One month later …

What the hell was she doing there again?

She must be completely off her rocker. What if he had forgotten all about her? What was she thinking, he probably had. Make that, he definitely had. She pulled in a deep breath, holding it for a few seconds before letting it out. Since when did she lack confidence? This was silly. All of it was. They’d been together a month ago, of course Ash was going to remember her. The guy had invited her here. It hadn’t been the other way around. He had stalked her. Not the other way around either.

What she wasn’t going to do was look around obsessively, or pull down on her skirt, which was a tad shorter than she normally wore. She wasn’t going to obsess over her hair, or make-up, or her outfit any longer. What she was going to do was have fun. So what if he was here, so what if he wasn’t? It didn’t even matter if he was here with another woman. Even though her stomach tightened into a knot, she ignored it. Alice didn’t give a shit. It wasn’t like that between them anyway. What she was going to do was make the most of being here. Meredith and Bella were on the dance floor, somewhere, so she wasn’t alone. This was going to work out just fine.

She took a big long sip of her drink. Feeling better already. Oh shit! There he was. Their eyes locked and recognition flared in his. Alice quickly looked away, feigning disinterest. Had that been the start of a grin on his lips? Her heart beat faster.

Alice smelled him before she saw him. Hints of sandalwood, notes of pine and a good solid dose of man. Seriously masculine, clean, delicious. Not reacting! She could also feel his heat radiating off him. Not looking! Absolutely not looking! Even though she wanted to and badly. Then he was there, right there at her side, his mouth at the shell of her ear. “Let’s get out of here.”

She had to suppress a laugh or at the very least a smile. She didn't know very much about this man, but this was typical nonetheless. “Not even a hello?"

“What’s the point?”

“It’s good manners.”

“Hello,” he breathed out the word, it tickled against the sensitive shell of her ear. Her nipples tightened, and her skin broke out into goosebumps. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Thanks, but no. I’m not interested.” She turned and walked away, her bottom lip between her teeth. Would he follow? She sure as nuts hoped so.

His grip tightened around her elbow. He used the slightest pressure to turn her around so that she faced him. She'd forgotten how gorgeous he was. From the darkness of his eyes to his full lips. He wore another one of those collared shirts, black this time. Black looked good on the man, especially with the thick stubble across his jaw.

“Is that how it’s going to be?” He released her, folding his arms. She watched in fascination as his shirt pulled tight around his chest and biceps. He was huge in every way. Alice wanted to agree to everything. She wanted to beg him to throw her over his shoulder and to have his wicked way with her. Then she noticed the gleam in his eyes and the way the one edge of his mouth curled up at the corner ever so slightly. Ash was loving every second of this. He seemed to like that she was putting up a fight, even if they both knew it was an act.

Alice nodded. “Yes, this is how it’s going to be, seeing as I don’t even know you. Do you really think I’d leave with a complete stranger?” Utter nonsense and they both knew it.

“You know my name,” he said, his voice a rasp. Ash leaned in and gripped her arm again, his check brushed against hers, his stubble catching. It felt remarkably soft. “Even more to the point, you know how I feel inside you. Deep inside.”

Holy hotness. Her panties flooded with wet just as her mouth dried up. What the hell did she say to that? “Doesn’t count,” she blurted, her voice a bit shrill.

“What do you mean it doesn’t count?” He pushed out a deep breath. “Of course it counts.”

“That was then and this is now.” She paused. “You just automatically assume that I’m here for you this evening. Maybe I came here to meet with someone else.” She gave a one-shouldered shrug, hoping to pull off indifference.

It must have worked because his grip on her tightened. “You damn well better be here for me.” His jaw tightened as well. Ash went from sexy to sexy overloaded and in minus three-seconds flat. He looked pissed, and for some reason it made her feel good seeing him all tied up in knots. She got the feeling it didn’t often happen to a guy like him.

“Well, I’m not here for you.” Alice fought the urge to laugh. The look on his face was just that comical. Instead, she turned and walked away and almost crashed straight into another shifter. At least he looked like a shifter to her. He was tall, although not as tall as Ash. He was broad, although not nearly as broad as Ash. He would probably be considered more good-looking than Ash, only she didn’t find him nearly as sexy. Not even close.

The shifter craned his neck and looked down at her, his blue eyes lighting up with what looked like interest. “Hello, human.” He smiled. “Were you looking for me?”

She really shouldn’t, considering she could feel Ash’s presence behind her but she couldn’t help herself. “Yes, I think I may have been.”

The shifter grinned broadly. “Good. I’m glad to hear it. My name is—”

“Step away from the human,” Ash growled. It was an honest to god growl from somewhere deep inside his throat.

