Chapter Nine

Get a grip.

Not easy when his balls were practically crawling into his body. The last time he’d been this desperate to get inside a woman he’d been a teenager.

When it came to sex, he’d enjoyed his fair share of partners, but he’d always been aware of their being human. He’d only had sex once with another shifter. That had been before he’d been bitten, before he’d changed.

His fellow shifters had been able to smell it, sense it. And they’d shunned him.

He couldn’t blame them. They had no idea what he was, any more than he did. They also had cubs to protect.

Now he had this amazing woman in his arms. She knew what he was. Not all of it, the voice of his conscience prodded him.

She knew he was different. Yet she hadn’t run, had welcomed his touch. He wasn’t about to screw this up by spilling all his secrets. Maybe when he had her totally sated. Yeah, maybe then. Or maybe not.

Having her hands on him had been a revelation. Whatever was between them, it heightened every touch, every stroke.

And speaking of stroking, she was doing a really good job running her tongue along his. She threw her entire being into it, as she did with everything she undertook.

It was hot as hell.

Not wanting to rush things, he kissed her until his dick was ready to explode, and he could barely breathe. He nibbled her jaw, loving how she turned her head to give him access to her neck.

Her moan had his balls crying for relief.

Paying attention to her every intake of breath, every motion, he licked and sucked her neck, nuzzling his beard against the curve where it met her shoulder.

She squirmed and pleaded and cursed him.

Laughter bubbled up inside him. No one who knew him would recognize him. He was usually serious. She’d helped him recapture the lighthearted side of himself. It was a huge gift, one he would always cherish.

Bloodlust whispered in the back of his head. He shoved it aside.

Not here. Not now.

He’d fed last night, should have been fine for weeks since he didn’t require blood that often.

It was Cassie, his need to claim her. A bead of sweat rolled down his temple as he fought the darker appetite.

“Alexei.” The desperation in her tone allowed him to drive back the hunger. No way was he going to do anything to screw this up.

He licked a trail between her full, firm breasts. Not too large, not too small. She was a tall, curvy woman. Perfect for him.

He finally released her hands so he could cup both mounds in his palms. Her pert nipples were red from where she’d rubbed them earlier. He flicked his tongue over one tight bud.

“So good.” Tangling her fingers in his hair, she tugged him closer. “Do it again.”

Following her lead, he took the tip between his lips and sucked. Then he did the same to the other.

The musky scent of her arousal teased his senses. He inhaled deeply, unable to get enough. His dick was hard. If he didn’t get inside her soon, he was going to come on the sheets.

She protested when he left her breasts and worked his way down her slender torso, paying attention to her ribs—which were ticklish—and the curve of her hips. Her legs thrashed. His scalp stung until she finally released her grip on his hair.

Too bad the bed wasn’t bigger, but he’d make it work.

With his torso still between her thighs, he knelt on the floor at the end of the bed. He pulled her down a short distance, until she was in the perfect position for what he had in mind.

She raised her head and peered down between her spread legs. What a wanton picture she made with her skin dewy and her nipples hard and wet from all the attention he’d given them.

“What are you doing?”

Rather than explain, he spread her thighs wider. When he licked his lips, her eyes widened. Her hair was damp, the strands stuck to her forehead. She nibbled on her lower lip.

Hoping to stave off his orgasm a while longer, he pressed his shaft against the end of the bed. The aching hunger gnawed at him, but he wasn’t giving in. Not until he got a taste of her.

“I’m going to eat you up. I’m going to lick and suck your clit until you scream.”

She swallowed and nodded. “Okay.”

He chuckled and lowered his head, ready to enjoy himself. It felt as though he’d waited forever to have her, even though they could count how long they’d known one another in days, even hours.

He ran his tongue over her slick folds. She tasted both spicy and sweet. Underneath her arousal bloomed the scent of wildflowers. Now it was tinged with the perfume of wild roses. It was a part of her, not something artificial.

Arching her back, she offered herself to him. “More. Like that.” She squirmed beneath him, sighing and moaning.

He loved it. Loved how she wasn’t afraid to let him know what she desired. His bear side required a strong woman.

A mate.

Sorrow washed over him. It wasn’t to be, no matter how much he might wish otherwise. She was a reaper on the run, and he was a paranormal hitman. Both of them had problems and responsibilities that weren’t going to leave them alone. But they were here now, and he was going to make it memorable for both of them.

…

She’d had a moment of worry when he’d said he was going to eat her. The way he’d nibbled her neck had given her a moment of panic. Something had changed; something dark and dangerous had permeated the air. But then it had all gone back to normal, leaving her wondering if she’d imagined it all.

She’d had more than a brief second of concern when he’d knelt on the floor and positioned himself between her legs. That couldn’t be particularly comfortable for him, but he didn’t seem to mind.

When he touched his tongue to a particular spot, every nerve ending in her body jolted. “Do it again,” she demanded.

