CHAPTER SEVEN

 

 

Sara huffed out a breath and flipped the case file closed. This was ridiculous. Why would Randy assign her an open and shut case of suicide? She needed a complicated homicide if she was going to erase the images of Seth traipsing through her mind.

She had fantasized about his lips for the past hour. Their perfectly contoured shape and how incredible they felt pressed against hers. The way they were both hard and soft at the same time.

Damn it! Sara dropped her head into her hands. She needed something intriguing that she could lose herself in before she lost her mind.

She didn’t hear footsteps or his voice, but then Seth was that silent when he moved and not much of a conversationalist. Besides, she wasn’t exactly expecting him. She glanced at the time. It was only four. She had another two hours before she could call it quits. So why did she feel his energy? What the hell?

His energy stroked her gift with a lovers touch. The sensation grew stronger and more intense with each tick of the clock on the wall. Her gift and body heralded the fact that he was getting closer, long before she saw him. Sara sucked in a breath. He oozed danger and sexual intent. She couldn’t decide if she should shoot him and end her misery or tear his clothes off and have her way with him.

Seth walked right into her office and closed the door. He rounded the desk and leaned in. Close. So close her lungs filled with his cologne. The fragrance was exotic but subtle. Just a hint of temptation. Enough to draw her closer so he could pull her into his web or should she say lair? No, his den. Great now her mind was tripping over itself.

He was much too potent to be this close when they were in public. A few strands of his hair slipped past his shoulders to hang between them. The silken threads tickled her arm. She didn’t have a prayer of maintaining her composure, if he didn’t keep all that wonderful hair contained. Where the hell is his leather thong?

Seth grinned at her and held out the thin strip of leather. Be my guest.

Sara reached behind his neck and smoothed his long dark hair into a semblance of a ponytail and pulled the thong tight. She tried to look away, but his bright, burnished gold eyes, held her spellbound.

Sara’s treacherous hand reached up, wrapped around the back of his neck and pulled him to within a breath of kissing her. Her gaze dropped to those perfect lips she’d just spent hours daydreaming about. What the hell was wrong with her?

His breath hitched, and her gaze jumped from his lips to his eyes. The amber glow was so brilliant she squinted at the brightness and swore she felt heat coming from his gaze. Her eyes widened, and she sucked in a breath when a vision of what he wanted to do to her played through her mind. Seth wanted her naked and beneath him, as he made her come apart in his arms.

“It’s time to go home.” His lips brushed hers seductively with each syllable.

“You must have read the clock wrong. I still have two hours.”

“Not today. I ran into your boss at the front desk. When I told him I was taking you to dinner, he declared you should take the rest of the day off.” Seth kissed her and grinned. “I think he likes me.”

“Sure he does,” she said sarcastically. “The guys in the department have a running bet on if I’m straight or gay. I know for a fact, Randy is the only one who bet I was straight. He’s about to collect a nice little payout with your declaration.”

Seth’s brows rose. “Why the hell would they all think you were gay?”

“It may have something to do with the fact that I have turned down every single guy on the force. Hell, I had to discourage a few married ones.”

“So you have discerning taste in men. How does that make you gay?”

“You don’t know cop’s very well. Most have huge ego’s and believe every woman should swoon over them.”

“I wouldn’t know the predilections of modern police officers, seeing as I’ve been a hermit for a century. So, I will take your word for it. That still doesn’t mean they aren’t idiots.”

“Exactly. Now, why don’t you kiss me already so Randy can collect his winnings.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Seth kissed her until she was dizzy.

“Come on.” He tucked his arm under her legs and lifted her into his arms.

“What are you doing?” she hissed, but snuggled closer, as he turned the knob and opened her door.

“I’m guaranteeing Randy wins the betting pool,” he whispered against her ear. “Besides, I always liked that scene in An Officer and a Gentleman.”

“What is it with you and old TV and movie references?”

“Although, I lived a simple life in that mountain cabin I treated myself to a solar generator, a TV, video machine, and antennae. I only had the basic local channels, but it was enough to get shows like Colombo. Once a week when I went to town for supplies, I would purchase a movie for my collection. An Officer and a Gentleman was one of my favorites and something I aspired to.”

