Chapter 2
Chapter
Two
KEELY
T he mid-afternoon sun hung low in the Alaskan sky, casting a golden light over the snow-covered landscape. It was the time of day Keely loved most—when the world seemed to glow with an ethereal warmth, despite the biting cold that always lingered in the air. Her sleek, white fox form moved effortlessly through the snow, her paws light, barely disturbing the surface as she ran. This was her sanctuary, where she could think, where she could let go.
But today, her thoughts weren’t as free as they usually were. Her mind kept wandering back to the man she’d met earlier that day—Cris Sutton. There was something about him—something beyond how gorgeous, dominant, and sexy he was. Something about the way he seemed so comfortable in the conference room while at the same time giving the air of someone who would be comfortable in any environment. Something that felt… familiar.
She continued to run and then slid to a stop. Could Cris be like her? Like everyone in Otter Cove? A shifter? Was everyone at North Star a shifter, too?
She tried to shake the idea from her mind, knowing that she was just projecting her own desires onto the man. But as she thought back to their meeting, she realized there had been subtle clues—his keen sense of awareness, the way he had seemed to anticipate her movements when they’d spoken. And then there was the moment when their hands brushed, and she’d felt the faintest hint of energy pass between them, something only another shifter could sense.
Keely picked up her pace and headed back to her cabin, her fox form dissolving in a swirling mist as she entered and shifted back into her human body. Her dark hair cascaded down her back, and she stood barefoot in her kitchen, lost in thought. She shivered slightly as the chilled air kissed her skin.
Cris Sutton. The more she thought about it, the surer she became he was a shifter. Could he be like her? Maybe not a fox, but something else. A wolf? A bear? Or perhaps something else altogether. If Cris was a shifter, it would explain the connection she’d felt. And yet, she wasn’t sure if she was ready to confront him, to ask. Revealing her own nature was risky, even to someone who might share it.
The warmth of the indoors began to seep into her body, chasing away the chill, but her thoughts of Cris—of what he might be—lingered, unresolved. Before heading into the shower, she grabbed her robe and checked her computer. An email from Warren. Taking a deep breath and exhaling it slowly, she opened it.
S ubject: Important Company Update
Keely,
I wanted to inform you ahead of the official announcement that Schultz’s Toys has been sold to Vanguard Holdings. We will be undergoing significant changes in the coming months, including restructuring of our design team. I know this may come as a shock, but we’ll provide more details soon.
Best regards,
Warren Schultz
V anguard? That soulless shell of a company? Keely guessed she didn’t need to worry about whether or not she would try and show Cris Sutton some of her own designs. Most of the things she’d shown him today were part of her work at Schultz Toys, but Warren had hated the dragon and had refused to put money into her idea about an interactive program. The IT guys, however, had loved the idea and had been working on it on their own time. Her plan had been, once it was ready, to show it to Warren again and hope he would get behind it. If Cris liked it, maybe she could sell it to North Star instead.
Later, as she stood in front of the antique floor mirror, Keely couldn’t remember the last time she had felt this jittery, smoothing the wrinkles from her little black dress. It had been a splurge the last time she’d been in Seattle. It had called her name from a Nordstrom’s window display, and she had heeded its siren’s call. Her reflection stared back at her, wide-eyed, a mix of nerves and excitement bubbling inside her chest.
She told herself she was a vision of feminine allure. Her dark auburn hair framed her face, highlighting her sparkling eyes and full, pink lips. Her curves were accentuated by the figure-hugging dress that showcased her hourglass shape, with ample cleavage on display. She had a playful, adventurous spirit that seemed to have taken over from the moment she laid eyes on Cris.
Her nerves were brushed away when she answered the door. His eyes lit up, and he said, “Wow. Just wow.”
The evening started innocently enough, and dinner was delicious and tantalizing, filled with a subtle undercurrent of heat that left her mind in a fog. Otter Cove might be a small town, but the Otter Cove Inn had an excellent restaurant. As they ate, she couldn’t help occasionally glancing at Cris’s lap and had to stop herself from licking her lips. She wondered if he had any idea that she relished the thought of submitting to a man like him as the women did in the romance novels she loved, especially the ones with dominant men.
As he walked her to the door, Keely decided to do something out of character for her, hoping that if she made the first move, he would pick up the ball and run with it.
“Would you like to come in for a glass of wine?” she asked as she unlocked the door.
"I'm not much of a wine drinker," Cris said, his deep voice filling the space around them. "I prefer something with a bit more kick."
Keely's eyes lit up with mischief. "Oh, I think I might have just the thing. I've got some local microbrews in the fridge. They're quite strong, but they go down smoothly."
Cris raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Sounds perfect. Lead the way, beautiful."
