Bridged by Love

by Nancy Corrigan

  “I did, Nic, but did you?” Her eyes narrowed. “Fall asleep alone thinking about me?”

  He cradled the back of her head and pulled her closer until her eyes filled his vision. “Every night, Riley. No other woman shared my bed, nor will any in the future. I vow this to you on my life.” He released her and motioned toward the hand between her legs with a tilt of his chin. “Now, fuck yourself. I want to see you lost to passion.”

  She grinned. The jealousy faded. Hunger replaced it. It was all there on her delicate features for him to see.

  Legs spread as far as she could while kneeling, she rubbed her cleft. With a single finger, she traced her lower lips before dipping the tip in her opening. A swirl, and she exhaled roughly. She thrust the single digit into her body, added a second, and used both to fuck herself the way he had directed her moments ago. Using her other hand, she grabbed her breast and squeezed. A moan escaped.

  Nothing was more beautiful than Riley lost to passion. She worked herself, pumping her fingers into her core and toying with her nipple. All the while, she held his gaze. Desire slackened her expression, and a flush darkened her cheeks. She was gorgeous.

  Mine.

  He flexed his hands. The need to control and direct her pleasure grew. He wanted her to come apart around his hand, his cock, his tongue. He resisted. He hadn’t lied when he said he’d fantasized about her. Riley masturbating for him was a damn dream come true.

  “What do you think about when you touch yourself?”

  A lazy smile spread over her face. “You.”

  “What about me?”

  “You licking me, head to toe, kissing me, eating me out.” She pulled her wet fingers from her body and drew the tips over her breast, circling her nipple. A pinch to the hard bud, and her eyelashes fluttered. “You sucking on my breasts. Making me come with only your mouth.”

  He grinned. “You always liked that, didn’t you?”

  “Yes.” She skimmed her hand down her stomach, and then lower to rub her clit before finally dragging her knuckles through her wet folds. “You always could do wicked things with your tongue.”

  He cupped the heavy weight of her breast. Her smooth, soft flesh filled his palm. Her breasts had gotten bigger in the few years he’d been gone. She had a woman’s body, one he’d worship for as long as she let him. If the look in her eyes matched her wants, he’d get to enjoy every aspect of her life in all its phases.

  Tomorrow, he’d demand an answer. Tonight, he’d enjoy her, knowing she loved him enough to fight for him. He brought her breast to his mouth and brushed his lips over the tip. Her breath caught. He eased back. “Keep fucking yourself, or I’m not doing anything with my mouth.”

  “Demanding man.” She grasped his wrist, pulling his arm closer. “Feel me while I touch myself.”

  He traced a path from her knee to her groin. Arousal slickened her sex, coating her knuckles, her thighs, her lower lips. He covered two of her fingers with his and directed her, stroking her cleft as she had done. More arousal flowed to coat their hands. He adjusted his hold so only her pointer and middle finger teased her folds, then pushed them into her opening on a rough thrust.

  “Do it, baby. Make yourself hot. Get your body ready for me.”

  She pumped into herself with full deep strokes. “You plan to fuck me, then?”

  “Fuck you, make love to you, remind you why I’m the male you fantasize about.” He lowered his head to her breast and licked. The taste of her desire flooded his senses. Rich, sweet and addicting—it was the essence he’d always gorged himself on. “Own you. I want to own you.”

  She held his head to her breast. “You already do.”

  He wanted to respond, but she rocked over her hand and a low moan crawled up her throat. The sound and the feel of her hard nipple on his tongue captured his focus. He caught the hard point between his teeth and tugged, knowing she’d offer up another raw groan. She didn’t disappoint. His name gasped in her throaty voice whipped through him. He wanted to be inside her and feel her greedy sex milking him.

  Soon. First, I need to watch her come. With his flattened tongue, he licked her nipple, once, twice; then he abandoned the tempting bud. He kissed his way lower, following the taste of her arousal she’d spread over her skin. Needing to see her fingers sliding through her folds, he settled his hands at her waist and urged her to stand, bringing her beautiful sex eye level.

