* * *

 

Hudson

I know I’m here with someone, but I can’t help but watch the girl with the flaming red hair dance with her date on the dance floor. She’s beautiful, captivating, and she has stolen all my senses and seems to have no intention to give it back. From the moment my gaze came into contact with her form I was smitten.

Then our eyes meet for the first time and I was lost.

As if knowing I’m thinking about her right now, she glances my way. Her blue eyes practically glow underneath the moonlight and the smirk she throws my way—a smirk that shows she knows I’m enchanted by her—makes my shaft stir in my pants. She then proceeds to grind her ass against her date’s groin and his eyes widen in shock. Considering the fact that she smacked his hands away earlier when he tried to grab her waist, I don’t blame him for being stunned either.

But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to strangle the human myself for touching what is mine. I clench my fists and growl low in my throat at her actions and I swear that the feisty sprite is silently laughing at my anger. She’s going to get it once I get my hands on her tonight. And I have every intention to have her underneath me at one point this evening. If I’m anything, it’s persistent, and I always get what I want.

And I want her.

“You’re supposed to be on a date with me, Hudson.” Amelia hisses out, standing up from our table, and then throws her napkin down on top of the table in fury. She glares at me as she grabs her purse and shakes her head. “I don’t know why you asked me to accompany you to this stupid benefit charity if all you were going to do was watch some other girl dance. You’re supposed to be giving me attention! Look at me!” she gestures down at her too short skirt and barely there top. “I did all this for you and you’re treating me like a piece of gum at the bottom of your shoe!”

I narrow my eyes at Amelia and she’s smart enough to keep her mouth shut. Her shifter instincts have her averting her gaze from mine. “I do not appreciate your tone, Amelia, and I’ll remind you, just once, who you are taking to. I am your Prince, not your boyfriend. Remember your place.”

Amelia grinds her teeth together, obviously wanting to tell me to fuck off, but nods her head in understanding. “I’m sorry for my offending tone, Prince. I meant you no disrespect.” she doesn’t look into my eyes as she speaks and I growl my approval. She might be new to our clan, but she has enough sense not to stare directly into my eyes when I’m pissed. “I’m just upset that I finally gained a date with you, but you don’t seem to be enjoying my company.” she pouts and I roll my eyes.

This is why I don’t date or ask women out to dinners anymore. From the first night, they expect so much of you, even if you’re clearly not interested. Hell, this isn’t even a date and Amelia is already acting like a needy girlfriend who needs my constant attention and pouts and whines when she doesn’t get it.

“The reason why I asked you to accompany me here tonight is not because I want to fuck you, Amelia.” she blushes and I shake my head, knowing I dodged a bullet with this one. I don’t do timid, submissive girls. I like my woman to have more bite. Glancing up, I see the red-haired beauty now arguing with the man she came here with and my body is anxious to go over there to make sure she’s okay. I turn my focus back to Amelia and sigh when I see she’s glaring at me for looking at the girl again. “I invited you here to discuss including some of your pieces in my store, since my sister Laney isn’t here to do this meeting herself. I specifically recall telling you this and I know for a fact that I did not lead you on or gave you the idea I wanted anything more from you. But after your behavior, I do not think I’m interested in your pieces any longer.”

Amelia’s face brightens in fury. “I said I was sorry!”

I shake my head and sigh. “I don’t mix business with pleasure, Amelia, and I’m afraid that if I decide to work with you, you’ll try to blur those lines.” her face flushes again and I know my assumption is correct. “I do not like to play games, Amelia, and above all, I do not like working with people who are high maintenance. Odd, considering I work in the fashion industry, but still true.”

“I’m not high maintenance, Hudson.” she twirls a piece of hair and looks up at me from under her lashes. Classic. Since I said no, she’s going to try to seduce me so I change my mind, or decide I do mix business and pleasure. She probably thinks I’m playing hard to get but that is so not the case here. “I know I’m just a clan member, a weak one at that, but we can be good together,” she grins up at me and trails a shaking finger down my shirt until she reaches the top of my slacks. Grabbing her hand, I push it away and she frowns. “I don’t understand what that girl has what I don’t? I can please you; Hudson, and I’ve wanted a chance to show you that from the moment I laid eyes on you. Forget the line and take me instead. That way business won’t be mixed with pleasure.”

I laugh out humorlessly. “That’s why I’m not going to add your line into my store, besides the fact that you’re high maintenance. You choose pleasure over business, which is a turn-off, Amelia.” her jaw drops open, shocked that I’m turning down free sex, and honestly, I’m surprising myself as well, but I know I’m making the right choice. I’m an asshole, but I never play games with the woman I’m with and the only woman I want beneath me tonight is the woman who is rapidly walking away from my sight right at this current moment. “I can’t do this right now, Amelia. Just know that if you want people to respect your line, you have to respect yourself first.”

With those parting words, I wander off in the direction the woman went in. Entering the mansion, which is owned by one of the charity’s board directors, I take a deep breath and follow the girl's scent upstairs. Everyone is outside right now, so the building it quiet and empty.

Perfect.

“I knew you were watching me, handsome.” a feminine voice rings out in the hallway as the woman who has caught my attention leans against the doorframe of a bedroom with a knowing smirk on her face. “I was worried you didn’t see what direction I was going, considering you were having a pretty intense conversation with the blonde girl you were with. Please tell me she’s not your girlfriend or wife because I don’t do men who are taken.”

I cough to cover up my laugh and shake my head at her. “She’s an associate.”

She narrows her eyes at me. “That could be true, but just because she isn’t your wife or girlfriend, doesn’t mean you don’t have one.”

Now I can’t help the laugh that slips out. “No wife or girlfriend. Well, unless you’re talking about my dog, Minnie. I’ve been told many times in the past that we fight like an old married couple, but we always make up before bedtime so she can cuddle by my feet.”

She chuckles softy. “You’re cute and funny?” she shakes her head. “There has to be something wrong with you. No one looks that perfect and has a good personality too. Aren’t you going to ask about the guy I came here with?”

I shrug. “I know everything I need to. He’s not your boyfriend, or your husband, because if he was, you wouldn’t have been eye-fucking me all night, silently taunting me to come chase after you.” her eyes blaze with heat, but I’m not done yet. “And even if he was your boyfriend, it wouldn’t have stopped me from pursuing you. There’s something so familiar and hypnotizing about you. I feel as if I’m under your spell and never want to wake up to reality.”