“That explains a few things.”

 

 

At Seth’s house and back in his arms, Sara used the keys he’d handed her to reach down and unlock his front door and turn the knob. He pushed through, and hip-checked it closed. Turning her to the security pad, he growled, “Reset the system.”

She rolled her eyes and punched in his code. “You can put me down now.”

“I think not,” he whispered into Sara’s ear before claiming her lips, pleased when she willingly surrendered. He’d intended his kiss to be light and reassuring. Instead, it was nothing short of a claiming. Her claiming of him, that is. Sara thoroughly owned him as if they had completed the ritual. She shoved her hands deep into his hair, kissing him with such passion, she left him quivering with need. With that one kiss, their mate stamped her ownership on their heart and soul.

Seth lifted his head, and Fang moved to the forefront of his mind. Together, they soaked in the sight of their mate. Sara’s skin smelled like the sweetest caramels ever imagined. That combined with the scent of her arousal was intoxicating. Through the thin cotton of her blouse, her nipples pressed forward. She wanted them.

“What are you looking at? Do I have something on my face?” she raised her hand to brush her cheeks.

His lips twitched with amusement and then broke into a smile. “I’m admiring the most beautiful woman in the world who has managed to make me whole again.”

They held each other's gaze. He could get lost in her eyes.

Fang chuffed his agreement.

Seth heard her thoughts. Her mind quickly ruffled through multiple subjects. The fear she felt over the danger they were in, the pain of losing her brother, and finally how much she wanted him. He smiled when she decided that she wanted him in her bed. He was more than ready to make her desires a reality.

Sara rubbed Seth’s stubbled jaw, enjoying the rough shadowy bristle against the tender skin of her hand. He turned his head to kiss her palm.

“Kiss me again, Seth,” she whispered and closed her eyes.

In the dim glow of the setting sun streaming through the windows, without the glare of overhead lights, she watched his eyes brighten and shine with desire.

“Say that again,” he demanded, his voice a deep rumble, edged with a growl.

“Kiss me.”

Seth watched her soft mouth form the words with absolute fascination. He didn’t hesitate. There was no way in hell he would give her time to change her mind. His head lowered and his mouth took hers. Urgent. Hungry.

Sara responded in kind, shoving her hands into his hair, returning the kiss with an intensity that made Fang rumbled in Seth’s chest.

His hair was thick and soft. Not surprisingly, it made her think of a wolf’s pelt. Her fingers found the leather thong on his ponytail and pulled it loose. Long, dark waves of hair fell free. The hard, defined muscles of his chest rose and fell. She pulled back for a moment to catch her breath and look at his face so close to her own. Seth’s features were angular, almost as if carved by an artisan, and totally masculine. She liked the look of him. Seth wasn’t a pretty boy or modern man. He was a hardened warrior of old. He wore strength and integrity like a suit of clothing custom designed by a master tailor.

She parted her lips and took his again, allowing his tongue to sweep inside and tangle with hers.

Seth kissed her deeply, alternating between exploring her mouth hungrily and dancing his tongue against hers. Damn, the man could kiss. She swallowed the low moan that escaped his lips, then pulled his head gently until it was just where she wanted it, and angled her own for better access.

His mouth was pure heaven. She wanted to lose herself in the bliss and forget every ugly detail of Grant’s death. The instant the thought crossed her mind a strong sensation of love wrapped around her. She knew the feeling was love because her heart bloomed and somehow she intuitively discerned she was unconditionally accepted just the way she was. The waves of emotion were sweet. Tender. Soothing. She hadn’t realized she needed comforting, yet Seth somehow knew.

Seth lifted his head a scant inch. His gaze drifted over her love-flushed face. Then he kissed her again. Tingles of energy swept his body. A flush of desire washed over him. His body roared to life.

Fang rumbled and rubbed against the edge of Seth’s mind wanting to do the same to Sara.

They wanted their mate with every cell of their being. He didn’t bother to hide how badly his body craved hers.

He was dizzy and breathless when he pulled away. “Tell me you want me.”

Sara opened her heavy-lidded eyes. “I want you.”

