by Lori King
He heard her breath catch. “Why yours?”
Such a simple question, yet such a complex answer.
“For a few reasons, but mostly...because I’m the Alpha.”
“And?” she asked, doubt clear in her eyes. “There’s more, isn’t there?”
“Because you’re my mate,” he stated, waiting for her disbelief.
“Of course I am,” she scoffed, shoving at his shoulders again. “That’s why you pushed me away and lied to me. Because you can’t live without me, right?”
“There is so much to me that you have to accept, Eva. When a shifter takes their mate, it changes them.”
“I know.”
He jerked back, looking down at her. “How much?”
She huffed out a sigh. “All of it. You claim your human mate, and it turns them. They become like you. It’s a lifelong bond, both mentally and physically. It’s the ultimate commitment. It can only be undone by the death of one or both mates. If one survives, they will wish they hadn’t. The insanity they experience is horrendous.”
He shuddered at the thought. He had only witnessed it once in his life, and it would forever haunt him. “So you see, I couldn’t ask that of you then, it was too much.”
“And now?”
“Now? I’m asking it now. Will you accept me? All of me?”
Eva paused in her struggle and looked at him warily. “When did I ever give you reason to doubt me?”
Instead of answering, Jackson allowed the shift to partially take him over. Something only the Alpha could do. His canines lengthened and he could feel the hot intensity of his eyes shifting to a brilliant, burning red that marked him for who he truly was. A shifter. An Alpha.
“Jackson?” Her voice wavered as hers eyes widened in shock.
Jackson didn’t move as she continued to stare. He could see her mind working things over, trying to come to some sort of conclusion. He didn't know how much that roommate of hers let her see or know, but he needed to know once and for all if Eva could deal with all this. With him.
“It’s a lot to ask, Eva.”
“You’re beautiful, Jackson,” she whispered. Her eyes dipped to his canines, barely peeking out past his bottom lip. “Can I touch them?”
Jackson sighed in relief at her words. “Yes.” He’d deny her nothing.
The first touch of her fingertips against his elongated canines made him shudder. A shifter’s teeth were sensitive, so much so, that she may as well be stroking his cock instead with how good they felt. Oh, shit. Having never allowed anyone to touch them before, he had no idea what he had been in for.
“Eva, you might want to stop that,” he panted. “We still need to talk.”
She didn’t pull away like he thought she would; instead a sly smile played over her lips as she continued. “Why, Jackson? Does that not feel nice?”
Oh, the little minx. She knew damn well it felt more than nice.
Unwilling to let her win, Jackson ground his hips into her, allowing her to feel the full length of his erection. Eva gasped, spreading her legs to make room for him. Her dress slid up, revealing the smooth, creamy skin of her thighs to him. Jackson’s head spun as she kept caressing him, and he was unable to stop his hips from thrusting forward, nudging his swollen shaft against her heat.
The feel of her panties, damp and hot, was making him crazy.
“Fuck, I need you,” he muttered. “Tell me I can have you.”
“Yes,” she hissed. “Yes.”
Forcing his teeth to recede, he swooped down and claimed her lips, just as he planned to do to her body. Eva moaned as she arched up into him, and Jackson lost that little bit of sanity he had been clinging to. Having her in his arms, in total abandonment as she gave over to the tumultuous feelings they were both experiencing, was an ecstasy he never expected to know.
Skimming his hands up her thighs, he didn’t stop until he could slip her dress up and over, revealing all but a small part of her. The tiny, lacy material of her panties covered her most intimate parts, and he was dying to taste it.
And nothing was going to stop him.
* * *
Eva’s pulse beat rapidly as she lay there, completely naked, her legs slightly spread, feeling Jackson’s hot, humid breath sliding over the most tender and sensitive part of her. Never had a man’s face been so close to that part of her body. There had only been a few men in college, and she hadn’t trusted any of them enough to allow something so intimate.
