Yes. I want you too. But, Allie. I need to focus on that right now.
He swallowed, and she breathed in deep as he slid an arm around her waist, dipping his head to kiss her. His progress was slow enough that she could have stepped back or stopped things.
As if.
She tipped her head up, pressing herself closer, and when his lips came down on hers, it was like everything sort of clicked into place. He was like the thing in her life she hadnt known she was missing but now she did.
His tongue slid over the curve of her bottom lip, and she opened to him, sucking it inside her mouth. He grunted, pressing his cock against her belly. Her nails dug into his sides, holding him close as his taste filled her.
The hand he had at her back slid down to cup the swell of her ass, hauling her closer. She wanted him to toss her on the bed and fuck her senseless, exhaust her. But they didnt have time for that. Not right then.
He broke away, breath coming fast. That wasitll get me through the next hours. His eyes held that light shed already begun to associate with his wolf. We should go. Pam is going to meet us for breakfast. I hope youre hungry, this place serves a great breakfast.
Im beginning to think all the places you eat serve heaping plates of food.
He slid a hand over that rock-hard belly and grinned like a pirate. A benefit of shifter metabolism.
She grabbed her stuff and followed him out into the hallway. Damon already stood near the elevator. She waved.
Morning.
He nodded her way. Morning, Michelle. Listen, he said as they all took the elevator to the lobby, my mate, my wife, shes a witch and she wanted me to invite you over when you got a chance. Shes excited to meet you and said to tell you theres a sizeable community of witches here in Portland. Theyre affiliated with Clan Owen.
Oh. Wellthank you. Thank her, I mean. I dont know how long Ill be around, but I appreciate the invite and Im always happy to meet other witches. I dont know very many. Her mother pretended she was human. The only other witches she was close to who didnt hide it were Allie and Kathy.
Damons gaze shifted to Josh quickly before he replied. Ill tell her. Just let me know. Maybe we can grab a coffee. Or you two can have a drink since Josh and I cant really get drunk.
She smiled. That must sort of suck.
Josh patted his belly again. There are other benefits. Id rather be able to eat like a horse.
She snorted a laugh. You ate like a horse before you got bit too.
He grinned. Yeah, but that seventeen-year-old-boy metabolism only lasts so long.
They drove over to a small diner where she ordered a pot of coffee and a stack of pancakes. Damon and Josh of course ordered enough food for four people but the server didnt even bat an eye.
Pam the cop came in right as their food arrived. She asked the server to bring a farmers breakfast and more coffee, and then she turned to Josh, nodding.
No further sightings of the SUV north of here. One more west of that gas station. Charlie hasnt been very helpful. He lawyered up right away. Our contact in the coroners office says the dead guy was human.
There was magick in the room.
Pam nodded. Whatever ripped him apart wasnt human, thats for sure. No teeth marks found so at least its not going to be pinned on Weres. Given the time of death, it couldnt have been a Vampire. Im not sure what else would have had the power to do that.
Im a little freaked that a spell could manage something so horrible and violent. Josh shoved a biscuit and two pieces of bacon in his mouth like a machine.
To be fair, those arent witches. Thats mage magic. I dont know all of it, but enough to know they dont have the same rede we have. Witches like those in clans like Owen and in the covens hold to a belief system that says we dont use our power to harm anyone except in self-defense.
Her phone rang. I need to take this. She stood and moved outside, not wanting to be rude. Josh followed, holding his plate.
I dont want you alone. Take your call.
She rolled her eyes but answered.
Michelle? Im Lark Jaansen, I work with Clan Owen. I just wanted to call and check in with you.
I appreciate that. We dont know much more. Its definitely mages. I caught their energies at two rest stops and then at a gas station here in Portland. We found a dead body there too. She went over all the rest with Lark, asking questions here and there, clearly taking notes.
I have to deal with a disappearance here, so I cant come down and Gage is on an investigation as well. Normally wed send someone from our Hunter team but weredrowning right now. This istheres a lot of horrible stuff going on, Im sorry to say. But we have some contacts there in Portland and Id very much like it if youd get in touch with them. The support will be helpful. And I hate the thought of you being alone in all this. The wolves are helping, which is good. In fact, this witch is mated to a wolf. But we want you to be supported. I know the missing woman is your friend. That has to be hard. And shes one of ours, as all witches here are. I hate that you have to be on your own.
Somehow it was this last bit that got to her and pushed the tears shed been trying too hard to bury to the surface. She didnt need that. So she wiped a hand over her eyes and ignored Josh, who perked up when she did it.
