CHAPTER TWO

 

Dane was well pleased with his mate. She'd been afraid and that had upset his wolf greatly. He had smelled her fear, but Shana had overcome it and was going to give him a chance. He was elated and determined to do everything in his power to win her over. He'd take it as slow as she needed him to because losing her was not an option.

He guided her with a hand on her lower back, the need to touch her too great to resist. Once they entered the suite he barely noticed what it looked like. His sole focus was on the woman who darted across the room to look out the sliding doors at the cityscape. "This view is incredible," she said and turned to him with a nervous smile.

Tearing his eyes away from her, he noticed a seating area on the balcony. "Would you like to sit outside and enjoy it?" He asked in the hopes that it would help her relax.

She looked relieved and agreed, "I'd love to."

"Can I get you a drink?" He queried as she slid the glass door open.

"I've had enough alcohol, but water would be nice."

"Water it is," he agreed and grabbed two bottles from the mini-fridge behind the bar. The alcohol in his system had already metabolized, and a clear head was definitely called for now. The last thing he wanted to do was frighten her away. He walked out onto the balcony and sat the bottles on the table.

Shana was standing at the railing and she turned to face him, a smile curving those luscious lips that he ached to taste. The wind caught her hair, lifting it up and around her. The sunlight revealed subtle shades of red and gold mingled throughout the sable tresses. Her pale green eyes shone like sunlight on a crystal sea.

His mate really was stunning.

She cocked her head to the side and asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Because you're the most beautiful sight I've ever laid eyes on," he confessed as he moved to the rail beside her.

After a moment of stunned silence, she laughed and shook her head slightly. "You did it again."

"Did what?"

"Said the perfect thing," Shana assured him.

"I just told the truth," he admitted and flashed her a smile. "It's a nasty habit that gets me into trouble on occasion."

"I can't imagine how."

He shrugged and added, "People don't always like hearing the truth."

"I do. Even if it hurts," she admitted and when her smile dimmed he knew she was thinking about her ex.

Shifters were possessive creatures by nature. His wolf would not tolerate her thinking of another man. Dane reminded the beast that Shana didn't know she was theirs yet. And he vowed to wipe all thoughts of any other man from her mind. That pacified both man and beast. "I'll never hurt you," he swore and trailed his fingers down her silken cheek again.

"Don't make promises you can't keep," she warned in a tone far too serious for his liking.

"I don't," he assured her and took her hand in his. "I swear that I will never hurt you, Shana." He couldn't. Because doing so would plunge a dull blade into his own heart. Not to mention that he never broke a sworn oath. Never had, never would.

"I'll hold you to that," she said in amusement and sank down into one of the chairs, slid her shoes off and curled her feet beneath her.

He sat as well and queried, "Do you have plans for the rest of the day?"

"Aside from drowning my sorrows in alcohol, you mean?" Shana asked ruefully. "I'll probably wind up eating a carton of ice cream and feeling sorry for myself at some point."

"Would you spend the day with me?" He asked hopefully.

***

Shana didn't even have to think about it. Mainly because there was no place that she'd rather be. "I'd like that," she agreed.

His brilliant smile assured her that she'd made the right decision. "Excellent. Now, what would you like for lunch? Room service or should we order in?" Dane queried.

"How about Chinese?" She suggested.

"Perfect," he agreed and pulled out his phone to place their order.

By the time lunch was over her nervousness was completely gone. Dane was the perfect gentleman and he seemed to delight in touching her. Nothing inappropriate. Just those gentle strokes to her cheek or holding her hand. It was all very proper and felt like an old-fashioned courtship.

They talked for hours about everything and nothing. She had shared more with him than she ever had with Lawrence. Then again, she'd never felt this comfortable with her ex. The strangest part was that Shana had been friends with her former fiancé for years before they started dating and she didn't even know Dane's last name.

Somehow it didn't seem to matter that up until this morning they had been complete strangers. Because in the course of one afternoon, he had become a trusted friend. And she did trust him. He was so sincere that it was impossible not to. The man seemed to genuinely want to know her and he hung on her every word.

It was flattering as hell.

Of course, she'd learned a great deal about him as well and had been fascinated by every detail. By mutual unspoken agreement, neither of them had mentioned the reason why they'd been in a bar that early in the morning. Their exes didn't need to be brought into the conversation. This time was just for them.

"Are you an alpha?" Shana asked curiously. They had gravitated to the sofa inside the suite after lunch. She sat sideways with her legs curled up beneath her while Dane was facing her, his fingertips absently tracing an abstract design on her shoulder. She was getting addicted to the wonderful tingles his touch inspired.

