She wondered if an oral acknowledgment would suffice. “Thank you?”
“That’s not what I had in mind.” Another shift of his shoulders brought him closer.
“You shouldn’t do things for people because you expect something in return.” The inner shrew was back, riding her hard. The nagging inner voice told her not to trust Declan, aware he wasn’t being totally honest with her. Mesmerized, she watched his irises change, the color darkening a shade along the edges. “I don’t recall asking for your help.”
“When it comes to you there’s no need to ask.” The statement sounded point of fact, without any room for argument. “If I see you need something, I do it. End of story.”
Something dawned on her, the mere idea like a bitch-slap to her confidence. “Did Chloe send you to watch me? Or did Jackson put you up to this? He did, didn’t he? If so, don’t bother. Believe me when I say I can take care of myself.”
“You’re afraid of me but you do like me, Just Rachel,” he kept on, ignoring her outburst. “Good thing because I like you too. I like you so much it hurts. But I’ll be easy with you until you’re ready for more. You’ll find nothing but pleasure with me. You’ll see.”
I’ll see? He’s that confident? What an ass.
Indignation fled, chased away when his fingers feathered across her jaw. For a werewolf, the man had a soft touch. He never looked away, drinking her in, his thumb moving around to caress her cheek. His attention drifted to her mouth. He licked his lower lip, as though he was imagining how she’d taste. No man had ever stared at her so intently, seeing nothing else in the room.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured and inhaled softly, nostrils flaring. Her heart fluttered and raced, the fire in her belly raging all the hotter. Her vaginal walls flexed, soaking her already damp panties. His gaze swept from her lips to her eyes. “Fuck, you smell sweet, baby. I can’t wait for a taste. Come here.”
There was so much hunger etched in his features. His jaw had drawn tight, his brows pulling together. His hand went to her nape, cupping the back of her head. He urged her toward him, using steady but tender pressure. His golden irises brightened, becoming a stunning shade of lemon yellow, emitting a strange glow.
Logic surfaced, screaming in her head. He’s not human. He’ll hurt you.
She considered pulling away, uneasy at the sensations that lured her from reality. Her mind told her to run while her body begged her to stay. Never in her life had she been this wet, her pussy so slick with her arousal, her panties clinging to her labia. The cotton over her clit was no longer soft but uncomfortable. The material glided over the bundle of nerves but it didn’t provide any kind of pressure. It wasn’t enough. She wanted more.
“Declan.” Was that her voice? It couldn’t be. When had it gotten so deep?
“I’m right here you sweet, beautiful girl.”
The first brush of his lips was easy and light. Their mouths touched, his head going left then right. She closed her eyes, sighing as he nuzzled her nose. Without thinking she softened beneath his touch, shoulders relaxing. He smelled so amazing, like wood, forest and a dash of fresh summer rain.
“That’s right.” With a flick of his thumb he lifted her chin and angled her face. “Just like that. Open that pretty little mouth for me.”
Her lips parted as she sighed, giving him what he wanted. He went straight for his target, claiming her mouth in a searing kiss. The first contact felt right, an invisible spark drawing new life. She gasped when tingles erupted over her skin, spreading through her torso. His tongue darted out, sliding past her lips with practiced ease. He tasted perfect—hot, warm and male.
Unlike the few lovers from her past, he wasn’t the least bit timid. He took full control, dominating her mouth, the thrusts of his tongue wild and forceful. The fingers he’d placed at the back of her head tightened and tugged on her hair. She reached blindly for him, going for the hand he’d wrapped around her neck. Clutching at his wrist, she sank her nails into his skin. His forearm brushed her nipple and she arched her back, wanting him to do it again. A tremor racked her, the pulsing in her stomach winding its way to her sex.
Holy shit.
This was what she’d been missing. She’d told herself she didn’t need it but she’d been wrong. No one had kissed her like this, exciting her so much she knew she’d come with a simple caress over her clit. She moaned, flicking her tongue against his. He growled, coming closer. Their tongues glided together, moved away and returned. The man certainly knew how to use his mouth. What sort of things could he do when he went down? Did he have the same expertise?
It felt like she was drowning, sucked deep into the undertow. Not that she cared.
She never wanted this to stop.
Surrendering completely, she let herself go.
Fucking-A.
His wolf howled in his head, brushing its fur against the inside of his skin. It had finally gotten a taste of its mate, basking in Rachel’s sweetness and scent. Declan had known his female would be like this. Her fuck-with-me-and-die attitude was all for show. He’d seen right through it to the woman who kept people at a distance. She yearned for closeness, needing to be kissed, touched and loved beyond measure. He’d give her that and so much more.
Finally after weeks of dreamsharing he was touching her in reality. Not that the dreams hadn’t been exciting. He’d chased her for what seemed like forever—until last night. He’d caught her, ready to show her what she’d been missing. He’d howled in frustration when she’d vanished, ripped away from his arms as she’d woken from sleep.
So that afternoon as he’d driven to her garage he’d decided the wait was over.
With a sweeping motion, he brushed his arm over her breast. She arched up, groaning into his mouth. He couldn’t wait to tear off her clothes and put his mouth all over her. His nose tingled, the scent of her arousal making his straining cock jerk. He didn’t have to touch her to know her cunt was drenched. She smelled good enough to eat. Once he put his head between her legs he wasn’t going to rush. He wanted to take his time, listen to her low whimpers and soft cries as he lapped at her slit like candy.
His gums tingled, his fangs wanting to drop. The wolf wanted to take the next step, ready to seal the deal. The agonizing feeling took him out of the moment, reminding him he was racing against the clock. Jackson had asked Declan to woo Rachel before he did the most extreme thing possible—biting the female and changing her. Once done Rachel wouldn’t want anyone else. They were meant for each other even though she didn’t know it yet. As a human, she could cast aside his advances. As a werewolf she’d need what only her male could provide.
Back the fuck off. He tried to fight the animal within. It’s not time.
If he was lucky Rachel would take him into her bed. He couldn’t wait to see her red hair covering the pillows, her lithe form writhing in bliss. He’d bury his face between her legs, licking up and down her crease, drowning in her taste. When she was ready to let go he’d suck on her clit and send her over the edge. He shuddered, imagining her doing the same to him. He visualized how she’d look with his cock between her rosy lips, her blue eyes gazing up. He’d be lucky if he didn’t come down her throat, turned on by the mere thought.
The night would be fucking perfect. He’d make certain of it.
Afterward they could discuss the situation. Maybe with time she’d welcome the change. He didn’t want to force it on her but his nature demanded she accept what was meant to be. Once she’d been bitten she’d stop aging, no longer susceptible to disease or the dangers humans faced. They’d be together—a mated couple forever. She’d be a part of him and a part of the pack. She’d never have to face the world alone again.