“Oh, I didn’t realize that she was with you.” He inclined his head for a moment. “My sincerest apologies.”

“I’m not with him.” It just came out. She could feel Ash move behind her. Could hear his sharp intake of breath. Alice wasn’t sure why she said it. Maybe it was the need to establish boundaries. She’d stayed far away from sex because she feared all the shit that came along with it.

The blue-eyed shifter frowned, he looked from Ash, who was standing right behind her, back to Alice, and then back again. His frown grew deeper. “I'm not sure—”

He let the sentence die. Alice half expected the shifter to walk away but he didn’t, he just stood there staring at her. Interest flaring in his eyes. She was just about to take a step back when Ash growled a second time, this time much lower and deeper. It was aggressive sounding. She’d even go so far as to say possessive. She shouldn’t like the way that he had reacted, but she did. Maybe even a little too much.

“The female is here with me. Don't make me repeat myself.” Definitely pissed.

The blue-eyed shifter’s face seemed to pale before her eyes, he didn't say anything, simply turned on his heel and walked away. It made her wonder who Ash was. Was it his sheer size that was so intimidating, because he was bigger than most of the shifters? Or, was it something else? A shiver of excitement rippled down her spine. She shouldn’t be enjoying this so much.

She turned to face him, narrowing her eyes at him. “You don’t own me, you know. Just because we had sex once doesn’t mean—”

“You shouldn’t play games. You’re liable to get someone hurt.” His eyes were dark, so intense they took her breath away. “Now, admit you are here for me … for my cock,” he quickly added, “and not for anyone else.”

“And if I don’t?” She couldn’t help herself. It was like goading him had become her new favorite thing. There was a definite air of danger surrounding Ash. He knew what he wanted and what he wanted was her. She couldn’t help it that it excited her. “What if I still maintained that I wasn’t here for you?” She didn’t plan to.

His nostrils flared and his throat worked. “I will have to put you over my lap and spank you. I’ll spank your ass until your pussy is glistening wet. Until it’s running down your thighs and then I’ll fuck you right here in front of everyone.”

Her chest rose and fell in quick succession. Her eyes felt huge in her head. Her heart beat faster. Much faster. She could feel her pulse jumping at the base of her neck. Her armpits felt clammy. By now, her panties were soaking wet. If her nipples got any tighter, she would be able to cut glass with them. She had never been this turned on in her whole life. She licked her lips, preparing to deny it all. She even started shaking her head but stopped.

Ash’s eyes narrowed and the edge of his lips curled up into a half-smile that had her holding back a groan. “Oh my fuck!” he whispered, then he breathed out through his nose, leaning in, his chest against hers. His cheek against hers. “You like the idea of that, don’t you? You like the idea of me hitching your skirt and fucking you in front of everyone?” She heard him sniffing. She felt the soft panting noises he was making, right between her legs. “You’re so aroused right now, you can’t think straight, can you?”

There was no use denying it. Even though a part of her wanted to just to see what his reaction would be. “Yes.” The word sounded breathy and needy.

“It wouldn’t take much to make you come would it?”

She shook her head. “No.”

“You need to come right now, I’m right aren’t I?”

Alice gripped his shirt, feeling his hard chest beneath her fingers. “Yes.”

“Would you prefer my hand, my mouth or my cock?”

Oh god! This wasn’t happening. Ash pulled back and his dark eyes bore into hers. Since when had breathing become optional? How the hell did she answer that? Was he serious?

“This is not the time to be shy, sweetheart. Tell me what you want.”

“Your cock,” she whispered.

“Done.” The way he said the word almost had her coming. Ash gripped her hand and led her through the masses of people. He stood tall, jaw clenched. The crowd seemed to part before him.

“The exit is that way,” she tried to yell above the noise, pointing behind them. Music blared. Where was he taking them?

He didn’t answer with words, just squeezed her hand and kept walking. They reached some kind of hallway. There was a sign that read ‘Staff Only.’ After looking left and right, Ash walked down the hall.

Alice looked back over her shoulder. “But we can’t—”

“Don’t lose your nerve now.” His voice was deep and no-nonsense. His hand hot against hers. Ash pushed her against the wall and pressed himself against her. “You said you wanted to come, right now and on the end of my cock. I’m about to make that happen.”

“Um … okay.”

That half-smile popped out of hiding. “Alright then.” He continued walking, then stopped at the first door they reached. He opened the door and pushed her inside. Within seconds, there was a click and the light came on. They were in some sort of storage room. Shelves were lined with bottles of alcohol of all different kinds. There were filled crates on the floor and beer boxes stacked in the far corner. There was also a freezer.