Jackson’s eyes lowered, seeming to trace every inch of her body. She had thought he looked aroused before, but seeing the lust burning in his molten red eyes, practically pouring off him in waves, Eva knew Jackson was desperate to take her. And she would let him. He could have her, consume her, take her to heights she had never been before.
One thick finger slipped down her center, and she arched her back, a small cry of pleasure escaping her. Eva was so wet, so ready.
“Eva,” he said on a moan, right before he covered her pussy with his scorching mouth. Over and over, he flicked his tongue along her slit, moving to her clit and circling the bundle of nerves, before dragging his tongue down to press against the opening of her body.
She was shocked, and embarrassed, yet couldn’t refrain from begging for more. “Jackson. Please. Oh, yes.”
“You taste incredible. Perfect, just like I knew you would.” His husky voice vibrated against her clit, making her shiver and groan.
He flattened his tongue and ran it up and down her cleft. Firm, full lips suctioned onto her clit. Her orgasm was building inside of her as she struggled to breathe. Jackson seemed to know this, because the damn man brought her right to the precipice and then slowed before she reached release.
“Don’t stop. Oh, god. Please, Jackson.” She felt heat rise to her face at her blatant begging, but refused to take it back. She needed. Wanted. And if he made her wait, she might just kill him.
“I won’t stop. I’ll never stop,” he told her in a ragged whisper. It was nice to know she wasn’t the only one worked up.
His mouth latched onto her clit once more and thankfully didn’t stop when her climax neared. Thrashing her head back and forth, she couldn’t even begin to explain how good she felt. When he teased her pussy, slowly slipping his thick, long finger into her, Eva surrendered to the feelings that crashed through her.
Jackson was relentless as he dragged out her pleasure with his talented mouth. When the sensations became too much, she tried to push him away, whimpering. Before he allowed her to push his mouth away, he kissed her softly, then lifted himself up. His gaze was hungry as he stared at her.
Eva couldn’t help it. Couldn’t deny it. She wanted him. Now.
“Jackson, please.”
In one fluid motion, he stood, ridding himself of his pants. She nearly swallowed her tongue as she realized he had gone commando. His body was a masterpiece. The muscles under his flawless, tanned skin were cut and defined like a marble statue. Red eyes glowing bright, so surreal and majestic, she stared in awe. Jackson had certainly filled out since she had been gone. His shoulders were wider and moved down to bulging biceps that she knew held immense power. Much like the rest of him. A strong, finely-edged chest tapered down to narrow hips, and that incredible V of muscle pointed straight to his straining cock.
The man truly had become all Alpha.
She watched as he raised one eyebrow. “When you look at me like that, all I can think about is burying my cock in you.”
The air left her in a rush at his words and the erotic promises they contained.
He crawled onto the bed and moved toward her, all the while keeping his gaze locked with hers. Jackson looked like an animal stalking his prey. His tendons and muscles flexed, bunching as he moved with lethal precision. His hands splayed her inner thighs, opening her wider.
“God, Eva,” he said as his pupils dilated in hunger and lust. “Do you have any idea how much I’ve missed you?” His gaze cut to hers. “How much I love you?”
Her
breath caught in her throat at his words. Love?
Before she had time to think, he was taking hold of his thick, long cock and bringing it to the entrance of her body. The air sawed in and out of her as she watched the sight.
“You feel so amazing,” he rasped in her ear. “I need to be inside you. I need to claim you.”
Jackson’s hips thrust forward, and she hissed as the thick head of his cock breached her entrance. His body froze, holding her against him. His breath was hot on her skin.
“Eva,” he whispered, his lips gliding over her throat and up to her chin. “You’re mine, Eva. I’m never letting you go.”
She knew she should be terrified by his words, alarmed by the possessiveness she heard in them, but all she felt was a sense of peace wash over her. A feeling of completion so strong, it shook her to her very core. He moved again, just enough that his cock sank a little deeper. The pleasure was almost too much to bear.
“Jackson. Yes, Jackson.” She squeezed him tighter, digging her fingernails deeper into the tight muscles of his back and shoulders.
