The cool, damp air soon prompted Colin to move the party inside. As much as he loved stargazing, he preferred to gaze at Luna, and he could do that far better in the comfort of his bedroom. She helped him pack up the telescope and then she descended the steps wrapped in the quilt. He followed with the telescope in its box, and a bundle containing their clothes.

On the way down, he reminded himself that this was her first time and once was enough for her tonight. He might crave another round or two, or three, but then she’d be sore tomorrow. He wanted her to remember pleasure, not pain, so she’d ask for more.

When he reached the bottom step and looked for her, she was standing by the dimmer switch, still wrapped in the quilt.

“I wanted to make sure you were safely down before I did this.” She dimmed the light coming from the bedside lamps, and the constellations in the drapes and bedspread began to glow.

“Geraldine must have showed you how that worked.”

“She did. We came up here at night so I could get the full effect. I thought it was lovely.” She unwound the quilt and laid it on a nearby chair.

Even in the dim light, she was spectacular. “Not as lovely as you.” A new surge of desire added a rasp to his voice. He dropped the clothes to the floor. There were other ways to pleasure each other, ways that wouldn’t cause her discomfort. His cock stiffened.

“Y’all seem to have reloaded.” She walked toward him with confidence, as if she belonged here among the glowing constellations. Of course she did. Her name was Luna, after all.

Premonition ran a finger up his spine, and he trembled. Until now, he’d missed the connection. Her name was Luna, and he was fascinated by the night sky. A true Scotsman never discounted such things.

But a wise Scotsman wouldn’t mention it, in case this bonny lass might think he was daft and run in the opposite direction. He preferred having her move toward him, her breasts swaying gently with each step, her eyes alight, her mouth curved in a saucy smile.

She stopped when she was inches away, and predictably, grasped the handle he’d so conveniently provided. “Now, where were we?”

“I’ve been thinking.” That was a lie. He couldn’t think at all when she was fondling his wee man.

“Thinking?” She cupped his balls with her free hand.

He groaned. “Virgins don’t usually do that, either.”

“I’m not a virgin anymore.”

“But you were twenty minutes ago.” His breath caught as she began a slow massage. “That’s hardly enough time to learn how to treat a chap’s family jewels.”

“As I said, I’ve had years to think about this. I’ve also done some reading and watched a few X-rated movies. I just never had someone to practice on.”

He gulped in air. “That makes me one lucky bastard.”

“Which is better for a blowjob, sitting down or standing up? I’ve seen it both ways.”

His laugh had a strangled quality because he really couldn’t breathe properly while she played with him as if she’d discovered a new squeeze toy. “I think…I’d better sit on the bed.” Before he fell down. The pleasure was that intense, partly because he knew she’d never touched anyone else this way.

“Then back up a couple of steps and you’re there.”

“You’re not going to let go, are you?”

“Nope. I’m having too much fun.” She followed him as he retreated to the bed and she kept a firm hold on him the entire time.

When he lowered himself to the mattress, she dropped to her knees and gazed up at him. “Tell me if I’m doing this right, okay?”

He nodded, but wondered if he’d be too overcome by the experience to say a word.

“Here goes.” Holding his cock in her fist, she slid her mouth over the tip and began to suck gently.

His eyes rolled back in his head. He prayed to all the gods he knew that he would conduct himself in a way that wouldn’t shock her. “You…can take more in.”

Obligingly, she did that. Holding her lips tight, she moved slowly up and down.

Meanwhile he went back to his football stats to keep from coming immediately. He had no idea if she was prepared for what would happen. He should warn her…

Then she flattened her tongue against the front ridge of his penis and put added pressure there. Where in bloody hell had she learned to do that? He groaned and tried to remember where he’d left off on the stats. His brain whirled and he began to shake. He was going to warn her about…what?

Oh, yes. “When I…when I come…”

Clutching the base of his cock, she gradually slid her mouth upward. When she lifted her head, she wrapped both hands around his shaft and held him the way a rock star cradled a microphone. “When you come…what?” Her voice was low and sexy.

He glanced down and noticed her nipples had tightened into tiny buds of desire, which meant this exercise was good for her, too. He was glad of that. It meant she might want to do it again, but only if he made sure there were no surprises.