"Hell, no," he laughingly denied. She loved the sound of his laughter. Something told her that he didn't do enough of it. "A headache like that I neither want nor need."

"Why not?"

"Because alphas are responsible for the welfare of their pack," he explained. "My father was our pack alpha until he turned it over to my brother. Reece say's it's like trying to herd mosquitoes in a hurricane."

"Oh, wow," she laughed. "Now that's a colorful analogy."

"He's not kidding," Dane denied. "Wolves are territorial creatures. Not to mention hot-tempered, stubborn and possessive as hell. Put a group of them together and sooner or later there will be trouble unless there's a strong alpha to keep them in line. Being his beta is enough of a headache for me."

"What does a beta do?"

"In a nutshell, I make sure the alpha's orders are carried out," he explained.

"Sounds like a lot of responsibility," she deduced.

"It's what I do," he said with a shrug of those broad shoulders and she knew he was being modest. Yet another charming facet of his personality was revealed.

***

Dane wasn't being modest as much as he was discrete.

He wanted Shana to get to know him before she found out exactly who he was. His brother was the Supreme Alpha wolf shifter of the United States, and as such, Reece represented America in the Paranormal United Nations. Every pack in the country was under his command so Dane's position as his beta held a hell of a lot more responsibility than he'd let on.

He was the second most powerful wolf shifter in the country.

And one of the wealthiest in the world.

He and his brother had learned at an early age that women were drawn to wealthy, powerful men. In some cases, for monetary gain. Their mother had been a prime example of greed at its absolute worst. There had been nothing that she wouldn't do, or force them to do, just to get her hands on someone else's money.

Which was why Reece had ripped the bitch's throat out.

Needless to say, Dane had good reason to keep his identity to himself. If he didn't, he'd never know for certain if Shana was interested in him or his money. Not that she seemed the rapacious sort, and if all else failed, he had no qualms about using his wealth and position to secure his mate.

He'd do whatever it took to keep her.

And to make her love him.

But for now, a change in topic was required so he ordered dinner from room service. When it arrived, he lit a fire in the fireplace and they ate sitting on the floor in front of it. Afterward, they sipped vintage wine while watching the sun slowly fade from the sky. Soft music played in the background and the atmosphere was casual, relaxed and romantic.

Shana was stunning in firelight and he couldn't keep his hands off of her. He kept it light though. Gentle caresses filled with affection that pacified both man and beast. She seemed to enjoy them as much as he did. That pleased his wolf greatly since he wanted to give their mate all the pleasure she could handle.

And then some.

When the sun sank into the horizon, she broke the companionable silence to say, "You sure do know how to show a girl a good time, Dane."

"Not bad for a first date, huh?" He replied in a teasing tone.

"Not bad at… date?" Shana squeaked in surprise as her wide-eyed gaze met his. "Is this a date?"

His heart began to race and Dane fought down panic to ask evenly, "Do you want it to be?"

Her anxious expression disappeared and a smile curved her lips before she replied, "I believe I do."

He released the breath he'd been holding and barely resisted the urge to do a fist pump. His wolf wanted to howl in triumph. Shana was interested in him. Thank the gods. "Good. I'd hate for this romantic atmosphere to be wasted on buddies night," he said and shot her a playful wink.

She laughed and replied in a teasing tone, "Don't get any ideas, big boy. I don't put out on the first date."

Keeping his tone just as light and playful, Dane checked his watch and replied, "Since the average date lasts three hours, by my calculations we're on the equivalent of our fourth."

"Oh. Well, in that case, you can kiss me goodnight," Shana replied and batted her eyelashes in a dramatic fashion.

He couldn't help it. He was dying to taste her lips. Dane slowly closed the distance between them, giving her ample opportunity to stop him. She didn't. Her lids lowered to half-mast and she parted her lips in anticipation. He whispered, "Goodnight, beauty," before his lips conformed to the luscious contours of hers.

***

Shana's entire body sighed with pleasure at the gentle pressure of his lips on hers. She'd been trying to imagine what it would feel like all day, but soft and sweet hadn't even entered her mind. She had thought a shifter would be aggressive and dominant but his kiss was almost tentative. As if she were fragile.

Or frightened.

Nothing about Dane frightened her.

She was actually more afraid of herself and the things he made her feel. The things he made her ache for. She wanted those gentle caresses on her most intimate parts. The feel of his arms holding her close. His muscular body moving over her. In her. To see those golden eyes filled with hunger. For her.

