SEALed Embrace (7 page)

Her
body was tense, her heart racing, as she contemplated what would happen next.
She knew Garren wanted to have sex with her, but was that what she wanted in
return? Really wanted? She couldn’t deny she was attracted to him, wondered
what it would feel like to have his powerful body wrapped around hers, but she
didn’t want to make a mistake either. Something told her that being intimate
with Garren would change her forever. She should send him on his way, make him
leave the bedroom while she still had her senses about her.

“You
should go.” Her voice came out different than she’d planned. She’d meant to
sound strong, sure of her decision. Not weak and wanting.

He
gave her a crooked smile. “I’ll go, but there’s something I need to say first.”

“What?”
she asked, her brow furrowed.

“Just
this.” Before she could back away, he swooped down and claimed her lips, his
mouth dominating hers.

Isi
gasped and Garren took advantage of the moment, thrusting his tongue deeply
within her mouth. The heat of his kiss scorched her, his passion having a
devastating effect. He was fierce and hungry in his assault and she found the
long, drugging kiss powerful enough to make her knees weak. His tongue twisted
and entwined with hers in his thorough exploration of her mouth, and she was
powerless to do aught but hold on. Her hands grasped his biceps and felt the
muscles ripple under her palms.

The
kiss turned gentle, his lips softly caressing hers. He seemed no less hungry
for her, but the ferocity, the blazing heat, had died down to a slow, sensual
simmer. As he pulled back, she drew air into her lungs in ragged gasps, her
body starved of oxygen. She’d never been kissed so well that she forgot to
breathe. She looked up at him through her lashes, her body trembling with need.
Her nipples had hardened to sensitive points that were now rasping against her
bra. Damp thighs and soaked panties only proved that she wasn’t ready to handle
him. His kisses wreaked havoc on her body and made her yearn for even more of his
touch.

Garren’s
hand curled around the back of her neck as he tipped her chin up. His eyes had
darkened with passion and the gold flecks told her he was close to losing
control. Her heart thrummed against her breast and she wondered if he could see
it pounding. His nostrils flared as he took in her scent and she watched his
fangs descend. There was no doubt that he scented her arousal and it was
bringing out his primitive beast. What did you do when you had a two-hundred-pound
man hungering for you, a man who currently had a lion peeking through his eyes?
Isi wasn’t quite sure what to do with the big kitty.

He
leaned down and trailed his nose along her throat before laving her shoulder,
his teeth gently scraping her. She had no doubt that he was close to marking
her, but for both their sakes, she hoped he could hold his lion in check. If he
bit her without asking, she’d be really fucking pissed. Another shiver raked
her from head to toe as his hand cupped her breast, his fingers teasing her
nipple through her t-shirt and bra.

“Garren,
we shouldn’t….” Even to her own ears, her voice sounded needy and pathetic.

“Shh.”
He brushed his lips against hers in a brief kiss before reaching for the hem of
her shirt. His gaze never left hers as he lifted the garment over her head and
dropped it at their feet.

The
intensity of his stare made the hair on her body stand on end, the fine hairs
along her nape prickling. He pulled down one bra strap and then the other,
before reaching for the clasp nestled between her breasts. It took only seconds
for him to pop the catch and send the flimsy wisp of lace fluttering to the
floor. Her nipples tingled as his gaze caressed her bared breasts.

His
eyes flicked up to hers as he cupped the soft mounds and lowered his head. He watched
her as he sucked the tip of one into his mouth, his tongue sliding against the
distended point. His teeth gently grazed her, making her skin flush with
desire.

Garren
switched to the other side, flicking the nipple with his tongue, back and
forth, faster and faster, until she was sliding her fingers into his hair,
holding him to her. It was exquisite torture and she wanted more of the
wonderful feelings. Her womb contracted as her core pulsed and wept with need.
She’d never felt so achingly empty before. He kissed his way up her chest before
claiming her mouth once more, his tongue stroking, caressing and teasing. She
felt as if he were putting a stamp on her that said
Property of Garren
. He was so thorough, so maddeningly good at what
he was doing.

His
hands slid down her waist to her hips, his fingers dipping below her panties as
he eased them over her rounded hips, pushing them down her thighs and letting
them fall past her knees down to her ankles. Isi kicked them to the side,
wanting to feel free. Garren cupped her ass and lifted her, urging her legs
around his waist as he stalked across the room to the bed. He leaned forward,
placing her back on the cool bedspread as he ravaged her mouth.

