I tried to sleep. I was tired. I mean, it was a long and eventful day after all. But knowing John was out there in his wolf, I couldn’t sleep. Was it because it unnerved me to have a werewolf watching my house, stalking me like his prey? Or was it because of this urge to open my back door and call him inside? I groaned and angrily fluffed my pillow. “Stupid mate bond.” I grumbled.
“Merow!” Shu cried, annoyed, giving me the side-eye from his spot on my bed. “Sorry, Shu. I’m trying to sleep, but I… I can’t. He might still be out there. I know it’s not going to be cold, and even if it was, he’s a wolf they run hot anyway. I wonder how hot his skin would feel to touch. “No bad, Sarael.” I shook my head, wanting the thoughts to go away.
I sighed and flopped onto my back, and looked up at my ceiling. I closed my eyes, trying to force myself to go to sleep, when I heard the clap of thunder and sat straight up. Soon the rain started to fall in heavy sheets against my windows. Was he still out there? Did he drive here? Or did he run here in his wolf? Is he still out there?
With a heavy sigh, I threw back my blankets, rolling out of bed. I scurried out of my bedroom, flashes of lightning giving brief breaks in the darkness of my cottage. I went to the mudroom, slipped on my boots, and pulled my rain jacket over my gray cotton gingham shorts and short sleeve pajama set. Flipping the hood up, I turned on the backlight and turned off the alarm as I opened the door.
This was stupid. This was outing myself. This was such a bad idea. But I looked out into the yard to where he’d been earlier. I didn’t see eyes watching me. Maybe he left. It’d be for the best if he had. Yet still, I am looking around to be sure. “John?” I called out quietly. Even over the thunder and the heavy rain, I don’t doubt a werewolf would hear me.
I was about to go back inside when I heard something near the garage. Pulling the rain jacket tighter, I cautiously moved closer to the gate that separated my yard from the driveway. Under any other circumstances, if I were someone else, if I were a simple human, I’d scream seeing a very wet dark brown wolf sitting under the overhang pressed against the garage door. So that was the sound. His wolf body brushing against my garage door. I furrowed my brow because he looked haggard, worn out.
My eyes widened as I noticed blood on his right shoulder. He was hurt? How’d he get hurt? The thorns on the rose bushes shouldn’t have caused that. “J… John?” I called his name again. His wolf lumbered to its feet, growling as it looked down my driveway. My eyes shifted to peer into the darkness, wondering what was out there. I couldn’t see anything in this rain.
I came closer, trying to figure out what he was growling at, what had hurt him. Then I saw it. Three sets of eyes were at the edge of my driveway. I couldn’t make out more than that in this darkness and rain, but I was pretty sure they were werewolves. They made the mistake of coming onto my property. I am not a human to be trifled with. I slowly moved back to my back door, and I slowly went back inside.
I’m sure to them this was a sign I was scared. I’m not scared I need my weapons. Shu meowed at me, watching me. I ignored him and went into the closet and dug deep, opening the hidden panel and taking out my rifle, loading it with wolfsbane laced bullets. I haven’t had to shoot some time, but I make time to go to the shooting range to stay in practice.
Coming through the garage, I opened the door in time to see a scraggly-looking brown wolf about to pounce at John. With a loud crack that echoed in the garage but was thankfully covered by the sound of the thunder, I fired. The bullet going into the wolf’s right shoulder. “Back the fuck off, rogue!” I glared. “All of you.” I added, gesturing the barrel of my rifle at the others.
They were all startled by my interventions. They growled, ready to fight till they noticed their friend collapse. “My bullets are laced with a high concentration dose of wolfsbane. So unless you want to die in one of the most painful ways you can imagine, you will take your friend and get the fuck off my property.” I smiled sweetly. John hadn’t turned to look at me. His body was still tense as he growled at the rogues.
At least they aren’t stupid. They shifted to their human forms, the one I shot shifting on its own accord. They were all males, scrawny and malnourished. “This isn’t over, Kinsley. You tell him he either steps up or steps into the ring so one of us can.” one of the men growled at John, not daring to look at me. When they took a step too close to John, I cocked my gun. “I said get off my property. Touch him, and I put the next round between your eyes.” I warned.
