“I’m trying to go slow. Lacy, I’m on the edge right now, and I don’t want to hurt you, but if you keep this up, I’ll be plowing you in a nanosecond,” Ethan growled next to her ear, his teeth against the tender skin of her neck and shoulder as he delivered his warning.
“Come on, wild man. Let’s see what you’ve got,” she taunted, giving his tight rear a squeeze, making sure he felt the bite of her nails.
She’d barely gotten the last word out before all the air was forced from her body. He thrust forward and buried himself to the hilt on the first stroke, and Lacy was shocked to find she was so near to orgasm again.
“Baby, I’m not going to last, but I swear, I’ll make this up to you,” Ethan vowed.
“I’m close. Don’t stop.”
His hips slammed into hers again and again, the sound of flesh slapping against flesh echoing through the room. The bed banged into the wall with every fierce thrust as his savage passion was given free rein.
Lacy felt her orgasm approaching, barreling forward like a freight train then crashing into her with so much force it sent her soaring. Surely, she wouldn’t survive this time. The sensations were simply too intense, too all consuming.
She could feel everything! Love, surprise and immense joy. She even caught a glimpse of a beige wolf in her mind that startled her as it stared at her with eyes that looked just like Ethan’s. To her utter disappointment, the feeling of joy began to morph into one of worry.
Confused, Lacy opened her eyes. She had nothing to worry about. Sure, Ethan had forgotten to use a condom, but she was on the pill and he didn’t seem the type to sleep around.
“Lacy?” Ethan’s voice was cautious, and when she turned her head in his direction, she saw fear in his eyes.
“I’m on the pill, Ethan, so don’t worry,” she soothed, still riding out the aftershocks of her last orgasm. “That was amazing. I’ve never felt anything like that before. Have you?”
“No.” His answer was quiet, and Lacy began to wonder if the feeling had been one-sided. He’d seemed to be into it, and she knew he’d come as well, but he seemed almost withdrawn. Guarded.
“What’s wrong?”
“We need to talk, and I’m not sure if you’ll like what I have to say. I’m a little nervous.”
Feeling a little uneasy herself, Lacy took his hand and urged him to speak to her. “You can tell me whatever it is. I promise I’ll listen and do my best to be understanding.” Of course, if he told her he’d just given her some STD, she’d likely castrate him.
Rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand, he began, “There’s a reason why you’ve never felt anything like this before. It’s because you could only feel it with me.”
Cocky much?
“I’m not like other guys, Lacy.”
“I get that. Trust me, I’ve noticed. Most men aren’t nearly as sweet and mannerly as you are, and I find it refreshing. You’re like a modern-day Prince Charming.”
He gave a weak smile, and Lacy felt a little better at seeing it. A wave of love and comfort came over her, and she wasn’t sure where it had come from.
“Did you feel that?” Ethan asked, his voice soft now, as if he was scared of spooking her.
“I feel love,” Lacy admitted, looking up into his eyes and seeing that very emotion shining back at her. “How is this possible?”
“It’s because of what I am.”
He wasn’t making any sense. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m still a man, Lacy, but I know you saw a wolf in your mind a few moments ago.”
She had. It was a beautiful animal with thick beige fur and piercing eyes the same color as Ethan’s. It hadn’t looked at her with hunger, but more like a pet would look at its owner after they’d returned from a long day away. Happy.
The wolf thing was strange enough, but… “How do you know what I saw?”
She watched as Ethan took a deep breath and took her hands into his own before answering, “Because the wolf is a part of me.”
“How? What?” This made no sense at all. Was he nuts?
“I know how crazy this is going to sound, but I can prove it to you if you promise not to scream.”
Well, yeah, because when he put it like that, it made her feel so much better. “Exactly what do you need to prove?”
“That I’m a werewolf.”
And there was the elusive flaw to her perfect Prince Charming. He was a closet nut job!
“Sure you are, and I’m a fairy princess.” Rolling her eyes at their ridiculous conversation and wiggling out of bed, she put on her robe before asking, “Did you forget any important medication today?” Sitting back on the bed, she waited.