Ash gripped her hips and lifted her easily, her butt landing on the freezer. “I take it you do this often?” He seemed to know his way around.

Ash put a hand on either side of her, he leaned in and kissed her neck until he reached her ear. Then he took her lobe into his mouth and nipped. Alice moaned.

“Nah. I’ve never been back here before. Never been so out of my mind for a female before either.”

The knowledge made her feel really good, even though this was just sex and nothing more. Heck, Ash hadn’t even asked her how she was. He hadn’t said anything about the weather. The guy made it infinitely clear why he was there. Why they were there. Just sex. That’s it.

He cupped her breasts and squeezed lightly through the material of her shirt. Then he ran his thumbs over her nipples. Alice moaned again.

Ash cursed softly. “I’m going to make you come and then we’re getting out of here. I want you naked.”

“Sounds good to me.” Her words were strained.

“Want to taste you,” he said as he lifted her skirt up around her hips. “Stick my tongue inside you.”

She made a sound of agreement but couldn’t actually say anything since he was shoving her underwear aside and sliding a finger over her clit. She groaned softly.

“Put your legs over my shoulders.” He pulled at the clasp on his jeans.

“I’m not sure …” she objected, stopping as he lifted them and slid them over his shoulders. Just like he said. Easy peezy. His finger kept up it’s strumming on her clit. Alice put her hands behind her and leaned back on them. Her eyes felt like they might have gone back in their sockets as well as he kept up the slip and slide over that bundle of nerves. There was a soft tearing noise and by the movement Ash made she was sure he was sliding the condom onto himself. Then he was pushing into her, one finger still on her clit. He was big. Very big, but she was oh so very wet. Within a few thrusts, he was balls deep.

“Fucking amazing,” Ash rumbled as he thrust in and out of her. His skin looked taut. He was frowning heavily.

She was crying out with every thrust. How could she not? It was that good right from the start. Her orgasm right there already. That feeling starting to take residence deep inside her.

Ash had this look on his face. Tense, angry … so damned hot that she could barely breathe. “Shhhh,” he soothed as he bent down, closing his mouth over hers, eating up her moans.

Then his thumb was between them, pressing on her clit. Ash fucked her hard and fast. She could hear the music, the people. All of it. Anyone could walk in at any time. Anyone would catch them fucking like animals.

His thumb suddenly moved. Rub, rub and she was tickets. Ash swallowed up her cries. He groaned, jerking into her. His other hand held her in place. He slowed down. Easing in and out until he stopped moving completely, letting her legs off of his shoulders but staying inside her. He pulled her close, holding onto her for a few seconds before letting her go.

She could barely catch her breath. Ash removed the condom. He tied it off and threw it in a nearby trash can. Then he pulled up his pants, tucked himself away and did them up.

Alice felt a bit fumbly from having come so hard. Her skirt was bunched up around her hips. She was still breathing hard. Probably looked like a hot mess but she couldn’t find it in herself to care. He walked back over to her, since she was still on the freezer. “You okay?” He gripped her around the waist.

“Yes, I’m good.”

“Do you still want to leave with someone else?”

She pretended to think about it.

“You’re mine tonight. All fucking mine.” He lifted her off of the chest, pulled down her skirt and smoothed her hair off of her face.

“Just for tonight.” She smiled.

He flashed her a quick smile. “Glad we finally agree.”

The door to the storage room opened and a bewildered looking guy walked in. “Oh, um … I …”

“We’re lost.” Ash grabbed her hand and walked out before the guy could say anything more. He ushered her down the hallway. Though Ash walked, she had to jog to keep up with him. They burst out into the crowd.

Alice couldn’t help herself, she started laughing. Ash glanced down at her, he was grinning wildly. He shook his head and then barked out a laugh as well. They laughed all the way out of the bar. She held onto his hand tightly, as they made their way out the front door. Just sex. That’s all it was, and she was going to enjoy every second.

* * *

Her eyes were closed. Her jaw slack. Her breasts bounced hard with each thrust. His balls were in his throat. He was so close to coming it was torture trying to hold on. Her hair was a wild mess. Her bangs stuck to her forehead, there was a section on the right that was standing up. Fucking gorgeous. So fucking lush.

The tiny human had carpet burns on her knees from when they’d fucked on the floor in the hallway. Then he’d laid her out on the dining room table and had feasted on her pussy before climbing up and taking care of things with his cock. The bowl of fruit that now lay broken on the floor was collateral damage, but it had been all worth it.

Next was the coffee table. Those magazines would never be the same. And now, the sofa was being put to good use.

