N. Walters: Alexandra's Legacy

Now she really had to go to the bathroom and there was a muscled arm thrown around her waist. Joshua had gathered her close to him when he’d settled next to her and hadn’t loosened his grip the entire night.

Carefully, she inched over to the edge of the bed, which actually wasn’t that far away. Joshua was sprawled across most of the king-sized mattress. Although, she supposed she couldn’t complain. It was his bed after all.

His fingers curled around her waist. “Where are you going?” he mumbled.

“Bathroom,” she whispered, hoping he wouldn’t really wake up. He loosened his grip and she slid out of bed. The wood floor was cool against the soles of her feet and her toes curled as she stood there looking down at him. If she was staying they’d need to get an area rug or two.

Standing beside the bed, she stared down at Joshua. Most people appeared different when they were asleep—softer, more vulnerable. But not Joshua. Even in sleep there was no softening in his rough-hewn face. If anything all the harsh angles and planes were even more prominent. His shaggy black hair appeared even darker, cushioned against the white pillowcase. The plain white sheet had slipped down to his waist, exposing the long muscular lines of his back. She was pleased to note the wounds on his back were already healing and would probably be gone within another day or two.

Trying not to make any noise, she padded to the bathroom. When she’d taken care of her most pressing needs, she faced herself in the mirror. Her short hair was tousled, but she looked better than she had in a while. It was amazing what a good night’s sleep could do to restore a person. Her face was still pale, except for where colorful bruises marred her skin. Shadows still smudged the skin beneath her eyes, but overall she thought she looked better than she had yesterday.

Her skin began to tingle as she stood there. It had been doing that on and off all night, frequently waking her, but she’d been so exhausted, she’d managed to ignore it and fall back to sleep.

Alex unbuttoned the fastenings at the top of the shirt and shoved the material to one side, letting it slide down her arm. The furrow left by the bullet was still raw and tender, but it was healing. The long scratches from the wolf’s claws would probably leave scars as well, but they too were beginning to heal.

She slid a few more buttons free and stared at her chest. Bruises were visible from where her seatbelt had restrained her. Her face was still colorful, but considering what she’d been through, she wasn’t feeling too bad. Nothing a week or two of rest and food wouldn’t cure. Even her feet were doing better. The salve Joshua put on her wounds after her bath had worked wonders. Like the rest of her, they were still battered but on the mend.

Alex started to button the shirt again, but her hands stilled. Her skin began to itch wherever the fabric touched her body. Sliding the shirt down her arms, she let it slip off her body where it pooled around her feet. Her skin was hypersensitive and she moaned when she touched it. Heat began to seep through her like a living, breathing entity. Her breathing had quickened and she began to perspire.

She buried her face in her hands. What was wrong with her? Maybe she’d picked up an infection or something running around the woods?

Her womb spasmed and liquid seeped from her core. She raised her head to stare at the woman in the mirror. For a split second, she saw the face of a wolf semi-imposed over her face. Then she knew.

She was in heat.

This time there would be no reprieve. Once she took this step forward her life would be changed forever. There would be no going back.

Her breasts ached and she cupped them to try to ease the riot of sensations rocketing through her. It didn’t help. If anything it made things worse. Her nipples were diamond hard against her palms. She shifted her hands and that slight pressure on her nipples had her groaning. Liquid trickled down the inside of her thigh.

Stumbling out of the bathroom, she made her way back to the bed. Joshua was wide awake, reclining against the pillows as if he’d been waiting for her. The sheet was pooled around his waist but did nothing to hide his erection, which had tented the fabric. His wide, tanned chest was exposed and Alex growled low in her chest.

Joshua smiled and opened his arms.

She didn’t need a second invitation. She knelt on the end of the bed and crawled up his legs until she was sitting on his stomach. He wasn’t the best looking man she’d ever seen, but there was something about him that drew her. She never tired of looking at him and knew she never would. He was sexy as all get out.

And he was hers.

Placing her hands flat on his chest, she stroked his skin. Muscles rippled beneath her fingers as she slid them over the magnificent expanse. She loved the crisp mat of hair that spread from nipple to nipple, the way the band of hair narrowed as it bisected his stomach and headed toward his groin.

He groaned as her fingers brushed his nipples. “Are you certain this is what you want?”

Poor Joshua. She could feel his erection pressing hard against her bottom, but still he was honorable to the last. It was one of the reasons she loved him.

In answer, she leaned forward until her breasts brushed against his chest. Oh, that felt lovely. Better than lovely. Then she placed her lips against his, showing him what she wanted.

His mouth was firm and warm as it pressed against hers. She flicked her tongue over his lips as they parted, inviting her inward. And she went. Unable to resist his lure, she stroked her tongue into his mouth, groaning when he sucked on it. He rested his hands lightly on her hips, his fingers gliding up and down her sides until she thought she’d scream in frustration.

Her sex was hot and wet and screaming for release. She spread her legs wide and rubbed herself against the hard muscles of his stomach, seeking relief from the constant ache. The movement caused her breasts to skim across his chest and the crisp hair stimulated them further.

She had to pull her mouth from his when breathing became more difficult. “Joshua?” There was a tinge of fear in her voice. She didn’t quite know what to ask for. Didn’t know what, if anything, could ease the clawing need within her.

He captured her breasts in his hands, his thumbs stroking her distended nipples. “It’s all perfectly natural, Alex. Just go with it. Feel it. Allow yourself to sink into the heat.”

She felt his words like a stroke against her skin and arched her back so that her breasts were brought into closer contact with his hands. “It hurts,” she moaned as her vagina contracted again.

Joshua sat up in bed and lowered his head to her breasts. He flicked one and then the other with his tongue before settling his mouth over one and suckling. Alex threaded her fingers through his hair and held him close. God, that felt incredible. She felt the deep sucking motion between her thighs as if he were touching her there as well. Her hips moved of their own volition, undulating against the hard planes of his stomach.

She was close. So close. Release was just a caress, a touch, away. Her entire body tightened. Poised. Waiting.

He stroked his hands down her sides and inserted one of them between her legs. One touch. That’s all it took. His finger brushed her clitoris and she exploded. Tipping her head back, she cried out as heat surged through her. Her body convulsed as pleasure washed over her. She could feel his lips at her breast, his hand between her thighs as a gush of warm liquid flooded onto his belly.

When it was over, she slumped against Joshua and he wrapped his arms around her. She felt warm and content as she nuzzled her face against his neck. He always smelled so good, kind of outdoorsy mixed with a musky male heat. She snuggled closer and the heat that had subsided began to build again.