Things That Go Bump In the Night 2004

by Ashleigh Raine

  She showered and then started coffee and stood staring out her front living-room window when Ralph’s scent drifted in from behind her. His rich intoxicating all-male smell had her pussy throbbing instantly. Her nipples hardened as if calling out to him on their own, begging for his attention. Every inch of her was like an exposed nerve ending, ultra-sensitive to his mere presence.

  “What are you doing today?” His greeting didn’t surprise her. His protective nature would always demand to be informed.

  “I’m going to help the school take the cubs downtown for trick-or-treating.” She looked down at her fingernails, examining them while her stomach twisted in knots of anticipation. “And I want to talk to my daughter.”

  He stood right behind her. If she leaned back barely an inch his powerful body would be there, comforting, a security blanket. But she wanted more from him than just his security.

  She turned around and examined his calm expression. So relaxed, he appeared not to have a care in the world. She knew that made him a good investigator. But she wasn’t one of his cases to be solved.

  “I asked you for something last night,” she began, her mouth suddenly too dry. She licked her lips, taking in a deep breath. “And you didn’t give it to me.”

  His expression didn’t change. She thought she saw something dark pass through his eyes, something intent, but then it disappeared.

  “I want you to be my mate.” His words came quickly, and she supposed that was as close as a proposal for mating that she would ever get out of him.

  She sighed, looking down. More than anything she wanted to run her fingers over the bulging muscles that were outlined through his shirt. She could wrap her arms around him, cuddle into him, allow his warmth to soak through her.

  But she had to be strong around him. If she leaned on him he would make all of the decisions for them. He needed to see that she would think for herself.

  “I’ll think about it.” Her heart raced in her chest while she waited for his reaction.

  He turned from her, heading toward the door. “I’ll call you later.” And then he was gone.

  Ethan dropped off her purse and coat to her shortly after Ralph left. She was grateful the two werewolves didn’t cross paths at her house.

  “How is Beth doing?” she asked, knowing he understood the question.

  “Give her time,” was all he said.

  She nodded and he left shortly after that.

  The day was full of holiday activities, which helped Sandy keep her thoughts off Ralph. By dark, he hadn’t called. She hadn’t heard from her daughter either. Large snowflakes had just started to fall when she decided to drive over to Beth’s house.

  Ethan and Ralph stood just inside the doorway when she walked up, a swarm of cubs around her all dressed up for trick-or-treating.

  “Trick or treat,” they yelled out in unison, and she barely managed to sneak around them while the two large werewolves made a show of dumping candy into their sacks.

  She strolled through the house undisturbed until she found her daughter upstairs, sitting at the computer.

  “You never did like Halloween.” She smiled at her daughter who sat cross-legged in oversized sweats and large fuzzy slippers.

  Beth turned, searching her mom’s face for a moment before smiling. “I remember you used to bribe me with anything you could think of to get me to put on a costume and go door to door with you.”

  Sandy grinned, remembering how stubborn her cub had been. Some things never changed. Beth turned back to her computer, pointing to it.

  “I was reading through some e-mail. This came in from one of my old college buddies.” She laughed and Sandy rested her hand on her daughter’s shoulder, deciding to enjoy this moment even if they weren’t discussing what bothered her daughter.

  And Beth was bothered. Worry and frustration swam in the air around her. Like Ralph, she liked to control situations. But Sandy wouldn’t be manipulated by either one of them. It would take time, but they would both come to accept that.

  “It’s a list of what not to do on Halloween.” Beth leaned back, her expression showing she was getting ready to make some point. “Don’t howl at the moon unless you want to pick up a werewolf,” she read. She looked up at Sandy. “You know there is a blue moon tonight. You plan on doing any howling?”

  Sandy looked into her daughter’s probing eyes. “That, my dear, is none of your business.”

