A Mate's Wish (Ouachita Mountain Shifters 0.5) (7 page)

She shook her head. How could she bathe in front of him? She was too conscious of her flaws.

Renner handed her the soap. “Fair is fair, Bethy,” he husked.

This was going to happen. The look on his face didn’t leave room for argument. And she
had
watched him. She could do this. She just had to believe that when it was all over and he felt better, he wouldn’t destroy her like he had when they were younger. History repeating itself on a grander scale is what she couldn’t handle.

Beth took a deep breath and stepped under the spray of the faucet.

Chapter Eight

Renner held his breath as Bethany began working the soap into a thick lather. He’d imagined her naked many times, but put the reality and the fantasy side by side, and reality blew the fantasy out of the fucking water. His girl was gorgeous. Her curves narrowed slightly at the waist and flared at the hips. He couldn’t wait to slip between those thighs and thrust home. And her breasts… they were more than a handful.

She closed her eyes as her hands smoothed soap over her arms and stomach, avoiding those twin mounds that had him riveted.

His erection ached now, but he didn’t have the energy to take her the way he wanted. It would have to wait.

“Open your eyes,” he commanded. She did, but they were wary. She was afraid he’d hurt her like he had before. The mere idea broke his heart. He’d show her he’d changed. “Look what you’re doing to me, Bethy.” He grasped his hardness, stroking for an ounce of relief.

Her eyes glazed over and her mouth came open. All he could think about was sliding something in between those full lips. It didn’t matter what. His finger. His tongue. His coc—

She grabbed her breasts, squeezing and worrying her rosy nipples.

His recovering panther purred at the pleasure of watching, but it wasn’t enough. He needed to claim her. Needed to be inside her while they both came. Needed to bite her. Mark her. For fucking life.

“Come here, mate.
Now
.”

“Your eyes,” she murmured, stepping beneath the water and washing away the suds.

“It’s my cat. Does it scare you?”

She shook her head.

“Good. Now come here. I need to feel you.
Taste
you.”

“Ren, maybe we shouldn’t—“

When she was close enough for him to reach, he pulled her hips flush with his mouth. “You smell divine.” He swiped his tongue once through her folds and her gasp rang in the air. “You taste like fucking magic, woman.
Fuck
.” He reached out and cranked the water off. “I have to have you. Now. On the bed.”

“But your wound…”

“Will hurt like hell tomorrow, but I don’t care. I need to be inside you, Bethy.”

He stood, opening the door and reaching around her for a towel.

“Are you sure?” The quiet tone of her voice caught his attention.

Renner turned, grabbing her face and nudging her back against the tile. He kissed her long and deep, letting everything he felt come through that single connection with her. “I have never been more sure of anything in my entire life.”

She nodded, looking nervous. “I don’t… I don’t do casual sex. You should know that.”

He touched his forehead to hers. “I don’t either. Not anymore.” She was it for him. For the rest of their lives. He’d never bed another woman.

Renner led Bethany to his bed, kissing her down until he hovered over her. He tasted her skin as he worked his way down to her nipples. The pain in his side was screaming but he wanted this,
needed
this moment with her.

He grazed one of the hard nubs with his teeth and she let out a delicious moan. He sucked it between his lips, wringing more frantic sounds from her. Her hands flew to his hair, pulling. As he made his way lower, closer to the prize, he nuzzled her belly, kissing and nipping while she squirmed with pleasure.

When he was finally crouched between her legs, he sat back to look at her. She was breathtaking like this, splayed out on his sheets, slick with arousal and trembling with need.

“Renner?”

He met her eyes and the question there made his chest tight with regret. “You’re beautiful, Bethy.” He licked his lips. “Don’t ever doubt it.”

He didn’t wait to hear her response. Instead, he put his mouth to her sweet spot, licking, sucking, savoring. Her hand in his hair pulled, but he wouldn’t be persuaded. He’d bring her to the top and push her over before claiming her.

His tongue worked her out while he carefully thrust a finger inside. Her breathy moans urged him on, and when her thighs began to tremble, Renner increased his attention, using his thumb to rub circles over her swollen nub. She was close.

“That’s right, sweet baby. You’re going to come apart for me, and then I’ll finish inside you.”

Another lick and she exploded, crying his name.

Rising up, he kissed away her moans. His wound ached like a mother, but his need for her was stronger.
Claim
.
Mark
. He needed to know she’d always be his. Needed that reassurance.

