Unrequited Mate Read online

  “It’s my room. It’s not like someone is going to booby trap it.”

  He shrugged. “Not like someone won’t. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

  “Aren’t you a Boy Scout,” she said, walking into her room. “So, now what?” She sat on her bed, while he opened and closed the closet before going into the bathroom. He came back out and sat beside her. “Well?”

  “Coast is clear.”

  “And?”

  “And what?”

  “What now?” Geez, sometimes it’s like pulling teeth with him.

  “I guess it depends on you.”

  “Oh really?”

  “Yes, really.” Exasperation laced his words.

  “Okay, so, what is it?”

  “Tonight, I’m making you my mate.”

  Shock registered in her gaze. Her eyes widened, and a tremble worked through her. He had her right where he wanted her. Off balance.

  “Just like that?” Her voice wobbled.

  “Yup, just like that.”

  “This isn’t a good idea.”

  “Yeah, baby.” He placed his hands on her shoulders. “It is.”

  “Don’t I even get a say in the matter?”

  “Sure, little wolf. You get to pick which position I take you in when we mate.” His wolf hovered just below the surface, eager to claim his mate.

  “Don’t be obtuse. That isn’t what I meant!” she snapped, crossing her arms, which pushed those pert little breasts of hers higher and made his mouth water. Her hard nipples pressed against the thin material of her T-shirt.

  “I’m not being obtuse, mate. I knew exactly what you meant.” He reached out, cupping her chin in his palm, forcing her to look at him. “So what will it be, little wolf, missionary or doggy style?” She gasped, and lowering his head, he nuzzled her neck. “Personally, I’d prefer the missionary position for our first time. I want to watch those beautiful blue eyes of yours as you come on my dick.” The scent of her sweet arousal wafted around him. He groaned. “I can’t wait to feel your sweet little pussy milk my dick dry.”

  She fisted her hands in his shirt, poised to push him away. But, instead, she exhaled a shaky breath. “You’re not playing fair!”

  “No, I’m not. Don’t you get it? I’m not going to lose you…lose us. Ever. I’ll do anything and everything to make sure we’re mated.”

  “The past.” She dipped her head, turning her face from his.

  “I’m done with the past. The past is just that…the past. In our future—in our now—there’s only room for you and me. That chick and Adam have no place in our lives. I won’t allow them to interfere with us ever again.” He tipped her chin up. “We’re starting over. Our relationship—who and what we are now—started at the mixer.” Determination filled his words. He brushed his thumb across the seam of her mouth before leaning in, capturing her lips in a slow, sensual kiss. He nipped and teased her, coaxing her to give over. All pretenses went out the window. He couldn’t wait any longer.

  “Wait,” she whispered, her breath brushing across his cheek when she pulled away.

  “No more stalling. No more waiting. You’re mine. Feel me,” he urged. “We can have everything both of us have craved for so many years. Yearned for. Say yes, little wolf. Be brave and be my mate. Take your place at my side.”

  “I—”

  He knew the perfect way to get rid of this building tension. His dick went rock hard with anticipation. “Run with me.”

  “Are you serious?” she asked hesitantly.

  “Yeah. We’re both strung out. We need to forget for a little while. Be wolves. Enjoy the evening. And when we get back, if the mood is right, we’ll see what happens next.”

  “Okay, but you don’t get to see me naked.”

  He frowned. “Are we back to that again?”

  “It’s my only stipulation.”

  “Fine. I’ll meet you outside tonight. Don’t keep me waiting.”

  ***

  The moon climbed higher in the sky, casting off the last rays of light for the day. She stripped off her clothing and shook with nervous energy. If she went on this run, she’d mate Nico. Whether she did so because the wolf demanded what the wolf demanded or because, for all her bluster, she wanted the man, didn’t matter anymore. For four long years, she’d tried to tell herself a crush didn’t equal a mating, no matter what he or her family said. But what she did know was a simple truth—after spending as much time as she had with him in the last few days, she couldn’t deny him any longer.

