by Selena Page
He settled in on the bed next to Miah, carefully gathering her up in his arms. He tried to tell himself it was only to keep her still for when the next pain came, but lying had never been his strong suit.
Elise watched, a slightly bemused look in her eyes. Despite Miah’s pain, and the entire fucked up situation at hand, she seemed to be enjoying something. Finn lifted a brow at his sister, and she ducked her head, pulling out a tub and going to work on the newly broken leg of their guest.
Miah stirred in his arms, and he tightened them slightly around her. The last thing he wanted was for her to move too much and cause herself more pain. He bent his mouth to her ear, murmuring quietly, “Shh, little bird. We’re halfway done. Elise just needs to set it. I just need you to stay as still as you can, ok?”
Her eyes flicked up towards him, cloudy with pain, and she nodded once, easing back into his chest.
Despite the circumstances, it felt right having her in his arms. Laws be damned, he wanted this girl.
“It hurts.” Her voice was low, but his packmates would hear them anyway. Damn werewolf hearing sometimes.
“Don’t worry, Miah. We’re almost done. Just focus on Finn, ok?” Elise gave her patient a smile.
Can you heal it, Elise? Healers were rare among the werewolves, but Elise was one of the best, possessing the ability to heal most wounds with her spirit.
Most of it. I want her to keep a boot on for a week or two to give it time to strengthen, but she won’t need a cast.
And how are we explaining that?
She spent three months with a goddamn vampire, Finn. You think she won’t believe you if you tell her I can heal it with my mind?
Elise had a point. Like it or not, Miah had been forcefully introduced to the darker side of society. And now that a Vampire had rubbed his scent all over her, it would make her a beacon for other creatures.
Finn looked down, placing two fingers under Miah’s chin and tilting her head up to look at him, “Elise is going to heal your leg. You’ll need a brace for a few weeks, to make sure you have your strength back, but you won’t need a cast. And the pain is going to be gone.”
He expected surprise or disbelief, possibly a minor panic attack. After all, most humans didn’t react very well to supernatural creatures. But Miah just smiled at him and nodded once, mumbling quietly, “I was wondering if she could do that. I hear not many werewolves can.”
The entire room fell silent. Miah’s words had been intended for him alone, but in a pack of supernatural creatures with excellent hearing, whispers didn’t mean your secret was safe. Finn felt his heart stop for a moment, a growl building in his chest. If she knew about werewolves, the entire situation had become much more complicated.
She gave him a faint, charming smile and he frowned slightly, his voice quiet, “We’ll talk about that when Elise is finished.”
Miah burrowed into his arms further, turning her face into his chest and heaving a quiet sigh.
Chapter 14
She was kicking herself for saying anything. Now Finn knew that she was aware of what he was, and it was going to make her life all the more complicated. For starters, he was going to demand to know how she knew it. Werewolves were a capricious bunch, and very insular. She had a feeling she was going to have to admit to him who--and what--she really was. She would just have to lead with the fact that one of her uncles was an Alpha werewolf himself, and used to tell her stories when she was a little girl.
The pain in her leg was beginning to fade, and Miah had to admit that this was far superior than going to a hospital. Less pain, less healing time, and fewer questions.
Elise finished her work, and Miah felt a gentle wave of warmth slide through her body. She relaxed into Finn with a quiet sigh, relishing the feel of his strong arms around her. She felt safe with him, even though she was well aware of the power that he possessed. The boot was carefully strapped on to her foot, and Elise gave her a cheery smile.
“All fixed up, dear one. Just take it easy for a few days, but you can feel free to move about to your hearts content.”
Finn’s head turned towards his sister, and Miah had a feeling they were communicating wordlessly again. She hated when people did that, more so because she had no ability to herself. After a moment, Elise gave them both a smile, turning to leave the room.
Rory remained, glancing between the two of them, a warm smile on his cheerful face. She almost had a hard time believing that the handsome and mischievous looking man was a werewolf, but there was no mistaking the energy he exuded. “Need anything boss?”
