Shadow of the Wolf

Chapter Nine

Chris woke from the most wonderfully erotic dream he’d ever had to the feel of something wet and warm lapping at his cock. He stretched and smiled, knowing just what, or rather who, was going on. “Morning, little witch.” He opened his eyes to the prettiest sight he’d ever seen. Lana’s hair hung over her face, hiding what she was doing from him. He reached down and gently pulled her hair back, enjoying the sight of her swollen lips moving up and down his cock.

“Mmm.” Her smile was sensuous, her eyes tangling with his, her expression hot and hungry. She lowered down and down until her nose brushed his pubic hair, and he damn near lost his mind.

“Shit, sweetheart. Do that again.” She pulled back and slowly, oh so slowly, lowered herself down on him again. “God. Oh fuck. Tongue. Use your tongue.” He watched, entranced, while she made love to him with her mouth. He longed to let go and fuck into her but he held back, terrified he’d hurt his beautiful mate.

She shot him a heated look and turned, presenting her ass and that pretty pussy to him.

“Swing your leg over, sweetheart.” She obeyed, and there it was, his favorite meal in the world, all spread out and ready for him to feast. With a growl, he tugged her down until he could taste her to his heart’s content.

Her sweet mouth was about to drive him insane. He could barely concentrate on what he was doing to her, but from the moans he must have been doing it right.

He began nibbling on her clit, sucking it into his mouth and laving it with his tongue.

Her groan felt incredible around his cock so he did it again, and again, until she was fucking herself into his mouth. The suction on his cock increased until he thought she’d pull his brains out the tip, and right then and there he really didn’t care if she did. He was so damn close to spilling down her throat, but he wanted her to go over the edge first.

Chris pulled off of her long enough to drench one of his fingers in her juices, making sure it was good and wet before pressing up against the pucker of her ass.

The suction on his cock paused, but he didn’t. He sucked her clit back into his mouth, earning him another mind-shattering groan around the crown of his cock. She bucked back into him, fucking him, pressing the tip of his finger into her ass without thought.

She gasped, stilling. He waited, allowing her to get used to the feel of his finger there. If he had his way he’d eventually have his cock in the snug passage of her ass, preferably sooner rather than later. For now, he soothed her with laps of his tongue around her snug hole, fucking his tongue into her pussy and his finger into her ass. He used his free hand to thumb her clit, hoping the sensations would ease the burn he knew she felt when his finger stroked deeper.

He wished he had another set of hands. He wanted so desperately to grab hold of her head, push her down onto him, show her the rhythm he liked best. Instead he stroked her clit harder and was rewarded by a low hum of approval that nearly blew his head off. His hips jerked, shoving his cock farther into her mouth. She rewarded him by sucking him in deeper, stroking him with her tongue, encouraging him to fuck her mouth by tugging on his hips with urgent fingers.

She was getting close. He could feel it in the trembling of her thighs, see it in the way her toes were curling. He pulled his tongue from her pussy, holding her steady with one hand while he fingered her ass and nipped at her clit. He kept a steady suction on her clit, tonguing it until she was screeching around him, her orgasm shuddering through her, damn near squeezing his finger off.

He wriggled out from under her, determined to finish what he’d started a month ago.

Sinking into her wet heat he rode her hard, more than eager to spill into her warm depths.

Bending down he nipped her neck, biting through the skin, tasting her blood on his tongue for the first time.

It was too much for both of them. Lana came with a scream, her pussy walls clamping down so hard on him he was afraid his cock would pop off. His orgasm ripped through him, pouring into her until he had nothing left. He collapsed next to her, pulling her tightly to him. He looked down at his little mate, loving the way she cuddled up against him. He fingered the mark he’d left on her neck, smiling. He whispered the final words that would finish the spell and mark her for all time as his. The bite mark turned, twisting, darkening, until the shadow of a black wolf rested on her skin.

She’d accepted him whether she knew it or not. If she hadn’t, he could whisper those words for eternity and the shadow would never have shown itself.