She led him inside. The cozy atmosphere of Keely's cabin was the perfect setting for a drink and maybe more. The cabin, with its charm and warm wooden tones, seemed to envelop them in a sensual embrace as soon as they stepped inside.
Feeling a surge of arousal, she led Cris into the kitchen. The cabin's open floor plan meant the kitchen was just a few steps away, and the rustic, wooden countertops and shelves added to the intimate ambiance. She reached into the fridge and pulled out two bottles, their labels promising a potent brew.
It started with a kiss—she’d stood up from grabbing the microbrews to find him standing right behind her. His lips had brushed hers, soft at first, testing, then firmer as he deepened it, pulling her close with a possessiveness that left her weak at the knees. Keely’s heart raced as his hands slid down her sides, his touch setting her skin on fire through her thin, black dress.
Somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew this was moving fast, too fast, but her overwhelming arousal and need to be with him drowned out her logic. Cris’s mouth on her neck, his fingers tangling in her hair, his breath warm against her ear—it was all too much. She had wanted him from the moment she’d laid eyes on him, and now, here they were, the desire between them tangible and undeniable.
When he lifted his head, she handed him a bottle, their fingers touched, and a spark of electricity shot through them both. Cris's eyes narrowed, and a sultry grin lifted the corners of his mouth as he took it, his fingers brushing against hers deliberately. He twisted off the cap and took a long swallow.
"Mmm, that hits the spot," he murmured, his voice low and husky. "Careful, it's strong."
Keely took a tentative sip, her eyes widening at the powerful flavor. "I know. I’m the one who gave it to you. Kind of hits you like a freight train, doesn't it?"
Cris stepped closer, his body invading her personal space. "Hard, fast, and leaves you a little breathless," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear.
Keely shivered, her nipples hardening against the fabric of her dress. She turned to face him, her eyes locking with his. "Hard, fast, and breathless. I think I'd like that," she said, her voice steady despite the desire coursing through her veins. Keely's heart raced as she imagined Cris taking her from behind, his powerful body driving into her.
Cris's grin grew wider, and he placed his bottle on the counter with deliberate slowness. "Would you now? I think I can accommodate that."
He didn’t wait for her to answer but took her microbrew, set it on the counter, then tossed her over his shoulder and carried her into the bedroom. It helped that the bedroom was right off the kitchen through a large, open archway. Her antique brass bed, with its colorful quilt, beckoned to them.
Cris laid Keely down on the bed, his eyes never leaving hers. Standing over her, the chandelier that hung over her bed cast a shadow of his muscular frame across her body. He slowly began to undress. Keely's breath caught in her throat as she watched him reveal his broad shoulders, chiseled torso, muscular arms, and rippling abs. His hands went to his belt, and with a swift motion, he unbuckled it, letting his jeans slide down his thighs, revealing black boxer briefs that strained to contain his impressive erection.
"Oh my god, you're gorgeous," Keely breathed, her eyes fixed on the bulge in his underwear.
Cris chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound. "No, baby, you’re the one who’s beautiful, all wrapped up in that dress like a pretty present I’ve been wanting to open all night."
He stepped out of his jeans and kicked them aside, then hooked his thumbs under the waistband of his briefs, slowly lowering them, revealing his thick, veined cock. It stood proudly, already glistening with pre-cum at the tip. Keely's mouth watered at the sight, and she licked her lips in anticipation.
"You're huge," she whispered, her eyes wide.
Cris crawled onto the bed, his eyes never leaving hers as he loomed over her. "No, baby, I’m just the right size to fill you up."
Keely's heart was pounding in her chest, her body trembling with desire. She wanted to feel every inch of him inside her, to be claimed by this powerful man. She spread her legs invitingly, her dress riding up her thighs, revealing her lace panties.
Cris leaned down, his lips capturing hers in a passionate kiss. His tongue invaded her mouth, demanding and possessive, mirroring the way she was sure he intended to take her body. Keely moaned into his mouth, her hands threading through his hair, pulling him closer. She could taste the beer on his tongue, mixed with the wild, primal essence of the man himself.
Cris broke the kiss, trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses down her neck, leaving a trail of wetness and desire. His hands roamed over her body, cupping her breasts, squeezing and kneading them through the fabric of her dress. Keely arched her back, pushing her chest into his hands, craving more.
With a swift motion, Cris removed the dress from her body, leaving her in just her lace panties and bra. He unhooked her bra with nimble fingers, freeing her full, heavy breasts. Keely's nipples were already hard and aching, the peaks dark and swollen. Cris bent down and took one nipple into his mouth, sucking and teasing it with his tongue, while his fingers pinched and rolled the other.
Keely moaned in absolute ecstasy—this was the kind of thing she’d always dreamed about.
