Desert Wolf (16 page)

Her howl split the cold night, and her orgasm fed his passion. Drunk on the taste of her, he raised his head to see euphoria and a welcome smile, then he shifted her legs away and crawled up her. Kissing her, he nestled his hips into the cradle of her thighs. She seized him, gripping him as he thrust his tongue along hers and she lapped at the taste of herself.

Wanting more, he fisted his erection and nudged her entrance. Her eyes widened and he pushed her thigh up to make better access as he sank into her. All his intentions to ease into the coupling fled at the first fiery kiss of her pussy enveloping his cock. The silken heat stoked him like a furnace and she gripped him, strength for strength.

Delicate as she might be, she was not weak. No, never weak. Her utter femininity undid him. Like a youth with his first chance to take a woman, he wanted to pound into her until his scent covered her and he could come. Yet he resisted the very primitive urge, determined to prolong her pleasure.

She hooked her legs around him and ground her pelvis against his. The motion jerked him out then in again. Their groans mingled in the kiss, yet she didn’t sit still or let him rest. Pushing and demanding, she gripped him, and he thrust against her until they found a rhythm.

Need speared him as he drove himself mad, fighting his orgasm as he angled his thrusts to increase her pleasure. Every stroke sent him spiraling. The world expanded around him. He heard everything—the water lapping at the shore, the wood splintering as fire devoured it, the rustle of a mouse as it scuttled through the underbrush, the swift thuds of her heart beating in tandem with his own and the slow, exquisite cry as she came apart in his arms. She arched her head back and gifted him with her glorious bare throat.

Wrapping her hair around his hand, he plundered her lips tasting her pleasure as she cried out again. Her teeth caught his lip, and she nipped his jaw. Controlling her, he tugged her head as every glide of his cock into her sent pleasure racing down his spine. Her pulse thrummed in her neck, and his gaze focused on it. Easing his free hand between them, he found her clit and stroked it. She went wild in his arms, coming again and he snarled at the fist of her sex squeezing him.

She locked around him then fought his grip on her hair and he gave into her, catching her mouth as his orgasm burst through him. The call from her wolf pulled at everything within him as his world shattered.

Still quaking as his cock jerked again and again, he buried his face into her throat. Spent, he wanted to collapse, but they were in the middle of the valley far from safety, and she was naked and gorgeous in his arms. He couldn’t leave her undefended, and yet he wanted to stay there forever, lost in her pleasure.

Dizziness assaulted him and his strength seemed to fade, then surge again as his cock stiffened and he laughed through clenched teeth. It was pleasure and pain. Raising his head, he met her dazzled gaze. Her sex spasmed around him, squeezing his swiftly returning erection.

He found his hunger mirrored in her gaze.

She licked her lips then whispered, “Are you done with me?”

Squeezing her ass, he rose and pulled her with him, then eased from her slick channel to turn her around. “Not even close.” He bit her ass, one pulse pounding mark, and she jerked against him.

He wouldn’t take her throat, but she would know he’d had her. He crowded behind her and pressed her hands to the rock face. “Stay still,” he ordered, before smoothing his hand over the mark. She jumped at the pinch, and he grinned. Kneeling, he bit the other cheek and she whimpered. Then he eased between her thighs and bit the soft flesh there.

“Here,” he whispered against her sensitized sex. “These are the marks of my Pandora’s box.” When he rose and lined his cock to her swollen entrance and thrust into her, she cried out but still pushed back to meet him. “You are my box, Sovvan.”

The words to claim danced on his tongue and he swallowed them, but he couldn’t take his hands off her and his wolf surged forward as they took her. Her pleasure their only goal.

He wanted her. All of her.

“Yours,” she laughed then met his motion, their rhythm perfect. The night past as he took her again and again, when they finally lay next to the fire, spent and exhausted, he still couldn’t stop touching her.

It was as though she’d loosed the beast in him—he who kept his distance from everyone. Who judged all by their value and understood the currency of betrayal, wanted to cuddle and cradle her. Her trust rested against his jaded and blackened heart like a glittering onyx on a pile of rust.

“Stop it,” she whispered, stroking a slow circle over his chest. Her breath feathered against his damp skin. They were both damp and sticky from sweat. If the lake weren’t so icy, he’d have already tumbled her into the water to clean them off. Not that his frigid dunks in the pool at home had cooled his ardor any.