His answering sigh sounded almost resigned as he rose from the bed. Thinking he was getting ready to leave, Lacy reached out her hand, only to snatch it back when his form began to shimmer out of focus.
Scrubbing her eyes with her fists, Lacy opened them only to find the beige wolf—in real life—staring at her from where it lay on the floor. A quick glance around the room showed no sign of Ethan, yet the seemingly docile canine next to the bed continued to regard her with a look of longing.
Lacy, however, knew enough about wild animals to keep her guard up. She was well aware of how many animals turned on their owners, especially those who were never meant to be kept as pets, so she slowly pulled her gun from beneath her pillow.
Upon seeing her weapon, the wolf lowered its head to his massive paws and emitted a pitiful whine, even as Lacy felt a crushing wave of sorrow engulf her.
She hadn’t felt grief like that since the day she’d buried her parents. Now, thoroughly confused and on the brink of tears, she zeroed in on the clearly distraught creature. “Ethan?”
Silver eyes rolled up to stare back at her, and Lacy’s breath stalled.
It can’t be!
This couldn’t be happening! Werewolves weren’t real!
Head in one hand and her gun in the other, now at her side, Lacy tried to focus on her breathing, keeping her breaths slow and even, lest she pass out.
She was so lost in her jumbled thoughts that when the bed dipped next to her, she flailed, afraid the wolf had come too near. The warm arms that wrapped around her though were definitely human, and Lacy was in such a state, she didn’t know whether to push Ethan away or cling to him.
“I understand that this scares you. It scares me, too, but just hear me out.”
Not knowing what else to do, Lacy gave a nod of her head and waited to hear what he had to say.
Chapter Thirteen
Ethan was an emotional wreck. He’d been so unbelievably happy when he’d realized that Lacy was his mate, though he wasn’t sure how he hadn’t figured it out sooner. Now, he was nervous, since he was about to reveal just how close their lovemaking had bound them, and terrified that she’d reject him when all was said and done.
“Well, you didn’t shoot me, and I’m grateful for that,” he began, gently relieving her of her firearm and setting it in the drawer of her nightstand. “Lacy, do you believe in soul mates?”
“I don’t know what I believe in anymore.” Her voice was small, and she sounded so lost Ethan couldn’t help but give her another squeeze. He took the fact that she didn’t pull away as a positive sign.
“Let me explain. When one of my kind finds their destined mate, a soul-bond is formed once they make love. That’s what we experienced here tonight.” Ethan made sure to keep his voice low and soothing. He could feel her nervousness coming through their bond now, and there was some fear mixed in, as well. That’s what was killing him. “I’m now able to feel you through this connection, just like you can now feel me,” he explained. “That sensation of love you felt was from me.”
“You’re telling me that we know what the other is thinking?” Her puzzled violet eyes turned to his, and Ethan felt their impact like a vise around his heart. She wanted to understand yet was so hesitant to believe.
“No, sweetheart, I can’
t read your mind. I can simply sense your emotions. Right now, I can feel your confusion, your nervousness, too, but it’s the fear that’s tearing me up.” Holding her close, Ethan tucked her head against his chest, stroking his hand over her silky hair. “Please don’t be afraid of me, Lacy. I couldn’t bear it.”
“This is too much,” she whispered, a fine tremor running through her small frame. “I don’t think I can—”
“Don’t. Please. Just take a day or so to think about it,” he urged, already feeling her slipping through his fingers but ready to do all in his power to keep her. “Talk to Stephanie or Sarah if you want. They’re married to my brothers, after all. Just please don’t quit on us. I just found you, Lacy. It would kill me to lose you.”
Now, if only she knew the truth in that statement.
Us.
Lacy had to admit, she’d longed for a serious relationship with Ethan, but this went right past serious and straight into The Twilight Zone.
Could she really handle having a werewolf as a lover?
Well, as of about thirty minutes ago, she had! Guess that was a moot point.
What am I thinking?