Cris lavished attention on her sensitive buds, his mouth and fingers working in tandem to drive her wild. Keely's hands gripped the sheets, her hips undulating as waves of pleasure coursed through her.
"Fuck, your nipples are sweet," Cris murmured against her skin. “Let’s see how the rest of you tastes.”
Cris hooked his fingers under the waistband of her panties and slowly slid them down her legs, his eyes feasting on her naked form. He made a place for himself between her legs, burying his face between her thighs, his tongue finding her clit, swirling and flicking it with expert precision. Keely's hips bucked wildly as she cried out, her juices flowing freely, coating Cris's tongue and beard.
"That's it, baby, come for me," he growled, his voice muffled against her pussy.
Keely's orgasm hit her like an avalanche, her body shaking uncontrollably as she called his name, tangling her fingers in his hair. He lapped at her eagerly, drinking in her essence, his tongue never slowing until she was writhing and spent.
"That was incredible," she panted, her eyes glazed with pleasure.
Cris smiled, his face glistening with her juices. "We're just getting started, sweetheart. Now, it’s my turn."
He moved back up her body—kissing, licking, and nipping as he went until he positioned himself between her legs, his thick shaft pressing against her wet slit. Keely spread herself wide, eager for him to fill her. With one powerful thrust, Cris buried himself deep inside her, possessing her completely.
Giving her a moment to adjust to his size, Cris then began to move, his hips pumping in a steady rhythm, his cock sliding in and out of her slick heat. He gripped her thighs, spreading her wide, giving him even deeper access. Keely's eyes rolled back in her head as pleasure overwhelmed her, her nails digging into his back as she clung to him.
"You like that, don’t you, baby?” Cris growled, his voice rough with desire.
Keely was too far gone to manage words, so she moaned.
Taking that for a yes, Cris obliged, picking up the pace, his hips slamming into hers with abandon. The bed creaked and groaned with each powerful thrust, the headboard banging against the wall, adding to the erotic symphony. Keely's body trembled, her orgasm building again, fueled by the intensity of their coupling.
"Come with me, Keely," Cris grunted, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps. "I want to feel your pussy milk my cock."
Keely's body tightened around him, her inner walls pulsing and clenching as another orgasm ripped through her. Cris roared as he felt her climax, his own release building to an explosive peak. With one final, powerful thrust, he emptied himself into her, his hot cum filling her up, their bodies moving as one in a symphony of ecstasy.
They lay entangled in each other's arms, their hearts racing and their bodies slick with sweat and cum. The evening's passion had been more intense than either of them had anticipated, but it was exactly what they both needed.
As they caught their breath, Keely smiled up at Cris, her eyes sparkling with contentment. "That was... incredible. I've never been fucked like that before."
Cris grinned, his dark eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Glad to be of service, beautiful. And I'm not done with you yet. I plan on making you come a few more times before the night is through."
Keely's eyes widened, a mixture of excitement and anticipation. "Oh, I can't wait. But first, I think we should finish those beers. I have a feeling we're both going to need them."
They laughed. It was clear that this night was just the beginning of something fiery and wild. It was like nothing she’d ever experienced—intense, primal, and overwhelming. Cris was dominant, commanding, his movements confident, and every moment left her gasping for more. The cabin was filled with the sounds of their passion, the world outside forgotten.
K eely awoke slowly the next morning, the warmth of the soft sheets surrounding her as the early morning light filtered through her curtains. For a moment, she lay still, her body still humming from the night before, a languid satisfaction settling in her bones.
But when she reached out beside her, the space next to her was empty. The sheets were cold, the imprint of his body already fading.
Her heart sank, an uneasy feeling creeping up her chest. She sat up, pulling the sheet around her as she looked around the room. The clothes that had been strewn across the floor were gone, and there, on the nightstand, a small note sat folded neatly.
Keely’s stomach twisted as she reached for it, her fingers trembling slightly as she unfolded the paper.
Keely, something urgent came up. I had to leave early. Last night was... unexpected, but I don’t regret it. I’ll be in touch. – Cris.
She stared at the words, her mind trying to process the mixed emotions swirling inside her. I’ll be in touch? The casual tone of it stung more than she expected. Was this just a fling to him? A one-night indulgence in the middle of his business trip? Well, what had she expected? It wasn’t like she’d made it difficult for him.
Aggravated, she tossed the note back on the nightstand, pulling the sheet tighter around her as she stared at the empty bed. What had she been thinking? Letting herself get swept away like that, caught up in the intensity of it all. Now, in the quiet light of morning, the high from their encounter had faded, leaving only questions—and an ache she hadn’t anticipated. She had no idea where things stood between them now, but one thing was certain: Cris Sutton had walked out of her life as quickly as he had entered it, leaving her with nothing but confusion and the lingering warmth of his touch.