13. Sadie
THIRTEEN
SADIE
Our next date arrived with a sense of anticipation and a hint of excitement. James and I had chosen a charming little restaurant, known for its exquisite cuisine and intimate atmosphere on the outskirts of Maple Creek. As we sat across from each other, the soft candlelight flickering, I couldn’t help but feel a flutter of nervous energy. I knew James and I had spent a lot of time together, but there was something a little different about being in a date-like setting like this.
James, ever the gentleman, smiled warmly as he reached for my hand. “I must say, Sadie, you look absolutely stunning tonight.”
Blushing slightly, I replied, “Thank you, James. You clean up quite nicely yourself.” We shared a chuckle, and I started to relax a little.
Over the starter, we chatted about nothing in particular, but eventually, we got onto a much more serious topic, and one I had to admit I wasn’t expecting just yet.
“Sadie, I’ve been doing some thinking lately. I’ve realized that I can’t keep pushing people away and denying myself happiness. I want you to know that I’m ready to be a part of your life, to be there for you and for Gregory. Properly now. I want to be a real father, you know? I want to be in both of your lives and for him to know as well.”
His words touched my heart, and I felt a warmth spread through me. I reached across the table, covering his hand with mine. “James, I don’t want you to do anything you aren’t ready for. You don’t need to push this if you aren’t ready.”
“But I am. That’s what I’m telling you. I really want to give this a try. You might have to guide me a little because you have been there the whole time, but I want to be there.”
It was really starting to feel like everything was coming together. I couldn’t stop the tears from welling up in my eyes. I clapped my hand to my smiling mouth, trying to find the right words to thank this man. I never thought that this would happen when I moved to Maple Creek. My head was spinning from it all. I’d tried not to tell my mother too much, even as she was babysitting Gregory at her little cottage on my land tonight, but I knew she was going to ask a million and one questions eventually. It felt great to have good news for her. Especially the fact that this was Gregory’s biological father, this was going to be awesome for everyone.
“Would you like dessert here?” I asked James with a naughty twinkle in my eye. “Or would you like to come back to mine for something to eat?”
He knew exactly what I was talking about, and the way that he jumped to his feet so quickly made me laugh lightly. I loved that he was into this as me and that he wanted more as well. James was really proving to me that he was in it for the long haul.
James, ever the gentleman, paid the bill, and we left the restaurant hand in hand. The night was cool, and the crisp air invigorated us as we strolled down the quiet streets. It felt like a moment of calm in the midst of the storm that had become our lives.
That is until, unexpectedly, I felt that strange icy sense of paranoia creeping up my spine. The comfortable ease of the evening was shattered by an unsettling sensation that left me on edge. My whole chest grew tight with anxiety.
I glanced around, searching for any signs of what might have triggered this newfound fear. The world around us seemed ordinary, the town’s streets quiet and unassuming. But the unnerving sensation persisted, and I couldn’t help but wonder if the shadows of danger were never too far away.
As we continued our walk, the grip on James’ hand tightened, a silent plea for reassurance in the face of an inexplicable unease. The serenity of the evening had taken an unexpected turn, and the mysteries that shrouded our lives only seemed to deepen, leaving us in a state of perpetual vigilance.
“What is it?” James hissed, sensing my hesitation.
“I… I don’t know,” I admitted. “I just have this feeling that we’re being watched. I don’t know by who, though.”
“Brian,” he growled, snapping his head around, trying to follow my eyeline. “I swear, if that asshole is following me again, or you, I might kill him.”
Well, I definitely didn’t want that to happen, but I didn’t want Brian to get to me either. As James’ eyes flipped around, I did the same, but I wasn’t quite sure what I was looking for. My heart was absolutely thundering in my ears, my breaths coming in sharp and ragged, my whole body tingling with nerves. There was definitely something out there looking at me, but I couldn’t see it and now I felt all cold and exposed. This little dress I was wearing to be sexy for James was no way too small. I wished that I could pull it down to cover myself up completely. I didn’t like this, not one bit.
“Well?” I whispered as I tried to reach out to James, but he was on a mission. He had his eyes out there, trying to find the source of this feeling and he couldn’t let it go.
Oh my God.
