When Lust Rules (5 page)

Julie set up straighter in her chair and reached for her
wine. One deep gulp later she started her inquisition. “Do you like dogs?”

He lifted one arched brow in question.

“I was just wondering because I thought about getting one.”

“I don’t have a problem with dogs.”

Well, he could like dogs and still raise them to fight. She’d
have to dig a little deeper. “I was thinking about adopting one from one of
those rescue shelters.”

“That sounds like a good idea.”

Silence fell between them as they ate. How in the world was
she going to find out what she needed to know without coming straight out and
asking if he was into dog fighting? She sure as hell didn’t want to wait for
him to invite her to a match. Julie dabbed her lips with her napkin and took
another sip of wine, before resuming her line of questions. “I just feel really
sorry for those animals. It takes a real jerk to abuse them like that.”

She watched him as he nodded in agreement and took a drink
of his wine. Well, he didn’t exactly jump on the animal abuse hate wagon with
that nod so she pressed further. “Like dog fighting.” She watched his face for
any twitch. Nothing. Oh God, did that make him guilty? She pressed ahead. “How
can people raise a dog for fighting? It’s so cruel, don’t you think?”

A direct question. Would he answer? He cast her a puzzled
look instead.

“Did you see one of those depressing commercials before I
came over or something?”

She sighed. “No.” Damn. As much as she hated to, she was
going to have to come out with it. “I heard the noise…in the background…when I
called you.”

Luken tossed his head back and laughed.

Julie felt like a fool. She stood up and started grabbing
their plates. “You can show yourself out.” She stomped off into the kitchen and
started scraping the plates off into the trash can.

“Julie, wait.”

She dropped the dishes into the sink and they crashed
against the metal, not breaking, but causing a racket. Spinning on her heel,
she met his gaze over the bar. “Yes. I’m the stupid woman who once again
managed to reel in a law-breaking ass. I’m glad you find my ignorance so damn
amusing.”

A muscle ticked in Luken’s jaw. “Your last statement brings
up a lot of questions, but I’ll start by saying I do not fight dogs.”

She blinked, confused. “But I heard—”

“What you heard was not what you’re thinking.” He began to
move toward the doorway of the kitchen, keeping his gaze locked with hers.
“Let’s go back to the ‘once again you’ve brought home a law-breaking ass’
part.”

Her bottom collided with the counter. She hadn’t even
realized she’d been retreating. But something in the way he prowled after her now,
staring deep into her eyes with those dark brown peepers, made her want to run.

“Don’t fear me. I would never hurt you.”

Her first instinct was to deny. “I’m not afraid—”

Luken made it to the doorway and stopped. “I know you are
and there is no reason for it.”

She swallowed hard, willing her heart rate to decease. “I
didn’t mean to call you an ass. It’s just…my past.”

Luken continued forward and cupped her face in his hands.
“What did he do to you?”

Julie blinked as her eyes started the familiar burn of
unshed tears. His whispered question held so much tenderness and warmth it had
her heart constricting. “He’s the past. It’s not important.”

“I disagree.” He leaned in and kissed her lips gently, a
featherlight caress that was there and gone. “Tell me.”

She closed her eyes and sighed. “A year ago I got divorced.”

“And what did your ex do for a living?”

She opened her eyes and looked straight into his. Might as
well bare it all. If he wanted nothing to do with her after this then so be it.
“Drug lord.”

The muscle in his jaw ticked as he took in her answer. She
fully expected him to release her and make a quick exit. After all, who wanted
to get involved with that? Yeah, Ivan was a part of her past, but sometimes
pasts like hers you couldn’t outrun. It shocked her when his hand slid down and
caressed her neck, moving to her nape where he gave a soft squeeze of comfort.

“I can only imagine some of the things that you have
endured. And I understand why you were worried that I might be another
law-breaking ass.”

She inwardly cringed.

“But I’m not. What I am is a little harder to explain, but I
promise it isn’t anything on the wrong side of the law.”

“What do you mean?”