Isi
broke the kiss and bared her throat to him, needing to submit and acknowledge
his power over her. He pulled her legs from around his waist and placed her
feet flat on the bed, her knees bent on either side of him. With a wicked grin,
he slid down her body, his shoulders shoving her legs farther apart as he settled
between her thighs. His breath puffed against the bare skin of her pussy and
she raised her head to watch him take in her scent. His eyes slid shut and his
cheeks flushed as he breathed deeply. Those intense green eyes snapped open and
his gaze settled on hers as he lowered his mouth to her delicate flesh.

The
wet heat of his tongue as he tasted the nectar dewing on her lips had her
gripping the sheets. No matter how many romance novels she’d read, nothing
could’ve prepared her for the barrage of sensations and feelings that erupted
within her as his mouth settled against her in the most intimate of ways.

His
tongue gathered her cream, delving inside to stroke her as he licked her from
bottom to top, his tongue finally coming to rest on her clit. Isi gasped and
thrust her hips up. No one had touched her there before, except for her own
fingers, and the experience wasn’t one she was likely to forget anytime soon.
He circled the hardened bud before dragging his tongue over it, back and forth.
Garren speared her with his tongue, thrusting into her damp, moist channel. He
retreated then delved inside again, his tongue mimicking what she yearned for
his cock to do. Molten need pooled in her belly and her breathing grew harsh
and frantic.

He
kissed her center before his lips closed around her clit, gently drawing the
bud into his mouth as he lashed it with his tongue. Isi cried out and lifted
her hips, a silent plea to ease the ache in her core. Garren groaned against
her and she felt him move. A moment later, a long, thick finger penetrated her,
causing her vaginal walls to greedily suck him in, needing more. He sucked
harder on her clit as his finger slowly moved in and out of her, easing deeper
inside with each stroke.

Isi
couldn’t hold back, she became wild in her need and she opened her legs further
as she thrust against him, riding his face and his finger. She was close, so
very close to completion. A hot flush suffused her from head to toe, her
nipples tingled and a slow burn started in her belly and began to spread. She
fisted the sheets, her head tossing from side to side, as she shamelessly took
everything he gave her and begged for more.

She
rode a tidal wave of pleasure as a burst of ecstasy enveloped her. She came
wildly, explosively as her muscles clenched and released, and still he didn’t
relent. If anything, he sucked harder and his fingers fucked her faster,
drawing her orgasm out until she thought she’d expire from the sheer bliss of
the moment.

She
clenched around his fingers during her erotic release, the undulations of her
hips gradually slowing as she waded through the haze and came back to reality.
She collapsed, her legs falling to the bed, her body relaxing into the mattress
as she came down from her high. Her body trembled and shook from the force of
her climax.

Garren
withdrew from her, placing a sweet kiss on her thigh before rising over her.
Fire burned in his eyes as he took in her disheveled state. She could feel her
body slicked with sweat and her hair a tangled mess about her face, a few
strands sticking to the sides of her neck. Her gaze took all of him in, wanting
to memorize every detail of the moment. She could hardly ignore the large bulge
in his pants and she wondered if now he would demand his own satisfaction,
having seen to her needs so thoroughly.

Instead,
he backed away, moving to stand at the foot of the bed. His chin was a shiny
testament to her release as her juices were smeared against his skin, and yet
he didn’t move to wipe away the evidence of her arousal and subsequent climax.
He gave her a slow smile and edged toward the door.

“I
think you’ll be able to sleep now.” His voice was dark and husky and washed
over her.

“And
where are you going to sleep?” she asked.

“Don’t
worry about me. You should probably change for bed and close your eyes. It’s
getting late and tomorrow will be here before you know it. I have a feeling
you’ll need to be well rested.”

Was
that disappointment she felt? She wanted him to sleep elsewhere, didn’t she? So
why did she suddenly crave his arms around her, the feel of his hard muscled
body lying beside hers? She could ask him to stay, tell him that she still
needed him, that her body wasn’t satisfied yet.

But
she held back.

