by Mary Abshire
Anna’s silence while he drove worried him. She stared at the windshield as if she were lost in thought. She’d been through so much and he’d added more for her to ponder over. At least his confession was a good one, or so he hoped it had been.
“I’m sorry if I overwhelmed you,” he said.
“It’s a lot for me right now. I need some time.”
The words hadn’t been what he’d hoped to hear, but he could understand her logic. While she considered her options, he’d find a way to prove he was the right man for her.
From the central part of town, Zale steered down a curvy county road. The few homes on each side sat on acres of land. Many of his fellow agents had complained how he lived so far from the city, but Zale loved the quiet area. As he approached his two-story house, he slowed his SUV.
“This is your home?” she asked.
“Yep.”
Rocks crunched under the weight of the Explorer as he drove down the driveway. A few years after he’d purchased the property, Zale had built the three car detached garage with the help of a few friends. His bike and tools consumed one side of the structure, leaving just enough room for his vehicle and a guest’s.
He pressed the button under his rearview mirror for the doublewide door to lift.
“Have you lived here long?” she asked.
“About twenty-five years. I spent the first couple fixing the house up.” He stopped the vehicle in the garage. His motorcycle sat idle several feet away.
“You own a bike too?”
“I love riding when I have time.”
“Me too, but I haven’t been able to in the last couple of years. Been too busy.”
He cut the ignition. “Stay here and I’ll carry you in.”
Keys in hand, he left the car and walked around to the passenger side. Of course, Anna hadn’t listened to him.
She left the blanket on the seat and shut the door. “How much land do you own?”
“I’m not sure the exact number, but at least a hundred acres. Half of it is wooded. The city keeps sending letters asking if I want to sell a few and I keep tossing the mail in the trash.”
She stepped toward him. “If I were you, I’d never sell. It’s difficult to find a nice piece of land outside metropolitan areas.”
Her comment gave him reason to believe she liked the quiet country life too. And he recalled she knew how to ride a bike. Zale believed they had a lot more in common. They just didn’t know it yet.
“I can carry you to the house,” he said as she took slow steps.
“I can walk. I need to.”
He took her arm and hand before he wrapped his other behind her. “I’m not letting you go.”
She grinned. “I’m not that weak, Zale. I can walk. If you want to get the cooler, I can wait for you at the door.”
“I’ll come back for it.”
She gripped his hand as he escorted her to the entrance on the side of the house. The outside light shined over the large trash bin.
She gripped his hand as he helped her up the few concrete steps. “You have incredible heat. I can’t seem to get enough of it. I can even feel it radiating from beneath your clothes.”
“I have plenty to offer with or without clothes on.” If she wanted him to strip and cover her with his body, he’d do it. He’d cuddle with her for the rest of the morning and all day. He was willing to do anything to please her.
He shoved his key into the deadbolt.
“Your offer is tempting, werewolf. I’m not entirely healed, but I am fully functional,” she said.
Zale straightened and met her gaze. His cock awakened while his heart gained extra beats. He shouldn’t have been thinking about all the things he wanted to do to her in his bed, but he was.
Grinning, she twisted the knob and pushed the door open. Zale followed her inside and flipped on the light. She squinted until her eyes adjusted.
“Would you like a tour of the house?” After he shut the door, he came to stand beside her in the middle of the kitchen.
“Perhaps tomorrow. Right now, I’d like to take a hot shower and clean up.” She rubbed her arms.
“Sure. Follow me.”
He strode into the hall and then stopped at the door under the stairs. After he swung the door open, he flipped the switch. Light spilled down the staircase to the basement. He twisted to face her. “Do you want me to carry you? The steps are a little steep.”
She squeezed past him, brushing her shoulder across his chest. “I’m not that weak.” Holding onto the rail on one side, she descended the stairs.
Zale trailed her. “You’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like. I haven’t had any guests down here in a long time.”
Although he’d had female company in his home days before he’d met Anna, the gal had stayed upstairs in his bed. In fact, all of the women he’d brought to his home stayed upstairs with him instead of in the basement.
She stopped and looked around. “This is a big.”
“I have a guest room, a weight room, and a full bathroom. Oh, and the laundry room.”
“And a mini kitchen or bar.” She pointed to the area left of the stairs.
“Both, except it’s missing a stove. The refrigerator works fine. I can put your bags in it.”
“Where’s the guest room?”
He circled her and strode down the hall, passing the laundry and bathroom on the right. The door at the end led to bedroom. He entered and turned on the light. The king size bed lacked covers.
“It’s big. And no windows. This will work fine,” she said, rubbing her arms again.
“I’ll get blankets. I can turn on the heat if would make you more comfortable.”
“Please, don’t go out of your way for me. Any thick blankets you have will be fine.” She backed away before she headed down the hall. “I found the bathroom.”
Zale had remodeled the room over a decade ago so it was twice as long. He’d painted the walls a soft green color and installed tile flooring. With the help of a friend, he’d also moved original claw-foot tub from upstairs and put it in the room.
She pushed the curtain aside and sat on the edge of the tub. “You wouldn’t happen to have any bubble bath, would you?”
