by Marilu Mann
It’s okay. It’s just Pete.
Olivia blinked. Just Pete? Was everyone here a shifter? Even with Micah’s assurances, she tensed when the other wolf entered the clearing. With his head down and jaws open, the smaller brown wolf turned his head slightly away as he approached.
No eye contact was made with her or Micah. Rolling over in front of Micah, exposing his belly, the other wolf-Pete-waited for something. Olivia didn’t know what, but suddenly his scent changed again and he leapt to his feet. He put his head on his paws, wagging his tail at Olivia next.
Welcome, Olivia Decatur, protected by Micah Keeps Vigil.
The formalness of the tone made Olivia stop for a moment. He made it sound as if she were a part of something. Allowing herself one mental sigh, she placed that feeling where it belonged. Deep in the department of long-lost dreams. There was no place for her to call home.
Micah tells me you won a race with him. Well done. I’m happy he has someone to challenge him now. Does this mean we will see you tomorrow night? Pete dropped one eyelid at her in what could only be a wolf wink.
Dropping her jaw into a wolf version of a smile, Olivia wedged her shoulder against Micah’s. His solidness comforted her.
Thank you, Pete. It’s-ahhh-good to meet you again? Forgive me if I mess up. This is all new to me. What’s happening tomorrow night?
Micah’s voice rang in her head and she assumed Pete’s as well from the way his ears suddenly cocked forward. Don’t worry about that, Olivia. You are vouchsafed by me with the Pack. Pete will alert them to answer any questions you have. We need to go back to the lodge now. Olivia, we’ll talk about tomorrow night when we’re back at the lodge. Thanks for bringing me the news.
The brown wolf trotted back into the woods as Olivia turned to look at Micah. He stood before her human and gloriously, stunningly, breathtakingly nude. Smiling down at her, he said, “You have to shift back now, Olivia. You need to do this on your own.”
I don’t know how. Olivia sounded petulant even to herself. The idea of being a wolf forever was losing its appeal when the human side of her remembered Micah’s hands stroking her breasts and his mouth on her nipples. Turn me back, Micah. I don’t know how.
Shaking his head, Micah pulled his jeans on then smoothed his hands down his legs. “No, Liv, I can but I won’t. You have the natural ability to control this yourself. Just focus on being human again. Grab that thought and hang on to it. Then let it flow over you until you return to two legs. I’m right here, sweetheart. Nothing bad will happen to you.”
His voice eased the trepidation beginning to take hold of Olivia. She knew she’d be sweating if she were human and realized from the tightness of her bladder that peeing in fear took on a whole new meaning in wolf form. Closing her eyes, she did as Micah said.
It felt as if she were putting a puzzle together in her head. Seeing her hands as hands first and then working her way through her body, Olivia panted in her desperation to return to human form.
“I can’t do it, Micah.” The sound of her voice gave lie to her words. Olivia opened her eyes to see her hands in front of her in the snow. Taking the hand he offered, she stood up, brushing snow from her knees as she did.
“You can and you did it beautifully. Nice job for your first conscious shifting, Liv. I’m proud of you. Now unfortunately, you’d better get dressed.”
Micah’s voice rang with admiration that made Olivia glow with pleasure. Then she stopped as she pulled on her shirt. One arm in and one arm out, she suddenly got it. She had transformed into a wolf.
“Oh my God.” Olivia shoved her arm into the shirt and hurriedly zipped up her pants. “I am a mons-”
“Stop right there.” Anger crackled through his voice. “If you are, then so am I and so are Pete and Gareth and even Talia. Do you believe that?”
Talia? The little girl’s face loomed in front of Olivia. She couldn’t reconcile that sweet innocence with that of a monster. And, she nodded, neither could she put Micah or his friends in that role.
“Micah, this is so hard.” Tears burned her lids as she fought to maintain control.
His arms around her destroyed her tight hold on her emotions. She sobbed against his sweater as he stroked her head and back. His voice vibrated his chest but she didn’t listen to the words-just held on to the emotions she could feel from him. Safety. Calm. Sanctuary. Desire.
