Harvest Moon

by Lisa Kessler

He lowered me onto the bed. I savored his mouth a few more times as I pulled his shirt up, my hands exploring his hot skin. The hunger in Jason’s gaze sent my heart racing. He broke the kiss long enough to pull the shirt off, exposing the angry bruises on his ribs.

  “Are you sure you’re up for—”

  He pressed a finger over my lips. “I need you.”

  I kissed his fingertip, nodding. He traced a line down my chin, along my neck, and over my collarbone, his touch searing my sensitive skin until I ached to be naked underneath him. He pushed my T-shirt up, his eyes never leaving mine as he came closer to caress my abdomen with his lips. I reached down to run my fingers through his hair, moaning as his hands slid under my shirt, up my ribs, and finally cupped my breasts.

  All my clothes needed to come off. Now.

  He nibbled at my naval, his tongue brushing my skin. I writhed, hungry for his attention even lower. I’d never experienced desire like he kindled inside of me. If he kept this up, I’d have an orgasm with my pants on.

  His deep voice vibrated against my abdomen. “Take your shirt off for me.”

  My pulse pounded in response, my body already begging for release. His stare pinned me as I lifted my shirt up, baring my skin. When I pulled it over my head, he unclasped the front of my bra, groaning as his mouth slid up my chest.

  His lips hovered over my nipple. “You’re so damned beautiful, Kilani.” His fingers caressed my other breast, pinching the tip until I gasped his name. He growled in answer. “Say my name again.”

  He lowered his head, licking my nipple once before sucking it into his mouth. My back arched toward him. “Jason.”

  A strong arm slid under me, holding me tight as he feasted on one breast and then the other. Heat coiled in my belly and between my legs. Until this moment, I hadn’t realized yearning could be such a delicious torture. I never wanted it to end, and at the same time, I wanted him to take me over the edge so badly I could scream.

  His teeth teased my taut nipple as he moved his free hand to the button on my jeans. I wasn’t sure how much more I could take. My muscles clenched, aching for release. He kissed his way lower. Opening my jeans, he shoved them down, stripping my panties off with them. He ran a finger over my core and I trembled, my hips bucking. He nibbled at my inner thigh, tugging my jeans free from my legs with one hand as he slid his fingers inside of me.

  He moaned against my skin. “You’re mine.”

  Before I could say anything, his mouth was on me, his tongue teasing as I rocked into him. Balling my fists in the sheets, my entire body shuddered. “Don’t stop…”

  He hummed against me, the vibration sending me right over the peak. I tingled from head to toe, every muscle tight, shivering with pleasure. Gradually he slowed his attention, his lips kissing up my body. His hips settled between my thighs, pressing at my opening, rock-hard right through his shorts.

  His lips caressed my neck, just below my ear. “I need you…”

  Rational thought fizzled at the raw desire in his voice. “Take me.”

  He got up and pulled off the shorts and underwear. I’d never seen a sexier naked man. In spite of his bruises, every inch of him was strong, molded and fashioned from iron. I wet my lips, the passionate fire building inside of me all over again. He took a step but stopped short of laying down. He turned and went to the drawer in the bedside table.

  He pulled out a condom and tore the package. I sat up and held out my hand. “Let me.”

  His mouth curved at the corners as he placed the foil square in my palm.

  “Lay down.”

  He raised a brow but did as I asked. I took the condom from the packaging and straddled his thighs, just out of his reach. With my free hand, I stroked his shaft, enjoying every pleasurable sound that escaped him. I ran my fingernails along his sac and traced my fingertip up the underside of his erection before sliding the condom down over him.

  “You’re making me crazy.”

  “Looks good on you.” I crawled a little higher and rose up over him, not quite allowing the tip of his shaft to touch me. “Sure you’re up for this tonight?”

  He laughed and grabbed my hips, pulling me down onto him. I moaned and chuckled at the same time and practically had another orgasm. His body was made for mine. Sex had never been like this, and we’d just started.

  I bent to kiss him, and he slid his hands up my back, growling against my mouth. “Sorry. Couldn’t wait any longer.”

  “Mmm…” I smiled, savoring every taste of his lips. “Forgiven.”