  She swayed, but he steadied her, tightening his grip. Her fingers glistened. Her thrusts quickened. She grabbed his hair with her free hand and tugged.

  “Nic”—she trembled, her grip on his strands tightening—“I’m coming.”

  Barely audible, her words captured his attention. He glanced from her prodding fingers to her face. Eyes closed and nostrils flaring on her pants, she moaned his name while her legs trembled. She kept thrusting her fingers into her body, over and over, until she whimpered.

  His control snapped. He stood, pulled her into his arms, and covered her mouth with his. She clutched him, her heart still pounding hard against his chest. He yanked her closer and growled, needing more than she could give him.

  She went limp in his arms, sighing into his mouth. It was a sign of her acceptance, her submission and her love. It wasn’t enough. He wanted to be one with her in body and soul. Here in her arms, he felt right, not broken or worthless. She soothed him. It was only when he left her that he felt lost.

  Why couldn’t his wolf see that too?

  He opened his soul to the animal and showed his baser half what Riley was to him, what she could be to them—a companion, a friend and a reason to live. The lust he held for Riley meant nothing to his wolf. It wouldn’t care about Nic’s carnal needs.

  His wolf watched, felt and experienced everything Nic did, but it didn’t respond, not in acceptance or denial. He wanted to force a reaction from his animal, but Riley’s wandering hands eased his frustration.

  She needed him. Her demand came through with every rough stroke of her nails on his ass.

  He growled and took her mouth hard, dominating her. Rough, deep strokes of his tongue with hers tore more low sounds from her throat. They enflamed him and encouraged him. He ran his hands down her back, pulling her closer until not an inch separated them. The heat of her groin against his stomach taunted him. He wanted his dick cradled in her wet lower lips, but he needed the taste of Riley on his tongue more.

  He drank his fill of her mouth, licking her teeth, cheeks and tongue to savor her flavor. The scent of her desire grew stronger. No longer was he content to explore her mouth. He hungered for the sweet arousal she’d spilled with her orgasm.

  Hands at her waist, he lifted her and tossed her onto the bed behind them. She bounced, a gasp falling from her lips. He followed her down. A hand on each of her thighs, he spread her legs, exposing her moist center. Her cleft glistened. It drew him, an addiction he needed to meet. He shoved her legs farther apart, tearing another squeak from her throat. There was no need to ask if she was okay. She curled her hand around the back of his head and pulled him closer.

  “Nic.”

  Only his name, but he heard the demand in her voice. For a second, he thought to tease her. Maybe ask where she wanted his mouth, or pick up on his earlier leading question and ask if she were faking her excitement, but he didn’t bother trying to form words. Lapping up her spilled cream was all he cared about.

  He thrust the tip of his tongue into her opening, dragging more of her essence forth and drinking of her. She tasted like his woman. Heaven. He bent his head and dragged his flattened tongue through her folds, bottom to top, savoring every drop.

  A tug on his damp hair, and she pulled him closer, so his nose pushed into her clit. “Oh God, I need to come.”

  He caught the bundle of nerves between his teeth but didn’t send her over. He waited and listened, knowing the anticipation would heighten her excitemen
t. He wanted her to not just come, but careen into ecstasy for him. She tensed, her pants turning into whimpers the longer he held her pleasure out of reach.

  Finally, her breath hitched, and she gave him what he sought. “Please, Nic.”

  He tugged on her clit and watched her drop off the edge. Mouth open on a low moan, she writhed under him. Wetness coated his chin, proof of how aroused she’d gotten from his teasing. Part of him wanted to dip his head and get drunk on her, making her come again and again until she couldn’t move. He ignored the impulse and embraced another.

  In one quick move, he crawled over her body, capturing her mouth and joining their bodies on a firm thrust. Her silken muscles parted for him and clamped down, her orgasm pulling him deep and massaging his length on a tight squeeze that tempted him to spill his seed.