He ran a hand through his hair. “Uh, no.”
She grinned. “Kidding. This is fine.” She stood.
“I’ll grab your bag and the cooler.”
“Towels?”
He shot his gaze to the empty racks. “I’ll get those too. And blankets.”
“Take your time. I need to clean up. I feel disgusting.” She grabbed the end of her shirt and started to lift it.
Zale spun and then headed for the door. On his way out, he peeked in the mirror. She’d removed her shirt and wasn’t wearing a bra. Heart gaining more beats, he pulled the handle of the door behind him, but left it open a few inches.
His cock continued to stiffen as he jogged up the stairs. He shouldn’t have looked at her, but she was a beautiful sight to see. Her perky breasts looked perfect for his hands to squeeze. He looked forward to the day when he’d get his chance.
Zale jogged to the car. He stacked her bag of clothes on top of the cooler. Before they’d left the DS, he’d shoved her belongings into her single piece of luggage, hoping she’d stay with him indefinitely if all her goods were at his house. As for the blood, a nurse had packed more than enough to last through the next night. But if she’d needed more, he’d find a way to satisfy her thirst.
He returned to the house and set the items on the floor. After he locked the door, he hit the button for the garage to close. He checked out the window above the sink to ensure the door lowered.
Having reclaimed the cooler and bag, he took them both to the basement. He set them near the staircase before he ran back up. Reaching the main floor, he turned and took the steps up to the second level.
Wanting to return to Anna quickly, he hurried as he snatched sheet
s, blankets, and towels from the closet. Arms full, he headed down the staircase. He finished one set, turned the corner, and then continued to the basement.
Splashes from bathroom caught his attention. As he passed by, he peeked between the crack. Steam covered half the mirror, blocking his view of her. He shook his head and kept walking to the bedroom.
He dropped the items on the bed and considered covering it with a sheet until he heard the water shut off. Leaving the covers on the mattress, he grabbed the towels and headed for the bathroom.
Zale stopped outside the door, wondering if he should walk in. The gentlemanly thing to do was to wait. The werewolf wanted to go inside and help dry her body. Then he reminded himself she was his mate. All things good would come with time.
He tapped his knuckles on the door. “I brought towels.”
“You can come in.”
Staring in the cloudy mirror, he entered the steamy room. The plastic curtain crinkled as she pushed it aside. Fighting like hell not to look at her as she stepped from the tub, he set the cloths on the countertop.
“I’ll get your bag with your belongings,” he said before he turned for the door.
“Zale, wait.”
His heart rapped fast. His erection continued to grow. He wanted to look, to touch, to kiss and love her. And if he stayed too long in her naked presence, he doubted he could resist his desires.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Anna stood on the mat, hair sticking to her back and neck while drops of water ran down her wet body. The clean scent of the shampoo she’d used filled the air. Steam clouded the top half of the wide mirror above the vanity. She felt better having washed away all traces of dried blood and dead skin from the blisters.
Several feet away, Zale stood with his back facing her. The fast beat of his heart alerted her to his excitement.
“Please, don’t go.” She grabbed a towel from the counter and then wiped her face.
She’d been debating what to do from the minute he’d announced she was his mate. The possibility seemed too unreal. Yet, the connection between them seemed more than a mutual attraction. She craved his touch, his warmth, and above all, his love. His mere presence soothed her soul. But could she be the woman he could spend the rest of his long life with and be happy? She would never be able to give him children if he wanted them one day. The need to procreate had been instilled in all life forms. If she were truly his mate, would he tire of her in the future and seek the comfort of another woman to bear him children?
“I should get your bag,” he said, avoiding the mirror.
The werewolf’s manners impressed her. His devotion to find her during the day had astounded her. He blew her mind with his dedication toward her. No man had ever pursued her the way he had.
He’d said his heart knew what it wanted. Hers did too. But she feared he’d one day seek companionship with another.
She rubbed the towel over her body as she approached him. “I’ve been thinking about what you told me in the car.”
He inhaled a deep breath and his shoulders rose slowly. “Perhaps you should put some clothes on.”
She set the towel on the counter. He tilted his head and gazed at her reflection. The cloudiness on the mirror had started to disappear, leaving only the top misty.
“Turn around,” she said.
He twisted to face her.
She grazed her fingers down the side of his face and then pressed her palm to his hairy cheek. He closed his eyes for a brief moment.
“I don’t know if I’m your mate, but I’m drawn to you. You’re an incredible man and I want to be with you. But I’m scared,” she said.
He took her hand and then pressed his lips to her palm. “You have nothing to fear while I’m around. I’ll always love and protect you. I would never turn on you or hurt you. I give you my word.”
Staring into his green eyes, she knew without any doubt he would stick to his vow.
“What if you want children in the future?” she asked.
“I don’t need children. As long as I have you, I will always be happy. I don’t want children. I want and need you.”
His commitment sounded genuine. She bit her lip as she fought the urge to kiss him. Her resistance failed. She wrapped her hand around the nape of his neck and pulled him to meet her lips. She’d waited too long for a man such as Zale. If an outbreak occurred or the world ended tomorrow, she wanted to have at least one night with him.
