She lifted her head from his shoulder and met his piercing gaze.
“Are you better now?” he asked in a strained voice.
“I’m fine.” Why was it so hard for him to be there for her? She wasn’t asking for sex. She was scared after everything that had happened.
“You should get some rest. I’ll take you to your room.”
“I’d rather sleep with you if that’s all right. Not to have sex. I don’t want to be alone right now.”
His gaze held her captivated. Hunger burned in his eyes. There was no mistake about it. “That’s not such a good idea.” He hesitated.
She licked her lips, becoming achingly aware of him. “Please, Dane.” She touched her forehead to his. His fingers slid down her back to cup her bottom, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“You have no idea what you do to me,” he rasped, seeking her heat. “You’re so wet. God, I knew you would be.” He groaned harshly, separating her weeping flesh to dip inside her core. His thumb circled her clit and she began to grind against him. “That’s it, baby.” He stroked her sensitive nub while his fingers worked to bring her to a quick release.
“Oh please, Dane,” she panted.
“Please what?” His voice was guttural as he nipped at her breast through the thin cotton fabric of her shirt.
Pain and pleasure fused together and she cried out, riding his hand. He pinched her clit between his fingers, which set off yet another orgasm.
“I want you so badly it hurts.” He drew back when her wave of ecstasy subsided.
“Kiss me.” She gripped his cheeks and ran her tongue along the seam of his lips. His mouth opened to cover hers. His tongue delved deeply. He tasted of vodka and pure, raw male.
“Make love to me.” Her head fell back as she arched against him.
He kissed her throat before he drew back to kiss her lips once more. She felt the sharp prick of his fangs brushing against her tongue but she was too aroused to care.
“I need to taste you.” He sounded hoarse.
The next thing she knew, he’d traced them to the bedroom and she was on the bed, spread open to him. He fisted the front of her t-shirt and tore it off. Before she could gather a coherent thought, he pushed her legs apart and buried his mouth against her slick folds, spreading the soft flesh to lick at her. He slipped the same two fingers back inside her and pumped them in time with each gentle tug on her clit.
Her back arched off the bed and she moaned loudly as her vaginal walls clamped down hard around his fingers. He nuzzled her pussy, growling as he pleasured her. The vibrations intensified the orgasm ripping through her in waves. He continued to suck and lick her there, even after she came down from pure bliss. She tried to wiggle free from his assault but he continued to feast.
“Dane, I can’t take it,” she panted, but he ignored her protests. She clawed the bed and tried to close her legs and sit up.
“Stop resisting me,” he snarled, pinning her legs open and burying his tongue deep inside her core.
She gasped in shock from the intrusion of his tongue tunneling in and out aggressively. Her back bowed as his mouth relentlessly took her, his sharp fangs spreading her open to give him better access. She climbed higher and higher with each sweep of his tongue until he drew out another climax. She moaned at the mind-blowing pleasure sweeping through her while she convulsed against his mouth. He slowed, finally letting her up.
There were no words to describe the range of emotions that flooded her brain, all crashing in at once. He did things to her, made her feel alive, wanted, beautiful. He peered down at her with such utter longing. No human guy had ever worshiped her like this.
He climbed back up her body, holding his weight off her using his powerful arms. She couldn’t help but notice the barely restrained need in his eyes. All his muscles strained and corded with tension. She could tell he was dangerously close to losing control. She wanted to return the favor. Relieve some of his tension.
“I hurt, Jenny.” His voice sounded different, almost animalistic. “I can’t keep doing this with you. It’s too hard. I don’t think clearly when my instincts are fighting to take over. I want you too badly.”
“I don’t want you to hurt.” She caressed his cheek in an attempt to soothe the wild, untamed reflection in his eyes.
“Then quit tempting me. I’m not strong enough to resist you anymore.” He kissed her and started to get up.
“Wait. Let me ease you. Roll over onto your back.” She knew the cure.
“Jenny, we need to stop.”
“Let me take the edge off. I promise you won’t regret it,” she tried to reassure him.
He gave her a wary glance but apparently decided to comply because he rolled onto his back and closed his eyes. She sat up and undid the front of his pants to pull his swollen cock free. His whole frame tensed when she wrapped her fingers around the base. His cock was hard and thick. She shivered at the delicious memory of it inside her.
“Wait, I don’t believe this is such a good idea—oh fuck!” He groaned when she took him deep into her mouth, sucking him slowly from the base all the way back up to the tip, and down again.
