He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair off her cheek. “I won’t let anyone else hurt you either.” That was a pledge to her and to himself.
She frowned. “You can’t promise that. We barely know one another. Why would you even care?” Gray took a step toward him and gave him a pointed look. He knew she wanted him to move so she could leave the bathroom.
He took a step back but she still had to angle her body to get past him. Her arm brushed over his bare chest. They both sucked in a breath and she hurried back to the kitchen with him right behind her.
He caught her arm and turned her to face him. “I care.” More than he should. More than he had a right to. If he really cared, he’d walk away from her.
He leaned down, noting the way her pupils dilated and her nostrils flared. He could scent her soap and the toothpaste she’d just used. There was a tinge of fear surrounding her, but beneath it was something much sweeter.
Louis groaned and brushed his lips over hers. They were so soft and warm. He kept the pressure light and undemanding. Her breath hitched and then she slowly sank against him.
He ignored the tightening in his body, the way his cock flexed and pressed against the towel, seeking a way out. He cupped Gray’s face and continued to taste and explore. His breathing got faster and need pounded through his body. Control, he reminded himself. He’d already scared her badly. The last thing he wanted to do was push her too far too fast.
He nibbled at the corners of her lips. She made a low sound in the back of her throat and leaned closer. He dragged his tongue over the seam of her mouth and almost howled with pleasure when it parted to invite him in. He sank into her heat. His wolf growled and stretched inside him. The beast wanted out so he could show off for her. He managed to keep his wolf in check. He didn’t think she was quite ready for another reminder that he was more than a man.
Her tongue tangled with his, taking and giving. Every cell in his body craved more. Gray Everson had unexpectedly come into his life, and Louis wasn’t about to question his good fortune. She was a gift, the most precious one of all.
And while she wasn’t a full-blooded werewolf, she was a half-breed. She already had one foot in his world whether she’d known it or not. He didn’t care that the chance of them having children was almost nonexistent. He’d never expected to mate, to have children, not being isolated like they were. He’d contented himself to playing the role of protector to whatever children the others might have.
He’d count himself lucky if he could have Gray.
If he were human, this would be happening way too fast. But he was more than human. He was wolf. And his animal side knew she belonged to him in a way a human could never fully comprehend.
She was a song in his blood, the rhythm of his heart.
Fuck, he was getting downright poetic.
He tasted her sweetness, her willingness to open to him. He tried to keep his hands from roaming but it was impossible. They slid around her waist, down her hips and finally around to her full, lush behind. He cupped her ass and pulled her closer. Her stomach pressed against his cock.
A low growl of frustration rumbled deep in his throat. She stilled and then slowly pulled away. Louis inwardly cursed and released her, but not before he gave the plump mounds a quick squeeze.
She licked her lips and he groaned. He could still taste her.
“That got out of hand.” Her hands shook as she went to the refrigerator and got a bottle of water. She twisted the cap off and took a long drink.
Louis fixed the towel around his waist, making sure it was tucked tight. “From my point of view, it didn’t go nearly far enough.” Better to be honest from the beginning.
The water bottle was halfway to her mouth when she froze. Her eyes widened and her breathing accelerated. He could smell her arousal. It was faint but it was there.
She lowered the bottle and set it carefully on the counter. “I think,” she began. She cleared her throat and continued. “I think there’s been some misunderstanding.”
She looked so earnest he wanted to kiss her again but refrained. “No, chère. There’s no misunderstanding.” He reached out, took her hand and placed it on his chest over his heart. “You’re part werewolf. You’ve always trusted your gut instincts.” He trusted his as well and continued, “You feel the connection between us.”
The tips of her fingers kneaded his skin before she tugged her hand away. She crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head in denial. “That’s just sexual chemistry.”
He hated hearing her reduce what he was feeling to something so simple when it was anything but. “It’s more than that. You’re just afraid.”
She scowled at him. “I’m not afraid of anything or anyone.” Shadow was by her side in a heartbeat, the big dog hovering protectively.
“You’re afraid of what you’re feeling,” he countered. “That’s okay, because I am too.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “I wasn’t expecting to find anyone like you when I set out for a run this morning.”
“What do you mean, someone like me?” She patted the dog and it was such an automatic thing he doubted she knew she was doing it. Shadow peered up at her adoringly. He understood Shadow’s love and fascination with her.
“A female werewolf, or at least a half-breed. A woman who attracts me on a level I’ve never experienced.” He took a chance and ran his fingers down her cheek, across her jaw and down her throat. She shivered and started to lean into his touch before she caught herself and moved away.
She waved away his words. “It’s just a product of the adrenaline from everything that’s happened.”
Frustration ate at him. She was stubborn, but that was okay, he was even more so. “If it was just adrenaline, I wouldn’t still have a raging hard-on considering I jacked off in the shower.”
His bluntness shocked her and her mouth fell open like she couldn’t believe what he’d just told her.
“I’m not human, not totally,” he reminded her. “Don’t expect me to act like the males you’ve known.”
