Going the Distance

by Mandy M. Roth

  She confused him on every level possible. She should have been frightened of him, of the animal he was more than capable of being. She wasn’t. If anything, it seemed to spur her onward. She wiggled, bucking against him.

  Carri bit at Quinn’s jawline, wanting more, frustrated he was holding back. He held her wrists with one hand and trailed the other lower, over her neck, her shoulder and her breast. He paused when he reached her nipple, skating his thumb over the hard nub. Pleasure radiated through her upper body, moving downward, centering between her thighs.

  “Quinn,” she panted, breathless with desire.

  “Last chance, darlin’,” he pushed out, his voice edgy. “Tell me to go or I will be inside you before you know it and I won’t stop. I’ll take you until neither of us can move.”

  The promise of passion too great to resist. She felt wanton. Free. His hand slid lower, over her hip and onto her thigh. A devilish gleam lit his gaze as he worked his hand between her legs. A finger slipped into her panties before easing into her heated core. She gasped, feelings the likes of which she’d never experienced before crashing over her, stealing the very air from her lungs.

  He found her sweet spot and massaged her clit with his thumb, dipping his finger in and out of her heat. Absently, Quinn continued the sensual onslaught until she was positive she’d burst. She writhed against him, his body unyielding.

  Austere possessiveness shone on his face. He wanted her and she knew it. The feeling liberated her, pushing her over the edge of culmination and into blissful madness. She cried out, her orgasm rippling throughout her body.

  Evidence of her pleasure coated Quinn’s fingers. He lifted them, tasting her, his eyes swirling with the beast. His jaw tightened and he let the nails on one hand emerge. With care, he sliced through the thin barrier separating him from paradise before retracting his claws.

  Releasing her wrists, he stared down at her before lifting her. Carri wrapped her legs around his waist, seeming as eager as he to have more.

  He took hold of himself, guiding his hardness into her silken depths. He was slow at first, easing his cock in, inch by painfully slow inch. Her cunt was excruciatingly tight. He bent, kissing her, claiming her mouth as his own as he did to her body. Her pussy yielded, accepting him fully. He stilled. The moment too pure and perfect to deny.

  Her drenched folds fluttered around him and he gave over that tiny piece of himself he’d been holding back. With a roar, he slammed into her, pumping furiously. She clung to him, giving as good as she got. She nipped playfully at his shoulder, kissing his neck and jaw. It was glorious torture. The kind he could more than get used to. Being in her chased away every thought of the years he’d spent under the thumb of madmen. It left him feeling free.

  “Quinn,” she sighed, holding tight to his shoulders.

  He continued moving in and out of her, dipping his head and sucking gently on a nipple through her T-shirt. Two years of waiting, of longing, of pent up energy poured forth and he branded her with his body and mouth. The minute his kisses reached her neck, Quinn lost his hold on the beast. The wolf surged forth, taking control of his actions. He was powerless as he thrust into her, biting into her flesh at the same time.

  Carri cried out and rode him harder and faster. She laced her hands into his hair and held his head in place, moaning, her body tightening around his. The coppery taste of her blood filled his mouth. His eyes burned with the change and he fought with all he had to prevent a full shift. Turning into a wolf in the middle of sex with a human wasn’t something he could permit to happen. He’d already gone too far. His actions now were irreversible.

  He exploded, releasing his seed deep within her womb at the same moment he eased his mouth from her neck, licking the wound to encourage rapid healing. He dropped his forehead to hers, unable to so much as move as pleasure washed over him.

  Carri made a sexy sound and sprinkled kisses on his cheeks, nose and jaw. “Mmm, that was…wow.”

  He chuckled. “Yeah, it was,” he affirmed, his voice raspy as he gained control of his beast little by little.

  It took several minutes for him to be able to withdraw from her and set her on her feet. She didn’t move far. In fact, she slipped her arms around his waist and put her cheek to his chest. The action was simple, yet made foreign feelings stir within him. He did what felt natural. He returned the embrace, holding her close and kissing the top of her head.