“Thank God.” He wasted no time getting her to the bedroom, dropping her legs, and lowering her feet to the floor.

Seth blazed kisses to the pulse beating in her throat. Her heart raced beneath his seeking lips. She tasted of caramel, vanilla, and desire. Nightmarish visions of her bloody, broken body had plagued him the entire day. To his relief, their mate was alive and unharmed. The rogue hadn’t taken her from him and Fang. He had to keep reminding himself over and over that nothing had happened to her and his worries had been nothing more than that. Just worries.

Sara’s moan sent tendrils of energy straight to his cock. He pulled her flush against his body, tucking her against him.

Her small hands gripped his shoulders and flexed like cats claws.

Fang all but purred.

With the little breathy sounds from her lips, his breathing grew rougher.

“Sara,” he groaned.

“Hmm?”

He kissed his way along her collarbone. “You’re wearing far too much clothing.”

She was a woman with a spine of steel, tougher than most men he’d met, but right then she was a delicate, fragile human woman. The one and only for him and Fang. He wanted to throw her to the bed. Vanish her clothing and bury himself in her heat. But she deserved loving that was slow and sweet. So, he held his animalistic nature in check.

She tipped her head aside, exposing her neck to his attentions. “I could say the same about you.”

Fang rumbled in his chest. The vibration catching her attention.

She lifted her head and stared into his eyes. “What was that?”

“Fang is delighted to have you in my arms. That’s his way of voicing his pleasure.”

“Good. For a moment I thought you might eat me or something.”

He backed her to the bed. “I assure you, mon amour, there will be eating involved but of a satisfying nature.”

Seth sat on the edge and pulled her down next to him. He pulled off his boots. Her shoes hit the floor. Socks quickly followed.

He closed his eyes and reveled in her scent. Letting it wash over him and calm his lust. He had to take this first time with Sara slow and easy, or he would scare her away.

“Is this mate thing as weird for you as it is for me?” she asked in a shy voice.

Seth considered that for a moment. “Yes and no.” He smiled at the frown of confusion on her face. Taking her hand, he turned toward her. “I’m not used to having anyone around but Fang. So in that sense, it is. I have to relearn how to be a part of society. But you have given me back so much of what I’d lost, and you complete me in every way. So no, it isn’t weird, it’s wonderful.”

She turned to face him. Very quietly she asked, “Do you ever wish I wasn’t your mate?”

He cupped her face, gliding his thumb across her cheek. “Not for a moment,” he told her, the utter sincerity of his answer ringing loud and clear. “If you truly knew my life before you became a part of it, you would believe me without question. One day soon, I’ll show it to you, and you’ll understand.”

Sara shook her head and chuckled softly. “You must really like trouble. I’m sure there will be a lot more before we kill the rogue. Are you sure you want to deal with that?”

“You don’t cause trouble, you bring excitement, and I wouldn’t miss a single minute of it.”

Seth got to his feet and held out his hand. He had some undressing to do. On Sara that is, and he intended to enjoy every second of the unwrapping.

She accepted his offered palm and rose to stand right in front of him. He tugged her shirt loose from her slacks and slid one of his hands under the blouse she wore. Her bare skin was as warm and soft as he expected and only served to excite him more.

Fang growled. Get on with it already.

Keep your fur on and enjoy the experience. We only get one first time with our mate.

At least get to the good parts. I can’t wait to see all of the curves she hides under that hideous suit.

If all you’re going to do is whine and criticize go back to sleep.

Fang harrumphed and laid right behind Seth’s eyes waiting for the moment he saw his mate in all her glory.

Seth slid his hands along her smooth sides, as Sara worked on the buttons of his shirt. Her fingers trembled slightly as she unbuttoned them. He scanned her mind only long enough to verify the quivering was from excitement and not second thoughts.

Sara popped the last button and ran her hands over his bare chest. His body trembled in anticipation. Then God have mercy, she leaned forward, swirled her tongue around his nipple, and nipped at his skin with her blunt human teeth.

“I don’t bite. Much,” she murmured between kisses and licks.

Seth sucked in a sharp breath when her fingers skimmed his rock hard length. “What’s the fun in that? I like it when you bite me.”