Desire? Pushing herself back from his chest, Olivia tipped her face up to his in wonder. “You still want me?”
Breathing deeply through her nose, she smiled. Cinnamon raged spicy and sharp in his scent. Stroking a hand against his cheek, she smiled at him. “What is it about me crying that gets you all hot and bothered, fella?”
A shudder shook her when he stroked the back of her hand where it rested on his face. She felt as though she’d never been truly touched until this moment with this man. Rising up on the balls of her feet, Olivia wrapped her arms around Micah’s neck to pull him down to her. She wanted to fall into his luscious soft mouth and drown.
Micah’s responding groan along with the press of his erection told her all she needed to know.
“It’s my turn, Micah. I want you now.” Olivia reached for her zipper only to be stopped by Micah’s hand.
“Liv, it’s below freezing out here. You don’t know how to control your body temperature yet. We need to go back to the lodge.” Dipping his head, he tasted her again. “We need to go back right now so I can taste the sweetness I can smell between your legs.”
Micah stepped away from her and went for his skis. As he kicked the supports into place, he bit his lower lip and looked at her.
“I’d love to have you in the sauna. Hurry, Liv, before I explode.” His words floated back at her as he began to push toward home. Olivia scrambled to catch up to him. It took her a few minutes, but she did manage to draw even with him.
Shooting her a look that reminded her of the one she’d given him as a wolf, Micah bent his head as he put all of his muscles into what had suddenly become another race.
Her laughter split the quiet when she realized she was up to the challenge he presented in more ways than one. Olivia suddenly felt more at peace than she could ever remember. She gritted her teeth as she set her pace to catch up and try to pass the handsome man.
Even though she failed to win this race, Olivia felt like a champion since she was afforded a view of Micah’s ass and strong legs pumping up the path in front of her. Letting her mind wander as she followed, Olivia imagined the way those muscles would work as he stroked into her.
Smoke billowing from the main chimney was a welcome sight. Olivia kissed Micah in congratulations. “Well done, Micah! But next time, if it’s a fair race, I think I’ll win.”
His grin was infectious. “I don’t doubt that, Liv. A man has to take advantage where he can. You’re good on those skis. Your rhythm is very natural.” His voice dropped as he leaned in to whisper, “And I can’t wait to feel your rhythm under me. Come join me in the sauna, sweetheart.” Nipping at her chin, he shot up the steps and into the warmth of the lodge before she could think of a rejoinder.
Olivia stacked the skis against the porch then toed her boots off at the door. Padding in stocking feet, she eased the door open looking for Micah. No sign of him, but she self-consciously sniffed the air to catch his scent and follow him to the back of the lodge.
She went into her own room and removed all her outer layers. Just to ensure there isn’t any interruption this time. I want to make love with Micah and the fewer clothes I’m wearing, the easier that’s going to be.
Slipping into a silky robe, she felt the material brushing against her semi-aroused body and bringing her senses to a fever pitch. Tightening the robe, she left her room and followed the discreet signs leading to the sauna.
This room more than any other gave off an old-world feel. Dark paneling lined the walls and the heat from the enclosed section in the middle of the room felt almost stifling. Olivia smiled at the trail of
Micah’s clothing leading straight to the closed door.
The solid wood door stood as a silent boundary. Placing her hand on the door to push it open, she hesitated. If she went in, her life was going to change in more ways than just finding out she could grow a pretty tail. It was a pretty tail. I wonder what I look like as a wolf. Shoving that thought aside for later, she opened the door to the sauna. Steam billowed out around her and then Olivia caught her breath at the absolute feast set before her.
Chapter Eight
Micah lay on a towel on a wide wooden bench. His body had started to gleam with moisture from the heat in the sauna. He leaned up on his elbows to smile at her, his cock rising to greet her. Olivia licked her lips and saw his cock respond. Micah’s scent filled her nostrils and she quickly ripped her robe off, tossing it on the floor and stepping into the warm, dark room.
Sitting up, Micah held one hand out toward her. Olivia put her hand in his, hoping, praying she could keep her beast at bay. Then again, Micah has his own beast. What is this going to be like? Making love to a shifter?