  She caressed his chest. “The wounds from before are healed,” she said. “Why is it you have scars when there isn’t a mark on you from earlier?”

  He smiled, inhaling the fresh scent of her hair. “Because only another werewolf or supernatural can do damage to me that leaves lasting scars.”

  She traced one such scar with her tongue. His cock jerked to life. “I hate knowing you were hurt there.”

  “It’s all right,” he soothed. “After the first few months, I just accepted it.”

  “First few months?” she asked, leaning back and staring up at him. “How long were you there?”

  “Since that night in the alley.”

  Her expression fell and she paled considerably. “Jason had you there, locked away like a…like a…” She grew quiet for a minute or so. “I should have known.” She stepped back. “He was so good to me. Too good in fact. Always saying the perfect thing, always doing everything he could to keep me happy.”

  “As it should be,” Quinn managed to force out. He wanted to shout, to shake her and demand to know how she could have ever allowed Mickens near her, let alone to touch her.

  She shook her head. “No. It was forced. Practiced. I think I was in denial. I’d been with him almost a year when the attack occurred. There were glimpses of his real personality but I ignored them. After the attack, he seemed to go to the extreme to watch over me, to be the perfect boyfriend and fiancé. Sure, we had our ups and downs. We even had a few on a break periods, but aside from that, he never showed his true colors.”

  Wanting to growl at her, to dominate her every thought and move for daring to be with a man like Mickens, Quinn took a deep breath, reminding himself she wasn’t the enemy. Mickens was. Still, a sense of betrayal hung in the air. He wanted to tell her it was all right, that he forgave her, but he honestly wasn’t sure he could.

  She’s not the one to blame.

  He lifted her hand and brought it to his lips with the intention of kissing her palm to ease the worry from her face. His gaze slid over her hand and he noticed a faint jagged scar near her wrist. Rage stirred in him as he remembered the sight of the wound when it had been fresh. “I should have gotten to you sooner.”

  “Quinn.” She averted her gaze. “I know what you did. I asked around and found out about why it was you licked the wound.” Pain reflected in her eyes. “You saved my life and gave up your own in the process.”

  He didn’t want to discuss the matter further. The past couldn’t be undone and even if it could, the chance it could somehow alter what he had now with Carri made it a moot point. He wouldn’t give her up. Not now. Not ever.

  She feathered kisses over his chest, paying special attention to his scars. Her fingers skimmed the edges of the skull tattoo upon his upper pec. He’d sensed her emotions when she’d learned they’d branded him in such a manner. Her tongue slinked over it and his cock jerked to life.

  “Carri,” he whispered as she sank lower, continuing to rain kisses down upon him.

  Looking up, her gaze sultry, she nipped at the skin on his abdomen.

  His jaw went slack. It was official. She was going to kill him slowly. Her torture came in the form of teasing him. Quinn reached for her with the intention of pulling her up and whisking her into the bed. She had other things planned.

  Carri cupped Quinn’s sac gently, massaging his balls. She drew in a deep breath, his scent making her wild with lust. His shaft bobbed, brushing her cheek as if demanding she take it within her mouth. Smiling, she took hold of it and pressed her lips to the tip.

  Quin
n made an odd sound and swayed slightly.

  A giggle escaped her as she pinched the skin at the base of his dick. His hand found its way into her hair and he began to guide her actions somewhat as she eased her mouth over his cockhead. She swirled her tongue around his shaft as best she could. He was too big to take all the way into her mouth so she used her hands to provide sensation to the remaining portion of his cock.

  He faltered and for a moment, Carri was sure he’d fall. Somehow, he stayed upright, his fingers still in her hair, guiding her head. She moved it up and down, his cock going deep, striking the back of her throat. Saliva built, adding lubrication as she fucked him with her mouth. She wanted to give him pleasure. To do something just for him because he’d been denied even the basics for so long.

  Quinn yanked her off his cock and she whimpered, trying to take it in her mouth once more. “No, beautiful,” he said, lifting her and taking her to the queen-sized bed. He turned her body and leaned over her, the action leaving his hard shaft pressing to the cleft of her ass. “I want to come in you.”

