A Wolf's Bargain Page 8

  Chapter Twelve

  Fuck. The nightie clung to her curves like a second skin. Her strawberry-colored nipples beaded under his inspection, and his mouth watered. A tempting little morsel all for him. She stood in the entryway, clutching the toys he’d bought for her.

  “Stand before me.” The wolf crawled to the surface.

  The sass he loved so much about his she-wolf presented itself as she stepped forward. Her coy smirk, and the flutter of her lashes only added to the heady game she played with him. “Should I kneel?” Her husky tone shot straight to his groin.

  “I see you learned protocol, too.” He took the bundle of rope from her hands. “Turn around and put your hands behind your back.”

  Heat blazed in her slate-blue eyes as she turned to give him her back. The long straight line of her spine drew his attention down to her round, firm ass, and the cute little dimples at the base of her back. He’d picked the perfect berry tint for her. It enhanced her creamy flesh. She placed the bandanna and clamps on the table in front of her.

  “Here’s how this will work.” He unfurled the rope then grabbed both ends to draw it together. “I’m going to tie your arms first.”

  The pulse at her neck increased. “Okay.”

  “We’re not doing formalities tonight.” He skimmed his fingers down her arms before drawing them together. “So relax.” He began winding the rope around her wrists first then up her forearms. “Later, when you’re more comfortable with what we’re doing, you’ll call me, Sir.”

  Lily nodded. “I understand.”

  With each knot he tied, her chest jutted outward a bit more. He wove the rope into an intricate design, one meant to keep her arms immobile and sweeten her submission. When he finished, he stepped around her. “Comfortable?” He drew his knuckle over her already-hard nipple and enjoyed her slight shudder.

  “It’s different.” She licked her lips. “Confining, but I like it.” She rolled her shoulders, prior to tugging at her arms.

  “Good to know. Ready for the next step?”

  “Yes.”

  Chris plucked the bandanna up from the table. He rolled it into a blindfold big enough to cover her eyes. The idea had occurred to him a couple of times over the last few days he should have grabbed a sleeping mask. But he liked throwing in bits of the country girl flare he’d grown to love all those years ago.

  Once more, he stood behind her and lifted the blindfold into place. Her lips parted and a small gasp caught his attention while he finished tying the knot. “Can you see anything?”

  “No.” Her breathy tone sent a surge of adrenaline through his body.

  “Now, the final step.” He picked up the clamps next and waited. Testing the resistance of the clamps, he studied her. How long could he stand there before she’d say something or call out for him?

  The sweet tendrils of her desire wrapped around him. He scented no fear or anxiety. If anything, her impatience flowed along with her need. He watched the bob of her throat as she swallowed before licking her lips.

  Running his finger between her breasts, he traced her curves. Her soft moan had his dick thickening even more. “This won’t do,” he murmured. “You’re way too overdressed.”

  “I-I can’t take it off,” she muttered, pressing into his touch.

  “Don’t you worry about a thing.” He guided her toward the couch. “I’ve got you covered.” He sat down then pulled her between his legs and groaned. She was at the perfect height for him to suck on her pretty little tits.

  He eased the thin straps over her shoulders and allowed the flimsy material to drift down her body. Her high, pert breasts tempted him. His mouth watered as the beads puckered under his perusal. The pretty blush-colored nipples called to him.

  Leaning into her, Chris swiped his tongue over the peak. He nipped at the nub. Sucked it. The soft mewling sounds she made were music to his ears. She loved nipple play. He drew on the bud, sucking it with hard, even pulls. Releasing it, Chris placed the clamp on it.

  Lily screamed. She wiggled in his arms while gritting her teeth. “Too much. It hurts. It hurts.”

  “Shhh,” he crooned, trying to soothe her. “You can take it for me. Breathe. In…out.”

  She took several deep breaths before settling. “Oh wow, it’s different now.”

  Chris flicked the end with his finger. “Are you ready for the other?”

  “Yes.”

