Once Upon a Shifter (35 page)

“I’m so sorry, love. I wanted to give you an out, not because I didn’t want you. God, I’ve wanted you since I first saw you. But I claimed you, before you really understood what that meant. It wasn’t fair.”

“And if I did leave? Would you have taken another—mate?”

He told her the truth. “You would always be my chosen mate, Jenna. There wouldn’t have been anyone else.”

She kissed him, gently this time, and he smelled the salt of her tears. “I love you, Roman,” she whispered. “Nothing will ever change that. Are we clear?”

“Crystal.” He wiped at her tears, then eased himself out of her, both of them moaning as they separated. After he lowered her, he wrangled his hard cock back into his jeans. By the time he finished adjusting, still uncomfortable, she had straightened herself. “I have food in the SUV, and flowers that are probably wilted by now.”

“You brought me flowers?” Her smile wrapped around his heart. “You sweet, beautiful man.” She stood on tiptoe to kiss him, then ran over to his SUV, peering into the window. “Oh, Roman—they’re gorgeous.”

“Just some wildflowers.” He opened the back door and pulled out the cellophane wrapped bouquet. “Out of my mother’s garden.”

“I’ve seen her garden. It’s worthy of awards.” She grabbed the bouquet when he held it out, pressing her face into the flowers. “They smell amazing. What’s for dinner?”

He cleared his throat, nervous. “I made a few dishes.”

“You cook?”

“It’s a hobby—one learned out of necessity. I like to eat, and I refused to eat the garbage served at the fast food stops wherever I happened to be.”

“I can’t wait to taste them. Need any help?”

“Can you—” Why the hell was he so nervous? “Can you set up for a picnic? I planned to have it outdoors, but there’s a storm coming.”

“How do you—never mind. One indoor picnic, coming up.” She cradled her flowers, and smiled at him before she walked to the door.

Roman leaned against the side of the SUV and watched her, the sway of her hips only making him harder.

He wanted her, tonight, tomorrow, and every day, for the rest of their lives.

***

Giant butterflies battled each other in Jenna’s belly as she waited for Roman to finish setting up their picnic. He’d banished her to the bedroom, wanting to surprise her. She decided to surprise him as well, and rinsed off in the shower, rubbing in just enough of her favorite lotion to smooth her skin. Then came the real surprise; she pulled out her favorite sundress, a silky blue floral print that accentuated her waist, and hiked up her breasts with the halter top.

She’d need that, since she wasn’t going to wear any underwear.

She stepped into the dress, adjusted herself, and tied the halter, rebraiding her hair so strategic tendrils fell around her face. This felt like a first date, even though she knew more about Roman than she had about Darrel after more than a year dating him.

The knock on the door had her heart pounding.

“Jenna? It’s ready. I’ll wait for you out here.”

She gave herself time for a few deep breaths, then opened the door and walked out, halting in surprise. Roman had turned her living room into a candlelit wonderland.

He stood next to the plaid blanket she had laid out, barefoot, and wearing his shirt, jeans, and a smile. It faded as he studied her, and she pressed one hand to her belly.

“What is it?”

“God, Jenna.” He moved to her and slipped one arm around her waist. “You take my breath away.” His finger traced he edge of her halter’s deep v neckline, and she shivered, her nipples hard just from that slight touch. “Let’s eat.” His voice sounded raw.

She swallowed, and let him lead her to the blanket. He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it before he let her go. She lowered herself to the blanket, tucked her legs under her, and watched him as he knelt in front of a huge basket.

“I hope you don’t mind lukewarm food. We got a little distracted.”

“I’m starving, and lukewarm will be more than fine.”

Her eyes widened as he started pulling out container after container. The first one revealed a gorgeous beet salad, with what looked like chunks of goat cheese. Another container held pieces of roasted chicken, the skin crispy. It smelled incredible, and her mouth watered. He’d also brought roasted red potatoes, carrots, fresh asparagus, and two pieces of an incredibly decadent chocolate cake.

Roman picked up a fork, and speared some lettuce, beet and cheese on it. “Open.”

Jenna did, and he slipped the fork into her mouth. An explosion of flavors had her moaning.