  He rolled us over before I realized he was going to move and rocked his hips into me, picking up the pace of his thrusts. I pulled my legs up, clasping them around his waist, moaning as he penetrated me even deeper.

  A moan escaped my throat as he ran a hand down my body, gripping my hip as he kissed his way down my neck. “Hold on.”

  Before his words registered, he was on his feet, his large hands holding my ass. I clasped my hands behind his neck, riding his thrusts, grinding into him. He pressed me against the wall, working up into me deeper. The cool plaster on my back made me gasp, the sensation intensifying the pleasure and heat between our bodies. He moved one hand between us, teasing me even higher.

  “Let go. Take me with you.”

  My breath caught, muscles pulsing around his rock-hard erection.

  He growled against my ear. “That’s it. Let go.”

  And I did, crying out his name as my orgasm slammed into me almost as intensely as his thrusts. Jason pistoned his hips, stoking the fire until he erupted inside me. For a second, I swore time ceased to exist. The world vanished. And for now, it was just us. His arms, his body, his voice were my world.

  He trembled against me, pulling me back from oblivion. “Need to put me down?”

  He let out a breathless laugh and nodded. “Yeah. Hold on.”

  I kissed his neck as he walked us back over to the bed and sat on the edge, our bodies still connected. I wasn’t ready to let him go. Not yet. Resting my forehead against his, I stared into his eyes.

  He caressed my cheek and whispered, “You’re amazing.”

  “You’re the one who fought two nights in a row, then took on an armed attacker, and somehow still had the strength to rock my world. I’m pretty sure that makes you the amazing one.”

  “I never believed in mates. None of this is rational or logical, but here you are. You’re beautiful and strong and intelligent.” He kissed me slowly and tenderly. “And if those bastards from Nero ever threaten you again, I’ll kill them.”

  I turned my head, nuzzling into his palm. “Hopefully it won’t come to that.”

  I got off his lap and into the bed. Jason followed my lead after a run to the bathroom to dispose of the condom. It shouldn’t bother me that he had a stash of them in the drawer by his bed. Where else was he going to keep them?

  But I couldn’t help wondering how many women had been in this bed before me. How recently? None of my business. But past hurts clawed their way forward as he slid into bed, spooning me from behind with his warm body.

  “You’re quiet.” He wrapped a strong arm around my middle. “Everything okay?”

  I rested my hand over his. “My last relationship was a disaster on so many levels. I think I might have PTSD.” Sighing, I closed my eyes. “If this mate thing is real, fate sure saddled you with damaged goods.”

  “Nothing about you is damaged. You’re much stronger than you think.” He kissed my shoulder. “Turn around so I can see you.”

  “It’ll be easier for me to talk if I don’t.”

  “Want to tell me about dipweed number two?”

  I smiled in spite of myself. “He was in residency and I was fresh out of nursing school. We didn’t live together yet, but we spent a lot of time with each other. He told me he loved me. I thought I loved him.” I bit my lower lip, struggling to force out the words. “I got pregnant.”

  Jason’s hold on me tightened, but he didn’t say anything.

  �
��I thought he’d be happy or at least be responsible but…” I opened my eyes, staring at the electrical outlet. “But instead he gave me money for an abortion. He called me an island whore looking for a white doctor to take care of her. He said the baby probably wasn’t his anyway, and he’d never be stupid enough to get trapped into a marriage over a mixed-blood baby.”

  His chest vibrated behind me. Was he growling? I cleared my throat, forcing myself to go on. I’d never told this story to anyone before. Saying it out loud was harder than I ever dreamed.

  “Apparently my ethnicity didn’t matter when we had sex, but he never had any intention of having a family with me. I took his money and found a new job. Instead of getting an abortion, I used it to buy a crib.” My voice wobbled. “I had a miscarriage at twelve weeks.”

  He shifted and rolled me over, pulling me into his arms. Tears spilled down my cheeks as I pressed my ear to his chest, taking comfort in the steady, strong beat of his heart. He kissed my hair and held me while I wept.

  “He thought I got an abortion, and I sold the crib. End of story.” Jason was quiet, his hand stroking my hair. I waited. Finally I couldn’t stand the silence. “Rethinking fate’s choice for your mate?”