  Beth stood up quickly, immediately pacing. “It is too my business. You’re my mother. And I have a right…”

  “Stop right there.” Sandy held up her hand, and Beth stopped in mid-stride, her hands going to her hips. “Yes. I am your mother. But I’ve raised you. You’ve moved on, made a wonderful life for yourself. I have a right to do the same.”

  “So you want Ralph Hipp then? Are you sure about this? He’s so…so…” Beth gestured with her hands, while she frowned.

  “So demanding? Control-oriented? Bullheaded?” Sandy couldn’t keep from smiling, thoughts of Ralph trying to manipulate her just like her daughter did grew suddenly very clear. “He’s a lot like someone else I love.”

  Beth sucked in her lower lip, reminding Sandy of how she looked when she was a little girl, frustrated with something.

  “Do you love him?” she whispered.

  “Maybe.” She thought she might, and maybe she always had. But it was something she would explore and not be rushed, by either of them.

  “Then I guess you should go to him.” Beth sat back down at her computer, giving her mother one of those dismissive waves she was so good at.

  Sandy would give Beth time to digest that much knowledge. She didn’t expect her to immediately congratulate her on her newfound happiness. Leaving the room, she wandered back down to the kitchen. The TV was on in the living room, deep male voices speaking quietly as the two werewolves discussed something.

  She went to the back door, staring out at patches of clear black sky in between the heavy gray clouds. A blue moon, the second full moon in the month. Just like her. The cycle completed and coming around for another chance.

  Stepping outside, she crossed her arms over her chest while her nipples puckered against the cold. It wasn’t late but the dark night, and white coat of soft snow on the ground would probably end trick-or-treating before long.

  There were two people inside that she cared dearly for. She watched while the full moon, the blue moon, slowly appeared from behind a cloud. A second later its brightness allowed her human eyes to see the surrounding yard more clearly. And that was how it would be with Ralph and Beth. Time would allow them to see clearer, to understand that what she asked of them was what would make her happy.

  Turning, she decided that was all she could do for the night.

  “You two have a good evening,” she told the two werewolves when she walked into the living room. “Ethan, let Beth know I went home for the night.”

  Ralph stood. “We are going on a run here in a bit.”

  She knew he expected her to go along. She smiled. “Have fun. Give me a call tomorrow.”

  An eyebrow shot up, his look penetrating and shrewd while he seemed to search her thoughts, learn what she was about. She turned and left her pack leader’s house before her knees began shaking.

  A noise woke her later that evening. Glancing at her clock it was the middle of the night. Her heart lurched inside her when she spotted the figure standing in her doorway.

  Ralph’s massive frame, broad chest, thick torso and long legs, filled the doorway to her bedroom. He smelled earthy, telling her he’d probably just returned from a run.

  “You told me to call you tomorrow. It’s tomorrow.” He moved toward her, approaching slowly.

  She couldn’t decide whether it had been a good idea to go to bed without her nightgown on or not. He would have just ripped it off of her if she had worn it, and she liked her nightgown. Nonetheless, she gripped her blankets, using them as a shield against him.

  “What are you doing
here?” Her brain was still foggy from sleep.

  “You know I’m not going to leave you alone.” He began unbuttoning his shirt, his gaze never leaving her.

  And she knew she didn’t want him to leave her alone. Her heart pounded in her chest, the same beat making her pussy throb. He undressed in front of her, that incredibly sexy body slowly appearing while he shed his clothes.

  “Yes. I know,” she whispered, admitting the truth.

  He crawled onto the bed, hovering over her, like the predator stalking his prey. His body glistened from the strong ray of moonlight streaming through her bedroom window. Solid muscle, bulging, taut, he moved like he was still in his beast form.

  She looked down at the long length of his cock—hard, solid. Her mouth watered. Tingles rushed over her skin, an exciting sense of anticipation making her feel almost giddy.

  “And I think you want me here.” His voice was low, not a whisper, more like a growl, matching the slinking movement of his body.

  Hot cream soaked her pussy, the scent rising through the air, answering his question before she spoke. “Yes,” she whispered.

