Chapter 11
Just as Cliff said, the front desk clerk at the hotel handed them a room key five minutes after he flashed them his credit card, no questions asked. Stella’s heart hammered against her ribcage as they crossed the lobby toward the elevators.
The sex had been mind-blowing, and not only had Cliff surprised her, but she surprised herself. Cliff obviously liked it rough, but she found herself enjoying it too. She loved his dirty talk, the way he handled her like a rag doll, ordered her around, and whispered dirty things to her. It was like she craved that dominant side of him, wanted—needed—to surrender to him.
Despite the battle with her inner wolf earlier, her panties became drenched the moment he hoisted her up on his shoulder and carried her away. Indeed, it was like that whole caveman act mollified that intense need to claw at that other woman’s face.
The woman who had once been his fiancée.
The idea that he had been with someone else stung at her, threatening to overwhelm her with rage. But it wasn’t just the sex—she wanted to tear the woman to shreds because she had hurt Cliff.
“Hey …” His large hand circled around her arm and gripped it. “Stop that.”
“What?”
“You were growling again.” He nipped at her neck. “There’s no need for that.” He twisted her around, his hands tangling around her hair. He pulled back, so she looked up at him, the pain and pleasure melding in her mind. “Whatever is making you angry, put it aside.”
The loud ding told her they had reached their floor. He released her hair, but kept his grip on her arm as they exited. They had barely entered the bedroom inside the suite when he pushed her toward the bed. To her surprise, however, he stopped just as the back of her knees hit the edge of the bed. Sensing his hesitation, she glanced up to meet his eyes.
“Cliff? What’s wrong?”
“You’re so beautiful and sweet.” He caressed her cheek with his finger. “Stella … are you sure you want to do this?”
“Cliff, we’ve already done ‘this’,” she pointed out. “I think it’s too late to ask me that. But I feel like there’s something wrong. Is it me?”
“What? Oh no, it’s not you.”
“Then what’s wrong? Why are you holding back? Don’t lie—I can sense it.” Despite what they had shared earlier, she could tell. “You’re still holding back, aren’t you? I told you not to hold back, not with me.”
“Yes, I know but … there’s so much more I want to do to you … with you. And I don’t want to scare you away.”
“Scare me?”
“I … have certain tastes.” His eyes seemed to grow darker.
“Oh.” She paused. “Like … you’re not into … blood or anything like that, are you?”
“What? Oh no.” He shook his head. “I get enough of that from fighting. No, I don’t want to hurt you, at least not to the point of drawing blood. But I like being in charge. Of owning my partners completely. I don’t practice BDSM, the setup and dynamics is not something I’m interested in. But, there are times I just need to completely dominate my partners. I want them to know that they belong to me and only me. I don’t know if that’s just part of my nature as a Lycan.”
She wondered too, if that earlier feeling of wanting to surrender—to submit to him was part of her nature too.
“But this isn’t something I indulge in with just anybody.”
“Did you … with her?” Her stomach was like a rock, thinking of Cliff with that woman. His ex-fiancée.
A muscle ticked in his jaw. “That was in past. I don’t want to talk about that.”
“Me neither.” Just the thought of it was starting to get her riled up. “But I told you earlier, you don’t have to hold back with me.”
“I guess what I’m saying is … if I’ve scared you off, just say so and I’ll leave or take you home. If you want to continue but want me to go slow and easy, I can do that too. But I just … if you’re still okay with me not holding back, I could do that too.”
Excitement tingled inside her and made her clit throb. “Don’t hold back.” Her entire mouth went dry. “Please, Cliff. I can take it. I want it.”
His pupils blew up, though there was still tenderness in his gaze. “If it’s too much, just say so. I’ll stop. We don’t need a safe word. Stop means stop. Leave means leave.”
“I understand. I promise, if I’m uncomfortable, I’ll tell you.”
Leaning over, he kissed her deep, his tongue snaking in to taste her mouth. She melted against him, her knees weakening in anticipation at what was to come. Oh yes, she wanted this. Wanted him to take her, any which way he wanted.
“All right,” he began, his eyes darkening. “Take off all your clothes. I want to see that sweet body of yours.”
The dominance in his voice made her shiver, and it was as if she had no choice but to obey. Unzipping the back of her dress, she let it fall to the floor. Since the bra was built in and he had already gotten rid of her panties, she was completely naked.