 
She might feel wanton, but she wasn’t sure
just how brave she was, not now that the moment was over. No longer lost in the
throes of passion, her wits were slowly returning to her. Despite her brain
telling her it was a good thing he was leaving, her heart was asking for him to
stay. She’d never felt anything like she had just moments ago, had never
lowered her guard enough for anyone to slip through the walls she’d erected and
get close to her—not in the way Garren just had—and she found that she wanted
him to do it again.

“I’ll
see you in the morning,” he said as he backed out of the room and shut the
door.

She
should have said something, she decided, for now she was alone in a darkened
room, in a home that was not her own. And she found that she needed him. She
wasn’t sure when it had happened, or how, but somewhere in the few hours they’d
known one another, he had become essential to her.

Not
bothering with clothes, Isi slipped under the covers and rolled onto her side
to face the window. The stars shone like diamonds in the inky-black sky, the
moon casting the room in silvery light. Regardless of the intense orgasm she’d
just experienced, she found that she couldn’t do as he’d requested and close
her eyes. Sleep would be a far ways off, of that she had little doubt. Her
thoughts were too full of the man who’d just left her. The lion her ocelot was
starting to crave.

If
being mated to him meant thousands of more orgasms like the one she’d just had,
maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing. She could certainly think of worse ways to
spend her life than lying beneath the gorgeous predator, being his prey as he
laid claim to her body and soul. Maybe it was a good thing he left when he did.
She might have done something stupid, like ask him to bite her. Obviously, she
wasn’t thinking clearly at the moment. Things would look different in the light
of day. Wouldn’t they?

Chapter Three

He
leaned against the doorframe. His gaze settled on her face, the morning sun
caressing her delicate features. She was going to be the death of him. One
encounter and he was already hooked… for life. He’d known instantly that she
was his mate, but he hadn’t expected to crave her, to need her as much as he
needed to breathe.

Voices
carried through the house, his teammates called out to him from downstairs. He
couldn’t go. He couldn’t leave her like he’d done before. How he’d possessed
the power to walk away after watching her come apart in his arms, he didn’t
know. Unbeknownst to her, he’d slept by her side for part of the night. He knew
her temper would flare if she ever found out. For whatever reason, she was
holding herself back, denying their connection. Garren hoped she wasn’t still
on that
I’m not good enough
rant.
He’d never heard of something so ridiculous in his life. Not good enough for
her mate? He snorted. If she still felt that way, he’d just have to show her
how amazing she was, that she was a goddess in his eyes.

She
moaned in her sleep and rolled over, hiding her face from the sun’s rays. The
blankets slipped off her shoulders and fell down to her waist. He’d apparently
worn her out last night because she hadn’t bothered to get dressed once he’d
left her room—
their
room. The cool
air caressed her, leaving goose bumps in its wake. He watched as her nipples
hardened and a slight shiver raked her body.

Garren
pushed away from the door and stealthily crossed the room, trying not to
disturb her. He reached for the covers and drew them over her once more. As
much as he hated to hide such a beautiful sight, he didn’t want her to catch a
chill. He’d have to remember to check the thermostat, maybe warm the place up a
few degrees. His mate should be as comfortable as possible, especially during
such a trying time in her life.

There
was a loud crash downstairs. Garren tensed as a loud roar filled the house. If
he had to guess, he’d say the alpha had just been told of their presence in
town, and he didn’t sound the least bit happy about it. He knew, as team
leader, he should go down and smooth things over, but he didn’t want to leave
Isi unprotected. A glance back at his mate showed that she was waking, her brow
furrowed, lips pouty. She stretched her arms over her head. Her toes peeked out
from beneath the blankets as she pointed them in a long, lean stretch.

He
smoothed her hair back behind her ear and softly caressed her flushed cheek,
watching as her eyes fluttered open. She appeared confused at first and then
her eyes widened in recognition. She pushed herself up to lean against the
headboard and clutched the sheet to her chest. It was rather adorable
considering that he’d not only seen her completely bare, but had had his lips
on her in the most intimate of ways the night before.

“What
are you doing in here, Garren?” she asked with a voice husky from sleep.

“We
have company downstairs. Your alpha sounds rather irate.”

She
swung her legs over the edge of the bed and wrapped the sheet around her. “Then
I should dress and go speak to him.”

“Isi,
I’d rather you stayed up here. He doesn’t sound like he’s in a good mood.”

“Alpha
Henry is
never
in a good mood where
I’m concerned. I’m used to it. Just give me ten minutes to shower and throw
some clothes on and I’ll be ready to meet you downstairs.”