She groaned as his grip on her hips tightened. Hard, deep but slow and easy. “Killing me,” she groaned.

“You want to come?” His voice was so guttural, he could barely understand himself.

“Yes, oh god, oh yes …” Her eyes focused on him, but barely. “Please. Have to …” Her head fell back, her tits kept jerking up and down. One of the sexiest things he had ever seen.

Oh fuck!

He was about to come. About to … he continued to thrust into her, only he picked up the pace slightly, the pad of his thumb finding her clit just as he began to shoot off. Luckily, he had been keeping her right there for a while, so one little touch was all it took. Her pussy clamped down around him like a silken vice, her body milking him for all he was worth and maybe just a bit more. He couldn’t help the grunt that escaped. It was just that fucking good.

Her mouth opened in a silent scream, her back bowed and then she groaned, long and deep. Alice fell forward against his chest. She bit him. Although it didn’t happen often, it wasn't the first time a human had bitten him. Only, they were usually timid about it. Not Alice, she sank her teeth into him so hard it had him seeing stars.

His dick exploded. He might have internal damage to his balls he came so damned hard and for a second time. Ash snarled, his hips jerked hard.

Alice gripped his shoulders tighter and yelled as her pussy spasmed around him. They held onto each other for what felt like a long while, but in reality could only have been a minute. Two at the most. Riding out their orgasms. Slowly coming down, until eventually Alice slumped against him with a moan.

It took another couple of minutes to catch their breath. “Oh my word!” Alice managed to get out between hard pants. “What the hell just happened?” Her voice was croaky.

“Yeah, shit.” He chuckled even though there was a knot in his stomach. “You bit me.”

“Oh, really? Biting does that?” She was still breathing heavily. “I’m sorry by the way. I don’t know what came over me. What am I saying? I’m not sorry.” She giggled. “That was amazing.” She slurred her words a little. “If I had even a little bit of energy left, I would suggest we do it again … and again.”

“We can’t.” He tried to keep the growl from his voice and failed.

"Oh." She pulled back. Her eye make-up was smudged, making her look a bit like a raccoon. An adorable, really sexy raccoon.

“It’s nothing, just that biting is for mates.”

“Oh, I see.” She smiled. “No wonder human women are so interested in snagging a shifter. I totally get it now.” She smiled but quickly turned serious, her eyes tracking his face. “Not that I’m interested in all that, mind you. I can see you’re suddenly worried and you shouldn’t be.”

Truth was, hearing her say it did worry him. Mates, biting. Fuck! It suddenly felt like he was in over his head.

“Marriage is the very last thing I want … believe me. I’m so far from interested it’s not even funny.” She lifted herself off of him. There was a sudden tension in the air. “I’ve been there … I can’t say done that.” She laughed, sounding hurt. “I certainly learned my lesson. That’s for sure.” She sat next to him on the sofa, grabbing one of the cushions and hugging it to herself. At that moment she looked vulnerable. She looked sad.

“What happened?” The words were out before he could stop them. He shouldn’t care. He didn’t. Not really. It just felt like the right thing to do in this situation.

“It was nothing.” She laughed. The sound was not upbeat and joyous. It didn’t sound anything like Alice.

Ash frowned. “Tell me. I want to know.”

“So damned bossy.” She sucked in a deep breath, her smile faltering. “Like I said, it was nothing. It happened a couple of years ago but it hurt me enough to forgo marriage.”

“Were you mated?”

Her eyes widened. “No, god no! In hindsight it’s a blessing we never did. Although I would never have said so at the time. I was devastated. Heartbroken, over a loser like Terrance. Anyway, like I said, lesson learned.”

“What did this male … this Terrance … what did he do?” There was a definite growl to his voice. He didn’t like the idea of someone hurting Alice, or any female for that matter.

She shrugged, hugging the pillow closer. “Left me standing at the altar.”

She must have seen the confusion on his face.

“He ran out on me on the day of our wedding. No message, no phone call. No nothing. He just didn’t show up.” She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment. “I only found out half an hour before I was due to walk down the aisle … To say our vows,” she quickly added.

“He didn’t have the balls to explain things to you?”

She shook her head. “In retrospect we were completely wrong for one another. It’s the way he went about things that hurt. We’d been together for two years and he didn’t respect me enough to tell me how he felt.” She licked her lips. “I had to go out there and tell everyone that the wedding was off. It was the most embarrassing moment of my whole life. Even worse, I was so hurt. I saw Terrance as not just a lover but as a friend and he let me down by just running off.”

“Not all males are like that, Alice. There are a couple of good guys out there.”