“Stop thinking so hard, Liv. There’s just the two of us in here. Nothing else, no one else. Just you and me. Come closer, sweetheart. You are in control.”
She let him pull her so that she stood between his legs. The temptation was too much and Olivia reached out to run her hand over his hard rod. Micah immediately put his head back, letting out a groan of pleasure.
She whispered softly, “Show me what you like, Micah.”
His hand covered hers as he showed her the pressure he liked best. The muscles in his thighs twitched when she ran her other hand down from his balls to his knee and back up again. When she lightly scratched her way back up, she thought he might levitate.
“Let me do this now. You can watch, but you can’t touch.” A sly smile accompanied her quiet demand. The answering flash of gold in his eyes as he moved his hands up to rest behind his head rewarded her. Olivia felt a surge of power well up within her. For a moment it scared her then she remembered that he was like her. Her passion wouldn’t scare him.
“Liv, you are thinking too much. Please, sweetheart, don’t stop. I want to touch you so badly. I want to flip you over and drive my cock into your sweet pussy. I can smell you, Liv, and it’s driving me crazy.”
That last ended on a low growl as she refocused her attention on Micah’s shaft. The heat of his cock filled her palm as she smoothed up and down the velvet-covered steel. He shivered when she leaned over him to lick the tip. His hands came down, almost touching her head, then fisted at his sides. Musk and salt sang in her nose as she slipped her lips over the head then released him. Pulling back, Olivia reveled in the soft groan from Micah.
His hands flexed at his side as if he were straining against an invisible bond. Gold gleamed at her as his eyes lit from within. Momentarily she wondered if her own eyes did the same. Then she bent down again to swallow him into her mouth. She tried to keep her lips tight around him. When her teeth scraped him, his hips drove up.
“Liv, please. I need you. Let me touch you. Let me fill your pussy with my cock. Please.”
Lifting her head, she stroked her hand over his cock, Olivia marveled at the control he’d once again given her. She’d expected someone Micah’s size to always want to be in control, but he’d surprised her yet again. Suddenly he covered her hand again.
“You have to stop, sweetheart. I’ll come if you don’t.” Micah pulled her closer, kissing her chin, her cheeks and finally her mouth. “I can’t take your lips on my cock with your ass in the air like that. All I want to do is spread your legs and lick you until you scream my name.”
“You cheated, Micah.” She murmured the words against his lips as he kissed her.
He chuckled as he lifted her up from in front of him. His strength amazed her as he twisted to seat her next to him on the redwood sauna bench. “I know. You make me not want to play fair, sweetheart.”
Olivia made her own sound of pleasure, leaning close enough to feel the heat of his body and the sweat from the sauna. She turned into him and Micah cupped her breasts. Threads of pleasure wove through to her belly as he nipped at her lips while his thumbs rolled her nipples into hard peaks. The hair on his neck tickled her fingers as she stroked his neck and shoulders.
Then Micah surged to his feet, wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her into the air again. He laid his head against her breasts as he held her tightly-almost like he was afraid she would disappear. “Liv, I-”
He stopped, making Olivia nearly weep to know what he’d been about to say. Then he put her gently back down on the bench. The towel under her felt soft, the air warm and thick as Micah surrounded her with his body.
Olivia ran her fingers through his hair, gripping it tightly as he moved his mouth down to her breasts. She guided him toward one nipple and he immediately took her up on her invitation. Not wasting any time, Micah sucked her softly then harder, nipping with his teeth then soothing with his tongue.
“Open your legs, sweetheart. I want to feel your heat, I want to taste your sweetness.” Micah licked his way down her body, pushing her legs farther apart to accommodate his broad shoulders.
“Micah, please.” Not sure quite what she asked for, Olivia tugged on Micah’s hair again. He laughed as he nuzzled her then all laughter stopped as he licked her core. Olivia lifted her hips, wanting to feel him inside her. “Yes, oh yes, right there.”
“God, Liv. You taste sweet.” Micah licked all around her opening then thrust his tongue deep inside her body. Olivia arched her back, one hand tweaking her nipples, the other holding tightly to the back of his head.