“I had a feeling you were a charmer.” she comments, but the way her lips curve up slightly tells me she likes what I said. “I knew you’ll try to talk to me tonight and attempt to seduce me.” she grins and tilts her head to the side. “That’s why I left my date and told him things weren’t working out. I wanted to give you all my attention.”

“What else do you know about me?” I ask, my pulse racing just by talking to her.

She chuckles. “I know enough from watching you tonight. I know you have been staring at me from the moment you laid eyes on me tonight. I know that every time our gazes crossed, your member twitched in your pants. And, you know what else I know?” she gestures me to come to her with her index finger and when I do, she grabs the front of my shirt and pulls my face down towards hers until we’re only a breath apart. She licks her lips and I can’t help but follow the movement. “I know you want me. Question is…are you going to do something about it?”

This time, I can’t contain my growl and it rips out of my throat as I grab her and throw her over my shoulder. Slamming the door to the room behind us, I place her down on the ground, but before she can take a single step, I back her against the door and ravage her sassy little mouth with mine.

She moans against my mouth and I deepen the kiss, my shaft stiffening when she hops up and wraps her legs around my waist. I reach down and do what I’ve been dying to do all night—I grab her ample ass and grind myself against her covered mound.

“What’s your name, beautiful?” I ask her in-between kisses, dying to know her name.

“Fay.” she whispers and pulls back slightly. Her blue eye stare intently into mine, and my heart begins to beat rapidly. I feel my bear roar with pleasure at hearing her name and it’s at this moment I realize why I’m so enthralled by Fay...she’s my mate. Her eyes soften, as if sensing my inner turmoil, and she caresses my cheek softly. “What’s your name, handsome?”

I swallow past the lump in the throat and try to calm my racing heart. The reality that I found my mate, the other half of me, both excites me and freaks me the fuck out. My father lost it when my mother died and I vowed to never fall in love, so I’ll never experience the pain he went through, but now that I found her, I don’t know what I should do. Should I walk away now, before one of us ends up getting hurt? Or do I stay with the only woman who has made my head dizzy with want and causes my heart to race with hope?

After a moment, my bear and I both agree we cannot turn our backs on our mate.

We need to claim her as ours.

I kiss Fay softly now and let our noses touch in affection. I’ve just met this girl and already my beast has calmed and I feel at peace with myself. “My name is Hudson. Remember that name, because I’m about to make you scream it in a second.”

Fay smirks and bites my lip in defiance, eyes sparkling in humor. “Bring it on, handsome. I think you have finally met your match.”

I laugh. “You have no idea, beautiful.”

 

 

 

Fay

Hudson pushes me onto the bed and removes his shirt. I take a minute to ogle his muscled chest and arms, finding it hot that underneath that expensive designer suit he was wearing, he’s covered in tattoos. He has dozens of them all over his arms, back, and chest, but the tattoo that catches my attention the most is the bear claw on his right bicep. I reach out and trace the tattoo.

“Bears are my favorite animals.” I’m not sure why I tell him this little fact about myself, considering we’re not going to see each other after this night, but for some reason I do, and I’m happy I did; especially when Hudson grins widely at me.

“I’m pleased by that.” he crawls towards me on the bed and I sit up to remove my dress. When it’s off, I allow his eyes to roam all over my body and I know from the gleam in his eyes not to cover myself with my hands because he would just rip them away so he could continue to eat me up with his eyes.

I’m a curvy girl, with large breasts, thick—yet toned—thighs, and a plentiful ass. My waist is small, but my hips are anything but. Men have told me that I’m beautiful in the past, but watching Hudson’s eyes darken with lust as he examines my body, I definitely believe their words now. “I can’t believe I’ve found you.” My brows furrow in confusion and he chuckles. “Never mind. Now, take off your bra and I’ll assist you out of your panties.”

I smirk. “That’s mighty kind of you.”

Hudson shrugs as he rips my thong in two. I gasp at him, pissed that he ripped my favorite silk thong apart, and he chuckles with amusement. The caveman. “It’s a hard job, but someone has to do it.”

“Is that the only thing that’s hard right now?” I ask, as I reach down and grab the belt on his pants, tugging him to me. I unbuckle it and have his pants off in less than a minute. He helps me remove his pants and I reach inside his boxer-briefs, grip his stiff swollen shaft, and proceed to massage his long and thick length in my hand. Hudson groans and I smirk, loving the power I have over him right now. “It seems that something here is hard as well, but I think I can fix that. Would that be okay, Hudson?” I ask, blinking at him with fake innocence. “Would you like for me to make the ache go away?”

“Fuck yes.” Hudson grinds out through his teeth and makes a weird growling noise.

It’s the same sound I’ve been hearing him make from the moment we finally started talking to each other. It’s animalistic, raw, and for some reason, it’s turning me on. Damn, I didn’t mean for that thought to rhyme, but at the same time, it’s a pretty good one. I can probably write a poem about how nice Hudson’s shaft is, but I think that would be a little weird.

I go to the edge of the bed and climb off, making sure to give Hudson my back so he can admire my magnificent ass. When he makes that growling noise again, I grin and get onto my knees on the floor, and turn my body around so I’m now facing the bed sheets. “Come and sit on the edge of the bed, Hudson. I’ll kiss your ache and make it go away.”

Hudson comes over to the edge of the bed and his beautiful chocolate brown eyes heat up once I settle myself between his legs and grip his shaft into my hand again. “God, I love when you touch me.” he mutters out, eyes glazing over with need. “Hopefully that sexy as hell mouth of yours has another use besides being a smart-ass.”

I smile. “Challenge accepted. I hope you’re prepared to scream my name, Hudson. I promise it’s going to be the only thing you remember in a moment.” I say, echoing his words from earlier.

I tilt my head down and take Hudson fully into my mouth until the tip of him hits the back of my throat. I make sure to breath through my nose, so I don’t gag, and I relax my throat—loving the feeling of him in my mouth.

Hudson groans, grabs my long, red hair into his hands, and pulls hard enough to make me whimper. But the pain is causing my body to grow wet with pleasure, so I endure his tugging, moaning my need every time he tugs on it roughly.

Hudson guides my head up and down his swollen shaft and when his body begins to shake with his upcoming orgasm, he pulls my head back, and his swollen shaft leaves my mouth with an audible pop. He pulls me off my knees and throws me once again on the bed.