“I’m going to mark you, Bethy. As my mate. Do you understand?”

She tossed her head against the sheets still writhing beneath him.

“It means you’ll belong to me. Always. Do you want that?”

Her foggy gaze cleared with his words. “Is this a panther thing?”

He nodded.

She brought her hand to his face, tracing the furrow of his eyebrows. “I don’t know what I want. This is happening so fast.”

Disappointment slammed him in the chest, but he couldn’t blame her. Everything she thought she knew about him had been upturned over the past few days. Now he had to make a choice. One that could alter their future. Cats didn’t ask before they marked. They just took what they wanted. It was one of the reasons the Ouachita clan lived by the code, because they realized what a violation it was to take away someone’s choice.

He could mark her now. Lock in the mating. Keep his Bethy forever.

Or…

He could wait until she was ready.
If
she was ever ready. Make the mating mutual. And have a chance at convincing Magic to change the code.

Fighting his animal’s urge was nearly unbearable. Sweat broke out on his brow. His legs trembled with the desire to plunge into her.

He dipped his head to hers, tasting her lips to calm himself.
Home
. She was his home. How could he take any chance of damaging what they had?

Renner pulled back to look into her eyes. “I won’t mark you today. I’ll wait until you’re sure. But Bethy, you
are
mine. I’m going to show you what that means. Are you ready?”

Her teeth worried her bottom lip as she gave a tiny nod.

Carefully, he guided his erection into her. She was so tight. The way her silken folds gripped him… Renner bit his tongue to keep from losing control.

When he was all the way in, he found her eyes. “This okay?”

“Yes,” she breathed.

Reaching between them, he pressed on the tender spot at the top of her mound. At the same time, he pulled out and thrust forward.

“Agh!” Her deep, guttural moan told him the motion hit her just right.

He repeated the action over and over. With each thrust, her nails dug into his shoulder. “God, you feel good, Beth.” He placed frantic kisses along her jaw. “Do you know how long I’ve dreamed of this moment?”

Gripping her thighs, he spread her legs farther and plunged deeper, earning another gasp and moan.

Renner pulled back to watch their connection but was distracted by the way her breasts bounced with every push. He wanted to thank the Creator for making her so perfect. Bending his head, he ran his tongue around a tight nipple before sucking it between his lips.

“
Renner
! I’m going to…”

He felt her tighten around his cock.
Fuck
.

“Let go, babe. Give me what you’ve got.”

He was close. If she said his name one more time, it would all be over.

Nibbling at the sweet curve of her breast, he realized how different this was from every other encounter he’d had. This wasn’t sex. Not just a fuck to ease his needs. No, they were making love. Maybe he wasn’t marking her, but he was claiming her nonetheless. Claiming her heart as his. Whether she wanted him to or not.

Bethany cried out as her body convulsed around his shaft, pulling him to a release. He slowed his thrusting and then stopped altogether, but didn’t break their connection. He never wanted to leave her body. His breath rushed forward, mixing with her heavy pants. The moment was perfect.

He bent and took her lips tenderly, sliding his tongue against hers.

His strength was slipping.
Worth it
, he thought as his panther retreated to focus on healing. He was only partially satisfied with no marking, but Renner couldn’t remember a time he’d been happier.

“How do you feel?” he whispered against her neck.

It took a moment for her to answer. “Lost.” Her voice was almost non-existent.

He leaned back to look into her eyes, questioning.

“Lost to something I can’t control. Lost to you, Ren. Now you have the power to ruin me.”

He took her face in his hands. “Never again. Do you understand me? You’re safe here.”

She nodded.

Carefully, he pulled out and rolled onto his side. He’d done a number on his wound. It felt like he’d rolled in razor blade catnip. He dragged Bethy close, tucking the covers around them, and within minutes he was asleep.

Chapter Nine

The sun creeping in through the blinds was the first sign of something wrong. Bethany hadn’t awoken to sunlight in a long time. Usually she greeted the dawn after having already finished a cup of coffee. Or two. Early mornings were almost necessary to her sanity.

She blinked, replaying the events of the night before.

Renner
.

His arm around her naked waist tightened. “Good morning, sweet.” His voice was rough from sleep and it sent a shiver down to her toes.

She turned to watch him over her shoulder as his hand slipped up to cup her breast. It was hot and rough and oh so perfect. She bit off a moan.