He combed his fingers through her hair and cupped the back of her head as he gazed into her eyes. “You don’t have to swallow.”

“Bless your heart,” she said softly as she continued to caress him. “Thinking of me.”

“I won’t be offended.”

“But the thing is, I want to swallow.”

His heartbeat roared in his ears. “You might not like—”

“The taste?” Leaning down again, she licked a droplet from the tip of his penis before glancing up at him again. “It seems I do.”

“Ah. Well, then.” If ever a male Were heard sweeter words than that from a female, he couldn’t imagine what they might be.

“Y’all look happy.”

“If I were any happier, I’d levitate.”

“Good. Any suggestions for how I can improve?”

He shook his head.

“Then I’ll continue on.” With a little smile, she returned to her task.

Now that he’d warned her, he ditched the football stats, pressed his fingers into her scalp, and abandoned himself to her hands, her mouth, and her wicked tongue. Considering this was her first attempt at oral sex, he wanted to be around as she gained experience.

But his lust-saturated brain was incapable of following that thought to its logical conclusion. Soon, as she licked, nibbled and sucked until he was delirious, he couldn’t think at all. He came in a glorious rush, and she drank all he had to offer as he bellowed his satisfaction.

Afterward, he flopped back on the bed, dazed by the wonder of Luna Reynaud.

She climbed up on the bed beside him and they both scooted around until they were lying lengthwise on the bedspread. He considered trying to get under the covers and decided it took too much effort.

She nestled close, her arm wrapped around his chest. “I learned something from that experience,” she murmured.

So had he. She was his perfect sexual partner. The significance of that would have to be dealt with later, but the truth of it was burned into his brain. Somehow he had to figure out a way to be with her, despite all the obstacles.

But for now, she’d made a comment and probably expected a response. He struggled to speak and had to make a couple of tries before managing a weary “Oh?”

“But we can take care of the situation later, when you’re recovered.”

“Mm.”

She massaged his chest. “See, it turns out, blowjobs make me hot.”

“Mm.” That information came as no surprise to him, and after he had a chance to catch his breath, he’d make sure she found her happy place again.

“But I can wait.”

“Five minutes,” he murmured. Already life had begun to flow back into his body and very soon he’d be ready to make love to her again, but gently. Very, very gently.

Luna was proud of herself. Judging from Colin’s noisy reaction, he’d had a good time just now. She’d delivered her first blowjob, and it had been a success.

She hadn’t realized that doing that for Colin would make her want to have sex with him again, though. She’d read enough to know she could give herself a climax, and that was an option now that she wasn’t worried about how orgasms would affect a female werewolf. Maybe eventually, after Colin went back to Scotland, she’d resort to that method.

But when he was lying right next to her, she couldn’t see the point in giving herself an orgasm. That wouldn’t be nearly as much fun as if she waited for him to reload and slide right into her. Thinking of that made her ache with longing. Once the dam had been breached, so to speak, she couldn’t seem to stop the flood of desire.

Slowly she stroked his chest. The soft, springy hair, caramel and chocolate mixed together, swirled around his nipples and then made a little path leading directly to his penis. Following the path, she touched him there and smiled when she was rewarded with a little twitch of a response.

Perhaps she could help him reload. She ran a fingernail gently up the underside of his shaft, where the intriguing ridge seemed especially sensitive.

“I won’t be using that on you again tonight, lass,” he murmured.

“No more reloading?” She tried not to sound too disappointed.

“Oh, you could bring me back to attention, but it will do no good. I’m not about to make you sore and have you regret the fun you had.”

“I won’t ever regret tonight.” Not even after he was gone. She understood that this couldn’t be the love of her life, because he would return to Scotland. Last time he’d left, he hadn’t come back for fifteen years.

Because she had no idea how often she’d see him after this visit, she’d make sure not to become attached. Considering how wonderful he’d been so far, she might have a slight problem with that, but she was used to distancing herself when necessary.

In the meantime, she would be greedy and take whatever he was willing to give. A little soreness wouldn’t bother her. She continued to caress him, with gratifying results.

Then he reached down and grabbed her wrist. His hold was easy, but unbreakable, as if she were wearing silk handcuffs. Then he captured her other wrist, as if insuring she wouldn’t try using that hand, instead.