“So lovely.” Reaching out, he traced a finger from between her breasts, up the middle of her breast bone, to her neck. “You’re mine tonight, Stella.”
When his rough, warm fingers encircled her neck, she gasped—and her pussy instantly flood with wetness.
His nose twitched and surprise fleetingly passed over his face. “You want this?” His fingers tightened around her throat.
“Y-yes.” Her nipples tightened in anticipation.
He didn’t tighten further, just held her like that—and watched her face closely. “Stella … my Stella. Mine for tonight.”
Those words sent a shiver down her spine—except for that last part. The “tonight” gnawed at her, but she did her best to ignore it. She was his, that’s all that mattered for now.
Leaning down, he kissed her—hard and rough and bruising. She was caught off guard, but soon gave as good as she got—opening up and spearing her tongue into his mouth to taste him. When he let go and pulled away, she whimpered.
“Lay down on the bed.” The tone of his voice was gentle, but firm enough that she didn’t want to disobey. “On your stomach.”
She did as he ordered, turning her head to one side as she lay down and closed her eyes. In this position, she felt vulnerable and open. Yet she knew there was nothing to worry about. Her heart pounded in her chest in anticipation and not fear.
“God, you’re incredible.” The mattress dipped under his weight as he knelt down, pushing her thighs apart with his knees. “This ass …” His hands cupped her flesh, kneading them and spreading them. “Perfect. And this pussy too.”
She moaned when his finger slipped inside her. “Cliff …”
“Your pussy gripped me so good. Made me come so fast. Faster than I wanted. Haven’t come that hard or fast in a while.” A second finger joined in, pushing in deeper. “But I have all night to make up for it.”
She whimpered as his fingers pumped faster and found herself pushing back at him. Lifting her hips up, his other hand slipped under her and his fingers plucked at her clit. She buried her face in the mattress as she screamed when her orgasm tore through her. As her body shook with pleasure, he quickly covered her body with his, pinning her down.
“That’s just the beginning,” he whispered into her ear. “I told you, I’m gonna make you come all night long.”
“Cliff!” she exclaimed as his cock slipped into her. She was slick enough to accommodate him but the initial burn surprised her, as well as the feeling of fullness. His hands found her wrists and held her down, and no matter how much she struggled, she couldn’t break free. The feeling of being filled with him, under him, captured by him, sent her over the edge with another orgasm.
Still, he didn’t stop. He thrust into her relentlessly, rammed into her deeply and roughly.
“So tight, so good.” His voice and face stuttered as she shuddered with a small orgasm. “This is my pussy. Mine. I own it. I own you,” he said, punctuating the last statement with a hard thrust as he continued to pin her down. “Come for me again, Stella.”
“Oh yes!” She screamed as the pleasure zinged down her spine and made her entire body exploded, white spots appearing in front of her vision. When the sensation returned to her limbs, she let out a sigh.
“Such a good girl.” Pushing her hair aside, he kissed her neck and trailed his mouth down to her shoulder.
Disappointment flooded her as she felt his weight lift off. Turning around, she watched him crawl off the mattress and stand over her. Quickly, he removed his shirt, revealing a wide, muscled chest, tattooed arms, and a ripped set of eight pack abs. His pants were unzipped, white briefs pushed down and his hand was around his long, thick cock that was slick and wet. Stella’s mouth went dry.
“Do you like that, baby? Do you like my cock?”
“Y-yes.” She watched, fascinated as he stroked himself, the tip purple and angry. “Can I …”
“On your knees.”
Her pussy pulsed at his command and she did as he asked.
“Taste yourself on me.”
She reached out and curled her fingers around his slick cock, feeling it throb under her fingers. Bending her head down, she took the tip into her mouth, closing her eyes as she inhaled his drugging scent mixed with hers.
“Look at me, Stella. I wanna see your pretty eyes while you have those lips on my cock.”
Lifting her gaze, she stared up at him, mesmerized by his bright green eyes. Slowly, she licked her tongue around the tip, watching pleasure cross his face. It was empowering, knowing that she was the one making him feel good. She lowered her head, taking more of him in her mouth, keeping the suction strong and steady as she bobbed her head up and down.
