Alexandra's Legacy

Chapter Twenty-Five

Joshua sighed with contentment as Alex snuggled closer to him. He’d lost count of how many times he’d made love to her. She completed him. Their joining had changed him in ways he couldn’t even comprehend yet. Certainly their life together would be a challenge. He grinned at the thought. Even when she was an old lady, she’d be keeping him and their children in line.

His hand slid over her belly. His children. Just the thought of her thick and ripe with child made him want to howl. It was still too early for that to happen. Female werewolves rarely ever conceived their first time. Nature gave them a few years to mature before they reached their peak fertile years. Still, the thought of it was overwhelming. He managed to contain himself, but just barely. He wanted the entire world to know that she was his.

He couldn’t wait until she made her first change. Her fur would be soft and various shades of brown. She was going to be a beautiful she-wolf and he couldn’t wait to take her on her first run through the forest. Perhaps he’d even take her back to the falls. She’d like that.

Closing his eyes, he sighed again. He’d have to feed her when she woke again. She hadn’t eaten before she went to bed last night and she needed to keep up her strength.

She stirred beside him, her eyes fluttering open. “Hi.” Her gaze was shy and her cheeks turned a beguiling shade of pink.

“Good morning.” Joshua felt his cock stir yet again and barely stifled a groan. Alex was too sore after last night. Plus, if they didn’t show themselves soon, he had a feeling his soon-to-be father-in-law would be pounding on the front door.

Alex absently began to tease his chest with her short fingernails. Joshua closed his eyes and arched into her touch. Her hand moved lower, bumping against his erection. His eyes flew open and he swore when she wrapped her fingers around him. “It’s too soon. You’re sore.”

She batted her eyelashes playfully. “Not that sore.”

He growled and rolled out of bed, dragging her with him. Alex squealed and then laughed as he tossed her over his shoulder and carried her into the bathroom. She reached down and pinched his butt. Joshua was so surprised he almost dropped her.

Alex grabbed onto his flanks and gave a yell before dissolving into laughter again.

“Think that’s funny, do you?” he grumbled as he turned on the taps in the shower. She didn’t answer, but he could hear her snickering under her breath. Two could play this game. Sliding his hand up her thighs, he palmed one sweet cheek of her ass.

She stilled. “Joshua.” He could hear the nervous excitement in her voice.

“What?” he innocently asked as he caressed the other cheek before sliding his fingers into the crease of her behind. “You don’t like me touching your gorgeous butt?” He freed his fingers and gave her a smart smack on her butt. She jumped and began to squirm so he did it again.

“Let me down you big bully,” she grouched.

Joshua laughed and swung her around, planting a hard, quick kiss on her lips. Alex wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. He could see the pleasure in her eyes even as she groused. “You owe me for that.”

“Do I now?” He stepped beneath the spray with her still in his arms.

“Uh huh.” She nodded as she leaned down and grabbed the bar of soap and started to rub it over his shoulders.

All laughter fled as he stood there, absorbing her love and care as she washed him. Not since he was a very small child had anyone done anything like this for him. Oblivious to the emotions bubbling within him, Alex put the soap back on the ledge and ran her fingers through his hair. “I love your hair. Did I tell you that?” He shook his head, unable to speak past the lump in his throat. “Well, I do. It’s so thick and gorgeous.”

His cock was as hard as steel. He wanted Alex. Badly. The way she was touching him made him want to tip back his head and howl with pleasure. He needed to claim her. Again.

“Joshua.” She stilled as if suddenly sensing his change of mood. “What’s wrong?”

“I need you,” he ground out from between his clenched teeth. He was hanging on by a thread. Alex was warm and wet in his arms, her sweet scent drifting up to his nostrils. She was as aroused as he was.

Clasping his face in her hands, she leaned down until their noses were touching. “Then take me.”

He turned and lifted her higher as he pressed her back against the wall. She cried out and arched her back as it hit the cool tile. Joshua took advantage of her out-thrust breasts and lapped at one firm, juicy nipple.

Alex slid her fingers into his hair and fisted in it, holding him to her as he opened his mouth and took her inside. She tightened her legs around his waist as he suckled her.

“More,” she urged, gasping as he transferred his attention to her other breast. She squirmed, trying to get the head of his cock inside her. “Joshua.”

His name came out of her much like a wail. God, she’d never needed anything like she needed Joshua inside her. Now. After last night, she figured it would be quite some time before she’d feel this kind of arousal again.

All it had taken was one look.

His mood had changed swiftly from one of teasing to lustful in a heartbeat. Alex didn’t care that she was slightly sore after a night of intense lovemaking. His need awoke hers, stoking the flames within, making the heat burn in her veins.

She wiggled, trying to get closer to him. His erection was bumping against her sex, teasing her with each touch. Her folds were slick and swollen with need. Joshua tongued her turgid nipple and sucked it into his mouth. Heat flashed from her breast to her core.

