Wolf on the Hunt (22 page)

Finally, she dipped her brush in a bottle of some kind of solvent and wiped the bristles carefully before she set it down. She rolled her shoulders and he heard them crack.

He pushed to his feet and strode to her. “You’ve been standing in one position for too long.” He rubbed her shoulders, digging his thumbs lightly into her nape.

She groaned and tipped her head to one side and then the other. “I know. Occupational hazard.” She sighed and leaned closer to him. “That feels wonderful.”

“All part of the service,” he teased. He glanced over her shoulder, curious to see what she’d done. The painting was of the surrounding woods, but not an exact replica. It was very lifelike. Then he looked harder and began to notice the woodland creatures, who were almost invisible because they blended so well with their surroundings. All the animals were frozen in place because of the big dog who’d stumbled into their midst. It was easy to see who she’d used as a model for the dog.

“That’s amazing.”

She tipped her head back against his chest and smiled up at him. “Thanks. It’s nowhere near done yet. It will be much more vibrant by the time I’m finished layering color and highlighting some more.”

He’d known she was talented, but this was beyond his imagination. The pictures online did not do her work justice. “Your agent and the gallery are going to be thrilled with this piece.” And Louis knew he was going to buy it, no matter what it cost. He had more than enough money and he wanted it.

“Thanks. I think it’s decent. I’ll have to put a lot more hours into it to get where I want it.”

Louis wanted to shake her and demand she appreciate her work more. Then the ludicrousness of that idea struck him, so he did the only thing he could. He kissed her.

Gray was still leaning back against him, so it was easy to bend his head and capture her lips. She made a moan of pleasure and kissed him back.

Her tongue teased his and his body came alive between one heartbeat and the next, which wasn’t difficult considering he was always semi-aroused just being around Gray. He knew he couldn’t take her to bed. She needed to eat, and so did he. Plus, the others would simply come looking for them. There was little privacy in a pack this tightly knit. He’d have to wait a few more hours to kiss her naked body from head to toe.

He growled and released her mouth. She opened her eyes and they were slightly glazed over. Then she licked her lips, and he thought his cock might explode. He was about to kiss her again when Jacque poked his head out the back door. “Supper in a half hour. We’re grilling steaks here.” Then his brother closed the door, leaving them alone once again.

Gray groaned and then started to laugh. “It’s like being constantly chaperoned around here.”

Louis grinned in spite of the fact the tight fit of his jeans was making him incredibly uncomfortable. “You get used to it.”

She made a noncommittal sound that worried him. What if she couldn’t get used to it? She was used to being alone except for Shadow. Louis admitted to himself that he was worried about Gray ever feeling at home with the pack. She’d grown up without one. Maybe it was too late for her to adapt.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

He shook his head. “Nothing.” When she frowned at him, he added, “I just wish I was taking you to bed and not to supper.”

She walked her fingers over his chest. “We could do both.”

He growled and grabbed her fingers before she could tempt him further. “I have enough time to shower before dinner and you need to eat. You’ve been working all afternoon.”

He hated the uncertainty he saw reflected in her eyes. He grabbed her hand and brought it to the front of his jeans. “Don’t ever doubt that I want you. Always.” He brushed a loose curl away from her face. “I just want to show you that there’s more to life here than just that. I want to take care of you.”

She searched his face long and hard before nodding. He wished he knew what she was thinking. He dropped a quick kiss on her lips. “Should I move your canvas inside?”

Gray turned away and rubbed her hands over her arms. “Yes. I’m done for today.”

Louis wondered if he was making a huge mistake by not sweeping Gray off her feet and taking her to bed. He wanted her to experience what life could be like here with him and the rest of the pack.

What if she doesn’t like it
? The voice in the back of his head taunted him endlessly. His wolf growled inside him and Louis came to an understanding that left him reeling.

All his life, he’d stood by his brother’s side, protecting and defending him from their father. Then he’d given that same protection to their small pack. It was who he was. It was part of his genetics, his very soul. But he’d leave them all behind in a heartbeat and follow Gray if she didn’t want to stay here.

Louis felt as though his world had been ripped out from under his feet.

“Hey, are you okay?” Gray’s voice came as though from a distance.

Louis shook his head to clear it before nodding. “Yeah, I’m fine.” Only he wasn’t. His goal had always been to entice Gray to stay, but he knew that if she left, he was going with her.

“Let’s get you inside. You’ve been out running in the heat all afternoon. You need water and a cool shower.” Gray hovered protectively by his side, and he let her lead him into the house.