I’m about to chew him out for throwing me like a rag-doll when my eyes meet his and widen. His eyes are dilated and are focused solely on me. He’s no longer smiling and has a serious expression on his face. When he climbs onto the bed, he grabs my right ankle, and pulls on it until my body slides down the bed towards him.

He has a condom in his hand now—probably grabbing it after he threw me on the bed—and he rolls it on himself, slowly, so I enjoy the show. He nudges my legs apart and grabs one of my legs from under my knee, bringing my leg up to my chest so he’s spreading me wide enough my wet core feels the chill in the air.

Then, after he has me waiting with desire for several long moments, he thrusts his swollen shaft inside of my wet channel and, as he predicted, he makes me scream his name over and over again, until my voice is hoarse from that action alone.

“I’ll save my voice, if I were you, Fay.” Hudson comments as he thrusts into me brutally and passionately. “I intend to make you scream my name many, many times tonight. And once you’ve had time to relax and come down, I’m going to fuck you again. And again.” Hudson’s eyes darken as he speaks and he’s beginning to growl again. Why the hell is that sound so fucking hot? “And then, after I’m done with you, we’re going out to get some breakfast and I’m going to know everything about you. Every. Fucking. Thing.” He pumps into me hard after he grinds out each word and my eyes roll to the back of my head.  

All too soon, I’m coming around Hudson and he speeds up his movement until he’s falling over the edge with me with a loud cry. We collapse on the bed and Hudson kisses my forehead before he goes to dispose of the condom. When he comes back, he pulls the blankets up—until we’re both covered—and then he grabs me from around the waist and crushes my back against his front.

We relax for a few minutes in silence, but it’s not an awkward one, it’s actually pleasant.

My eyes nearly jump out of my head when I feel his thickening member behind me. “You’re ready to go again? But...you just came.” I say, breaking the silence.

Hudson chuckles and begins nibbling my sensitive neck, causing me to arch my back against him, my bottom brushing against his aching member as I do. I’m out of breath in less than a minute and Hudson parts my legs, pushing his shaft back inside of my already wet center for round two.

“You’ll figure out soon that I have a very good stamina.” he bites my neck, hard, and I know he left a mark on me. Again I say, what a caveman. Pushing in and out of me, he slows his movements and kisses my neck again. “And you seem to have a spell on me because my dick won’t stay down when you’re around. So, enjoy the ride.”

I close my eyes, smiling, and do as he says.

I enjoy the ride.

~*~

 

 

Keith

I watch as the girl leaves the estate in the same clothes she was wearing last night, her heels dangling in one hand, while some kind of ripped article of clothing is in the other. She glances around the grounds, checking to see if anyone is around to see her do the walk-of-shame, and when she’s confident no one is watching her, she runs towards the gate and leaves the grounds.

Stupid girl. She was so confident that no one was around to see her leave, but she was wrong.

I quickly follow the girl off the property and when she’s safely behind the wheel of her car, she speeds away, not even checking to see if anyone is following her, which I am currently doing. Humans are such weak and pathetic creatures. They never know when they’re in danger until they’re staring at death in the eyes, begging for mercy, before they’re slaughtered like pigs.

Although, this woman is pretty enough that I wouldn’t kill her quickly, like I do the others. No, this one I would play with for a few days. And then, only when she begs for me to kill her, would I grant her, her last wish and slit her throat with a sharp blade.

I smirk at the thought of Royce’s face as we kill the one woman who could give him everything he has ever wanted in life. Too bad for her, she’s definitely his mate, which means she needs to be taken out and soon.

An incoming call comes and I click the button on my Bluetooth earpiece to answer the call. I might be a bear shifter, but a bad enough car accident can kill me, depending on where I’m wounded. I’m a psychopath, but I’m not an idiot.

“Keith.” I bark out in greeting.

Javier, my boss and leader, is the one that responds back. “Is she his mate?”

I chuckle. “She has to be. I’ve never seen Royce so bend out of shape for a girl. I bugged the room they fucked in last night and overheard him say that after they were done he was going to take her out to breakfast so he could learn everything about her.”

Javier laughs and I can’t help but join along. “That’s rich, but are you sure this girl isn’t just some random girl Royce is smitten with? I don’t like humans, but at the same time, there’s no need to piss him off unless this girl is actually his mate.”

I smirk, amused that my boss hasn’t found out about the other human girls I have taken out in the past when they slept with Royce. “Royce doesn’t do relationships, boss, so she has to be his mate. That, or she was a fucking good lay. And from the sounds of them going at it last night, she has to be. Which brings me to this topic: when I capture the girl, can I have a few hours to play with her? I promise to leave a big mess for Royce to find when I do. He won’t know what to do with himself when he finds her and realizes he wasn’t able to keep his precious mate safe.”

Javier hums his approval. “You’re one sick bastard, Keith, but what the fuck? You have my approval. Just make sure you clean up after yourself so Royce doesn’t find out it was our clan who killed her, understood?”

“Got it, boss. Later.”

I hang up and watch as the girl stops at a beautiful brownstone house and exits her car in a rush. I continue to examine her as she enters her place and locks the door behind her. Memorizing the street address and her house number, I turn my car around and drive home. I have a few things to do before I can come for the girl. Plus, it’ll be good for Royce to get closer to the girl before I come take her away.

That way, when I kill her, it’ll hurt Royce that much more.

Revenge is sweet.

~*~

 

Fay

“Are you excited about today?” Gavin asks as he holds the door open for me to walk pass. I turn my thoughts away from Hudson, and my guilt for leaving him that night, and glance around at where we are.

I stare in awe at all the amazing clothes in the store. Bare Essentials is one of the biggest fashion boutiques in Chicago. I’ve been dreaming of having my clothes featured here, or even showing a collection in one of their fashion shows that they have every year and this year is finally my year.

One of the co-owners of the boutique, Mr. Royce, has a sales associate who so happens to be my best friend, Gavin. Gavin showed Mr. Royce my designs and then called me the next day saying that his boss wanted to meet with me and was interested in my clothes. Can you believe it?

I should have Googled the man, to learn all I could about him so I know what I’m up against, but I felt weird looking up a potential boss. I don’t think it’s fair that I can Google him and know all about him and his life but he can’t do the same for me. Doesn’t seem right, so I’m taking a chance to learn about him the old-fashion way, meeting him and getting to know Mr. Royce the person and not Mr. Royce, my maybe future employer.