Luken released his hold on her and took a step back. With
this new piece of information he now had to really wonder about who was in the
woods the other night. But for her to understand that he’d caught a man’s scent
he was going to have to let her know how that was possible. A normal jealous
ex-lover was one thing. An ex-husband who was involved in drug running had
connections and was a hell of a lot more dangerous.

Getting to know her better before telling her about his
other side seemed to go out the window. But even though he couldn’t say he knew
everything there was to know about her, for some reason he knew he could trust
her. It was a deep-down thought on a whole different level. Something that he
just felt. And it was time to start trusting his instincts.

“I had hoped we could’ve gotten to know each other a little
better before I had to explain this to you.” Luken watched her reactions close.
She frowned. “Now wait. Like I said, it’s nothing that’s bad per se.”

“I’m really confused. If it isn’t bad why are you still
beating around the bush?”

Luken ran a hand through his hair. “I’m trying to figure out
where to start.”

Julie crossed her arms in front of her chest. “How about at
the beginning?”

Here goes nothing.
“You remember I told you I hadn’t
called because things were complicated?”

“Yeah.”

“It has to do with what I am about to tell you. But you need
to know I went back and forth over getting involved with you because of this.
But I just couldn’t stay away from you. I really like you, Julie, and I didn’t
want to mess with your emotions.”

Her arms dropped and she released a frustrated sigh. “Just
say it.”

“I’m a werewolf.”

She blinked a few times and then started laughing. He
watched as she full out busted a gut and gripped the counter. Her face turned
red as she continued chuckling. Most likely she thought he was nuts. But hey,
at least she wasn’t screaming at him to leave.

Julie took in a few deep breaths as she brought her laughter
under control. “You had me going for a minute. I was so afraid you were going
to tell me something horrid. You have a wicked sense of humor though.” She
stood tall and released a few more giggles.

Great. She thought he was playing a joke. “Julie, I’m
serious. It’s not a joke. I’m a werewolf.”

Her remaining mirth disappeared as her brow began to furrow
in confusion. “Wait. You really think you’re a werewolf? Like howl at the moon
and fur and fangs and all that?”

“Yep.”

And there’s the look of concern-horror he expected. Now she
thought him nuts.

“You weren’t joking?”

“Nope.”

“But that’s impossible. Luken, I don’t know what to say. If
you really believe that, then you need to find a doctor or something.”

Luken sighed. He didn’t want it to happen this way, but what
the hell. He pulled his shirt over his head. “Julie, don’t be afraid.”

Her eyes went wide as her gaze caressed his newly bared
flesh. “Wait. What are you doing?”

“I’m going to prove it to you, but remember I won’t hurt
you.” His hand went to his zipper as he toed off his shoes.

She pushed farther back into the countertop as if she were
trying to retreat even though she could go no farther. “Luken. Please listen to
me. I’ll call a doctor or take you to the hospital, but you have to stop.”

He gave a half laugh. “I’m not having a psychotic break,
Julie.” He dropped his jeans to the floor. Her gaze moved lower and as she
studied his body. That familiar sweetness began to lace her scent. His cock
twitched beneath his boxer briefs. Even though her scent still held that bitter
trace of fear, it was now being overrun by her arousal. He hooked his thumbs
into the waistband of his underwear and pulled them down.

She yelped and slapped her hand over her eyes. “Luken,
please put your clothes back on.”

“Uncover your eyes, Julie. You’re going to want to see
this.”

“No. I mean…I wanted to see it…but no…I don’t want to see
it, not like this.”

He laughed. “I wasn’t talking about my cock, Julie. But I’m
glad to know you wanted to see it.”

Her hand dropped as she gasped. “Now wait. I didn’t mean—”

He started his shift the moment she turned her gaze back on
him. His bones began to rearrange themselves as light shimmered around him. Fur
replaced skin as his canines became long and sharp. A low rumbling growl
escaped his lips as he let his inner animal stretch and flex its claws.

“Holy shit!” Julie hopped up onto the counter, trying to
escape.

Any trace of arousal was gone from her scent and was
replaced by the bitterness of fear. He didn’t want her frightened of him. He
moved forward slowly, hoping she would touch him and see that he wasn’t a
threat.

