“Assuming there is a next time.” In spite of the heat sizzling between them, she wasn’t as confident as she’d like to be.

  “I’m a wolf. I don’t need any recovery time. I put myself at your disposal.”

  “You’re such a giver.” Never had she imagined sex involving teasing and fun. She’d always figured it would be hot and sweaty and serious business. Once again, Aaron was proving he was different.

  “I aim to please my lady.”

  He didn’t mean anything by calling her his lady. He couldn’t. She wasn’t staying. Would be nothing more than a pleasant memory before long. Still, she couldn’t stifle the pleasure that washed over her.

  Before she knew what he was about, he was between her legs, his broad shoulders pushing them wider. The heat in his eyes, the way the corners of his mouth turned up at the edges, was a promise of tantalizing things to come.

  Her heart was about to bust out of her chest when he lowered his head until he was looking right at her. Heat flushed over her skin.

  “You smell delicious. I can’t wait to eat you.” The carnal promise was followed with action.

  “Oh, God.” Throwing back her head, she fisted the blankets in a death grip. His tongue slid up one side of her sex and down the other.

  “Mmm, this is my kind of dessert.” He lapped at her slick folds, drawing more of her arousal from within.

  “Aaron.” She gripped his hair, not sure if she wanted to pull him closer or drag him away.

  “I love the way you say my name when you’re aroused.” His broad shoulders shuddered. “It’s so fucking hot.” The rawness of his words and actions sent her reeling. These weren’t practiced words to get her into bed. After all, she was already here.

  He caught her clit between his lips, flicking it with his tongue before sucking on it. Her hips shot off the bed, shoving up so hard and fast she almost sent him tumbling to the floor. Laughing, he caught himself. “Like that, do you? So do I.” He dove back in, relentlessly pleasuring her until time and space ceased to exist. She moaned, undulating under the magic of his clever mouth.

  Then he pushed one thick finger inside her.

  “Oh, God.” Eyes closed, she gritted her teeth and held on as tension gripped her deep inside.

  “Look at me.” The guttural command had her obeying. His lips were wet—from her. Rather than being embarrassed, she was aroused. Her breasts ached, so she covered them with her hands. “Oh, yeah. That’s it. Whatever feels good. Now watch.”

  Unable to look away, she watched as he added a second finger, slowing thrusting both in and out until she caught the rhythm and moved with him. His thumb brushed over her clit. Her inner muscles quivered. She hovered at the brink of discovery, afraid to take that final jump.

  “Let go. I’ll catch you.”

  The decision was made for her. Her world exploded. Her core clamped down hard around his fingers. She bucked against his hand as he prolonged the ecstasy, pushing her to milk every last drop.

  Her limbs trembled, her body no longer under her control. Vulnerable, she did what she’d always done—she attacked.

  Still shivering, she shoved, pushing him onto his back. She gripped his hard shaft in her hands. It was long and thick, the broad head even darker. Blood pumped through the veins, making it pulse. Liquid seeped from the tip. Leaning down, she licked a droplet onto her tongue, tasting his musky, masculine essence.

  “Fuck, Jesse.” Rather than reach for her, he gripped the wooden headboard.

  “That’s the plan.” This was sex, not lovemaking. She couldn’t care about him. She couldn’t. Because if she did, it would kill her to leave him. Ignoring the tears welling in her eyes, she lifted herself, angling her body so the tip of his cock was pressed against her.

  His chest heaved. “Slow down, sweetheart.”

  The endearment was the final straw. “Now!” She sat down hard, gritting her teeth as she forced the thick head past the opening. She was slick, but it wasn’t easy. Her sex clenched around him. With her hands pressed against his chest, she hung her head. He was barely inside.

  I can do this.

  Hard hands caressed her thighs. He slipped one between her legs, rubbing her clit. She wiggled on his shaft, taking another inch. “Yes.” Everything inside her went liquid. His free hand cupped her breast, the thumb massaging the turgid nipple.