  Not yet, not yet. He rode out her orgasm and then moved. Already loose from her release, she didn’t need him to lead her into their lovemaking. He took control of her pleasure. His pounding drives shook the bed and tore whimpers from her throat with every rough smack of his groin to hers. She accepted his wildness, widening her legs and lifting her bottom to meet his strokes. The position opened her wide, allowing him to reach the end of her on every thrust.

  It was good, but not enough to appease him. He sat back and grabbed her calves, lifting them against his chest. She whimpered. The sound stirred his primal instincts. His fangs punched out. He wanted to possess her, own her, claim her. She wasn’t in the right position to bite her, though. Probably the only reason his wolf remained silent. Nic let go of the resentment he felt for the other soul sharing his body and focused on Riley.

  She fisted the sheets. “Nic, your eyes.”

  No doubt they were glowing. Neither he nor his wolf controlled the reaction. Based on strong emotion, the automatic response was meant to intimidate opposition or attract mates. The stronger the shifter, the deeper the glow. He grinned, letting her see his fangs, but didn’t respond. At the moment, the only use of his strength he cared about was in how he could use it to pleasure Riley.

  He wrapped one arm around her calves, holding her legs flush to his chest, and fucked her with quick, full thrusts. With his other hand, he teased her clit, stroking and flicking the bundle of nerves. Her inner muscles tightened. The first wave of her orgasm rolled over his dick. He shortened his strokes, rubbing over the sensitive spot inside her that made her crazed.

  She thrashed. Soft whimpers fell from her lips. He thrust deep once more and let go. His dick jerked, spilling his seed, and he kept pumping into her, dragging out her release until he had nothing left to give. He let go of her legs and collapsed before rolling her on top of him and holding her close.

  Once his breathing returned to normal, he pressed his lips to hers. “I love you, angel.”

  “Love you too, Nic.”

  He grinned and held her words close. And if only love was enough, he’d have everything he ever wanted right here in his arms.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Asleep, Riley reminded Nic of an angel. He let his gaze roam over her body, and his cock thickened. She always affected him the same way. No matter how many times they made love, he wanted more. She’d accept him too. Not once had she ever turned him away.

  God, he loved her. He’d been a fool to leave her, but like a true mate, one who was meant to share her soul with him, she forgave him.

  Fought for him.

  Loved him despite his idiocy.

  He brushed a stray lock of hair from her cheek. She’s my mate in this life and the next, whether my wolf accepts her or not.

  Peace settled over him. He was making the right decision in giving his pack to Sean. At least, Nic hoped his friend would accept the role of alpha and go along with the deception Nic and his dad had planned.

  For Sean, however, the ruse would be a little shadier. Still, Nic didn’t think Sean would turn his back on the Kagan pack nor did Nic think any of the members would dare challenge Sean. Test him? Well, that was the fate of an alpha. None were exempt from the fights or dominance spats.

  It was the integrity of the alpha that determined the fate of those dominants who lost the battles. Nicholas Kagan and every Kagan male before Nic had shouldered the responsibility with ease. They’d guided their pack with a strong yet kind hand. Sean would continue their legacy. Nic was sure of it.

  The time had come to set his plan into motion, but the lack of response from his wolf worried him. It had to understand what he intended, yet it made no move to stop him. Did the beast realize the futility in fighting? Or was it waiting for the right opportunity to rise? Nic sighed. The latter made more sense. The closer it got to the peak of the full moon, the more control his wolf held over him. He’d have to make sure he and Riley were far from Hollow’s Grove before nightfall.

  He pressed his lips to hers. Not a kiss exactly, but an expression of love by shifter standards. She sighed, and a small smile graced her plump mouth.

  He eased off the bed and made his way to the desk in the corner of her room. A sticky pad and pen lay on top. He wrote a quick note telling her he’d be back by noon and posted the message on her alarm clock. For a moment, he hesitated. She’d appreciate knowing where he was going and why, but he couldn’t risk anyone else in the pack accidently learning the truth about his intentions or guessing at it because of Riley’s actions. As much as he hated to admit it, only two people could know he wouldn’t be in the circle for the transfer—his dad and Sean.

