Authors: Aliyah Burke
Moments later she found out why. Her hunky husband leaned against the kitchen counter. Arms crossed and ankles hooked, tempting her on
so
many levels.
“The papers here, hoss?”
His gaze narrowed. “The name is Casimir.”
“So that’s a no then.” She opened the ice box and pulled out the pitcher of sweet tea she’d made last night. Grabbing a red plastic cup, she filled it and added some ice. “What are you doing here then?”
“Where have you been?”
“Why? Am I not allowed to go outside?”
“Are you going to fight me all the time?”
She took a drink and looked at him. “Tell you what, hoss. I’ll be nice and agreeable so long as you get me those papers so I can get the fuck outta here. In fact, I’ll be so nice I’ll leave you alone and you’ll never have to see me again. Keep some states between us and wish you the best on your upcoming nuptials.”
His entire body reverberated with tension.
Okay, so that wasn’t what he wanted to hear.
She took another drink. “What more could you possibly want? I mean, from the looks of things, you’re not bad off and as your wife of twenty-five years I could demand half. I’m not, I just want away. So, what’s the problem? What answer are you looking for?”
He stared at her as she drank, unblinking. When she lowered the cup, his gaze remained locked on her mouth. She dampened her lips and experienced a flash of glee when the blue of his eyes darkened.
She had no problem recalling the passion between during that kiss. Hell, she’d dreamt about it last night awaking hot and incredibly aroused.
His nostrils flared but he held fast. Lord help her, she wanted to goad him. Push him to break. See his control shatter.
“Very well,” she remarked casually. “Show yourself out. I need a shower. Got sweaty out there on the walk.” Dyana left him there, retreating to the room she’d chosen.
“You were alone.”
She paused and peered over her shoulder at him. “No. Traver was with me.” It took her mere moments to grab some clean clothes and head to the bathroom.
It clicked behind her and she removed her shirt to discover Casimir standing there. She held his gaze and allowed the shirt to fall to the floor. A tic appeared in his jaw as his fingers flexed.
“Something you needed, hoss?” Damn her ovaries for standing up and demanding one on one personal attention.
His gaze set her aflame. Sidestepping to the shower, she reached in then turned on the water. He remained predator still.
“I’m not a mind reader, so if there’s nothing then feel free to leave.”
I recognize a challenge when I see one.
With a careless shrug she hooked her thumbs in her cotton pants and pushed them down to kick them free. The pulse at his throat jumped.
Dyana wanted him more than she cared to admit but she wasn’t going to do this. She faced the shower door and finished undressing then stepped into the pounding spray.
Would he follow her in? If he did would she continue to deny herself? With deliberate action, she kept her back to the shower door.
Relived or disappointed, she wasn’t positive with the fact she had been left alone. She stepped out onto the silver bath rug and reached for the towel. As she lowered it she discovered he remained in the bathroom.
Dyana nearly screamed but found some way to keep it contained. As if she’d known he was there all along, she slowly wrapped it around her before tucking the corner in. “What do you need? All this staring at me while I’m in various stages of undress.”
The devil didn’t nudge her gently, he poked her with his pitchfork. Hard.
“So, if this is going to continue”—she moved toward him wanting her mark on him—“you’re going to have to start being slightly less clothed. I mean, after all, it’s only fair. I should be able to see more of your body.”
She scooped up her clothes and padded out, inhaling his heady masculine scent as she went by. A thrum grew and spread throughout her body only to centralize in her clit.
One touch and I’m done.
In the bedroom across the hall she only was marginally better.
Damn it all.
She tugged on her two-color jersey shirt after a plain white bra and matching bikini panties were pulled on. Since it hung to her knees she sat at the edge of the bed and pulled on her socks. He entered the room as she fastened her olive green cargo pants.
“You’re coming with me.”
She didn’t respond to his command. After shoving into her canvas slip shoes, she ran a brush through her wet locks and tossed them into a ponytail.
With a brief yet final look at the man she walked out the cabin door. Despite the thickness of the wood she swore she heard him growl.
He materialized behind her, slamming his hand on the solid frame of her Charger. Effectively halting her from entering.