I nod my head at Gavin, realizing I have yet to answer his question. “I’m extremely excited, but I’m also about to piss on myself.” Gavin laughs and I sigh. “I’m serious, Gavin. I’m freaking out and, thanks to that lemonade we picked up on our way here, my bladder is about to explode.”

Gavin scrunches his nose and shakes his head. “Eww! That’s too much information, Fay.” Gavin laughs. “Go to the bathroom before Mr. Royce comes in for the day. It’s down that hallway and it’s the first door on the right.

I nod my head and run to the bathroom. When I get to the hallway, however, I forget which door Gavin told me is the bathroom. I glance at both doors and sigh. “Let’s see what’s behind door number one.” I say in my best game show voice and open the left door. I instantly know I chose the wrong door when I see a man sitting behind a desk, staring off into space. His eyes glance in my direction when I open the door and my mouth falls open. “Son of a bitch.”

Hudson raises his eyebrows at my outburst. “I have been called that on occasion, yes, but I mostly go by Hudson. To what do I owe this visit, Fay? I thought you couldn’t leave me fast enough a few nights ago, so I’m shocked to see you here today.” Hudson stands up from his desk and comes around it, stopping until he’s standing in front of me. He’s pissed, that much I can tell from his tone, but I’m shocked when I see the hurt in his eyes. He averts his gaze from mine and grinds his jaw. Yeah...he’s really pissed. “I didn’t expect to ever see you again. How—” he pauses and clears his throat. “How did you find me?”

I frown. “What do you mean? I didn’t even know you’d be here. I’m here for a meeting with one of the owners of this boutique.”

Hudson’s frown quickly transforms into a surprised smile. “You’re Gavin’s talented friend?”

I swallow hard and nod. “I’m assuming you’re Mr. Royce?” Damn it. I should have Googled him. Hudson inclines his head and chuckles. “Damn it…this can’t be happening.” My eyes meet his and I quickly glance away mortified that I had sex with my potential client. “I didn’t know who you were that night, I swear to you I didn’t. I don’t want you thinking I’m unprofessional because we…you know.” I stutter out and Hudson has the nerve to grin at my obvious discomfort. “Can we forget that night ever happened?” I say, still not being able to meet his eyes. How embarrassing. I came in dressing my best to impress my potential boss, just to realize it doesn’t matter what I wear, considering the boss in question has seen all of me more than once.

“No.” Hudson says, his eyes darkening. “I want to discuss what happened that night. I thought we had a good time, Fay. I thought I made myself clear when I said I wanted to get to know more about you. What did I do to make you flee the bed as soon as the sun came up?” I hear the pain in his voice and my throat thickens. He gently runs a finger down the side of my face and closes his eyes sadly. “Did I do something wrong? Did I hurt you?”

My eyes widen and I shake my head rapidly. “You didn’t do anything, Hudson. You were perfect.” Hudson eyes tell me he doesn’t believe my words and I can’t blame him for thinking that. I’m telling him he was amazing, but me leaving him before the sun could rise says a different story. I cup his cheek with my hand and decide to tell him the truth; no matter if that makes me look like a smitten idiot. “I was scared, Hudson. I don’t get attached to people, not after my mom abandoned me and my father died of heartbreak.” I blink back the tears that always popped up when I talk about my father. It’s been years and I still miss him like crazy. “But...when I was with you, I felt alive for the first time in my life. I wanted to know more about you. I wanted to see were our crazy chemistry could go. I—” I look away from him, embarrassed. “I wanted to get close to you, but when morning came, I realized that if I stayed, there was a chance I could get hurt again. Losing my mother hurt, but when I lost my dad, my heart felt like it was fucking being ripped out of my chest.” the tears fall down now, but I refuse to wipe them away. I hate crying, and when I do cry, I don’t acknowledge them. Hudson wipes them away for me and kisses my face. I close my eyes and enjoy his touch. “Your hands on me bring me back to life and when you kiss me, I’m lost. And that feeling, the feeling of falling for someone, terrifies me more than anything in the world. And that’s why I had to leave, Hudson. I’m too scared to take that risk with you.”

“I’m sorry about your father, Fay. I lost my mother when I was seven and she was killed in a car accident. She was coming to pick me up from school that day, since I was sick and wanted to come home, and some drunk driver hit her before she could reach me, so I know what it feels like losing a parent. And when my mother passed on, my father couldn’t process her death so he dealt with it in the only way he knew — by drinking. So I also know what it’s like having a parent who’s absent from your life. It sucks, to put it simply.” I laugh humorlessly but nod my head in agreement. “I know you’re scared, Fay, because I’m scared too. I’ve never fallen for anyone before, not even close, but I knew from the moment I saw you that you were it for me.” What? Is he serious? Hudson smiles and answers me, as if reading my mind. “I am serious, Fay. In my family...let’s just say, we always know when our true mate comes into our lives. And you’re it for me, beautiful. I know you’re scared, and I’m probably making it worse by saying you're my soul-mate.”

“No shit?” I ask, still trying to process his words. He thinks I’m his soul mate? Is he crazy?

Hudson chuckles and surprises me when he kisses my lips softly. “I see your mouth is still sassy as ever, Fay. Is it still talented?” I grin, despite the worry going through my mind, and laugh. He kisses me again and sighs. “There’s that sexy smile. For a moment there, I thought you had lost it.”

I roll my eyes. “You’re such a doofus.”

Hudson smirks and nods his head. “As long as I’m your doofus, Fay.” His face becomes serious once again and he crushes me against him. I press my face against his chest and take a deep breath, taking in his woodsy scent. “No more running from me, Fay. I’ll always find you, no matter where you hide, and although I didn’t chase after you several days ago, you can be assured I will not be making that mistake again. You’re mine.” I shiver at his tone and swallow pass a lump in my throat. “And I refuse to let something like fear stand between us. I intend to steal your heart, no matter how long that might take.”

You already have a piece of it, I say in my head but out loud I say, “Let’s take this one step at a time, handsome. It takes me more than a few days to fall for someone.” I say and laugh when he growls at me. “You growl a lot, do you realize that?” He stiffens in my arms and I wonder if I said something wrong?