“Oh, my God. More.”

He fed her, taking bites for himself while she chewed. Once the salad was gone, he loaded two of her plain white plates with chicken, potatoes and carrots, and long, crisp spears of asparagus.

“Here. Fingers only—it’s the best way to eat this kind of food.”

He handed her a thick linen napkin, and stretched out on one side, watching her as she took her first bite of chicken.

“God—Roman, this is amazing. You’re one talented cook.”

He smiled, and took a big bite out of a breast. They both ate, Jenna moaning after nearly every bite. Roman kept feeding her bits of his food, so she fed him hers, her mouth going dry when he licked chicken grease and olive oil off her fingers. Slowly.

He sat, wiping his hands on the napkin. “Dessert?” His voice sounded a little strangled.

She nodded, not trusting her voice. He set the cake on a smaller plate, and handed it to her.

“Feed it to me,” she whispered.

He swallowed, and moved to her, holding the plate as he broke off a piece. She opened her mouth, and he slipped the cake in. She closed her lips over his fingers, letting the rich cake sit on her tongue. The tip of her tongue licked his fingers, then she finally freed his hand and swallowed the cake

“Holy shit.” He dropped the plate and jumped her.

They tumbled to the floor, Roman cradling the back of her head, kissing her with such need she could barely breathe.

“Roman—”

“I need to be inside you, Jenna.”

“I’m good with that.”

He smiled, then lifted her to her knees and turned her around, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her back against his chest. “That dress has been driving me crazy since you walked out in it. Let me see if my suspicions are correct.” He slipped one hand under the hem, up her leg, and over her ass. “You bad girl.”

“The easier for you to love me, Mr. Black.”

He reached up and untied the halter, and the silk fell away from her breasts. “Beautiful, “ he whispered, both hands replacing the dress. Jenna moaned, arching into his touch. “You are so beautiful.”

She reached behind her and gripped his firm ass, sliding over his erection. He growled, and started teasing her nipples, his mouth finding the sensitive spot behind her ear.

“Roman—oh, God, that’s good.”

His fingers moved to her zipper, sliding it down, and bunched the skirt in his hands, lifting the dress. She raised her arms and he pulled it off her, tossing it to the blanket.

“Let me love you, Jenna.” He rocked against her. “Right here, like this.”

She wasn’t sure what he meant—until he lowered her to the blanket, on her hands and knees, her ass cradled against him. Just the thought excited her.

“Yes—please, Roman. Now.”

He let her go, and when he moved behind her again, she felt his hard, thick cock slide between her legs. She glanced behind her and saw that he was completely naked as well, his broad, muscled chest already damp with sweat.

His hand traced the curve of her hip before he finally moved lower, one finger circling her clit. She arched up, wanting him inside her, even if it was only his fingers. He gave her better.

Slowly rubbing her clit, he pressed his hot, thick tip into her. Trapped between two sources of pleasure, she chose his erection, tilting her hips and pushing back. They both moaned as he slid inside. She reached back and dug her fingers into his hip, urging him closer, deeper. He obliged, spreading his hand over her belly and driving himself in to the hilt.

“Oh, God.” She tightened around him, and he growled, leaning forward until his lips found her throat. That only pushed him in deeper. “Roman—”

“You feel so good, Jenna.” He pulled her back until he cradled her ass, pushing himself even deeper. Her back arched as he filled her to the core, already close to an orgasm. “Shit—I need to move.”

“God, yes.” She slid her hand down, pressing his fingers harder against her clit, and moaned when he moved his hand and covered her fingers, until she was touching herself, guided by his hand. “Oh, sweet God.” It was incredibly erotic—and she lowered her head when he matched the pace of their fingers with his hard length. “Roman—oh, please don’t stop.”

“Not—a chance.”

His other hand found her breast, teasing her nipple, his breath hot as he kissed her throat. She met each thrust, her hand sliding up to cover his, feeling him touch her. Roman drove into her, so deep it left both of them gasping. Sweat slicked her skin, and pleasure shot through her. She moved faster, on the edge. He rocked against her, his breath hot on her throat, then slipped two fingers inside her, stroking her hard and fast. She let out a cry, bucking against him.