“Be careful, hoss,” she drawled. “I ain’t too pleased with people hurting one of the two things left in this world that I own.”
“I told you, you’re coming with me.”
She pivoted to face him. “And I told
you
I’m not your bitch and I don’t follow orders.” Her temper had flown sky high without any plans for a return trip to earth. “So go issue all the orders you want with others, but leave me out of it. Either that or learn how to ask.”
He moved until they touched. “I’m Alpha.”
Christ, the rumbled words were sex, hand delivered. “Not mine.” Her heart pounded within her chest, beating a tattoo.
He dipped his head and sniffed her. “Yes, I am.” He pulled back a frown on his face. “You’re scared.”
Not enough to slow her down. “No, I’m pissed. Get. The.
Fuck.
Out of my way.”
He didn’t. He kissed her instead.
Shit. More powerful than the previous ones, this kiss dominated her. Hell, she was ready to submit to anything so long as he didn’t stop kissing her. Solid broad strokes carried him through her mouth. He tangled with her tongue before surging deep.
Her pussy clamored for attention and she made a subtle shift in her body. The answering twinge in her leg had her stumble slightly. He broke the kiss, stepped back and a snarl on his face.
His angry gaze moved briefly from her lips to her leg and back. Without a word, he walked away and headed down the road.
“So could use another shower. Ice cold this time.”
Her heart still hammered a workout rhythm and she got behind the wheel. Flexing her fingers, she took a deep shuddering breath before starting the engine and driving off. He wasn’t on the road as she drove and, for a brief moment, she wondered where he was.
“What the hell am I doing? He’s not for me. Sexual attraction aside, we don’t mesh.”
Markus called to check on her and she was grateful for the distraction. When her call finished she climbed out and tugged on the hem of her shirt. This time she knew her destination. The market for some more food.
As before people watched her. Before she reached the door, a young and familiar voice snagged her attention.
Following the commotion, Dyana rounded the corner to find Inno and Tray by an ice cream stand. She gazed about, looking for their mother, but didn’t see her. The way they stood together broadcasted the fear and uncertainty they had.
Immediately she headed over there.
“Good afternoon, Inno. Tray.” She smiled at them and put herself closer to the man selling the ice cream. “Ice cream is what I was thinking, too. What are y’all having?”
“Nothing,” the man sneered. “They haven’t any money.”
“Good thing I do,” she said smoothly. “Do you want our business or not?”
“Yes.” His demeanor changed.
“Order,” Dyana told the children.
Once they did she put in her own. Chocolate peanut butter ice cream with chopped pecans and sprinkles. They all walked to one of the graphite iron wrought tables. She ate a bite and groaned. “Do y’all know how long it’s been since I’ve indulged in some good ice cream?” No response. “Well, me either”—she licked her spoon—“but I’m sure it’s been far too long.”
“We’re sorry,” Inno said softly.
“What did you do wrong?” She enjoyed another bite, ensuring to keep her tone gentle.
“Came into town without permission.”
“Hmm.” She pursed her lips. “For what reason would you have done such a thing? Surely your alpha puts rules in for a reason?”
“We wanted some ice cream. He leaves tomorrow,” Tray’s explanation was blatant.
“Why didn’t you check with an adult? And had you planned to get ice cream, why did you come with no money? Were you intending to steal it?”
“No, never,” Inno insisted. “I carried our clothes to change into but the money must have fallen out.
Seriously?
“Let me get this straight, you leave the safety of the pack to sneak through the woods to town where you change on the outskirts then head in? Is this a common thing?” Something inside her stirred, raising its protective head.
Inno chewed on her lower lip. “We’re careful. Sometimes, Rainie comes with us.”
“Sweetie, that’s asking for trouble. You’re a beautiful young woman. You being naked near town is dangerous.”
Both children paled. “You’re going to tell our Alpha?” Tray asked.
“Nope.” She ate two more bites before pointing her spoon between the two of them. “Both of you will come clean about your behavior and take his punishment.”
“He’s going to be angry.”
She nodded. “Probably. Look, y’all, that’s dangerous behavior. You have laws for a reason. We will go after we eat our ice cream and I go shopping. I see two willing helpers to carry my bags.”