She relentlessly worked him with her lips, using suction and her tongue to bring him to a quick release. She cupped his sac, swirling her tongue over the crown every time she worked her way back up to it.
“Jenny!” he roared as semen poured into her mouth. She swallowed his release, pumping his cock to draw out his climax. He shuddered a few more times and finally stilled.
She lifted her face and wiped off her mouth. “Is that better?”
He nodded, dropping back against the pillow. His cock remained hard and part of her wanted to climb on top of him and impale herself on his straining length.
“Dane…” Jenny rubbed his chest. “Are you okay?”
“I’m going crazy. You have no idea how you affect me when I’m with you. Do you realize that I nearly bit you down there?”
“But you didn’t.”
“That’s because I’m trying to hold back, but each time I touch you it gets more difficult.”
“Then maybe you shouldn’t hold back anymore.”
“I am not going to take your life.”
“Did you ever stop to ask me what I want? What if I decide, after finding out all about this life, that I want to be a part of it? Don’t I have a say in what I want?” She regarded him.
“You should go to sleep.”
“I don’t want to go to sleep. We need to talk about this.” She was getting angry.
He crawled off the bed and flung another shirt and a pair of boxers at her. “Here, put these on if you want me to sleep with you. Otherwise I’m going downstairs.”
“Damn it. I should have a say in this.”
“I’m not going to argue with you about this. You don’t know what you’re talking about. This is no life.”
“Well, you’ve seemed to manage through it.” She hated that he gave her no credit. She was stronger than he could possibly comprehend after surviving what she’d been through.
“You would not enjoy living in a perpetual state of darkness. Life as you know it would never be the same. Your friends, family, everyone who is still human, could no longer be a part of your life anymore. You want that?”
“I don’t know.” She didn’t know how to respond to that one as she slipped on the clothes. He took off his pants and put on a pair of boxers and one of his t-shirts. Then he crawled back into bed with her. He was angry and she was confused. Her emotions were all tangled up because of him.
“Come here.” He opened his arms to her. She nodded and snuggled against his chest. “Rest, okay?” He kissed the top of hair.
“I think I might be crazy about you. Vampire or not,” she mumbled.
“The feeling’s mutual. Now go to sleep.”
“Fine,” she sighed, realizing he wasn’t going to discuss the matter with her tonight. The warmth of him lying next to her finally lulled her into a peaceful oblivion.
Jenny’s eyes fluttered open when Dane climbed out of bed. “Where are you going?” She yawned.
“There is no food here for you to eat. I need to go get supplies.”
“How long will you be gone?”
“Not long.”
“Can I go with you?” She sat up hopefully.
“I need to go alone. It’s much safer that way.”
She heard the wind howling outside the window. A winter storm had blown in and snow was falling, coating the trees.
That’s wonderful. I’m stuck out here in the middle of nowhere.
“I’m nervous about you leaving me alone again. What if something happens?” She continued to watch the snow falling outside the window.
“Don’t be nervous.” He grabbed her chin to make her face him. “You won’t be alone. Someone is coming over here to keep you company while I’m away.”
“Terrific, who’s that? Not that wolf again, I hope.”
“I’ll beat that pup to death if he comes near you again,” he growled.
“That’s kind of extreme, don’t you think?”
“I smelled his arousal and it was clear what he was thinking. But if he had tried to mount you, I would’ve torn him apart.”
“What is he?” She decided it was best to change the subject before she provoked his anger.
“He’s a wolf shifter.”
“Are they different from werewolves?” Damn. If she were smart, she’d stay away from all men, including him.
“Werewolves can only transform when there is a full moon. Shifters can change at will from their human form into a wolf.”
“I guess that explains why he was a dog one minute and a man the next.” She still couldn’t believe all this was really happening.
“He was supposed to stay hidden from view,” he snorted.
“I shouldn’t be surprised after everything I’ve experienced recently, but it’s still hard to wrap my mind around sometimes.”
“There are many things that live in this world that humans don’t believe exist.”
“Yeah, I’m beginning to see that now.” Myths and legends probably did have a ring of truth to them. In this case it was definitely true.
“I will not leave you with anyone I don’t trust.”
“You left me with that wolf.” She shuddered, contemplating what he might’ve done to her. Those teeth didn’t elicit the same reaction that Dane’s did.
“I highly doubt biting you was what he had in mind,” he seethed.
“What are you alluding to—sex?” She recoiled.