Garren
frowned. “I’m not leaving you up here alone.”

Isi
narrowed her eyes at him. She looked so darn cute when she was upset with him
that he couldn’t stop himself from grinning like an idiot. She huffed out a
breath and stomped her foot before spinning and storming into the bathroom.

The
door slammed and he shook his head at her temper. It seemed the screaming
orgasm he’d given her the night before hadn’t paved his way as well as he’d
hoped. He’d just have to get her naked again, and this time he wouldn’t stop
until she was begging to be filled with his cock.

If
it weren’t for the McGraw pack alpha downstairs, Garren would be tempted to
help sweet Isi with her shower. He closed his eyes and pictured her standing
beneath the spray, water cascading down her body, dripping from her plump,
dusky nipples. His mouth watered at the mere thought of licking the moisture
from her skin, sucking those hardened peaks into his mouth and laving them with
his tongue.

Behind
his zipper, his cock began to stir, pressing impatiently against the denim of
his jeans. If it weren’t for the wolf downstairs, he’d strip out of his clothes
and join her in the watery paradise. He couldn’t think of anything he’d like
more than to fuck her against the shower wall then wash her from head to toe
and do it all over again. He fisted his hands at his sides and forced himself
to stay planted beside the bed. It didn’t matter how much he wanted to go after
her, to slam the bathroom door open and take her by surprise.

The
water turned off in the other room and he braced himself. She hadn’t taken any
clothes in there with her, and he wondered if she was just now realizing that. Would
she be bold and stride into the room with confidence in her naked state? Or
would she try to hide behind a towel? He was hoping for the first option.
Although, he wasn’t sure he could keep his hands to himself if she walked into
the room completely bare. He’d want to touch and taste every inch of her. That
option would definitely lead to a fun-filled morning, but duty called.

They
really did need to make an appearance downstairs if she thought she could help
matters with her alpha. Garren could be a real bastard when he needed to, but
if his little mate could soothe the alpha in her own way, he’d be foolish not
to let her try.

The
bathroom door cracked open and she peered around the edge. “Step out into the
hall and close the bedroom door.”

“I
don’t think so, sweetheart. I’ll close the door, but I’m not going anywhere.”

She
frowned, her lips turning down and her brow creasing. “I’m not coming out there
until you step outside.”

“Isi,
I’ve seen all of you before, just last night. Or have you forgotten that fact?”

Her
cheeks bloomed with color. “I haven’t forgotten. That doesn’t mean we’re going
to repeat the mistake though.”

“Mistake?”
he growled and advanced on her. “Making my mate scream in pleasure was a
mistake?”

“I’m
not your mate,” she mumbled.

“Damn
stubborn woman. Yes, you are.” He pushed open the door while simultaneously
grabbing her wrist and tugging her out of her hiding place.

Her
blush deepened and she dropped her gaze to the floor as she tugged on her hand,
trying to free herself. Her free arm wrapped around her breasts, as if to
shield them from his eyes. Bending at the knees, he placed his shoulder against
her stomach and hefted her into the air. He walked the few steps to the bed and
tumbled her on top of the covers. Isi sprawled on the unmade bed, her arms
braced behind her, her legs spread for his viewing pleasure—and look he did.

As
if sensing the direction of his thoughts, she tried to snap her legs closed,
but he slid his palms up her thighs and pushed them wide open. Her sex was
flushed, either from her shower or from arousal. He breathed deeply, inhaled her
delicious scent and decided it was definitely arousal. She might say she didn’t
want him, but her body claimed otherwise. Garren jerked her hips to the edge of
the bed and fell to his knees before her.

Her
gaze was focused on him, her chest rising and falling with each labored breath.
He smirked at her, knowing he had her right where he wanted her. No way would
she deny him, not now. She needed him, even if she didn’t want to admit it.

Pressing
his face against her silky-smooth skin, he breathed her in. With a rumbling
purr, he licked her slit, his tongue dipping between her dewy lips for a taste.
He circled her clit before sucking it into his mouth. The vibration seemed to
turn her on and her pussy gushed against his chin. He kept up his oral assault
until she was gripping the covers, head tilted back and her legs tensed on
either side of him.

“Yes.
Yes, please. More.”