He prowled toward her. She backed up until she hit the kitchen counter. He put his hands on either side of her and leaned down. “I want to strip you naked and touch every inch of your soft skin, and then I want to taste it. I want to know what brings you pleasure.” He licked the curve of her neck and then caught the lobe of her ear and nibbled on it.
Her hands clutched at his biceps, her fingernails digging into his skin in an erotic caress. She didn’t push him away.
“And, chère,” he whispered in her ear. “I want to bury my cock in your hot, wet pussy and fuck you until we both scream for pleasure. And then I want to do it again and again.”
He traced the delicate whorls of her ear with his tongue. “I want to do that to you, Gray. Will you let me?”
Chapter Eight
Gray wanted to say yes. With every fiber of her body she wanted to agree. Her skin felt too tight for her body, her nipples were taut and the ache between her legs throbbed. Louis was seducing her with little more than words.
His hot breath on her ear sent a shiver of longing down her spine. Her toes curled in her socks. He continued to use his tongue and teeth to tease and tantalize. Her neck and ears had always been sensitive, but not many of the men she’d dated had ever realized that.
Louis had zeroed right in.
Was it the predator in him? Was he naturally in tune to her? Or was he just an experienced lover? The last was more likely. It really had nothing to do with her.
He shook his head, brushing his thick brown hair against her neck and shoulder. “What am I going to do with you? You’re thinking much too hard about this.”
She heard the teasing in his tone but she couldn’t take this lightly. “I don’t sleep around.” Better he understood that.
His growl was low and menacing. Shadow barked and be
gan to growl. Both of them ignored the dog. Louis raised his head and shook himself. “Don’t talk about other men. Not when I’m touching you.”
She raised one eyebrow. “I wasn’t talking about other men. I was simply pointing out the fact that I don’t just jump into bed with someone because I’m physically attracted to them.”
One corner of his mouth kicked up and the heat of anger switched back to sexual heat in the blink of an eye. “I’m not just anyone, chère.”
Oh, there was nothing wrong with his ego, that’s for sure. “That’s all fine and good, but I don’t really know you, do I?”
He frowned and then shook his head. “You’re going to be difficult, aren’t you?”
“I’m going to be smart.” She wasn’t in the market for a vacation fling, no matter how amazing it would be.
Louis took a step back, putting some space between them. He kept his hands on the counter so she was caged in, but he wasn’t touching her. She felt the separation deeply. It was as though a vital part of her had been removed.
What was wrong with her? If she felt this way around Louis and they’d barely done more than kiss, what would happen if she allowed him to make love to her and then he walked away? She shuddered to even imagine how desolate and lost she’d feel.
No, she’d had enough people she cared about leave her. She didn’t need to add another one to the list. Better to be alone than to experience that kind of pain, that sense of loss.
It was why she’d always kept her relationships light and fun, and stuck to men who weren’t looking for something serious.
“And having sex with me wouldn’t be smart?” he asked. He leaned down and pressed his forehead against hers. “I don’t know about that. I think it’s a brilliant idea myself. Just think how good it would feel.”
Gray snorted with laughter. She couldn’t help herself. Louis was a big, strong man. No, he was a badass werewolf. Listening to him try to make himself seem harmless and sweet was hilarious. No matter what he did, it simply wouldn’t happen.
He raised his head and smiled down at her. “You don’t think so?”
“Oh, I know it would be good. That’s the problem.”
Louis frowned. “I don’t understand. Must be one of those men-are-from-Mars-and-women-are-from-Venus things.” Again, he said it so deadpanned it made her laugh again. He grinned. “Maybe you should translate it into simple words this poor male brain can understand.”
The more time she spent with Louis, the more she liked him. He wasn’t afraid to laugh at himself. Better still, he made her laugh.
“I’m only here for a short time.” It was as much a reminder to herself as it was to him. “I’m not looking for a fling or a one-night stand.”
All levity fled from his expression. “I’m not looking for a one-night stand, chère.”
Intensity practically bled from his pores. His quick mood swing had her practically holding her breath. What did she really know about him? What if he didn’t take no for an answer?
As quickly as she had that thought, she dismissed it. Call her crazy, but she knew Louis wouldn’t hurt her, wouldn’t push her to do anything she didn’t want to. Oh, he was smooth enough to try to seduce her, but if she told him no, he’d accept it. Problem was, she didn’t want to refuse. A part of her longed to know what it would feel like to have him do all the things he’d talked about. Her breasts ached for his touch and the throbbing between her thighs grew.
“I’m looking for forever.” His quiet words fell like an anvil on her head. Had she heard him correctly?
“Forever? You don’t even know me.” And why wasn’t she laughing him off? Was she seriously considering his proposition? She feared that she was. A part of her longed to belong somewhere, to have someone love her. But he hadn’t said anything about love. “Enough.” She ducked under his arm and put some distance between them. She went to the living room and sat in a comfortable but slightly worn armchair near the front window. Shadow padded after her and sat in front of her. She could tell her pet knew something was wrong but didn’t know what it was.