It had been so long since a man wanted her. Lawrence had said that he wanted to wait until they were married before they had sex. At the time she'd thought it was a ridiculously romantic gesture. Now she knew it was because his taste leaned toward the opposite sex. Yeah, she'd been a blind, gullible fool.

Shana hadn't protested because he'd never set her on fire with desire. Unlike the man currently kissing her so tenderly. With that thought firmly in mind, she twisted until she was sitting astride his long legs, her aching core pressed against the hard ridge of his arousal. Dane pulled his mouth away from hers and stared at her in surprise at the unexpected move.

Yeah, she was a little surprised herself, but not enough to stop now. She grasped his head in her hands, tunneling her fingers through his silky blonde hair and breathed, "I want you, Dane."

She felt his entire body go preternaturally still even as his golden eyes glowed with a savage hunger that took her breath away. His voice was guttural when he asked, "Are you absolutely certain, beauty?"

"Yes," Shana confirmed as she leaned forward and gently nipped his bottom lip with her teeth. The action seemed to unlock the wildness inside of Dane. His response was instantaneous and all consuming. He grasped the back of her head with a firm grip a split second before his mouth devoured hers.

Yes, her inner vixen screamed in triumph. This was what she wanted. What she needed. Passion, raw and fierce. Desire wild and untamed. The intensity of her need spiraled out of control. She craved his touch with an intrinsically elemental need that seemed to transcend the physical. As if her soul was crying out for his.

Her body had taken on a life of its own, beyond rational thought. Shana had become a creature driven by instinct alone. Her hips began to shift of their own volition, her clitoris riding the hard ridge of his cock through the layers of clothing that separated them. His hands grasped her hips, moving her harder and faster.

She tore her mouth from his, a mewl of pleasure escaping her parted lips. Her nails dug into his shoulders, knees clamping tight around his hips. Her back arched, pressing her breasts firmly against his rock hard chest. The additional friction to her nipples left her panting, gasping, and whimpering for release.

Dane's voice was a low growl as he commanded, "Take what you need, Shana. Let me see you come apart for me."

That had been all the encouragement she needed. Her body stretched taut, eyelids springing open to meet his burning golden gaze. The orgasm slammed into her with a strength she'd never felt before. A low keening wail slid from her throat as a ball of pure energy exploded inside her abdomen, bathing her in pleasure from the inside out.

Shana collapsed bonelessly against his solid strength. Dane held her in a fierce yet tender embrace, his hands stroking her quivering body soothingly, his lips pressing gentle kisses over her neck and shoulders. Words of praise fell from his lips as he told her how beautiful she was in the throes of passion.

A slight smile curved her lips. Once again, Dane knew exactly what to say. She should have been mortified that she'd just dry humped this big beautiful man until she'd climaxed. An action like that surely smacked of desperation. Instead, he'd somehow made her feel like she was some kind of sex goddess.

"You're amazing," she said lightly as she lifted her head to look at him.

His hand lifted to tenderly caress her cheek yet his eyes burned with more heat than an active volcano. "Beauty, we haven't even gotten started yet," that growly voice promised and her womb clenched in response.

Jesus Christ. After an orgasm like she'd just experienced, Shana was amazed that her body was primed and ready to go again. She couldn't even imagine how intense the actual sex would be and she could barely wait to find out. But first, she wanted to return the favor so her fingers made quick work of the buttons on his shirt.

She slid it off of his shoulders and stared her fill at the magnificently sculpted chest on display. Her splayed fingers raked gently through the thatch of blonde chest hair and scratched lightly over his tight masculine nipples. A rumbling growl of pleasure vibrated his chest and her smile became decidedly wicked.

"Your body is magnificent," she assured him as she scooted off of his lap and sat on her folded legs beside him. "I want to see all of it." Dane moved with the supernatural speed of a shifter and seconds later he stood before her completely naked. Her hungry gaze followed long, muscular legs up to his cock.

His very large and very erect cock.

Shana had never been with a paranormal before and her experience with human men wasn't all that vast, but she was impressed by the well-endowed appendage. Seriously impressed. If she hadn't known with a bone-deep certainty that he wouldn't hurt her, it would have been intimidating as hell.

She slid her hands up his thighs, her mind absently registering the way his muscles quivered beneath her delicate touch. Grasping his cock in one hand, she leaned forward and licked a glistening bead of moisture from the head. His hands clenched and unclenched at his sides and this time the growl sounded more like a warning.

