Betrayed: Days of the Rogue by Nicky Charles
She made no attempt to disagree, instead chuckling and pushing her hips against his. Rafe grabbed her waist, holding her close and she undulated against him, feeling his thick erection straining to be free. Memories of him filling her, hot, hard and insistent had her trembling with need. It had been so good; she couldn’t wait to feel that way again.
With shaking fingers, she set to work on his zipper. The sound of it, as she slid it downward, seemed incredibly erotic and she felt her excitement increasing at the thought of what lay mere inches away.
Much to her surprise, Rafe didn’t allow her time to explore further. He removed her hands from his body and pulled her sweater over her head. Her bra quickly followed, then her jeans and panties were roughly shoved down her hips. Once he had her naked, he hoisted her up on top of the kitchen island.
“Rafe what are you doing?” She gave a squeal as her bare bottom came in contact with the cold marble of the countertop.
He didn’t reply, but took one breast in his mouth and began to tease the tip with his tongue and teeth while he used his hand to play with its twin.
Eve held his head, raking her nails over his scalp, loving the gentle tugging of his teeth, the way he plucked and rolled the sensitive nub. It shot right to her core, and she could feel herself growing wet.
He moved to her other breast, giving it equal homage until she was arching her back, trying to push herself deeper into his hot mouth. When he stopped, she almost cried out with frustration but he didn’t give her long to mourn the loss.
Nuzzling her neck, trailing his lips gently over her features, he ran his fingers over her ribs, her stomach and then back up again only to repeat the gesture over and over. Each time, his fingers venture lower, to her hip bones, her abdomen, the soft curls at the juncture of her thighs. With each pass, her skin grew more sensitive, her anticipation heightened. Would he touch her…there…next time?
She bit her lip and gripped his shoulders, rocking her hips, hoping to encourage him to delve into her wet folds but he merely chuckled and skimmed his fingers down her inner thighs instead. “Do you need something, Eve?” The corner of his mouth curled upward.
“Um…” She couldn’t bring herself to say it. “You know.”
“This?” He brushed a kiss over her collar bone. It was nice but not what she was hoping for. “Or this?” He trailed a kiss along her jaw to her ear lobe and nipped it while his fingers barely skimmed her nether curls.
“Rafe…” Her voice rose to a needy whine and he chuckled softly before relenting.
Slowly he traced one finger along her waiting folds, brushing the sensitive nub then moving away only to return again as if he couldn’t resist exploring further.
Touch, retreat, touch, retreat. His ministrations took on a rhythm and she found herself rocking her hips in time to his movement. When he finally dipped into her wetness, she almost went over the edge.
“Not yet,” he warned, his breath hot and moist against her trembling lips. For long moments he kissed her, his teasing fingers keeping her on the edge, inching her higher and higher until she was unable to hold on any longer and spasms of release overtook her.
She cried out, arching her back, lost in the glory of relief before slumping against his shoulder weak and panting.
“So beautiful,” Rafe murmured, stroking her back in soothing circles. She lifted her head and smiled at him.
“Thank you.”
“My pleasure,” he murmured. “But that was only round one.” Keeping his gaze fixed on her, he pulled his turgid flesh free of his pants.
Eve gasped, staring at him. He was standing at the end of the counter framed between her knees, still dressed, only his shirt unbuttoned. There was something incredibly naughty and exciting about being naked before a dressed man.
A devilish glint flashed in his eyes and she wondered what he was thinking. “This—the kitchen counter—is Reno’s fault, you know. He gave me the idea when he was at my house and I’ve been fantasizing about it since. But…” He shocked her by gathering her in his arms, “this isn’t the place for us. Not this time.”
Tenderly, he carried her to the den and laid her on the rug in front of the fireplace. It was warm and soft compared to the cool surface of the marble counter.
“This,” he reached out and tenderly brushed her hair from her face, “is my other fantasy. You, naked on the rug in front of my fireplace.”
Rising to his feet, he flicked a switch and gas fire began to burn in the hearth. Then he moved about the room, dimming the lights until only the softest glow illuminated the space.
Eve relaxed into the carpet. The room felt warm and cozy, a perfect intimate space to share with the man she loved. When he returned to stand over her, she watched with a lazy smile as he shed his clothing, his body being revealed inch by inch.
When the scar on his abdomen came into view she winced, thinking of the pain that must have accompanied such an injury. She rose to her knees and stilled his hands where they rested on his waistband.
“Wait.” Reaching out, she gently pushed the material away, his clothing sliding down his legs with barely a whisper. She traced the scar with her fingertip, looking up at him through her lashes. “What really happened?”
“A fight with one of the rogues at my clinic.” When she puckered her brow in worry, he cupped her face. “Don’t look so concerned.”
“But…”
“I’ll tell you the whole story some other time.” There was a haunted look about him as he spoke and she knew the scar was significant, that it pained him mentally rather than physically. It was something they’d have to discuss but for now…
She leaned forward and flicked her tongue over the puckered skin, kissing the length of it. His stomach muscles quivered at the contact, the heat of his body warm under lips. He raked his fingers through her hair and when she would have moved on to explore more of him, he pulled her back.