“I’m sorry.” Louis followed her into the room, pulled the coffee table closer to her and sat on the end. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I forgot you don’t understand our ways.”
“See, there you go again.” Sexual frustration turned to anger. “You keep throwing out the idea that I’m a half-breed werewolf. I’m not sure I believe you.” She crossed her arms over her chest, more to keep from reaching out to him than anything. There was a connection between them, but it was just sexual. That’s all she would allow it to be. Anything else was impossible. They’d just met.
She didn’t want to believe she was part werewolf. She wanted her life to go back to what it was when she woke this morning—slightly boring and predictable.
But as her granny used to say, “You can bury your head in the sand, but that don’t change what’s happening.”
“What?” Louis tilted his head to one side and studied her.
Crap, she hadn’t meant to say that aloud. “Nothing. Just thinking.”
He put his hand on her knee. She could feel the heat from his fingers even through the material of her jeans.
“I didn’t mean to upset you.” He gave her a rueful smile. “I usually control myself better than this.”
“It’s been a rough morning,” she conceded. The man should be dead, not sitting next to her looking all handsome and smelling like sin with nothing but a few scars to show for the trauma he’d been through.
Then she remembered what he’d said earlier before they’d gotten off track. “Should you call someone?” As reluctant as she was to put an end to their time together, it was probably for the best. Otherwise, she could easily wind up in bed with him.
He confused the hell out of her. Her brain told her to send him away as fast as she could, and her heart screamed at her to hold on to him with both hands and never let him go. It was enough to make her head spin.
She needed time to think.
He frowned and rubbed his stubbled jaw. “I should probably go.” He pinned her with his steely gaze. “Come with me. Meet the others.”
Gray swallowed hard. “Werewolves, like you?” She shook her head. “I’m not ready for that. I’m still not sure I’m not imagining this whole thing.” That was a copout. She knew it was true. She just didn’t want to have to deal with it.
Louis shook his head. He seemed disappointed, but more than that, he seemed sad. Her chest ached and the urge to soothe him welled up inside her. She held on to the arms of the chair so she didn’t reach for him.
“Can I come back later?”
She should say no. She was going to tell him no. Instead, “Yes,” tumbled from her lips.
He didn’t smile. If anything, his scowl deepened. “I don’t like leaving you alone with those hunters out there. I don’t trust them not to come back.”
She didn’t either. She’d seen the way the Fergus McLennan had looked at her before he’d left. He hadn’t been pleased that she’d called the law and interfered with his hunting. “I should pack up and leave.” That was the sensible thing to do.
“No.” Louis knelt on the floor in front of her, edging Shadow out of the way. The big dog gave ground easily, almost eagerly. Louis took her hands in his. “Promise me you won’t leave without telling me.”
Gray swallowed hard and nodded. “Okay.”
Some of the intensity bled from Louis, and he released a huge breath. He brought one of her hands to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “I won’t let them hurt you. I’ll scout the area to make sure they’re not around before I leave.” He kissed the palm of her hand before licking the center. “Where’s your cell phone?”
It was hard to think with him so close. Her hand tingled and her entire body was totally aware of him as a big, sexy man. “Why?”
He stood an
d she quickly looked up so she wouldn’t be staring at his erection. The towel was no real barrier between her and his obvious arousal. She licked her lips. It would be so easy to tug the towel away, lean forward and take him into her mouth. He was so close.
“Gray.” His voice was raspy and deep. “Don’t look at me that way unless you want to find yourself flat on your back with me buried deep in your pussy.” His entire body shuddered. “Or maybe I’d have you on your hands and knees and take you from behind.”
Now it was her turn to shudder. Her panties were wet with desire and she ached to have him fill her. That had always been her favorite position. That gave her pause. Was it because she was partly werewolf?
“Your phone,” he prompted.
She looked around, trying to remember what she’d done with it. Her gaze caught on her coffee mug on the table by the front door. She’d tossed the phone down next to it. “Over there.”
Louis followed her finger as she pointed. He stalked over to the table, giving her a view of his muscled back and shoulders and his strong thighs. The towel clung to his hips and outlined his ass.
She made herself look back up just in time. He grabbed her phone and turned back to her. “I’m programming in my number. Call if the hunters come back or you need anything before I return. If I don’t answer, someone else will be. Tell them you need me and I’ll come.”
Gray knew she wouldn’t use the number, but she didn’t say so. She nodded. Louis crouched in front of her and the ends of the towel threatened to part. She held her breath but it stayed together. She wasn’t sure if she was pleased or disappointed. He handed her the phone.
“Keep this with you at all times. I’m the first contact on your list.”
She should take issue with his high-handedness but let it go. She closed her fingers around the hard plastic case. It was her only link to the enigmatic man before her.
“I really need to go before they send out a search party for me. The last thing we need is more wolves running around the woods with hunters out there.”
Wolf on the Hunt Page 8