  His mouth covered hers, hot and moist, feasting on her. She rose up to him, letting go of the blanket, reaching for him. Her hands brushed over his body, his muscles quivering under her touch. Reaching down, she encircled his thick shaft with her fingers, feeling it pulsate against her palms.

  Ralph groaned into her mouth, feeding her while he took from her all she would offer. He empowered her, made her drunk off of his strength. Sitting up, she pushed into him, forcing him to his knees.

  For the first time, she ended the kiss, looking up into his lust-filled eyes. She studied the strong jawline, his thick neck, ran her hands along his broad shoulders. His coarse chest hair tickled her hands while she explored the curve of his muscles, the width of his torso.

  Then looking down, she ran her hands over his cock. It danced in eagerness, thrusting toward her while her mouth grew so wet she had to swallow just staring at how glorious he looked.

  “I think I will have you,” she told him, running the tips of her fingers over the swollen curve of his cockhead.

  Ralph moaned, reaching for her, trying to push her down on the bed. “Sandy. You’ve had me for a long time now.”

  His words soared through her, making her heart dance. He’d wanted her for a long time. How special that made her feel. But he’d watched her, not taken time to get to know her. And now he would know her. And he would know that although petite, a widow with an overbearing daughter, she was also strong.

  She pushed back, looking up at him, finding it hard not to grin at the surprised look he gave her. Ignoring his reaction to her defiance, she went down on her hands and knees and ran her tongue over the round smooth surface of the tip of his cock.

  “Dear God. Damn.” He grabbed her head, his long thick fingers tangling through her hair. “Woman. Yes.”

  She could hardly open her mouth far enough to suck him into her mouth. The rock-hard shaft with skin so soft against her lips, moved in and out of her. Fucking her. Taking all she offered and pushing a bit harder for more. She gagged against him, feeling him stretch her throat, wanting even more of him.

  Running her tongue over the satin skin, she tasted his saltiness, smelled his rich scent, and her body rushed with an ache so severe, so full of need, she could barely hold herself up.

  Ralph pinned her head, holding her in place while he impaled her mouth, her lips tingling while she drooled with a lusty craving for more.

  So carnal. Almost rough. His actions made her wild, wanting more even though she gagged on what he offered.

  His hands moved down her, gripping her, turning her while she still had her mouth open, still felt the friction from his cock.

  “I need to fuck you.” His words rushed through her, her cunt swollen with a fiery ache that craved him. Needed him.

  “Yes. Oh. Yes.” She gripped her headboard, arching her back so that his cock pressed into the soft mound of her ass.

  She felt his hands on her, spreading her, exposing her while his swollen damp cockhead pressed into her skin until it trailed its way to her soaked hole.

  And he wasn’t gentle. She hadn’t expected him to be. Kneeling behind her, he thrust into her craving cunt with a fierceness of possession.

  “Who do you belong to?” he demanded to know from behind her.

  His cock pressed deep inside her, riding her hard and fast.

  She shook her head, letting her hair fly around her, taking all that he offered while holding onto her wooden headboard as if she would float away if she let go.

  His words floated toward her, drifting on a sea of unadulterated passion, fiery lust, and a love so solid she knew it was here to stay.

  Looking over her shoulder, she saw the darkness of his frame while he gripped her ass, impaling her with a fury that soared through her hotter than a prairie fire.

  “You are mine.” She cried out while hot cream exploded inside her, flowing with incredible speed through her, soaking her cunt, her inner thighs, his thick cock.

  Ralph growled, making one final stab into her fiery hole. His fingers crushed her with his steel grip while he filled her with cum that branded her with its fire.

  She almost laughed, the intensity of her orgasm was that good. Quivers rushed over her body. Without looking, she had found a mate, and the second time around would be glorious.

  About the author:

  All my life, I’ve wondered at how people fall into the routines of life. The paths we travel seemed to be well-trodden by society. We go to school, fall in love, find a line of work (and hope and pray it is one we like), have children and do our best to mold them into good people who will travel the same path. This is the path so commonly referred to as the “real world”.