  At the bedroom door, he glanced over his shoulder. Riley had stretched her arm to where Nic had lain. The sight made the ache in his chest return. How many nights had she reached for him only to find cold sheets? Probably as many times as I’d reached for her.

  Never again. After today, they’d spend every night in each other’s arms.

  He closed the door and jogged down the stairs. Another basket of laundry sat in the hallway. He grabbed a pair of sweats, tugged them on and slipped outside.

  Fog had crept in overnight. Unease settled over him. He strode to the middle of the front yard and waited for the protectors he’d assigned to Riley to come to him. Minutes passed before two gray wolves approached. Chris shifted and walked the remaining distance to stand in front of him. His partner, John, remained at his side in his animal form.

  Nic motioned to the house. “Stay close to Riley.”

  John slipped around the back of the house without hesitation, but Chris inhaled deeply. His features tightened, and his hands clenched at his sides. Nic sighed. The look of disapproval on Chris’s face no doubt came from the scent of sex clinging to Nic. Although committed to John, Chris cared for Riley, which was why Nic had chosen the male to guard her.

  Nic took a step forward and lowered his voice. “Trust me, and protect the woman I love until I return.”

  Another nod, and Chris shifted. Nic waited until Chris disappeared, lost in the mist surrounding the house, before Nic slipped into the woods. The pull of the moon tempted him to shift. He pushed the urge back and ran. On bare feet, he made his way through the brush and natural debris. The bite of sharp stones and squish of the wet ground didn’t slow him. He pushed his body harder. The sooner he could complete his tasks, the sooner he’d return to Riley.

  His house came into view. Hannah sat on the front porch, back against the banister at the top of the steps and feet propped on the opposite column. She twirled a lock of her hair but didn’t face him. “You were at Riley’s place?”

  “That’s none of your business, little sister.”

  “Noted.” She tilted her head and studied him through slitted eyes. “Maria called me.”

  “And?”

  “She told me the happy news.” He held her challenging stare. After a long moment, she glanced away. “I will arrange for her to move into a house at the end of our territory, farthest from the Tanner pack.”

  It’d be a good pla
n if he was going to follow through with the mating. The truth sat on the tip of his tongue, but he wouldn’t tell Hannah something he’d withheld from Riley. Both women important to him would find out his intentions soon enough. He climbed the steps and hopped over Hannah, not bothering to respond, but paused at the door. The stench of alcohol hung heavy in the air. He glanced over his shoulder. Bottles of beer lined the railing behind her.

  He motioned to the half-dozen empties. “Your date with Ethan didn’t end well?”

  She shrugged. “He’s twice my age. He considers me a baby and vows not to fuck me until I mature.”

  “But you’re seeing to his needs, aren’t you?”

  She grabbed a new bottle from the cooler at her feet and twisted the cap. “Don’t go all big brother on me, Nic.” She tossed the top into the nearby garbage can. “You lost the right to fight for me when you walked away. I know what I’m doing, and getting him hooked on me is part of it.”

  “What’s the other part?”

  “Triggering his instincts. What else?”

  “You’re going to make him jealous.”

  She cocked her head. A wicked grin spread over her face. “More than that. I’m going to make him fight for me and claim me the old-fashioned way.”

  His stomach dropped. “A mating run? You’re going to offer yourself up as a damn trophy?” He crouched and grabbed her shoulders, shaking her. “What the hell are you thinking? Any male can claim. Fucking rape you.”

  She chuckled. “It won’t come to that. Ethan will catch me. Besides, I’m stronger than I look. Only a dominant has any hope of winning me.”

  He dropped his hands. The stubborn expression she wore stopped his argument. He wouldn’t give up on convincing her of the stupidity of her choice, but it’d have to happen over the phone. The clock was ticking for him.

  “One question.” He raised his gaze to hers. “Does he love you?”

  “He will.”

  He sighed and stood. “Same time as you fall in love with him, right?”