“Nice doggie. Stay!”

Doggie? Really? He would have to talk to her about that when
he changed back. He proceeded forward.

She jumped to her feet, moving into the corner of the
cabinets. “Please.” She squeezed her eyes shut. “I must be dreaming.”

Luken stood on his hind legs and placed his front paws on
the counter. He hated the whimper that left her full pouty lips. He traced his
tongue over her ankle.

She whimpered again. “Please don’t bite me.”

He continued to lick her and he finally felt the tension
start to leave her muscles.

“Luken?” She whispered his name in disbelief.

He raised his head and looked up at her face. Realization
shined in her pale-blue eyes. Little by little the bitter scent left her,
replaced by the lovely lilac scent he’d come to crave. She slid down slowly
into a crouched position, extending her hand slowly toward his head. He
remained still, not wanting to scare her. Her delicate hand brushed against the
top of his head. Without thought he closed his eyes and leaned into her touch
as she moved her hand to the side of his face.

“I can’t believe it. You’re really a werewolf.”

Ah, acceptance.
Luken let the wolf slip away and on a
shimmer of light returned to his human form. Julie’s hand remained on his cheek
as she stared down at him. He could see the awe and wonder in her eyes. What
would it be like to be in her shoes? Being born a werewolf, he had no idea how
to relate to the discovery she now faced. A whole existence outside her normal
little bubble.

“I can’t believe this. This is crazy.” Julie traced her hand
through his long hair. “It’s all starting to come together now. You really did
growl at Mark that night. And you’ve done it again since then.”

A huff of laughter escaped his lips. “Yeah. I’m usually
better at controlling it, but around you…it’s hard.” Controlling his instincts
wasn’t the only thing that was hard. His cock pulsed as Julie continued to run
her fingers through his hair.

“I have so many questions, and I’m not even sure where to
start.”

He straightened from his crouched position and made his way
toward his pants on the floor. Talking would be best. He needed to ask her more
about her ex and let her know about the danger. Luken wondered if maybe she
would consider staying in his den for a little while. At least until they knew
if there was an actual threat. Her gaze on his body had him halting his
movements. He inhaled a deep breath and released it on a sigh. “So sweet.”

Her gaze came away from his bare chest and held his.
Desire-laden lids fell to half-mast. Forget the pants. He couldn’t help but
think how beautifully she wore the flush of desire on her skin. Without thought
he crossed back over to her, standing between her spread legs as she took a
seat on the countertop. She smiled and he reached out and cupped her face in
his hand. He lifted a brow in question.

She giggled. “I get it now. You were taking in my scent.”

“When?”

“Last night when you walked past me. I was afraid I stunk or
something.”

Luken chuckled. “No. You’ve never stunk to me. Although I
have to say I really like the sweetness that laces your scent when you’re turned-on.”

Julie smiled as she placed her hands on his shoulders. “And
what do I smell like?”

He moved in, breathing his answer across her lips. “Lilacs.
But right now that scent is laced with a sweet honey. It’s so thick I can
nearly taste it. I want to taste it.”

He swallowed down her moan as he pressed his mouth to hers,
pushing his tongue past the seam of her full lips. The sexy glide of her tongue
had his own arousal climbing. He wanted to possess this woman—make sweet love
to her for hours on end. Her fingers fisted in his hair and he let loose a
growl into the depths of her mouth as he gripped her by the nape and angled her
head to deepen the kiss.

With every wondrous stroke she drove him to a new level of
hunger. What if she was his mate? What if all it would take was his bite to
make her fully his? He pushed the thoughts away as his hands gripped her
thighs, pushing her dress up while pulling her pelvis against his. The silken
material of her panties rubbed against his cock and he couldn’t hold back his
moan. The fabric was damp with her arousal.

She tore her mouth away from his. “Yes!”

Luken slid his hands up farther, over the curve of her hips
to grip her ass firmly. “Show me those beautiful breasts.”