He had to go. There was no way to get her brain to function normally when he was nearby. She had a case to solve! There was no room for werewolves in her life right now.
So why did she feel as if her heart was shredding in her chest? She knew she was upset, but it was mainly unanswered questions and a good bit of shock.
Hello! My boyfriend turns into a freaking dog! I’m entitled to a mini-meltdown if I want one, thank you.
But that wasn’t what had her feeling as if a Mack Truck was parked on her sternum. Could it be Ethan? Was he that distraught? Over her?
Perhaps, he really did love her.
Right now though, she had to focus on solving this case. It had to be her primary concern at the moment, though she knew it would be nearly impossible to keep this situation with Ethan from the forefront of her mind as long as he remained nearby.
Bracing herself, Lacy slowly pulled away from his warm embrace, trying to keep her eyes from roaming over his incredible, naked body—which could turn into a wolf at a moment’s notice.
“I need some space, Ethan.” She couldn’t bring her voice above a whisper for fear it would crack. “I can’t think straight when you’re near me, and I really need to keep my head clear. The lives of these models depend on it.”
Surely, he could understand that, but she felt a tidal wave of loss wash over her. She watched as he rose and pulled on his jeans before picking up his shirt and heading for the door.
“Ethan,” She couldn’t let him leave like this. Despite her confusion over everything, she still cared for him.
He turned to face her, and the emotion in his beautiful eyes floored her. They looked so forlorn. She crossed to him, uncaring of his earlier display, and wrapped her arms around his neck before giving him a soft kiss.
Now, with hope warming his gaze, he promised, “I’ll give you the space you need. It may kill me to do so, but your needs will forever come before my own. Remember that, sweetheart.” With an achingly tender kiss to her brow, he exited her room, closing the door softly behind him.
Lacy slowly crossed the room and locked her bedroom door. Not against Ethan, but in case their resident killer decided to visit.
She should have known she wouldn’t be that lucky. After calling in a rather late report to a grumbling Murphy, Lacy remained awake the entire night.
As the sun crept over the horizon, she sent a text to Stephanie asking if she could talk to her. Her new friend’s prompt reply of, It took you long enough, made Lacy smile and told her that Ethan had already spoken to Stephanie.
They agreed that Stephanie would pick her up, and they would head to the site for the photo shoot early. Lacy quickly grabbed her things, throwing on a pair of shorts and a tank and making sure to tuck her small handgun into her holster at the small of her back, before pulling on a loose button-down blouse to ensure that it wasn’t seen.
The house was quiet when she stepped from her room. Upon entering the living room, she spotted Jose snoring softly on the sofa. She tried not to laugh at his strange sounds or how his legs twitched as she made her way out. Once past the front door, she saw Stephanie was parked at the curb.
Opening the passenger side door, Lacy heard Stephanie say, “Just keep an eye on him, Abe. He shouldn’t be alone.” Then she was hanging up her cell, and Lacy found herself enveloped in an awkward hug. “How are you holding up?”
“Not too well, I’m afraid. I take it Ethan spoke to you?” Of course, he had. He’d encouraged her to talk to Stephanie, after all.
“No, he talked to Abe, and Abe talked to me. According to him, Ethan is a real mess. Between his own emotions and what he’s picking up from you, I don’t think he’s slept at all.”
“That makes two of us,” Lacy replied. “I can feel him, and it’s amazing and scary as hell all at once.”
“I understand, trust me. These guys are taught young about what it means to find a mate, and what it means to lose one,” Stephanie explained as she maneuvered her little car down the seriously bumpy dirt road leading to the site. “But for us, we only hear about these sorts of things happening in stories.”
“So he knew I was his mate before this happened? Why didn’t he talk to me first, give me the chance to make my own decision?”
“No! That’s what’s got him so upset. He was so wrapped up in his attempts to impress you and do everything he could to help with the investigation that he never noticed the signs. And with you being human, there’s no way you would have noticed them,” Stephanie assured her.