He took possession of her mouth, greedily kissing her. His body was still locked in place like a statue, unmoving. She dug her heels into his rear, frustrated and hoping to encourage him to thrust forward, but he didn’t.
“I need you to hear me, Eva. I’ve waited too long, fought too hard to have you by my side again. After this, I will not let you go. Do you understand me?”
“Yes,” she answered breathlessly. God, she knew what he was saying; some part of her understood how serious this was. So hungry for him, Eva would agree to anything as long as he slid the rest of the way into her. “Now stop stalling. You’re killing me.”
She felt a smile on his lips as he nuzzled his face against her ear. Slowly, he stretched her pussy another inch.
“Oh, god. Jackson,” she said, gasping as the pressure built inside her. He was driving her insane. She’d never survive another moment without him, wasn’t sure how she had managed before now. “Please, Jackson. I need you.”
Just when she thought she’d have to beg again, he plunged deep inside her. She cried out as her body stretched to receive him, taking him fully inside. Eva was so wet, so ready for him. Supporting himself on one arm, Jackson used the other to stroke her breasts as he let her adjust to him. His touch was rough and exciting. Desire pulsed in her veins. Eva wanted more, much more. Arching her back, she tried to move on his cock.
He clamped his hands on her hips, growling near her ear, and started to move inside her. The sound was more animal than man, low and possessive. Eva shook as her need rose. Her whole body burned with desire. Soon she was bucking against him, opening herself up completely. He pushed harder, faster, dragging her toward the edge. She felt dizzy with need and pleasure and excitement. Each thrust elicited another moan as she inched higher. Closer…
“Eva. God, honey.” Jackson’s thrusts slowed. He buried himself deep inside her, moving inch by delicious inch. Leaning over her body, he wrapped his arms around her back and rested his chin on her shoulder. He pumped in and out of her, slowly, seductively. “I missed you so much.”
She moaned as he brought one hand around to the front and pinched her nipples, all the while his cock retreating and then pushing back in again. Pleasure and pain mixed in her bloodstream, making her cry out.
He pulled away, sliding slowly through her wet channel until only the tip remained inside. He pushed hard and deep, making her gasp as pleasure shook her. “Tell me you want this,” he whispered.
“Yes.” Her answer was barely audible over the thumping of her heart as he dragged her closer to oblivion.
Eva closed her eyes as she tightened her muscles around his cock. She sighed, enjoying the added friction along her inner walls, until Jackson growled in her ear. “Come for me, Eva.”
She was so close…
Letting go of her breasts, Jackson wrapped his arms around her in a tight hold, thrusting again and again at a feverish pace. His fingers dug into her skin, mixing pain and pleasure. Her grip tightened as her nails undoubtedly scored his shoulders. Never before had sex felt this raw, this animalistic. Eva embraced her wild side as Jackson claimed her. Desire built, and she stretched for her release. Throwing her head back, she concentrated on the sensations rippling through her body.
When she felt his canines scrape up the side of her neck, preparing to puncture the tender skin there, her orgasm came. She screamed as pleasure exploded around her.
Above her, Jackson stiffened, his teeth sinking in and claiming her. Again and again, he pumped into her, allowing her orgasm to stretch out into oblivion. Only after he emptied himself completely did his movements slow and his teeth retract slightly.
She lay beneath him, breathing heavily as she absorbed what had just happened.
Well, so much for telling him to piss off. Now, what are you gonna do, woman?
4
Jackson hummed contently, sighing with a sense of fulfilment he hadn’t ever experienced. Eva lay wrapped in his arms, eyes closed and a soft smile playing on her lips as her fingertips traced the outline of one of his tattoos. He wasn’t completely covered, but there were enough.
“And what has you so happy?” he asked, for no other reason than to hear Eva say it was because of him. He was a smug bastard, so sue him.
Eva snickered, burrowing herself in closer. “Looking for your ego to be stroked?”
“Maybe?”
“Then look elsewhere,” Eva replied, jabbing him gently in the side.