It was pure magic as he licked and stroked, driving her pleasure right to the edge where it teetered. Fingers tangled in his hair, she yanked him closer, unable to stop. “Alexei.” It was right there. Just out of reach.

He caught her clit between his lips and sucked on the sensitive nub. His mouth was amazing. She gnawed on her bottom lip to keep from screaming, drummed her feet against the mattress.

Then he eased one thick finger inside her. Every cell inside her exploded. Stars flashed behind her eyes, momentarily blinding her.

She’d had self-induced orgasms, but this was in a whole different category. They were vanilla ice cream. This was a hot fudge sundae with extra chocolate and sprinkles.

She spasmed when he inserted a second finger, stretching her. She clutched his upper arms and held on for dear life as she rode out the sensual storm.

Then he was gone. No, not gone. He was kneeling back on the bed, licking his lips. God, he’d taste like her. She had to find out.

His attention never wavered as he lowered himself over her, supporting his weight on his forearms. His cock nudged her leg, leaving a damp spot behind.

She hooked her arms around his neck and licked his bottom lip. Her essence mixed with his unique flavor. The sweet and sultry taste sent a delicious heat rushing to every part of her.

She opened her legs in silent invitation. Finally, she was going to experience sex firsthand. Even though she’d just orgasmed, she was empty inside. Only he could ease that ache.

With an instinct she didn’t even know she possessed, she curled her legs around his thighs, and angled her body so the tip of his shaft was positioned against her opening.

He threw back his head, the thick cords standing out, his expression a mixture of both pleasure and pain.

“Do it,” she ordered.

With a roar, he shoved forward, forging his way inside her.

Pain jolted her. She’d expected some discomfort, but not this. It hurt. More than she’d thought it would. Still, he’d given her pleasure so she would do the same for him. Gasping for air, she hung on, her short nails gouging into his skin.

He reared back, practically pulling all the way out. Only her grip on his thighs prevented it. “What the hell?”

Crap, she should have told him. Now something wonderful was going to be ruined. She ignored the tears filling her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

As Alexei swore in both English and Russian, one of those ridiculous tears slipped away and rolled down her temple. He groaned, leaned in, and licked the salty drop away. “I’m the one who’s sorry. I would have gone slower, been more careful if I’d known.”

“I knew what to expect.”

He shook his head in obvious confusion. “How is it you’ve never done this before?”

For the first time, she was self-conscious about her current position. She tried to move away, but he wasn’t having it. He slid part of the way in. She tensed in anticipation of more pain, but it wasn’t so bad this time.

“Cassie?”

Oh right, he’d asked about her sex life, or lack thereof. “We don’t have sex.”

By the shocked expression on his face, she’d obviously taken him aback. “Never?”

“Nope.” Since things were better this time, she wiggled a bit, taking more of him.

He grunted but wasn’t fully distracted. “What about since you defected from your job?”

How could she explain it? Hey, I feared I might drain a partner’s energy, maybe accidentally kill them, so I abstained, learning about my body all on my own as my curiosity grew. But I didn’t worry about that with you. Yeah, that would kill the mood.

She shrugged. “Wasn’t something I thought much about, until I met you,” she tacked on at the end.

His blue eyes seemed to grow darker. “I wish you’d told me.”

“Mmm,” she hummed slightly as she tilted her hips upward, taking more of him. “It’s okay. Feels good now.” If anything, she was frustrated. Had an ache she couldn’t quite ease.

Alexei laughed, his big body shaking. She slapped her hand against one of his massive biceps, making her fingers sting. Not an ounce of fat on the man. It was all pure solid muscle. “Not funny.”

“It’s a little funny.”

She squirmed again, this time in the opposite direction. He clutched her hips, holding her in place. “I can make it better,” he promised. She stilled and then nodded. If he left her hanging, she wasn’t sure what she’d do. Wasn’t like she’d packed her vibrator when she’d run, the one she’d bought online and had shipped up north at great expense. Not like she could run back to her apartment and get it.

When she finally nodded, he released a huge sigh. Was it relief? Probably, the poor guy had to be really uncomfortable. He was still thick and hard.

When he thrust, she braced, just in case. But her inner muscles rippled, accepting him. A light sheen of sweat covered his torso. His amazingly wide torso. The man was a delight to look at. It was time she took advantage of the situation.

She danced her fingers over his pecs and down his muscled abs. When he rocked forward again, there was no discomfort, just an unfamiliar sensation of being stretched and filled.

They were connected in the most basic and intimate of ways. It was…different. She squirmed slightly, trying to adjust to having him inside her.

Holding her head between his big palms, he pressed his lips to hers. She loved his kisses. He was better than cheese and chocolate, her two favorite foods. Until she’d suppressed her abilities, she’d never had to worry about being hungry or getting cold.

While she could do without some of what she’d experienced, it was all worth it for this moment.