“What time is it?” she asked as a distraction.

“Ten til nine.”

“Damn it, I’m late. Magic’s going to kill me.”

Renner dropped a kiss to her cheek. “Pretty sure it’s me he’s going to kill. You’ll make it out of this alive.”

“Because you can’t work on the Christmas celebration now?”

He raised a dark eyebrow. “That’s one reason.” He sighed. “I suppose we’ll have to cancel this year. There’s too much to do in the next several days and I’m only partially healed.”

Turning on her side to face him, she decided now would be a good time to spill her plan. “I might be able to save you from Magic’s wrath.” She grinned, and his thumb traced it.

“I love your smile.”

She recalled the picture she’d found in his closet of her beaming, and her heart warmed. He’d kept that picture for this reason.

“I called Ryan. He’s going to come help get the lodge ready for Christmas.”

His smile faded. “What?”

“He owns a construction company, and when I told him about you and what had happened, he offered to come help. He wants to see you, Ren.”

Renner winced as he sat up. “You told him I got shot?”

She nodded, feeling uneasy.

“You told him what I am?”

Bethany frowned, pulling the blanket around her top. “No. I wouldn’t do that without asking you.”

The relief on his face was heartbreaking.

“He just wants to see you. We don’t have to tell him anything.”

Renner stared at her. “What about us? Will you tell him about us?”

Beth pressed her lips together. This was it. He was going to break her with this.

“Is… is it a secret? Because if you want to hide me away like you’re embarrassed to be with me—”

“Are you kidding? I want to shout it from the fucking mountaintops. I wanted to mark you last night so everyone would know you’re taken. For shifters, it doesn’t get any more public than that. As for your brother, I’ll tell him myself if you don’t.”

Beth let out the breath she’d been holding. “You’re serious? About this, us?” she asked quietly.

He clasped her neck, pulling her forward and pressing his forehead to hers. “Yes, Bethy. Dead. Fucking. Serious. And I’ll wait for you to be sure, but I
am
going to have you as my own. And
everyone
will know it.”

A knock on the door broke the moment. Layna entered without waiting for the okay. Beth pulled the blankets tighter and covered her face as a horrifying blush took over. Shit.

Renner sank back on the bed, unruffled. “I think you’re supposed to wait until I say ‘come in.’”

“Yep. That’s usually how it works.”

Beth peeked at Layna.

“So this is serious.”

“You heard all that?”

Layna nodded, crossing her arms over her chest. “Shifter hearing. It’s the best.”

Oh. Of course Layna was also a cat.

Layna’s gaze went to Renner. “What about the code?”

“What code?” Beth asked.

He glared at his sister. “Do you think I give a shit about the code?”

“Yes. Yes, I do.”

“What code?”

“I’m going to talk to Magic. I have a plan.” They went on like she wasn’t there. “It doesn’t have to be like it was before, Layna. We can be different than our ancestors. Have a family. Be faithful. I know it can be done, and I’m going to convince Magic to give it a try.”

Layna’s expression had changed. Normally tough and hard to break, now she looked stricken. “Do you really think it’s possible, Ren?”

He nodded solemnly. “I do. The way I feel with Bethy… if you can find that, it will be different. You won’t end up like our mother.”

Layna was quiet for so long, staring thoughtfully. Glancing at Bethany, she nodded. “I hope you’re right.” She turned and opened the door to leave. “Oh, Christina covered for you with Magic, but you need to get to the spa ASAP. And, I told him about your brother. He’ll cover any expenses.” She cocked her head to one side, squinting. “And… he said thank you. I’m not sure when I last heard those words from his mouth. This is an interesting development for sure.”

With that, she left, the door banging shut behind her.

“What’s the code?” Beth asked one more time.

“It’s a cat thing. You don’t need to worry about it. Come here,” he said, pulling her down for a kiss.

“Are you sure?”

He nodded. “I just need to talk to Magic and everything will be fine.”

“Okay.”

She kissed him once more before dressing in his clothes and stealthily making her way back to her room.

***

The sun was setting when Ryan pulled into the parking lot of the lodge. Beth was practically bouncing in her Uggs to see him. She had so much to tell him, but when the passenger side door of his truck opened and she realized he hadn’t come alone, her excitement crashed.

Josie stepped out, looking like she’d been pasted from a ski resort catalogue. Beth wondered if she realized there was no snow in the Ouachitas yet.