That’s when I saw him–a dark, furry shape lurking in the shadows. A wolf, watching me with its piercing amber eyes. This didn’t look like Brian, but it had to be someone linked to him. I couldn’t imagine anyone else taking that much of an interest in me and James.
“James,” I whispered anxiously with an edge to my voice. “It’s there. A wolf, look. There’s a wolf there staring at me.”
“Fuck,” he groaned. “Josef what the hell are you doing?”
With cautious steps, James approached the wolf, keeping his distance but not backing down. “Josef,” he called out, his voice steady despite the adrenaline he had to be experiencing. “I know you’re there. Come out and let’s talk. Don’t do anything stupid, okay?” The wolf didn’t budge, maintaining his eerie, silent vigil. “Right, fine.”
All I could do as James backed away was watch on in horror. I couldn’t take my eyes off this wolf, not even to see what James was doing. I had a horrible feeling that if I took my eyes off him, then he might charge at me and take me down. I didn’t want to get hurt. Not here. I swallowed hard, trying to compose myself, but I was shaking all over.
All of a sudden, a streak of black and silver swooped in from the side. James, in his majestic wolf form, appeared with a powerful grace that only a high-ranking shifter could possess. He pounced, and the two wolves collided. I’d seen a wolf fight before, but this one drew a small scream from my chest. I slammed my hands to my mouth as I staggered backward, trying to get the hell away because I had no idea how ugly this was going to get.
Thankfully, the ensuing skirmish was swift, as James used his experience and skill to outmaneuver Josef. Surprisingly, Josef didn’t fight back as fiercely as he could, or at least that was how it looked to me. He refused to bite, almost as if he didn’t want to harm James. This realization was perplexing but also kinda confirmed my suspicions that Brian held some kind of power over his followers. Although it seemed like the other wolves only thought it was women…
With a swift movement, James managed to capture Josef, pinning him to the ground. Their growls and snarls filled the night air, but it was clear that James had the upper hand. Ever so slowly, the shifted back into their human forms, with James gripping on to Josef tight, refusing to let him go for even a second. In the moonlight’s glow, the tension in the air was palpable, but hopefully, all of that was going to come to an end right here.
I approached cautiously, staying out of harm’s way but ready to assist in any way I could. Josef’s eyes met mine for a moment, and in that silent exchange, I sensed his inner turmoil. He wasn’t just an unquestioning follower; he was grappling with his loyalty to Brian.
James, his powerful form exuding authority, exerted control over the situation. With a deep growl, he demanded, “Josef, talk. What’s going on here?”
“I… I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Josef stammered back. “I’m just having a nighttime hunt, that’s all.”
“Don’t fuck around with me,” James snapped. “I know you’re following us. Sadie and me. I just want to know why.”
“I… there is no reason… I don’t know…” Josef sighed heavily as the fa?ade started to fall away. “I’m just doing what I’m told to do. I have to follow the Alpha’s commands.”
“You also have to follow the command of the Blackpaws clan leader,” James reminded him. “So, come on. Tell us what Brian is planning.”
Josef, still pinned to the ground, gave in to the pressure and began to speak. His voice held a hint of fear and desperation. “Brian… he wants to destroy your business, James. He’s planning to ruin your personal life, discredit you as the Alpha of Alphas. You know that’s what he wants. I don’t think this comes as any surprise to you.”
James’ expression darkened, his eyes narrowing as he processed the gravity of the situation. “Why, Josef? Why is he doing this? Aside from personal gain? And how?”
Josef hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “He has this… ring, a magical item. It influences people, especially women. Brian’s been using it to control others, including his own followers.”
“Oh my God,” I breathed out hard. “The ring. On his finger. That’s what he keeps waving in my face.”
“You’ve seen it?” James demanded.
“I’ve seen it. I just thought it was something he was showing off about. I didn’t know that was the magical thing.”
I thought about all the times Brian had acted arrogantly, demanding that I follow his orders without question. It was clear that the ring had played a significant role in his actions, manipulating those under its influence. The memories of his oppressive demeanor sent shivers down my spine, and I couldn’t help but wonder why I had been immune to its effects.
A nagging question tugged at the corners of my mind. Why didn’t the ring work on me? Was it because I wasn’t a part of the wolf community, not bound by the same rules and influences that governed them? The uncertainty gnawed at me, leaving me with more questions than answers. Was James wondering the same as me?