With their lips melded and their tongues tangled, he pumped his hips. She was wet from her orgasm, so he slid fairly easily. The friction made every cell in her body sit up and take notice.

He nibbled on her jaw and then buried his face against her neck, using his lips and teeth to drive her passion up a notch. Suddenly, he wasn’t moving fast enough, wasn’t plunging deep enough.

Her slick channel rippled around him. Every nerve ending in her slick passage was electrified.

“More.”

He moved faster, flexing his hips harder. This was what she needed. She clung to him, finding the right rhythm.

“Harder,” she demanded.

He chuffed, his breath hot against her skin as he powered in and out. The sheer force of it slid her up the bed, so he tucked his hands under her and cupped her shoulders to keep her in place.

She teetered on the edge of another orgasm. Then he bit her. Not hard, but enough to send her flying. Her body spasmed, her pussy squeezed his dick.

Dimly she heard a strangled growling roar, followed by the hot flood of his release as he came.

…

He’d almost blown it. Collapsed on top of Cassie, Alexei tried to get his breath back. Afraid he was crushing her, he used the last of his strength to roll onto his back, taking her with him. He was still buried deep in her softness and planned to stay there as long as she’d let him.

With her in his arms, resting against his body, everything was perfect.

She’d been a virgin, and he’d taken her like a marauding bear. But he’d made up for it. At least he hoped he had. If not, he’d make her come over and over until she was willing to let him make love to her again. Because once was not going to be enough.

They’d come together in a way he’d never experienced. Every one of his senses had been heightened, every thrust intense. And he’d never orgasmed so hard.

Holding her securely, he rolled from one side to the other. He was just so darn content.

She raised her head from his chest and smiled. “I take it you’re satisfied?”

He brushed a lock of her silky black hair from her forehead before tucking a slightly longer strand behind her ear. Then he touched her earring, making the dangle swing. It was pretty. Unable to resist, he surged up and rubbed his nose against hers, making her laugh.

“Yes.” That was it. There was a wealth of emotion in that one word. When she lowered her head and snuggled, he curled his toes, pleased with the world. They still had a wealth of problems to deal with, but he’d learned to take joy where he found it. It was rare and meant to be treasured.

“I liked it too,” she confided.

He brushed his lips over the top of her head, content to simply hold her. They were there a long while before she shivered. He managed to tug the comforter out from under them and pull it over her. As they lay there, he replayed every moment of their lovemaking.

He suddenly tensed. Shit, he’d bitten her. Had he broken the skin?

“Everything okay?” She sat up, dislodging his semi-erect cock. He grunted, not liking the loss. Reason kicked in, too. He didn’t smell blood. He hadn’t bitten her because of bloodlust. He’d nipped her in the throes of passion, but that was natural.

Control hadn’t been a problem before, not with either of his sides.

Ignoring her question, he asked, “You hungry?” He was starving, but then again, he needed a lot of food. Probably not the most romantic thing he could have said. Most women would have pouted or gotten tearful, accused him of being insensitive, but Cassie smiled.

“I could eat,” she told him.

He pulled her into his arms for a hug, loving the way she clung to him. She’d shed a tear, but only when she’d thought she’d ruined everything, which made his heart ache. He was the one who’d rushed things, who’d assumed she had experience.

She’d been a virgin. He’d been her only lover.

The idea appealed to him more than it should. Maybe it was a throwback to the time in which he’d been raised. But he couldn’t really blame that. Females of his species slept with whomever they pleased. And any male who suggested there might be something wrong with that quickly found his opinion corrected.

You didn’t mess around with a female shifter and tell her what to do. Not if you wanted to keep all your limbs intact.

Cassie had that kind of toughness. While she’d been on unfamiliar ground when it came to sex, now that she’d done it, he’d bet good money she’d be as confident as any polar female.

“Can I use your shower?” she asked, breaking him out of his reverie.

“Sure.” He rolled off the bed, strode to the closet, and pulled out one of his shirts. “You can use this as a robe. If you’d like,” he added. It was way too big and would fall all the way to her knees, but the idea of her wearing something that belonged to him pleased him.

“Thanks.” She bounded out of bed, filled with energy. He was hungry, but otherwise doing great. A quick peek at his dick confirmed it was standing at attention again. Yup, he was doing just fine.

“You know,” he began. “It would be environmentally friendly to conserve water.”

She eyed his erection before reaching out and dragging the tip of her finger down to the base and back up again. “It would be the right thing to do, wouldn’t it?”

Alexei could only nod. When she headed to the bathroom, he was right behind her.

He should be cautious, was opening himself up too fast and inviting in a world of heartache. For the first time in his life, he didn’t care. Come what may, he’d never regret this.

A shiver ran down his spine. He paused, a sense of foreboding filling him.

“You coming?” She peered around the edge of the door.

“Yeah, I’m coming.” In more ways than one.