“John, get your ass in here now.” I ordered, keeping my sights trained on the rogues. They growled as they helped their friend up and turned, walking down my driveway. “I really hope that Mrs. Cooley is still asleep. Seeing three naked guys walking down my driveway would give the old woman a heart attack.” I shook my head. I watched till I couldn’t see them anymore before finally lowering my gun and closing the garage door.
“You knew.” Those two words held such a deeper meaning. John’s deep masculine voice sent shivers down my spine. He was behind me, far enough I didn’t feel his breath on my neck but close enough, I could feel the warmth radiating off his body. Off his naked… of fuck he’s naked!
John Kinsley Jr, one of the most eligible billionaire bachelors in the country, my mate is in my garage wet and naked. I want to turn around. I want to see his naked body. I want to see if reality is even close to what my imagination conjured. I want to touch him, to feel the warmth for myself. I want to lick the damn raindrops off him. Fuck! Fuck this mate bond making me some horny teenager. I’d blame that I haven’t gotten laid in a year, but I know it’s more to do with the mate bond.
“Sarael.” his voice held a hard edge to it, yet somehow there was a softness to how he said my name. “How do you know?” he questioned. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and counted to four before I released it. Setting the rifle aside, I removed my raincoat, not once looking back at him. “Here.” I finally spoke blindly, handing the jacket to him. “Not looking to have a show.” I added.
He let out a low growl but took the jacket, our fingers grazing each other, causing the sparks to infiltrate my body, making a straight shot to my heart. “This won’t fit me. But I’m covered enough.” he stated. “Now explain.” he demanded, a sense of authority radiating off him. I furrowed my brow then pinched the bridge of my nose as I realized something.
“You’re a ranked wolf.” I groaned. “Sarael….” he elongated my name with frustration. Rubbing a hand over my face as I turned to look at him. I blinked, my mouth going dry as I looked at the sight before me. In all his glory, John Kinsley was standing dripping slightly with my track jacket wrapped around his waist, leaving his sculpted muscular chest on full display.
I really shouldn’t be staring. I couldn’t help it, though. I clenched my thighs as my eyes traveled over his body, finally reaching his eyes that were staring at me with such an intensity almost stepped back. “Answer me.” he demanded. He sounded cold, but I could tell I was not the only one affected by our proximity. His nostrils were flaring as my scent was apparently driving him crazy. At least, I’m guessing it by how his pupils dilate and that gold ring keeps flickering at the edge of his eyes. I’m not the only one checking the other out. I felt those intense eyes drinking me in.
“Pretty sure that’s obvious.” I stated as I moved past him, taking off my boots. “I wouldn’t be asking if the answer was obvious. How? How did you know what I am? How did you know I was even out there? Why do you have wolfsbane bullets?” he questioned, following me into the mudroom. I rolled my eyes as I put my rifle back and set the alarm again.
“Stay put. I don’t need you dripping water across my hardwood floors.” I said, pointing at him while trying not to look at him. I can’t look at him. If I look at him, I’m going to want to get closer to him. If I want to get closer to him, I’m going to want to touch him. If I touch him, I’m going to want to kiss him. If I kiss him, I’m going to want to fuck him. And that is something I should not ever do.
I went to the laundry room just off the mudroom, knowing I’d recently done laundry. I’m lazy, so I knew some were still in the dryer. Digging into the dryer, I could feel his eyes on me, a soft rumble emanating from him. “Do you mind not checking my ass out.” I sighed, finding one of my white plush terry bath sheet and walking back over to him. “Here, you can dry off.” I said, handing the towel to him.
He arched an eyebrow taking the towel with one hand then plucking something off it. “I don’t think this will fit me any better than the raincoat.” he commented, holding up my lavender lace thongs. I quickly grabbed them, hiding them behind my back, feeling the flush on my face. “Just… stay put.” I sighed and forced myself to walk around him.
