Harsh pants heated the skin at her shoulder. The hands still on her breasts tweaked, then one slid down to tap her clit.
No way could she come again.
He pinched.
Her scream rivaled the lightning flashing across the sky. The orgasm tore through her more dangerous than any tornado, sending pleasure so intense ecstasy flashed to pain and beyond. Her sex tightened around his shaft. With a howl, he held tight against her, coming hard, his entire body shuddering.
He slowed and then stopped, still inside her, fangs embedded deep. The storm returned, whipping rain into her face. She blinked, dazed and seeking reality.
Jordan didn’t move.
The pain in her shoulder screamed for relief. At least she still had a shoulder.
She slowly turned her head to see just his eyes. Hard, determined, lacking any leniency. The vow shone deep and bright. He’d stay there forever.
With a shudder, she gave him what he silently demanded. Her heart beat wild and true. For him. “I love you, Jordan.”
He blinked, triumph filling his gaze. The fangs slowly retracted, and he licked the wound, sealing the mark forever.
Her shoulder was on fire. She protested when he withdrew from her body. Grabbing her around the waist, he shot to his feet to cradle her in his arms. Without a word, he headed back toward headquarters.
Chapter 20
Maggie ventured into the storm, wandering toward the edge of the cliff. The almost full moon tried to cut through clouds without much success, every once in a while succeeding enough to pierce the churning gray sea. She’d heard Jordan and Katie return to Jordan’s quarters. Had they finally mated? Hopefully they knew what they were doing. As much as she wanted her best friend to be happy, she sure didn’t want the virus to kill them both.
Rain cut into her face, matting her hair. Man, she loved a good storm.
“Go back inside.” Dark, stealthy, Terrent Vilks appeared at her side.
“Don’t make me kick you again.” She kept her gaze on the ocean, trying to refrain from smiling.
His chuckle cut through the storm. “Don’t worry. I’ll know to be on guard next time.”
The tone held humor and warning. She responded to both, her smile widening and her shoulders going back. “I have the feeling most people just follow your orders.”
“All people follow my orders—even pack Alphas.” He yanked a Dodgers hat off his head and plunked the cap over her wet hair. “At least protect your head.”
The hat covered her eyes. Reaching for the fastener in the back, she tightened it and tucked her hair behind her ears. Living in a world where everyone did as you ordered? How could you ever know who to trust? “You seem like an Alpha.”
“Yes. But as a member of the Bane’s, I don’t have my own pack. There isn’t time to hunt and also protect a pack.” While his tone stayed matter-of-fact, there was an underlying tenor of ... what was that? Loneliness? “We’re honorary members of all packs.”
“What about when you retire?”
He threw back his head and laughed. “Well, theoretically, I’d form my own pack.”
“Theoretically?”
“Ah, yeah. Members of the Bane’s Council don’t usually reach retirement.” Amusement wrinkled his brow.
Something warmed inside of her. The guy embodied danger, yet once again the humor lurking within his huge form surged forward. A big guy who could laugh—even at death. Intriguing.
Her mind tried to understand the concept of his life. “So, as a roaming Alpha, everyone follows your orders. That must get so boring for you.”
“Actually, order makes life smooth.” The rain smashed down, turning his hair all wild and dark. Sexy and dangerous.
Maggie had the oddest urge to run her fingers through the thick strands, seeing how long it would take to get entangled. “Smooth is boring.”
“No. I insist on smooth.” He shook his head, sending droplets spraying. “Females infected with the virus show a more volatile temperament. I’m willing to allow some leeway for your actions the other day.”
“That’s kind of you,” she muttered, rolling her eyes. “I’m thinking I should’ve kicked you harder.”
“I’m glad you said that.” He grasped both her hands and pivoted her to face him. “Why don’t you try kicking me now?”
Even the storm seemed to rage around him, leaving him solid and alone. He loomed over her, curiosity and challenge on his hard face. But something else lingered in those too dark eyes. Interest.
Great. Kicking the wolf leader in the sack had gleaned his interest. Just what she needed. “I figure once a week is enough.”
“You’re awfully brave now that I’m ready for you.”
“I bet most people are scared of you.” She tilted her head back, allowing the rain to coat her neck in order to see him better.
“They are.” He frowned. “You don’t seem to be.” Puzzlement twisted his lips. “Interesting.”
Fantastic. The guy was probably chalking up her lack of fear to her viral infection and ensuing craziness. She sighed, her gaze holding his. The storm stopped raging, mellowing to a soft rainfall. “Believe it or not, you’re not the scariest thing I’ve seen.” In fact, after spending who knows how much time in a Kurjan research facility, her anxiety attacks came from the past, not the present. Her nightmares were scary and grounded in reality.
“Well”—he released one arm to run a finger down her wet neck—“you haven’t really seen me in action, now have you?”
Desire slid from his finger down to her abdomen as if he’d traced her naked body. Fire flashed hot and bright inside her. “No.” Man, she bet he was magnificent in wolf form. “I guess if you try to kill Jordan, I’ll see you, huh?” She’d meant what she’d said—if standing in front of the lion would help, she’d do it. Though the idea of actually hurting Terrent, maybe killing him, made something around her heart hurt.
Irritation flashed across Terrent’s face. Fire burned deep in his eyes. “If you think I want to kill one of my oldest friends, you haven’t read me right, Olathe.”
She sighed. “You don’t have to kill him. We can find a cure.”
“No. There’s no cure once someone turns into a werewolf.” Absolute conviction lifted his chin.
“Well. We’re at opposing ends, then.” Too bad. She would’ve liked to get to know the wolf better. “What does Olathe mean?”
“Beautiful. In the language of your people.” Apology filtered along his slight smile. “I’m trying to be accommodating, but you need to understand when the Bane’s Council requests your presence, you make yourself available. Whether or not I have to kill my oldest friend tomorrow night.”
“You don’t want me for an enemy, Terrent.” Somehow, she didn’t figure the guy would care who his enemies were—he’d just cut them down and move on.
“You’re far from my enemy.” His hands framed her face, smoothing the rain away. “I appreciate Jordan offering you sanctuary and protection, but you’re one of my people and you belong with wolves—especially now that the demons want you dead. I can protect you. Life will be much easier if you come to that conclusion on your own, Maggie.”
Tingles set up in her skin from his warm touch. Irritation battled down her spine from the threatening words. Instinct kicked in. Pivoting her hips, she shot a knee up.
And found herself plastered up against an incredibly hard body two feet off the ground. Man, he had fast reflexes.
His smile lacked warmth. “Wolves don’t play like kittens, sweetheart.” With a dip of his shoulder, she was upside down looking at his ankles as he stalked toward headquarters. “It’s been a long night. Get your stuff packed, and we can head out after the full moon tomorrow.”