  Groaning, she rocked, taking him deeper, not stopping until he was seated to the hilt. The pressure, the sensation of being filled by him and connected in such an intimate way was overwhelming and scary. It was also primal and beautiful. His shaft pulsed and flexed, but it was no longer painful. In truth, it had passed so quickly it was barely a blip on her internal radar.

  Leaning forward slightly, she rose up several inches before dropping down again. The friction was so pleasurable she did it again and again, getting faster each time.

  And he was right there with her, raising his hips to meet her downward thrust, his thumb brushing her clit each time. His shaggy brown hair was damp, his lips clamped together. His jaw was taut. A muscle flexed under his eye, but he never tried to take control. And he could have.

  Extraordinary for a strong male wolf.

  Her orgasm caught her off guard. Crying out, she toppled forward into strong arms. Holding her, he planted his feet and thrust upward, grinding his pelvis against hers. His shaft bucked and jerked, the base swelling and locking him inside her as his essence flooded her, prolonging her release.

  Collapsing, she lay sprawled on top of him, a human blanket. She’d had her first orgasm. And her second.

  A single tear trickled down her cheek and onto his chest before she could stop it.

  He rolled, taking her onto her back, holding the bulk of his weight off her with his forearms. “Don’t cry, sweetheart.”

  “I’m not.”

  He caught the next drop with his thumb. “Okay.” Taking them both onto their sides, he held her.

  Chapter Six

  Jesse buried her face against Aaron’s chest, letting the slow and steady beat of his heart comfort her. He didn’t ask questions or demand answers. He cradled her head in one big hand. The other ran up and down her spine.

  Birdsong floated in through the open window. The sun had made the room almost unbearably hot, but she was in no hurry to leave the bed.

  Warm lips brushed against her temple. “Feeling better?”

  Better wasn’t exactly the term she’d use. Sexually sated, physically exhausted, and emotionally spent were more accurate. “Yes.”

  “Want to talk about it?”

  She shook her head, rubbing her nose against his skin, enjoying his musky scent. “No.”

  He caught her chin, tilting her head back so he could see her face. “Are you sure? I’m a good listener.” He tenderly tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

  “There’s no point.” Giving a huff, she pushed away, her breath hitching when his erection slipped out. He was still hard, even though he’d just come. Thankfully, the swelling at the base—that locked a male wolf inside the female at orgasm—had gone down enough. The separation was more difficult than she’d expected. Already she missed the feel of him buried deep inside her.

  “Let me help you.” He propped one hand under his head, studying her intently. She could practically see the wheels turning in his head, trying to figure out the best approach to get what he wanted.

  She’d bet a lot of people underestimated him. He gave the appearance of being laid back, but beneath the outward image simmered a laser-focused intelligence that was always at work.

  “You can’t.” Their upbringings were complete opposite. He came from a supportive pack, a smaller one that seemed to mostly keep to itself. “It’s complicated.”

  “Jesse.”

  “No.” There wasn’t any point in getting into things better left alone. It was all so sordid and nasty. None of it was her fault, but guilt and shame still snuck in at times like this. Her past tainted everything.

  Sitting up, she wrapped her arms around her knees and hugged them to her chest. “I should get going.” As much as she wanted to stay, protecting Aaron was now her priority. He was a good male and didn’t deserve to be caught up in the nightmare of her life.

  “No, you shouldn’t. Whoever is after you, you’re an easier target out there on your own. You’ll be safe here.”

  Her laugh was bitter. “There’s nowhere safe, not for me. Hasn’t been since the day I was born.” How many nights had she lain awake in her childhood bed, wondering why her life was so difficult? It wasn’t fair. But as Lottie often told her, life came with no promises.

  “Your last name is Broussard. Were you born in Louisiana?”

  His questions were cutting a bit too deep for comfort. Rather than lie, she climbed off the bed and reached for her underwear. A muscled arm curled around her waist and dragged her back. “Hey!” she yelled. Annoyed, she slapped at his hand.