“I guess I’m animalistic at heart.” he responds back, sounding off now. But before I can question him, he pulls back and grins. “Let’s go outside and join Gavin. If we don’t leave now, I’m going to throw you on my desk and ravish you until you’re screaming my name again. I doubt Gavin would like that very much.”

I raise my eyebrows and laugh. “You’ll be surprised. Gavin is into some freaky shit.”

We leave his office, hand-in-hand, and Gavin’s eyes widen when he sees us. Thankfully, he doesn’t question why I’m holding hands with his boss—when I’m supposedly never met the man—and I know from Gavin’s expression he’s going to nag me later tonight, until I tell him every juicy detail.

You got to love best friends,

Hudson, Gavin, and I talk about my designs, discussing which pieces they believe would work well in the store. I brought a few of my favorite pieces with me and when I show Hudson, they impress him. He tells me he runs the business side of the boutique, while his little sister mostly deals with the designers and bringing more merchandise into the store, but since his sister is on vacation, he decided to do this interview with me today, since he liked the designs Gavin showed him before.

“I think Laney is going to love your collection, Fay.” Hudson says and gives me his sister’s number. “I like your most recent collection and I believe it will sell well in our store this fall. I’ll tell my sister about you today and will send her a copy of your designs. I want you to call her tomorrow morning so you two can discuss things further, but I know she’s going to love you and your line.” he stands up and offers me his hand with a smirk. “It was nice meeting with you, Miss Hennessy.”

I refrain from rolling my eyes at him and shake his hand. “The pleasure was all mine, Mr. Royce.” I reply back, my eyes heating up as I speak. Hudson’s eyes glaze over with desire and Gavin clears his throat, breaking the tense moment.

“I’m going to go tidy up and get ready to open the store for the day.” Gavin smirks and wiggles his fingers at me in goodbye. “I’ll see you later, Fay. We have a lot to talk about and I’m not letting you leave out any delicious details.” he winks at us and laughs. “I’ll leave you two kids alone.”

Hudson doesn’t acknowledge Gavin as he leaves and instead, he’s watching me intently. Every time this man looks at me, I turn into a pile of mush under his gaze and I feel all the barriers I put up around myself slowly slipping away.

Maybe Hudson is right and there is something here to explore.

“We’re going out to dinner tonight.” Hudson says, not asking me, but telling me. I narrow my eyes at him and he smiles. “There’s no arguing about this, Fay. And if I recall, you still owe me a breakfast together, but since I do not want to wait until tomorrow to see you again, and I’m busy most of the afternoon, I’m compromising for dinner tonight.”

“You call this compromising?” I ask, smirking at his bossiness. He’s hot when he gets all worked up, which is why I like teasing him so much. Hudson’s eyes darken and I chuckle in amusement. “Okay, Hudson, you win. I’ll go out with you tonight, but I’m picking the restaurant.” Hudson is now the one narrowing his eyes at me and I mimic his signature shrug. “You wanted to compromise, remember?”

Hudson grabs me into his arms and sits me across his lap before he crushes our lips together and his tongue enters my mouth, dancing along with mine. He breaks away and chuckles. “Fine, you can pick the place, but I’m driving us.”

“Works for me.”

Then we seal our compromise with a passionate kiss.

~*~

 

Fay

Seven days.

It takes me only seven days to fall head-over-fucking-heels in love with Hudson. I don’t know when my feelings of attraction morphed into love—maybe it was on the second date when he gave me flowers—not for me, but for my father’s grave. I’ve never been on a graveyard date before, but as odd as it is to say, it was the best date I have ever been on.

Hudson didn’t have to bring me to my father’s grave, but he insisted he did, wanting to pay his respects to my father. At first, it was sad; sitting by my father’s grave and knowing I will never see him again, but then Hudson started asking me questions about him. We spent four—yes, four—hours at his grave, trading stories about my father and his mother and eventually, the pain gave away and a new emotion crept into my heart.

Hope.

Hudson is the guy I’ve always wanted, but never knew I needed. He treats me with respect, affection, and carefulness. He knows when to push me on certain topics, but also knows when to back the fuck off things. He’s in tune with me and it feels like we’ve known each other all our lives. Not to mention, he’s crazy supportive of my dreams and even created a fashion show for my newest line, which will be featured in his store. Hudson is excited for me, but his sister Laney is even more ecstatic for me. We have only exchanged a few phone calls and texts, but she has been amazing in helping me with this line. I’m glad that things are slowly falling into place.

Still, I haven’t told Hudson how I feel about him. Yeah, I know, I’m chicken-shit, but do you know how hard it is to put yourself out there for a guy and tell him you’re falling in love with him? What the hell am I saying? I am in love with him. If only telling him was as easy as admitting it to myself.

“Hey, beautiful.” Hudson’s sleepily voice rumbles out and he pulls me closer to him on the bed. His eyes are studying my anxious ones and he frowns when he sees the worry and fear in my eyes. Hudson always knows when something is bothering me. “What’s wrong?”

I swallow hard. “Nothing.”

His eyes narrow at me. “Fay…” he says in warning. A warning I have learned better than to ignore, but I’m feeling defensive right now and terrified, so I ignore his warning and glance away. He growls and rolls us until I’m on my back and he’s leaning above me. His eyes are blazing with need, but also with concern. “I usually love your temper, since it’s so damn fun to take you when you’re mad at me, but not today, Fay. Tell me what’s wrong.”

Tears fill my eyes, but they don’t fall. “I love you.” I blurt out, but my words have an edge to them, showing I’m upset. In fact, I’m pouting, which I hate. Hudson’s eyes widen at my words and he’s now grinning like the Cheshire cat. “Don’t smile! I’m terrified right now. This is not a smiling moment.”

Hudson holds back his obvious amusement and leans down to kiss me softly on the lips. Pulling back slightly, he’s still smiling and doesn’t seem to be going to stop anytime soon. “I love you too, Fay.” My heart stops and my breath catches at his words. “Damn, I’ve been wanting to say those words for days now, but I thought if I did, you’ll run away from me—away from us.” he kisses me again and I relax slightly, feeling a bit better now that I know he feels the same way. Still, I’m scared and Hudson sees this. His eyes soften and he lays his forehead against mine. “It’s okay to be afraid about falling in love, Fay. I’m terrified every day.”

“Of things not working out?” I ask, voicing my fear.

Hudson shakes his head. “Of losing you.”

