever."

  "Sean, I don't know what to say."

  "Yes, baby. Say yes,” he whispered to her while holding back the urge to nip her.

  She threw her arms around his neck and told him yes in no uncertain terms. Sean guided her to the fireplace where Hunter Lockwood waited with a strange man she'd never seen before. Off to the side, Elizabeth joined Julian as Gabriel, Damon and the others stood behind them.

  "Rhi, I'd like you to meet Father Bradfield."

  "Rhiannon, it's a pleasure to finally meet the woman who can tame his wild heart."

  "Thank you but I think he's tamed me—at least, for the moment."

  After a brief service, the father pronounced them husband and wife. Sean kissed his wife, then led her to the couch where he told her to relax. She gazed at the gold wedding band sitting on her finger, awed by everything Sean had given her.

  They enjoyed an intimate dinner with their guests before Elizabeth chased everyone home in order to let Rhiannon get some rest. She'd been watching her daughter, worried about overtiring her.

  When Sean walked her and Julian to the door, she startled them both.

  "Sean, she's ready to deliver. You'll have to watch her."

  "Why?"

  "Depending on the way she's destined, she could give birth either way."

  "I don't understand."

  "If she gives birth as she is now, either get her to The Sanctuary or call us immediately. If she decides to change, follow her and let it go however she wants. Be there for her every moment. I don't want her left alone."

  "I promise."

  "We'll wait to hear from you."

  Sean closed the door behind them and thought for a moment about what Elizabeth had just told him. It concerned him because of the unknowns about where his wife would give birth to their daughters. He walked into the library where his wife waited for him.

  "Well, Mrs. McMurray, how do you feel?"

  "Like I can take on the world. Did I tell you how great you look in black?"

  "Not yet."

  "You do. It's your color."

  "So do you, baby,” he complimented as he took her in his arms.

  "Can we go for a walk? I'm going stir crazy upstairs."

  "Sure, why not?” Sean said as he grabbed a blanket and some bath sheets.

  * * * *

  They went out the back and through the rose garden. She left her shoes on the patio, loving the damp grass bathing her feet in the evening dew. They found themselves nearing the open glen Sean loved so much. Sean watched her and something told him Elizabeth's prediction was about to come true.

  "Rhi?"<
br />
  "What?"

  "Why don't we go back?"

  "No, my wolf, come to me."

  He put the blankets and towels down on a log, then went to his wife. She appeared even more beautiful in the moonlight.

  "Rhi, baby...” he stopped when her fingers went to his lips.

  "Don't ask any questions.” He nodded. “My wolf, undress me and seduce your pregnant wife."

  "Yes, ma'am."

  Sean kissed her, then stepped back. He removed his Prada suit and silk shirt, laying them off to the side. She gasped when she saw how much he wanted her, his cock begging for her attention. He came to her and pulled her closer. He kissed her again, this time, a deeply passionate one. As he did, his hands slipped to the hem of her dress and pulled it above her hips.

  He held her ass while their kiss deepened more. A quick check found his wife hot and wet, ready for him.

  Next, he pushed the dress over her head and dropped it at their feet. His cock throbbed against her swollen belly, Rhiannon moaned. He grinned when she jumped at his touch on her sensitive nipples. Rhiannon melted into his arms.

  "Sean?"

  "What?” he asked, his breathing erratic from barely touching her.

  "It's time."

  "Time?"

  She winced as she dropped to her knees. Before his eyes, she changed to her beautiful silvery gray wolf. She began to pace and tamp down the grass to make a comfortable spot to lie down. She looked at him and cried. More pacing and she finally settled down on her side. Sean went to her, cautiously slid his arm under her neck, and held her close.

  "I'm here, baby."

  I know.

  Sean coached her through the birth of her litter of four pups, the smallest unable to survive. Sean wrapped the little one in a towel so they could bury her in the family plot.

  Rhi whimpered. Sean looked back at her and saw her pups suckling and getting the first chance to bond with her. Spent, she lay back and looked at him.

  "How will they be able to change?"

  It's instinct, my wolf. They'll be fine.

  "I'm sorry about the little one."

  I knew one would probably not make it thanks to the taser stress. I'm sorry I didn't...

  "Don't. You did everything you could. Be thankful Gliickman had no idea."

  Rhiannon's relief washed over her. She knew one would not make it, dreading his reaction. Bad enough his wife changed and had pups but to lose one ... Sean had been her rock and she felt his support and strength flowing through her.

  Sean leaned over to where he piled his clothes and pulled out his cell phone to call Julian. Once he knew, he sent a helicopter to bring them to The Sanctuary for post-natal care. They had agreed to this as a way to ease their family into their Aspen life. Julian had the facility set up for newborns, Rhiannon not the first maternity. Julian would also make the funeral arrangements.

  He looked back to his wife and family. She relaxed while they nursed. Sean stroked her fur and she closed her eyes, cherishing his touch.

  "How do you feel?"

  Exhausted and sore. Their little teeth hurt but they've helped my stomach with their pawing for milk.

  "Julian's on his way."

  Good.

  "He'll make the arrangements for our little one."

  He's good at those things, she told him, her eyes closing. The sound of a helicopter overhead caught her attention. Get the girls before they run.

  While the craft landed, Sean covered his family startled by the overwhelming bird in the meadow with them. Julian stepped from the helicopter and ran over to them, followed by Gabriel and Damon. They carried a specially designed stretcher for mother and daughters.