“Really? Hmm.”

Her hands slipped over his shoulders and underneath his shirt to push it off and down his arms until it dropped to the floor. She ran her hands over the muscular curves of his chest. The dark hair felt soft beneath her questing hands. Every touch, every stroke sent delicious quivers throughout his body. She liked having that effect on him. “Do all shifter males have soft chest hair like yours?”

Seth frowned. “I have no idea. I’m not of the mind to pet other men. And I don’t care for your interest in them either.”

“Jealous much?”

“Absolutely. You’re mine. Anything you want or need I will provide. You don’t need to think about other males.”

“Hmm. I’m not sure if I like your caveman attitude, but to put your mind at ease, I’ll promise to not touch other men as long as you’re here.”

Seth scowled, and a growl rumbled in his chest. “Be careful, woman. I’ve never killed a human male, but there is a first for everything.”

She leaned in again and gave his chest a lick. Then her hand slid to the waistband of his pants. “Settle down. I was only teasing.”

His cock jumped and thickened at her touch. She flicked the buttons open one by one. Seth was old school in so many ways, even preferring buttons to zippers. When she popped the last, his hands dropped to his leathers. With his gaze locked on hers, he eased them from his hips and down his legs.

Commando! Sara licked her lips. Seth was built all over. “Can I touch you?” she asked, her voice husky and breathless.

He answered by placing her palm over his straining length.

She closed her fingers around him and stroked slowly from base to tip.

Seth’s head fell back on his shoulders. “Jesus, that feels good.”

Sara yelped. Out of nowhere, she was completely naked. “Shit. You scared me. I’ve never had my clothes disappear like that.”

Seth raised his head and opened his eyes. “Get used to it. I like you naked and plan to have you that way as often as possible.”

A loud rumble and excited yip exploded from Seth’s lips.

Sara jumped for a second time. “What the hell is with the dog speak?”

Seth shook his head in obvious disappointment. “Fang has no game when it comes to women. That was his knucklehead way of showing appreciation and telling you he thinks you’re beautiful.”

“Oh. I guess I’ll take that as a compliment. Tell him, next time to just bring flowers and chocolate.”

Seth chuckled. “Fang heard you and apologizes for his juvenile behavior.” He palmed the weight of her right breast and gently kneaded. With his left hand, he wound his fingers in her hair and gently pulled her head to the side so he could kiss, suckle, and gently nip her neck.

“I’ll give you ten minutes to stop that,” Sara moaned.

“Mmm.”

He took his time. Kissed his way to the swell of her breast. His whiskery jaw rasped against her tender flesh making her shiver with need.

Sara gripped his shoulders for support. Her head spun so badly she was dizzy. Then he took her right nipple into the moist heat of his mouth, and she let out a little moan. When she was sure her legs would give out, he wrapped his arm around her waist and swept up her legs with the other.

“We need to take this to the bed,” he said. His voice deepened by desire, with a growl emphasizing each word. He made short work of the few feet separating him from his goal. Easily supporting her weight, he gazed into her eyes. “Wrap your legs around my waist.”

Seth waited for Sara to comply before kneeling on the end of the bed and carrying her to the center. There, he captured her lips again and slowly, ever so slowly, lowered their bodies to the mattress. He leveraged his weight on his arms, braced himself on his elbow, and rested his chin on one palm. Then gazed at her for a long moment.

“What?” she whispered.

“You’re absolutely gorgeous,” he answered matter-of-factly.

She gave him a less than convinced look.

Seth leaned in and kissed her then he whispered against her lips, “Give me time, and I will make you a believer.” He backed up enough to feast on her breast, laving the tight little bud of her nipple. He took the lush mound into his mouth, flattened her nipple between his tongue and the roof of his mouth, and hummed. Sara moaned and ran her fingers through his hair, grazing his scalp with her nails.

Seth ran one hand down the smooth curve of her hip and thigh. How did she manage to feel soft and firm at the same time? His hand glided around to massage her firm cheek and then dipped between her legs to find the sensitive bundle of nerves. With each stroke over the tiny nub, he rocked her against him.