My heart melts a bit more. “I’ve never felt this way for a guy before, Hudson. I’m going to be bitchy, and irrational, and some days, you’re going to want to throttle me.” he chuckles and I smile. “But I’m working on taking down my barriers, Hudson. For you.” I whisper the last two words and kiss his lips. “For us.”

Hudson places his hand on my face and stares intently into my eyes. “For us.” He echoes, and then lowers his mouth to mine for a spine tingling kiss. He nudges both my legs apart and settles in between my legs and I moan. Breaking the kiss, he grins and rubs the head of his shaft against my entrance in a teasing motion. “Loving me has its benefits, Fay. You wake up every morning in my bed, so you have more access to this.” He thrusts up into me and I cry out his name. Hudson chuckles and pulls out almost all the way before he pushes into me harder. I shiver at the feeling of fullness and my eyes are rolling into the back of my head in bliss. “I’ll never get enough of you, my mate.”

Hudson then proceeds to hammer into me with restless abandon. And when I finally get close to the edge, he pulls out almost all the way, and then the bastard waits until my body has calmed down before he shoves into me again. He repeats this motion several times, and each time he leaves me hanging, I want to kill him. Hudson loves teasing me and I’m afraid this game he’s playing is actually a punishment for ignoring him earlier.

But what a pleasurable punishment it is.

When Hudson denies me my orgasm for the sixth time, I grab the back of his head, bend him down to my face, and growl at him. Damn it, his stupid growling is rubbing off on me. “Stop fucking around and let me come! If you don’t, I’m going to make you sleep on the sofa and I refuse to go down on you for a month.”

Hudson stops his slow thrusting and laughs. He shakes his head and kisses my nose. “As much as I like teasing you, I don’t like the idea of you not going down on me for a whole month. You have such a talented mouth and it’d be a shame if it became enemies with me.”

I roll my eyes and chuckle, despite myself. “You’re such a doofus, Hudson.”

He rubs his nose against mine in affection and laughs softly. “I am, but as I said a week ago, I don’t mind being one as long as I’m your doofus.”

Becoming serious now, Hudson pulls out of me and rams his cock back inside of my soaking heat and my back arches when he rubs against my sweet spot. He continues to rub against that spot and I moan when he kisses my neck—my body hypersensitive from all of his teasing. When Hudson reaches between our bodies and rubs circles over my clit, I’m taken by surprise, and I explode, screaming in delight.

I’ve never come so hard in my life, so maybe there’s something good that came out of all the teasing.

Hudson, not slowing down, continues to thrust into me, making my aftershocks last longer. And when his body tenses and he comes, his eyes flash gold and he growls. I jump at the sound, terrified by how animalistic it sounded. It was as if an actual animal growled at me and his eyes, that are now glowing gold, are currently causing my heart to beat in overdrive.

I wait for Hudson to come down from his orgasm and pull out of me before I freak out.

“Hudson?” I ask, fear in my tone. He stares at me, eyes still glowing gold, and I swallow past the lump in my throat. For the first time since I’ve known him, I’m scared of Hudson. What’s going on? “Hudson…I’m scared.”

Hudson growls again, but this time, it sounds more like a whimper of a frightened animal. He closes his eyes and clenches his fists together, seeming to be concentrating. When a few, tense minutes have passed by, Hudson opens his eyes back up, but this time, they’re back to their normal brown eyes.

“Fay…” he reaches out to me, but I flinch in fear. I instantly regret my reaction when Hudson’s eyes close and he hangs his head in defeat. “I need a minute…just…don’t leave, okay? I need to tell you something, but I need a moment to gather my thoughts.” He leans in, as if to give me a kiss, but stops himself. Shaking his head, he gets off the bed, puts on a pair of sweats, and strides angrily into the bathroom, slamming the door as he does.

I get off the bed and walk to the bathroom. My fist hovers over the door, wanting desperately to knock, but I ultimately lower my hand and sigh.

We finally confessed our love, but something is still standing in our way.

I try getting Hudson’s glowing gold eyes out of my head, but I can’t. When he was hovering over me, eyes glowing, I was scared. I didn’t know what was happening and when Hudson growled like a wild animal, my heart faltered and stopped for a moment. He didn’t look like my Hudson at that moment and I didn’t know who was staring back at me—which freaked me out.

“I need a drink.” I mutter to myself and jump when I hear someone punch the wall. Hudson curses and I want to go to him, to tell him everything will be okay, but I have a feeling he needs a moment to himself. Whatever he needs to tell me he needs to work out himself. And if I’m being honest, I need a moment apart myself.

I head towards the kitchen and pour myself a glass of water, eyeing the wine in the fridge with want, but ultimately close the fridge door without touching it. I need to have a clear head when Hudson and I talk, so no alcohol for me. Taking a sip, I almost choke on the water when a knock comes at the door, startling me.

Walking to the door, I look through the peephole and see a petite brunette girl standing outside, biting her lip in worry. “Who’s this?” I ask, not wanting to open the door without at least knowing whom this person is.... Please don’t let this be an old girlfriend. I’m already vulnerable right now and don’t need that added to my list.

“Um, sorry to bother you, ma’am, but my car broke down outside your house and I was wondering if I could use your house phone?” The girl looks over to a car that’s smoking and sighs, obviously stressed out. “It’ll only be a moment. I want to call a tow and then my brother so he can drive me to work. If I’m late to work one more time, my boss is going to fire me and I really need this job.”

I open the door and gesture for the girl to enter Hudson’s home. But when she doesn’t move, I know something is wrong. Especially when the girl holds up a black device and clicks on a button. As soon as the pain registers, I realize that the object she’s holding is a taser and that I’m in big trouble.

Before I can collide with the ground, the woman catches me in her arms and lowers me down to the floor.

My body is momentarily paralyzed and my vision is growing fuzzy. The woman quickly puts duct tape over my mouth—as if I can scream—and then drags me out of Hudson’s house, making sure to close the door quietly as she does.

Then everything goes to black.

~*~

 

Keith

The time has come to play with my little human.

Fay is tied to the chair in the middle of the warehouse—still knocked out from the taser I used on her earlier—but from the rapid fluttering of her eyelids, I can tell she’s about to wake up at any moment.

Then, things can get started.

Not a minute later, Fay’s eyes flicker open and her eyes widen once she’s realized the situation she’s now in. She, as all my previous victims, thrashes from side to side, trying to get free, but all she manages to do is make herself dizzy with all her struggling.