Micah watched her carefully, saw when he found the perfect spot and concentrated on making her squirm. Olivia had to be the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. In ecstasy her skin took on a rosy glow, her blue eyes reminded him of a perfect summer sky and her scent filled his head and his senses.
Growling against her pussy, Micah sucked at her clit, pushing two fingers into her body, curving them slightly as he pulled them out and listening to her cries of pleasure. Olivia pumped her hips, her grip tightening on his hair and her other hand pinching hard at her nipple. He moved his other hand up to pinch the neglected nipple and Olivia screamed out her release.
Before he could temper his thoughts, even analyze what he was doing, Micah flipped her over onto her stomach. Olivia groaned and pushed her rear up slightly. Micah grabbed her hips, pulling her toward his very eager body and guiding his cock with one hand, slid inside her wet, welcoming body.
Olivia threw her head back at his first thrust, then dropped her shoulders back to the bench. Micah covered her with his body, pushing hard and fast into her then pulling almost all the way out and reentering her slowly.
He leaned back again so he could watch his cock disappearing inside her body. Olivia pushed up again then looked at him over her shoulder. “Micah, more, more.”
“Yes, Liv, more.” Gripping her hips, he started a pounding rhythm. Sweat poured off his body and hers, making his hold on her slip. Olivia reached back, grabbing his hand and pulling it toward her breasts. Instead of letting him cup her breast, however, she pulled it farther up her body as he continued to take her. Micah felt his eyes roll back in his head when she sucked on his forefinger.
He came with a shout, pushing deep inside her body, feeling her contract around him and feeling the scream she blocked with his finger in her mouth. Olivia let go of his finger and dropped her head back down onto the towel. Micah slowly pulled himself out of her body and sat down before his knees gave out.
He knew they couldn’t stay in the sauna much longer, but at the moment, all he could really concentrate on was breathing. Liv lay on her stomach, one hand by her head, the other still holding his hand. She opened those beautiful blue eyes and smiled at him and Micah felt his heart start pounding.
Olivia was his mate, his love, the woman he wanted for his own for all time. Now how to convince her that they could share a lif
e? Share the joys of being shifters, share the feeling of freedom and happiness from being a wolf and a human and share the rearing of children, Talia among them. He had to convince her to accept her wolf, then he’d work on convincing her to accept him as her life mate.
First though, he had to get her to the Gathering so the others in the Pack could meet her. If Pete had said even one word to his mate Margie, the entire Pack knew and probably the ones two states away. Margie did love to tell a good story. Micah smiled down at Olivia.
“Tomorrow night is a special night for our kind. There will be a Gathering. Though it’s not a full moon, it is important. All the members of the local Pack will be there.” At her flinch, Micah smoothed his fingers down her head onto her spine. “Let’s move out of here and go talk.”
Olivia wondered if Micah had some superhuman strength. First he fucked her nearly senseless, then he just sat there as though he could go again. A motion caught her eye as his fingers traced her flesh. His legs are shaking. Ha! Not so tough-just better at hiding it!
“Where do you want to go to talk, Micah?” Olivia reached out to slowly drag her fingers down his thigh. His shudder brought a very self-satisfied grin to her lips.
“Liv.” He grabbed her hand. “If you do that, we won’t leave the sauna and that would be bad for both of us. Come with me.”
Wrapping the towel around her body, Olivia shook her hair out of her eyes and followed him. Micah picked up his clothes and her robe on the way out of the sauna room.
“Normally, we might take a cold shower or dive into a snowbank or,” he grinned at her, “we might shift and go for a run. But for now, all I want to do is curl up in your bed with my arms around you. We can let Talia have dinner with us in the room. She’d like that.” He paused with a wary look in his eyes. “It’s good for our young to know they have adults they can trust.”
Olivia’s throat suddenly felt as if it were slamming shut. Talia needed what she hadn’t had as a child. Nodding at Micah, she motioned for him to lead the way. Fearing if she spoke her voice would betray the hot, sharp, almost jealousy she felt, Olivia remained silent until they reached her room.