Zale showed restraint while she kissed him. Leaning against his body, she felt the hardness beneath his jeans and the strong vibration of his heartbeat. His warmth surrounded her and gave rise to her own. Mouths locked together, she stroked his tongue. Moaning ever so softly, he slid his arms around her and encased her with his heat. When his fingers glided over her skin, she knew she had to have more of him.
He backed her to the nearby vanity while their tongues continued to entwine. Hands on the edge of the counter, she pulled herself up. He held her face and kissed her with more fervor. Passion swelled within her and fed from his. She yearned to feel more of his touch and more of him.
She tugged on his shirt, eager to feel his flesh next to hers. Zale took the hint. For a brief moment their lips separated while he removed his shirt. He locked his mouth to hers again and covered her breasts with his warm hands. Their tongues took to playing again while he fondled her tits. His touch strengthened her desire tenfold. Tingles of longing coursed through her. The time had come to let go of her past, her fears, and accept his love. She was more than ready.
Anna glided her hands down his torso. Soft hair brushed her fingers. His fast beating heart vibrated under her touch. She pinched his nipples and he reciprocated, squeezing hers. His skin was so soft while the muscles underneath were so hard. Reaching his jeans, she worked to unfasten them. His large bulge beneath his pants had pressed against her apex long enough. While she freed his erection, he sucked on her tongue and massaged her breasts. His passion was real and intense. His feelings were pure and honest. She couldn’t turn away from him anymore. He’d claimed her and now she wanted to claim him.
Having freed his steel rod, he helped her push his pants down his hips. To her surprise he wasn’t wearing underwear. Taking his thick erection into her grasp, she gently stroked it. Groaning, he pinched her nipples between his fingers. Erotic zings flared within her and she whispered a moan.
He broke the kiss, but kept his lips close. His forehead touched hers. “I want you so much.” He swallowed hard. “I need you, Anna.”
She gave a gentle squeeze on the solid rod in her hand. “I need you too.” She licked his bottom lip. “Make love to me, please.”
He sealed his mouth to hers and she wrapped her arms around his neck. She couldn’t get enough of his tongue, his touch, and the love he wanted to give. When he picked her up under her arms, she hurried to lock her legs around him. Heat from his body kept her warm inside and out. She loved the feel of his flesh, the way he held her tightly pressed to him, and the passion of his kiss. If she ever got the chance to spend an entire night with him, she wouldn’t hesitate to keep him in bed with his body blanketing hers.
He carried her into the bedroom. Holding her, he crawled over the mattress on his knees. As he lowered her, he braced one hand on the bed. The muscles in his arm tensed as he carefully laid her down. As if he were afraid to put his weight upon her, he hesitated to cover her with his body.
She pried her lips away. “I’m not a china doll.” She ran her fingers into his locks and held them away from his face. “And just so you know, I am fully functional and highly aroused.”
He grinned. “Good. So am I.”
He devoured her in another intense kiss, driving her need through the roof. While their tongues explored, his erection pressed against her. She wanted it inside her, filling her.
Zale moved his kiss to her chin and then planted more on her neck. She tilted her head back to grant him more room. He took full a
dvantage and dragged his tongue from her chin to the crevice below her neck. Burning with desire, she bit her lip. Strings of longing grew stronger when he captured one of her breasts in his mouth.
Moaning, she raked her nails over his scalp as he sucked on her nipple. She craved his love and affection. She hungered for him to fill her. His warm hand kneaded her other tit while he ensured her bud hardened from his kiss. Then he switched sides and cared for her other breast in similar fashion.
Her need for him intensified. She’d taken pleasure from donors over the years, but none of them compared to the love Zale was giving her. He took his time, touching, caressing, and teasing. The longer he took, the more she longed for him. She’d been weak and tired, but his love had revived her. Energized and starved for him, she wouldn’t ignore her feelings any longer.
Zale left her breasts tender and the buds hard and sore. He traveled his tongue down to her belly and even further south. His wet caress kept her warm inside and moist between her legs. She yearned for more of his attention. When he drove his tongue inside her, a tsunami of desire flooded her and she gasped.
Blood rushed through her veins as he stroked her core with his heated tongue. She was on fire and ready to explode. With her legs spread wide, he licked and then circled her nub. She dug her nails into the mattress and thought she heard it rip. Need consumed her. His torture became too much. Relief arrived and eased the pressure built up within her. Wave after wave of bliss drifted through her, but she wasn’t completely sated. She still longed to feel Zale inside her.
He crawled over her, planting gentle kisses on her body. At the same time, his locks grazed her skin and tickled her. “I could kiss every inch of you all night long.”
“I’d enjoy that, but I need more.”
He reached her lips and smiled. “I have plenty to give when you’re ready.”
She threaded her fingers into his hair. “Give me everything. I’m more than ready.” She lifted the lower part of her body and rubbed his erection, proving her eagerness.
“Are you sure you’re…up to it?” Concern reflected in his crooked brows.