His hands stroked down her sweaty back, tangling in her hair again and tugging her mouth to his. His taste mingled with hers, exploding on his tongue. “I’ve decided something.”

She panted on top of him, burying her face against the crook of his neck. “You can think?”

He grinned. “Oh yeah. Want to know my decision?”

“Mmm.” She kissed his shoulder, and his cock twitched.

Hell, she breathed, and his cock twitched, so that was no surprise. “I could really come to love morning people.”

Lana’s shoulders stiffened. He waited, continuing to stroke her back, wondering if this was the point where she’d back away from him, try to put some distance between them. “Could you?”

“I’m certain of it.” Hell, he’d already fallen. He just didn’t have the courage to tell her yet. She was strong, feisty, funny and the sexiest damn thing he’d ever seen. How could he not love her?

Her shoulders relaxed. “See? Mornings aren’t all that bad, are they?”

“They’re becoming my favorite time of the day.”

Her head lifted, and she squeaked. “Oh my God!” She leapt out of bed and stumbled, catching herself on the dresser. “Shower. Chris! It’s Saturday!”

He sat up, watching her pull a dresser drawer open frantically. “What time do you have to be at Kelly’s?”

“Nine a.m.”

“Hair and makeup?” His cousin Linda had been a frantic mess just before her wedding when one of her bridesmaids was late for the hair appointment. The maid of honor, his girlfriend at the time, had finally called him to track down the missing girl and drag her to the beauty shop. He still shuddered whenever he thought of his normally cool cousin flipping out with curlers in her hair and half her makeup on, screaming so loud she’d set off a car alarm. She’d looked like … what was the phrase?

Oh yeah. Bridezilla.

He was snapped back to the present by the frantic flapping of his mate. “Yes! Oh Lord. Where’s my dress?”

He got out of bed, trying not to laugh at the panic on her face, and went to the closet.

“Calm down, sweetheart. Go jump in the shower. I’ll have clothes laid out for you and your dress ready to go. You’ll just need to grab the right underwear.”

“Thanks!” She raced for the bathroom, pausing at the entrance. “Chris?”

“Hmm?” He smiled at her, wondering at the happy expression on her face.

“I could grow to love mornings too.” Before he could reply, she shut the door, leaving him standing in the bedroom with what he was certain was the stupidest grin ever to grace a man’s face.

She was his.

“Stop worrying, everything will be fine.” Kerry patted Kelly’s hand, their blonde heads close together. “You look beautiful, the bridesmaids look beautiful, and

I

look beautiful. What’s left to worry about?”

“That’s what you said five minutes ago.” Kelly started to bite at her nail, looked at her manicure, and dropped her hand. “Dennis is here, right?”

Kerry sighed. “Yes, Dennis is here. He even looks vaguely humanoid.”

Lana rolled her eyes and discreetly stepped on Kerry’s foot.

Kerry moved her foot with a strained smile. “Your flowers look great.”

The organ music started up behind the closed church doors. Kelly jumped, the panic back on her face. “Oh God. I’m going to throw up, I just know it.”

Lana grabbed Kelly’s face. This last minute hysteria was typical Kelly. “Look at me.

He loves you. You love him. You’ve dreamed about this day, and that man, your whole life. You’ve had a crush on him since grade school! So get your ass in there and get married.”

Kelly nodded, the fear fading from her face. “Right.” She took a deep breath and blew it out. “I can do this.”

The doors swung open, and Lana took her place in line. “Yes you can.” She threw Kelly a kiss and a wink. “Here we go!”

She started down the aisle, smiling at the man standing at the altar. Dennis looked ready to puke himself, his handsome face slightly green, his eyes glued to the doors of the vestry. Beside him his best man was fidgeting, totally ignoring Dennis and the bridal procession.

Lana looked to the left, seeking out Kelly’s mom, but before she could find her, she saw Chris. He was seated at the edge of the aisle, close enough to touch her. She walked past with a smile just for him. His expression was full of pride and a wistful longing that damn near brought tears to her eyes. She bit her lip, desperately holding them back. She took her place next to the altar, behind Kerry, and looked towards the doors.