  He moved a little so he could see my tear-stained face. “Not at all. Just trying to diffuse the urge to go back to the club and beat the shit out of someone. That guy didn’t deserve you. He wasn’t a dipweed, he was a full-blown fucking asshole.”

  I laughed and cried at the same time. “You got that right.”

  He wiped my tear with his thumb. “I may be a doctor, but I’m not him. And I’m not going anywhere.”

  “You had condoms handy right by the bed, and my warning lights started flashing. Not your fault, but it doesn’t change the fact that I can’t help but wonder if this bed was even cold before I got into it.”

  “Wow.” He frowned and shook his head. “I’m not going to lie to you. I didn’t believe in mates, and I haven’t been celibate just waiting to find her. I’ve had girlfriends, but in case you’re curious, I haven’t had sex in more than six months. For a while I thought maybe Nadya and I might have a spark, but you saw how that turned out.”

  “Gareth.”

  He nodded. “Yeah. She touched him and it was over. Mates. I thought they were nuts.” He met my eyes. “I never slept with her.” He kissed my forehead, his lips resting there for a moment. “I’m sorry I didn’t find you before those other guys did, but I’m here now, and if you’ll let me in, I’ll do my best to make you happy.”

  The thought of a real future seemed like a fantasy, an unlikely dream.

  Right now, staying alive would be enough.

  Chapter Seventeen

  JASON

  “They’re coming.”

  I bolted upright at the sound of her voice, tense and ready. I didn’t need to ask who was on the way. “How soon?”

  “I don’t know.” Kilani was already yanking her pants on. I followed suit.

  “Did you see how many in your vision?”

  “Not really. At least one, but probably more.” She shook her head. “I got a flash of your driveway and the view of the wall beside the garage. They had guns.”

  “Dammit.” I pulled on my running shoes. “Luke and Logan from my Pack were on watch here last night.”

  “I didn’t see them.”

  “Shit.” God, don’t let them be dead.

  “I couldn’t get a sense of the time. Usually the flashes are just a few minutes ahead, but lately that’s been changing.”

  “Like what you saw with my dad.”

  She nodded, following me to the door. “And with us sleeping together.”

  I cocked a brow in her direction. “You had a vision of us in bed?”

  “Guys with guns, remember?”

  Yeah, I remembered. “Wait here. I’ll check things out.”

  She grabbed my hand. “No more locking me up to keep me safe. They could come in through the window just as easily as through a door. I’m going with you.”

  “Please, Kilani.” No scents other than our own permeated my place, but that didn’t mean they weren’t right outside. “Stay here. They won’t be able to sneak up on me. My hearing and sense of smell—”

  “I know. You’re the big, strong werewolf. I’m the defenseless human. I’m still not letting you walk into a bullet.”

  I tried to stare her down, but she didn’t budge. If Nero weren’t on their way to silence her, I’d probably admire her moxie, but given the real danger, I was tempted to pick her ass up and lock her in my bathroom until I could be sure she’d be safe.

  “Ground rules. You stay behind me, no matter what, and if I tell you to hide, you do it, no questions. Got it?”

  A muscle in her cheek flexed, but she nodded. Close enough.

  I opened the bedroom door, listening for footsteps or any sign someone might be inside. Satisfied we were alone, for now, I took her hand and led her out. Before we got to the door, my cell buzzed in my pocket. I almost hit the ceiling. My nerves were shot. Not to mention the throbbing in my skull. Any sudden turns made the room tilt. Concussion. I was such an idiot. She needed me at my best.

  But this was all I had. It would be enough. Had to be.

  The text was from Logan. He and his twin brother were younger than me, but they were deadly fighters. No sign of Nero all night. We’re ready to head home.

  I was tempted to let them go, but if Nero showed up before I could get to the car, Kilani would be in danger. As much as it hurt my pride, right now I was in no condition to take them on all on my own.

  I texted back. Wait until we leave, okay?

  Sure.

  Kilani handed me some ice. “Put this on the back of your neck for me.”