Finn growled at the man, and Miah had a feeling that Rory was just doing it to get a rise out of him. Her suspicion was confirmed when the younger man laughed and turned, grabbing the rest of the supplies as he practically bounced out of the room.
It was time to face the music. Miah didn’t want to move, his arms were comfortable and she far preferred the closeness that she knew would be shattered as soon as they started discussing what she’d said.
Finn carefully eased her back onto the bed, silently fluffing the pillows behind her. As far as nurses went, he wasn’t half-bad. Finally, he drug a chair around and crouched in it, his eyes burning as he looked at her. “All right. Talk.”
Miah hesitated for a moment. How much should she tell him?
“All of it.” Finn’s low, gravelly voice sent shivers of pleasure right to her core. Damn that man. She wanted nothing more than to drag him down and fuck him until neither of them could walk, injuries be damned.
She sighed and rubbed her face, “Look, I know that you guys are secretive, ok? I get it. Don’t worry. I’m not planning on talking about this with anyone. Why do you think I haven’t contacted my family yet?”
He tilted his head to the side as he watched her, before shaking it once, “No, Miah. That’s not good enough. You’ve got to give me more than that.”
“Or?”
A stormy look crossed his face, and Miah felt a wave of uncertainty. This was a werewolf she was sassing. The alpha of a powerful pack at that. She should probably worry less about being shitty to him, and worry more about getting out of this in one piece.
“I have to protect my people.” The implied threat was enough.
Miah nodded once, “Fine. Fine. My family. We’re witches. Well, some of us are. I have an uncle who is a werewolf, so I know a bit about you guys, and the rest I picked up through research. I spend a lot of time in the family library back home.”
The anger on his face was replaced by surprise. She couldn’t blame him, there weren’t many witches left in the world, and here was one that clearly had no power to speak of.
She sighed quietly, picking at the blanket covering her lap, “My family lost most of our power a long time ago. It’s a crapshoot if any of us will have anything more than minor abilities. I can read people, pick up on their energies…it’s how I knew you were a werewolf, and Thaddeus was a Vampire. But that’s really about all I can do.” She couldn’t hide the bitterness in her tone, and she didn’t really care if he knew it. Though most of her family lacked any serious firepower, it was still something that had bothered her for most of her life. She was just like everyone else in the world.
Chapter 15
A witch. She was a witch. His brain scrambled to compile all of the information he knew about them. Spell casters, troublemakers, busy bodies. Capable of enacting major spell work, with the right tools and time.
And very much not human. Which meant the rules didn’t apply.
Finn felt his cock twitch in his pants, and he cursed himself silently. She was injured, and that should have been enough to keep him away, but she consumed his mind.
Miah was quiet, her eyes downcast as she picked at the blanket. He wanted to rip it off and drink in her body, show her how beautiful she was.
“Finn, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I was just…” her voice quivered for a moment, “Not everyone is welcoming of witches. And I’m not exactly powerful. I know all
the theories, but I don’t have any power of my own.”
“That’s why Thaddeus wanted you. Why he took you.” It was all becoming clear. Thaddeus needed a witch for something, so he kept her alive. And he was still out there, which meant that Miah was still in danger.
She looked miserable as she nodded her head, “He wanted the location of a…well, the former location of a creature. Its prison. A thing that my ancestors bound into the earth. I don’t know why, but it can’t be for anything good.”
“Did you tell him?” He kept his voice soft and quiet. He wouldn’t blame her if she did; hell, most people wouldn’t have lasted a week. But something told him this girl was different. Something told him she held out.
Her eyes blazed when she looked at him, pride and mirth dancing, “No. I threw him some false leads, but I didn’t break. I wanted to, so many times, but I didn’t. I couldn’t. I couldn’t let him get the information. Even when he dug in my mind, I blocked it out.”
“He’s going to be looking for you. He has your scent, Miah. You’ll be like a beacon to him.”