  “Such a brave girl.” He brushed his lips over hers. He kissed a path across her jaw onto her neck, stopping momentarily at the mating mark. He laved the damaged section of flesh, tonguing it. She panted, leaning into him as she swayed.

  Chris steadied her, holding her in place with one hand as he administered the same treatment to the neglected breast. When he clamped it, she sucked in air but followed the same breathing exercise. He gave a quick tug and watched her go to the balls of her feet, placing all of her weight on his shoulder.

  Her cries of pleasure filled the living room along with the crack of Chris smacking her ass.

  She stilled. “You hit me.”

  A chuckle rumbled in his chest. “I did.” He smacked the other cheek. “I like knowing you’ll wear all my marks.”

  Her heartbeat ratcheted up another notch.

  “But we’ll save a more intimate spanking for another time. Right now, I need inside you.” As it was, his dick throbbed behind the confines of his jeans and feeling her hair brush his chest, only made it worse. After helping Lily stand, he shucked his jeans before directing her over his lap.

  Her sugary pussy dripped with cream, searing his skin. He ran a finger through her folds then brought it to his mouth and sucked the wetness from it. “So fucking good. Like honey. Ease up a little bit, she-wolf.”

  She sat up, giving him room to position himself at her entrance. Lily lowered herself onto his dick and took him in one stroke. Her tight channel rippled around him, accommodating his size. “Chris,” she whimpered.

  “I got you.” He rubbed her clit with his thumb. “Get off on me. Come, so I can fuck you hard.”

  Her hips undulated, rocking at an uneven pace. With each swipe of his thumb, she bucked until she rode him hard, lifting up and down on him before grinding against his groin. He let out a low groan as she came hard. Her release threatened to unman him, but he wasn’t even close to being done with her.

  Her cries turned to soft pants while she nuzzled his neck. Chris set them at a steady pace, intermittently pulling on the chain connecting the clamps. He swore she grew tighter with each tug, and fuck if it didn’t feel good. Way too good. He couldn’t stop the need to come. Fire raced up and down his spine while he tried to hold back the inevitable. “Fuck.”

  “Yes,” she cried. “I need…please.”

  “So good.” He rolled her clit between his fingers. “Let go, Lily, and take me with you.”

  His pace quickened, becoming erratic with each pump of his hips. The sounds emanating from both of them were an erotic song of two mates finding their pleasure in one another.

  Chris buried his face in her neck and licked the mark before latching onto her skin and biting down.

  The world narrowed down to him and her. Their cries of completion rang out as she rode him through the waves of her release, which drew out his climax. Her body went limp in his arms as he held her to him. “You’re amazing, she-wolf.”

  “You’re not so bad yourself.”

  ***

  Hill City

  Lily hurried around Alicia’s place, trying to set up the last of the party favors and treats. The men were out in the small detached garage, enjoying a beer and watching some ball game with Poppa and Hombre. Hannah and Violet, a wolf Miss Fern sent to help Gabby, and Fawn were already there, helping out as well.

  The front door opened again, and Elle came inside. “I’m here.”

  Graham backed out of the house. “And I’m leaving. Where are the guys?”

  “In the garage,”
Fawn called out. “They’re watching a game.”

  “I swear they’re afraid of what will happen to them if they have fun with women.” Violet rolled her eyes.

  Gabby laughed and rubbed her growing belly. “I think they know and it really does scare the shit out of them.”

  The little raven-haired mouse of a girl blushed. “I only meant—”

  “She knows, child,” Miss Fern announced walking into the room. “She was messing with you.” Lily’s mated mother narrowed her eyes at Gabby. “Be good, girl.”

  “Is there room for one more?” Ginger called out, pushing into the house. “Where did the men go?”

  “Out back,” Miss Claire answered. “They’re gathered around a television watching men in uniforms smack a ball around. I have never in my entire life seen anything so silly.”

  “Has anyone seen Alicia yet?” Gabby grabbed a carrot slice off the platter nearest her.