“If you do that, I won’t be able to last.” At his urging, she settled back on the rug and he lowered himself beside her. The light of the fire played over his skin, highlighting his muscular form, reflecting in his dark eyes. Slowly, he reached out and touched her, stroking her from shoulder to ankle and then back up again, exploring her carefully, learning every inch of her body.
“You are so beautiful.” He whispered the words reverently, brushing his nose against hers.
As his weight settled over her, she gave a happy sigh and traced his features with her fingertip. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
They kissed and caressed, slow and tender, long and loving, the heat of desire building until they were both panting with need.
He braced himself over her and she opened to him, her breath catching as he slid in deeper and deeper. The feeling of fullness had her trembling as did the knowledge that he was more than a man.
Pausing, he loomed over her, his dark chocolate eyes burning into hers, sweeping over her nakedness, lingering on her breasts before staring at the point of their joining. Her own eyes followed the direction of his gaze and a rush of warmth flooded her at the sight.
He laced their fingers together and then started to move.
In, out, long strokes then short. He seemed to know exactly what she needed and, of course, he did. His mind was gently probing hers, his emotions seeping into her, sliding over her own and then spreading out to fill her completely. As if he were offering every bit of himself with nothing being held back. It was heady, exhilarating, and she couldn’t help but reciprocate. Tentatively, she opened to him as well, exposing her innermost feelings, leaving herself bared for his perusal.
With quick efficiency the bridge formed between their minds, emotions twining together with familiar ease, forming bonds stronger than ever before. Feelings slid along the pathways like shimmering droplets, merging together, becoming one indivisible unit. It was glorious and freeing, even more so than the last time they’d been together.
She could sense his approval o
Rafe felt it, too. She knew it in her mind, could see it with her eyes. His gaze was fixed on her, hot and intent, burning into her very soul.
“You’re mine, Eve. Forever and always, you’ll be mine.” The words he spoke were deep and guttural, his movements becoming faster, harder. Each thrust an act of possession as if he were staking his claim, ensuring she’d never forget.
Small gasps of pleasure escaped her as he drove into her over and over. Eve basked in the knowledge of the depth of his desire, her heart pounding with love. Pulling her hands free of his, she grasped the small of his back, pulling him closer.
“Yes,” she panted the word. “I’m yours, just as you are mine. Forever and always.”
A light flared in his eyes, the muscles of his face grew taut, then he kissed her long and hard and his feelings flooded her mind.
What she’d thought had been a complete sharing mere moments before was nothing compared to this. They were one. One mind. One heart. One pulsing aching being filled with tension and need. Straining and panting. Reaching…
A sheen of sweat covered them, adding to the slick slide of skin against skin. Their entire being focussed on the point of their joining, on the exquisite feeling tightening within.
A slow trembling began as the crest approached.
Eve arched her back, her neck strained. She dug her fingers into Rafe’s shoulders, desperately holding on as her vision blurred, as her breath caught, as… as…
She shattered and lost complete control. Exploding outward, her body quivered and shook, pleasure completely overwhelming her in wave after wave until it finally left her feeling limp and breathless.
How long they lay there, Rafe had no idea. He was slumped over Eve, his head resting on her breasts. Her hands were idly stroking his back. His eyes drifted shut, contentment filled him. Only the knowledge of their disparate size had him moving from his comfortable position. Not wanting to crush her, he gave a shuddering breath and forced himself to roll over. After a moment, he propped himself on his side so he could see her face.
Eve’s head was turned towards him, a smile hovering on her lips, a faint pinkness staining her cheeks. He loved the fact that she was so shy about their physical relationship and yet such a minx at other times. He brushed a strand of hair from her face.
“Are you okay? I mean with us bridging our minds?” He whispered the question, tracing her features with his eyes. “I wasn’t sure after your experience with Gordie…”
She pressed a finger to his lips. “Rafe, listen to yourself. We just shared every possible feeling with each other. You know how I feel about it.”
He paused and then chuckled. “I guess I want to hear the words as well.”
“I’m fine. It was amazing. I can’t wait to do it again.” She stroked his cheek tenderly. “But it’s very nice of you to be so concerned.”
“I love you, Eve.” He brushed his thumb over her lips, his heart in his eyes.
“I know. I love you, too.”
He tucked her close to his chest. For a while they were silent, enjoying being together, the warmth of the flames washing over them. Eve nuzzled closer to Rafe’s chest, a contented sigh escaping her.
“Eve?”
“Hmm?”
“Would you ever consider returning to Grassy Hills or does it hold bad memories for you?”
“A few, but it’s a beautiful place with lots of inspiration for my paintings.” She leaned her head back and looked at him. “Why?”
“I was considering changing it from fishing cabins to a sort of halfway camp.”
“A halfway camp?”