“Stop what?” Touching her? It would be damn hard. His internal body clock knew the sun would rise in a couple of hours. Her Hound was probably beside himself at their absence. They had no technology on them, no phones and no way to be traced. Even if they did track his bike…which they had better damn well not do…they would not find them immediately.

“Stop worrying.” She shifted against him and raised herself on one elbow. “You’re a magnificent lover.”

The compliment, not one he received so openly before, amused him. “Thank you?”

Laughing, she licked a path up the center of his chest following his scar. “You’re very welcome.”

The firelight was perfect for her. She was perfect.

“You’re doing it again.” She nuzzled one of his nipples, then traced his tattoo. He’d never thought of the marks as sensual before.

“We have to leave soon.”

“Then worry when we leave.” Her words were muffled as she descended to kiss his belly and then her lips were against his cock, and he stiffened at the first soft, velvety brush of them to the tip. “Think about me right now.”

Yes, for once, he had no problem with obeying an order.

A
t some point
, they fell asleep and the sun on her eyelids woke her. Cassius slept against her back, his arm wrapped around her waist. The weight of his embrace offered comfort, but she needed to stretch. Not trying to slip away from a sleeping Alpha seemed prudent. Extending her arms, then pointing her toes, she indulged in a full body extension. His hand moved, gliding over her stomach to cup her breast. More than a little sore and sensitive, she smacked his hand when he traced a line over her nipple. The bud puckered, but the combination of pain in her pleasure was too much first thing—especially when she was sure there was sand in her butt crack and other places it didn’t need to be.

His lazy chuckle curled over her, masculine satisfaction rolling off him in waves. If they’d managed to find a bed, she might be persuaded to indulge in a gradual wake up call. A stone pinched her hip and she grunted. “I need to pee.”

The amused chuckle turned into a soft bark of laughter. He sat then tugged her to an upright position before standing.

“Smooth,” she complimented him, before she patted his chest. “Now find me coffee and something resembling breakfast, and I’ll think you’re a god.” Rubbing her freshly abraded skin, she grimaced upon encountering one of the bite marks on her butt cheek. The possessiveness of the nips wasn’t lost on her, but then most lovers liked to make sure others knew of their territory, even if they weren’t claiming forever. Choosing her path carefully, she found a nice depression about ten feet away where she could squat and take care of business without getting something pricklier on her ass.

Through a part in the bushes, she could make out Cassius. He angled his position in a way that let him keep an eye on her while he looked out over the water. Alphas were all the same. Truthfully, most of the more dominant wolves were. Once they decided to protect something or someone, dislodging them usually resulted in failure. Warmth suffused her as she stood, and his gaze flicked to her immediately.

Being the focus of so much care and possessive protection definitely had its perks. The claw marks along his back were still red. He hadn’t healed fully, and she grinned wider. Taking a deep breath, she eyed him then the lake. Dammit…it was gonna be cold.

Refusing to think on it too long, she dashed forward and shouted, “Geronimo!” as she passed him and then plunged into the icy water. The chill struck her like a physical blow. Thank God, the lake wasn’t terrifically deep at the edge and she surfaced with a gasping splash.

“I’m alive.” A thousand sharp needles raced over her flesh, pricking her with the cold, but she gritted her teeth and determined to ride it out as she swam toward shore. Fortunately, it was only three or four strokes. Cassius stared at her for a beat, then he strode forward and plunged into the water next to her.

The ripple of his entry splashed her in the face. Laughing, she tread water for a moment and turned in a circle to find him. He didn’t rise immediately, and her heart clenched. The only agitation on the surface came from her waving arms.

Powerful hands caught her waist and she went up in the air. The squeal escaped her before she could stop it and then she was airborne. Flipping, she plunged back into the water and surfaced in time to see Cassius coming for her again.

Laughter shimmered in his eyes and stymied all her protests. He caught her again and flung upward. His strength was incredible—she rose like she was flying and she controlled the arch, doing a back flip before diving in again. The combination of warm sun, cool air and frigid water combined with the adrenaline of him catching her and tossing her was like the perfect cocktail.

Again and again, he tossed her until she was breathless with laughter. Wrapping her arms around him, she stilled his next throw and kissed him. The glide of his lips over hers tasted as sweet as it was hot. When he caught her lower lip and sucked on it, pulling away, it was her heart’s turn to do a somersault. “Thank you,” she whispered. Floating against him, their legs tangling as they tread water together, she wasn’t even a little cold. The mountain lake had nothing on the Alpha’s furnace. “For last night, this morning…and for answering a question I had.”