“I could feel how upset he was last night when I asked him to leave. It was like how I felt when I lost my parents, the extreme sorrow and despair.” Lacy shook her head, “I don’t want to hurt him, Stephanie, but I can’t think when he’s close by. All I want to do is go to him. Be with him. Is that normal?”
Stephanie’s smile was so kind and understanding and Lacy’s emotional state was so fragile that she wasn’t surprised to feel a tear running down her cheek.
What startled her was the sight of Ethan speaking to a very animated Landon when they pulled up. Through their connection, she felt his depression and longing, making her want to comfort him, but she still had questions, and she couldn’t trust herself around him long enough to ask.
“Why is Ethan here so early?” Lacy wondered aloud. He was in his forest ranger uniform, but Lacy was almost certain Landon hadn’t asked him to wear it.
“He’s pulling from the shoot today, to give you the space you asked for,” Stephanie explained. “Trust me, that man wants nothing more than to be with you, but you’ll discover soon enough that you will always come first.” When Lacy turned to her, Stephanie just smiled. “It’s a little overwhelming at first, I get that, but you love him, I can tell, and he loves you, too. Would being his mate really be such a hardship? You would never have to worry about infidelity, never question his feelings for you and he will spend the rest of his life seeing to your happiness.”
“I think I’m still in shock, to tell you the truth. He turned into a wolf in my bedroom, Stephanie. That sort of thing freaks out most women.”
“Believe me, I know, but at least you found out what he is in private. I, on the other hand, got my crash course while in a life or death situation with Sarah’s attackers.”
Lacy listened, riveted, as Stephanie recalled the night she witnessed Sarah fighting for her life against two men and how she’d had to put aside her own hysteria over seeing the brothers all turn into wolves long enough to help save her friend. In the end, the two werewolves after Sarah had been killed, but not before they’d inflicted a serious injury to Sarah, having stabbed her with a silver blade.
“Why a silver blade? Why not a regular one?” Lacy asked.
“Because, that’s one thing Hollywood got right. Wounds from silver are extremely hard for them to heal from. Therefore, S
arah’s wound wasn’t closing and was still bleeding freely.” Stephanie must have recognized the shock on Lacy’s face because she added, “Yes, Sarah is a werewolf, too. She’s an alpha female, and that’s why those men were after her. She’d dealt them a blow to their egos that they wanted revenge for.”
“So what made you decide to stay? Were you already bound to Abraham before you discovered his furry side?”
“Nope, I wasn’t ready. Abe, being the sweetheart he is, waited until I was.”
Lacy could see how much Stephanie loved her husband, the proof in the faraway look in her eyes whenever she mentioned him.
“Listen, I had the luxury of knowing all of these guys for a few weeks before I found out about their secret, but they were still the same people I’d come to know and call my friends. They were just more.”
Needing to be alone for a bit and process her thoughts, Lacy thanked Stephanie. “I’m going to take a walk around the perimeter of the shoot to think. I need a clear head when everyone gets here. Or at least, a little less muddled than it is right now.” She smiled at her new friend. “I really appreciate you talking to me.”
“I hope it helps. I’ll stick around for a bit in case you have any more questions.”
“Thank you. I’ll be back once I check around,” Lacy promised.
“Be careful. I know Ethan probably didn’t go far—his protective instincts won’t allow him to while there’s danger around—but don’t forget to watch your back.” Stephanie stepped forward and gave Lacy another hug, patting the firearm in the holster Lacy had tucked into her shorts. “Good thinking.”
“I’m here to catch a killer, so it’s never too far from me,” Lacy replied, feeling the weapon at the small of Stephanie’s back, as well. “So what’s your excuse?”
Stephanie just pulled back with a shrug. “I never leave home without it.”
Lacy really liked this woman. “I’ll be back in about twenty minutes.”
“I’ll be here.”
* * * *
Ethan couldn’t help himself. Once he’d told Landon he had something important to handle, having worn his forest ranger uniform to look official, he’d returned home long enough to strip and shift before allowing his wolf to run.
To Save His Mate Page 10