She closed her eyes, nodding once, “I know. I can’t go home. I can’t stay here. Anywhere I go, people will be in danger because of me. Because I fucked up.”
Finn watched her silently for a long moment. She was beautiful, proud, strong, and fearless. She knew that walking away from her family, her friends, and her life meant death for her, but gave them the chance to survive.
One thing was for certain, he had no plans on letting her leave the castle alone. And certainly not before Thaddeus was destroyed.
Before she could react, he was moving towards the bed, his arms caging her in as he brushed a tender kiss against her lips. She gasped softly, her eyes flying open as she gazed up at him, the specks of gold dancing in her eyes. He could feel his body responding as her lips parted beneath his, a soft moan escaping her as she leaned into him.
Finn wrapped one strong arm around her waist, pulling her close to him. He wanted to feel her body pressed against his, wanted to explore every inch of her skin. He wanted to drive away all of her demons with his lips and tongue, and he wanted nothing more than to hear her begging his name.
“Finn!” Miah gasped softly against his lips, her arms moving around his neck and tangling in his hair. He could feel the desire radiating from her, and it took all of his willpower not to throw her down and rip her clothes off. Slow and gentle. That’s what she deserved, what she needed.
Finn pulled back slightly, his fingertips lightly caressing her cheek. He loved the way her eyes looked, with a distant and pressing desire. He murmured softly to her, fighting the urge to taste her skin, “I hope you don’t mind…”
She looked surprised, and laughed brightly, her arms tugging him closer. She kissed just beneath his ear, murmuring softly, “I thought you were never going to do this.”
He smirked, hands moving down to grip her hips, “Well then, I’m glad to hear we’re on the same page here…” He tilted his head, kissing and nibbling along her collarbone.
Miah let out a small gasp, shuddering against him as she ran the palm of her hand up his chest.
Finn kissed her throat softly, his voice rumbling against her flesh, “If you need me to stop, just say so. If you don’t like something…I’ll stop.” His eyes flicked up to meet hers, and he was struck by the tenderness there.
He watched her intently as his fingers slowly began to creep up beneath her shirt, fingers splaying across her bare flesh. A soft moan escaped her lips as she nestled back into the pillows, her eyes fixed on his as he moved down her body.
Slowly, he began to slide her shirt up with his fingers, his hands lightly brushing against her breasts. Miah closed her eyes with a soft gasp, arching her back into his touch.
“Finn…” His name sounded like honey on her lips as he continued to slowly explore, careful of every bruise and wound that was still healing. Kneeling on the bed beside her, he carefully tugged the shirt up over her head, her curls cascading down over her bare shoulders.
A flicker of doubt flashed through her eyes, and he stilled his motion, his voice low and husky, “If you need me to stop, Miah.”
She shook her head wildly, “Please don’t.”
He smiled gently as his hands encircled her large, perfect breasts, fingertips lightly plucking her nipples. He was rewarded with a quiet moan, the witch shuddering beneath him. Finn dipped his head, pulling one erect nipple into his mouth, his tongue toying with her as his fingers explored her other breast.
Miah’s hands slowly scaled up his back, tangling in his slightly too long hair. He glanced up at her, grinning and murmuring against her flesh, “Just relax and enjoy.”
She laughed breathlessly, her hips writhing beneath the blanket. She tugged him up towards her mouth, her lips crashing against his as she kissed him deeply, pulling him closer to her. Miah moaned into the kiss as her tongue darted out to meet his, and he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer.
“Too many clothes, Finn. You have way too many clothes on.” She laughed, eyes glittering with desire as she slid a hand up beneath his plain t-shirt.
Finn shucked his shirt in one smooth motion, breaking the kiss just long enough to get rid of the clothing. Miah’s eyes traveled down his chest, her fingers dancing lightly over the ornate Celtic knot work tattoos on his chest, “Jesus. You’re ripped…”
He laughed as he kissed her again, “Benefit of being a werewolf, little bird.”
