Hunger of the Heart (Wolves of Ravenwillow Book 1) Read online

  Still holding her arms crossed over her chest, she turned to face him, positioning herself behind the reach of the shower head. Her eyes looked so haunted, so frightful. His chest ached to see so much lingering in her eyes like that. Squeezing his lifted hand into a fist, he lowered it to give her some measure of space.

  “It's not something I like to talk about.” She whispered, averting her eyes from him.

  Stepping closer until the hot water rained down over his head and down his back, he cupped her chin, forcing her to look at him once more. “Talk to me. You can trust me. What happened?”

  He watched as her throat worked as if she had to swallow back a large amount of fear to answer him. “I was attacked years ago and nearly died.”

  Air rushed out of his lungs at her admission. His mate—his true mate had nearly died before he’d been given the opportunity to find her? The thought angered his wolf and made his chest ache. “Who was it?”

  Her gaze flinched away from his momentarily before they settled on the floor of the shower. Why was this so hard for her to tell him? What was she really hiding?

  “I-I don’t know.” She shrugged her shoulders while pursing her lips, eyes still downcast. “I didn’t see them—it. More than likely it was a dog or some escaped animal.”

  The foul scent of a lie hit him in the face like a slap. Why would she lie to him? This was the secret she had confided in Damon about. But if she’d just been attacked by a simple animal, why would she hide it and her scars from him? Something wasn’t adding up here and the wolf in him was curious to discover what else his mate was hiding.

  Forcing himself to let it go for the time being, he slid his hands down her slick shoulders to clasp her arms gently. Smirking down at her, he pulled her arms apart, revealing her full breasts. He frowned again as he saw another set of scars leading across one of her perfect breasts. He vowed to himself to ask her more about them later. For now, he didn’t plan to participate in an interrogation with his mate, but a seduction.

  “I have waited so long to see these beauties that you’ve hidden from me. I can’t wait to wrap my lips around these and suckle them.”

  Scowling at him, she gave him an exasperated look. “Is your mind always on sex? Is that why you came in here, to get a bit of a shower quickie?”

  Chuckling at her, he planted one of his hands against the glass shower wall at her back. “First off; I have not experience anything like I did with you last night. So; yes, I do always have sex on my mind when—” he paused, giving her a pointed look. “—I am around you. Secondly; with me; it will be anything but some three minute quickie.”

  Scoffing, she shifted against the wall, rolling her eyes. “So, what's a minute longer then?”

  Raising a brow at her, he found he was liking her teasing, but it was going to get her in trouble soon. “Do I sense a challenge?” He said teasingly as his hard cock absently rubbed against her slick stomach.

  “Of course not,” She waved a dismissing hand at him. “I’ll be out in a bit and then you can get in if you still need to.” She stated matter-of-factly. Shoving him back, she turned her back towards him, her hands beginning to work the shampoo into her wet locks.

  Reaching around her, Eric’s warm hands reached up, cupping the slick, soft mounds of her breasts, causing Rebecca to rise up on her tip toes in surprise.

  “What are you doing? I said to get out!” she gasped as his hands massaged both breasts, bringing moans from her lips a moment later.

  “I don’t remember you saying that. We should bath together to conserve water. I’m feeling a little dirty myself.” He whispered against the back of her neck as one of his hand slid down her wet body to cup her slick sex. His fingers slipping between the dewy folds and into her hot core; moving in enticing strokes.

  Heated chills raced up Rebecca’s spine, causing her vaginal center to tremble and clutching around his fingers with pleasure. “Eric…” She moaned out.

  His fingers picked up their pace, continuing to bury deep into her silken depths. The heel of his hand rolling and brushing against her pulsing clit as his other hand squeezed and molded a full breast. His straining cock pulsed and stabbed at her tempting buttocks as she pressed back against him.

  Her inner muscles rippled and clenched around his thrusting fingers as her body shuttered with ecstasy. Pulling his hands from their deep caressing against her flushed skin, gripping her by her shoulder, Eric swiftly turned her around to face him. Bending; lifting her legs over his powerful arms, he lifted her, pinning her body between his hard, unyielding one and the cool, slick glass wall at her back.