“Stella,” he groaned, his fingers digging into her scalp, tugging her hair at the roots. He steadied her rhythm, his hips canting to slide himself in and out of her mouth. “I … ugh …” He pulled out of her. “Too good, baby,” he said in a rough voice. “Now, lay back down.”
She backed up toward the mattress, splaying herself on the bed for him. After discarding the rest of his clothing, he crawled toward her, like an animal inching towards its prey and excitement began to build in her. His large body covered hers, making her feel small and delicate and completely overwhelmed by him.
“Spread those legs … yes.” He settled himself between her thighs, then pushed himself inside her. “That’s it, baby. Feel my cock. That’s my cock going inside you. This is my pussy. For ton?—”
A snarl tore from her lips as she grabbed his head and forced it down on hers. She did not want to hear that word again, refused to think of the implication, the temporary nature of their joining. He was caught off guard for a spilt-second, but soon he took over the kiss, his mouth ravaging hers. His hands caught her wrists again and pinned them down.
“So, my she-wolf can bite,” he murmured against her lips. “That’s okay. I like it when you think you can fight me.” He pushed his hips forward, ramming into her with such force she gasped.
He fucked her with such a savage pace, she couldn’t think. All that mattered was now, and him, inside her, owning and dominating her, drilling her into the mattress. The force of it tore another orgasm from her, quick and sharp and had her hips lifting up to meet his brutal thrusts.
A low, guttural sound vibrated across his chest and a thrill ran up and down her body, knowing he was close. She clenched even tighter around him, then did something that she’d never in her life thought she’d do to another person—sink her teeth into the hard flesh of his neck.
Cliff groaned and punched his hips forward, his cock pulsing within her as he came. The orgasm stirred him into a frenzy, his thrusts erratic, but still sending shocks of pleasure across her body. He cursed and moaned frantically, fucking into her as he filled her with his seed, before he gave one final thrust.
A different kind of pleasure washed over her—contentment and perhaps pride, knowing she’d made him come so hard.
“Fuck,” he groaned. When he tried to withdraw from her, she wrapped her legs around him. “Hmmm … baby, I’m too heavy.”
“I don’t care,” she whispered. His weight on top of her was like a soothing balm. She felt … owned. Possessed. Cherished.
Relenting, he remained on top of her and kissed her ear. “You were so good, baby. So perfect and beautiful.”
Stella sighed and closed her eyes. In his arms, under him, with him still throbbing inside her, she did feel perfect and beautiful.
* * *
Stella was dreaming of talented fingers between her legs and plucking at her nipples. However, at some point, she figured out it wasn’t a dream at all. Her back was pressed up against Cliff’s front, one arm slung over her as his fingers teased her clit and folds.
“Cliff … oh …”
“Come for me, sweetheart.”
His command had apparently been wired into her brain because her body began to shake with pleasure. That only fueled him more, as his fingers rubbed at her center. The orgasm crashed into her hard, and her head spun from the force of it. She had barely recovered when he pushed her onto her back, spread her legs, and entered her in one motion.
She moaned at the delicious friction. Despite the fact that they’d had sex at least half a dozen times already, she still craved his cock. She wrapped her legs around him, trying to get him as deep as she could. He gave a particularly hard thrust that had her shivering in delight and pushing her hips up at him.
“Stella …” His hands came down on her hips, gently gripping her. “Slow down. Just let me …”
Her eyes rolled to the back of her head as he changed his motions.
Steady. Easy. Gentle.
This was nothing like the previous times where the sex was frantic and rough and aggressive. Cliff cradled her in his arms, holding her so close to his chest, she could feel his heartbeat against her cheek. He plunged into her, over and over, and pleasure spread through her with each languid stroke. She wanted him to go deeper and harder, to set a bruising pace, but he didn’t heed her. Instead, he continued his gentle ministrations until she was whimpering with need, right at the edge of her orgasm.
“Cliff, please … I need to come.”
“Do it, sweetheart. Just let go.”
Her body tensed as he pushed her past her limits, past the edge until her orgasm razed through her. She couldn’t remember much—she may have sobbed from the relief of the pleasure. However, she did recall how he wrapped her up in his arms until she fell back asleep.
When she woke up again, she was alone. The room was still dark, but her body knew that it had to be very late in the day. Sitting up, she reached for the bedside lamp to turn it on, then slid off the bed toward the curtains. She pulled at them, and light flooded through the crack, making her recoil. As her eyes slowly adjusted to the brightness, her sleep-hazed brain began to wake up, too, and the first question that came to her mind was, where was Cliff?