“I’ll take my chances with the soreness.” She realized struggling would do no good, but perhaps she could coax him with words. “I want to feel you inside me again, Colin. That was lovely, and once you go back to Scotland, I won’t have—oh!” She cried out as he neatly flipped her to her back, moving with surprising agility considering how lethargic he’d seemed moments ago.

He loomed over her, his expression resolute, as he held her arms at her sides. “I’ll not deliberately chafe someone who’s only recently discovered sex. You wouldn’t thank me for it in the morning.”

“Yes, I would. I’ll thank y’all right now, in fact, in advance. Just one more time. That’s all I’m asking.” Something hard pressing against her thigh told her she was making progress with her plea.

“No.”

“Yes.” She wiggled so that she brushed against his erect cock. “Once more. Just one more—”

He silenced her with a kiss, a thoroughly Colin sort of kiss, that left her gasping and writhing in frustration. Then he moved downward, still holding her prisoner, and used that talented mouth and tongue on each of her breasts.

“This isn’t helping! It’s making everything worse!”

“Patience.” He released her left wrist, but shifted his hips away so his cock was out of reach. Then he stroked his hand down over her stomach and slid one finger into the very spot where she wanted his beautiful, thick penis to go.

Admittedly his caress felt good, and her breathing quickened. But it wasn’t enough to take away the throbbing need inside her. “More,” she wailed.

“Two, then.” He gently inserted his middle finger.

She started to protest, but when he curved both fingers and began to stroke a special place that she hadn’t even realized existed until now, she thought better of complaining. Maybe she should be quiet and see how this turned out.

He dropped a soft kiss on her mouth. “Better?”

“It’s okay.” In fact, it was more than okay, but she didn’t want to give up on having her ultimate reward.

“Just okay?” He rubbed that special spot a little faster.

“Uh…I can’t talk now.” But she could pant, which she did, and moan, which she also did. Her orgasm built deep within her, urgent and forceful. When he settled his thumb on her sacred point and pressed down, she arched off the bed as her world erupted. She wouldn’t have been surprised to see confetti raining down on them. It was that good.

“I think you liked that,” he said with a smile in his voice.

She looked into his eyes. Although she loved the glow-in-the-dark bedspread and drapes, the lack of light meant she couldn’t admire how blue his eyes were. “It was all right.”

“Liar.” He lifted his forefinger, the same one he’d recently used to thrust her into a vortex of pleasure, and brushed it across her upper lip. He left a trail of dampness and the sweet scent of satisfaction. “There’s your proof.”

She breathed in the aroma of her arousal. “Careful, or I’ll beg y’all to do it again.”

“Even though it was only all right?”

“That’s better than nothing.” Then she laughed and cupped the back of his head to pull him down until their lips nearly touched. “It was fabulous. But if you want to change your mind and avail yourself of my body, I’d love that, too.”

“I won’t.” He ran his tongue over her lower lip. “But you’re not easy to resist, lass. I should probably send you back to your own room for whatever’s left of this night.”

“I’ll bet there’s not much left at all. It was already late when we went up to the roof.” She didn’t want to leave him. Every stolen moment seemed precious. “What if we took a dawn stroll on the beach? I think we could sneak back to the house before anyone noticed.”

“I’d like that.” He leaned his forehead against hers. “You’re good company, Luna.”

“I like it when you say my name.”

He raised his head to gaze at her. “Why is that?”

“I mean, it’s different to be called lass, and I like that, too, because it reminds me of Geraldine. But using my actual name seems more personal, as if you’re with me, specifically, and not just any female Were.”

“I am with you specifically. I could never think of you as some generic female Were, if that’s what you’re saying.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that, considering the many lovers you’ve had. I could get lost in the crowd.” She kept her tone light, but as the words tumbled out, she realized they came from her heart. Even if he left and never came back to Le Floret, she wanted to know that he wouldn’t forget her.

He cradled her cheek in his hand. “In the first place, I haven’t had so many lovers as that, and in the second place, you would never get lost among them. I will remember you, Luna Reynaud, for as long as I have breath in my body.”

Her heart did a funny little flip. “You will?”

“You have my word as a MacDowell.” He leaned down to kiss her, but as their lips met, bagpipes began playing from somewhere in the bedroom. He muttered something against her mouth that once again sounded like a Scottish swearword, and levered himself off the bed.