  “Eric!” she cried out as his hard shaft nudged against her clit causing a jolt of pleasure to sweep through her.

  Breathing heavy, Eric fought against the driving need to bury himself to deep inside her that she’d never get him out. Groaning against her throat, he breathed out, “It's been more than three minutes, angel. Should I stop?”

  “No.” she moaned in denial. “Don’t you dare.”

  “I want to hear you say it.” Again he thrust his aching cock against her warm flesh. Crying in reaction as sparks of need stabbed through her, Rebecca moaned. “Don’t stop. Please, I need you.”

  Smirking, he bent to capture her mouth in a searing kiss. In one aggressive movement, he drove forward, completely burying himself inside her pulsing sheath. His hands tightening around her hips, he held her against the shower wall while his body lunged into hers with an animalistic passion. Over and over, he sunk into her.

  Nothing in the world could stop him from claiming her body in moment, his beast over taking his thoughts as he squeezed her tightly. Being with Rebecca; this was more than just sex, she claimed his heart and now he would claim her until he possessed every part of her. He couldn’t think about the secrets between them, or the obstacles of their future. With wave after wave of ecstasy that had Rebecca’s body clamping around his thrusting body, they gave themselves over the unending pleasure that consumed them both.

  “Oh God!” Rebecca cried out with pleasure, her tight channel squeezed around his cock as he drove into her like a battering ram. He continued to sink deeper and quicker into her without a hint of mercy in his movements.

  His chest echoing with a beastly rumble of need, Eric buried his face against her neck, preventing her from seeing his beast rising as his climax drew closer. He wouldn’t be able to last much longer. “Come with me, now!” He yelled out, breathlessly.

  Throwing back his head with gratification, a deep groan poured out of his throat as Rebecca’s tight muscles milked his release from his pulsating length. With a strangled cry, Rebecca buried her face against the warm skin of his neck as her body was thrown into another earth shattering climax, leaving both of them panting for precious air. Over and over his cock pulsed deep inside her, his orgasm marking her in the most primal way that a man could. Her wet flesh squeezed him, refusing to let him go even at the very end.

  Coming down from the haze of her climax, they both became aware that the temperature of the water had turned to freezing. He didn’t fight the prideful smile as Rebecca cuddled close into his chest, desperately trying to soak up the heat of his body.

  Moving quick, Eric pulled his now semi-hard cock from her clenching muscles and gently lowered Rebecca onto her shaking legs. Snatching up a bar of soap, Eric worked up a quick lather and begun to wash both himself and trembling Rebecca. When he was satisfied that both of them were clean, he reached around Rebecca’s huddled form; turning off the ice cold spray of water. Lifting her dripping wet form into his arms, Eric carried Rebecca into the bed room where he carefully settled her down onto the bed. He wasn’t surprised when Rebecca fought against him as he began lowering her wet body onto the warm comforter.

  “Eric! Stop,”

  Freezing at the sound of the frantic tone in her voice, he did. “What’s wrong? Are you hurt? Did I hurt you?” He asked, his voice filled with worry.

  Narrowing her eyes at him, she arched a
thin eyebrow at him. “What? No. Wait! Don’t to put me on the bed!” She scolded as if the idea of being laid on the bed was the most unreasonable idea he’d ever had.

  “Why?” He asked clearly confused.

  “Because I’m wet and I’ll get the covers and pillows wet too.” Without another word he simple let go of her, causing her to land on the bedspread with a small bounce.

  “It’ll dry.” Settling down next to her, he lounged on his side, facing her. Reaching out, his fingers arranged her wet hair across the bedspread, the dark wet strands darkening the material beneath them. His eyes focused on the sight of her breast rising and falling with her heavy breaths. Already he wanted her again. When he would have reached for her to drag her beneath him, he reminded himself that this had only been her second time. She wasn’t a shifter and didn’t heal as quickly as they did. He grimaced at that particular thought. He would have to change her to completely bond with her. Would she welcome the claiming bite or would she fight it?

  “Wow…” Rebecca breathed out with an awed tone.