Unable to stand it any longer, she tugged at his head. He released her nipple with a loud, wet pop. His eyes were the same color as rich, thick coffee as he leaned in closer, using his lower body to pin her against the wall. Water beat down on them, the bulk of it deflected by his broad back.

Keeping his gaze locked with hers, he reached between her legs and spread the folds of her sex wide. “You’re always hot and wet.” She could hear the pleasure in his voice.

She jerked when he slid one finger inside her. As much as she wanted him, there was no escaping the fact her sheath was swollen and tender after last night. He pulled his hand away from her and dropped his head on her shoulder. “Alex,” he began, but she stopped him.

“I want you.” Her nails dug into his thick shoulders as she levered herself over the tip of his shaft.

“Are you sure?” He raised his head and searched her face.

“Yes.”

He flexed his hips then, slowly burying his erection in her one inch at a time. He went slowly, giving her inner muscles a chance to relax and accept him. By the time he was seated to the hilt, she was panting hard and shivering. His cock filled her. His body surrounded her.

She could smell him on her skin, that unique scent of soap and musk and man. Her nose twitched as she caught the scent of something new. It was a deeper, richer smell, one that reached down inside her and excited her most primitive self. Wolf. Alex knew she was scenting his wolf and wondered if he could do the same with her.

“I need to fuck you.” His voice was low, guttural, as he sucked air into his lungs.

“Do it.” She used her grip on his flanks to lift herself up an inch before dropping back down.

Joshua’s control snapped. Grasping her ass in his hands, he began to thrust. Every time he pulled almost all the way out of her, Alex struggled to keep him locked inside her. When he thrust back in, she sighed with relief. They belonged together.

The pace quickened, their bodies moving in perfect synchronicity. All the hair on her nape stood on end. Her limbs felt heavy, yet energy thrummed through her. She was close. Could feel her orgasm gathering low in her belly.

As he continued to thrust, Joshua leaned down and nipped at the base of her neck. Alex screamed with pleasure. Her inner muscles contracted and liquid flooded her core. Her orgasm washed over her. Joshua jerked. Throwing back his head, he yelled her name as he came within her.

She wrapped her arms more securely around him, never wanting to let him go.

They stayed locked in each other’s arms until the water pouring down on them turned cool. She shivered. Joshua swore and slowly released her until she was standing on her own two feet. She leaned against the tiled wall for support as he adjusted the water temperature.

“I didn’t mean to do that.” He looked so aggravated she laughed.

He just stared at her and slowly a smile crossed his face.

“I’m not complaining,” she informed him. Reaching around him, she grabbed a washcloth and started scrubbing. “Well, I might complain about the cold shower, but not about what happened before that.”

Joshua gave a quick bark of laughter before grabbing the soap and making sure that every part of her was clean.

Later that night, Alex stood on the edge of the woods and shivered. The moon was almost full and the night was cool. Joshua stood behind her, his hands on her bare shoulders. “Take your time. There’s no rush.”

Easy for him to say.

She was standing here as naked as the day she was born with nothing but his bare body protecting her from the view of the others. Everyone was waiting for her to make her first change.

Their official joining ceremony had passed by in a blur. Ritual words had been said and vows exchanged. Alex wished she could remember exactly what it was she’d agreed to, but she’d been too nervous to pay much attention. She inwardly shrugged. What was done was done. She’d find out the details later. Surrounded by all the members of the pack, it had been all she could do to keep from turning and running.

She loved Joshua. Of that she had no doubt. But the ceremony was the final nail in the coffin of her old life. There really was no going back. She was now a member of the Wolf Creek pack. Some people welcomed her with open arms, while just as many were suspicious or downright hostile.

She shivered again. And within a few moments, she’d be changed forever.

That is if she could manage the transformation.

Joshua had explained it all to her earlier this morning after they’d finished their shower. Over breakfast, he’d told her it was perfectly natural and he had every faith in her that she could do it. She wasn’t so certain. She’d overheard several men and women speculating on whether or not a half-breed could actually go through the change and take wolf form.

“It’s all right, Alex.” Joshua’s voice was low as he whispered in her ear. “If it doesn’t happen now, we’ll try again another time. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself.”

“I want to do this, but I’m not sure I can.” There. She’d said it. Voiced her fear out loud. “Part of me wants it to happen, but part of me is scared.”

He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a quick squeeze of reassurance. She felt surrounded by his love and acceptance.

“That’s perfectly understandable. You’ve been through so much in the past few days. If you need more time, we’ll wait.”

“Really?” The last thing she wanted to do was to disappoint or shame him in front of the other members of the pack.

“Really.”

Joshua sounded certain, but she could hear the muttering starting behind her. The crowd was getting restless.

“Tell me again what I’m supposed to do.”