“Don’t even bother, Fay. The chair is bolted to the floor and those ropes are secure.” I smirk at her as I approach her. I reach out and allow my index finger to draw a line down her cheek and I laugh when Fay flinches away from my touch. “What? I’m not good enough for a girl like you?” I laugh when her eyes widen at me. “Don’t worry, I intend to play with you before I kill you.”

“Kill me?” she shouts and begins struggling again.

I roll my eyes at her attempt of escape. “Yes, Fay. After we play, I’m going to kill you and chop your head off. It’ll be the perfect gift to give the Prince.” I say, conversantly and her eyes widen further. “You should have stayed away from Royce, Fay. Because you got involved with the Prince and his clan, you have to die now. So don’t be mad at me, be upset with your mate, who couldn’t keep you safe.”

“Prince?” Fay questions, seeming confused. “What the fuck are you talking about? Hudson isn’t a Prince! He’s a businessman who owns a boutique with his sister!”

I don’t laugh often, never finding anything that truly amuses me, but this is rich. My laugh goes on and on and I only stop so I can tell the human just whom she fell in love with. It’d be amazing to watch her realize she fell in love with a man she didn’t even know. God, I love my job. “Royce is a bear shifter, Fay. His father is the clan leader, a shitty one, that keeps his clan limited and useless, so that makes Hudson the Prince. Only when he finds his mate can he take the throne away from his father and make his clan strong again. Obviously, I can’t let that happen. I’m the enforcer to another rivaling clan and my boss has instructed me to kill anyone who can possibly be Royce’s mate. Let me tell you, I have been very busy these last few years. Your boyfriend sure knows how to get around.” I smirk when I see her face redden in embarrassment and anger.

“You’re…you’re lying!” She spits out, but her eyes show her confliction. “Royce isn’t a bear! He would have told me if he was. We love each other and tell each other everything. He wouldn’t keep a secret like this from me. Besides,” she laughs humorlessly. “There’s no such thing as shifters! They only exist in romance novels.”

I roll my eyes. “I think you are reading too many novels, Fay. Bear shifters aren’t the sweet, romantic creatures you read about in books. We’re strong, powerful supernaturals who are not to be trifled with. If only you knew this fact before you fucked Royce and sealed your fate.” I grab the knife from my back pocket and twirl it around in my hand, enjoying the way the girl squirms in her chair in fear. “Tell me, has Royce been acting odd? Notice any physical changes when you’re together?”

Fay’s eyes flicker with an unknown emotion and she averts my gaze. “Glowing eyes? Growling?” She asks, not able to meet my eyes as I question her.

I chuckle. “When we’re pissed off or feel any strong emotion, lust, for example, our eyes tend to glow. Annoying habit, but it is what it is. I can’t believe Royce never told you what he is.” I laugh again. “This is rich. I guess he doesn’t love you if he didn’t trust you with this secret.” I study her and sigh. “It’s a shame I have to butcher your beautiful body and face. If I could, I’d keep you as a pet in my warehouse, but my boss would be pissed at me and won’t let me kill anyone for a month if I don’t eliminate you.”

“Get the fuck away from her!” A male’s voice growls from behind me and I grin. Turning around, I get a kick out of seeing the shock on Royce’s face. “Keith? Is that you?” he shakes his head and walks towards me, looking like he’s seen a ghost. “But…why? Why would you do this?”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Why? You honestly have to ask me that?” I throw my knife at Royce but he dodges it, as I expected. I knew I couldn’t hit him, but I had to try because I hate him so much. “I’m doing this because I can’t allow you to gain control of that pathetic clan of yours. Javier is about to take over your territory and he can’t allow you to gain enough power to stop him. But you want to know the real reason I’m doing this, right?” Royce nods his head stiffly. “Because I hate you. Because you shouldn’t be standing there while she lays underneath the earth.” I clench my fists together and I feel a stupid tear fall down my face. “Because you killed our mother.”

~*~

 

Hudson

I haven’t seen Keith since I was eight years old and she tried to kill me in my sleep. No, I’m not exaggerating; my sister came into my room on my 8th birthday, while I was sleepy peacefully, and tried to slit my throat. Thankfully for me, my father and little sister heard my cries and came just in time to stop her from causing too much damage. Since I’m a shifter, the wound healed before a scar could form, but the damage was done and I’ll never forget what she did to me that day.

She had been older than me by ten years then and blamed me for my mother’s death, since she died trying to pick me up from school, and for a little while, I believed her. I thought it was my fault my mother died because, if I hadn’t called her that day, if I had just gotten through the school day, my mother wouldn’t have been on that highway that day and would still be alive today.

But I know now that what happened was an accident—a horrible accident, but an accident, nonetheless, and blaming myself didn’t change the fact that she was gone. My father blamed himself for not driving to get me himself that day and look at what happened to him—he’s a drunk that is leading our clan into the ground.

But I have a chance to make things right and re-build our clan to what we once were. I have a chance to get my dad clean. I have a chance at a life, with my mate and hopefully, my future child, so I know what I must do.

I have to kill my sister.

“Back away from Fay, Keith. She has nothing to do with our issues.” Keith moves closer to Fay and I see red. “I said, get the fuck away from her! What? You’re too scared to face me now that I’m not a defenseless child?” I taunt her, knowing she couldn’t turn down a challenge or an insult. I smirk at her, knowing I’m getting to her and appearing smug will draw her attention more to me and away from a terrified Fay. Damn, I have a lot of explaining to do, if she’ll even talk to me after today. “Then again, you couldn’t kill me as a child, so how can you expect to kill me now?”

That last comment pushes her over the edge and she transforms on the spot into her bear. Her bear, which is a deep brown and is ten times the size of my human form, growls at me and she begins to circle around me. I move backwards, attempting to move her farther away from Fay so she won’t get hurt in the crossfire.

I turn my gaze to Fay, who’s staring at us in shock, and smile sadly. “I should have told you about my other half from the start, but I was worried you wouldn’t accept me. And I should have kept you safe, but I failed there too.” I shake my head and I feel my eyes begin to glow and my body start to change. “But I will not fail you again. You are mine, Fay, and I protect what’s mine.”

I then shift into my bear form and all hell breaks loose.