  Jerked away from his thoughts, he shifted closer to her, curling his naked body closer to her shivering one. “I didn’t hurt you did I?” he asked, smoothing a hand through the wet strands above her forehead. “I know you’re still new at this.”

  She giggled. “Not for long if I stick around you.” Turning toward him, she sighed contently into the damp comforter. “And to answer your question; no, I’m fine. Way more than fine, actually.”

  Eric chuckled deeply as his chest swelled with pride. “You are very good for my ego. Be warned, I plan on keeping you around for a long time.” As soon as the words left his lips, he winced.

  Lifting her head, Rebecca turned over onto her stomach. Reaching out with her index finger, she began drawing teasing circles against his chest as she spoke. “Don’t worry; I’m not going to run because you admit you want me around, Eric. Though; I will admit this is moving very fast for me.” Her eyes met his with a meaningful look.

  He shrugged. “I don’t know how else to be, Rebecca. Can you accept it? I want to win you as you deserve, but I can’t promise to stay away from your bed or let you set one toe out of mine.”

  Pressing a finger to her chin as though in thought, she flashed him a mocking look of consideration. “I don’t know. It may take some convincing…”

  With a groan at her word, he buried his hand through her wet strands, jerking her over his chest as his mouth took hers. If his mate needed convincing, he was just the wolf to give it to her.

  19

  Lifting her face to the morning sun, with a sigh of contentment, Rebecca closed her eyes. From her position on the back kitchen patio, she could hear Emma and Travis playing in the yard a few feet away. Their excited squeals were such a joyous sound. Much better improvement from how they had been yesterday. Opening her eyes, she smiled down at the scene. Scooping up another spoon full of her sliced fruit, she savored the sweetness that lingered in her mouth.

  As her thoughts drifted to the previous night, she found herself smiling. Eric had seen her scars. When he’d stepped into the shower with her, she’d thought her heart would explode with fear. She’d wanted to fight his arms as they came around her, holding her close. His finger tips had traced each one then followed his trailing fingers with his mouth. She never imagined she’d feel his hot mouth on her scars, the same scars that one of his kind had given to her. He’d seemed to buy her excuse of how those scars came to be, but she’d feared that she hadn’t closed the lid on that conversation.

  “It’s good to see them laughing again.”

  Smiling faintly, Rebecca turned toward the gentle sound of Sarah’s voice. Never taking her eyes from the two children playing, Sarah took a seat beside Rebecca at the small table. Following Sarah’s gaze, Rebecca watched as the twin ran, chasing and tossing a large rubber ball back and forth, their laughter ringing in the air.

  Rebecca’s heart warmed at seeing them so happy. She nodded. “It is good to see.”

  Laying a gentle hand on her arm, Sarah leaned closer to Rebecca. “How are you doing since the attack?”

  Looking down, she set her spoon down inside her bowl, shrugging. “I’m alright.” Raising her eyes, she gave Sarah a pleading look. “I just wish I knew what was going on.”

  Giving her arm a gentle pat, Sarah gave her a hesitant smile. Would she tell her something? Too quickly Sarah waved her hand dismissively before saying, “Eric will handle it.”

  With those words she felt her hands clench so hard she thought she’d break every bone. What made it worse was that she could practically hear Eric’s scoffing, superior voice echoing the same words. Ugh! If he kept up with the whole “I’m superior because I have a dick” thing, she may not be responsible for her actions.

  “My God’s what is that smell?” a husky, prissy sounding voice suddenly said from the open door behind them.

  Brows dipping with curiosity, Rebecca found herself turning toward the open kitchen door. Standing in the doorway was a woman that Rebecca supposed others would qualify as beautiful. She was tall and lean with long flowing blonde hair falling nearly to her hips. The woman was dressed in a spaghetti strap halter top that barely concealed the generous swelled of her breasts and a black mini skirt that would make a hooker blush.

  And Eric thinks my clothes are streetwalker ware?

  When the woman approached them, the heels of her flashy shoes clicking loudly against the wood, she pursued her lips rudely as her eyes seemed to be studying Rebecca.

  Coming to a stop beside their table, the woman rested one hand on her hip as she flicked her long manicured nails at Rebecca. “It must be you. Your kind always did pollute the air of our world.”