The organ music changed to the wedding march, and Kelly stepped into the doorway on the arm of her father. Lana smiled at her friend. The traditional princess-style wedding dress was stunning on her. Lana looked out of the corner of her eye to see Dennis’s reaction.

Dennis, old stick in the mud Dennis, was smiling, tears in his eyes. He watched his bride walk down the aisle, so obviously in love the tears Lana had been trying to hold back slipped from her grasp. Visibly trembling, he took Kelly’s hand in his, mouthing the words I love you. They turned back to the priest, Kelly relaxing, her body leaning towards her future husband’s. Dennis bent his head towards his future wife protectively. Lana hoped Kerry finally understood what it was that drew Kelly and Dennis, two such opposites, together. The love between the couple was so strong she doubted anything could dim it.

Blinking the tears away, she looked over at Chris, only to find him watching her instead of the wedding. His expression held the same look she’d seen so often on Dennis’s face when he looked at Kelly. Protective, possessive, it was full of some indescribable sense of awe that left her feeling bubbly and vaguely lightheaded. The butterflies were back in force, but this time they were practically rioting in the pit of her stomach.

Lana reached up and fingered the small golden wolf’s head he’d slipped around her neck that morning. The delicate tingle of magic danced under her fingertips. She’d known it for a protection amulet the moment it had touched her skin. She’d been stunned to find out it was his own personal amulet, leaving him without some of his protections against Cole.

But she hadn’t argued with him. The look in his eyes had been stark. “You wear this.

We don’t think he has anything personal of yours, but he managed to get to you anyway.

If he tries again, I need to know you’re protected to the best of my ability, especially while we’re out in the open.” He’d stroked the wolf’s head, his expression fierce. “We’ll both keep you safe.”

She’d known he’d been talking about his wolf. The intensity he’d shown would have scared her if it had come from anyone other than Chris. She stroked his cheek, smiling when he nuzzled her. “We don’t have to go. I could call Kelly, tell her I’m at death’s door or something. Maybe it is too dangerous, even with all the precautions.” She’d been up late the night before, working with Grammy and a curiously helpful Zach to create some protection spells they’d be able to pepper around the wedding party, church and reception. She’d already dropped some of Annabelle’s sachets in the limo. The reception area was being seeded with some of the sachets and Lana’s “protection water” by Zach.

Chris, Daniel and Gareth had also done their part, creating amulets for everyone to either wear or carry on them. Grammy had also done something for Gareth and Chris, but by the time she’d started it, Lana had been so tired she’d been sent to bed, exhausted from all the spellcasting.

Chris had shaken his head. “No. Besides, the boys will pout if they don’t get to use the toys we came up with last night. We’ve done everything we can think of to make this outing safe. Enjoy it. It might be the last one for a while.”

She’d followed him out to his car, waving goodbye to the Beckett brothers already driving away. “You really think Cole will try something?”

The look he’d shot her as they got into the car said that Chris wouldn’t put it past the other man.

Frankly, neither would she. Daniel and Zachary had agreed to watch the church from the outside, one seated in his car, the other “reading” on a bench across from the steps.

Gareth was driving around the neighborhood, a crystal dangling from his windshield that Grammy had spelled. Used for divining over maps, she’d fixed it so the crystal would point to the greatest personal threat towards Chris. Gareth was supposedly following whichever way that crystal swayed, keeping watch for Cole. Grammy was in the back of the church on the groom’s side, both she and Christopher ready to act if Cole should try anything within the church itself. They’d agreed to repeat the pattern once they were at the reception. The only time they’d be truly vulnerable would be in transit to the reception. Chris would be driving Lana, the protections wrapped around the car the strongest they could manage, but Kelly and the rest of the wedding party would be vulnerable despite the sachets. She hadn’t had time to do a thorough protection spell on the limo itself. They just had to hope that they’d be able to keep up with it and stop anything that might try to harm the innocent mundanes riding inside.