Too bad it didn't frighten her in the least.

Shana lifted up onto her knees and took him into her mouth. "Mmm," she hummed and felt his entire body shudder. Dane's hands gently grasped her head and she could swear they were trembling. Determined to make him tremble all over, she took him deeper and deeper still while he cursed and growled. When her lips touched his pelvis, she swallowed hard.

***

"Fuck!" Dane roared as his eyes crossed in pleasure. An electrical current zapped his balls, rocketed up his spine and short-circuited his brain as his cock forcefully erupted. The instinctual need to protect his mate was the only thing that prevented his fully extended claws from sinking into the silken head held in his hands.

Shana's nails bit into his ass as she swallowed again and again, prolonging the pleasure of his climax beyond anything he had ever known before. Tremors shook him from head to toe when she finally released him and he sank to his knees before her. He had known that making love with his mate would be epic, but he hadn't expected anything like that.

His expression must have said it all, because his mate gave him a sheepish smile and admitted, "I don't have a gag reflex."

"Jesus fucking Christ," he breathed in awe. "Beauty, that kind of pleasure could kill a man."

Her smile turned triumphant as she admitted, "I've never tried it before, but I wanted to with you."

The knowledge that no other man had ever experienced pleasure that intense from her sweet lips pleased him greatly. His damn wolf was preening like a peacock and insisted that their mate knew they were special. His hands once again normal, Dane trailed his fingertips down her silken cheek and placed a tender kiss of gratitude on her lips.

"I'm honored," he confessed and pulled her into his arms to hold her close.

"You should be," she said in amusement as she placed a kiss on his neck and damned if his cock didn't shoot back to attention.

"My turn," he said as he rose to his feet, lifting her up with him. Once they were standing, Dane began to slowly undress her, his lips paying homage to every glorious inch he uncovered. By the time Shana was naked, she was trembling all over and those crystal eyes were smoldering with rekindled desire.

The flickering firelight alternately bathed her in a golden glow and cast shadows in the most intriguing places. He was fascinated with the play of light over her silken skin. His mate was a living work of art. Perfectly curved and contoured, soft and supple yet sleek with well-toned muscle beneath the surface.

"You are perfection," he breathed as his hands glided smoothly down the curve of her back to cup her firm little ass. "Absolute perfection."

"Dane, please," she pleaded tremulously as he knelt in front of her.

"Aye, beauty. I'll please you," he vowed as he lifted her right leg and placed a kiss on the inside of her thigh. He planned to show her pleasure such as she had never known. To wipe the thought of every other man who'd ever touched her from her mind. His wolf would settle for nothing less.

Neither would he.

Placing her knee securely over his shoulder, Dane kept a firm hold on her curvaceous bottom with one hand and lifted her left leg with the other. Shana squealed in surprise and grasped his head with both hands. He chuckled softly. His mate would soon learn to trust him in all things as he'd never allow anything to harm her.

"Relax, Shana," he said confidently as both hands cupped her ass. "I've got you."

"Don't you dare drop me," she half warned, half pleaded, her nails gripping his scalp.

"Never," he vowed and pulled her forward until her pussy was pressed snugly against his mouth. The scent of her arousal had been driving him insane for hours. Dane wanted to bathe in it until it was the only scent he knew. His mate smelled like ambrosia and he was dying to taste her sweet nectar.

One lick and he was completely addicted. He settled in to feast on her tender flesh like the ravening beast he was. Shana gasped and pleaded, shuddered and shook as he led her to one shattering climax after another. His mate became a wanton creature, grinding her pussy against his mouth as she sought her pleasure.

When she went limp in his embrace, Dane slid her slowly down until she was seated atop his thighs. With one hand gently supporting her head, he eased Shana backward onto the plush rug beneath them. Her ankles still hooked over his shoulders, he braced his weight on his forearms and framed her face with his hands.

His mouth captured hers in a kiss filled with passion and possession as his cock nudged her molten core. His wolf was in a frenzy to make her theirs. Dane wasn't in much better shape. He needed her with a desperation he'd never known before and fought for the control to make love to her with the reverence his mate deserved.

Muscles tense with strain, he pressed forward and withdrew, inch by excruciatingly slow inch. Dazed, slumberous eyes opened and met his. The sexy, sated smile she wore fed his hunger even more. She lifted her hands to lay palm up atop the shimmering mane surrounding her head, her breasts arching up toward him in offering.