She’d been so exhausted that she didn’t wake when he left. She didn’t find a note or anything from him. Maybe he left her a message.
My phone!
She recalled dropping her purse by the door when they got in. Her clothes lay in a pile on the bed, so she grabbed one of the fluffy hotel robes and put on the matching slippers before padding out. “Cliff?” she called.
The most peculiar feeling came over her just before she stepped over the threshold of the living area. She sensed there was a presence there, before she even saw the figure sitting on the couch. “Hey—Jacob?”
“Hey, Stella.” Cliff’s cousin waved casually from where he sat, grinning at her. “Hope you don’t mind; I was starving after my flight.” He gestured to the coffee table, which overflowed with plates of food—a pepperoni pizza, two burgers, a basket of fries, chicken wings, and slices of what appeared to be apple pie and chocolate cheesecake.
“Where’s Cliff—oh!” The smell of the food wafted into her nose, and her stomach gurgled audibly. “Oops. Sorry.”
“You look like you could use a meal.” He waved her over. “Eat. There’s more than enough.”
“Oh, thank the Lord.” She nearly tripped over her hotel slippers as she scampered toward the table. “I’m starving.” She grabbed the first thing she could—a burger—and bit into it, not caring if the juices dripped down her chin. Despite finishing the burger in four bites, her stomach clamored for more, so she reached for the wings.
“Are these—” Her hand dropped to her side, remembering why she came out here in the first place. Wiping her mouth and fingers with a napkin, she turned to Jacob. “Where’s Cliff?”
Jacob had a slice of pizza halfway to his mouth when she asked the question. A guilty look crossed his face as he lowered his hand. “Stella …”
She didn’t need him to say anything else as a pit formed in her stomach.
Cliff left.
“He was only here temporarily,” he reminded her gently. “The office sent me here to replace him.”
“I see.” She wanted to throw up. Or run back to the bedroom and scream. Or maybe even hunt down the coward and scream at him. Anything that could make the deep ache forming in her chest go away.
But she didn’t have the right to go after him. He had made himself clear the first time about not being able to give her anything more than sex. She was the one who started it, insisted on it, practically begged him for one night.
He could have at least said goodbye.
“Stella? You okay? Do you need anything?”
“No, I’m fine.” Though her hunger wasn’t yet sated, she just couldn’t sit here anymore. Not when everything about this place reminded her of him. “I just want to go home.”
“I’ll take you, no worries.” From his sympathetic smile, she guessed he knew what happened between her and Cliff, which made this even more embarrassing. She shot to her feet and turned away from him. “I should get—oh no.” She slapped a hand on her forehead. “I … don’t have any other clothes.” She would never wear that dress again.
“Don’t worry, I got ya. Why don’t you get freshened up, and I’ll find you something from the gift shop? I’ll leave it by the bedroom door.”
“Thanks, Jacob.”
Just as he promised, a paper bag with a sweatsuit and T-shirt waited by the door by the time she finished showering. Clean and dressed in fresh clothes, she went out to the living area.
“I’m ready.”
“My car’s in the parking lot, let’s go.”
Stella was glad Jacob was there to guide her, because she honestly didn’t know if she would have been able to get herself home. She was numb all over, while a deep longing left her feeling hollow inside.
I hardly know him.
Still, that longing persisted, like a throbbing wound. As they walked out of the elevator, she thought she heard a sad yowl somewhere in the distance—then realized it was coming from her. The ache bloomed across her chest, making it difficult to breathe.
“Oh crap.” Jacob scrubbed his palm down his face as he abruptly stopped in the middle of the lobby. “I’m turned around. I can’t remember where I parked. This place is humungous.”
“It happens to all of us, don’t worry.” She managed a small chuckle despite the tightness in her chest. “And casinos do it purposefully to keep you in here. Do you remember anything about where you parked?”
His keen eyes scanned the room, then nodded toward the gilded staircase surrounded by multicolored lights. “I definitely went through the casino.”
“Okay, that’s a start. Why don’t we retrace your steps?”
“Right this way, then.”