Miah wiggled, pushing the blanket out of her lap and hooking her thumbs through the top of her shorts. She winced slightly as she put pressure on her newly healed leg, and he took her hands, moving them gently. With his eyes focused on her, he slowly drew the shorts down over her ample hips and ass, carefully pulling them down over the boot.
Finn could see how wet she was, even through her panties, and he wanted nothing more than to fuck her until they were both exhausted. But she deserved more than that, and he would give her the gentle, careful loving she needed.
His eyes traveled up and down her body, hands trailing up over her hips. She was magnificent, with curves in all the right places. “Stunning…”
The blush that crept up her cheeks sent his already-hardened cock twitching, and Finn leaned up to kiss her deeply, his hands plunging into her hair. Miah moaned deeply into the kiss, her nails digging into his arm as one hand drifted down his chest and around his back, pulling him closer.
He wanted to take his time, but all he could think about was tasting her; feeling her climax around his cock. With a quiet groan, and more willpower than he knew he possessed, he pulled away slightly, looking down at her.
“Are you sure? You’re ready for this?”
Miah smiled, determination in her eyes as she stroked him through his jeans, “Since the moment I saw you.”
His cock jumped at her touch, and he bit back a growl. Snaking an arm around her back, he pulled her close to his chest, his lips crashing against hers. She moaned into his mouth, wrapping her arms around his neck as his hand trailed down her body, tracing her curves. Finn slowly slid one finger down her wetness, pressing into her core.
Miah’s eyes fluttered closed as she moaned desperately, writhing beneath him. Her fingers fumbled at his jeans, unzipping them and pushing them down over his hips.
“Finn, please…” Her voice trailed off as she looked up at him, her fingers lightly stroking his cock.
Finn tossed his jeans to the side, settling between her thighs, his fingers lightly stroking her body. His heart pounded in his chest as he carefully adjusted her, mindful of her injuries.
Miah arched her back, crying out loudly as he slowly pushed inside her. His arms trembled as he held himself carefully above her, holding back his raging desire to rut against her and fuck her brains out. Her nails dug into his shoulders as she moved her hips in time with his, her eyes burning with passion as she urged him on, murmuring, “Harder, please, harder.”
They cried out in concert as the
y found their climax together, limbs tangling as he kissed her desperately, drinking her in, memorizing every inch of her body, every gasp and soft sigh.
Miah exhaled slowly, her languid limbs tangled in his. Finn smiled softly, his fingers lightly tracing down her body, dropping kisses on the top of her head. His heartbeat had slowed, but he felt anything but normal. Without even trying, this woman had wound him around her finger. He wanted to be close to her. He wanted to protect her.
If it was the last thing he did, Finn swore to destroy Thaddeus for what the monster had done to his little bird.
Chapter 16
Elise knew what her brother and the witch were doing. She was certain the entire pack could feel the alpha as he finally released some of his inhibitions. She couldn’t help but smile at the entire situation. Not that she would ever wish ill on anyone, particularly not Miah, but she had to admit that the timing couldn’t have been better.
After the death of their father, and the loss of Finn’s fiancée and his unborn child, he had grown cold. Withdrawn. It had pained her to see her baby brother so lost. She understood why he pushed people away--to try and protect them--but it didn’t make it any easier. And it had made him difficult to live with, as his temper and frustration with life grew. She only hoped that the young woman could inject some joy into his life, because she sure as hell hadn’t been able to.
“What the hell are you doing, Elise?” Rory’s usually cheerful voice broke into her thoughts, and she turned to look at him, crossing her arms across her chest and quirking a brow.
“What do you mean?”
“You know damn well what I mean! Finn and Miah. What the hell are you thinking, throwing them together like that? Hasn’t he been through enough?” He moved in front of her, hands on his hips, a furious look in his eyes. Rory was passionate, all fire and ice, but he rarely got truly angry. Not like this. This was something she hadn’t seen from him in a long time. A pang of guilt hit her gut. She knew Rory was only trying to protect his best friend, but he didn’t seem to understand that she was, too. They just had different means, apparently.