“Uh-huh.” He propped himself up on his arm and looked down at her. “I work with rogues, wolves that don’t fit into Lycan society. I try to help them integrate back into a pack. What we do at my clinic is great, but the transition from clinic life to pack life is too abrupt. Grassy Hills seemed like a perfect location for a halfway house.”
“That makes sense.” She chuckled softly while idly running a finger down the centre of his chest. “I never pictured you as a fisherman. You didn’t even have a fishing rod.”
“Damn. I was hoping no one would notice that.” He grinned down at her. “I hate fishing.”
“Well then, I guess you’d better get that halfway camp started.” A smile curled the corners of her mouth as she studied his face. There was an animation about him, a lack of tension around his eyes that let her know the idea was important to him.
“I have to get funding approval, but from the noises Lycan Link and the Academy are making it seems promising.”
She sat up, curious about the world he lived in—the one she was about to join. “Lycan Link?”
He nodded. “It’s like our government. Lycan Link makes it possible for werewolves to integrate into human society. They coordinate services like health care and education, help packs with investments, provide cover stories when needed—”
“Cover stories? You mean hiding that you’re werewolves?”
“Right. For example, to the human population I’m a psychiatrist at an obscure university. I conduct research at a small clinic located near the campus, live in an upscale neighbourhood and even wear a suit and tie to work.”
“But that’s all true…isn’t it?” She hesitated and gave him a questioning look.
“That’s the beauty of a good cover. It’s based on truth. I do work at a clinic and I am a psychiatrist–my clients just happen to be rogues. This house isn’t really mine, though. Lycan Link technically owns it and I only live here because it suits the image I’m trying to portray. On my own I’d never be able to afford a place like this.”
“So you’re not really a rich doctor? Darn.” She affected a pout and then laughed.
“Sorry. The medical field isn’t that lucrative in the Lycan world. We work for the good of the pack and our wages are on par with that of any other service provider. It’s a decent living but not phenomenal.”
“The good of the pack.” She bit her lip, her brows drawn together. “I guess there’s a lot I’ll have to learn.”
Rafe sat up as well and took one of her hands in his. “Do you really understand what you’re getting into?”
“How much else is there?” She looked at him warily.
“Well…” He rubbed his thumb over her knuckles and hesitated before speaking. “Werewolves form a blood bond.”
“What’s that?” She didn’t like the word ‘blood.’ A nasty suspicion began to form in her mind.
“Lycans bite their mates during sex to form a bond. It’s similar to our empathic bridge. My wolf might not see you as our mate if we don’t.”
She felt her eyes widen. “You want to bite me? I mean, really bite me and draw blood?” Her heart started to pound, her breathing quickened as she recalled the wolf attack, the pain of the animal’s teeth puncturing her flesh, tearing and snarling—
“Shhh…” She suddenly realized Rafe was holding her cradled in his arms, her head pressed to his chest as he crooned soothing words. “It’s all right. You’re okay.”
Eve exhaled long and slow, as she relaxed her tensed muscles. “What happened?”
“A minor panic attack.” He craned his neck so he could see her face, a look of concern in his eyes. “Do you have those often?”
“No…well, sometimes. At night.” She stroked his arm, loving the play of the muscles under her palm. He was very fit; it made her feel safe being in his arms.
“Understandable.” Rafe nodded. “But I can help you with those, both through talking and our empathic link.”
“Thanks.” She smiled at him, grate
“No, I don’t think—” He paused and something in her expression must have changed his mind for he continued on. “It would be a small bite on the neck, right about here.” He stroked a spot just above the juncture of her neck and collarbone. “And I lick up a bit of the blood.”
“Do I have to bite you?” She made a face, the very thought of piercing his flesh and drawing blood made her feel queasy.
“You can if you want to. Haven’t you ever wanted to bite during sex?” A teasing glint appeared in his eyes.
“Well… Maybe. But not hard enough to break the skin. Is that part really necessary?”
“Not for you. My wolf will want to, but it will understand that it might have to wait. It’s a rather understanding beast.”
Eve thought it over. “Thanks. The wolf is part of who you are and I want us to be together. It will just take me some time to get used to the idea.”
“Brave girl.” He pressed his lips to her forehead.
“Is there anything else?”
“Well, there will be times when I’ll be shifting into my wolf form and you’ll still be human.”
“I wish I could share that with you.” While she was still a bit leery of wolves, the idea of shifting into an animal was intriguing. “Is there any way I could become a wolf? In the movies a werewolf bite causes people to transform.”
Rafe snorted. “Hollywood legends. Unless you have werewolf genes hiding in your background there’s no way you can become a werewolf.”
“Oh. So I stay home while you go out and howl at the moon?”
He tapped her playfully on the nose. “First of all, I do not howl at the moon though we do sometimes have full moon parties when we all get together and shift. Secondly, you only stay home if you want.”
While she knew Rafe would keep her safe, she wondered if she’d feel odd surrounded by a pack of wolves. Trying to make light of it, she made a joke. “Maybe I’ll be like one of those professional dog-walkers.”