It was all they could do in the short amount of time they had, and their best hope of catching Cole out in the open. He’d proven elusive to all of their other methods so far.

All enquiries over the last two days had turned up zilch. Until they could either neutralize the threat he represented or the king officially declared someone his heir, their lives would continue to be in danger.

Chris frowned, possibly picking up on her mood, possibly for some obscure wolf reason. She watched him for a moment longer, making sure it wasn’t Cole related.

Relieved when he shook his head slightly, she tuned back in time to hear Dennis reciting his vows. The bride and groom kissed, to the laughter and applause of their families. She took the arm of her escort and followed the newly married couple out of the church.

They made it to the reception without incident. It was a lavish affair, everything done in the colors of spring. Pale, multi-hued roses filled the tall vases to near overflowing, greenery draping down the sides to barely kiss the tops of the tables. Votive candles on each setting took the place of candelabra, lending a more casual feel to the otherwise sophisticated décor. White tablecloths, white plates and silver cane back chairs were set up around the head table. Lavender-tinted lighting added another small touch of color. It was feminine without being girly, cultured without being cold, and Chris found himself enchanted. He almost pulled out his PDA to make notes but worried that he’d get too caught up in planning his own reception to guard the current one.

Of course, he hoped Lana would pick a different dress than the one the current bride wore. While the poufy skirt and beaded top suited the pale blonde to a T, Lana’s dark looks and lush figure called for a more simple dress. He wondered if she’d let him go shopping with her to pick it out.

Of course, that would depend on whether or not she agreed to get married. He couldn’t plan a wedding with a reluctant bride, no matter how much he might wish to do so. He just hoped he’d be able to talk her into it. Marrying the woman he loved, putting that symbol on her finger that even a human could see and know that she was taken, was a dream he found himself indulging now in ways he’d never thought possible.

He wanted that final bond with her, wanted her name changed to his. Wanted the joint checking account, the mortgage, the two car garage. The children, the laughter, the fights, everything that would declare to the world that this was his mate, his wife, his family.

He watched her sway to the music, her escort keeping a respectful distance between their bodies. The lavender, high waist dress brought out the dark depths of her eyes, the material flowing around her legs. He caught a glimpse of her toes through her shoes, the nails painted a bright red.

“If you drool any more you’ll be panting.”

Chris tore his eyes away from Lana long enough to glare at Gareth. “What are you doing in here?”

“Eating. Nice spread. Remind me to kiss the bride later.” Gareth popped one of the canapés into his mouth. “Damn crystal hung straight down. It didn’t even move when I took corners. If he’s here then he’s blocking even that simple a divination.”

“Either that or he’s not a threat to me right now.”

Gareth paused, another canapé halfway to his lips. “Well. Fuck.”

“Here.” He took a second crystal, this one made of chocolate quartz, and handed it to his brother. He’d asked Grammy to make it after Lana had gone to bed, tired from her own spellcasting. “Do another check. This one’s tuned to Lana.”

“On it.” Gareth left, but not before swiping one more canapé off of Chris’s plate.

He turned his attention back towards Lana. She was laughing up at her escort, her head thrown back, her amazing breasts threatening to spill out of the top of her dress.

Chris was in front of the other man before he’d even realized he’d moved. “Mind if I cut in?”

The man backed away, a look of amusement on his face, his hands in the air. “She’s all yours. Later, Lana.”

Chris turned and pulled Lana into his arms, his eyes roaming to where he knew his shadow mark now rested on her neck. The knowledge that she’d finally acknowledged their mating raced through him, filling him with happiness beyond any he’d ever known.

He pulled Lana into his arms, much tighter than the other man had held her, and began dancing. “Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?”

“Not yet.” She cupped her ear and tilted her head to the side, her expression waiting.

“You look beautiful tonight.”

Her arm went around her neck. “Thank you. You don’t look half bad yourself.”

“I wore the Armani just for you.”

Her stunned expression quickly turned to horrified laughter. “Oh no you didn’t.”