He
flicked the hardened bud rapidly, his tongue tapping repeatedly against the
sensitive flesh. She whimpered and tensed even more and he knew she was close,
but she just wouldn’t let go. His grip shifted to her thighs and he held her
still as he nipped, nibbled and licked her until she came, screaming his name.

He
stood and stripped his shirt over his head, making his dog tags jangle against
his chest, then unzipped his pants before she had time to think about what was
happening. He didn’t need her second guessing this. If she told him to stop, he
would do as she wished. But it would damn near kill him.

Shoving
his jeans down past his hips, he lifted her, her pussy lining up with his cock.
While she still rode the tidal wave of pleasure from her orgasm, he sank into
her wet heat. She arched her hips, and he filled her completely, groaning in both
agony and ecstasy. She felt so tight, so perfect. Her silken walls clamped down
on his cock, and he thought he’d come at any moment. Never had anything felt
more right than this moment.

Garren
withdrew, pulling almost completely out of her, before pushing back in, his
hips meeting hers. She moaned and clutched at his forearms, grinding herself
against him. He rotated his hips before repeating the motion. Isi exhaled as he
filled her again, her vaginal walls rippling along his length. Sweat beaded his
skin as he held back, not wanting to come before she did. He refused to take
his pleasure and leave her wanting, even if he was on fire for her.

He
delved deeper within her with each rhythmic push, their movements becoming fast
and frantic as her hips met his stroke for stroke. She moved against him with
wild abandon as he pounded into her, pushing both of them closer and closer to
the edge.

She
murmured nonsensical words, encouraging him to take her harder and faster.
Garren’s heart was hammering in his chest and he wasn’t sure how much longer he
could last. Needing her to come, he circled her clit with his thumb, stroking
her to orgasm.

She
came in a convulsive release, her pussy clenching and releasing his cock as her
body trembled beneath him. He abandoned himself to pleasure, erupting inside of
her with a roar that shook the walls. His hot seed spilled into her, marking
her as his own. Garren felt his teeth lengthen, preparing to claim his mate,
but he held back. Something told him it would be a mistake to give in to his
animal instincts just then. He wanted her to welcome his bite, not loathe him
for taking her choice from her. Not that she really had a choice. They were
destined to be together. He just had to wait for her to realize that.

Panting,
he eased his hold on her, hoping he hadn’t bruised her tender flesh. She met
his gaze through heavy lidded eyes, her lips parted as she panted. Garren
wanted to stay buried inside of her forever, but he slowly withdrew. He was so
turned on by her that his cock was still semi-hard, ready to go another round
if she would agree to it. But as he watched her, he saw clarity enter her eyes
and knew the exact moment she realized what she’d done, what
they
had done.

She
took a deep breath and let her hands slide down his arms. Already he could feel
her withdrawing from him. What would it take to break down her walls, for her
to stop fighting him? The only way he could guarantee her safety was by
completing their mating bond. Once he bit her, he’d be able to track her anywhere
in the world. As long as there was a threat out there, he wouldn’t rest, not
when she could be snatched out of his arms at any moment. He didn’t know who
was behind her kidnapping, and wasn’t sure just how clever the individual was.

“This
shouldn’t have happened,” she said softly.

“Yes,
it should have. You can’t deny that there’s something between us, Isi. The air
practically vibrates when we’re in a room together, and I know you feel the
same pull that I do. All I have to do is think about you and my dick gets
hard.”

She
bit her lip, as if contemplating his words. Or maybe she just wasn’t sure how
to respond to such a blatant statement. Maybe he should’ve left out that part
about his dick. He just didn’t want to hold anything back with her. He wanted
to share everything with her, including his thoughts and desires.

“Nothing
has changed,” she said. “I’m still not going to let you bite me.”

“You
may not want me to right now, but that doesn’t mean I’ll stop trying to change
your mind. Whether you like it or not, I’ll be in this bed every night by your
side. And I’m going to love you long and hard as often as I can.”

“We
didn’t use protection. You should’ve at least put on a condom.”

“When
have you ever known a shapeshifter to use birth control with their mate?”

She
gritted her teeth and her jaw tensed. “I’m. Not. Your. Mate.”

“Still
in denial?” He arched a brow.

“So
because I’m not falling at your feet, not falling in line with your plan, it
means I’m in denial? Just because you say I’m your mate, doesn’t make it true.”