  I placed the pack on my hot skin. “What happened to staying behind me?” I rolled my eyes, refusing to acknowledge the ice was already clearing my head.

  “‘Thank you’ would be the appropriate response here. They obviously haven’t arrived yet, and you’re nursing a concussion. I might not be a werewolf, but I’m not helpless.”

  No, she wasn’t. Not by a long shot. “Thanks.” I slid my phone back in my pocket and grabbed my car keys from the counter. “Let’s get out of here before Nero pays us a visit.”

  “Good plan.”

  The second I opened the front door, the almost imperceptible whistle pierced my ears. “Get down.” I pulled Kilani closer to the ground as a bullet sank into the thick oak doorframe. “Sniper. Stay with me.”

  Shit. I should’ve figured they’d keep their distance so I wouldn’t catch their scent. If I hadn’t taken blows to the head two nights in a row, it probably would’ve crossed my mind they might use long-distance rifles, but in my current condition…

  I put a lid on the rage and focused on Kilani’s safety. I could be pissed at myself later. Keeping her tight beside me, I sprinted for the car, staggering our path. Asphalt and dirt peppered us as the bullets landed too close for comfort. If they hit my tires, we’d be toast. Suddenly, deafening gunfire exploded around us as Logan scrambled behind the bumper of my car, returning fire.

  “Get in; I’ll cover you.” Logan squeezed off another shot toward the trees in the direction of the sniper.

  “You and your brother better be right behind us.” I opened the door and Kilani hustled inside, crawling over the gear shifter into the passenger seat.

  “We will,” Luke answered, cocking a shotgun on the other side of the drive. He aimed the barrel for the thicket of pine trees. “Touch base at the ranch.”

  “See you there. Thanks.” I got in and turned the key. Before the engine warmed, I pressed the accelerator to the floor. I’d never been more thankful for my circular driveway. If I’d had to back out first, we would’ve been an easy target.

  Two more shots echoed as we put more distance between Nero and us. “Are you all right?”

  Her soft hand covered mine on the gearshift. “I should be asking you that. How’s your head?”

&nb
sp; “Hurts like a bastard, but we’re alive, so I’ll count it under the win column.”

  “Need me to drive?”

  “I’m fine for now. Too wired to faint.”

  “You better not.” She stared at the passenger mirror. “What now? We can’t go to my place or the hospital or the fight club. Should we lay low at the grocery store?”

  How was it possible for her to make me smile when just a few minutes ago someone had been shooting at us? But I already knew. Nurses were tough under pressure. When someone came into triage screaming with rebar jutting out of their chest, it was the nurses on the front line, calming the patient and making order out of the chaos. No outward panic.

  My mate wasn’t a werewolf, that was true, but her spirit was every bit as strong.

  “We’re going to Adam’s.”

  “Nero knows about the ranch, too, right?”

  I nodded, merging onto the highway. “Yeah, but he’d need a bigger team to storm the ranch, and he knows it.”

  “What about Adam’s kids?”

  The gunfire had cleared fogginess that slowed my thinking earlier. “We’re not going to stay long.”

  She turned toward me. “Where are we going?”

  “Hawaii.”

  “Hawaii?” Adam groaned and got up from the stool. “This is no time for a vacation, Jason. Besides, full moon is coming up in a few days. What if you don’t make it back in time?”

  “Then I shift there.”

  His eyes widened. Adam crossed his arms over his chest, his lips pressed into a thin line. Kilani ran her hand up my back, soothing me. Could she sense my agitation? She’d thought my plan was nuts, too, until I explained myself.

  “You can’t just shift into a wolf in Hawaii. They’re not native to the islands. What if someone saw you?”

  “I’ll have to be sure they don’t.”

  “No.” Adam shook his head. “It’s too dangerous.”

  I got to my feet. “Kilani’s grandmother will be their next target. They’ll leverage her life to get Kilani to come to them, and you know it.”

  Adam’s wife, Lana, and Nadya came in with sleepy-eyed twins. Adam’s daughter tottered over and raised her hands to me. I scooped her up, without taking my eyes off Adam. She rested her head over my heart, her soft hair teasing my chin. It was really tough to stay pissed at her dad with her snuggling in like that.