Harvest Moon (17 page)

“But they didn’t.”

“You don’t understand.”

“No, I don’t.” I kept watch behind us, but so far, no sign of the black van. “So enlighten me.”

“I sat in this car, praying I wouldn’t get a vision of something I didn’t want to see. How pathetic is that? I’m used to getting involved and saving people, helping. I’m
not
used to being the weakest link. I hate it. I should’ve been protecting you.”

“Protecting me?” I frowned.

“Yes. You were unconscious less than an hour ago. Tussling with that guy was a huge risk. What if you blacked out again?” She covered my hand with hers. “You needed me, and all I could do was sit in the car and make a phone call. I
never
want to be in that position again.”

Warmth spread through my chest. I’d never met a woman like her. She was pissed because she couldn’t protect me. I wasn’t sure what to say. Instead I pulled off the freeway into a rest stop.

“Why are we stopping?”

I turned off the car and handed her the keys. “We’re not being followed, and I was unconscious twice in the past two nights. I’ve got no business being behind the wheel right now.”

She took the keys, her lips twitching like she might be holding back a grin. “You’re just trying to make me feel better.”

I ran a finger down her cheek until her gaze met mine. “Is it working?”

She rolled her eyes, but her smile broke through. “I can’t believe I’m smiling. We could’ve been killed tonight.”

“But we weren’t. That’s worth a smile, right?”

She nodded. “I guess it is.”

“Thanks for watching my back. You may not think you helped, but calling my brother probably saved our lives tonight.” I lifted her chin, pressing my lips to hers. Her hands glided up my chest. Her touch sparking my desire in spite of my injuries.

She hummed softly into the kiss. “Not safe out here.”

I nodded and stole one more taste of her lips before I straightened. “You’re right.”

We got out and swapped places. She found the seat adjuster and moved it farther forward than it had been since I drove the car off the sales lot. Next she adjusted the mirrors, and I realized this was the first time I’d ever seen her drive. The more time I spent with her, the more it seemed like I’d known her forever. Moments like this reminded me I had so much more to learn.

She merged onto the freeway and finally spared a peek my way. “I have a horrible sense of direction and no clue how to get to your house, so if you’d like to get back there tonight, you better tell me where I’m going.”

My tone deepened a little. “I definitely want to get back there.
Soon
.”

A sexy, barely there smile pulled at the corner of her mouth, but her attention stayed on the road. “You’re in no condition for the activity you’re implying.”

I chuckled. “Does that mean if I was, you’d be game for said activity?”

She shrugged and wet her lips. “We did just narrowly avoid death. That’s a pretty big turn-on.”

“Making love can be very life-affirming.”

“Calling it that is a lie.” Her smile faltered.

We rode in silence until I pointed out the freeway exit. “Can I ask you something?”

She stopped at the light. “Only if I can ask you something in return.”

“Fair enough.” I covered her hand on the shifter. “Tell me about the asshole doctor who made you so cynical about relationships.”

She glanced my way. “Why?”

“Because I want to understand why we can be laughing or kissing or half naked, and then I say something that makes you think of that dipweed.”

“Dipweed?” She chuckled.

“I can’t take credit for it. It’s my office manager’s word. She prides herself on not cursing.”

“She’s creative.” Kilani shifted her attention my way for a second. “Which way am I going?”

I gave her directions and then prodded again. “Back to the dipweed.”

“Which one?”

“Oh shit, there was more than one? No wonder you swore off doctors.”

“Bingo.”

I ran my hand through my hair. “Let’s go with the first one.”

“His name was Chris.” She made the first turn. Most people missed the street sign. She had good eyes. “We met in college. I helped him study and we started dating. He was a year older than I was with blond hair and blue eyes. I fell for him. Hard. He told me he loved me. And on his graduation day, I showed up to surprise him. He was surprised all right…”

She sighed and made another turn. “His parents were there, and I rushed up to kiss him. The looks on their faces made it plain they had no idea who I was. Then they said Marlene was in the restroom.” She pressed her lips into a tight line. “I asked if that was his sister, and his mother was quick to correct me. Marlene was his girlfriend. His blond cheerleader girlfriend.”

