Flirting Under a Full Moon (14 page)

“Did you design this?”

“Partly. I told the architect what was important to me, and he basically rebuilt it from scratch. We recycled the trim and doors, though.”

“How long have you lived here?”

“About ten years.”

“How could you afford this on a cop’s sal—Oh, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t ask you that. How rude of me.”

He chuckled. “It’s okay. My brother and I co-owned a successful business for a few years. Then we sold it. But you don’t want to know all that.” He peeled off his coat and hung it in a large closet near the entrance.

“You’re wrong. I want to know everything about you. I think that’s why I’ve been so…”

“Reluctant to commit?” he supplied.

“Yeah. There may be a couple of other reasons too.”

“Well, let’s get comfortable and discuss it over a glass of wine.”

She nodded. “Sounds good.”

He reached the modern kitchen in three long strides and took a corkscrew from one of the many drawers. “Red or white?”

“White, please.”

He opened a wine fridge. “How about sauvignon blanc?”

“Sold.”

“You’re easy.”

“Not usually. But you swept me off my feet.”

He chuckled. “I’m glad you seem to be in a better mood.” He poured two glasses, then handed her one. She followed him to the living area and sat next to him on the sofa.

“Is it okay if I kick off my shoes?”

“Make yourself comfortable.”

She did. With her stocking feet curled up under her thighs, she faced him and lifted her glass.

“Cheers,” he said.

“You know that’s the name of a rival bar, right?”

“Oh, right. Well then, Boston Uncommon! Where everybody knows you’re strange.”

She giggled, and they clinked glasses.

After each of them took a sip, he asked, “So, how do we start this?”

She knew what he meant. She had asked for this conversation, but knowing where to begin was daunting.
Might
as
well
jump
in
anywhere.

“I think we need to talk about what we expect from each other.”

He nodded. “Okay. You go first.”

Lovely.
Now she had to figure out how to put her feelings into words. “I guess I just want a normal boyfriend.”

He let out a loud guffaw. “Boy, did you come to the wrong place. No wonder you’re disappointed.”

“I never said I was disappointed. I just think we went a little too far too fast. Maybe because we’ve known each other for a while, we thought we knew each other better than we do.”

“Hmmm… Okay. I think I get it. You missed the old-fashioned courting thing?”

“Huh? No. I don’t need that. I just think we should have gone on a few dates and talked about ourselves—our pasts, our present, and maybe the future.”

“Oh, is that what dating is for?” he asked, with a teasing smile.

She rolled her eyes. “Sheesh, I forgot. How would a player like you know that, especially if you’ve never done it?”

“I’ve done it…superficially. I just never got wrapped up in anyone’s life before.”

“Yeah. I think that’s the problem. You got too wrapped up in mine, instantly.”

“Hey, when it’s right, it’s right. Why waste time?” He gave her another teasing grin.

“Stop being charming for five minutes, will you?”

Instead of listening to her, he leaned in for a kiss. And instead of meeting his lips, she raised her glass of wine and took a big sip.

He sighed and leaned back into the loose pillows. “Cock blocked by my own crystal.”

“Nick, I’m serious. We need to talk first.”

“And I’m serious too. About you. About us. I love you, Brandee. You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved.”

Her jaw dropped. “Really?”

“Honest to God.”

She couldn’t help being impressed and just a little bit flattered. “You’re full of surprises.”

“You are too.”

“Me? I thought I was an open book.”

Nick played with a few strands of her hair. “Maybe with a few pages stuck together. You said there were some reasons you were reluctant to be with me.”

“Yeah. Well, they mostly have to do with my past. I’ve been stood up and dumped a few times. I’ve become kind of cynical when it comes to men in general.”

“They were idiots. I’d never do that to you,” Nick said.

“I’m beginning to believe you.”

“Just beginning to?”

She shrugged. “It’s been hard to trust guys after all those disappointments. It might take a little time.”

“Was any particular relationship more disappointing than the others?”

How
should
I
answer
that? Should I tell him about Darryl?
Apparently she hesitated too long.

He backed off from the question. “I’m sorry. It’s impolite to talk about ex-boyfriends or ex-girlfriends. Forget I said anything. Suffice it to say you’ve been hurt.”

She nodded and took another sip, relieved that she didn’t have to go into it.