“Seth,” Sara panted.

“I’ve got you, baby.” He closed his teeth around her nipple gently, just enough to cause pleasure but no pain. “Let me make you feel good. Let me show you how I feel about you.”

She gasped and her hips bucked.

“That’s it, mon amour, feel how good we are together. How good we will always be together,” he murmured the oath between licks and kisses to her breasts and then slowly kissed his way down her body.

With his hands and mouth, he memorized every inch of his mate.

Fang surged forward to get a lick of her belly. Savoring her caramel flavor before Seth pushed him back.

Stay back you pervert. You can meet Sara and her wolf when she’s ready.

It’s not perverted when it’s your mate you oaf.

She may be your mate, but wolves and humans do not get it on. That’s just sick. You can get freaky with her wolf all you want but don’t ever try that again. Do you understand me? Seth demanded.

Yes, I understand you. Fang pouted and whined, This is so unfair.

“Seth? Is something wrong?”

“No, cher. I just had to set a few things straight with Fang. I’ll explain later.”

He continued his trail to her treasure. His blood thundered in his ears and rushed from his head straight to his groin. She was so incredible, sexy, and his.

Seth nuzzled her tummy, traced her hip, then lower still between her legs. He felt her muscles bunch and dance beneath his touch. She parted her thighs for him, giving him access to her heat. He took a slow, savoring lick.

He lifted his face and licked the caramel honey from his lips. “I knew you would be delicious. I’m going to eat you up until you come apart for me. I want every drop of your arousal.”

Sara hadn’t believed a shifter would ever appeal to her, but she had been profoundly wrong. Seth was the best lover she’d ever had. And God help her, ever would have. Not that she would admit that to him. She wasn’t ready to acknowledge her defeat.

A sharp breath filled her lungs, her abdomen tightened, and hips bucked.

“Seth!” Her fingers curled, and nails dug into his scalp. Her mind was fogged to the point she didn’t consider she might be hurting him. When she bucked a second time, he gripped her hip, pinning her in place and continued worshiping her body.

“You’re so sweet on my tongue. I’ll never get enough of you,” Seth punctuated each word with a lick.

Fang, or at least she assumed it was Fang, rumbled in agreement.

She was an electrical storm waiting to erupt. Good lord, would his house go up in flames when she orgasmed? Should she point out the possible danger to Seth and make him stop? Fuck no. She would die from unsatisfied need if he stopped.

Her breath came in ragged gasps as he took her higher. He added a finger, and she lost control of her gift. Tendrils of electricity slipped past the internal walls of the confines she’d erected as a child. Mini lightning bolts lit the room but thankfully dissipated without causing damage.

“Seth, you have to stop, or I’m going to burn your house down.”

“Come for me, mon amour. I’ll control the electricity.”

“How—” The question was wiped from her mind when he flicked her clit and fireworks exploded before her eyes.

“You’re so beautiful when you come apart for me,” Seth panted, his breath puffing warm air over her trembling thighs.

The honesty in his voice rang true in her ears. He thinks I’m pretty?

“A flower is pretty. A young girl is pretty. You, mon amour, are beautiful.”

“Are you reading my mind?” Sara demanded.

“Not on purpose, but you tend to think loudly.”

“Well, don’t listen.”

Seth rose to his knees and began to move to her side. “I’m sorry, Sara. I’ll try to comply with your wishes.”

“Where the hell are you going?”

Seth stopped and cocked his head. “To lay next to you? I hoped to hold you while you sleep, but I can return to the couch if you prefer.”

“If you don’t finish what you started, I won’t be held liable for what I do to you,” she growled and glanced at the drawer that held her handgun.

“Are you sure you want to make love with me when you feel so strongly about being claimed?”

“Having sex does not a claiming make.”

“That’s true.” Seth nodded. “I was attempting to respect your wishes, mon coeur. It appears I misunderstood. But I feel I should relieve you of a misconception. A shifter never has something as insipid as ‘just sex’ with his mate. He makes love to her. And trust me, Sara, I will be making love to you.” He moved between her thighs again and was about to ask if she was absolutely sure when she wrapped her legs around him and pulled him against her core.