She cleared her throat. I appreciate it. I think I may already know who she is. Damon, one of the wolves, has a mate whos a witch. I got the feeling things were escalating out of control when I last spoke with Gage. Im sorry. Its not good for any of us. But Im a cop, I have the tools. And the wolves are helping me so much as well.
Thank you for understanding. Doesnt make it right, butwell Im glad you understand. Please do get in contact with the local folks and reach out when and if you need anything. Well do everything we can. She gave Michelle the name and number of the contact before she hung up.
She stared out over the parking lot and tried to get herself under control again. A kindness shouldnt make her cry, for Gods sake.
How can I help you? Josh spoke quietly from where hed perched to keep an eye on her while she made the call.
She shook her head. You cant. Im fine. I just need a moment.
He clearly wanted to, but he stayed where he was, which she appreciated more than she could say.
She took a deep breath and tucked her phone into a pocket. Lets go back inside. I think the contact Lark just gave me is Damons mate.
He reached out and brushed his thumb over her cheek. I hate that youre upset. I know you have reason to be. Its not that. I just want to make it better.
She smiled a little and meant it. Thats enough, really.
They went back in, and while she finished her breakfast, she found out the contact was indeed Damons wife, Gina.
She said she got a message to call Owen this morning before I left for work. Must have been Lark. Youll like her. Gina, I mean. Damon ducked his head on a very sweet smile.
She didnt know a whole lot about the mate thing. Only that wolves mated for life and had some sort of genetic tie that happened during sex. They seemed protective, but she wasnt entirely sure if it was that all wolves were protective or if it was specific to mates or what.
If youd like the help, Id like to come out to the scene with you, Pam offered as they walked out to the car after theyd finished eating.
Another set of eyes is really welcome, thanks. I know Im small town and you have your territory.
Pam waved that away. I dont care about that. A missing woman is whats important here. And that shes a witch, one of us. You need to hold back with human authorities, and I have to do that from time to time so I can help there too.
They drove out to the gas station, and Pam led them to the parking lot where the SUV had been seen last.
Josh touched her arm to get her attention. Im going to shift. Stay right here and Ill be at your side. Do you understand? Dont go anywhere without me.
She snorted. You know, Ive been a cop all these years without a werewolf at my side. Im not dead yet.
He frowned. And I aim to keep it that way. He slid a hand up her arm, leaving tingles in his wake. Things are different now. This enemy isyou could be dead and its not happening if I have a say and I do.
Was she going to argue? Oh sure he was being bossy, but he was right. This mage stuff was different. And she wanted to see what he looked like as a wolf.
Fine. Just keep up.
He rolled his eyes and then began to get naked. Pam and Damon had headed off on another trail into the rather large park so it was just her and Josh standing in a thick copse of trees.
She really should be looking away. But hot damn. His upper body was hard and muscled and tawny, like he worked outside a lot. But she remembered. Mmm. Hed always had that olive complexion.
But now those wide shoulders were even wider, drawing down a hairy (but not too hairy) chest to a narrow waist.
He put his shirt, shoes and socks into a backpack.
Ill carry that for you. She was so proud that her voice sounded reasonably normal given how much her mouth watered as she stared.
He turned, his hands at his zipper, and no matter how many things she yelled at herself, she could not tear her gaze away from the vee of skin, and hair, exposed as he stopped halfway down.
Thanks. I appreciate that.
He didnt wear underwear. Good Lord above. He unzipped and she kept staring.
Youre playing with fire, he said in a low growl.
Huh?
He tipped her chin with one finger. You look at it like that, and I wont be able to finish unzipping without injuring myself.
She blushed, the heat on her neck and cheeks enough to make her glance away.
But he was back, closer this time, and without thinking, she slid her palms up the bare (hot, hard, muscled) skin of his chest. Forget it. I like you looking at me. I was a dumbass for telling you not to.
He brushed his lips over hers as she wrapped her arms around his body, hands flat against his back.
Wishing things were different.
Wishing they were in her room, or his place, anywhere in private instead of outside with far more important things to do than fuck.
He broke the kiss, stepping back. Enough of that. For now. He pulled his pants off, and his cock sprang out, hard and ready and wow. Shed had memories of course, but they were wrapped in a veil of taboo. Theyd been young. She hadnt known anyone else to compare, and hed grown.
Considerably.
She turned her attention away, securing the pack, tightening the straps.
Will you be able to communicate when youre a wolf? Im sorry if my questions are stupid or offensive. She lifted her shoulders. I just dont know.
Youre not stupid. Theyre good questions. And you cant know until youre told. I want you to ask me anything. If I know the answer, or can get it for you, I will. Do you understand?
