Therian Prize: 5 (Therian Heat) (24 page)

“I understand and agree.”

Jake pulled into the garage of the safe house and turned off the engine of the borrowed car. Heather hadn’t spoken since they left the clinic. He knew she had a lot to think about, so he’d given her time to process. But now she just sat there staring off into space. What ground they’d gained in the past few days was obviously slipping away. She was back to sullen withdrawal.

“Talk to me.” The garage door closed behind them, so he reached up and turned on the dome light.

“Why do I keep trying to defend him? Even as the evidence against him stacks up, my first impulse is to explain it all away.” Though she kept her face averted, her willingness to talk was encouraging, so Jake didn’t touch her or try to catch her gaze.

“He’s your father as well as your alpha. Protecting him is instinctual.”

“But he doesn’t deserve my loyalty. He’s betrayed me at every turn.” Her voice grew stronger with each charge. “Why should I feel anything but hatred for him?”

“Because you’re a better person than he is.”

“I’m a fool.”

“No. You’re devoted and honorable. That’s part of what attracts me to you. You see the best in everyone, even when they don’t deserve it.”

She exhaled and he could almost feel the tension flow out of her body. “I want the conflict over. I want to feel safe and know my choices won’t be sabotaged or ignored.”

“The only way to accomplish that is to step out from under your father’s authority.”

She shook her head then finally looked at him. “You make it sound so easy. He won’t just let me go.”

“I know, but you have alternatives now. It’s possible for you to control your own life.”

“I think we both know which direction I’m headed.” She paused. “I still need to take this one step at a time.”

“Fine by me, but can we go inside?” He let amusement trickle into his tone.

“Maybe I want to check out the backseat.”

He chuckled yet desire swirled through him, making him restless and ready to move beyond banter. “I’m game, but we’ll be a lot more comfortable if we go inside.”

Rather than reply, she turned off the dome light and pushed open her door. He pulled the key from the ignition and followed her into the house.

It was all he could do not to pounce on her. Last night had been wonderful and yet incredibly frustrating. Being inside her body had given him pleasure but he longed for so much more than physical release. For a few blissful moments they’d linked and he’d sensed her being, fiery and yet fragile.

They crossed the dining room and were about to turn down the hallway when she stopped and looked at him. “Is there any way to contact Lexxie? I’d love to hear her voice.”

His tiger tossed his head, anxious and annoyed. Another stall tactic. Why did she keep doing this? “Give me a minute. I’ll see if I can have her ring my phone.”

He sent a seeker pulse out across the tiger common link and located Ron. When Ron felt the telepathic ping he opened a private connection and allowed Jake into his mind.

What can I do for you, sir?

Heather wants to speak with Lexxie. Can you have Lexxie call my phone?

No problem.

They made their way to the master bedroom as they waited for Jake’s phone to ring. The bed was unmade and rumpled, a testament to their restless night.

The phone vibrated but the number was blocked so Jake activated the speaker. “Hello.”

“Hey, it’s Lexxie. Can I talk to Heather?”

“You’re on speaker. Go ahead.” He handed the phone to Heather, trying hard not to let his frustration completely kill the mood.

“Are you really okay? Dad has no idea where you are?”

Lexxie laughed. “
I’m
not even sure where I am, but a little warning would have been nice. Tyler scared the shit out of me. I thought for sure one of the other packs had mistaken me for you.”

“That’s the sort of thing we’re trying to avoid. I don’t want you to be used as a weapon to hurt me.”

“I get it and Ty’s keeping me entertained. Can you tell me where you are, and was that Jake who answered the phone? I want all the dirty details.”

Heather looked at him and smiled. “Unfortunately that will have to wait. I’m safe, but I probably shouldn’t say any more.”

“Well, Ty’s treating me like a princess, so you don’t need to worry about me.”

“I’m so relieved, but I better go.”

“Have fun.” Lexxie laughed again then ended the call.

Heather handed the phone back to Jake. “Were you afraid I was going to say something I shouldn’t?”

“What do you mean?”

“Why’d you leave it on speaker?”

“Habit. I hate holding a phone while I talk. What could you have said that would have upset me?”

She shrugged and glanced away. “I don’t know. I guess I’m being paranoid. Again.”

He slipped the phone into his pocket and motioned to her. “Come here.” She moved closer and he wrapped his arms around her. “I think you need to relax. I’ll call Devon and let her know we’ll come by tomorrow. Then we’ll take the rest of the day and focus on us.”

“Sounds wonderful.”

“Then warm up the shower. I’ll join you in a minute.”

She nodded and headed for the bathroom, which was down the hall. The house was small and old-fashioned but it would take time and a shrewd investigator to realize it belonged to the rebels. Nate had neither the patience nor the skills to make the connection.

Jake called Devon and told her that he needed some time alone with Heather. Devon assured him that she understood and invited them to dinner the following night. Jake powered down the phone and set it on the nightstand. There was no way he was allowing anything to interrupt them this time. Heather was physically drained and emotionally exhausted. A few hours of privacy was not too much to ask.

The bathroom was warm and steamy. She’d folded her clothes and set them on the counter. Was she always this neat or was it a result of her frayed nerves?

His tiger paced restlessly, pushing against the metaphysical confinement, wanting free. He’d known from the beginning that he’d have to move slowly with Heather. She had good reason not to trust anyone. She’d also lost far more than he’d realized. Her stepsister and then her mother, which left her alone in a house full of men. Then one by one the men in her life proved she wasn’t their top priority. He couldn’t blame Landon or Dhane for the choices they’d made. He’d set himself on the same path. However, he hadn’t abandoned his sisters to do it. In fact they were one of the primary reasons he’d joined the rebel cause.