  Without warning, he speared her wet pussy. She grabbed at the sheets, yanking and biting on them as she cried out. He felt even bigger this way, if that were even possible.

  Quinn’s hands found her breasts and he toyed with them as he pumped in and out of her, his sac slapping her clit. Wet, sucking noises arose from their lovemaking, only serving to drive her even madder with desire.

  Retreating, he made her think he was done. She glanced over her shoulder at him and the feral look in his eyes made additional cream form between her legs. He slammed into her with a force that shook the bed. It squeaked and she was vaguely aware of screaming something close to his name. He kept going, kept pounding, the action becoming numbing.

  “Fuck,” he panted. “You feel so good.”

  He filled her more.

  “Quinn,” she pleaded, needing a release he seemed to be withholding.

  “I know, beautiful,” he coaxed, his arm reaching around her before his fingers found her swollen clit. He rubbed it, bringing tiny gasps from her as shards of pleasure ripped through her lower stomach.

  Quinn leaned over her, penetrating her womb even deeper. He grunted and she did the same. Her slit seemed to grasp him, demanding more. Her breath hitched and she struck her fist on the mattress.

  “Harder,” she commanded.

  He obliged, increasing his pace and power. With a bit of careful maneuvering on his part, he was suddenly striking her sweet spot, deep within. “You like that?”

  A nod was all Carri could manage as her orgasm picked then to close in on her. She thrashed, bucking against him as her entire body shook. Quinn slammed into her, rooting in place as his seed filled her once more.

  Cupping her ass, Quinn stayed in place, staring down at Carri. He exhaled slowly, his body feeling completely spent. She was the single most beautiful thing he’d ever laid eyes on. She curved her back up towards him, his cock still nestled in her cunt.

  He tickled her spine lightly, dragging his knuckle down it. She wiggled on his cock and he chuckled. “Keep that up and I’ll end up taking you again. I’m not sure you could handle that right now. You’re going to be sore enough as it is come morning.”

  “I know,” she said, staring back at him, looking all too pleased with the idea.

  He bent forward, his lips finding hers as he withdrew from her body. He kissed her lips gently and then stood.

  She followed, rising to her feet as well. He wrapped his arms around her, his hands splaying over her abdomen. He was no fool. He knew there was a very real chance she could be carrying his child. The idea didn’t strike terror in him as it once did, before he’d met Carri.

  Kissing her shoulder, he nodded towards the bed. “Climb in. You need some rest. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow.”

  She grabbed his hand, tugging gently on him as she turned to face him. Her breasts jiggled, distracting him. “You’re leaving, aren’t you?”

  He stilled at the sound of sorrow in her voice. “I have to get in touch with some people. Friends of mine who probably think I’m dead like the rest of the world does. They can help us.”

  She held tight to him. “Stay. Please.”

  “Carri,” he said, his tone even.

  Her bottom lip came out in a pout. “Please.”

  As much as he wanted to give into her, he couldn’t. Mickens wasn’t the type of man to take losing his prized fighting machine and his woman lying down. He’d come at them sideways, when they’d least expect it. Quinn needed to be sure actions were set in motion to protect Carri. She was his only concern. She was also radiating anger.

  Huffing, she stalked towards the bed, refusing to look back at him. He hid his amusement, focusing instead on the sway of her ass. He bent, retrieving the towel from the floor. He went to the pile of clothes Crosby had brought up and glanced at Carri once more. He inhaled slowly debating on letting her in on the fact she was now, as far his people were concerned, his wife. Quinn needed time to absorb the truth of the matter himself before he could even think of explaining it to her.

  Toweling off their combined juices, he thought more on the fact he now had a wife. Smiling was an option but he got the sense Carri might actually do something drastic if she thought he was happy about pissing her off—which he wasn’t. Going to her now would end in her being flat on her back and him deep within her. He’d meant what he’d said before. She would already be sore come morning from how aggressive he’d been with her.