  “Listen to me, little wolf. Whatever is wrong, I can help. I have resources at my disposal I can call on at a moment’s notice.” He nibbled on her nape, sending a rush of heat to her sex and goose bumps racing down her arms. “You think I’m going to make love to you one minute and let you walk away the next.”

  “I knew it. I knew this was a mistake.” She popped off the bed and whirled around, hands on her hips. “It was sex. Two unattached adults enjoying themselves. And having sex doesn’t give you the right to try to take over my life.”

  A muscle ticked in his jaw. “It was more than just sex. What are you so afraid of?”

  That hit a nerve. “I’m not afraid of anything. I’m trying to stay alive.”

  “Who’s after you?”

  Frustrated, she threw her arms into the air. “Who isn’t? You want the truth?” Maybe her shields were down because of multiple orgasms. Maybe exhaustion loosened her tongue. Or maybe having someone who seemed to give a damn finally broke the dam. “My mother died within hours of giving birth. My sire was already mated, had a family. I was supposed to be a son. Knowing she was dying, fearing he’d kill me for being another daughter—he already had two legitimate ones—she managed to get me to the one place he feared to go.”

  Her chest was heaving, but she still wasn’t getting enough air into her lungs. The room began to spin. Her vision narrowed, darkness closing in around her. She had to finish this. Maybe then he’d understand the futility of it all and let her go.

  “She took me to Lottie Broussard, a witch who lived deep in the swamp. Everyone feared her. Half wolf, half witch, she was powerful enough that none would cross her.”

  Aaron dragged her down onto the edge of the mattress. “Sit down before you fall down.” He pushed her head between her legs. “Breathe. You look like you’re about to pass out. You’re as pale as a damn ghost.”

  Eyes closed, she did as instructed, desperate not to lose consciousness. Long minutes passed. The ringing in her ears faded. The pressure on her chest eased. She heard him get up and move around. He briefly left the room and returned. When she lifted her head, he was on his knees in front of her. He’d pulled on his jeans. Too bad. She rather liked him naked.

  “Here.” He thrust a bottle of water into her hand. “Drink. You’re still too pale.” He placed his palm on her forehead, his frown deepening.

  Parched, she unscrewed the top and drank. “Thank you.” When she’d had all she could handle, she capped the bottle and held it against her forehead, letting the chill of the plastic cool her.

  “I’m sorry your mother died.”

  Of all the things he could have said, that hit closest to her heart. “I never knew her.” The emptiness inside her was a void that could never be filled.

  “She sounds like a brave woman with a big heart. You take after her.”

  She’d never thought about it like that before, but the idea pleased her.

  “Lottie raised you?”

  Funny, he didn’t mention the whole thing about her being a witch. Most people would have zeroed in on that right away. “Yes. I was safe within the boundaries of her land.” It wasn’t easy to explain as it defied all reason. “Lottie wasn’t just powerful, she was a power. It surrounded her, coming from an unseen source within. My sire followed my mother to the swamp, to Lottie. When he discovered my mother was dead, he asked about his son.” This part always made her smile. “She told him he didn’t have a son. He assumed the babe was a boy and had died.”

  “Smart lady.” Admiration tinged his voice. Sitting comfortably on his knees, he rested his hands on her thighs. Even in that position, he was dominant—large and powerful. Wait, his hands were on her bare thighs.

  “I’m naked.” God, she’d ranted and raved all without a stitch of clothing on.

  His lips curled upward. “Believe me, I noticed.” When he reached down to adjust the front of his jeans, she sputtered out a laugh, in spite of the serious discussion. It was so earthy, a reminder that life went on, even in the face of death.

  “You can’t be serious.” From the look of his erection, he was very serious. An answering pulse began low in her belly.

  “Chère, all you have to do is look at me and I want you.”

  The choice of word, the familiar language, startled her. “Why did you call me that?”

  “What? Chère? It’s what my father calls my mother. My pack has a history with the Louisiana Pack.”

  He probably knows my sire.

  Instinct had her scrambling to safety. She rolled off the opposite side of the bed and crouched into a fighting stance. “What kind of history?” Had he been hired to find her? Was her sire on his way here? She glanced toward the window. If she ran, he’d catch her. She needed her bike, the keys of which were in the pocket of her jeans, along with the key to her storage unit.