  The fine hairs on her arms lifted as the magic built around her, and the wolf pushed forward. Unlike last time, she felt no pain. In one fluid motion, her body shifted, the ground rising up to meet her. She shook herself out and yipped. The scent of cedar filtered around her, and she turned. There, behind her, he waited. She took in his impressive frame as he stood proudly near the stump at the opening of the trail she loved to run. She yipped again then ran past him.

  Crisp, damp air ruffled her fur and filled her senses. She breathed deep, enjoying the night as she climbed the hill, going farther into the woods surrounding the school. Behind her, the soft plods of his paws gave her comfort. Her wolf felt safe having her mate near. When she came to the bend in the trail, she hid in the bushes and waited. She counted down, and, as he approached, she pounced, knocking him to the ground. She nipped and played with him. Rolled and tumbled as they fought for dominance.

  Every time she thought she had him, he’d flip her onto her back. Standing there, pure male smugness filled his features. Not to be outdone, she flipped him again and they tumbled until he latched onto her neck. She gave in, going pliant under him. When he finally let go of her, she licked his muzzle and took off again, undeterred by his show of dominance. By the time she got to the clearing at the top of the hill, the moon shone brightly on the city below. She shifted and sat on the ground, not caring if she got dirty or if he saw her naked. She realized in those moments, when she dropped all of her pretenses, she’d used it as another wall between them.

  “You’ve gotten better,” Nico said, breaking the silence as he took a seat next to her.

  His body heat radiated off of him, warming her. She leaned against him and continued to stare out at the twinkling lights. “I’ve had time to practice. You’d be surprised how many wolves here think they can best you.”

  He growled at her statement.

  “Oh, stop. I bested all of them.”

  “I suppose you won’t be telling me who.”

  “Nope.” She grinned.

  “Didn’t think so.

  She laid a hand on his knee. “It’s been a long time since we’ve done this.”

  “Yeah. It has.” He placed his hand over hers. “I missed you all those mornings.”

  “I missed you, too.” She swallowed hard. “I hated being away from you.”

  “I hated all of it.” He laced her fingers with his and pulled her onto his lap. “I can’t turn back time and change what happened. But, I can prove for the rest of my life how much you mean to me.” He cupped her cheek and ran the pad of his thumb across her bottom lip. Her eyes fluttered shut as a sigh passed her lips. “I’ve always loved you. Even when I’m a complete fuckup, I love you.”

  He leaned in, pressing his mouth to hers. The sensual kiss heated her. Aroused her in ways she couldn’t begin to describe. Excitement skittered down her spine with the tentative touch of his tongue to hers. She opened to him, and a tortured groan rumbled from him. His erection pressed into her hip, hard and tempting. “Did you give any thought to which position yet?” he murmured against the shell of her ear.

  “No. I-I want to try them all.” And she did. If the mood struck.

  “All of them?” He grinned. “Tell me, little wolf, which position do you want to try first?”

  “Missionary. I want to be looking at you the first time we do it.” She gasped when he pinched her nipple. “Mmm.”

 
“Make love or fuck, depending on the circumstances. We’re not doing it. We’re not horny teenagers anymore, little wolf. We’re adults.”

  “Says who?” she teased. “I’ve been horny for a while now.”

  He kissed her again. This time, he consumed her. Feasted on her with each swipe of his tongue. She moaned his name as he trailed kisses across her jaw and down her neck. “You’ve avoided me, little wolf.” He ran his tongue over the hard peak.

  “Holy fuck,” she squealed.

  He nipped at her flesh while he continued to fondle the tight bundle of nerves between her thighs. Her heart crashed against her ribs. Pleasure zinged through her with each lick of his tongue. Between the two sensations, she couldn’t quite catch her balance.

  “You smell so sweet, baby.” He nuzzled her neck. “We should continue this back in your dorm room.”

  “Uh-huh,” she whispered, wrapping her hand around his length. “We should, but….” She squeezed his shaft. “I like it out here. Under the stars. We’re in our natural habitat.”

  “And you want your first time out here and not some comfy bed? You are strange.”