She couldnt hide the grin at the corners of her mouth. Its really hard to concentrate on even a very sweet promise when youre naked. Im sorry, youre just She waved a hand at him.
Just what?
He was close again, and despite his nakedness, the heat blasted from him, enveloping her.
She swallowed hard, feeling more than a little like prey. Magnificent. Youre magnificent.
He reduced her to whispers, so she gave them. She was a lot of things, but a liar wasnt one of them. There was something between them, something beyond what theyd once had, past the hurt of their parting. To deny it, to deny what he was there naked, tall, hard and gorgeous and helping her? It would have been cowardly.
His smile was all arrogant male, and it sent a shiver through her. Ill properly thank you for that. Later. For now? Yes, my wolf can understand you. He cant talk, obviously, but just speak and well work it through. Hes bossier than I am, my wolf I mean. Hes going to steer you where he thinks its best. Stay close.
He bent and magick washed over her, warm and soft, sun-dappled bark and pine sap. And in the place of the magnificent man, stood a massive and no less magnificent wolf.
Honey gold fur, intelligent blue-green eyes. His paws were the size of canned hams and he reached above her waist.
Before she could stop herself, shed stretched a hand to touch and then snatched it back. Sorry!
The wolf snorted and pressed his body against hers, butting her with his giant head until she gave in and slid her fingers through soft fur, over his head and down his back. She knew that werewolves were larger than regular wolves, but this was beyond anything she could have imagined. Joshs wolf was the most amazing thing shed ever seen.
Youre beautiful, she whispered.
He turned, his nose, cold and slightly wet, his eyes gazing into hers. She held him, one palm on either side of that massive head.
Just a look, and she felt it to her toes as something passed between them. He jerked his head then, snorting, and she got the feeling that was his wolf telling her to follow him. So she did as he trotted off.
She hiked for several hours with him leading. He sniffed a lot of stuff. Growled here and there as he changed direction. He made her sit, and she ate a protein bar and drank some water while he disappeared for about twenty minutes. Shed needed the rest but had no idea what hed done while hed been gone. Probably ate a rabbit or peed or something.
Though it wouldnt do for her to think of him as a dog, it still amused her. She checked her messages. No new leads. No new sightings of the SUV either. Nothing. She was thoroughly disheartened by the time he trotted back to where she was.
She stood and shouldered the pack again, and he growled.
What? Do you need something out of the pack? Water maybe? Food? No, I dont guess youd be eating Luna bars as a nine-foot-high wolf beast.
He continued to examine her, sniffing the air.
Is there something for me to worry about? God, Josh I feel like Im in an episode of Lassie. Did Timmy fall down the well? That did make her laugh but he snorted again.
Then that rush of magick, and he stood up, naked as the day he was born. And still beautiful.
Lassie?
Uh.
He shook his head with a wry grin. The pack? Unless you want me to stay naked? Though if hikers came around, they might not think it was so great.
Oh! She handed over the backpack. Only if they were insane. I mean, theres water in there.
I had some.
He got dressed quickly.
What were you growling at me for?
Youre upset. My wolf likes it even less than the man does. He wants to carry you off deep in a forest and keep you there until youre happy.
Oddly touched, she smiled. Did you find anything?
They began to walk, she guessed back to the parking lot.
I found a trail a few times. But you did your magick, right?
His wolf had stopped and sniffed, pressing his body into hers a few times. Shed already been using her othersight, and there had been a faint trace of mage magic, but nothing of Allie. She explained that to him.
Yeah I thought so. I followed it until it died out. I didnt scent any other witch but you though. Back to your upset.
I checked my messages. Nothing new. Were at a dead end.
He sighed. Well keep looking. We arent giving up, Michelle.
I justI want to help her.
He stopped and turned to her. You are. Youre here looking for her every waking moment. Youre doing all you can. Lets connect with Pam and Damon, see what theyve found.
They headed back to the lot after hed made a call to meet up with the other two.
Damon shook his head when they came out of the woods. Nothing. We fanned out, checked near the waterways, the paths, everywhere. Nothing.
She exhaled, disappointed. Thanks anyway. I appreciate your help more than I can say.
Josh turned to Damon. Go back to the office and check in. Let them know Ill be home if they need me. Then to Pam. Appreciate the help. Keep me updated.
She nodded and said her goodbye to Michelle before she got in her car and drove away with Damon.
He moved to the car and opened her door. Deflated, she slid inside.
He got in, and once theyd gotten back on the road again, he spoke quietly. Come back to my place for a while at least. Please? Theres nothing to do right now. Youre run down. You need some rest and Id like to pamper you a little. Im a good cook. Let me make you dinner.