“Yes, Alpha,” they commented simultaneously.
She smiled. “Good. Eat up.”
Casimir moved to the window when he recognized the rumble of her Charger. He placed a hand upon the glass and stared at the black vehicle driving up the road.
Why is this woman affecting me? Jetje is my future.
He scowled as the vehicle slowed and turned toward the house. His curiosity grew as she and two cubs climbed from her car. Their expressions forewarned him of their reluctance. Tray’s gaze continued to drift to the tree line. He clearly longed to run.
Pride struck as the boy listened to the silent gesture from Dyana’s hand and fell into step as they approached the door.
He opened it before they could knock. Arms crossed, he looked down on them. “To what do I owe this visit?”
Neither of them looked up. He met Dyana’s gaze and arched an eyebrow. She nudged them and Inno lifted her head.
“We have to tell you something, Alpha.” Inno’s tone was quiet.
“My door is always open to you cubs.” He stepped to the side. “Go make yourself comfortable.”
They both listened and went by him to the living room. He stopped Dyana from entering. She took a deep breath and held his gaze for a moment before turning on her heel and going down the steps.
“You’re not staying?”
“Not my business. I hope you listen to them.” She got back in her car and drove away. When she pulled into the cabin, he made his way back inside.
The twins were perched on the edge of his sofa, toes barely touching the floor, eyes downcast. He stood before them, feet braced shoulder width apart. Dyana’s words echoing in his ears, he cleared his throat. Only Inno met his stare.
“Speak.”
Inno gulped but held his gaze. Tray kept his averted.
This girl’s an alpha.
“We broke pack law.” Inno trembled slightly, only once. Then she squared her slender shoulders. “We went into town.”
His blood went ice cold. Sometimes the teens did such things but for such young cubs, that scared him. “What would possess you to break the rules and put yourself in danger?”
Inno blinked her turquoise eyes at him. “Ice cream.”
“What?” Surely he’d misheard.
“The man selling it leaves tomorrow. We’d been sneaking in every week. Today we were caught.” She flexed her fingers. “I’m the eldest. I shoulder the blame and accept whatever punishment you deem fit.”
How the hell have two of my cubs been sneaking into town for fucking ice cream and no one saw them or let me know?
“What did your Alpha say when she caught you?”
“Nothing at first, purchased ice cream for us all. Then while we were eating she reminded us how dangerous it was for us to behave as we had.”
“Then she said she wasn’t going to tell you and we were.” Tray’s interruption was surprising. “I was so scared I almost couldn’t finish my ice cream.”
Only from experience was he able to keep the smile from his face. He sliced his gaze to Tray and found Inno standing before him, stance protective. He gestured for her to take her seat and while she did, it was obvious she didn’t want her brother in his line of attention.
“You cubs have to be punished.” He beckoned them to stand. “Rules are there for a reason. Come on, let’s go find your parents. I’m very disappointed in you two.”
Their faces fell even more.
“We’re sorry, Alpha.” Inno had tears in her voice.
He cupped the side of her face and softened his expression because for all his hard ass behavior, he truly loved and cared for all the cubs in the pack. “Will I be disappointed again?”
“No, sir.”
He held her gaze, nodded, and kissed her cheek. “Good girl.”
After delivering the cubs home and handing down punishment, Casimir found himself entering Dyana’s cabin, need to see her riding him like a demon.
Within five seconds he knew she wasn’t there. He tracked her to find her shooting a bit away from the back of the cabin.
In silence he watched her, admiring her skill. Posture ramrod straight. Her bow gleamed black and gray. It was apparent she cared for it.
“Something you need me to sign, hoss?”
“Would it kill you to call me Casimir?” Damn his desire to hear his name falling from her lips.
“It might,” she remarked candidly, walking to yank her arrows free. “Is that a no?”
He scowled. “You know damn well the papers haven’t arrived yet.”
“I know nothing of the sort.”
He ground his jaw. “What are you doing out here?”
She paused, one eyebrow up. His groin stiffened at the vision. Curves, clothing highlighting each and every one of them. Sweat gave her a light sheen and damn if he didn’t want to make her sweat even more.