I gripped the handle on the passenger door, struggling to keep my anger in check. Just imagining another guy touching her was bad enough, but hurting her was over the top. “I’m sorry. I’m hesitant to ask about dipweed number two.”

“It’s my turn to ask you something anyway.”

I tried to peer into the shattered mirror for any tails as we neared my place. “Okay.”

“Where did all the anger come from that led to that boxing ring?”

My gut twisted. I wanted to impress my mate, not expose my failures. She pulled up the drive and turned off the car. I grabbed onto distraction with both hands. “Let’s get inside. I could use some ice for my jaw.”

Dirty play manipulating her nursing instincts, but I didn’t know what else to do.

“Fine, but I’m not letting you off the hook.”

Close enough for me. I took her hand and unlocked the door. Once the alarm was set behind us, I went to the kitchen for an ice pack. Kilani followed and sat at the bar.

“How’s your head?”

Part of me loved her for changing the subject. Maybe more than just part of me.

“It’s been better, but I’ll live.” I pressed the ice against my jaw. “I’m assuming the knife-wielding Nero op tonight was Sebastian’s brother.”

“Safe bet.” She rapped her nails on the granite countertop. “Question is, why did he show up without a gun and back-up?”

“He was quick to inform me he had no beef with the Pack, he just wanted you. I’m guessing if he showed up with his team and weapons, it’d be hard to buy his line that Nero was just here for you.”

“Big risk.”

“Not too bad. He knew I was probably exhausted and unarmed. Still had his knife ready. Jaguars don’t seem to get that werewolves pull our strength from the wolf and our Pack. We’re family, and there’s power in that. The second he threatened my mate, the wolf clawed its way forward. He didn’t stand a chance.”

Chapter Sixteen

K
ILANI

I
stared at Jason. Mate. That word again. In front of me stood this man, rugged and strong, and tonight he would’ve laid down his life to ensure my safety, yet on some level that instinct to distance myself, to protect the little abandoned girl, haunted me. Maybe it always would.

Could fate really plan a man’s destiny? And why would fate saddle him with a woman who would put him in danger? He deserved an equal, someone who could be his backup, not his Achilles heel.

But I couldn’t deny the pang of jealousy at imagining him with another woman. Time to change the subject. “You never answered me about the anger.”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Does that mean you don’t know where it comes from or you just don’t trust me?”

He set the ice on the counter and rested his hands on the edge. Every knuckle was swollen and red. He bent his head, his voice low. “Honest answer?”

“Always.”

“Relationships are usually easy for me. I’ve never found the right person, so if things didn’t work out, I’d find someone else. Nature of the beast. But you came into my life and turned everything upside down. The stories about mates are true…” He took a slow breath and lifted his eyes to meet mine. “Every second we spend together, this invisible web of instinct and emotion gets stronger. You make me laugh, you call me on the carpet when you think I’m wrong, and I’ve never been more attracted to anyone. I wish I was a better man for you, and I’m hesitant to share anything that might make you walk out that door.”

His heart, his pain, his fear, it all shone in his eyes, and the swell washed over me until tears welled up. I stood and came around to his side of the bar. He straightened, turning to face me. I took his battered hands in mine. “I’ve never met anyone like you… I…” I shook my head. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Then don’t say anything.” His arms encircled me, lifting me off the ground as his lips crushed against mine.

I wrapped my legs around his waist, sliding my fingers into the back of his hair as our tongues twined in a slow, hungry, sensuous dance. He walked us across the room while we abandoned the rest of the world, lost in the passion of the kiss. I didn’t open my eyes. I didn’t want to break this spell. Tonight was about surrender and damn the consequences. Who knew what tomorrow held?

He lowered me onto the bed. I savored his mouth a few more times as I pulled his shirt up, my hands exploring his hot skin. The hunger in Jason’s gaze sent my heart racing. He broke the kiss long enough to pull the shirt off, exposing the angry bruises on his ribs.

“Are you sure you’re up for—”

He pressed a finger over my lips. “I need you.”