I She closed her mouth. What was she arguing for? The longer she spent with him, the more she wanted him. More than that, she didnt want to be alone. She wanted to be with someone who knew her, all of her, and wanted to be around her anyway. She was too tired to be lonely that night. Okay.
He relaxed. Good.
Chapter Six
She checked her phone every few minutes until he finally put a hand on hers. Your phone is on. Youll hear it if you get a message or a call. My people all know where to reach me too.
Hed called Damon and his mate, Gina, to come over for a bit. Josh had wanted to hold her. To kiss her and fuck her senseless to wipe the worry off her features for at least a little while. But he forced himself to be patient.
Nina called to report shed hacked the cameras at the rest stops and that theyd stopped working for fifteen minutes at the first stop and six minutes at the second. Michelle figured it was a spell of some sort, but at least they could work out a rudimentary timeline based on that information.
But it was pretty close to what shed already figured out, so she took some notes and ended up staring out the window again.
The loneliness seemed to flow from her in waves. He could fix that. Or try anyway. Gina was awesome. Funny, warm and totally accustomed to being surrounded by Others. She was exactly the kind of person whod extend friendship. And clearly Michelle needed it. He wanted her to understand it was possible to live in a vibrant community of likeminded Others. Sure she couldnt announce that witches existed to the world, but she didnt always have to hide it either.
Damon and Gina arrived, and as hed figured, Gina was warm, holding her hands out to Michelle.
Youre Michelle. Im so happy to meet you. I brought cake. Im sure hell make you a lovely dinner, but he wont have cake and one needs cake.
Its the rules. Michelle nodded with a smile.
Damon watched his woman, affection clear on his features, before he turned to Josh and thrust bags at him. She wasnt kidding. Dips and chips and cake. Oh and beer.
Josh happily took in the way Gina drew Michelle out, chatting with her about every day things as well as magick and witches.
Thanks for coming over. Josh told Damon this as he poured chips into a bowl and Damon opened the dips.
Gina would have barged in anyway. I filled her ina little so dont get that look. Damon said it low enough that only another wolf would have heard. Its not a secret to anyone with eyes, Josh. Looking at a beautiful woman is one thing. Looking at your beautiful woman is another.
Josh smiled. His. Yeah. Im taking things slow. She doesnt know so keep your mouth shut about it.
Damon grinned. I like seeing you this way. All flaily and out of your element.
Flaily? Im not flaily.
Ha. You are. And its good for you.
Laughing, Michelle looked across the living room to where he stood with Damon in the kitchen. He held up the tray of food and she smiled.
They joined the women, and he settled in next to her on the couch. Dinner is in the oven.
I was just inviting Michelle to our weekly get-togethers. The Owen witches who live down here, that is. Theyre usually at our house, so you know theyll be well guarded by a big, badass grumpy werewolf.
If Michelle was there, Josh would be there too.
I dont know how long Ill be around. I mean, once I find Allie shell need me in Roseburg. I have a job there.
Ginas gaze cut to Josh quickly and then back. Did everyone on the planet know Michelle was his mate or what? I get that. I hope youll reconsider maybe settling up here. Once you get Allie back and safe. And in the mean time, you can drive up, right?
Michelle nodded but her happiness had ebbed a little.
His life was in Portland. But she was to be part of that life. The center of it, of course. He couldnt protect her if she lived in Roseburg. They needed to talk in-depth about all of this stuff. There was a lot to discuss. She was under a great deal of pressure, and he didnt want to add to that stress.
So hed take it baby step by baby step.
Gina and Damon stayed for dinner and cake and left shortly after that. It had been a really good several hours, and Michelle seemed lighter once hed closed his door.
I know todays been a long one. Yesterday and the day before too. Did you know I have a giant soaking tub? Its a good place to relax a while.
One corner of her mouth quirked up. Is that an invitation?
He moved closer, his body brushing hers. Do you want it to be?
She took a deep breath, her eyes closing for long moments before she opened and snagged his gaze again. I She licked her lips and he bent to do the same. She exhaled, and he pulled it into his lungs, heady with desire.
Weve known each other a long time, Michelle. That means something to me. More than what we were back in high school. Youre my friend. You can tell me anything. I am here for you, not just for this situation, but afterward too.
She nodded, her eyes still on his, intent. I want you, she murmured, and he drew even closer, their bodies touching, heat spilling between them.
Thank God. I want you so much my hands would be shaking if I wasnt keeping them on your hips. But I know youre going through a lot of stuff right now. I can wait.
Help me forget. Just for a little while at least.
He swallowed and had a stern inner dialogue with his wolf. The wolf wanted to rut and claim and comfort. The man knew she needed the rutting and the comforting but the claiming had to wait.