He cocked a brow and looped his arm around her waist as he began swimming for the shore carrying her with him. “My pleasure. I mean that—but what question?”

They could put their feet down on the loamy surface beneath. More sand, thankfully not sticking in places it shouldn’t belong, and she twisted to catch his fingers in hers as she backed out of the water. Trusting him to warn her of anything behind her, she studied his face as they stepped into the sun.

It illuminated his features, setting them apart in harsh relief. In many ways, he wasn’t a classically handsome man. His nose had been broken one too many times, and she would hazard a guess he’d shattered his cheekbones. Scars on his body told tales of numerous battles, yet the sun kissed him and set his hair ablaze with a glow like fiery crown.

If they carved Warrior Angels the way they should, Cassius could give them a run for their money.

“Sovvan.” He snapped his fingers in front of her, and she blinked. Her mind had wandered, scattering as she saw so much potential in him. His flaws, whether he knew it or not, were the basis for his strength.

“I’m hungry,” she said by way of apology. “It makes me a little scattered and my question was did you ever play. Everyone should play, but I think you need to play more than most.”

“I like playing with you.” He wrapped a hand around her nape, drawing her to him until they stood breast to chest, hip to hip. “Even in frigid lakes and sandy beaches…”

Touching his forehead to hers, he sighed. The soft breath of air escaping held so much emotion, she flattened her palm over his heart. “I know.”

“You deserve more words.”

“I don’t need them.” He couldn’t make his desire to stay there clearer if he shouted it aloud to the wind. The breeze twined through them, brushing against her gradually warming skin and reminding her their clothes were still a few miles away.

“Are you all right?” Straightening, he released her.

“I’m fine.” But his smile had already begun to fade and the remote, tense worry returned to occupy his expression. “We’re at least another hour from the bike…and then what? An hour to ride back to Summit?”

“Yes.” Glancing at the sky, he studied the position of the sun. “It will be late morning before we get there. The others will have arrived.”

She didn’t ask who the others were. He’d tell her when he was ready. Faust would be waiting for them, if he hadn’t begun to take Summit apart looking for her or left altogether in his search.

One problem at a time.
“Good, that means we have at least an hour before we have to leave the box.”

The corner of his lips kicked into a faint smile, easing the distance between them. “We can’t linger. We need to go.”

“Who said anything about lingering…?” She sauntered toward him, hip rolling invitation and the moment his gaze tracked downward she brushed her palms over his chest then shoved even as she hooked an ankle behind his leg. He pitched backward into the water and she ran. “Catch me if you can!”

Not looking behind her, she rushed into the trees and ran until she couldn’t hear the water anymore before she shifted. Riding a buzz of pleasure, she was on four feet in no time and darting through the paths. She located their scent from where they passed through the night before then began the race to the bike.

Though she didn’t hear him, she knew he was out there—pacing her, tracking her, protecting her. Still, he let her lead the way, following and she played along with the pretense until they reached the hill.

The big wolf suddenly blocked her path and pounced. Dancing away, she feinted left, but he didn’t fall for it and then they were tumbling together. Twice he pinned her, and twice he released. Finally he caught her by the back of scruff and gave her a gentle shake.

When he released her, she licked his muzzle and rolled onto her back. Yes, playtime was over, but she was still grinning when she shifted and not even changing back into her clothes could push aside her good mood. By the time they mounted the bike, Cassius seemed as remote as ever until she wrapped her arms around his waist and he rubbed his palm over her joined hands.

The little caress stole inside her soul and warmed her to the core.

Just let it be enough to get us through whatever happens next…

H
er euphoria lasted all
the way to curving road before Summit. Anxiety began to gnaw on her spine at the hum of voices, reaching them from beyond the walls. How loud did they have to be? And how many to be so distinct more than a quarter of a mile away on the outside of three foot thick adobe walls?

The tension threading Cassius body spread over him like an ancient curse transforming flesh to stone. From the rigid line of his shoulders to the ribbons of rock at his abs, he radiated a special kind of danger—barely restrained violence. A shout went up as they came in sight of the main gates and they opened to reveal a teeming crowd.