Keith charges at me as soon as I change and we collide against the side of the warehouse, causing the room to echo with our crash. Keith tries to go for my neck, but I claw at her face before her teeth could sink into me. She screams in pain, her left eye now bleeding, and surprises me when she bends down and bites my left leg.

Instant pain shoots through me and I roar in agony.

Still, even with my left leg now injured, I have to lead Keith farther away from Fay. I back away from her, luring her towards the entrance of the warehouse, and when we’re a safe distance away, I attack her again, this time, I aim for her other eye, so I can rob her of one of her senses. If I can do that, it’ll be that much easier to defeat her without causing further injury to me or putting Fay at more risk.

Keith roars when I successfully remove her other eye and she pauses her movements, her face moving side-to-side in pain. “You took away my sight!” she growls at me.

“You had this coming, Keith!” I growl back. “You took what was mine and no one, not even my older sister, will get away with that. You will die today and then my mate and I will be safe again. I will take the throne and I will destroy anyone who stands in my way, so your precious Javier will be next to feel my wrath!”

Keith laughs at my words and I know what she’s going to do before she does it. She turns her back towards me, roaring in excitement, and then races towards my mate. Her razor-sharp teeth are extended, ready to rip apart the one person who completes me in every way possible, and I know I need to stop her at all costs.

Pushing past the pain, I run at Keith at lightening speed and even with my injury, I’m faster than her. She stands on her hind legs and raises a claw to Fay and I knock her sideways before her claw can make contact.

Keith lies on the floor in shock for a moment, and I use that one-minute of her daze to bite her throat out, roaring my victory and pain. Keith lies still underneath me, her body becoming lifeless and stiff. I know I won the fight when she changes back into her human form and her body remains still and silent.

Turning back to my human form, I grab a tarp from across the room and go to my sister’s body, laying it over her naked form. Although I hated what she had done, and what she tried to do to me years ago, she was still my sister, and I don’t want someone finding her in such a state.

“Hudson…” Fay sobs out and tears begin to fill her eyes. “Oh, Hudson, I’m so sorry. I—” she begins to cry. “Can you please let me go? I need you to hold me right now and I think you need me too.”

I nod my head, not knowing how to feel right now. But Fay is right; I do need her right now. I need to lose myself in the scent of my mate, knowing that what I did was to keep her safe.

I untie Fay and she flies into my arms in a sobbing mess.

But we’re together.

We’re alive.

~*~

 

Fay

After the event with Keith, Hudson and I have gotten back to everyday life, but we haven’t discussed what happened. And today, I’m making it a priority to talk about it with him because Hudson isn’t himself anymore. He’s having nightmares, he won’t touch me, and he’s distancing himself further and further away from me.

I don’t know what to do, but I know we have to talk. If we don’t, our relationship won’t last long and I refuse to let that happen after everything Hudson has sacrificed to keep me alive and us together.

He killed his own sister to keep me safe and the guilt he’s facing is slowly destroying the man I love. From their encounter in the warehouse, I know they weren’t close, but still, she was his sister and no matter how fucked up your family is, you’ll love them no matter what.

Hudson wakes up next to me and tightens his arms around me again. His eyes are troubled and his body is shaking slightly. “You had another nightmare, didn’t you?” I ask hugging him close.

Hudson averts his gaze and sighs. “Yeah, I did.”

I shake my head and break out of his hold so I can sit up. “Hudson…we need to talk.” His eyes widen in fear and he jumps awake, now fully alert. “I want to talk about what happened with Keith.”

“I’m sorry,” he whispers in defeat. “I know I should have told you about my bear, but I was sure that you’ll turn me away and want nothing to do with me when you found out. I was a coward, so I hid an important piece of myself from you. I can’t tell you how sorry I am, Fay. But…please,” he grabs my hands and his desperate eyes meet mine. “Give me another chance. I know my bear probably terrifies you, but I love you, and I can’t lose you. I promise you’ll never have to see him again.”

I blink at him in shock. “What are you talking about, Hudson? I wanted to talk about your sister, not your bear.” He stares at me in confusion and I can’t blame him. I saw him turn into a giant ass bear, but oddly enough, it doesn’t bother me. “Hudson, my favorite animal is a bear.” I smile and kiss him. “I’m not scared of your other half, although, it did take me by surprise.” I narrow my eyes at him. “Never hide something as important as that again, Hudson. People who are in love do not keep secrets from each other.”

Hudson nods his head and smiles for the first time in days. “So…we’re okay? You’re not going to leave me?”

“What?” I exclaim in puzzlement. “Why would I leave you? You saved my life back there, Hudson. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be here with you today.”

Hudson grinds his jaw in anger. “If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have been in danger at all. I didn’t prepare you better or keep you safe. But I vow to you, Fay, I won’t make that mistake again.”

I nod my head and grin. “I know you won’t. You’re my big strong teddy bear.”

Hudson groans, rolling his eyes. “Seriously? You’re going to make bear jokes now?”

“My jokes rock! You’re just going to have to bear with them.” He groans again and I chuckle. Realizing we haven’t discussed his nightmare, I stop laughing and become serious. “What are your nightmares about, Hudson? They must be awful if they have you screaming in your sleep.”

Hudson grabs me in his arms, lays us back down, and sighs. “I dream about that night. About the fear I felt when I found you missing from my house. I thought you left me and that I scared you with my eyes glowing, but then I found the necklace you got from your dad when you were ten at the entrance of the door and I knew something bad had happened. I followed your scent and when I found you at that warehouse, tied up and terrified, I remember feeling so much rage at my sister for what she had done.” He closes his eyes and shakes his head. “Things worked out in the end, but in my nightmares, I lose you over, and over again. I didn’t think you could accept my bear, so some of my nightmares were of you leaving me over that. I can’t lose you, Fay, and the thought that I could have drives me crazy with worry.”

I lean up and kiss Hudson until his eyebrows aren’t furrowed in worry anymore. “That will never happen, Hudson. I love you too much to leave you.” I place my hand in one of his and squeeze. “We are a team now, Hudson. And I have no intentions on ever letting you go.”

Hudson presses his forehead to mine and lets out a relieved sigh. “You have no idea how much your words mean to me, Fay. I love you.”

I smile and rub our noses together, causing him to laugh. “I love you too.”

We then seal our love with a kiss.

Our future isn’t set in stone, and there’ll be many obstacles that will stand in our way, but we’ll always get through them because our love is worth it.

And love does really conquer all.

~*~

THE END

 

 

 

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