  “It took you four years to figure that out?” She laughed.

  “I’ve always known, little wolf.” He turned her until she straddled his lap then kissed her.

  Running her fingers through his hair, she planted her feet on the ground. In the next second, she shoved him down and shifted. She took off running back toward the dorms. His growl filled the night air, and she kicked it into overdrive. In all the times they’d played, she’d never gotten the upper hand. The sound of his heavy footfalls grew closer, but she wouldn’t be deterred. Zigzagging through the wooded area, she took her human form when her feet hit the walkway to her dorm. Under the cover of darkness, she hurried into the building.

  “Little wolf.” His voice echoed off the walls of the building as she ran for the staircase. “You can run all you want to, I can still smell you,” he growled.

  She suppressed a giggle and continued on to the second floor. Six doors and she’d be at her room. She glanced back and smiled. Can’t make this totally easy for him.

  “Gotcha!” His very large, very dominant body pressed her to the wall. His shaft fit against the cleft of her rear. Burying his nose in the crook of her neck, he inhaled then let out a purely masculine groan. “Open up, little wolf.” She fumbled with the handle momentarily, before pushing the door to. Once they were both inside, he slammed it closed then lifted her off the floor. “Nico,” she murmured.

  “Naughty wolf.” His mouth crushed hers as he helped her wrap her legs around his waist. “Don’t let go,” he muttered, before continuing the kiss. He squeezed her ass, separating her cheeks.

  Tingles of awareness and bliss rolled through her. After breaking the kiss, he trailed wet openmouthed kisses along the line of her jaw, down her neck, and on to her collarbone. His tongue flicked the hollow spot, intensifying the anticipation coursing through her. Everything left her wanting more. Her insides coiled with expectancy. In three quick strides, he crossed the room to her bed and dropped her on the mattress. She bounced. Without even waiting for her to settle, he covered her. “You’re in so much trouble now.” His eyes glowed an eerie amber shade before going back to their normal whiskey hue.

  “Do your worst.” She lifted her chin while holding his gaze.

  He gave a growly chuckle. “Planned on it.” He slid down her body and settled between her legs. “Wrap these beauties over my shoulders and hang on.”

  “Cocky muc—” Her back arched off of the bed with the first swipe of his tongue across her folds.

  A smug grin tugged at his lips before he dragged his tongue through her slit and swirled around her clit. Sparks of need snapped across her skin, leaving goose bumps in their wake. She whimpered, writhing under him, trying to get closer to his touch. Though he started out slow and gentle, now he consumed her with each lap of his tongue and nip of his teeth. He feasted on her, sipped from her flesh while winding her body taut. His hand covered her breast, squeezing it until she cried out. Her orgasm hovered just out of her grasp. The relentless torture he plied her body with threatened to destroy her.

  “I knew you’d have the sweetest pussy,” he groaned before licking her again.

  “Don’t stop,” she whined, tugging on his head.

  “No? What should I do next?”

  “Finish the mating,” she answered, frustrated.

  “You still don’t get it do you?” He slid up her body, pressing kisses to her belly, sides, and breasts. “This isn’t about getting it done and over with. This is about giving both of us what we need. This is about mating.”

  The head of his cock rubbed her slit, teasing her. “Then, why are you waiting?”

  “Because I’m enjoying you. I’m taking my time because I’ve waited forever for this moment with you. Better question, little wolf, is why you want me to hurry.” He rolled to his side, taking her with him. He caressed her shoulder as he waited for her answer.

  “We’re making this a bigger production than we should be.” She could not meet his gaze.

  “Or you’re afraid, after all these years, I’m going to leave you. Or that you’re not special.” He trailed a finger down her cheek. “Once my mark graces your neck, there’s no going back.”

  “But—”

  “No buts. You’re my mate. It’s time.” He kissed her again, coaxing her to give over to him. To desire the same things he did.

  “But”—she placed her hand on his chest—“you slept with that woman. I can’t….” She blew out a breath of frustration. “I keep, you know…wondering about that.”