“Sarael. We aren’t done. You haven’t answered me.” he huffed. I paid him no attention as I walked to the guest bedroom at the front of my house. I paused by my bedroom, tossing the thongs inside before shutting the door. Then went to the guest room to dig through the closet. I might, big might, have some clothes from an ex he can wear. Not that they’d fit well. He’s taller and more muscular than any of my exes. “Sarael?” he questioned, and I realized he had snuck up on me and was leaning in the doorway with the towel tucked neatly around his waist.
I dared to glance over at him and quickly looked away before I found myself staring at the V dipping into the towel that points directly to the area I’d like to see if he’s also bigger than my ex's. “Stupid mate bond.” I grumbled, pulling out a pair of basketball shorts and a muscle shirt my ex, Drew, left. He often changed at my house after pickup games of basketball with his buddies at the court a few blocks over. Guess, John, and mostly I am lucky that I didn’t throw these out.
“Here. Put these on so you can stop walking around my house practically naked.” I said, avoiding eye contact as I shoved the clothes at him. I need a drink. I sighed and walked to my kitchen, flicking a light on as I bent open my wine fridge, taking out one of my oldest bottles and pouring a tall glass. “Do I want to hazard a guess why you have men's clothes in your guest room?” John’s rich voice questions behind me.
“I'm a thirty-year-old woman. I’m fairly certain it’s a safe bet to assume I’ve had previous relationships.” I rolled my eyes as I slowly turned. God damn it, he’s not wearing the shirt. Even though they are designed to be loose, just the black basketball shorts seem snug on his muscular body. “Do you know how to wear a shirt?” I questioned, the words coming out more annoyed than I intended.
“Yes, I know how to dress myself. I, however, prefer clothes that fit. That shirt wouldn’t even fit my brother, and he’s a half foot shorter than me. You apparently favor scrawny men.” he commented, folding his arms. A subtle growl mixed into the last comment as I noticed his eyes flared gold at the mention of other men.
“I wouldn’t say scrawny. Rather unfair to compare the body type achievable by the average human man that doesn’t spend all day in a gym or use enhancement drugs to bulk up to a werewolf who is naturally muscular.” I countered, gesturing with my free hand to his well everything.
“Indeed. So are you going to explain now? How did you know what I am? How did you know I was there? Why do you have wolfsbane laced ammunition? How do you know I’m a ranked wolf? And what was that about the mate bond?” he questioned, eyes boring into me.
‘We should go, Irving. I know she’s our mate, and you want to be near her, but this is getting ridiculous. We are sitting in her rose bushes when we should be home in our bed.’ I sighed. I’ve been repeating myself, yet my wolf doesn’t want to listen. Damn mate bond. He’s lost all sense because of it and her. ‘Don’t say mean things about our mate.’ Irving growled. I sighed, rolling my eyes from my spot in the back of my own mind. Irving was not willing to give back control so we could go home. And since he ran us here, I don’t even have a change of clothes to force him to shift. He knows well that I’m the modest sort and wouldn’t risk even at this late hour being seen walking around naked. ‘A storm is coming.’ I commented, able to smell the rain on the breeze and hear thunder in the distance. ‘We really should go home. We are not sitting out here all night, least of all in a storm.’ I said firmly.