James pressed for more information, his voice firm. “Josef, why are you helping him do these things if you know it’s wrong? I can tell you think it’s wrong. I can see it in your eyes.”
Josef’s eyes held a mix of guilt and desperation. “I’m scared, James. But I also fear that Brian’s actions will lead to innocent people getting hurt, like you and Sadie.”
As we looked at Josef, our hearts were heavy with the realization that he was caught in a dangerous web of deceit and power. We couldn’t change the past, but we were determined to alter the future and ensure that justice was served.
James spoke again, his tone resolute. “We’re going to find a way to stop Brian and end his reign of manipulation. You have a choice, Josef–stand with us and make things right or continue down a path that will only lead to more destruction.”
The choice was Josef’s to make, and we could only hope that his sense of right and wrong would guide him toward the path of justice and redemption.
The moonlight painted a silvery glow on the night as we released Josef. His human form gradually shifted back to his wolf self, and there was an air of uncertainty about him. I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of concern and hope as he stood before us. But he didn’t stick around for long. He ran off into the distance to do… well, whatever it was he was going to do.
James’ strong presence offered a sense of reassurance. I stood beside him, my heart heavy with the weight of what we were facing. The safety and well-being of the children in my care, especially Gregory, were paramount in my mind.
With honesty and vulnerability, I admitted my growing fear. “James, I’m scared. Not just for myself, but for the kids in my care and for Gregory too. This ring… There’s no telling what he’s doing to do with it. Especially when he seems so determined to break us apart.”
His gaze met mine, filled with understanding and determination. At that moment, I knew we were in this together, fighting to protect those we cared about. James placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, his touch grounding and reassuring.
“I understand, Sadie,” he replied, his voice steady and resolute. “I’m here for you, and I’ll do everything in my power to ensure your safety and that of the children. Especially Gregory. You won’t be facing this alone. And don’t worry, we’re going to get to the bottom of this one way or another. Now we have more information than ever.”
His promise was a lifeline, a source of strength in the face of uncertainty. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for his unwavering support and commitment. We were determined to confront Brian, to neutralize the influence of the magical ring, and to put an end to his manipulative schemes.
The strange sense of paranoia and the weight of unanswered questions lingered as James and I continued our walk through the town. The never-ending drama surrounding us had cast a shadow over what was meant to be a peaceful evening, and we needed to find solace away from it all.
Our desire to escape the turmoil that had infiltrated our lives was mutual, and as we walked hand in hand, the unspoken agreement to go home became evident. It was a yearning for a moment of respite, a chance to carry on our date without the weight of the world pressing down on us.
I knew that Gregory was safe with my mother. The hidden cottage she had on the outskirts of town was a well-kept secret, known only to a few. It was a place of refuge, away from the prying eyes of the clan and the dangers that lurked within it.
The prospect of finding comfort in the familiarity of my own space was inviting. It was a chance to be together, to focus on us, and to put the drama and uncertainty on hold, if only for a little while.
As we made our way back to my cottage, the anticipation of resuming our date and reveling in each other’s company without the weight of the world on our shoulders filled me with hope. Our feelings for one another were a sanctuary in the storm, a reminder that together, we could find moments of peace even in the most trying times.
With a cheeky smile, I unlocked the door to my home, and we fell inside together, arm in arm. In a heartbeat, we were kissing frantically once more just like the last time we were in a room together, tearing at another clothes, trying to get them off like there was no tomorrow. I whipped his suit jacket off and his shirt as well, running my hands all over his chest. I groaned with pleasure every time I grazed over his muscles. My God, his body was delicious, it was tasty, it was incredible.
“My God, you’re fucking sexy,” I moaned as he tossed my little black dress over my head. “I seriously want to taste you.”
In just my bra and panties, I fell to my knees. While James gasped and panted with desire, trying to work out just what I was doing on the floor, I reached around my back and popped open my bra, freeing my breasts from their material prison. My nipples were absolutely desperate for the cold air to rush over them, and that was exactly what they got. My body flooded with desire.
“Oh wow,” James cried out as his fingers knotted up in my hair. “Your tits are fucking phenomenal, Sadie.”
I kept my eyes fixed upon him as my eager fingers tugged the zipper on his trousers. I needed to grab hold of him. I wanted to take him in my hand and feel his thick, throbbing erection between my fingers, between my lips.