  Rebecca felt outrage fill her. Had this woman just had the gull to insult not just her but her species too? Knowing that this woman was more than likely a shifter, Rebecca bit her tongue. Literally.

  Who the hell was this skank and why was she attempting to pick a fight with her?

  Rebecca jumped with surprise as Sarah’s voice erupted beside her with anger. “Myra! This is Rebecca, she is a guest here and you are not. You will show her the respect she is owed in my house.” Never before had Sarah sounded so feral, so dangerous. Whoever this Myra was; Sarah was not her biggest fan.

  Smirking down at her mockingly, Myra crossed her thin arms over her ample breasts, chuckling softly. “I don’t owe her my respect and we both know why.” The comment had Rebecca’s eyes rolling as she turned back around in her chair. Filled with disgust and irritation as the woman’s “I’m better than you” attitude, she forced herself to focus her attention on Emma and Travis as they continued to play.

  “Besides,” Myra began with a musing sigh. “This won’t be your house for much longer once Eric chooses me as his…partner.” She said, eyeing Rebecca with a meaningful look. “This will be my domain.” Sauntering past them, Myra came to lean against the waist high, patio railing. Her lip curled with disgust as she took in the sight of Emma and Travis playing.

  Rebecca stiffened at the woman’s words. Damon had said that she was Eric’s true mate. What if he’d been wrong? Was Eric involved with this woman as well? The thought made her sick.

  Whoever this woman was; she obviously thought she had some claim on Eric. For the first time, Rebecca felt her chest tighten with pain at the thought. In the past few weeks since her relationship with Eric had changed, she had begun fearing the loss of him. Though she also feared what her future would hold for her once she came clean with Eric, deep down; she wanted to be his fated mate—his soul mate. She didn’t understand it; she couldn’t fight how right it felt to be with him. Like needing a drug, she craved to belong to him as much as she wanted him to be hers and only hers.

  Glancing back at the snide woman as she inspected her perfect nails, Rebecca felt anger and jealousy rush through her veins at the thought of this woman near Eric. God, she would have given anything in that moment for some claws of her own to tear at Myra�
��s perfect, Barbie face.

  Dropping her inspecting hand, Myra’s face jerked up all of a sudden to turn toward the door. Her eyes darken like a stalking predator while her expression lit up with obvious desire. “Eric.” She purred.

  Meeting Sarah’s eyes, Rebecca saw that she had the same look of disgust on her face that Rebecca felt. Turning around, she watched as Eric’s towering frame filled the open doorway. When he stepped out into the morning light she felt her heart thunder in her ears. He was dressed in a pair of faded jeans that seemed to be made for him, a plain navy t-shirt. His ruffled dark hair and the stubble along his jaw made him look a combination of sexy and dangerous.

  The only thing she could think of that would make the sight of him better would be if he didn’t have a slutty bimbo pressing her fluffed up breasts against his chest. Rebecca had expected to see Eric return Myra’s attention. At the least she’d thought he would be eyeing Myra like the temptress she was attempting to be. However; to her surprise, she saw that his blue eyes were locked sourly on her alone.

  Not liking that she wasn’t getting the reaction from Eric that she’d hoped for, Myra did her best to draw his gaze from Rebecca, but he didn’t even blink. Myra looked like a cat in heat the way she was pressing and rubbing herself against Eric, but much to Rebecca’s bemusement; he didn’t even look at the bimbo.

  “I’ve been waiting here for you, Eric.” Myra purred, attempting to nuzzle the side of Eric’s throat in a desperate attempt for attention. Not that Eric gave it to her of course. Rebecca found herself torn between astonishment and choking laughter when Eric shoved Myra’s arms away from him before nudging her aside. Myra stumbled on her high heels briefly as she watched him with a flabbergasted expression.

  With his eyes locked solely on Rebecca, Eric wasted no time in coming up to the table until he stood beside her. Gulping with nervousness, she turned back around to avert her face. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Sarah flashing Myra a smug look. Did Sarah know about Damon’s suspicions that she was Eric’s mate?