“You out there?” She sounded relaxed, almost sleepy.

He smiled. Relaxed was good, but sleepy wouldn’t work for what he had planned. “Depends on who you mean.”

She slid the curtain back a bit and peeked out. “I felt a draft when you opened the door, but then you just stood there.”

“Sorry.” He pulled his shirt off and dropped it to the floor. “I was lost in thought for a moment.”

“Understandable. Just don’t let it become a habit.”

“I’ll do my best.” He tugged off his boots and then his socks before unfastening his jeans.

“Was Devon okay with us bailing on her?”

“Apparently. She invited us for dinner tomorrow night.” She ducked back inside the shower as he took off his jeans. She’d already seen him naked. Wasn’t it a bit late for embarrassment? He pulled the curtain back and paused to enjoy the view. She stood beneath the spray with her arms raised, back slightly arched as she smoothed the hair back from her face. “God, you’re beautiful.”

She smiled, blinking the water out of her eyes. “Are you coming in?”

He stepped into the tub and shut the curtain as he thought of all the ways he intended to come “in” her. “I want you
in
my arms.”

With the faintest hint of a smile curving her lips, she accepted his embrace. He wrapped his arms around her wet, warm body. She wrapped her arms around him too, rubbing her breasts against his chest as the water rained down on them.

He tangled his fingers in her hair and pulled her head back until their gazes locked. “Open for me.”

Uncertainty flickered through her eyes but she parted her lips.

He claimed her mouth in a consuming kiss, needing her taste, her smell and the feel of her body inundating his senses. He needed to slow his approach, bring her along with tender patience. But desire pounded through him, laughing at his good intentions.

She clung to him, her tongue swirling around his. Her hands grasped him just as firmly and she rubbed against him urgently.

Needing to know exactly what she was feeling, he tore his mouth away from hers and looked into her eyes. “I want to form the link now. I don’t want to be inside you again without being able to share your emotions.”

“All right. What do I need to do?”

He stroked her cheek with his knuckles. “Just trust me.”

Her lips were parted and supple when he lowered his head again. He eased his tongue into her mouth, his lips meshing with hers. His arms wrapped around her, supporting and lightly restraining as he deepened the kiss. She responded freely, her tongue sliding hungrily over his.

For a long time they just kissed. His hands moved up and down her back, occasionally dipping down to squeeze her behind. She pressed against him, hips gently rocking as she waited for him to make the next move.

He scanned her shields, finding the best place to ease past the protection. As long as she didn’t resist, his entry should be painless. He pushed against the barrier and felt the resistance give. Energy rushed around him and through him, vibrant and addictive. He sank deeper into her mind as he anchored the link. She gasped against his lips then emotions surged into his mind. Desire, anticipation and a hint of fear. He wasn’t disheartened by the fear. It reassured him that what he was feeling was real.

Feeling her need escalated his and he didn’t want to take her against the shower wall. He reached behind her and turned off the water then scooped her up in his arms. She pushed the curtain open and he carefully stepped out of the tub.

She wrapped one arm around his neck and stroked his face with her other hand as he hurried down the hall. He wanted her, needed to be inside her so much it hurt. Lust spiked inside him and rushed into her. She shivered and found his mouth with her lips as he stumbled into the bedroom.

He wanted to go slow but her desire raged right along with his. Each time he pulled back from the demand, she pushed it deeper into his mind.

Finally he tore his mouth away from hers, panting harshly. “We have to slow down.”

“Why?” She laughed and pulled his face back toward hers.
I want you wild and desperate. Nothing has ever felt so exciting.

But I want to touch you and taste you before we—

Next time. I want you inside me. Now!

How could he argue with that?

He placed her sideways on the bed and she immediately scooted back, giving him room to kneel between her legs. He crawled onto the bed and she opened for him, ready and obviously willing. Her earthy scent filled his nose as his gaze focused on the flushed folds between her thighs. Rather than thrust into her as he’d intended, he caught the backs of her knees with his hands and spread her legs even wider.

“Hold yourself open, angel. I want to play.”

“But I…”

He thrust two fingers deep into her core and her objection faded away. She was hot and wet and snug around his fingers. Drawing nearly out, he savored the sensual slide before pushing deep again. Her cream soon covered his hand and her scent rose to surround him. Though the sight of his fingers disappearing into her depths filled him with possessive pleasure, he needed more. He needed her taste in his mouth as he joined his body with hers.

Heather held her legs open, a brazen offering for her lover. After just one night in Jake’s bed, she’d learned to relax and follow his lead. Now that she could feel his consuming passion it seemed even more natural to submit to his desire and trust him with her pleasure.

He slid his fingers in and out, a teasing hint of the more substantial fullness to come. It felt good yet she ached for more, she needed his cock moving deep and stretching her tightly. She wanted him over her, pressing her down as he filled her again and again.

Lowering his head between her thighs, he slowly pulled his fingers out. Her inner muscles clenched, desperate now for any fullness. He traced her slit with his tongue and Heather moaned. She was rapidly climbing toward orgasm yet he avoided direct contact with her clit. He licked up one side, almost touching the sensitive nub, then he skimmed over and slid down the other side.

“Please,” she murmured, arching into the teasing caress.

“Please what?” His lips moved against her sex and his tongue delved deeper, circling her opening.

“Let me come.”

“Come. I’m not stopping you.”

She released one of her legs and reached down between her thighs, but he caught her wrist and shook his head. “No touching.”