She followed him onto the gaming floor, where the sights, sounds, and smells immediately assaulted her senses, sending her reeling back. She’d only been inside one of these places a handful of times in her life, but she’d never reacted this way before. It was as if everything was turned up a hundred percent. The dinging and ringing from the slot machines grated at her ears, and the artificial scent they pumped out made her nauseous. A flash from someone’s phone camera made her stagger back. When she regained her balance, Jacob was nowhere in sight.
Oh Lord.
She guessed he had gone ahead to the parking garage—or got himself even more lost. In any case, she figured he’d probably head to the garage at some point, so she walked off in search of the exit, choosing to stay in one direction. At some point, she would find a door leading out somewhere.
Wait … didn’t I pass that slot machine already?
The lights and sounds around her continued to overwhelm her senses, and Stella realized she was turned around. At this hour, the casino wasn’t packed, and rows and rows of slot machines lay ahead and behind her.
That strange sensation—the one that told her she wasn’t alone—crept back again, making the hairs on the back of her neck bristle. A flicker of fear coursed through her.
Run, something from deep within seemed to tell her.
She whirled around—and was met with darkness.
“No!”
Something—a cloth bag—covered her head. After that, everything happened in a flash. She barely felt the zip ties slinging her wrists and ankles together before she was lifted from the ground.
“Let me go!” She kicked and screamed, trying to get away from her attacker, but he was too strong. Her world turned upside down as she was hoisted over his shoulder, fireman style. Her kidnapper let out a low grunt and shuffled her around, then started walking. Terror and anxiety spiked through her veins and paralyzed her.
A low vibration reverberated across her chest.
Comforting.
Encouraging.
The fear remained in her, but it was contained.
Stay calm. Panicking will make it worse.
Her mind quieted down, and she was able to think more. Though she couldn’t see, she had other senses. She tuned out the other sounds around her and heard the deep breathing of her attacker. It sounded different in a way, not like the last time. Also, his shoulders were much smaller. Was it a different guy?
Finally, she took in a deep breath.
That scent?—
“Put her down, asshole!”
Jacob’s voice sent relief pouring through her. She was being rescued!
“I said, put her down!”
The falling sensation made Stella’s stomach lurch, then she hit the ground. Pain shot up her arm, and she curled up in agony.
“Who the hell?—”
Thump.
Something heavy hit the ground right next to Stella. Before she could even think, she was lifted up again.
Jacob!
Oh Lord, what did he do to Jacob?
What would he do to her?
The minuscule bit of hope she clung to drained out of her, and she went limp in despair as her kidnapper continued his march. A car door unlocked and opened, then he put her on her feet before shoving her inside what she guessed was the backseat. Moments later, an engine revved, and the car began to move.
This was it. She was done for. Tears welled in her eyes, thinking that she would never see her parents again.
And Cliff.
Despite the fact that he left her without saying goodbye, she couldn’t keep him out of her thoughts. How she wanted to see him again one last time.
That deep vibration returned, spreading across her chest and her body. A dizzying feeling came over her, and her skin crawled. The rumble became stronger, louder, and a low growl ripped from her throat.
Stella screamed—but nothing came out of her mouth. When she tried to move, her limbs wouldn’t respond.
What in the?—
Pain shot up her arms and legs as the zip ties grew tighter and cut into her skin. The loud pop, however, told her that they had pulled apart. Her now-free limbs stretched, and what felt like needles began to shoot out of her skin.
“What the—holy fuck!” a muffled voice shouted.
The car screeched to a halt, and Stella careened forward, hitting the front seats. She let out an indignant yowl and ripped the bag covering her face off with her claws.
Claws?
Once out of the confines of the bag and the zip ties, her body continued its transformation. More fur sprung out from her skin, and the rest of her body continued to expand. Stella didn’t even need to struggle—her wolf did all the work. It clawed and twisted around, raising its head toward their attacker. However, they were too late and much too slow—the driver’s side door was already open, and the seat was empty.
The wolf let out an indignant yowl and smashed its giant paws through the door like it was tissue. It lifted its head in the air, catching a familiar scent before darting off.
Up ahead, she saw a figure in black running away from them.
There!
The wolf pushed hard until it caught up to their attacker. It leapt into the air, letting out a roar as it drew nearer.
“No!”
In a blur, the figure in black was gone. Or rather, he had shifted—into a large, blonde wolf.