“Just tell me this. How long ago did it end?”

“Uh…recently.” Her face heated.

He stared at her for a moment. “How recently?”

She squirmed a bit but wanted their relationship built on truth. “A couple weeks ago.”

“A couple weeks? Holy… No wonder.” He cupped her cheek. “Hey, I’m sorry.” A small smile stole across his lips. “But not really.”

She had to laugh. “Yeah, your timing was kind of impeccable. I didn’t even have time to cry about it.”

“Good, because he doesn’t deserve your tears.”

Sure, it was what she wanted to hear, but she didn’t get the sense that he was just saying it to make her feel better.
He
means
it. And surprise, surprise, I believe it.
Relief washed over her like a warm shower washing away the dirt of her past.

This time when he leaned in, she met his lips. It started with a gentle nibble but didn’t stay that way for long. His lips were masterful. He quickly took over with open-mouthed aggression. Before she knew what was happening, she found herself lying supine with his big body over hers. Her head spun. Why did his kisses always affect her so profoundly?

His mouth traveled from her lips to her neck and collarbone. He hastily pushed up her blouse and bra, then kneaded her breast. Her desire spiked and her body screamed to couple with his.

As his mouth latched onto her nipple, she sucked in a deep breath and arched her back. What had they been talking about? What was she going to ask him? All thoughts flew out of her head, except
What’s happening to me?
She felt all tingly and hot, as if she was blazing out of control.

She slid her hands into his hair and clutched his head to her breast. A visceral reaction caused her womb to clench. She wanted to take, but she also wanted to give him as much pleasure as he gave her. She wanted to give him—everything.

Nick lifted her and carried her like she weighed nothing. They locked eyes. She was barely aware of ascending some stairs, and then he laid her on soft bedding. He almost tore off his clothes and helped her get rid of hers.

His tongue and lips devoured her like he was starving. The cool, damp trail provided her temporary relief from the burning inside her. She inhaled deeply, dragging in his spicy scent. It made her want to turn the tables and feast on him for a change. She attempted to flip him over, but he was having none of it. His mouth traveled lower.

“Please. Let me…” she begged.

He lifted his head and he was panting.

Knowing she could turn this civilized man into a primitive beast was such a turn-on. She ran her hand over his sculpted shoulder and attempted to squeeze his solid bicep.

“I need to give you pleasure too.”

He licked his lips. “Your response gives me pleasure.” His voice sounded ragged, barely contained.

He lifted her legs over his shoulders, opening her to him fully. He lapped her folds from bottom to top. Each time he grazed her clit, she jumped as if an electric shock zipped through her. Her core body temperature grew white hot.

“Nick…Nick…” She couldn’t even tell him what she was begging for. She just needed more,
had
to
have it.

At last, he concentrated on her sweet spot. Suddenly, a white light exploded behind the back of her eyes. Her breath converted into a blast of air, followed by a scream of release. Ripples of bliss radiated from her core to every nerve ending. Her thighs shook as if she were lying on the epicenter of an earthquake.

She wanted to weep, she felt so good.

At last, he let her legs drop and crawled up next to her with a satisfied smile on his face. He touched his lips to her forehead tenderly, then grabbed something from his bedside table. The rip of foil told her what it was. He applied the condom, then positioned himself between her legs.

He eased himself into her and she closed her eyes to concentrate on the wonderful invasion. Nick buried his hard cock to the hilt.

He began his rocking motion and she rose to meet him. She sighed out loud, feeling somehow more complete than she had moments before.

“So tight…” he ground out, as if forcing the words. “Won’t last long.” He slowed.

She slapped his butt. “Don’t you dare stop!”

He chuckled. “Wasn’t going to.” He continued to thrust and withdraw, while gazing into her eyes.

It was the most intimate she had ever felt with another human being. This is what all the love songs were about. Every sonnet she had to read in high school suddenly made sense.

“Am I hurting you?”

“God, no.” She wondered what would make him ask. It must be the expression on her face. She was experiencing so much pleasure, it overwhelmed her.

“I’m crazy about you, Brandee.”

“I-I…”

He closed his eyes, dropped his head, and sped up his rhythm. She couldn’t see his face but felt his concentration. Before long, a sheen of sweat formed on his body. Her fingers glided over him and he let out a sound almost like a whimper.