Swallowing, she dug her gloved hands into his stomach then forced herself to loosen her grip. If they attacked, the last thing he needed was to shake her off before he had to fight. The surge of humanity rushed out toward them, and Cassius dropped his feet to the ground and stood. Hand raised, power pushed forward and slowed the tidal wave.

It took all of Sovvan’s discipline not to slide off the back of his bike and flee the nervous and decidedly hostile emotions churning before them. Uncertain whether it was better to stay still and not draw attention to herself or dismount so Cassius could move freely, she flattened her hand against his back. The corded tension of his muscles seemed to vibrate against her.

One large, bald man strode forward from the thick crowd. The tattoos decorating his ears, along with the three marks which looked like slashes on his throat, gave him a fierce appearance as he strode with purpose. “Forgive the scene, Alpha. Apparently rumors of the Omega taking you off and killing you have spread.” The absolute disdain in his tone didn’t seem directed at Cassius.

The crowd shifted uneasily then parted as a tall pair strode through. Deep golden brown hair pulled back into a single braid and hanging over her shoulder seemed at odds with her very utilitarian dress. “They also decided to take it out on your guest. We managed to
persuade
the interlopers to have a little more shut the fuck up until we figured out what was going on.”

His guest…? Sovvan dismounted the bike and jerked the helmet free. She ignored the stunned ripple as it passed over the crowd and their grumbling silenced. “Where is Faust?” If they’d hurt him…

Cassius caught her arm before she could take another step. “Claire, always good to see you. Did you leave me anyone to question or just bodies to bury?”

The woman—Claire—grinned slightly. “I left them all for you to question. I don’t kill knuckleheads, I just break their skulls and let them bleed for a while so they can figure out what they did wrong.” The man behind her stayed quite firmly angled—guarding her back, while his watchfulness never wavered from the crowd.

Interestingly enough, the crowd made no attempt to close the gap either. Worry gnawed at Sovvan, and she bit back the urge to insist they take her to Faust immediately.

“And the Hound?” He rubbed a thumb against the inside of her arm, the gentle motion barely visible, yet it soothed her racing heart.

The bald man had taken a position between Cassius and the crowd, whether to intercept them or Cassius, Sovvan didn’t know. “He’s at Bianca’s, and I have four men guarding her at the moment. I sent JoJo up to hang out by your place, just in case anyone else decided to drink a cup of stupid.”

A shift in the breeze carried the scent of acrid smoke and…

“Who the hell started fires?” Cassius’ cold voice cracked like thunder, and those in the crowd edged away—all save for Claire, her mate and the bald man. Dropping the kickstand on his bike, Cassius released her long enough to dismount, then he was in front of her. “I asked a question.”

A young man stumbled forward, tears streaked his face and the stink of fear billowed out from him. “When they said you might be dead…” His voice tremored, then cratered as he swallowed convulsively. “Everyone was really upset, and then more people got upset, and I don’t know who started fighting, but I got hit…” The shadow of a bruise on his jaw and dried blood beneath his eye seemed a testament to the statement. “I went through the window at Alicia’s.”

He grimaced then sniffled. True terror seemed to eddy around him, and tears pricked Sovvan’s eyes. If she were a bit closer, she wouldn’t doubt for an instant if the youth had pissed his pants. Yet he kept talking, telling his story and while his gaze darted wildly to Cassius then away over and over, he didn’t retreat.

“One of the wolves inside got upset and then we broke more stuff and people threw things…but I knocked over one of the old oil lamps and it started the first fire.” He scrubbed an arm across his eyes, dislodging some of the blood and the tears. “I’m really sorry, Alpha. I know the danger of fire in Summit and I tried to put it out, but it leapt from the building onto the next.”

Claire dropped a hand on the boy’s shoulder, and he flinched. She didn’t look angry. If anything, her expression held rough sympathy. “He was trying to put it out when we discovered him. You lost two buildings and the roof off three others. One wolf died to smoke inhalation and a handful are being treated for burns.”

“Were they part of the fight?”

She shook her head.

“Good, then the healers can continue to treat them. As for the rest of you?” Cassius’s voice remained utterly calm, cold and detached yet it carried. “You act against my guests, you act against me. Remember that. Sovvan Stark is under
my
protection. Her Hound is
mine
to protect. Touch them and I’ll know you want my teeth at your throat. The Reaping is but a few weeks away. Save your battles for then. Now get out of the streets, clean up the mess and remember that this boy had more courage than any of you.”