Beth didn’t have long to wonder about it because Ryan rushed over, scooping her up in a hug. Her brother was such a tall and burley man, he made her feel tiny even though she was anything but.

“She’s here because she wants to help, Beth,” he whispered into her ear. “Hear her out, okay?”

Beth managed to nod.

“How is my little corndog?” he asked.

She gave him a horrified look. “God, don’t call me
that
. What are we, three?”

He sighed. “Growing up is hard to do.”

“Whatever.” Beth looked past his shoulder at the woman she used to call best friend. “Josie.”

She rushed forward as if she’d been given a green light. “Hi, Beth. Look, I’ve been trying to get a hold of you for a while now.”

Probably wanting Beth to front her for
another
new car. Bad enough she was still paying on the last one. After college, Josie hadn’t wanted to grow up, and Beth spent several years enabling her over-the-top lifestyle while working enough hours to make the Keebler elves look lazy.

Until she’d put her foot down. A time she liked to refer to as Summer-geddon. The end of a friendship as they knew it.

Josie dug around in her designer shoulder bag. “It’s a knock-off,” she said, sheepishly. After a bit more rummaging, she came out with a stuffed envelope and held it out to Beth. “Here.”

“What’s this?” Beth took the package, thumbing it open. There was a thick wad of cash inside.

“It’s… an apology. It’s enough to pay off the loan on the car.”

Whoa. “Are you serious?”

Josie nodded.

“How did you do this?”

A short laugh escaped her. “I worked for it. I got a job at the Indigo Club.”

Beth’s eyes grew wide. “No, Jos. You can’t do that.”

Josie shook her head. “It’s not what you think. I’m doing their books. Accounting and stuff. I don’t even set foot in the club. There’s a legit office downtown.”

Bethany eyed her friend.

“Hey, you were right. It feels good to use my degree.” There was a hint of pride in her voice, but she was also unsure. “Ry told me you needed help up here and I had a few days off for the holidays so… here I am. I want to help.”

Beth nodded, ignoring the tears blistering her eyes. “Thank you, Jos. I appreciate it.”

“It’s… it’s what friends are for, right?” Her hopeful tone sent Beth barreling forward to hug her.

She would tread carefully, but this was the most proactive thing Josie had ever done, and Beth wouldn’t snub her nose at it.

A throat cleared behind them, and they broke apart, each brushing tears away.

Magic stood tall next to Ryan, the two men looking unbearably uncomfortable.

“This is Magic,” Beth sniffed. “He runs the lodge. Magic, this is my brother Ryan…” But Magic’s gaze was on Josie instead of her brother. “And that’s Josie. They’ve… uh, come to help take over for Renner until he’s better.”

Magic squinted, cocking his head. “Do I know you?”

Josie frowned. “I don’t think so.”

“Are you from Weston?”

“No. Memphis.”

The intensity of his stare never let up.

Ryan stuck his hand out. “Nice to meet you, Magic. We’ll talk to Renner and have this place ready to go by the weekend.”

Magic shook it, finally breaking his stare with Josie. “Appreciate it.” He turned to Beth. “Layna’s at the front desk. She can show them to their rooms. Two, right?”

Beth nodded.

“Good. We’ll talk later then.” He stalked off before anything else could be said.

“Alright.” Beth clapped her hands together. “Follow me and we’ll get you all set.”

Inside, the lobby was full of patrons chatting and taking advantage of the free hot cocoa. Layna waved them over.

“Where’s your brother?” she asked.

“Right here,” Beth laughed. “This is Ryan and this is my friend, Josie.”

Layna’s eyebrows popped. “
This
is Ryan? From the pictures? He, uh… sure grew up.”

“Nice to meet you, ma’am,” he husked.

Beth frowned at her brother. That tone.

“Ditto,” Layna said, flipping through the room assignment book. “But I only have you down for one room, is that right?”

“No, actually they need two. I didn’t realize Josie was coming.”

“Okay. Yeah, great.” Layna’s voice was an octave too high, and pinched. “We can do separate rooms. No problem.”

“Right, well… Layna will get you your rooms and in the morning you can meet with Renner to find out what needs to be done. Sound good?”

“Sounds great,” Ryan said. He watched Layna scribble something out of the book.

“Tomorrow then.”

Beth waved her goodbyes and went to check on Renner.