  Quinn dressed quickly and exited, feeling the heavy weight of her stare on him the entire time. Yep. She was good and pissed. He was damn happy she didn’t have access to the electric prods the guards had used on him. He already could guess where she’d stick him with it.

  Wincing, Quinn cupped himself and shook his head.

  Always good to know your wife can strike fear in you, he mused.

  He had some things to handle and they were too dangerous for Carri to join him. Crosby would assure she was safe and when Quinn finished, he’d come back and try to do right by her or at the very least, attempt to forgive her for ever being with Mickens in the first place.

  Chapter Five

  A glimpse of the morning sun peeked up slowly, partially hidden by the high buildings of the city. Concern held Carri in its grip. She’d not slept a wink since Quinn’s departure. After dressing and attempting to go in search of him, she found the man from the front desk less than willing to allow her to leave.

  She snorted. Crosby actually had the nerve to toss her over his shoulder and carry her up the stairs, depositing her on the bed but not before she gave him several scratches and left him limping.

  Grinning, Carri couldn’t help but think about the look on Crosby’s face when she hauled off and decked him. It was classic, but not as good as when she kneed him in the groin. Unfortunately, once he realized she was a fighter and wouldn’t stand idly by waiting for Quinn to handle all the world’s problems, Crosby tossed her over his shoulder and carried her up the stairs, threatening to choke Quinn for daring to leave him with a woman who was incapable of listening.

  She stared out the window, seeing the same elderly woman in rags that she’d seen only hours before. The woman glanced nervously up in Carri’s direction and Carri took a step back, allowing the flimsy curtain to fall back into place.

  Don’t be paranoid. She’s probably looking for cans or something.

  She laughed nervously and fiddled with the ends of her hair as she often did when she was stressed. The ticking of the clock was a constant reminder of how long Quinn had been gone.

  Maybe he’s not coming back, she thought. He’s probably long gone by now.

  Footfalls in the hallway caught her attention. Moving towards the door, Carri twisted her hands repeatedly, wondering if Quinn had returned or not. The handle rattled and her lips curved into a slow smile as relief swept over her.

  It died the instant the door burst open.

  Jason stoo
d there, his hair disheveled, the suit he’d been in when she’d last seen him rumpled and dirty. His eyes were bloodshot and his expression wasn’t one a sane man would wear. He twitched uncontrollably, digging at his inner arm.

  Looking closer, she noted the track marks on his arm. Jason wasn’t a junkie. Far from it. Yet, the evidence was there, staring her in the face. “W-what did you do?”

  He cracked his knuckles, his hands shaking and his foot tapping. “Put myself on a level playing field with that monster, darlin’.”

  It felt as if someone had dumped a bucket of ice on her. The Jason she thought she knew was gone—perhaps he had never truly existed. “You took that medicine you’ve been working on. The one your guys were all worried about having given me.”

  He dug at his wrist, acting as if something were crawling on him. After a few seconds worth of that, Jason smacked himself on the cheek and growled. The noise was anything but human.

  Carri stared around the hotel room, searching for a way past him or even something to use to defend herself. There was nothing.

  Flashing a dark smile, Jason entered more. “Carri, darling, I was worried about you.”

  Her heart thumped madly when she realized he wasn’t alone. Several of his men filed into the room, crowding her. Backing into the corner, she stared at the man in front of her. Jason was a complete stranger to her now.

  He sneered, staring around the room. “I see the animal likes to slum it. I’m surprised he didn’t just take you into a back alley and bend you over. Isn’t that what his kind do?”

  “He’s not an animal!” she shouted, knowing it was foolish to provoke him but unable to stop herself.

  “Oh, really?” Jason asked, lifting a brow in question. “I beg to differ, Carri. You see, I didn’t spend two years of time and money keeping that bastard away from you just so you could fall into the sack with him the minute you saw him again.”

  She shook, rage and terror taking hold of her.

  He laughed, the sound anything but jovial. “Are you going to defend him again? Is he really that good in bed? Like screwing dogs? Huh? Animals do it for you?”