  “That? You mean you’re wondering about what it’s like to have sex with me, while we’re both naked in bed? Or me with someone else?”

  “Having sex with you,” she murmured, heat filling her cheeks.

  He rubbed his erection across the top of her mound. “Why imagine what this could be like when you can experience it, baby.”

  “What if I’m not good at this?” Her heart pounded. Nervous energy worked through her, settling in her extremities. Her hands trembled as she placed them on his shoulders. “What if I don’t compare to those who have experience?”

  He shook his head. “Don’t you get it? You’ll never compare to her. You’re always going to be better than them. You’re like a fine wine. Meant to age, breathe. Hell, I should wait a few more years, but I can’t. I’m a selfish bastard, I want my mate.” He pushed a short lock of her hair from her face then pressed a kiss to her forehead.

  His words held a conviction that tugged at her will. Her wolf preened, sashaying in front of her mate, demanding she shut up and give over to him. She stared up at her mate’s whiskey gaze and nodded. “Yes. Please.”

  “Baby, you never have to beg.” He hooked his arm under her leg, opening her up. “Ready?”

  She nodded. “Y-yes.”

  He pushed forward.

  She clamped down on him and shook her head. “I’ve changed my mind. You’re too big, you’ll never fit.”

  He groaned. “I’ll fit, little wolf. Relax for me.”

  “Says the man trying to impale me onto a baseball bat.”

  “Now that we have the ego boost out of the way”—he took her hand and placed it over the top of her sex—“work that pretty little clit of yours. This is about to get interesting.”

  She did as he asked, her finger gliding over her clit while he pulled out and pushed into her. His thrusts were shallow to begin with, barely giving her any of his cock. On the third stroke, he filled her all the way, and he stilled. Pain lanced through her. Her back came off the bed. He gave her time to adjust to his intrusion while pressing featherlight kisses to her face. “I’ve got you, little wolf. You’re perfect. So soft. We fit, just like I told you.”

  “I don’t ever want to do that part again.”

  “It’s a one-time thing, baby. Keep working your clit for
me. I plan on making this the best night of your life.” He kissed her again and started to move.

  His strokes were measured, building the pleasure between them until she panted for more. His big body flexed and bunched over her, knowing exactly what she needed. The coil of desire pooled low in her belly. She met him thrust for thrust. She traced the contours of his muscles then grabbed his ass. She pulled him tighter to her body. The sparks of bliss she’d felt when he went down on her returned, and she clenched around him.

  A tortured moan passed his lips. “Damn, squeeze me again.”

  She grasped his ass once more.

  “No, baby.” He leaned in and whispered with a growl. “Your pussy. I want your sweet-as-sin pussy to clench on me.”

  She gasped. “Really?”

  “Yes.”

  She flexed around him, and another tormented groan filled his chest. His pace faltered before he regained his rhythm, slamming into her over and over again. Her world spun out of control. Her hips moved counterpoint to his, creating a delicious friction between them. She clung to him, clawing at his back for purchase. He took her higher, made her feel things she’d only dreamed about. “Nico,” she mewled.

  “Fuck yes, little wolf. I can feel it, can you?” He wrapped her legs around his waist and dipped his chin to take one of her nipples into his mouth. Nico nipped at the tight bead then licked away the sting. Each bite sent another bolt of lust through her. “Yeah, you do.”

  “It feels like I have a bomb inside me waiting to go off.” She thrashed, trying to assimilate the sensations assaulting her body. “Help me.”

  “Like this?” His thumb pressed on her clit, working it in small tight circles.

  She screamed, seeing stars as he continued to play with her. “Oh God.” Her body jerked. Intense pleasure shot through her. Her heart thundered. She feared she’d die due to the current of bliss racing through her veins. There’s no way she’d survive this. No way she’d go back to avoiding him as she’d thought she’d be able to. No, she wanted to feel this way all the time. The knowledge she’d be his completely after their night together detonated the ball of desire inside her. Her pussy rippled. The first wave of her release washed over her, taking away her ability to breathe. Brilliant flashes of white light filled her vision, and, in the distance, she heard a howl.