Dane frowned at her and she noticed his fingers ball into fists. It was obvious he didn’t like being reminded of what could have happened. “He’s not coming back here. Dmitri is sending his female to stay here with you while I’m gone.”
“Okay.”
Well, that’s a relief at least.
“I won’t be gone long, I promise.”
“Could you bring me back some clothes and a few of my undergarments, like a bra and some underwear? Oh, and I need my toiletries too, please.”
“Do you have any other requests?”
“I have one more.” This was going to be embarrassing.
“What it is?” he asked.
“I’m going to need some, um, feminine products soon.” She blushed, realizing her period was probably only days away.
“I’m not following you.” He gave her a bewildered expression.
“You know, tampons—please tell me you have heard of them before.”
“When do you need them? Are you about to start?” He drew his eyebrows together and frowned.
“That’s none of your business. I need them, all right?” Why did he have to be so moody all of sudden? Oh wait, blood. Yeah, right. That might bother him.
“I will talk to my assistant and make sure I get you whatever it is you need.” He regarded her uncomfortably.
“I might have some at the apartment. Wait, scratch that idea. It’s probably not a good idea for you to go there.”
“It’s fine. I can go there to retrieve your things. I sent someone to fix the door and make sure your apartment is secure.”
“What about the police? I’m sure they went through that place looking for evidence.”
“No one called the police.” He shrugged.
“Wonderful. Talk about neighbors who mind their own business. Jeez, New Yorkers take it to the extreme. I could’ve been lying there dead for a few days and no one would’ve complained until I started to stink.” It hadn’t bothered her before all this happened but now it did.
“In this instance it’s probably a good thing.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” He
was
right. The less people knew, the better. No one would believe her anyway.
“I’ll leave you to dress. Ivanna should be here any minute. I’m going downstairs to wait for her.”
“Wait, I’ll put my sweats on and go with you.” She wanted to meet this Ivanna.
“You should go take a shower and change. I’ve some clothes you can wear until I bring some of your things.” It seemed like he was trying to distract her again.
She nodded, watching him go into the bathroom.
Last night, he’d moved away again when he believed she’d fallen asleep. At least he didn’t leave the room, but she hated not being able to snuggle in his arms without it torturing him. Watching him resist only made her want him more. It would have been nice to wake up and have him make love to her this morning. It made her miserable, wanting what she couldn’t have. Being rejected again was hard to take. It had happened one too many times. Logically, she understood his reasons but it still made her sad.
Dane came out of the bathroom and glanced at her warily. “I left the clothes in the bathroom for you. I’ll see you downstairs after you change.”
She nodded without saying another word. After he left, she got up and went into the bathroom. She sat down on the toilet to go pee and felt a burning sensation.
“Ooh, that smarts.” She flinched. When she examined herself, she noticed that her skin was swollen and tender. There were also tiny broken blood vessels near her clit where he had held her inner lips open with his fangs.
Great, I better not say anything to him or he really won’t touch me again.
There were also bruises on her inner thighs where his shoulders had pinned her legs open to keep her from moving.
She got up when she was finished and climbed into the shower. There was body wash, shampoo and a razor in there for her to use. She quickly washed then dried off and put her sweats and his t-shirt back on, leaving the clothes he’d left out on the counter. She towel dried her hair and brushed her teeth. Her hair hung curly and loose around her shoulders. “The messy hair is going to have to do.”
She went downstairs and heard a woman’s voice as she entered the kitchen. Dane was leaning against one of the counters with his arms crossed over his impressive chest. The woman was at the stove, warming something in a pot. Her long blonde hair was braided and hung past a perfectly curved bottom. In fact, it seemed the woman was curved in all the right places. Jenny instantly felt a flare of jealousy. The woman wore a vest made of animal fur, a long-sleeved turtleneck and tight fitted jeans that hugged her sexy curves.
Great and I’m wearing baggy sweats.
They both looked up as she entered the room. “Jenny, I’d like you to meet Ivanna. She’s part of Dmitri’s pack.” He gestured to the attractive woman.
“Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” she replied glumly.
“It’s nice to meet you too.” Ivanna smiled at her warmly.
“Ivanna brought you some breakfast.”
“That was very kind of you.”
“It’s not a problem. Are you hungry?”
“I am, actually. Thank you.”
“Good, then I will serve you some stew. Sit down.”
Jenny smiled and took a seat at the table while Ivanna served her a bowl of something that smelled like stew with a slice of thick bread. “What is it?”
“It’s elk stew. Try it, it’s very tasty.”