“Mm,” I moaned in delight as I inhaled his deep masculine scent. “Oh God, you really intoxicating, James.”
Before he could reply, I started to stroke him, hard and fast. With every single stroke, I edged my mouth closer to him, allowing my breath to tickle his cock, to ignite his tip, to tease him until he couldn’t handle it any longer. I could tell from the cries of pleasure coming from him that the bliss was flaming through him, and I was slowly driving him wild.
“Fuck, Sadie,” he gushed out. “You are an animal. I love it. What am I going to do with you?”
I couldn’t hold myself back any longer. I ached to taste him, and I couldn’t resist any longer. I parted my lips and finally took him as far to the back of my throat as I could manage. He might have been utterly massive, I really had to stretch my lips around him, but he tasted fucking incredible. My tongue instinctively swirled all around him. I licked every part of him, and it was amazing. Every part of my body buzzed and trembled with the thrill. Having him in my mouth made me want him even more.
There was a wetness pulsing between my legs, throbbing for him to take me already, but at the same time, I couldn’t take him out of my mouth. I loved having him trembling with need between my lips. I couldn’t get enough.
“I need to fuck you.” I glanced up to see him toss his head back in desire. “I need to fuck you so hard, baby. Please.”
Who was I to argue with that? I didn’t have much choice, to be honest. James had tugged himself out of my mouth and was pushing me back onto the shaggy carpet to take me already. He was primal and sexy, setting me alight. His trousers and underwear slid all the way to the floor, and he kicked them aside so the only thing standing between us was my lace panties.
“Ooh, I like these,” he murmured as he stroked the lace against my clit. It was a strange sensation, but a truly exciting one, matched only by the feel of him plunging some of the material deep inside me. “They feel fucking amazing. But I want them gone. I need them off you right now.” He shocked me by whipping them off at the speed of light, probably tearing them. “That’s better. So sweet… You’re so sweet, baby.”
But I wasn’t about to let him do all the surprising, so while he grabbed a condom to roll down over himself, I flipped onto my front and poked my ass in the air. I wanted him to take me from behind, and I finally had the confidence to let him know.
“Oh, wow.” I glanced over my shoulder to see his eyes light up. “Fuck me, you look so good like that.”
He slid across the floor to join me, his rock-hard cock connecting with me, but not quite burying itself deep inside me just yet. I curled my fingers around the carpet, and I clung to it tightly to prepared myself for what was to come next.
“Fuck me, James,” I begged in a desperate moaning sound. “I want you. I’ve wanted you all day long.”
Luckily, those were words that he couldn’t resist. He thrust deep inside of me in seconds, making my head spin with lust and desire. The hot bliss fizzled through my veins, growing in its intensity with every single clap of our bodies slamming together. I met every single thrust with just as much power as he was giving me, and it wasn’t long before I could feel the pleasure coming for me once more. Any minute now, it was going to rocket through my body and I would be consumed in the most incredible orgasm I had ever had. I couldn’t wait for it. Again, this was a moment that I never wanted to end. I couldn’t get enough.
Fuck, I needed to keep James with me forever somehow. I couldn’t even fathom how that was possible, but I didn’t give a shit. As endless pleasure cascaded all the way through my body, I didn’t care about the practicalities, I just wanted him.
“James,” I began, my voice barely above a whisper as we collapsed onto the floor together in a breathless, sweaty mess, “there’s something I’ve been wanting to say.”
He looked at me with those deep, knowing eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips. “What is it, Sadie?”
I took a deep breath, my heart racing, my fingers trembling ever so slightly. “I’ve realized that… I love you, James.”
The moment hung suspended, the world fading away as our eyes locked. I saw a whirlwind of emotions flash across his face: surprise, joy, and something deeper. Something raw and unguarded. It was as if he’d been waiting for those words as long as I had.
James reached across the table and took my hand, his grip firm yet gentle. “Sadie,” he said softly, “I love you, too.”
A radiant smile broke across my face, and I felt a warmth blossoming within me. It was a love that had been years in the making, a journey of rediscovery and newfound connection. In that small, intimate corner of the world, we shared our love openly, and it was a feeling I knew would carry us through whatever challenges lay ahead.