“What is it?”

“My family. It’s morning there, and they didn’t stop to think I might be sleeping. But they also don’t call unless it’s an emergency.” He walked to the dresser and picked up his cell phone.

Luna didn’t want to eavesdrop, so she decided this might be a good time to grab her clothes and slip into the adjoining bathroom. The moment had been interrupted, but she would never forget what he’d told her. I will remember you as long as I have breath in my body.

Scots were known for being poetic souls, and she could see why. He’d dazzled her with that statement, and then he’d sworn on his family name, which made the declaration even more moving and romantic. Such things could turn a female Were’s head.

She dressed quickly, grateful that jeans and a sweatshirt was a forgiving ensemble that looked fine even after being wadded up and tossed on the floor. She could hear Colin’s voice through the bathroom door. Although she couldn’t make out what he was saying, she knew he was angry.

What a shame that his family had to call right now. She wasn’t sure he’d want to go for a walk on the beach, after all. And if they did go, the mood between them wouldn’t be so relaxed and happy, judging from the tone of his conversation.

Moments later, he rapped softly on the door. “It’s okay, Luna. You can come out.”

She opened the door. Colin was busy putting on his clothes, but his movements were jerky and his jaw was rigid with obvious displeasure. “I didn’t want to intrude on your conversation,” she said.

“That was kind of you.” He sat on the edge of the bed to put on his gym shoes. “Still want to take that walk on the beach?”

“If y’all do.”

“I might not be fit company, but some exercise sounds good. I considered shifting and going for a run, but I decided to save that for after dinner.” He tied the laces on his shoes and glanced up. “Would you like to do that with me?”

“I…yes.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I want to. That would be good, just the two of us. I’m always shy about being around other wolves because I’m not sure I’ll do what’s right since I’ve never belonged to a pack.”

“We could talk about that. Maybe I can help.”

“Colin, that would be wonderful.”

“That’s decided, then.” He stood. “Are you sure you want to go with me now, though? I’ll probably rant about my brother Duncan.”

“I’ll be glad to listen.”

“Thanks.”

They slipped out of the house as quietly as possible and didn’t speak again until they’d reached the sand. Gray light tinged the horizon, making it just possible to distinguish between sky and sea. The waves slid onto the shore with a soft hiss, then pulled back, dragging small rocks and shells into the water.

Colin didn’t spare the scenery more than a glance before setting off for the far point of the small crescent beach. “It may take several trips across this stretch before I work out my frustration,” he said.

“I don’t mind.” She lengthened her stride to keep up with him.

“So here’s the problem.” He shoved his hands into the pockets of his sweatshirt. “My brother, in spite of all my arguments to the contrary, continues to insist there’s nothing wrong with Weres and humans mating. In fact, he’d like to promote that ridiculous idea!”

“I see.” A tiny squiggle of dread invaded Luna’s contentment.

“Not surprisingly, he’s become serious about a woman from Glasgow, which is why my mother called. She’s concerned that he might consider taking this woman as his mate. He’s hinted that he’s in love with her.”

Luna wished she could transport herself backward in time, to that cozy moment before the sound of bagpipes had intruded on their shared happiness. Knowing what she knew now, she would have slipped out of bed, stolen the phone, and dropped it in the toilet.

Colin didn’t seem to notice that she’d gone silent as he continued with his rant. “As I’m sure you’ll agree, Weres mating with humans is wrong on so many levels. I can’t speak for this country, but in Europe, humans used to hunt us. If they discovered we still exist, I believe they’d hunt us again!”

“Perhaps.” Her stomach churned as she realized what she would have to do.

“There’s no doubt in my mind. But aside from that, mating with humans means never knowing if the offspring will be human or Were, which is not smart. And even if the offspring turn out to be Were, the bloodline could still be diluted, giving you a Were without all the distinctive characteristics of our race. It’s a bad idea. But my pig-headed brother thinks—”

“Colin.” She stopped and waited for him to turn around. Her heart beat a rapid tattoo as she considered the risk, but she had to tell him. She wouldn’t build her new life on a lie.

He faced her. “What is it? Do you need to go back?”

“No. There’s something y’all need to know about me.”

“All right.” His voice became very quiet, as if he had already guessed that he wouldn’t want to hear what she had to say.

“My mother was human.”