  “Not yet. She said she had one more place she needed to stop before she’d be home. If we have to start without her, go ahead.”

  Gabby nodded. “Sounds like her. She’s been out of her mind busy. Add in these two”—she pointed to her belly—“and she’s been frazzled.”

  A knock came at the door again then Brienne entered the house. The willowy therapist grinned. “I heard we were having a babies party. I couldn’t miss it.” She made a circuit around the space, hugging everyone. Her warm energy invigorated everyone.

  “Where’s Shawn?” Lily asked.

  “Oh, he saw Graham and headed to the garage.” She laughed.

  “Do you think we should bring them food?” Gabby frowned at the table set up for them.

  “Hush.” Miss Fern nudged her. “Henry has stuff out there for them.”

  “Well, let’s get this show on the road.” Lily clapped her hands together. “We have games and presents and all kinds of stuff.”

  At the last minute, their alpha, Drew, and his mate, Betty, strolled into the house. “We’re not late, are we?” His deep resonating voice captured all of their attention. Since he’d killed Magnum, Drew had worked tirelessly to make sure the pack prospered where it had deteriorated before his return.

  “Of course not!” Gabby ushered them into the house. “But the guys are watching a ball game out in the garage if you’d rather be there.”

  “Don’t mind if I do.” He grinned. “Congratulations, ladies.”

  Once he left, the party started. They played games, opened presents, and had fun. So far, the idea had been a success. Having the party at Poppa’s and Alicia’s turned out to be a good idea. Even though Alicia hadn’t come home yet.

  Gabby had stared at the door a few times, but never said a word. Yes, it worried all of them, but sometimes, getting from the hills to Rapid City could be tricky. They all blamed it on traffic or her having more to do than she planned.

  When the men joined them, they all assured the girls nothing was wrong and everything would work out the way it should. The day hadn’t been ruined, in fact, it had been one of the best days for her growing family. Fawn and Gabby had enough clothes to outfit a small army, and the other odds and ends they had would keep their babies busy for a long time.

  As the sun slipped below the horizon, they waved good-bye to the last of the guests. A niggle of worry filled her stomach as a highway patrol car pulled into the driveway. Oh no. Her bottom lip trembled. The inexplicable feeling of sadness washed over her as a black car pulled in behind the SDHP vehicle.

  A man got out of the first car while two more got out of the second. The man in front donned his hat then gazed at the gathered group waiting outside. “I’m looking for Ernesto Cruz.”

  Poppa stepped forward. Confusion filled his features. “I’m Ernesto.”

  Sadness rolled off the man in sickening waves. She wanted to howl in outrage. No. No. No. No.

  “Could you come with me, please? I’m afraid I have some horrible news.” He held his hand out to Poppa.

  The older man began to crumple, and Black Jack and Hombre were there to catch him. “Please God not my baby. Not my Alicia.”

  Lily buried her face in Chris’s chest, unable to take the scene playing out in front of her. What started out as a happy day became a bitter pill she didn’t think anyone could swallow. The front door of the house banged open, and Lily glanced up. Gabby stood on the porch, Kru right behind her.

  “What’s going on? What happened?” She ambled down the stairs as best she could, Kru holding onto her the whole time.

  “I’m sorry, miss.” The patrolman frowned. “There’s been a terrible accident. Alicia Cruz has passed away.”

  Gabby screamed. Oh God, for the rest of her life, Lily would remember the sound her mated sister made. Kru picked her up and carried her back inside while Black Jack and Hombre helped Poppa to the car then hurried to their bikes.

  Lily didn’t know what to do. “Easy, angel. We’ll stay with her. She’s our family.”

  Kalum and Fawn voiced the same sentiments as they walked toward the house. The deep throb of the motorcycles filled the still night air then disappeared down the road, following the Highway Patrol.

  “We should call Bas.” Gabby would need him. Just in case. She wiped the tears from her eyes. “We need to let everyone know.” She went into work mode. She had to keep her mind occupied.

  “Good idea.” Chris rubbed her arms then stepped away.