  Aaron slowly pushed to his feet, muscles flexing and all animal grace. His jeans clung to his thick thighs and dipped below his belly button, giving her an enticing glimpse of a thin ribbon of dark hair that arrowed down to his groin. Hands on his hips, he was intimidating as hell. Even when she had reason to fear him, she wanted him.

  What did that say about her? Maybe her sanity had finally slipped. She’d known he was too good to be true. He had ties to her sire’s pack.

  He held out his hands in a gesture of peace. “Don’t be afraid. Not from me. From your reaction, I’m guessing you were born there.”

  “I never lived with the pack, was never acknowledged as a member. I’m an unwanted bastard, raised by a swamp witch. When she died, I lost even that semblance of safety.”

  The air around him heated, almost snapping and sizzling. “Your father is trying to kill you.”

  It wasn’t a question, but she answered it anyway. “That bastard has been trying to kill me since he learned of my existence. I’m a mistake. One he wants to wipe clean.”

  “You can’t possibly think I’d help him?” His voice was almost guttural, his anger palpable.

  She shrugged. “You have ties to that pack. People do all kinds of things for money.” If his jaw got any tighter, it was going to crack. She wouldn’t feel bad about thinking he’d betrayed her. What else was she supposed to believe? Their meeting was almost too much of a coincidence.

  Some things are meant to be. Lottie had told her that every time she’d questioned her birth and upbringing. Jesse had always considered it a copout, but now she wasn’t so sure. Aaron was such a force of nature it seemed inevitable that their paths would cross.

  “Trust me. The history between our packs is anything but pleasant. I’ve never met anyone from Louisiana. That’s my father’s generation.”

  She chose to believe him. The alternative was too horrifying to consider. To think that she’d had sex with a male who was trying to kill her would be the end of her.

  She cleared her throat and picked up her story. “When Lottie died, I followed her instructions. Burned her body and the house. Then I took off on my bike with the wolves on my trail like the hounds of hell.”

  Aaron swore, low and long, some of his creative pairings raising her eyebrows, finally ending with, “Low-life, cowardly fuckers.”

  “Oh, that’s not the best of it.” Better to get it all out so he’d finally realize the futility of him trying to protect her. “He found a group of online fanatics who are self-proclaimed witch hunters. He sent them my picture. They’re after me, too.”

  “Full humans? He’s lost his fucking mind. To involve humans…” He shook his head in disgust. “He’s lucky his alpha hasn’t killed him.”

  “I doubt his alpha knows. He seems to have a group of flunkies he runs with.”

  “What’s his name?”

  Shaking her head, she grabbed the blanket from the bed and wrapped it around her. No way was she uttering his name.

  “Lottie’s last name was Broussard. What was your mother’s?”

  She could give him that. “Theriot. Her family disowned her after she got pregnant by a male already mated. She scratched out an existence by herself, gave birth alone, and died without any pack around her.”

  Aaron closed the distance between them and pulled her into his arms. “I’m so damn sorry, Jesse.”

  “Me, too.” Leaning against him, she let him hold her up. She’d never shared her story with anyone. Had never expected to. Somehow, she felt lighter for the telling. “Now you know my story.”

  ****

  Know her story? Not even close. She’d barely scratched the surface, and it broke his heart. He’d grown up in a loving home, surrounded by surrogate “aunts” and “uncles” who loved and taught and indulged him. She’d been conceived in less than ideal circumstances, her birth tainted by death, and hunted her entire life. Despite all that, she wasn’t bitter or cold. There was still hope and wonder in her heart. He’d witnessed it when they’d made love.

  Her breath fanned across his bare chest as she lifted her head. “Now you understand why I have to leave.”

  God, she was stubborn as a mule. “You need to stay. Better yet, we should go to North Carolina.” The more he thought about it, the more sense it made. No one from the Louisiana Pack was crazy enough to show up there.