Joshua sighed so hard her hair fluttered. “Alex, don’t try so hard. Just relax, close your eyes and feel your wolf. She’s there. Right beneath the surface of your skin. You’ve felt her before. She’s familiar to you.”

Closing her eyes, she let Joshua’s voice and words seep into her soul. He was right. She had felt her wolf within her. Now that she knew what it was, she realized she’d been feeling that other presence inside her for quite some time now. She’d even briefly glimpsed her wolf in the bathroom mirror before Joshua had claimed her.

“I want to share the night and the woods with you. Show you all the wonders that exist in the world of the wolf. It’s not all bad, my love.”

Alex could hear the aching in Joshua’s voice. She wanted to share that with him too. Taking a deep breath, she let it out slowly and let her mind drift. The wolf was there in her mind’s eye. Alex studied her. She was smaller than Joshua’s wolf, but that was to be expected. Her fur was thick and lush, a rainbow of browns from mahogany to tawny brown and every shade in between. But it was the eyes that caught her attention. The eyes were very familiar to her. They were the same pale, silvery gray eyes she’d seen in the mirror since she was a child.

The wolf was her and she was the wolf. She got it now. They weren’t separate beings at all, but two sides of the same coin.

As if acceptance was all that was needed, Alex felt something beginning to ripple beneath her skin. Joshua loosened his hold on her.

“Let it happen,” he whispered before stepping back.

Alex reached out to the wolf within her, embracing her totally. The wolf surged forward, wanting to be released from its human form. She fell to her hands and knees and arched her back. Bones cracked and reformed. Fur covered her limbs. Her face contorted, her jaw lengthening. Her vision changed, growing sharper. Smells assaulted her from all around. Strength rippled through her muscles.

She took a step and stumbled. A low growl came from within her. She blinked, all of a sudden realizing that she was no longer human. She was wolf. It felt strange. Yet she was still herself. The primal urges of the wolf were there, but she was still able to think and reason.

My love.

Alex spun around and came face-to-face or rather muzzle-to-muzzle with the familiar, large black wolf. Joshua. She’d heard him in her mind.

Are you all right?

She could hear the concern even though no words had been spoken aloud. Concentrating on him, she nodded. I’m fine.

Then run, little wolf. Stretch your legs and run.

Alex gave a happy yip and padded toward the forest. She didn’t have to look behind her to know Joshua was with her. She could sense his presence. He kept pace as she picked up speed.

Other wolves ran alongside them. Some of them passed her, disappearing into the forest, while a small, select group ran with them for almost an hour. She recognized most of them and knew Joshua’s brothers and her father were with them, protecting her and sharing in her first run as a wolf.

Alex had never experienced anything like this in her life. Everything seemed more somehow—brighter, more vibrant—just more. She felt totally alive and at one with her surroundings. She knew where every creature of the forest was for at least half a mile, from birds to squirrels to a lone black bear. The smell of the rich, dark earth filled her nostrils. She could see easily even though it was nighttime.

She didn’t want it to end, but Joshua started to herd her back toward the compound, nipping at her when she dared to try to veer away from him. She snapped back, but he didn’t look impressed. Instead, he growled at her. Not willing to push her luck, she reluctantly turned back.

Don’t worry, little wolf. There will be more times to run.

Can anyone else hear us?

No. The only mental communication is between mated pairs.

That was a relief to Alex. She didn’t want to have to worry about other people being able to hear her thoughts. Can you hear me all the time? She wasn’t sure she liked that idea.

Joshua’s laughter rang in her ears. No. We have to concentrate to hear or send a thought.

That’s a relief.

The compound came into sight and Alex was suddenly glad. As much as she’d enjoyed the experience, she was ready to become human again. Stopping on the edge of the forest, she closed her eyes and embraced her human form. She felt her wolf protest, but sent out waves of assurance that the wolf would have many more times to run in the future. Her bones began to shift and reform once again. Alex was surprised that it didn’t hurt. Not really. It was disorienting for a moment, but then it was over.

Alex slumped on the soft forest floor, smelling the pine trees and feeling the moss beneath her. Strong arms picked her up from the ground. Joshua. She’d know his touch anywhere.

“Thank you.” His husky voice was filled with unspoken emotion. “Thank you for accepting me and joining your life with mine.”

Alex touched his face. It still amazed her how much this man had come to mean to her in such a short time. She loved him. He was a part of her life now. Forever. “Thank you for sharing your life with me.”

His arms tightened around her as his mouth came down on hers. Their lips melded, their breath mingled, as Joshua carried her across the compound to their home.

In the distance, a lone wolf began to howl. It was quickly joined by another wolf. Then another. Until finally a whole chorus of wolves sang to them. Alex’s heart began to pound. She understood what they were saying. They were singing to her, welcoming her into the pack.

Joshua paused outside their door and they both stood and listened until the last howl faded. Then he carried her inside and kicked the door shut behind him.