“Like you?” She smiled, looking at him with such affection. Then she made a face. “I don’t mean it like that. I know it isn’t like that between us.”

“No, not me. I’m not a good guy. I was also hurt. Deeply hurt and I can’t go down that road again either.”

“There are good ladies out there as well. There might be someone out there for you. You would just need to give it a chance …” She made that same face. “Not with me though. I don’t mean me.” He could see that she meant it. “I keep putting my foot in it.” She shook her head, her cheeks turning red.

“I know that but being in another relationship is not for me and nothing would ever change my mind about that. I need to say though that you’re definitely one of the good females. I would hate to see you live out the rest of your life alone because of that asshole, Terrance.”

“I’m very happy. I don’t need another person to complete me. I’ve been on a few dates but nothing that’s panned out. It would take someone really special to get me to commit. Heck,” Alice chuckled, “it might take a bit of a miracle to get me to say ‘yes’ a second time.” She yawned, putting a hand up to cover her mouth. “What time is it?”

“A little after three, and no, you don’t need someone else to complete you.” He closed the space between them, giving her a quick kiss on the side of the mouth. “Let me tuck you in your bed. You look exhausted.”

“That’s probably a good idea.” She stifled another yawn.

Ash stood up, it took him a half a minute to find his pants, which he pulled on. Alice looked surprised when he picked her up and carried her to her bedroom. He pulled back the comforter and put her down, pulling the covers over her. Then he kissed her forehead. “Sleep well.”

“You’re not staying?”

Ash shook his head. For just a moment he was tempted but only because he really liked sex in the morning. There was something about fucking, about making someone come hard as the sun was rising. It had been a very long time since he’d had the pleasure. “No. Thanks, though.”

“Okay.” She half smiled. It was dopey, her eyes tiny slits she was so tired. “Please turn the lock on the door as you leave.”

Ash was taken aback. Alice didn’t try to change his mind. She wasn’t all clingy, begging to see him again. The sex was off the charts good and for just a second, he was tempted to break every rule and stay. What were a few more hours?

No!

He had his rules for a reason. It was especially important he stick to them. He thanked Claw he didn’t have a rule about fucking the same female more than once. He’d never had the inclination to fuck the same female more than once before. Not since— "Good night." She yawned again and started to turn to face the other way.

Screw it! “Wait,” he gripped her arm to keep her from rolling over, “meet me next month.”

She blinked her eyes a couple of times, like maybe she hadn’t heard him right. “I don’t know if …” She shook her head.

“By Fur, you’re actually going to turn me down.” Ash had to grin.

Alice frowned, scrunching up her nose. “You look like you actually like that I’m going to turn you down.”

“Yeah, I do. It’s a refreshing change. Did you enjoy tonight?” Ash knew the answer to that question. He’d never been more compatible with a female. As in, ever. Not even with his mate. There were good reasons for that. He stopped the thought in its tracks. It made him nervous about seeing Alice again but that was bullshit. As long as they kept it strictly about the sex, one more ride wouldn’t hurt.

She made a face at him. “You know I did.”

“Exactly.” He looked deep into her dark hazelnut eyes. “We’re having fun. Neither of us wants anything more, so why can’t we enjoy it?”

“I don’t know.” She huffed out a breath. “It feels like it could get complicated.”

“I won’t see you for another month. There will be no long romantic walks or dinners. I won’t buy you flowers or any of that other shit. I think we’re good, besides, I have this little fantasy I think you might enjoy.”

“Oh really?” She smiled. Then she rolled her eyes. “Okay, fine. Tell me about this fantasy of yours.”

Ash leaned forward and whispered it into her ear.

“That is pretty naughty. Maybe even a little dirty.” Her breathing had become elevated.

“It would be naughty and seriously fucking dirty and that would be for starters.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“No, you’ll be there,” he growled, standing up and walking to the door. He looked back over his shoulder. “And Alice?”

“Yes?”

“Make sure you wear a dress or a skirt and no underwear.”

“I can’t very well go into public without—”

“You can and you will.” He watched in fascination as her pupils dilated. She was turned on as fuck. “There’s also that other thing.” He narrowed his eyes on her.

“No way.”

“Yes, way. I’ll know. I swear to god, I’ll walk away.”

She sighed. “Fine. That’s if I decide to go.” Her chest was heaving. He caught the sweet scent of wet pussy. Alice would be there and she’d follow his instructions.

Despite all the sex, his dick twitched. He’d better get the hell out of there before he jumped her again. Alice was a human, she needed her rest. He smiled. “I look forward to next month.” Then he forced himself to leave.