His world had turned upside down, and the one thing that remained constant was his love and need for Gray.

He grabbed her by the shoulders, spun her around and kissed her. No, that was too tame a description for what he did to her. He consumed her. He stole her breath and shared his with her, running his hands over her back and shoulders.

Louis knew if he lost her, he might never recover.

He had no idea how long the kiss lasted, but they were both panting heavily when he finally forced himself to pull back.

Gray touched her mouth, dragging the tips of her fingers over her swollen lips. She shuddered and leaned against him for support. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

He wanted to tell her no, he wasn’t okay. He wanted to fall on his knees and beg her to stay here with him. He did neither of those things. “Yeah.” His voice was hoarse with the effort to restrain his emotions. “I just need to shower.” He needed a lot more than that, but a shower was all he was going to get at the moment. “The others will be here any minute.”

“Okay.” She patted his chest. “You go ahead and I’ll bring in my supplies and put them away.

“I’ll get the canvas for you.” Before she could tell him not to bother, he went back out onto the porch and carefully lifted her easel, being sure not to jostle the painting. Gray was right beside him, gathering up her paints. He waited for her and held the door with his shoulder. Louis set the easel just inside the door and motioned for her to set her supplies on one of the end tables in the living room.

“Your things will be fine here.” He’d have to build her a studio, a space where she could set her things up and leave them. He could already picture it. Sliding doors and a porch she could work on in the summer and a small woodstove so she could work out there in the winter as well. Big windows to give her an unimpeded view of the outdoors.

“Louis?”

He shook his head. “I won’t be long.” He curled his hands into fists at his sides to keep from dragging her into the shower with him. Her eyes were on him as he turned and hurried to his room. The faster he showered and changed, the quicker he’d be back with Gray.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Gray wished she knew what was bothering Louis. He’d been preoccupied since he’d returned home from patrolling this afternoon. Supper had been a tasty meal of grilled steaks, baked potato and pasta salad. The others had chatted and teased as they’d eaten, but Louis had been quiet.

The men had all discussed patrolling again. Gray admitted all this talk of security was making her nervous. In spite of everything, she’d managed to get some good work done today and had ideas for several more paintings.

Shadow had happily gone from person to person getting petted. The dog was certainly having no trouble adapting to the pack, and she appreciated how they treated her companion. Everyone was open and accepting, which was more than she could ever hope for. Even now, her pet was curled up inside on the sofa, sound asleep.

The others had gone home earlier, and Jacque and Gwen had gone to bed because Jacque was taking the last shift of the night. Armand was already out there somewhere patrolling the woods and had been for several hours. Louis and Gator would trade places with him soon.

Gray sat on the porch and listened as the night creatures came out to hunt and interact. The sun had gone down hours ago. It had to be close to midnight.

Louis stepped out onto the back porch and waited. She wished she could read his mind to know what he was thinking. She suspected his thoughts were as chaotic as hers. They’d come together so quickly and with such sexual intensity, it was no wonder both of them were taking a step back to assess things.

“Mind if I join you?” His voice sent a shiver of awareness down her spine.

“Please do.”

He strolled toward her but didn’t seat himself on the chair beside her. No, he lifted her out of her seat, sat down and placed her on his lap. She’d grabbed his shoulders when he’d picked her up and still clung to them. His easy strength still caught her off-guard. He’d lifted her as effortlessly as she’d pick up a dinner plate.

“There are other chairs,” she informed him.

He grinned. “But this is my favorite one.”

“I can move to another chair.”

Louis kissed the tip of her nose. “Then that would be my favorite one.” He ran his fingers down the side of her face. “Wherever you are is where I want to be.”

“What do I say to something like that?” she asked him. The man kept her constantly off balance.

“What do you want to say?” he asked. “Better yet, why don’t you just relax and enjoy the moment.”

“Because you confuse me.” Gray was used to knowing her own mind, understanding what she wanted and working to get it. Louis had thrown her orderly life into chaos from the moment she’d set eyes on him.

“Ah,
chère
, you confuse me too.”

That shouldn’t have made her feel better, but it did.

“Where does that leave us?”

“Together.” That one word had a finality to it that both thrilled and frightened her.

“What do you want from me?” She wanted to know where he saw their relationship going.

“I wasn’t going to do this now,” he muttered. He lifted her so she was straddling his lap, facing him. Thankfully, the skirt of her dress was loose and full. The material bunched over her knees. It was dark, but with the light streaming from the kitchen window and the moon shining down upon them, it was easy for her to see him with her enhanced vision.