Whatever was happening to him, it was at least as profound as her reaction to this coupling.

Shock registered as she realized he was biting her neck.
Hard.
“Ow!” He let go, stilled inside her, and arched. As he jerked with his release, he howled at the ceiling. Actually
howled.

A few moments later, he collapsed beside her and gathered her to him. He was trembling.

“Nick, what the heck just happened?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. Instinct took over and I…”

Brandee fought her way out of his grasp and propped herself up on her elbow. She touched the aching spot on her neck and it stung. When she checked her fingers, she saw a small smear of blood. “You drew blood? Nick, what the…”

“It will never happen again. I promise.”

“I-I can’t believe it happened in the first place.” She rolled up to sit on the edge of the bed and searched for her panties in the pile of clothes.

“Don’t go.” He was on his knees in front of her before she realized he had moved.

“I wasn’t going to leave. I just feel like I need a minute. Some emotional breathing room.”

“Okay.” He handed her clothes to her and dressed himself quickly. “I have something to tell you. Something major.”

Crap. Now what?
“Will I need another glass of wine?”

“Probably.”

Nick had hoped his impulsive bite would bring on telepathic communication. If it did, he’d have proof positive that Brandee was his mate. Since it didn’t, he was hoping he hadn’t made a horrible mistake. But how could it be a mistake when he loved her so deeply?

He’d waited so long for his true mate. Didn’t he deserve one?

As much as he thought he was right and wished it were true, wishing didn’t make it so.

“Would you mind if I invited Anthony over?” Nick handed Brandee a glass of white wine and sat next to her on the sofa. “I think I might need his help explaining this.”
And
his
mind
wipe
might
be
necessary
if
you
can’t handle what I have to say.

“Seriously?” She leaned away and scrutinized him. “You’re about to tell me something major, and I have to wait until my boss gets here?”

“I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think it was important.” He waited an anxious moment or two while she hesitated.

Finally, she sighed and said, “Whatever you think is best.”

Nick located his cell phone and stepped into the kitchen to place the call.

After two rings, Anthony answered, “Hi, Nick.”

“How’d you know it was me?”

“I’m sitting here with Sadie. She said you might call. Or maybe it was the caller ID.”

Nick snorted. “I’m glad you’re nearby. Can you get to my place quickly?”

“Sure. Why? Is something wrong?”

“You could say that.” He lowered his voice so Brandee couldn’t hear him, but Anthony with his vampiric senses certainly could. “I marked Brandee. I didn’t mean to, but animal instinct took over. Now I have to explain it to her.”

“Crap. How much are you going to tell her?”

“Everything. That’s why I need you here. Just in case.”

“If it makes you feel any better, she’s already aware of one type of paranormal, and she swore not to tell anyone. If she hasn’t told you, that’s a good sign that she can be trusted,” Anthony said.

“Huh? What type?”

“Brownies. Apparently they’ve been cleaning the bar, but we didn’t discover it until the night of the full moon. Brandee was here when they showed themselves.”

“Holy shit. What was her reaction?”

“She fainted.”

Nick slapped a hand over his forehead and closed his eyes. “Terrific. So what happened when she came to?”

“Sadie and I explained who and what they were. I offered to mesmerize her and remove the memory, mostly so she wouldn’t accidentally slip and mention their existence to anyone, but she said no. She said she could keep the secret, and apparently she was right.”

“So she knows you can do mind wipes?”

“Yeah, but she thinks it’s hypnosis.”

“Gotcha. Okay, so she knows about the brownies and soon she’ll know about me…and you don’t think she’ll need your ‘hypnosis’?”

“I doubt it.”

Nick inhaled a deep breath and blew it out in a whoosh. “Okay. She wants an honest relationship, so I’ll give her the unvarnished truth.”

Brandee rounded the corner, holding her empty glass, and headed toward the wine fridge. “Something tells me I’m going to need another.”

“Crap. How much did she hear?” Anthony asked.

“I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. Could you come over? She might need your…talents later. I’ll leave that up to her.”

Brandee poured a full glass and leaned against the counter. She didn’t look like she was going anywhere.

“Yeah,” Anthony said. “Just give me a bit of time.”