He kissed each eyelid as he did this. Across her brow, delighting in the way the furrows smoothed.
Her hands slid up his chest, leaving heat in their wake. Funny thing, given that he was the shifter and his body temperature was higher than hers. But chemistry made it that way. Clicked with his and made it uniquely theirs.
Argument settledfor the time being, his wolf waited for the chance to do things his wayJosh eased her down the hallway toward his bathroom.
She pulled her hair from the ponytail and shook it free. Shed taken her shoes off earlier, and he looked up as her hands went to her pants button.
Dont undress yet. He turned on the taps after plugging the drain.
She smiled at him. Should I go in fully dressed?
He laughed, straightening. No, I want to undress you myself.
He pulled her shirt and the tank under it over her head. He kissed her shoulder as he slid the bra strap down. Thats when he saw the bloom of color on her side and paused. What is that?
The way she started and then was very still for long moments made him realize hed probably growled it instead of asking. The price of dallying with a wolf, he supposed. He caressed her hip, and she relaxed a little as she turned to look down.
Those of us who arent shifters have to deal with bruises on the job from time to time. Her lips curved, amusement on her features. I hit that asshole pretty hard yesterday when I took him down.
If Charlie hadnt been in jail, Josh would have hunted him down and killed him for leaving a mark on his woman.
I get bruises too. But they heal fast.
He dropped to his knees before her, pressing a kiss softly over the bruised skin at her side, then on her belly, moving lower as he undid her pants, sliding them down her hips and legs, taking her socks with her.
Her toenails were painted bright pink. Her legs were toned and strong. Not long, she was pretty petite, but she was in shape. Powerful. He liked that.
He pressed his face to the front of the panties she wore. Pink, like the nails. Damn. Her fingers slid into his hair, pulling just a little. He took a breath scented with her. With her desire. It clawed at him, holding him tighter than her fingers ever could.
Deftly, he yanked the panties down, and she put a hand on his shoulder to step free. He looked up the line of her body to find her staring down at him, her lips parted, her pupils huge.
If hed had any questions about how much she wanted him, the way she smelled, the way she looked, the heat coming off her skin all combined like a fist, guiding him to his feet to remove her bra and leave her there totally naked.
Christ, youre beautiful.
She blushed, and he moaned, leaning down to breathe her in again.
You like to sniff me. Amusement was clear in her voice. Also, its not like you havent seen it all before. And when it was in better shape.
He scoffed at that.
When you blush it heats your skin, and you smell really, really good. As far as better? No. Younger? Yes. But your tits are far nicer now. Your ass is higher, tighter. Your legs are more toned. Theres also the added bonus that we can fuck all night long in my apartment if we want and no one is going to come home to discover us.
She laughed, pulling his shirt up and off, caressing all of him she could reach.
Youre one to talk about beautiful. She pressed a kiss on his chest, over his heart, her hands skimming across his back, helping to shove his pants down before she took handfuls of his ass and hauled him close.
So good. Skin to skin.
He felt the curve of her lips against his chest as she brushed against his cock from side to side.
Thank God she seemed to be as on board with sex as he was.
The water was done, and he reluctantly moved away to turn it off and to switch the jets on. Hed bought condoms on his way home the night before, hoping hed get the chance to use them. He glanced toward the medicine cabinet where hed stored the ones not in his nightstand or wallet.
She stepped into the water and groaned. Oh my God. If I had one of these in my apartment, Id never leave it.
He was absolutely fine with her spending as much time as she pleased in his big bathtub.
I only use this tub when I get my ass kicked. But with you around, I can see other, better uses.
He joined her, settling her in between his thighs. Funny, he had this moment as they sat together, the steam from the water rising between them, hed never realized how unsettled hed been until she had walked into his building and everything had sort of clicked into place. Not even a full two days ago. Christ, how much in your life can change in such a short time.
For the first time in a long time, and certainly since shed answered that call three days before, she feltall right. Being there with him soothed her. Made her feel safe.
Which was silly. Of course she was capable of taking care of herself. But it was novel, being taken care of for a change.
It was probably stupid to like it. Certainly to get used to it. They all seemed to talk like shed simply move up to Portland. Which she supposed meant he wanted more than a fun weekend with her.
She didnt know what she wanted. She had a life in Roseburg. A job she liked but was growing increasingly unhappy with because of the attitudes of her boss. Being here made her realize maybe it wasnt enough.
Want to share whatevers got you thinking so hard your muscles are bunching up? I know youre worried about Allie. He spoke softly, his hands sliding up her arms where he began to knead her shoulders.