“What, you didn’t recognize it?”

“Chris!”

“I smell your skin every time I move.” She gulped, her cheeks heating. He placed a soft kiss on her neck, loving the way her head moved just enough to accommodate him.

“I might never have it cleaned again.”

“You are so bad.” She leaned back, her smile soft and sultry and just a tad indulgent.

It was a look that had his heart soaring. He loved her so much he could barely breathe. “But you like me that way.”

“Mmm. True.” She didn’t protest when his hand slid down her back to rest at the curve of her ass. “What am I going to do with you?”

Love me. Please love me. “What would you like to do with me?”

“Could I do anything I wanted?”

He blinked. “Anything is such a broad term.”

She giggled. “Could I … convince you to get a tattoo?”

One eyebrow rose. “A tattoo.”

Her head tilted. “Yup. A tattoo.”

“How many champagnes have you had?”

“Not that many. C’mon. Could I?”

“Like tattoos, do you?”

“Maybe,” she drawled, drawing her finger up and down his shoulder.

He narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. If the thought of a tattoo on him brought that kind of a flush to her cheeks, he’d definitely have to get inked. “I suppose I could accommodate you. What would you like to see?”

“Wow. You gave in easily for a man with no ink on him.”

He waited for the answer to his question.

She threw her head back. “Fine. A witch would be nice. Maybe Wendy from Casper?”

No fucking way. “A witch, yes. Wendy, no.” No way was he walking around with a cartoon witch on his … anything. “If I get a witch tattooed on me, you bet your sweet ass it will be the real deal.” He already had an idea, something that would please them both and mark him unmistakably as hers.

She studied him thoughtfully. “Why do I get the feeling you might have something in mind already?”

“Because you’re a very smart woman who is beginning to know me too well?”

“Good answer.” Her expression turned serious. “How’s the search for Cole going?”

“Nothing so far. Gareth’s trying a different tack. I don’t know whether to hope we actually find the bastard or go home empty-handed.”

She patted the hand that had a firm hold on her butt. “Not completely empty-handed.”

He threw his head back and laughed, squeezing her ass cheek a little tighter. “Nope, not empty-handed at all.”

“So, who’s studlicious?” Kerry was grinning at her, champagne in one hand and her hair clip in the other. Her hair had tumbled down during a particularly enthusiastic dance with one of Kerry’s young cousins, not that Kerry seemed to mind. Now the carefully crafted curls tumbled wildly about her face. She looked like a demented debutante.

“Studlicious, as you put it, is Chris Beckett.” Lana’s eyes were drawn to Chris. He was standing in the corner of the room, talking to one of the groomsmen, his gaze constantly tracking around the room. When he found her, he smiled, hefting his glass to her before turning back to his companion.

“New boyfriend?” Lana turned to find Kerry checking Chris out. “Mommy approves.

What does he do for a living?”

“He’s a graphics artist for Black Wolf.”

“That’s nice. The Armani says he makes good money. Is he packing?”

“Kerry!”

Kerry turned back to her. “What?” She glanced back at Chris, her expression wicked.

“I’d hate to think a sundae that yummy didn’t have a cherry on top.”

“Let me put it to you this way, baby bear. He’s juuust right.”

“Really?” Kerry’s head tilted to the side. “Does he have any brothers?”

She sipped from her champagne before answering. “Three.”

Kerry batted her lashes. “Invite me to the next family barbeque? Please?”

“Kerry—”

“I’ll pay for your next pedicure.”

“Done.” She wondered how the Beckett brothers would react to her brash, outspoken friend. It would be fun finding out. Kerry was her best friend, so they’d better get used to her.

An arm snaked around her waist. “Hey, sweetheart. Having a good time?”

Chris’s deep voice washed over her. She shivered, her body heating up at the feel of his warm body curling around hers. “Yup. You?”

A kiss landed on her neck. “It’s a lot better now.”

“He’s good.” Kerry held out her hand with a laugh. “Kerry Andrews.”