She took a bite. “It’s delicious.”
Ivanna faced Dane. “Will you please stop hovering over us? You should go now. Your female is safe with me; I will keep the men away from her. I smell that she is ready to go into her heat cycle. Not good even for you to be around. I will have Dmitri send a few more females from the pack to keep an eye on the house. Now go on…go!” she snapped, shooing him away.
“All right, Ivanna—all right.” He growled as she pushed him toward the doorway.
“Don’t you growl at me, vampire.” She pointed a finger at him. “Or I’ll take a chunk out of your hide.”
“I’ll be back soon,” he commented before he disappeared.
Jenny’s shoulders slumped when he was gone. She hated being left here with a total stranger. How embarrassing that everyone seemed to know when she was ovulating. She didn’t like being a lab rat under their scrutiny.
“He’ll be back soon enough, don’t worry.”
“I know,” she mumbled.
“You’re upset, I sense it.” Ivanna came over and stood before her.
“I’m not used to all this sensory perception you guys possessive. It’s creepy to me. How did you know I was ovulating or do I want to know the answer to that question?” What a strange conversation to be having.
“I have a heightened sense of smell. I would say you are hours, maybe a day away from becoming fertile. It’s how my kind is wired. Don’t worry, it doesn’t bother me.”
“Well, that’s good to know.”
Ivanna took a seat at the table. “You are also sad by his leaving, are you not?”
Jeez, is she going to interrogate me now?
“Not an interrogation, a question.”
Now that was freaky.
“I suppose I’m a little sad—more confused though.” Jenny fiddled with a loose string on the hem of her sweatshirt.
“Your face is very expressive. It tells me your journey hasn’t been an easy one.”
“It’s the story of my life.” This was a weird conversation to be having with this woman she hardly knew but everything about the situation she’d found herself in was strange.
“Don’t be put off by my forward line of questioning. It’s how I am. Dane is a good friend of my mate and I can tell he cares for you so I’m trying to learn more about you, is all.”
“How come you seem to be so sure that he cares about me?” Jenny wasn’t. There was so much conflict in his actions that it made her dizzy to consider the alternative.
“I’m a wolf shifter. His response to you when you came into the room earlier told me all I needed to know.”
“My impression is that I’m this big inconvenience that he can’t wait to unload.” She took another bite and pushed the bowl away. Hot tears filled her eyes. This was crazy. He was the sane one between the two of them. He was trying to do the right thing and she was being stupid.
“You care for him, don’t you?”
“Boy, you really are good at reading others.” She laughed bitterly.
“I’m a woman too, Jenny. It’s not hard to guess what’s going on inside you. I saw the way you two regarded each other. Does he know you care?”
“Yeah, he knows. But neither one of us is good about discussing our emotions. We’re both guarded so it isn’t easy to have a meaningful conversation. He’s worried he might hurt me. I’m worried about the emotional aspect of getting involved with him. The physical part concerns me too but not as much anymore.”
“You should be concerned. He could kill you if he’s not careful,” Ivanna warned.
“So where does that leave us? I’ll tell you where, nowhere.” Her heart sank at the reality of their situation.
“Dane’s a hard one. He’s always been such a loner. I’ve never seen him with a woman before. You’re the first.” Ivanna’s worried expression was troubling.
“He said I’m his blooded mate. What in the hell does that mean?” She watched Ivanna intently, hoping for some real answers to this mystery.
“It is a special bond between a male and female. He is drawn to you in a powerful way. I call it kindred spirits, one destined to be with the other by fate.”
She hadn’t experienced anything like this with a man before. It was so raw, so possessive, like the world revolved around her alone. Erotic images swam around her brain, leaving her speechless. This thing between them had already gone too far. The last thing she needed was to get involved with a vampire.
“You shouldn’t be concerned by what we are.”
“Sorry, I’m trying not to be.” A frown tugged at the corners of her mouth.
“There’s no need to apologize.” She patted Jenny’s hand. “I’m not surprised he’s attracted to you. You’re very beautiful.”
“I don’t feel very attractive at the moment.” Jenny pushed a loose strand of a messy curl behind her ear.
“Nonsense. Yours is a natural beauty that men find quite appealing. Not to mention your scent.”
“What’s with my scent?” This was the weirdest conversation.
“It’s quite floral and very appealing to the opposite sex.”
“Really? I don’t smell anything. Is that a good or bad thing?”
I smell like flowers? Okay, I suppose it could be worse.