  The characters in my books are destined to stray down a different path other than the one society suggests. Each story leads the reader into a world altered slightly from the one they know. For me, this is what good fiction is about, an opportunity to escape from the daily grind and wander down someone else’s path.

  Lorie O’Clare lives in Kansas with her three sons.

  Lorie O’Clare welcomes mail from readers. You can write to her c/o Ellora’s Cave Publishing at 1337 Commerce Drive, #13, Stow, Ohio 44224.

  Also by Lorie O’Clare:

  Full Moon Rising

  Lunewulf 1: Pack Law

  Lunewulf 2: In Her Blood

  Lunewulf 3: In Her Dreams

  Lunewulf 4: In Her Nature

  Lunewulf 5: In Her Soul

  Sex Slaves 1: Sex Traders

  Shadow Hunter

  J.C. Wilder

  Chapter One

  As the sun sank in the west, the crowds on Bourbon Street grew rowdier. With each passing hour the average intoxication level per human increased, as did the threat to their lives, not that they knew it. The humans had no clue Death walked among them.

  Halloween was one of the prime times for human death at the hands of a preternatural. Until two years ago it had been Rik’s job to keep them safe.

  But not anymore.

  Rik threaded his way through the steady stream of tourists as he headed for the Chat Noir, a popular restaurant and jazz club in the heart of the French Quarter.

  The fragile peace in the preternatural world was tenuous at best, but everyone was on edge. Until the Council of Elders, the ruling body of the preternatural world, dealt with Mikhail and his unprecedented challenge for control of the Council, anything could happen. The vampire was determined to bring down the Council no matter how many lives he destroyed in the process. For each day that passed, the body count increased and nerves grew more frayed.

  Rik seriously doubted that when the Council made a move to pursue Mikhail and his followers that everyone else would fall into line. While most preternaturals supported the Council, a surprising number had adopted a wait-and-see attitude about the whole situation.

  He didn’t understand th
e apathy they displayed because the situation was clear to him. If Mikhail succeeded in taking control of the Council, there would only be chaos and the destruction of hundreds of lives. At least while under the control of the Council, the preternaturals could live safer, more ordinary lives. They were governed by a distinct set of laws and everyone was treated the same in the eyes of the Council.

  To him the situation was a no-brainer. On one hand was anarchy and on the other was peace. Many of the Shadow Dwellers were too young to remember what life was like before the Council—himself included. He’d heard stories from the Elders of the constant power struggles and the everyday fight for survival. That was no way to live and he would do everything in his power to avoid such a bleak future for his people.

  From behind his black Ray-Ban sunglasses, Rik scanned the sea of faces, always on the lookout for trouble. There were a select few who wished him ill or dead, whichever came first.

  Old habits died hard.

  It was an unseasonably warm Halloween and the majority of the costumed throng had been drinking heavily. A poor imitation of a vampire ran into him and Rik barely managed to conceal a snarl as he was forced to sidestep a large gorilla throwing up in the gutter.

  Tourists.

  The wide windows of the Chat were a welcome sight and he spotted his ex-boss, Trey, seated in the far corner of the restaurant with his back to the wall. The tall were-cat was leaning back, his chair balanced on two legs. He wore black sunglasses and Rik had no doubt he was aware of everything and everyone around him.

  That was Trey; always ready for action.

  Rik entered the Chat and waved at Tom, the bartender, before heading toward his friend’s table. The restaurant was nearly full with the exception of the tables nearest Trey, but that was no surprise. One look at the Welsh warrior was enough to persuade any mortal to give him a wide berth.

  At six foot six, he was all legs, long black hair and attitude. With his sunglasses, a silver ring through his left nostril and a matching one through his left eyebrow, he was an intimidating presence even when sitting in a lighted restaurant drinking steaming hot café au lait. Then again, his dark purple leather coat and black leather pants with more buckles and straps than a bondage store would put anyone on edge.