He growled against her throat as she clenched around him, thrusting faster, harder, until she felt him pulse inside her, his cock thick and hard. He curled around her, his hand moving down to grab her hip, holding her in place.

She gasped when he drove himself in deep, her body humming and desperate for him. “Roman—”

He dug his fingers into her hip and stroked her, faster, harder. Jenna lowered her head, her body clenching around him as heat built, pushing her toward the edge.

He stiffened against her, and shouted her name as he climaxed. His release triggered her own, and they held on to each other as they fell over the edge together.

***

They spooned together on the blanket, sweaty and breathless.

Jenna took the hand draped at her waist and lifted it to her breast, moaning when he brushed his thumb over her still hard nipple.

“That was—”

“Too much?” He sounded anxious.

“Perfect. I’ve never done that before, and you made me feel sexy.”

“Does that mean you’d—”

“Make love like that again? All you have to do is ask.”

He leaned in and kissed her, his cock twitching. His growl rumbled through his chest. “You set me off, Doc. I want you again.”

“I’m happy to oblige.”

He chuckled, and teased her nipple as he started stroking her, slowly. The chuckle turned to a low growl, and he tucked his legs up, changing the angle of his thrust, taking himself deeper.

She gasped, her body clenching around him, needing him to move faster.

“God, Jenna.” He nipped her earlobe. “Marry me.”

“Okay.”

He stilled, and she looked over her shoulder.

“Just like that? No hesitation?”

“My life is here, Roman, with you. I’ve known that since the first time you kissed me. So, yes—I’ll marry you, with no hesitation and no regrets. Now make love to me, so I can have that other piece of cake.”

His laughter vibrated through her, and he started moving inside her, touching her more deeply, loving her with more tenderness than any man she’d ever known. When her climax overwhelmed her, he held her tightly, kissing away her tears. And let her know that she would never be alone again.

Nine

A cool wind lifted Jenna’s hair as she held tight to Roman’s hands. Lindy stood with them under the arbor in her garden, facing Roman’s huge family. They had all jumped in to plan the wedding, and in less than two weeks, everything was ready.

As mayor, and the leader of their clan, Lindy was the official at every wedding. She smiled at Jenna, then spoke over the rising wind.

“I am overjoyed to be a part of this joining, to welcome Jenna into our family. The only thing that would give me greater pleasure is the news of their first cub.”

Jenna let out her breath, and smiled at Roman. He lifted her left hand, kissed it, then slid a silver ring on her finger. It was a simple band, but the inscription on the inside brought tears to her eyes every time she thought of it.

“My heart, my love, my life.” Roman spoke what he had inscribed on the ring, and she blinked back fresh tears. “I never thought I’d find a woman who could accept me, flaws and all.” Laughter rippled through the crowd. “But in spite of them, you love me, and that is a gift, more precious than any you could ever give me. I promise to love, protect, and cherish you, no matter what life may throw at us.”

She followed his example, kissing his hand before she slid on the thick silver band.

“Roman Black. You were a surprise—in more ways than one.” He smiled down at her as his family laughed again. “I had given up on men before I moved here. My heart had been bruised enough, and I didn’t think I could let someone in again. But you were stubborn, and relentless, and so gentle, I couldn’t say no. I loved you from the first kiss, and I will love you after the last. And I promise this, with all my heart, no matter how many mistakes you make along the way.”

That earned her loud laughter from his brothers.

Lindy raised her hand, and they quieted down. “Now that they have given each other their rather unconventional vows,” she raised an eyebrow, and Roman smiled. “I would like to present to you all, Jenna and Roman Black. May they love long and give me many grandcubs.”

The applause and cheers threatened to deafen her. She forgot about them when Roman lifted her off her feet and kissed her. Under the clamor, he whispered to her.

“Hello, Mrs. Black.”

“Hello, Mr. Black.” She swallowed. “I have something to tell you.”

“What?” His smile faded. “What is it?”

“I’m going to give your mom a grandcub sooner than she expected.”

His eyes widened, and she nodded. He carefully set her on the ground, then spread his hand over her belly. “How long have you known? When?”