I kissed his fingertip, nodding. He traced a line down my chin, along my neck, and over my collarbone, his touch searing my sensitive skin until I ached to be naked underneath him. He pushed my T-shirt up, his eyes never leaving mine as he came closer to caress my abdomen with his lips. I reached down to run my fingers through his hair, moaning as his hands slid under my shirt, up my ribs, and finally cupped my breasts.

All my clothes needed to come off. Now.

He nibbled at my naval, his tongue brushing my skin. I writhed, hungry for his attention even lower. I’d never experienced desire like he kindled inside of me. If he kept this up, I’d have an orgasm with my pants on.

His deep voice vibrated against my abdomen. “Take your shirt off for me.”

My pulse pounded in response, my body already begging for release. His stare pinned me as I lifted my shirt up, baring my skin. When I pulled it over my head, he unclasped the front of my bra, groaning as his mouth slid up my chest.

His lips hovered over my nipple. “You’re so damned beautiful, Kilani.” His fingers caressed my other breast, pinching the tip until I gasped his name. He growled in answer. “Say my name again.”

He lowered his head, licking my nipple once before sucking it into his mouth. My back arched toward him. “Jason.”

A strong arm slid under me, holding me tight as he feasted on one breast and then the other. Heat coiled in my belly and between my legs. Until this moment, I hadn’t realized yearning could be such a delicious torture. I never wanted it to end, and at the same time, I wanted him to take me over the edge so badly I could scream.

His teeth teased my taut nipple as he moved his free hand to the button on my jeans. I wasn’t sure how much more I could take. My muscles clenched, aching for release. He kissed his way lower. Opening my jeans, he shoved them down, stripping my panties off with them. He ran a finger over my core and I trembled, my hips bucking. He nibbled at my inner thigh, tugging my jeans free from my legs with one hand as he slid his fingers inside of me.

He moaned against my skin. “You’re mine.”

Before I could say anything, his mouth was on me, his tongue teasing as I rocked into him. Balling my fists in the sheets, my entire body shuddered. “Don’t stop…”

He hummed against me, the vibration sending me right over the peak. I tingled from head to toe, every muscle tight, shivering with pleasure. Gradually he slowed his attention, his lips kissing up my body. His hips settled between my thighs, pressing at my opening, rock-hard right through his shorts.

His lips caressed my neck, just below my ear. “I need you…”

Rational thought fizzled at the raw desire in his voice. “Take me.”

He got up and pulled off the shorts and underwear. I’d never seen a sexier naked man. In spite of his bruises, every inch of him was strong, molded and fashioned from iron. I wet my lips, the passionate fire building inside of me all over again. He took a step but stopped short of laying down. He turned and went to the drawer in the bedside table.

He pulled out a condom and tore the package. I sat up and held out my hand. “Let me.”

His mouth curved at the corners as he placed the foil square in my palm.

“Lay down.”

He raised a brow but did as I asked. I took the condom from the packaging and straddled his thighs, just out of his reach. With my free hand, I stroked his shaft, enjoying every pleasurable sound that escaped him. I ran my fingernails along his sac and traced my fingertip up the underside of his erection before sliding the condom down over him.

“You’re making me crazy.”

“Looks good on you.” I crawled a little higher and rose up over him, not quite allowing the tip of his shaft to touch me. “Sure you’re
up
for this tonight?”

He laughed and grabbed my hips, pulling me down onto him. I moaned and chuckled at the same time and practically had another orgasm. His body was made for mine. Sex had never been like this, and we’d just started.

I bent to kiss him, and he slid his hands up my back, growling against my mouth. “Sorry. Couldn’t wait any longer.”

“Mmm…” I smiled, savoring every taste of his lips. “Forgiven.”

He rolled us over before I realized he was going to move and rocked his hips into me, picking up the pace of his thrusts. I pulled my legs up, clasping them around his waist, moaning as he penetrated me even deeper.

A moan escaped my throat as he ran a hand down my body, gripping my hip as he kissed his way down my neck. “Hold on.”

Before his words registered, he was on his feet, his large hands holding my ass. I clasped my hands behind his neck, riding his thrusts, grinding into him. He pressed me against the wall, working up into me deeper. The cool plaster on my back made me gasp, the sensation intensifying the pleasure and heat between our bodies. He moved one hand between us, teasing me even higher.