“Christopher Beckett. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too.” She turned her head. “They’re getting ready to throw the bouquet!” She grabbed Lana’s arm. “C’mon!”

Lana allowed herself to be dragged along behind Kerry, laughing at Kerry’s enthusiasm. They took their place in line with the other single women, eagerly waiting for Kelly to toss her bouquet. She ignored the glare Chris was sending her way, stretching her arms up and screeching with the other girls when the flowers flew overhead.

They landed in Lana’s arms with a thump. She clutched them to her chest, startled; she’d intended to direct them Kerry’s way. Oops.

“Darn it.” Kerry pouted briefly before grinning. “Looks like Chris might be the one after all, you lucky, lucky girl.” Kerry rubbed her hands together and backed away from the dance floor. “Let’s see who gets the garter.”

Christopher stood in line with the other single men, determined that not one of them would claim the prize and touch Lana’s sweet flesh. He had every intention of using maiming tactics if he had to.

From the smirk on Annabelle’s face he had a pretty good idea how Lana had gotten the bouquet so easily. If anyone could manipulate thrown flowers without causing a ripple in the magical stream, it would be Annabelle.

He figured she planned on making sure he got the garter. He was all for helping her along on that plan.

The garter was tossed, and Christopher jumped, snagging it in midair. From the shocked look on everyone’s faces he might have been a smidge too enthusiastic, but what the hell.

He led Lana over to the seat and slid her shoe off, stroking her instep with his finger.

She wiggled and jerked, glaring at him, daring him to do it again.

Mm. Ticklish spot. I’ll have to remember that for later.

Ignoring the raucous calls of the crowd and the sexy teasing of the DJ, he placed her foot on his knee. Sliding the garter slowly up her leg, savoring the soft feel of her skin, he watched her, his gaze tangling with hers, keeping her focused only on him and what his hands were doing. Her face flushed darker and darker the farther up her leg he got. He slid it up to mid-thigh and stopped. Her breathing hitched, and she gulped. His fingers flexed on her soft skin, reminding her of what his touch could do to her.

His hands drifted back down, lifting her foot to his lips. He kissed her ankle and slid her shoe back on, the dazed expression on her face a fitting payment for the blue balls he was sure he would have until he could get her back home and into his bed. He stood and helped her from the chair, the clapping and laughter of the guests surrounding them.

Lana hid her face against his chest. “You are so bad.”

He grinned wickedly and dipped her. “And you like me that way.” He stole a kiss from her, beyond grateful when she immediately kissed him back.

When he managed to pull away from her lips, the expression on her face had his heart stuttering in his chest. Full of warmth and want and laughter, it made him want to whisk her away from everyone and everything and explore whatever it was that was lighting her up from within.

Instead he stood, twirling her and taking a bow to her friends and family. She got it immediately, curtseying to the crowd before dragging him off the dance floor. She led him past Kerry, laughing when the blonde fanned herself. “This is a hell of a first date, Chris.”

He stumbled. It wasn’t how he’d envisioned their first date going, but somehow…

somehow, it was perfect. He squeezed Lana’s hand. She looked back at him, so full of happiness she glowed with it.

Absolutely perfect.

“Christopher!”

He turned to find Zachary running towards him, his expression panicked.

“Zach?”

“Gareth’s hurt bad.”

He didn’t even stop to think. He ran.

“Who’s Gareth?” He was startled to hear Kerry’s voice at his elbow.

They shoved the door to the reception hall open and ran into the parking lot. “My brother.”

“Crap.” The blonde put on an extra burst of speed, impressive in the heels she was wearing. She actually reached the bloodied man on the street before he did, going to her knees and assessing the damage in a professional manner that screamed experience. “Call nine-one-one,” she ordered, pushing Daniel out of her way without a second glance.

Daniel allowed himself to be pushed, but from the look on his face he was none too happy about it.

Christopher had never felt so helpless in all his life. “What can I do to help?”

Kerry checked Gareth over, her face turning grim. “Think happy thoughts.”

Christopher pulled out his phone and dialed.