“Do what?” The tension in him was making her nervous. His entire body was rigid beneath her and he was frowning.

He ran his fingers though his hair, tousling the thick strands. “You don’t know much about werewolf culture.”

“No, I don’t,” she agreed. “Only what little I’ve learned from you and the others.” She really hadn’t asked as many questions as she should have. Gray knew in her heart it was because she hadn’t wanted to get too close, to understand them too well. That shamed her. It smacked of cowardice.

“You’ve seen the other couples together.”

She nodded. “Yes, I have.” She envied how close they were to their spouses, or rather mates. She wasn’t certain any of them were actually married in the traditional manner.

“Werewolves mate for life. In our earlier history, mates waited until they found that special person, the one that completed them.” Louis stared out into the distance. “That changed a few centuries ago and now most werewolves mate whoever they want. The bond is there, but it’s nowhere as strong or as special as it once was.”

It was hard to swallow. Gray’s throat was tight and dry. What was Louis saying?

He continued. “This pack is different. Jacque and the others have all found that special person to complete them.”

“How?”

Louis shrugged and turned his attention back to her. It was uncomfortable to be the recipient of all that intensity. “An act of fate? Luck? We don’t know why.” His gaze narrowed and his nostrils flared. “But I was the last one.” He picked up her hand and brought it to his lips. “Then I found you.”

Panic and elation both fought for supremacy inside her. “Louis,” she began, not quite sure what she was going to say to him. She’d conveniently put his talk of love and claiming out of her head, not ready to deal with it yet, but he wasn’t going to allow her to bury her head in the sand any longer.

“I told you this before. You’re it for me, Gray. I’m not sure you fully understand what that means.” He kissed the center of her palm and laid it over his heart. “You’re the one I’ve been waiting for my entire life. I knew it the moment I laid eyes on you, the moment you touched me. My wolf knew it too.”

Gray knew Louis wanted her. That was a no-brainer. That he wanted her to stay with him. She’d just never let herself believe that he’d meant he wanted her forever. Everything had happened so fast between them a part of her didn’t really trust his feelings for her. “I don’t know what to say.” Her reply was a copout.

Louis sighed, and she felt his disappointment.

“I know this is a lot for you to handle. I’d planned to not pressure you, to allow you to get used to the others and living here. I wanted to show you that you could be happy here with me, with the pack.”

Now she understood better why he was so insistent she work and spend time with the others. It was really sweet of him.

His heartbeat was strong against her hand. That was Louis, strong and consistent.

“I’ve never felt the way about any other man the way I feel about you.” It wasn’t exactly a declaration of love, but those words wouldn’t pass her lips.

She was afraid. Scared of giving herself and her love totally to one person only to have them leave or die on her. Her track record in that department was abysmal.

“That’s something.” He rubbed his hands up and down her spine, the motion soothing and arousing at the same time. “I love you.” The stark words fell between them. “I want you with me forever. I want to mate with you.”

Gray almost bolted from his lap as panic set in.

“Think about it,” he told her. “That’s all I’m asking. You know what I want.”

She was the one who didn’t know what she wanted, and they both knew it. “What…what does mating mean exactly? Is there a ceremony or something?

Louis eased her closer until her breasts were plastered against his chest and their groins were pressed together. She moaned as his erection pushed against her mound.

“It’s a very personal ceremony. I take you to bed and take you from behind.” Heat rushed through her veins, gathering at her breasts and sex. She unconsciously rocked her hips, rubbing against him.

He licked a particularly sensitive spot where her shoulder and neck joined. “I’ll bite you right here and mark you so that every other wolf that meets you knows you’re mine.”

Okay, the whole idea of biting should scare the crap out of her, but somewhere deep inside her were werewolf instincts that had flared to life since she’d met Louis and his pack. A part of her wanted to bare her neck and offer it to him.

He cupped her breasts and rubbed the mounds through her dress. “I want to make you mine,
chère
, but only if it’s what you want. You have to be sure.” He used his thumbs to circle her nipples. “Once you give yourself to me, there’s no going back. The mating mark and the connection are permanent.”

“I don’t know what to do,” she blurted out. Part of her wanted to take what he was offering—a home, a place to belong and love. Another part of her was scared out of her mind. It was safer being alone.

Louis’s breath was warm against her face as he sighed. “I know, Gray. I’m trying my best not to rush you.”

He wrapped his arms around her and cradled her against his chest with her head pillowed on his shoulder. She knew they wouldn’t be making love, not now. Disappointment filled her along with a sense of wonder that he wasn’t using their physical compatibility to push her toward mating.