The sight would be forever imprinted on his brain. His beautiful mate, prone in a pose of complete submission before him, welcoming him into her body. His wolf wanted to howl in triumph. Every neuron in his being came vibrantly alive. Man and beast merged in perfect harmony.

He made love to her slowly. Tenderly. Lavished her with deep, drugging kisses as his body worshiped hers in a sensual dance as old as time. When Shana's body arched upward in climax, she turned her head to the side, baring her slender neck to him. His canines lengthened instinctively in preparation of marking her as his mate.

Blinded by his animalistic need for her, he would have done just that had she not taken him by surprise. In a completely unexpected move, she turned her face into his palm, her lips pressing a kiss to it. The gesture was so affectionate, so loving, that it broke him. Dane's throat constricted with emotion as his orgasm consumed him.

In that moment he gave himself over to her, heart and soul. The world tilted and fell away as Shana became the center of his universe. His only need. He knew that he had found his fated mate, but the decision had to be hers. There was no way that he could impose his will on her without her consent.

He'd move heaven and earth to make her his and battle every demon in hell to keep her.

If she wanted to be his mate.

***

Shana wanted to be his everything.

The big beautiful shifter had claimed her heart as easily as he'd possessed her body. There had been no words to express how he made her feel, so she had pressed a tender kiss into his palm. When she felt him shudder in release, her eyes were drawn back to his. They glowed with a fierce intensity that mesmerized her.

Lifting her hand, she caressed his cheek. Dane closed his eyes, his expression one of pure rapture as he nuzzled his face into her palm. Her hand curled around the back of his neck, drawing him down until his head rested against her shoulder. More content than she'd ever been, Shana feathered kisses over his neck and shoulder.

Strong, muscular arms gathered her close and held her against his fiercely beating heart. The embrace was possessive yet gentle, protective and… loving? Yes. She felt loved. And cherished. And all the wonderful things that she'd ever hoped to experience in a man's arms. Being with Dane just felt right.

It felt so right that when she woke a few hours later, her body was still entwined with his. That he had somehow managed to get them into the king sized bed without her being aware of it melted her heart even more. Carrying her to bed instead of waking her was so sweet. Her big bad wolf shifter was such a gentleman.

Mmm. And if the very hard protrusion beneath her thigh was any indication, he was also ready for another round. Her womb clenched at the thought. Feeling more than a little daring, Shana slid fully on top of him. Lifting herself into position above him, she eased herself onto his cock in slow, delicious increments.

A glance up at his handsome face revealed the glow of golden eyes watching her intently. Oh, man, did they look predatory in the dark. A shiver of apprehension slithered down her spine as the realization of what she was doing sank in. She had been taking advantage of him while he slept, which basically constituted a violation.

Sex without consent is rape, counselor, her common sense pointed out.

"Oh my God," she said in a horrified tone and froze in place. "I'm so sorry, Dane. I don't know what I was thinking. I woke up and wanted you and it never even occurred to me that I might be violating you by not asking first," Shana stammered in complete mortification as she shifted her weight to get off of him.

Dane caught her hips in his hands and held her in place as effortlessly as his golden gaze held hers. "I've been violated before, beauty, but not by you," his voice whispered from the darkness, the sound so seductive her nipples hardened painfully. "You have carte blanche with my body. I'm yours anytime you want me."

Shana didn't move or speak because she seriously didn't know what to do or say at this point. Dane took the decision out of her hands by saying the right thing again. "Waking up to find the woman I desire mounting my cock is a dream come true. Take what you need, beauty. Show me that you want me."

Now, how the hell could a woman refuse an offer like that? Shana didn't even try. She began to ride him slowly, letting her body adjust to the length and breadth of him so deep and snug inside of her. Placing her hands flat on his chest, she leaned forward just enough to change the angle of penetration and began to thrust fast and deep.

His growl of pleasure spurred her on.

Those big hands still holding her hips, he slid his thumb down to manipulate her clit. The added stimulation drove her wild. Her nails scored his flesh as she rode him mindlessly. Dane's hands began to lift and lower her bodily at a speed that boggled the mind as his cock rose to meet her in synchronized thrusts.

"Come for me, beauty," his voice commanded from the darkness, his eyes glowing hotly with desire. "Come for me."

With a cry of complete abandon, Shana threw herself off of the precipice head first into a scalding void filled with pleasure. Dane caught her, held her, joined her in the ecstasy of their union. A lazy, sated smile on her lips, she sank happily into oblivion, locked in her lover's arms.