Well, this is it, Nick. You’re in too deep to back out now.
“Thanks. See you in a bit.”

Nick set the phone on the counter and returned to Brandee. He stroked her arms gently and said, “It looks like I might not need Anthony’s help after all.”

“Oh? What changed?”

“You did.”

“Anthony told me you know about the existence of paranormals. And apparently you kept your word not to reveal the secret—even to me.”

“I don’t go back on a promise, and they made me promise.”

Nick placed a hand on the small of her back and escorted her to the living room. “In that case, I’m going to need you to promise again.”

“Promise what again? Are you a brownie too?”

Nick reared back and let out his booming laugh. “Do I look like a brownie?”

“Heck no. They were tiny and you’re…well, you’re huge. You don’t mind my describing you that way, do you? I mean, it’s not insulting, like saying my ass looks huge, is it?”

“Nope. It’s the truth. No offense taken.” He chuckled and kissed the top of her head. “Gods, but you’re cute—and your ass is perfect.”

She smiled and settled on the sofa, then took a sip of her wine. “So, what is it you have to tell me?”

“Promise you’ll never breathe a word of it—ever.”

“I promise.”

She sounded a little too cavalier for his taste.
I
have
to
make
her
understand
. “I’m serious. You’ll have to take this secret to your grave. Do you still want to hear it?”

She set her wineglass on the coffee table. “More than ever.”

“Shit,” he muttered to himself. “How do I say this?”

“Just say it. And in case you’re thinking of holding anything back, don’t. Tell me all of it. I need to know you’re being completely honest with me.”

“I wish my sister-in-law were here. She could put it tactfully as well as truthfully.”

“Your sister-in-law? What does she have to do with it?”

“She went through the same thing. My brother had to tell her what I’m about to tell you.”

Brandee crossed her arms and looked as if she was getting frustrated. “So tell me already.”

Maybe
if
I
tell
her
the
good
news
first
it’ll help.
“Here’s the thing…I’m not exactly human. I’m part wolf, and wolves mate for life. The bite I just gave you marked you as my mate. You’ll never have to worry about my straying. My kind is completely monogamous once we’ve chosen our mate.”

She hadn’t reacted yet. No screaming. No fainting. No nothing.
Did
she
hear
me?

“A wolf, huh? Is that some kind of club, like the Lions or the Rotary Club?”

“Uh, not exactly.”

She let out a deep breath. “Well, that doesn’t sound so bad. At least you’re not a werewolf.” She chuckled loudly. “Imagine how weird that would be.”

Crap.
Nick sucked in a sharp breath and sighed. He put his head in his hands and peeked at Brandee from the corner of his eye.
“Brandee…”
She didn’t respond to his telepathic thought.
Damn.

Her eyes grew wide, and Nick reached out and took both of her hands in his. “Yeah. Things just got weird.”

Brandee yanked her away. “Are you telling me you’re a werewolf?”

Nick nodded slowly. He hoped the sad expression on his face would tell her he wasn’t thrilled about it.

She sat frozen. Palpable waves of fear radiated from her.
Quick. Jump in before she faints.
“It won’t change a thing between us, except once a month on the full moon I’ll be with my pack in Newton. You never have to see me shift into my wolf form if you don’t—”

To Nick’s surprise, Brandee burst out laughing.

“Oh, my monthly… You really had me going there for a minute.”

Puzzled, he sat back and stared at her. She was giggling so hard, tears were leaking from the outer corners of her eyes.
Is
that
nervous
laughter, or does she really not believe me?

Her giggles slowly subsided. She stared at him. “Nick, we said we were going to be honest with each other. Brownies are one thing, but c’mon. Werewolves? This isn’t funny anymore.”

“I’m not joking.”

Her jaw dropped. Eventually she said in a soft voice, “And you think I’m your mate?”

He nodded.

She stared at him for a full minute. “Let’s say I believe you. If it’s true, you can prove it, right?”

Nick mulled over the possibilities—and the consequences. His shift was a hideous thing to watch. Seeing cute little brownies was one thing, but witnessing a grown man pop and contort into a giant wolf was quite another. He had learned not to scream and howl during the transformation, but he couldn’t help grimacing in pain. If she truly loved him, she’d probably experience emotional pain
for
him.

“Nick?”