Jackson grunted, and then silence fell between them again, so much more comfortable than earlier. He knew they had so much to discuss, to work out, but that didn’t matter. It would all work itself out. Now was the time to enjoy; reality could come later.
A few minutes later, though, he could feel Eva growing restless within his arms. She fidgeted, small movements that eventually made Jackson speak. “Eva? What is it?”
“What’s what?” she asked innocently.
Shuffling down to face her, Jackson hooked a finger under Eva's chin, forcing Eva to meet his eye. “What is going on in that beautiful brain of yours?”
Eva's brows pulled down into a frown. “Nothing, really.”
“It doesn’t look like nothing,” he said softly, brushing her long golden locks out of her eyes. “You going to tell me?”
The sigh that slipped past Eva's lips put him on alert. There was something hesitant yet resigned about it. “What does this mean?”
“This?” He grew uncomfortable as the silence dragged. Jackson knew where this was going. For all his confidence and surety from before, he had been a coward, hoping to avoid this very conversation for at least a little while.
“Us.” Eve pulled back, placing distance between them. “There is an ‘us,’ right?”
“Yes.”
“And that means something, right?”
“Yes.”
Why the hell was he giving her one-word answers? Fucking man up, idiot.
“Jackson?”
“Listen-”
“Oh, god,” she said abruptly cutting him off. “Please do not tell me you are about to give me the ‘we should take things slow’ speech after what we just did. I swear to god, Jack.”
Eyes widening, he actually felt himself retreat a bit at her anger. Holy shit, he should not find that so damn hot.
“Ah, no.” He held his hands up in a sign of peace. “I’m just a little concerned about this whole topic, given that I was under the assumption you were aware of everything last night.”
Eva’s temper diffused suddenly, her hand coming up to clamp over the bite mark he had left after claiming her.
Jackson had a sick feeling. “Eva. I really need you to tell me what you're thinking.”
Her reaction was not what he expected.
“Oh, god. I’m so sorry, Jack. Of course I know, I just...I guess I needed reassurance.” Her honey-brown gaze pleaded with him to understand. “I didn’t mean for you to think I wa
s having second thoughts or something. This whole thing is just so huge and I needed you to just…”
“Tell you everything was perfect?” he finished for her, sagging with relief. He smiled, nodding as he reached to drag her back to him. “I can do that.”
She came to him easily, snuggling up close. After a moment of quiet, she whispered, “Sorry.”
He pressed his lips to her forehead. “It’s okay. I get it.”
His phone began ringing from somewhere in the room, and Jackson begrudgingly untangled himself from their embrace to find it. He recognized the tone as his one for the station. Rummaging through their discarded clothing, he finally found it.
“Hollinger.”
“Hey boss,” Cassidy responded. “You planning on coming in today?”
Brows furrowed, he grunted. “What?”
Cassidy chuckled. “It’s nearly half past ten, Jackson.”
His eyes widened as he read the time on the bedside clock. “Shit. Crap. Okay, yeah, I’m coming in.”
“Good thing you have a change of clothes here, huh?” Cassidy taunted him. “Though I’m telling you now – if you touched my room, I’m going t-”
“For god’s sake, Cass. Why the hell would I have been interested in your room?” he snapped as he gathered his clothes and pulled them on haphazardly.
“I’ll take it you two worked things out then?”
“Christ, you’re nosey.”
Before Cassidy had a chance to respond, his phone was yanked out of his hand by an irritated Eva. She held up a finger to stop him from talking or trying to take it back. “Cass, it’s Eva. Do me a favor? Shut up and take over for the day.”
There was a moment of silence, and even though he knew he could, Jackson was equally aware that he didn’t want to.
“Yes, later...After lunch...Yup. Pretty much...It’s fine, Cass...No really, it’s okay.” Eva sighed and rolled her eyes at him. “Yes...I’m not answering that...Okay, fine. Yes, that good...You are terrible...Do you want me to still be pissed with you?...I didn’t think so...Yes, I’ll tell him...Bye, Cass.”
She hung up and threw the phone back to him.