With shaky fingers Julie undid the buttons at the top of her
dress. As she pulled the material apart his teeth sank into his bottom lip. Her
white lace bra didn’t do much to hide the rosy tips of her nipples. Her fingers
traced a slow path over the tops of her plump breasts, a sensual caress that
brought her fingers to the front closure of her bra.

“Damn, you’re sexy.”

With a flick of her fingertips her bra popped open and he
didn’t waste any time leaning in to capture one pert nipple in his mouth. Her
hands returned to his hair and she gasped and moaned as he set to work. Her
skin was soft against his lips. He sucked and teased her nipple, listening to
the sensual sounds she released and learning what brought her the most
pleasure. His dick ached to be buried inside her. The moist heat, barred by
that wisp of material, taunted him.

She arched her hips, lifting her bottom off the counter, and
Luken took advantage of the movement, slipping the panties down and tossing
them over his shoulder. Damn, he wanted to fuck her so badly, but he wouldn’t
rush this first time with her. And the only way to not slip inside that creamy
tight sheath was to not put his dick anywhere near it yet.

He slid his hands back up her thighs, loving the soft skin
under his palms. He traced a finger through her wet slit and smiled as she
whimpered, wiggling her hips to make more contact.

“Please, Luken.”

“Please what?” He lightly ran a finger over her pussy again,
this time making sure to flick her clit. He watched her face, mesmerized by her
passion.

She sank her teeth into her lower lip then released it,
holding his gaze. “Make me come.”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

The need to taste her sweet cream had him trailing kisses
down her abdomen. She spread her legs, placing her feet on the edge of the
counter. Beautiful. It was all he could think as he looked at her
passion-flushed skin. The bottom of her dress hiked up, the top gaping open.
Her nipples were red and pert, glistening from his earlier kisses. The whole
picture in front of him was hot and so right on so many levels. He had a feeling
sex would never be tame between the two of them.

Luken lowered the rest of the way and spread her pretty
labia with his thumbs. His mouth watered for his first taste of this lovely
pussy. He laved her slow from bottom to top, her essence coating his tongue was
such a pure delicacy. Her long moan was followed by a quick intake of breath.
It was all the encouragement he needed.

He sucked her clit into his mouth, growling as she began to
pant, and then switched to licking the bundle of nerves with determined
strokes. She tasted so good. When she started rocking her hips against his
mouth he thought he would come on the spot. She was wild in her passion. Never
before had he nearly lost his seed from merely eating a woman. But this
woman—damn—everything seemed to be going beyond normal and right into
fucking-awesome territory.

Luken pushed a finger into her slick quim and loved the way
the tight sheath squeezed his digit. He wanted to bury his cock deep within
her—wanted to feel that silken pussy fisting his dick. He nipped at her clit.
She gasped. He sucked it into his mouth and finger-fucked her as she began to
scream in ecstasy.

“Yes! Luken! Oh God, don’t stop.”

Her cunt spasmed around his finger and moisture rolled from
her pussy. He didn’t stop the flicks of his tongue against her, wanting to
prolong her orgasm as long as possible. A growl tore from his lips and his cock
twitched. He pulled away from her, as his own want climbed to a dangerous
level. His wolf was right under the surface, telling him to take the woman in
front of him. To fuck her so hard and thoroughly that no man before him would
even remain in her memory.

He stood quickly, gripping his cock and rubbing the head
against her slick pussy as his lips sought hers. The kiss was powerful, laced
with the flavor of her passion and the wine from dinner. Her nails dug into his
shoulders as she pulled at him, trying to fuse their bodies. He knew there was
no reason to be concerned over a condom. His kind didn’t carry disease and he
couldn’t get her pregnant since she wasn’t a werewolf. She didn’t know that,
but it didn’t seem as if she cared much at the moment either.

“Don’t worry about disease or pregnancy. I can’t give you
either,” he said in a throaty whisper as he broke away from her lips.

“Yeah. Good.” Julie gripped the back of his neck and pulled
him back to her.

He took possession of her mouth and pushed his cock home. He
growled as sensation flooded him. Her pussy was so tight and wet. She squeezed
him with her inner muscles and he moaned, releasing her mouth.