Aline Hunter - Enemy Mine

She clutched his shoulders, dragging her nails along his shirt. “There’s no need to ache. I’m here. I want you too.”

This close he could smell the metallic scent of her blood. Through their flourishing connection he could also feel her discomfort. Their emotions bled into each other’s now, the wolf residing within each of them. Where he was worried for her welfare, she was excited to be in his arms, her desire at full throttle. There was no anxiousness on her part, no doubt.

“You’re hurt.”

When he attempted to pull away she refused to let go. “Then make me better.” She didn’t look away, her brown eyes determined, the hidden meaning in her words crystal clear. “Take the hurt away and replace it with something better. I know you can.”

Her words rushed straight to his head, making him dizzy. “If you’re saying what I think you are, make sure you mean it.”

“I want you to finish what you started. Make love to me. Take the final step.” She brushed her lips against his and moved away. “I need to know nothing will come between us, that you won’t ever let me go.”

“Never,” he vowed, shaking with pure emotion. He’d never let her go. Even if she wanted him to. He couldn’t exist without her. “You’re mine. You were mine the moment we met.”

Memories of the past assailed him, of Mary at the café, young, sweet and full of life. Back then she was nervously aware of him, taking sly glances in his direction when she thought he wasn’t looking. Now she was more secure in herself, more confident. She didn’t look away, meeting his gaze, her eyes brimming with passion and certainty. The atrocities she’d suffered had only strengthened her, bringing them to this point in their lives.

He closed the distance, placing his lips against hers. The kiss he intended to be sweet and soothing became harsh and unyielding, his tongue winding into her mouth when she opened to him. The truth struck him—a slicing blow to his heart. He could have lost her. If her uncle had succeeded in his plan, this moment would never have come.

He pulled away to tell her how he felt, so she knew it before things went any further. “I love you, you know.”

“I know.” She presented him with the smile he adored, her cheeks flushing. “I love you too.”

He’d waited for those words for so fucking long, but he had to be certain they came from her and not their connection. As much as he hated to do it, he blocked her bond with the wolf, shutting that portion of himself down, although it was difficult to suppress. He didn’t want any influence over her or her feelings. He had to know what she said came from her own heart and wasn’t a reflection of his own emotions.

“Tell me again.”

What started as a startled frown on her face changed into a look of dawning comprehension. He knew he’d left himself vulnerable to this woman. She could accept him or reject him. The choice was entirely hers to make.

Tell me again , he thought to himself, the seconds ticking by like hours. Tell me that you love me. Show me that you want this .

Moving closer, she whispered, “I love you.” Then she brushed her lips against his cheek. “I love you.” His skin tingled as she exhaled softly against his skin, making a path to his ear to repeat, “I love you.”

“I’m glad to hear it. More than you can possibly know.” His voice cracked but he didn’t give a shit. He could be weak around Mary. He didn’t have to pretend that she didn’t affect him, that she didn’t have the power to bring him to his knees. “Hold on.”

He brought his hands to her hips, holding her against him, feeling the intricate structure of the bones beneath his fingers. Mindful of how fragile she was, he lowered those hands until they cupped her ass. The fleshy globes fit his palms perfectly, allowing him to lift her with ease. She groaned when his cock made contact with her pussy and wrapped her legs around his waist, snaking her arms around his neck.

Mindful of her shoulder, he carried her to the bed and placed her on top of the crumpled sheets. Coming down over her, he nipped at her full bottom lip. She groaned and pushed her pelvis against his, the heat of her cunt evident even through his jeans. He let his control go, allowing the wolf to come to life. The connection between them flared, her lust slamming into his.

“More,” she pleaded and arched her back, rubbing her nipples against his chest.

When he tried to pull away to remove his shirt, she whimpered and held on tight. He growled low in his throat, forcing her hands away from his neck and over her head. Then he looked down at her. Up until this point he’d been tender and cautious. If she started pushing his buttons she’d find out precisely what he was capable of.

“Careful, sweetheart,” he warned, chest heaving, his balls tight and ready to burst. “You don’t want to push me.”

Something dangerous flared in her eyes. “Actually, I do.”

Even with her hands trapped above her, she was able to lift her head. He hissed when she bit him on the chest, just an inch or so above his nipple. She wasn’t gentle, her teeth digging into his skin despite his shirt. He threw his head back, silencing a victorious howl of approval.

As quickly as she’d bitten him, she let go. “Stop hiding. I know you’re holding back.”

It was true. He’d been holding back. But for a damn good reason. “I don’t want to frighten you.” And he didn’t. Not when things were going so well. One wrong move and she might turn from him. He wasn’t willing to take the risk.

“You don’t see me pushing you away, do you?” she asked in a mocking tone. “You’re the one who’s frightened, not me.”

His wolf immediately rose to the challenge. His blood ran hot and the chill in the room felt like winter air on his skin. Was she telling the truth? Was she really prepared to know him body and soul? There was only one way to know for certain, and that was the final stage of the bloodbond. He owed it to both of them to find out.

He let go of his mate and tore his shirt from his body, the loud ripping sounds echoing inside the room. Mary didn’t flinch, remaining where he’d left her, watching his movements as he tossed the shredded material aside.

“You want me?” he asked, his cock throbbing as his heart raced.

Their gazes locked and she didn’t look away. “Yes.”

Take her. Show her how good it will be between you.

He wasn’t gentle when he severed eye contact to take one of her nipples into his mouth, allowing his teeth to graze her skin as he suckled. She mewled at the contact and he felt her fingers in his hair, tugging at the strands. Encouraged, he released her nipple and moved to the other, using the same forcefulness.

“Yes,” she moaned, rocking her hips, her legs still twined around his waist. “All of you, Emory. I want all of you. Don’t hold back.”

Her scent called to him, the slick heat between his legs beckoning. He wanted to lap at her honey, taste her arousal and feel her essence coating his tongue. She unwound her legs as he made his way to the triangle of blonde curls below. He left little bites here and there along the way. Each nip was hard enough to leave a circular pink mark but not break the skin. By the time he arrived at his destination, all he could smell was Mary. The heady fragrance of her cunt surrounded him, filling his nose and senses.

“Look at me. I want you to watch while I give you this.”

She trembled as she lifted onto her elbows but did as he asked, her brown eyes darker than usual. When he was sure she wouldn’t look away, he examined his prize.

“You’re so wet, Mary,” he murmured and used his shoulders to part her thighs, revealing her glistening folds. Her clit was swollen and protruded from its hood, the lips of her pussy puffy and pink. He stroked her inner thighs, building the anticipation, knowing they were both on the edge.