  Elizabeth's foresight had been incredible years back when she designed the pack's maternity stretcher, a combination of a normal emergency rig and a high-sided Stokes basket used in technical rescues. As planned, it could hold a mother and her children.

  Julian praised her and explained what would be happening. Holt and his brother went to lift Rhiannon into the padded carrier. A growl stopped them.

  "Ok, McMurray. I got the picture,” Gabriel said as he backed away. Rhiannon smiled to herself, Sean catching it. While Julian tended their daughters, Sean made sure his wife was comfortable. Julian replaced their daughters at her side, then they were taken to the waiting aircraft.

  Sean, their ears...

  "Julian, Rhi's concerned about their ears."

  "Taken care of. While you were snarling at Gabriel, I put pediatric earplugs in. They'll be fine,” he explained as relief washed over Rhiannon.

  Sean put on headsets and sat next to her. As the pilot fired up the aircraft, Sean slipped his hands over her ears to try to ease it for her.

  Thank you, my wolf.

  Chapter 17

  Sean stayed with Rhiannon the entire time after they'd left the house for their walk. Being a part of their daughters’ birth had been one of the most amazing things he'd ever had the privilege to be a part of.

  He kissed her forehead while he stroked her neck, her fur soft. Her head rested on his arm, his wife content.

  Julian joined them and smiled.

  "Your little ones are resting. Do you feel up to changing?"

  She blinked slowly before they watched the beautiful silvery gray wolf change back to Sean's gorgeous wife. Sean slipped a robe around her and supported her exhausted body.

  "Are you all right, baby?"

  "I'm tired but I'm fine. How are they?"

  "They're perfect. Their weights are in a good range and they took well to feeding. I'll give you what you need formula-wise to get started.” He quickly checked his daughter out, pleased with his findings.

  "When will the girls change, Julian?"

  "We should get it done now. Are you up to this?"

  "What do I have to do?"

  "Coax them. Both of you talk to them either way and help them through this."

  "Let's get this over with. I don't know how much more she can take right now. She's so very weak."

  "You would be, too, my wolf, if you had just given birth and gone through two shape-shifts."

  Sean kissed her as he lifted her in his arms to take her to the nursery where their daughters waited. After they entered the room, three medium gray wolf pups bounded to them. Their sensitive sense of smell told them their mother and father had come to them.

  Sean knelt down and helped her to sit on the floor with them. They nuzzled her, playful and wanting attention, while seeking protection. Sean involved himself and smiled when she reassured them their father would protect them all.

  "Why don't we do this one at a time?” Rhi suggested.

  "Are you ready with names?” Julian asked.

  She looked at Sean and they nodded. Rhiannon reached for one while Sean held the other two. Elizabeth, who had quietly slipped into the nursery, stood ready with baby blankets.

  "I name you Jaci. It is time for you to show what a pretty little girl you are.” Before them, Jaci shifted shape from wolf pup to human infant. Elizabeth took her after her parents welcomed her. Rhiannon held their second pup.

  "Nissa McMurray, become like Jaci, and let's see you."

  Nissa wiggled a little, then changed. Welcomed into their family, Rhiannon handed her to Elizabeth.

  "Come here, Casey,” Rhiannon said as she took her from Sean. She coaxed her third daughter to change, but Casey had a little bit of trouble. Both Sean and Rhiannon mind-spoke to her to help her out. It took a little bit, but Casey McMurray finally changed. Her parents welcomed her before Elizabeth took her and wrapped her in a warm blanket.

  "They're beautiful, Rhi,” Julian complimented.

  "Just like their mother,” Sean agreed.

  After Julian checked them out, he told them their daughters were perfect and healthy.

  "Is Casey..."

  "Too soon to tell if she suffered that day or not. I'm confident she's like her father, a late changer."

  Relief overwhelming them, parents and gr
andparents laughed.

  "Congratulations to you both. I'm relieved everything worked out for everyone's sake,” Julian said.

  They looked over to the future of the pack as their princesses slept. Julian sighed, elated for them all. He knew the pack would be safe in their hands when he decided to step down. Rhiannon would be strong like her mother and now Sean had realized his true destiny. Julian knew he would protect them all to the death, a true prince among wolves.

  * * * *

  While one of Rhi's cousins watched over Jaci, Nissa, and Casey, the rest of the pack went to the family graveyard at the McMurray ranch. While they listened to Father Bradfield's service, they shared in Sean and Rhi's grief over the death of their fourth daughter.

  "As we say good-bye to Leanne, a small light in this world, we pray she'll find peace on her new journey."

  They recited the Lord's Prayer before Father Bradfield ended with a final prayer. Everyone left to go up to the house for brunch. Sean and Rhi remained behind, both needing to be alone.

  Sean's arm held her close while Rhiannon cried. Old feelings flooded back as she remembered what had brought them to this point. He picked up on her thoughts and the second-guessing.

  "What?"

  "Don't. You did everything you could."

  "I still wonder."

  "I know you did everything. I felt you and believe me, I thank whoever watches over us, because I could have lost all of you."

  Sean pulled her tight against him. He wanted to hold her and run with her.

  We need to be together like this.

  I know. I need you.

  "Let's go then. Elizabeth and Julian will cover for us."

  Sean and Rhiannon walked away from the cemetery and away from the ranch. In another meadow on the huge property, he stopped her and pulled her to him. His hand went to her face as he gazed into her eyes.

  "I love you, Rhiannon, now and always. I need you with me or my life will not be complete. I mourn our daughter, but rejoice over the others. You've given me three gorgeous daughters whose father will end up being very busy fending off all the wolves who want to date them."