I blame the mate bond. I also blame him. I am not the sort of woman that throws herself wantonly at any man. And I’ve seen my share of good-looking men. Human and supernatural alike. But John Kinsley… takes the cake. It took all I had to not throw myself at him when he walked out in just those basketball shorts. And this kiss! I don’t want to contemplate how he’s this good at kissing. I know if I do, that little green monster known as jealousy will rear its ugly head. I have no right to be jealous. He’s not mine. Or rather, he wasn’t mine. No, he isn’t mine. Fuck this mate bond shit is messing with my head. I had no idea it could affect a human like this. Am I getting hit double time because, unlike a werewolf, I only have one spirit inside me? That’s a thought for another time. For when I’m not in his arms, tasting him, touching him, and basicall
I’ve been off since leaving Sarael’s house. This damn mate bond was weighing on me. Irving was angry at me for what happened. Not the whole kissing her part, no that he fully supported. No, he was angry because I apologized for it and got us essentially kicked out of her house. He can be mad all he likes. I’m mad at him too. He’s the one that pushed me to kiss her. And then forcing me into the back of my own mind to speak through me. He said too much to her. Telling her, I wanted to kiss her since the moment I laid eyes on her. Even if it’s true, he shouldn’t have told her that. There is a reason we werewolves have two spirits, a human and a wolf. We balance each other and are only at our best when wolf and human are in sync with each other. So Irving and I being mad at each other have me thrown out of balance. Add that to being away from my mate, and l
I had it up to my chin with this pintsized alpha. I am in no mood for anyone’s bullshit, least of all his. Maybe if he wasn’t John’s brother, maybe if he wasn’t a shorter mountain man version of him, and maybe if he weren’t an alpha, who are notorious for getting their way, I’d feel differently. But he is an alpha, he does look like John, and he is John’s brother. For all these reasons, I wish I kept some weapons on hand here at the store. I get that he’s upset. As a younger sibling myself, I understand being protective. But it’s not his business. It’s between John and me. I didn’t get involved in my sister’s relationship troubles. Well, not to this degree. And for what meddling I did, I regret to this day. As our argument was starting to get heated and I worried Becky would hear us, the door burst open. I was ready to reprimand Becky only to see John’s
I’ve done it again. I’ve lost all my sense of reason to the pull of the mate bond. Not only did I technically assault my Alpha, but I also kissed her again. Her scent seemed to be even stronger, or maybe it’s just because I have gone a week without smelling it that it feels stronger. Fuck I was seconds away from sinking my teeth into her neck and marking her. If I weren’t so damn embarrassed to be caught in her office, her legs around me and my shirt half-open, I’d probably be feeling more grateful for Becky's interruption. ‘Like hell we’re grateful. We were going to mark our mate. We shouldn’t be grateful that the stupid girl interrupted that.’ Irving grumbled. ‘And what happens if Sarael hadn’t wanted to be marked? If we marked her and then she freaked out? If she sent us away again. We’d have forcefully marked her, which is a horrid thing to do
He’s a VIRGIN! Seriously what the hell! How is that possible? I know he says he has great self-control and has been waiting for his mate but wow. I don’t think any man would wait this long, let alone when there are plenty of women more than willing to get in his bed. What would have happened if he never crossed paths with me? Would he have remained celibate his whole life?I can’t even fathom that. I mean, I should be flattered, right. He’s waited and saved himself for… well, for me. And I am. I’m also not sure about this because I was only one other guy’s first time, and he was mine. It was hands down the worst sexual experience of my life. The guy had no clue what he was doing and tried to go in the wrong hole more than once.I shuddered at the memory. I really hope that while he’s inexperienced, John has
I rolled my eyes when he darted into her bedroom. “Stupid cat.” I muttered and started looking around. I didn’t see anything personal on display. There are no family photos or photos in general. She had some lovely paintings on the walls. Sarael displayed a few knick-knacks on a shelf with her book collection.Her books were the most interesting thing she had. She had a large assortment. I can tell she’s read a few romance novels plenty of times, given the wear on their binding. Then she had some classics, horror, mystery, and thriller novels. But most of her collection was on the supernatural and history. It seems you can take the woman out of the hunter guild, but you can’t take the hunter out of the woman.When she exited her room, I smelled her before she called out to me. I’d been trying to keep Irving in check bef
Learning the history of his pack was eye-opening, to say the least. I don’t think I’ve heard of a pack whose alpha is selected by their wolf’s gift rather than birth order. It was truly remarkable to hear how the Bloodmoon Pack formed, and their goddess herself chose its Alpha. I’m sure my family’s guild would love to hear about that.They’d want to find a way to end the alpha line, which would mean killing Logan and his mate since she’s expecting. I managed to internalize my shutter. The very idea of killing a pregnant woman or a baby I couldn’t. It’s what made me the weaker sister. I felt bad enough for what I did in the name of our family.I don’t know what was more surprising. How Bloodmoon's alpha is selected or that becoming alpha wasn’t John’s dream. I suppose I can under