“You confuse me.” She hadn’t meant to say that out loud.

“I know.”

They fell silent then, both of them lost in their own thoughts. The sexual heat eventually faded somewhat but never truly disappeared. In its place was a sense of contentment, a sense of—dare she say it?—home.

She stayed where she was until her legs began to cramp. When she groaned and started to shift position, Louis quickly lifted her until she was sideways on his lap. “I’ve been sitting on my legs for too long.”

Louis began to rub her thighs and calves, his strokes sure and strong. He used just enough pressure to get the blood pumping once again. In such a short time, she’d grown to love having his hands on her. She pressed her hands against his bare chest. His skin was always warm, the muscles beneath strong.

He stood and carefully placed her back in her chair. “It’s time for me to patrol again.”

Gray knew it wasn’t quite that time but nodded. She needed to think. Although she was beginning to believe no amount of time was going to make this decision any easier.

Louis strode to the end of the deck. He stopped and kicked off his sneakers and shucked his jeans.

“What are you doing?” she asked even though she knew what was about to happen.

“Being who I really am.”

She’d seen him as both man and wolf, had watched him shift before, but it still made her breath catch in her throat and her entire body tremble, not with fear, but with anticipation.

His features began to blur. His jaw elongated and his forehead flattened. Fur pushed out through his skin. His limbs contorted and changed as he fell forward onto all fours. The man was gone and the wolf remained. Only his eyes were the same. Those soulful brown eyes that rocked her very soul.

“Louis.” She stood and went to him. He stood still as a statue. She sensed he didn’t want to frighten her. She wasn’t scared at all. “You’re magnificent.” She held out her hand and he dipped his head, encouraging her to touch him.

He took a step closer and butted his head against her chest, making her laugh. It was a low, breathy sound, but it was a laugh. “Have patience with me.” He raised his furry head and licked her chin. Tears pricked her eyes and she hugged him close.

He didn’t get impatient or pull away. He waited until she released him to take a step back. “Be careful.” A sense of foreboding shook her to her core. “Maybe you shouldn’t go out there. Maybe you should stay here.” If he was with her, she could protect him.

That thought shook her to her very core. She was already head over heels in love with Louis. Holding a part of herself back was not going to keep her from getting hurt if something happened to him. Leaving him would only make her hurt and guarantee she wouldn’t be happy. Staying meant she could be happy even though she’d always worry about being hurt down the road.

Better to take the happiness than to embrace the heartache.

“Louis.”

The wolf shook his head and jerked it to the left. Sure enough, a big black wolf with blue eyes was standing there watching them. Gator. She’d recognize his barely contained energy and his eyes anywhere. Plus, he smelled the same as he always did. She might be a half-breed, but she still had the preternatural senses of a werewolf.

Gray threw her arms around his broad neck and hugged Louis. “Be careful. We’ll talk more later,” she whispered. She knew Gator could hear her, but it just made it seem more like it was between only the two of them.

He nuzzled his furry head against her face and neck and then lightly nipped her shoulder, a reminder of what he wanted to do to her during the mating process. She stepped back and rubbed the spot as Louis whirled and joined his friend. The two of them disappeared from sight.

Gray didn’t have to turn around to know Jacque was behind her. She’d heard the back door open and, even if she hadn’t heard him, a powerful wave of energy always seemed to precede him.

“You should come inside now.” It wasn’t an order, not exactly. More like a very insistent suggestion.

“Is it safe for him to be out there in his wolf form?” That was a worry since Louis hadn’t done it earlier in the day. None of the men had shifted if they were going to be on patrol and away from the houses.

“
Oui
,” Jacque told her. “The darkness is our domain. If there are any hunters out there, they won’t see him unless he wants them too. And his senses are sharper as a wolf.”

She watched the area where Louis had disappeared, willing him to return. “I don’t feel good about this.” She turned to Jacque, no longer quite as intimidated as she’d first been when she’d met him.

He frowned and she took a step back. Okay, maybe she’d revise that. Jacque was very scary when he frowned.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

She rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “I don’t know.” She glanced at the trees again and then back at the alpha of the pack. “Something just feels off.” She couldn’t quite explain what was bothering her.

Jacque pulled his phone out of his back pocket and dialed a number. Armand answered it on the first ring. Gray didn’t even try to pretend she wasn’t eavesdropping.

“
Oui
,” Armand answered.

“Anything out there I should know about?” Jacque asked.

“It’s quiet. Maybe too quiet. I told Gator to be careful.”

“Stay alert,” Jacque warned him. “And make sure Cole is on alert.”