“Brandee, please don’t make me show you. It—it’s disturbing.”

“I need to know.”

Nick thought about the time she
had
seen him transform. She couldn’t have seen his pain from that distance. He had asked Anthony to erase it from her memory, but perhaps he could undo the memory wipe.

***

He gently touched the spot where he’d marked her. “Does it still hurt?”

“Not a lot.”

He gazed down at her with a sad-looking smile.

“What’s the matter?”

Sweeping her hair behind her ear, he said, “You’ve just learned I’m a monster. And you’re still here with me.”

“You’re not a monster. You’re Nick. I’ve known you as a person a lot longer than I’ve known you as a werewolf.”
And
I’m not convinced you’re not delusional yet.

“You might be in denial. I wouldn’t blame you if you were.”

A knock sounded at the door. Nick left to answer it, and Brandee was surprised to hear Anthony’s voice.

Nick brought Anthony to the living room and faced Brandee, who was still in the open kitchen. “I’ll give you a demonstration now that Anthony’s here.”

“Why does my boss need to be here?”

“I’m just here for emotional support,” Anthony said.

“Are you ready, sweetheart?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Her nerves were kicking in, big time, but she wanted to get this over with, so she joined the guys and sat next to Anthony on the sofa.

Anthony looked very serious. “Are you sure you want to see this, Brandee?”

“I’m sure, but first I want to ask you something.”

“What’s that?”

“When you said you had erased my memory before. Was it
only
the one time Nick mentioned—when, according to him, I saw him shift?”

“Yes. He and I felt it was best if you didn’t know about the existence of paranormals. I’m still not one hundred percent sure it’s a good idea to fill you in now.”

“Why not? Do you think I’ll break my promise and tell?”

“Not purposely. It could slip out, though.”

Brandee snorted. “How on earth would I let ‘My boyfriend is a werewolf’ slip into any conversation?”

Anthony smiled. “I guess you have a point.”

Nick began to strip. “Last chance to change your mind, hon.”

She sucked in a breath. “What are you doing?”

“If I’m dressed when I shift, I’ll tear my clothes.”

She turned to Anthony. “Have you seen him shift before?”

Anthony shook his head.

“What about Nick’s dignity? If he has to gear down to his birthday suit, maybe you should look away.”

Nick rolled his eyes. “There’s nothing dignified about this process, Brandee. In fact, I should warn you—it’s a little painful.”

“How painful?”

“I imagine it’s similar to childbirth. I’ll be fine afterward.”

“Really? It’s that bad?”

“Well, not quite. It only lasts a minute or so. Considering labor can go on for hours or days, in that way I’m lucky, I guess.”

He continued to undress, swiveling so his back was to them before removing his underwear. As soon as he was naked, Brandee heard some cracking sounds. He fell to his hands and knees. Nick’s spine seemed to rise, becoming more visible just under his skin.

Dear
God! It’s just like a horror movie.

Hair sprouted all over, filling in slowly. A few popping noises accompanied a change to his legs and arms. He shivered.

“Stop!” It had to be painful. More painful than he had let on. She grabbed Anthony’s arm and shook it. “Stop him. I-I don’t want him to go through this anymore.”

“I don’t know if he can,” Anthony said.

A buff-colored tail sprouted from Nick’s coccyx. At last, he seemed fully formed. He turned to face them and sat on his haunches. A moment later, he sported what looked like a grin, with his tongue lolling out over one side of his powerful jaw, and he panted as if he’d just run around the block.

She’d never seen a wolf up close. He was magnificent. His coat was a beige color with dark brown markings on his head and around his eyes.

“Are you frickin’ kidding me?” Brandee whispered.

“He can hear you, you know. In fact, his hearing is better now than in his human form.”

Nick lifted himself to all fours and slowly approached her.

“He—he knows who I am, right?” Then she remembered Nick could hear everything she said and addressed him directly. “You won’t take a chunk out of me, will you, boy?”

He shook his head.

“Okay…”

The beautiful wolf moved closer. At last, Brandee reached out a shaky hand and patted his soft fur.

“I’m sure he knows you. You’re his mate.”

“Yeah, so I heard. He said he chose me.”
But
why
didn’t I get a choice?

“Then you’re a lucky woman.”

The
jury
is
still
out
on
that.