  She could hear Gabby’s cries from the room down the hall, and she finally let loose a mournful howl. Three more joined her.

  ***

  A week later, they stood in the same spot they’d been in when the state police showed up. Alicia’s funeral had been perfect. They’d laughed and cried…mostly cried. Gabby sat huddled with her mate. Bastian, the pack doctor, with the help of Caress, one of the pack healers, had given her a couple of herbal sedatives she could take without worrying about hurting her babies.

  Poppa was…inconsolable. As soon as they arrived back at the house, he holed up in his room. Brie had offered her services, but he didn’t even appear to understand what she offered. Instead, he grabbed a full bottle of Jack Daniels and took off. Lily didn’t blame the man. The love of his life was gone.

  She glanced up at Chris who held onto her. “What do we do?”

  “What we always do. Help.” He kissed the top of her head. “Come on, it’s getting dark.”

  She nodded and followed him to the truck. “I don’t like them being alone.”

  “Kru and Gabby are going to stay for a few days. If they need anything, they’ll call.” He brushed her nose with his before closing the door and rounding the hood. When he got in, he grasped her hand. “We’ll get them through this. I promise.”

  “I know.” She stared up at the house as he backed out of the driveway. “I need you to understand how much I love you.”

  Nothing like death to make her realize, even though they were wolves and would live long, full lives, it could affect them so profoundly.

  He gave her a cocky yet somber grin. “I promise, for the rest of my life, I will tell you every day, how much I love you, too, she-wolf.”

  “Let’s go home.”

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  A Wolf’s Deception by TL Reeve

  Chapter One

  “Ladies, it’s time.” Fern tapped her finger against the scarred wooden table situated near the bar in The Den. Today, they would pick a new set of victims…er, matches. She grinned to herself, quite chuffed at their impressive record. All those matches made. All those mates finally getting past
the bullshit. About damn time, if you ask me.

  “Who’s on the docket for today?” Lonnie waved Paul over to them.

  Such a good boy. Her heart clenched. After the last alpha cut the boy’s tongue out, she’d worried about him. On more than one occasion, she’d wondered if he’d ever find his place within the pack. He spent so much of his life in silence and alone. Then, he met his mate, PG. It was like watching the boy be born again. He chatted in sign language nonstop now, and who was she to stop him?

  “I thought we would work on Jason,” Fern said. Since Claire’s son had come home, he’d been a little reluctant to get out and socialize. Cute as a button, he needed a firm hand, and she had the man for him.

  “That boy.” Claire tsked. “So shy. I have no idea where he gets it. Certainly not me or his father.”

  “Obviously,” Kathy piped up. “Didn’t we see you running through the woods last night?”

  Her friend blushed. “Joe had a wild hair.”

  “Your mate had a wild something,” Lonnie said. “Could hear him howling from our back porch.”

  They laughed.

  “Well….” Claire shrugged. “When you’ve got it. You’ve got it.”

  Another round of laughter ensued.

  When Paul stopped beside them, Fern ordered. “A beer and burger for each of us. We need brain fuel.”

  He gave a curt nod. Coming up.

  After he stepped away from them, Fern leaned in. “I have the man for Jason. I think he’ll piss kittens when he meets the guy, but they’ll be good for each other.”

  “Oh?” Her best friend’s brow rose. “Do tell.”

  “Hombre.” She’d only caught a glimpse of him a couple of times, working on a bike at the rundown shop near the edge of Hill City. Hombre had come to them after Gabby got herself in a good pickle. That boy would do anything to protect her, especially after she was kidnapped along with Fawn and Tinks. The man had a loyal streak a mile wide, and she had a feeling he’d fit right in. Though Gabby’s extended family lived off pack lands, they were gossiped about on a daily basis. Who wouldn’t talk about them? All were huge, burly men, covered in tattoos, and had surly dispositions to boot. Then there was Alicia. The beautician had worked wonders on Fern’s hair a time or two, of which Henry approved.